Abstract:
Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass an expandable pet tunnel system. It is envisioned that embodiments of the solution for an expandable pet tunnel system may have components constructed from any material suitable for a given application, although preferred embodiments may be constructed from kraft paper. Components of an exemplary embodiment may be constructed of a relatively thick paper and reside in either a collapsed state or an expanded state. Pet tunnel components and connector box components may expand “accordion-like” according to a series of gussets or folds in the sidewalls of each component and then connected, one to the next, by aligning entry/exit ports to modularly build a tunnel system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of the U.S. non-provisional application entitled “EXPANDABLE PET TUNNEL DEVICE,” filed on Jun. 8, 2016, and assigned application Ser. No. 15/176,976 which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the U.S. provisional application entitled “EXPANDABLE PET TUNNEL DEVICE,” filed on JUN. 8, 2015 and assigned application Ser. No. 62/172,328. The entire contents of both Ser. No. 15/176,976 and 62/172,328 are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to toys and products for pets and, more particularly, to an expandable pet tunnel device constructed from durable “kraft” paper such as may be used in traditional paper grocery bags. Pet tunnel devices known in the art are commonly marketed for use by various types of pets including, but not limited to, cats, ferrets, mice, small dogs, etc. As pet owners know all too well, pets can be destructive users of toys and devices, and their use of pet tunnel devices is no less destructive. 
         [0003]    For example, pet tunnels known in the art can be expensive devices in the form of fabric “tubes” or open ended box-like structures that pets eagerly run through and hide in. Naturally, through such normal use, sharp claws and excited fits of chewing can quickly destroy a pet tunnel, leaving the pet owner with a choice between replacing the expensive device or depriving her beloved pet from the joy of having its own tunnel. 
         [0004]    Therefore, what is needed in the art is a pet tunnel device that is inexpensive to manufacture and to replace. Moreover, what is needed in the art is an expandable pet tunnel device configured for construction from a durable, yet recyclable, material such as kraft paper. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass an expandable pet tunnel. It is envisioned that the solution may be constructed according to any given size suitable for use by a given animal. That is, it is envisioned that the solution is not limited by size and that certain embodiments may be sized appropriately for animals ranging in size from a mouse or gerbil to a large dog. Also, it is envisioned that embodiments of the solution for an expandable pet tunnel may be constructed from any material suitable for a given application, although a preferred embodiment may be constructed from kraft paper such as that which is well known for use in paper grocery bags. The optimum basis weight of the kraft paper used for a given embodiment will occur to those of skill in the art, the basis weight being the thickness of the kraft paper. As one of ordinary skill in the art of paper understands, as the measure of basis weight climbs in number, so grows the thickness of the paper with which it is associated. For example, paper with a basis weight of 30 lbs. to 49 lbs. may be marked as “standard duty,” while paper associated with a basis weight of 50 lbs. and up may be marked as “heavy duty.” 
         [0006]    An exemplary embodiment of the solution is sized ideally for a cat or small dog, such as a dachshund. The exemplary embodiment may be constructed of a relatively thick paper and reside in either a collapsed state or an expanded state. When in the collapsed state, the exemplary embodiment may take the shape of a square. When in the expanded state, the exemplary embodiment may take the shape of a rectangular tube or tunnel that is open at either or both of its ends. When transitioning from the collapsed state to the expanded state, the exemplary embodiment may expand “accordion-like” according to a series of gussets or folds in the sidewalls of the embodiment. 
         [0007]    Advantageously, because an embodiment of the solution may be expanded from a collapsed state to an expanded state, an unused pet tunnel according to the novel solution may be conveniently stored in the collapsed state and then expanded only when called into duty for the benefit of the pet. As a further advantage, because the exemplary embodiment is constructed of paper, it may be discarded or recycled when its usefulness has waned due to wear and tear from a loving pet. 
         [0008]    An exemplary expandable pet tunnel system may comprise two or more expandable pet tunnels and at least one connector box. Each expandable pet tunnel may be comprised of a tube having four sides, a front face and a back face. Further, each of the four sides of each expandable pet tunnel may comprise one or more creases such that the expandable pet tunnel may be transitioned between a collapsed state and an expanded state. Further, each of the front face and the back face of each expandable pet tunnel may comprise an entry/exit portal. Likewise, the at least one connector box may also comprise at least two entry/exit portals. The tunnel components and the connector box components may be constructed from kraft paper and, in some embodiments, the front and/or back faces of each expandable pet tunnel and/or one or more faces of the connector box may comprise a reinforcement layer. Further, outer surfaces of one or more of the tunnels and connector box may comprise an adhesive for affixing one tunnel to another, either directly or via a connector box. As an alternative to an adhesive for affixing one tunnel to another or to a connector box, outer surfaces of one or more components may include hook and loop patches (e.g., VELCRO). 
