Abstract:
An animal bed for supporting an animal includes a body having a bottom member and a bolster forming an outer wall of the body. The outer wall is positioned about a perimeter of the bottom member and extends outwardly therefrom to define a recessed area for accommodating the animal. A plurality of straps is coupled to and extending at least partially across the bottom member opposite the recessed area. Each of the plurality of straps includes a degree of elasticity configured to hold a rigid member in contact with the bottom member.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/943,629, filed Feb. 24, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to an animal bed, and in particular to an animal bed with an integrated coupler for coupling a rigid member to the animal bed. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is common practice for pet owners and animal lovers to provide a cushioned or textured surface for their pets to sleep or relax on top of. The cushioned or textured surface is often made of a soft material that can create a welcoming and familiar environment for the pet. The cushioned or textured surface often has a cushioned wall surrounding the bottom textured surface. Ideally, the animal bed is primarily composed of soft materials. The walls of the animal bed may have a soft exterior and be internally filled with a stuffing that can both insulate the animal and provide a cushion for additional comfort to the animal. 
         [0004]    A soft and comforting environment for the animal often results in an animal bed that is pliable. Further, because the animal is intended to inhabit the bedded area, the animal bed may need to be cleaned frequently. Animal beds that are pliable are ideal for both animal comfort and ease of cleaning. One of the disadvantages of a pliable animal bed is the inability of the animal bed to substantially maintain the correct form when the animal attempts to nest or moves about within the bed. Current animal beds can become disfigured and ineffective because they do not have adequate rigidity to maintain the proper form when experiencing common animal movements. 
         [0005]    A need currently exists in the market for an animal bed that will maintain the proper structure and form while still creating a comfortable environment for the animal that can easily be cleaned. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In one embodiment of this disclosure, an animal bed for supporting an animal includes a body including a bottom member; a bolster forming an outer wall of the body, the outer wall positioned about a perimeter of the bottom member and extending outwardly therefrom to define a recessed area for accommodating the animal; and a plurality of straps coupled to and extending at least partially across the bottom member opposite the recessed area; wherein, each of the plurality of straps includes a degree of elasticity configured to hold a rigid member in contact with the bottom member. 
         [0007]    In one example of this embodiment, the bottom member includes a plurality of sides; and each of the plurality of straps includes a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to one of the plurality of sides and the second end being coupled to another of the plurality of sides. In a second example, at least two of the plurality of sides are coupled to one another to form a corner; and at least one of the plurality of straps is coupled to each of the two sides for holding the rigid member at the corner of the bottom member. In a third example, the plurality of straps extend laterally or longitudinally across the bottom member. 
         [0008]    In a fourth example, the plurality of straps form pockets coupled to the bottom member. In a fifth example, the bolster comprises at least a first bolster and a second bolster. In a sixth example, the first bolster and second bolster are disposable in a plurality of positions relative to the bottom member, the plurality of positions including at least an upright position and a substantially planar position. In a seventh example, the plurality of straps are removably coupled to the bottom member. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a multi-bolster animal bed assembly includes a bottom member having a defined surface area; an outer wall coupled to the bottom member and positioned about the defined surface area; a first bolster and a second bolster forming at least part of the outer wall, where the first bolster is coupled to the bottom member; an interconnecting member coupling the first bolster and second bolster to one another; and a plurality of straps coupled to the bottom member; wherein, the second bolster is movable about the first bolster between a first position and a second position; further wherein, the second bolster is disposed at least partially above the first bolster in the first position, and the second bolster is disposed substantially planar with the first bolster and the bottom member in the second position. 
         [0010]    In one example of this embodiment, a rigid member is coupled between the plurality of straps and the bottom member. In a second example, the second bolster is pivotally coupled to the first bolster. In a third example, a third bolster is coupled to the second bolster. In a fourth example, in the first position, the first bolster, second bolster and bottom member define a cavity on a side of the bottom member opposite the plurality of straps. In a fifth example, a portion of at least the second bolster is removed to form an entry to the bed. In a sixth example, the plurality of straps extend laterally or longitudinally across the bottom member. In a seventh example, the plurality of straps form pockets coupled to the bottom member. In an eighth example, the plurality of straps are removably coupled to the bottom member. 
