Abstract:
An example cat activity apparatus includes: a first frame member; a second frame member, the second frame member being attached to the first frame member at an end by a hinge mechanism to form “V” shape; a first shelf member extending between the first frame member and the second frame member, the first shelf member being positioned in notches defined by the first frame member and the second frame member; and a second shelf member extending between the first frame member and the second frame member and being vertically spaced from the first shelf member, the second shelf member being positioned in notches defined by the first frame member and the second frame member.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    There are many products on the market that are geared toward providing activities for cats. It is desirable to provide products that are easy to use and provide entertain and exercise for the cats. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    A cat activity apparatus comprises frame members and shelf members. Ends of the frame members are attached to one another with a hinge mechanism. When assembled, slots in the shelf members are inserted into corresponding slots in the frame members. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates a cat activity apparatus. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  illustrates frame members of the cat activity apparatus. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  illustrates shelf members of the cat activity apparatus. 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  is a photograph of the cat activity apparatus after assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates a cat activity apparatus  100 . The cat activity apparatus  100  is intended for use by one or more felines for entertainment and exercise, as well as entertaining their human companions. The cat activity apparatus  100  fits into a residential, shelter, or retail atmosphere. The cat activity apparatus  100  has a collapsible design. The collapsible design enables the cat activity apparatus  100  to be shipped in a relatively small carton/s and assembled easily by one person. The cat activity apparatus  100  has a multiple piece design that allows the cat activity apparatus  100  to be easily disassembled for relocation and storage. 
         [0008]    The cat activity apparatus  100  comprises four plywood members. In some embodiments, the plywood members are ¾ inch thick. In another embodiment, the plywood members have other thicknesses. The plywood members are covered in carpeting made of various colors, styles and thicknesses. 
         [0009]    The plywood members include frame members  102 ,  104  and shelf members  106 ,  108 . In various embodiments, the frame members  102 ,  104  and the shelf members  106 ,  108  have various lengths and widths. For example, the frame members  102 ,  104  can be 53 inches long and eighteen inches wide. In this example, the shelf member  106  can be 43 inches long and the shelf member  108  can be 30 inches long. In this example, the shelf members  106 ,  108  can be 12 inches wide. In another example, the frame members  102 ,  104  can be thirteen inches wide. 
         [0010]    There are two metal hinges  112  attached with twelve screws to the frame members  102 ,  104  at ends  114 . The hinges  112  attach the frame members  102 ,  104  to each other. The frame members  102 ,  104  have two notches  200  ( FIG. 2 ) cut from the edges of the wood extending perpendicularly toward the center. The shelf members  106 ,  108  also have notches  300  ( FIG. 3 ) extending toward their centers. In various embodiments, the notches  200 ,  300  can have various depths. For example, the notches  200 ,  300  can have depths of six inches. The notches  200  on the frame members  102 ,  104  are disposed on opposing sides. In various embodiments, the notches  200  are disposed at various distances from ends  110 . For example, the notches  200  on the frame members  102  and  104  can be disposed at 17 and 35 inches from ends  110 . In another example, the notches  200  on the frame members  102  and  104  can be disposed at 17 and 44 inches from the ends  110 . 
         [0011]    The notches  300  in the shelf member  106  are disposed on the same side of the shelf member  106 . In various embodiments, the notches  300  in the shelf member  106  are disposed at various distances from the ends of the shelf member  106 . For example, the notches  300  in the shelf member  106  can be disposed at 10 inches from each end of the shelf member  106 . The shelf member  108  has notches that are disposed on the same side of the shelf member  108 . In various embodiments, the notches  300  in the shelf member  108  are disposed at various distances from the ends of the shelf member  108 . For example, the notches  300  in the shelf member  108  can be disposed at 8 inches from each end of the shelf member  108 . 