         [0009]    In some embodiments of a pet tunnel system, a first two of the four sides of each expandable pet tunnel may consist of a series of vertical and diagonal creases while a second two of the four sides of each expandable pet tunnel consists of a set or series of vertical creases. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments of a pet tunnel system, each of the four sides of each expandable pet tunnel may consist of a set or series of vertical and diagonal creases. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments of a pet tunnel system, a first two of the four sides of each expandable pet tunnel may consist of a set or series of vertical, horizontal and diagonal creases while a second two of the four sides of each expandable pet tunnel consists of a set or series of vertical creases. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments of a pet tunnel system, a first two of the six sides of the at least one connector box may each consist of a vertical crease while a second two of the six sides of the at least one connector box each consists of a set or series of vertical and diagonal creases. 
         [0013]    Embodiments of an expandable pet tunnel system according to the solution are not limited to the exemplary aspects and features described above or below. Certain embodiments may include additional features, or different features, while other embodiments include alternative features. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. For reference numerals with letter character designations such as “ 102 A” or “ 102 B”, the letter character designations may differentiate two like parts or elements present in the same figure or different figures. Letter character designations for reference numerals may be omitted when it is intended that a reference numeral encompass all parts having the same reference numeral in all figures. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel according to the solution, shown in a collapsed state; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 1 , shown in a partially expanded state; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 1 , shown in a fully expanded state; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  is a front-view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 1 , shown in a collapsed state; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 1 , shown with an outer front face element folded back to expose an interior reinforcement feature; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 1 , shown in a collapsed state; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 1 , shown in a collapsed state; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 1 , shown in a fully expanded state; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 1 , shown in a fully expanded state; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel according to the solution, shown in a collapsed state; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 9 , shown in a partially expanded state; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 9 , shown in a fully expanded state; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel according to the solution, shown in a collapsed state; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 12 , shown in a partially expanded state; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel in  FIG. 12 , shown in a fully expanded state; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a perspective “see-through” view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel system including an exemplary expandable pet tunnel and a connector box for modular assembly of the expandable pet tunnel to one or more other expandable pet tunnels (not shown). 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    The Figures and the related description are offered for illustrative purposes and depict exemplary embodiments and aspects of an expandable pet tunnel system according to the solution. As such, the exemplary embodiments and aspects shown in the Figures do not necessarily illustrate all features, aspects and configurations that may be included in a given embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel system according to the solution. For instance, it is envisioned that an expandable pet tunnel system according to the solution may be manufactured to any given size suitable for a particular pet and/or may be constructed from any combination of materials depending on the intended use of the particular embodiment. Moreover, although the exemplary embodiments shown in the Figures are constructed based on a tube with a square cross-section, it is envisioned that other embodiments may be constructed based on a tube with a round cross-section or a multi-walled cross-section. Further, although the exemplary embodiments of the pet tunnel aspects shown in the Figures feature only a pair of entry/exit portals at their ends, it is envisioned that certain embodiments of pet tunnels may feature entry/exit portals at one or more locations on the side walls in addition to, or in lieu of, the entry/exit portals located on the ends. Similarly, although the exemplary embodiment of a connector box shown in the Figures suggests entry/exit portals on five of the six sidewalls, it is envisioned that a connector box element may feature any combination of entry/exit portals on the sidewalls useful for connecting two or more pet tunnels into a system. As such, it is envisioned that multiple expandable pet tunnels may be arranged into a system of tunnels by either juxtaposing an entry/exit portal of one expandable pet tunnel with an entry/exit portal of another expandable pet tunnel or by joining entry/exit portals of two or more expandable pet tunnels via a connector box. Even further, it is envisioned that the outer surfaces and/or sides of certain embodiments of an expandable pet tunnel and/or connector box may feature an adhesive or some other means of attachment for facilitating the juxtaposition of two or more expandable pet tunnels and/or connector boxes into a system. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 1-8  collectively depict an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  and so are described herein as if they were one figure. As such, aspects of the exemplary embodiment that are referenced in this description may be evident in one or more of  FIGS. 1-8 .  FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  according to the solution, shown in a collapsed state.  FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  in  FIG. 1 , shown in a partially expanded state.  FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  in  FIG. 1 , shown in a fully expanded state.  FIG. 4A  is a front-view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  in  FIG. 1 , shown in a collapsed state.  FIG. 4B  is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  in  FIG. 1 , shown with an outer front face element folded back to expose an interior reinforcement feature.  FIG. 5  is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  in  FIG. 1 , shown in a collapsed state.  FIG. 6  is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  in  FIG. 1 , shown in a collapsed state.  FIG. 7  is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  in  FIG. 1 , shown in a fully expanded state.  FIG. 8  is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  100  in  FIG. 1 , shown in a fully expanded state. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , an outer front face  105 F defines a round front portal  115 F. In the exemplary embodiment, the entry/exit portals  115  are depicted in a circular form, although it is envisioned that other embodiments of the solution may feature entry/exit portals defining shapes other than a circle. As such, the scope of an expandable pet tunnel is not limited by any particular shape of an entry/exit portal as different shapes for entry/exit portals will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0034]    Returning to the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-8 , interior walls  110  can be seen through front portal  115 F when the embodiment is in a partially collapsed or collapsed state. Because the exemplary embodiment is designed to be expanded into a tunnel having a square cross-section along its length with front and rear entry exit portals  115  at either end, when the embodiment is collapsed the left  110 L, right  110 R, top  110 T and bottom  110 B interior walls can be partially seen through an entry/exit portal  115 . 