         [0011]    In a further embodiment, an animal crate assembly includes a crate including a top wall, a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a door for providing access to an interior of the crate, the bottom wall having a defined length and width; an animal bed including a bottom member having a defined length and width that form a perimeter thereof; an outer wall coupled to the bottom member and positioned about the defined perimeter; a first bolster portion forming a first part of the outer wall, the first bolster portion being coupled to the bottom member; a second bolster portion forming a second part of the outer wall, the second bolster portion being coupled to the first bolster portion; and a plurality of straps coupled to the bottom member; wherein, the second bolster portion is movable about the first bolster portion between a first position and a second position; further wherein, the second bolster portion is disposed at least partially above the first bolster portion in the first position, and the second bolster portion is disposed substantially planar with the first bolster portion and the bottom member in the second position. 
         [0012]    In one example of this embodiment, an interconnecting member couples the first bolster and second bolster to one another. In another example, a rigid member is coupled between the plurality of straps and the bottom member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective top-side view of the first embodiment of an animal bed; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective bottom-side view of the animal bed of  FIG. 1  coupled to a rigid member; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective bottom-side view of a second embodiment of an animal bed without a coupled rigid member; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective bottom-side view of a third embodiment of an animal bed without a coupled rigid member; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective bottom-side view of a fourth embodiment of an animal bed without a coupled rigid member; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-bolster animal bed; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the animal bed of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8A  is a first cross-sectional view of the animal bed of  FIG. 7  taken along lines  700 - 700 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8B  is a second cross-sectional view of the animal bed of  FIG. 7  taken along lines  700 - 700 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8C  is a third cross-sectional view of the animal bed of  FIG. 7  taken along lines  700 - 700 ; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a multi-bolster animal bed. 
       
    
    
       [0025]    Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. 
         [0027]    In  FIG. 1 , a top-side of an animal bed  100  is shown. The animal bed  100  can include a bottom member  102  that is at least partially surrounded by an outer wall  104 . The bottom member  102  can consist of a cavity that may be stuffed with an insulating and cushioning material such as cotton, down, foam, or the like. A plurality of materials may also be used for the bottom member  102  to provide a soft exterior surface that is desirable to an animal when resting. While this disclosure is not limited to any one material, such materials as fleece, silk, cotton, suede, polyester and the like may be used for the exterior of the bottom member  102 . 
         [0028]    Similar to the bottom member  102 , the outer wall  104  may have an external surface made from fleece, silk, cotton, suede, polyester and the like. Alternatively, a vinyl layer may be disposed on a portion of the bottom and sides of the outer wall  104 . Buttons  106  or other aesthetic-pleasing features may be incorporated into the bed as ornamental features or for coupling different structure or materials of the animal bed  100 . The outer wall  104  may also substantially encompass an outer cavity that may be filled with a stuffing material such as cotton, down, foam or the like. Further, the outer wall  104  can be filled with stuffing material to extend substantially away from the plane defined by the bottom member  102 . The outer wall  104  may be coupled to the outer edges of the bottom member  102 . When the outer wall  104  is substantially filled with stuffing material, the outer wall  104  and the bottom surface  102  may create a bowl-like structure. The outer wall  104  may have a cylindrical cross-section (not shown). 
         [0029]    Although not shown, there may be a portion of the outer wall that has a reduced height or gap defined in the outer wall for providing an entry onto and exit from the animal bed  100 . This may be particularly true for an animal bed  100  that has outer walls with an increased height to forma more enclosed or bowl-like structure. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a bottom side  200  of the bottom member  102  of  FIG. 1  is shown. The illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2  represents one of many possible embodiments of the animal bed  100 . As previously described, it can be desirable to position or align a pan or other rigid member to the bottom side  200  of the animal bed  100 , particularly when the bed is disposed in a cage, crate, or other enclosure. In  FIG. 2 , the bottom side  200  of the animal bed  100  may at least partially encompass a rigid member  202 . The rigid member  202  can correspond with the planar dimensions of the bottom member  102  to occupy substantially the same footprint or surface area as the bottom member  102 . The rigid member  202  may be formed of a plurality of different types of materials that can substantially retain its shape such as plastic, metal, or wood. Further, in one embodiment, the bottom member  102  and the rigid member  202  may be sized to fit within a cage structure to allow the animal bed  100  to be located within a cage. 