         [0012]    An example manufacturing process comprises cutting sheets of four foot by eight foot, ¾ inch plywood to the above specified dimensions to create the frame members  102 ,  104  and the shelf members  106 ,  108 . The frame members  102 ,  104  and the shelf members  106 ,  108  are then covered in carpeting by means of a staple gun or other tool. Assembly done before shipment to a customer comprises attaching the two hinges  112  to the ends  114  of the frame members  102  and  104 . 
         [0013]    Once the customer receives the cat activity apparatus  110 , the frame members  102 ,  104  are laid on their sides with the notches  200  closer to the hinged end  114  facing up. Then, the ends  110  would be moved approximately 35 inches apart to form a “V” shape. Next, the customer lines up the notches  300  on the shelf member  108  to the notches  200  facing up on the frame members  102  and  104 . Once the notches  200  and  300  are lined up, the shelf member  108  would be inserted far enough that the plane of the front edge of the shelf member  108  is even or nearly even with the plane of the edge of the frame members  102  and  104 . After that is accomplished, the customer stands the cat activity apparatus  100  upright and then lays the cat activity apparatus  100  down on its other side so that the notches  200  closer to ends  110  are facing up. The notches  300  on the shelf member  106  would then be lined up with the notches  200  facing up on the frame members  102  and  104 . The customer then inserts the shelf member  106  into the notches  200  of the frame members  102  and  104  until the plane of the edge of the shelf member  106  is even with or nearly even with the plane of the edge of the frame members  102  and  104 . 
         [0014]    Furthermore, some embodiments include an L bracket  116 . The “L” bracket can be three inches. The “L” bracket  116  can be used to attach the cat activity apparatus  100  to a wall to prevent the cat activity apparatus  100  from tipping. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the customer attaches the stabilizer bar  118  to the bottom end of one of the frame members  102  or  104 . The length of the stabilizer bar  118  is greater than the widths of the frame members  102 ,  104 . For example, in some embodiments, the stabilizer bar  118  is 23 inch long, 3 inches wide, ¾ inch deep. The stabilizer bar  118  can prevent the cat activity apparatus  100  from tipping. The stabilizer bar  118  and/or the “L bracket”  116  are not necessarily present in embodiments where the frame members  102 ,  104  are sufficiently deep (e.g., 18 or more inches) to prevent the cat activity apparatus  100  from tipping. 
         [0016]    In alternative designs, another stabilizer could include a removable cat scratching post attached to the lower and/or middle shelf members  106  and  108  extending to the floor, or a large diameter base that is attached to one or both of the ends  110  of the frame members  102  and  104 . The length of the stabilizer scratching post would vary between 20 and 30 inches, and the diameter of the covered base would be approximately 24 inches. 
         [0017]    The cat activity apparatus  100  is meant to be placed in an area where cats would enjoy it. The cat activity apparatus  100  is intended to be climbed on, jumped on, run on or through and laid or sat upon by cats providing them with entertainment, exercise, or relaxation. It is possible for cats to be interactive with each other, as well as their human companions. The cat activity apparatus  100  would be enjoyed by a single cat as well multiple cats. The cat activity apparatus  100  is designed to be easily disassembled for relocation or storage. 
         [0018]    In other embodiments, the plywood may be replaced of a more earth-friendly material, such as recycled plastic, cardboard, or metal. The metal hinges  112  may be replaced by a heavy duty plastic interlocking device. Other embodiments may include things such as a scratching area. The scratching area can be made out materials including, but not limited to, sisal rope, burlap or cardboard. Furthermore, other embodiments can include a longer shelf with edges to form a bed or hammock and/or some variation of a bed on the top part of the unit. Larger and smaller embodiments exist. The measurements provided in this document are examples and do not represent the only possible measurements. For example, a larger embodiment can be approximately six feet in height and have three shelves. A smaller embodiment can be approximately three feet tall and have one shelf. Furthermore, some embodiments can have holes on the frame members  102 ,  104  large enough for cats to get through making a direct path from outside the “A” shape to inside.