Abstract:
A collapsible cage/crate for pets having an inner framework within a soft-sided shell. The internal framework is integrated and manipulated by two locking hubs such that when the hubs are unlocked and urged towards each other, the crate collapses. In its deployed configuration, the crate provides an area for an animal to be confined whereas when the crate is collapsed the crate is compact and easy to transport. The outer shell of the crate is formed of fabric and includes one or more mesh panels in order to provide airflow into and out of the crate. Access is gained to the interior of the crate through one or more doors.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Technical Field  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to cages/crates for dogs and other small animals, and more particularly to a pet crate that is collapsible and easily transportable, durable, easy to maintain, and inexpensive to manufacture.  
         [0003]     2. Prior Art  
         [0004]     The present invention relates primarily to collapsible/portable pet crates or cages that are lightweight, durable and compact. Many owners, trainers, breeders and veterinarians recommend dog crates as a convenient and humane tool for training puppies and to provide a safe environment for housebreaking, travel, and general control. Over time, the crate becomes the dog&#39;s den, which he regards as his home, rather than a cage that confines him. As such, portable crates are particularly useful for dogs at dog competitions such as agility, conformation and obedience trials due to their light weight and breathable nature and even more importantly because the dog can be put at ease due to his familiarity with the den, despite the significant stresses on the animal at such events.  
         [0005]     Such portable crates are also utilized by families traveling with their pets so that the animals will have a familiar place to sleep. Not surprisingly, in such instances the more compact a crate is, the more likely it is to make it on the trip. Unfortunately, many crates are too large and cumbersome or they simply cannot be collapsed to a small enough size to travel. Further working against many prior art crates is that they are typically quite expensive to manufacture and assemble.  
         [0006]     There is thus a need for an inexpensive collapsible crate that is easy to transport, yet durable enough to meet the needs of both human and animal.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention is directed towards providing an inexpensive, lightweight, collapsible pet crate that can be quickly deployed yet durable for transport and restraining animals. The invention includes a rigid internal framework and a soft-sided outer shell to present an aesthetically pleasing appearance while providing a sturdy den for small animals (the shell can be placed on the inside of the framing, but this is not the preferred orientation). The present invention is further beneficial in that it can be used (erected and deployed or taken down or collapsed, and transported) without the use of specialized tools or other equipment. Another benefit over many other crates is that a crate according to the present invention can be collapsed without removing any parts from the interior of the crate.  
         [0008]     The crate has two main conditions: collapsed (taken down) and deployed (erected). In its deployed condition, the pet crate presents a typical rectangular soft-sided crate with rectangular floor, roof, walls and ends. In its collapsed condition, the crate is a bundle of much smaller height and width to yield a tremendous volumetric savings over traditional non-collapsible and even collapsible crates. For example, a typical medium sized crate with a width of 18 inches, height of 20 inches, and length of 26 inches consumes a volume of 9,360 cubic inches, but when collapsed according to the present invention, the volume can be reduced by 90 percent or more to a size of less than 6 inches in width and height and with the same length of 26 inches for a total volume of 936 cubic inches. As the pet crate&#39;s collapsed dimensions are almost independent of the height or width of the crate, if a larger width or height is used, the volumetric gains could be even higher. Such benefits make the pet crate extremely easy to store and transport, yet afford a full sized crate when deployed.  
         [0009]     The pet crate&#39;s internal framework includes hubs located at opposite ends (preferably the side ends) of the pet crate in order to deploy/collapse the crate. When looking at an end of the crate&#39;s internal framework, masts form an “X” shape with four masts pivotally extending from each hub, one to each of the four corners on that end of the pet crate (at the center of the X is the hub.). At the corners of the crate, each mast is pivotally connected to a beam that runs along the top or bottom of the respective side of the crate to pivotably connect to another mast on the crate&#39;s opposite end.  
         [0010]     In order to collapse the crate, one simply need unlock the hubs and push the two hubs towards the center of the crate. Since the masts are pivotably connected to both the hub and a respective corner/beam, when the hubs are forced inward, the four crate corners at each end are forced toward each other. Finally, as the shell is attached (preferably releasably) to the internal framework, when the two hubs are moved toward each other, the mesh is drawn with it and the entire crate collapses.  
         [0011]     It is preferred that at least one side and part of the roof are formed of a mesh grid to afford ventilation and allow the pet owner and the pet to see in and out of the pet crate, respectively. One or more of these doors/windows may be coverable in instances in which privacy or confinement is preferred. The pet crate also may be fitted with pockets or clips to hold various items including collars and leashes.  