         [0031]    Although not shown, an animal cage or crate may include at least a top wall, a bottom wall, one or more side walls, and a door for providing egress and ingress to an interior of the cate or crate. The bottom wall of the cage or crate may have a defined length and width, which may be sized similar to that of the top wall. Each wall and door of the cage or crate may be formed of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. Alternatively, each wall may be formed of a plastic. There may be windows or other openings formed in the walls of the cage or crate. In this disclosure, any size of cage or crate is contemplated. The size of the bottom member  102  of the animal bed  100  may correspond with the length and width of the bottom wall of the cage or crate. 
         [0032]    The rigid member  202  may be removably coupled to the pet bed  100  by one or more straps  204 . There may be as many straps  204  as there are corners formed by the rigid member  202 . The straps  204  may be formed of an elastic material that allows the straps  204  to be stretched to allow the rigid member  202  to be removably coupled to the animal bed  100 . When the rigid member  202  is removably coupled to the animal bed  100 , the straps  204  can be located across an exterior surface  206  of the rigid member  202  while the interior surface (not shown) of the rigid member  202  is positioned against the bottom member  102 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , when the rigid member  202  is removably coupled to the animal bed  100 , the bottom member  102  is substantially aligned with the rigid member  202 . 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of the bed  300  is shown without a rigid member coupled thereto. This embodiment utilizes one or more straps  302  to removably couple the bed  300  to a rigid member (not shown). There may be any number of straps  302  that may be parallel to and spaced from one another. The straps  302  may be coupled to the bottom member  102  at a first edge  304  and a second edge  306 . The first edge  304  may include one outer edge of the bottom member  102  and the second edge  306  may include a second edge of the bottom member  102  that is parallel to the first edge  304 . The straps  302  may allow a rigid member (not shown) to be removably coupled to the animal bed  300  when the rigid member is disposed between the straps  302  and the bottom member  102 . When a rigid member is removably coupled to the animal bed  300 , the straps  302  may substantially restrict the rigid member from becoming misaligned with the footprint of the bottom member  102 . As shown, the straps in  FIG. 3  extend approximately the width of the bottom  102  of the bed  300 . 
         [0034]    In yet another embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , straps  402  may be utilized to removably couple an animal bed  400  to a rigid member (not shown). The straps  402  can be substantially parallel to one another and there can be any number of straps  402 . Further, the straps  402  can be spaced apart from one another in a plurality of configurations. Each strap  402  can be coupled to the bottom member  102  at both a first edge  404  and a second edge  406 , and extend approximately the length of the bottom member  102 . The first edge  404  may include of one outer edge of the bottom member  102  and the second edge  406  may include of a different outer edge of the bottom member  102 . The rigid member may be disposed between the straps  402  and the bottom member  102  for coupling the rigid member to the animal bed  400 , and also to substantially align the rigid member with the bottom member  102 . When a rigid member is removably coupled to the animal bed  400 , the straps  402  may substantially restrict the rigid member  202  from becoming misaligned with the bottom member  102 . 
         [0035]    While various embodiments of straps have been described, the present disclosure is not limited to any of the aforementioned configurations. For example, other types of straps including diagonally-oriented straps, a combination of widthwise and lengthwise straps, offset straps, or a pocket may be used to removably couple a rigid member to an animal bed. Further, while the illustrated embodiments provide substantially rectangular animal bed configurations, this disclosure is applicable to animal beds having cross-sections shaped circular, triangular, oval, and any other shaped configuration. 
         [0036]    Moreover, the particular material of the straps described in this disclosure can be formed of a plurality of fabrics and materials to achieve the result of removably coupling a rigid member. Such fabrics and materials as elastic bands, canvas, rubber, cotton, fleece, nylon, and the like may be used for the straps. 