         [0035]    With an outer front face element  105 F folded back, an interior reinforcement feature  120  is exposed (see  FIG. 4B ). Although all embodiments of the solution may not include an interior reinforcement feature  120 , it is envisioned that certain embodiments may include an interior reinforcement feature  120  for the purpose of adding structural rigidity to the solution when in an expanded state. Further, it is envisioned that the inclusion of an interior reinforcement feature  120  may prolong the useful life of an expandable pet tunnel system as the area around the entry/exit portals  115  may be susceptible to relatively more wear and tear. 
         [0036]    It can be seen from the  FIGS. 1-8  that the exemplary embodiment features a series of folds or gussets along the sidewalls such that the front and rear faces  105  are in close proximity when the embodiment is in a collapsed state. When the exemplary embodiment is expanded from the fully collapsed state (such as shown in  FIG. 1 ) to the fully expanded state (such as shown in  FIG. 3 ), outer sidewalls  125  are formed from the extension of the various folds and gussets. The various gussets and creases that allowed the side walls  125  to be collapsed also provide for the embodiment to be expanded such that a complete tunnel is formed with outer walls  125  and inner walls  110 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 9-11  collectively depict an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  200  and so are described herein as if they were one figure.  FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  200  according to the solution, shown in a collapsed state.  FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  200  in  FIG. 9 , shown in a partially expanded state.  FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  200  in  FIG. 9 , shown in a fully expanded state. 
         [0038]    It can be seen from the  FIGS. 9-11  that the exemplary embodiment features a series of folds or gussets along the sidewalls such that the front and rear faces  205  are in close proximity when the embodiment is in a collapsed state. When the exemplary embodiment is expanded from the fully collapsed state (such as shown in  FIG. 9 ) to the fully expanded state (such as shown in  FIG. 11 ), outer sidewalls  225  are formed from the extension of the various folds and gussets. The various gussets and creases that allowed the side walls  225  to be collapsed also provide for the embodiment to be expanded such that a complete tunnel is formed with outer walls  225  and inner walls  210 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 12-14  collectively depict an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  300  and so are described herein as if they were one figure.  FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  300  according to the solution, shown in a collapsed state.  FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  300  in  FIG. 12 , shown in a partially expanded state.  FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel  300  in  FIG. 12 , shown in a fully expanded state. 
         [0040]    It can be seen from the  FIGS. 12-14  that the exemplary embodiment features a series of folds or gussets along the sidewalls such that the front and rear faces  305  are in close proximity when the embodiment is in a collapsed state. When the exemplary embodiment is expanded from the fully collapsed state (such as shown in  FIG. 12 ) to the fully expanded state (such as shown in  FIG. 14 ), outer sidewalls  325  are formed from the extension of the various folds and gussets. The various gussets and creases that allowed the side walls  325  to be collapsed also provide for the embodiment to be expanded such that a complete tunnel is formed with outer walls  325  and inner walls  310 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 15  is a perspective “see-through” view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable pet tunnel system including the exemplary expandable pet tunnel  300  shown and described relative to  FIGS. 12-14  and a connector box  400  for modular assembly and connection of the expandable pet tunnel  300  to one or more other expandable pet tunnels (not shown in  FIG. 15  illustration). As can be understood from the  FIG. 15  illustration, the connector box  400  may be juxtaposed to the expandable pet tunnel  300  such that an entry/exit portal  415  on the connector box is aligned with an entry/exit portal  315  of the pet tunnel  300 . It is envisioned that any one or more of the surfaces of the connector box  400  and/or the pet tunnel  300  may include an adhesive, hook and loop patch, or the like for positioning and securing juxtaposed entry/exit portals  405 . 
         [0042]    Notably, although the system depicted in  FIG. 15  illustrates a connector box  400  and an expandable pet tunnel  300 , it is envisioned that an expandable pet tunnel system may comprise any number of connector boxes  400  and expandable pet tunnels  100 ,  200 ,  300 . Advantageously, via juxtaposition of entry/exit portals, an expandable pet tunnel system provides for practically endless combinations of pet tunnels  100 ,  200 ,  300  and/or connector boxes  400 . Moreover, although the exemplary connector box  400  depicts entry/exit portals  415  on five of its six walls, it is envisioned that any number or combination of walls of a connector box  400  may include entry/exit portals  415  and, as such, a connector box  400  of an expandable pet tunnel system is not limited to including exactly five entry/exit portals  415 . 
         [0043]    Exemplary embodiments of an expandable pet tunnel solution have been described using detailed descriptions of the embodiments thereof that is provided by way of example and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of an expandable pet tunnel according to the solution. Some embodiments of an expandable pet tunnel utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of the exemplary embodiments of an expandable pet tunnel that are described and embodiments of an expandable pet tunnel comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art. 
         [0044]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that an expandable pet tunnel according to the solution is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather, the scope of an expandable pet tunnel is defined by the claims that follow.