         [0037]    Another embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5 . Here, an animal bed  500  may include one or more pockets or sleeves  502  to removably couple a rigid member (not shown) to the animal bed  500 . The bed  500  can include any number of pockets  502 . The one or more pockets  502  may be located at any corner, side, or edge of the bottom member  102 . The pockets  502  can allow for sufficient deformation so that the rigid member may be removably coupled to the pockets  502 . In one embodiment, a rigid member that has four corners can be coupled to the animal bed  500  via four pockets  502  located at each of the four corners of the bed  500 . The pockets  502  can be sufficiently sized to allow for the pockets  502  to substantially encompass and retain a corner or edge of the rigid member when the rigid member is removably coupled to the animal bed  500 . Further, when the animal bed  500  is removably coupled to the rigid member, the rigid member may be substantially retained in alignment with the footprint or surface area of the bottom member  102 . Other variations of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  may include a sleeve that is formed along the length or width of the bottom member  102  such that the rigid member can be disposed in the sleeve and retained or coupled to the animal bed  500 . In other embodiments, there may be a plurality of sleeves for retaining the rigid member to the bed. 
         [0038]    As noted above, the rigid member can include a pet pan, a substantially flat piece of material that adds rigidity to the bed, or other structure that is substantially flat and includes a size and shape similar to that of the animal bed. 
         [0039]    A different embodiment of an animal bed is shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . In  FIG. 6 , a multi-bolster animal bed assembly  600  is provided for an animal. The multi-bolster bed assembly  600  of  FIG. 6  can include an animal bed  604  removably coupled to a rigid member  602  such as a mat, plate, tray, pan, etc. For instance, the rigid member  602  can be made of plastic, metal, vinyl, or other material. The bed  604  can include a bottom surface that can be coupled to the rigid member  602 . In  FIG. 6 , a plurality of straps are shown for coupling the bed  604  to the rigid member  602 . For instance, the bed  604  is shown as including four corners, i.e, a first corner  606 , a second corner  610 , a third corner  614 , and a fourth corner  618 . In this manner, the bed  604  can have a square or rectangular shape. This is not required, however, and the bed  604  can be substantially round, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any number of sides. In at least one example, the size and shape of the animal bed  604  can correspond with the size and shape of the rigid member  602 . For instance, the perimeter or circumference of the rigid member can be substantially the same as the perimeter or circumference of the animal bed  604 . This, however, is not required in all embodiments. 
         [0040]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the first corner  606  of the animal bed  604  can include a retaining strap  608 . The strap  608 , for example, can be made of a cloth-like material that includes a degree of elasticity. The elasticity of the strap may vary depending on the size of rigid member being retained and the size of the animal bed. The strap  608  can further include a first end and a second end, where the first end is coupled to one side of the animal bed  604  and the second end is coupled to another side thereof. The strap ends can be sewn to the sides of the animal bed  604 , or the strap ends may be removably coupled to the sides (e.g., via a Velcro or snap-like connection). The strap  608  can be pulled such that a corner or edge of the rigid member  602  can be disposed between the bottom surface of the animal bed and the strap  608 . In this arrangement, the strap  608  can couple the rigid member  602  to the animal bed  604 . 
         [0041]    Similarly, the second corner  610  of the animal bed  604  can include a second strap  612 , the third corner  614  can include a third strap  616 , and the fourth corner  618  can include a fourth strap  620 . The combination of each of the four straps, when coupling the rigid member  602  to the animal bed  604 , provide a coupling mechanism for substantially maintaining the rigid member  602  to the bottom surface of the animal bed  604 . 
         [0042]    The multi-bolster animal bed assembly  600  can also provide a safe and secure bed for an animal to rest. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the animal bed  604  can include a bottom inner surface  912 , a top surface  914 , a first inner wall  904  and a second inner wall  906 . The first inner wall  904  and second inner wall  906  may form an inner perimeter or circumference that defines an inner region of the bed  604 . The inner region may be further defined by a recessed area  908  in which an animal may rest. The first inner wall  904  and second inner wall  906  may be joined to one another at a seam  910 . 
         [0043]    The outer walls may be formed by a first bolster portion  900  and a second bolster portion  902 . The first bolster portion  900  may be disposed towards the bottom of the bed and the second portion  902  may be disposed towards the top of the bed. In one aspect, the first bolster portion  900  may be coupled to the bottom member  102  of the bed. In another aspect, the first bolster portion  900  may be spaced from the bottom member  102 . In this embodiment, the first bolster portion  900  and first inner wall  904  may form substantially the same portion of a side wall of the bed, and likewise the second bolster portion  902  and second inner wall  906  may form substantially the same portion of the side wall. 
         [0044]    The multi-bolster animal bed  604  of  FIG. 6  is configurable between an upright position and a substantially flat position, and any position therebetween. This is best shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Referring to  FIG. 8A , for example, the animal bed  604  can be formed to include an upper portion  800  and a lower portion  802 . In one example, the upper portion  800  and lower portion  802  can be substantially the same shape and size. In another example, the lower portion  802  can be larger than the upper portion  800 . In  FIG. 8A , for example, the upper portion  800  is in its raised or upright position such that the animal bed  604  has a smaller cross-sectional area and can be positioned within an animal crate (not shown). The upper portion  800  can be positioned along the inner side walls of the crate to provide greater comfort to the animal. The lower portion  802  can include the plurality of straps for coupling the animal bed  604  to the rigid member  602 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 8A , the upper portion  800  and lower portion  802  can include an outer bolster that fits about the perimeter thereof. For example, the upper portion  800  can include an upper bolster that is shown having a first end  804  and a second end  806 . Likewise, the lower portion  802  can include a lower bolster having a first end  808  and a second end  810 . Although each of the upper and lower bolsters are shown having a first end and a second end, the bolsters can be a continuous body that encircles (e.g., a circular shaped bed) or surrounds the outside of the animal bed  604 . The bolsters can form the outer wall of the animal bed  604 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a similar bolster can be used for forming the animal bed but only a single bolster is shown. 
         [0046]    Although not shown in great detail, each bolster can be formed by an outer layer of material that surrounds a cushion-like material. For example, foam, cotton, or other cushion-like material can be positioned within the outer material. The bolster can form a circular cross-section as best shown in  FIG. 8A . In other embodiments, each bolster of the double bolster assembly  600  can form a different shaped cross-section (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, triangular, etc.). In any event, the outer layer of each bolster can define an inner region that is filled with cushion-like material such that the bolster provides a sturdy outer wall of the animal bed  604 . 
         [0047]    The upper portion  800  and lower portion  802  can be movably coupled to one another via an interconnecting member  812 . The interconnecting member  812  can be formed as a seam in the animal bed  604 , or a snap, Velcro®, or other connecting mechanism can be used. The interconnecting member  812  may enable the upper portion  802  to pivot or slide with respect to the lower portion  802 . Alternatively, an interconnecting member  812  may not be used in other embodiments where the upper portion  800  is coupled directly to the lower portion  802 . In this alternative embodiment, the upper portion  800  may pivot about the lower portion  802  to achieve positions similar to those shown in  FIGS. 8A-C  and described below. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 8B and 8C , the upper portion  800  of the animal bed  604  can be moved from the upright position ( FIG. 8A ) to a substantially flat or planar position ( FIG. 8C ). The term “substantially” refers to an embodiment where the bolsters have a thickness greater than the thickness of the bottom member. As such, the bolsters may be aligned in this position with the bottom member in a way that the bottom member may be disposed in the same plane as each bolster. This is different from  FIG. 8B , where the upper bolster is disposed at least partially above the lower bolster, and thus out of the plane defined by the bottom member. In any event, the animal bed  604  can be configured in the substantially flat or planar position or a position therebetween, and as such the animal bed  604  can be configured to fit within an animal crate of different sizes. For a smaller crate, the animal bed  604  can be disposed in the upright position of  FIG. 8A . For a larger crate, the animal bed  604  can be disposed in the substantially flat position of  FIG. 8C . For crates of sizes inbetween, the upper portion  800  of the animal bed  604  can be moved to a position similar to that of  FIG. 8B . 
         [0049]    To reconfigure the animal bed  604 , the upper portion  800  can roll or slide along the lower portion  802  between the upright and substantially flat positions. 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 6 , the multi-bolster animal bed assembly  600  is illustrated as a double bolster bed (i.e., includes two bolsters). This disclosure, however, contemplates a multi-bolster animal bed assembly having two or more bolsters. For example, in an animal bed with at least three bolsters, an intermediate or middle portion can be disposed between the upper portion and lower portion. Additional bolsters may allow sidewalls of the animal bed to be disposed in upright positions within a crate to provide protection and comfort to a crated animal. 
         [0051]    While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been disclosed hereinabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claim.