         [0012]     These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a collapsible pet crate according to an embodiment of the present invention in its deployed condition.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing the present invention wherein two doors/windows have been partially opened.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of the present invention showing an internal framework.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is perspective view of a portion of the present invention showing an internal framework in a partially collapsed condition.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a portion of the present invention showing an internal framework in a fully collapsed condition.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of a portion of the present invention showing the internal framework and shell in a fully collapsed condition.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6A  is a front exterior view of a portion of an internal framework of the present invention in a locked condition.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6B  is a front exterior view of a portion of an internal framework of the present invention in an unlocked condition.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6C  is a front interior view of a portion of an internal framework of the present invention in a locked condition.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6D  is a front interior view of a portion of an internal framework of the present invention in an unlocked condition.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7A  is a front view of a lock mechanism portion of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of a lock mechanism portion of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 8A  is a front view of a handle portion of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of a handle portion of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of a handle portion of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the present invention wherein two doors have been fully opened. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]     Referring now generally to  FIGS. 1-9 , preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pet crate  10  of the present invention in a deployed condition.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of pet crate  10  wherein two available doors have been partially opened to show the interior.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an internal framework  14  of pet crate  10  in a deployed condition (i.e., without shell  12 ).  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of internal framework  14  of pet crate  10  in a partially collapsed condition (i.e., without shell  12 ).  FIG. 5A  is a side view of internal framework  14  of pet crate  10  in a collapsed condition (i.e., without shell  12 ).  FIG. 5B  is a side view of a collapsed of pet crate  10  showing shell  12  and also showing internal framework  14 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 6A  is a partial front view of a portion of an exterior view of internal framework  14  showing hub  60  and a set of masts  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68  extending therefrom in which hub  60  is in a locked position so that pet crate  10  does not collapse unintentionally.  FIG. 6B  shows the configuration of  FIG. 6A , except that pet crate  10  is now unlocked such that pet crate  10  may be collapsed.  FIG. 6C  is a partial front view of a portion of an interior view of internal framework  14  showing hub  60  and a set of masts  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68  extending therefrom in which hub  60  is in a locked position so that pet crate  10  does not collapse unintentionally.  FIG. 6D  shows the configuration of  FIG. 6C , except that pet crate  10  is now unlocked such that pet crate  10  can be collapsed.  
         [0031]      FIG. 7A  is a partial sectional view along section line A of  FIG. 6B  showing the relationship between knob  30  and mast  62 .  FIG. 7B  is a partial side view of what is shown in  FIG. 7A .  FIG. 8A  is a frontal view of a handle portion of pet crate  10 .  FIG. 8B  is a side view of the handle portion shown in  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of the handle portion shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B .  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of pet crate  10  showing several doors held open by straps to show the interior of pet crate  10 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 1  generally shows pet crate  10  in a parallelepiped configuration, it being understood that other cross-sectional configurations, such as triangularly shaped ends, may be used in the practice of the invention, if desired. Pet crate  10  is generally comprised of shell  12  and an internal framework  14  (shown in detail in following  FIGS. 3-5 ). Though illustrated with an outer shell and an internal framework, it is equally within the scope of the invention to have an external framework with an internal shell wherein the pet crate would still function in the same manner and with similar benefits, though it is preferred to have the shell on the exterior to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.  
         [0033]     In more detail, pet crate  10  shell  12  includes first end  16 , second end  18 , roof  20 , bottom  22 , first side  24 , and second side  26 . Shell  12  should be comprised of a strong but flexible material, such as 1200 denier polyester polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated as a waterproof fabric of the type commonly used in the construction of soft-sided luggage or waterproof tarpaulin materials, though it is to be understood that other materials may be utilized in the construction of pet crate  10 , depending on the requirements of particular applications of the invention. Shell  12  also preferably includes one or more mesh portions  38  with grid holes to allow for ventilation and to allow pet owners and pets visual access into and out of pet crate  10 . Shell  12  also may include reinforced sections or pads  36  at potential wear spots (such as the corners) to help pet crate  10  be more durable while not adding substantial weight.  
         [0034]     Access may be gained to the interior of pet crate  10  by way of one or more windows/doors. Shown in  FIG. 1  is a sunroof in roof  20  and a door in first side  24 , though any number of doors/windows/access ports may be situated in various configurations on various sides ( FIG. 9  in particular shows these doors fully opened). The sunroof in roof  20  is particularly advantageous for small animals in that the owner can lift the animal out of and place the animal into pet crate  10  and can have access to the animal in order to provide treats or water while the animal is still confined on all four sides by pet crate  10 . The door in first side  24  is useful for heavier animals in that the owner does not need to lift the animal to place it into pet crate  10 . The owner may keep the doors open by way of one or more roll-up door holders or straps  46 . The straps should be affixed to shell  12  at one end, while the free ends have Velcro® hook and loop fastener pads or other attachment means attached thereto. It is preferred that there be two corresponding pads for each strap  46 , the one visible in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , pads  48 , and additional pads on the inside of the respective doors so that the straps can be used to hold the doors in an open position as shown in  FIG. 9 . Though straps  46  are shown as being sewn to shell  12 , they may be affixed in any number of methods including gluing, snaps, fasteners, etc. Likewise, it is not necessary for Velcro® to be the attachment means and such securing may take place by snaps, ties, etc.  
         [0035]     For ease in transporting pet crate  10 , it is preferred that it include one or more carrying straps  40  which may be affixed to pet crate  10  by sewing, gluing, snaps, or other means, including the one shown which is by D-rings  44 . In such case, carrying strap  40  should include some type of attachable buckle or snap that can be removably attached to D-ring  44  such as via snap  42 . Straps  46  may also be used to hold/restrain handle  40  or other accessories such as dog leashes and collars.  
         [0036]     Also shown in  FIG. 1  is handle  32  that may be affixed to internal framework  14  by way of handle brackets  34  (a similar handle/bracket combination would be found on the opposite end of pet crate  10 ). Handles  32  are generally useful for manipulating pet crate  10  and, in particular, collapsing and expanding pet crate  10  in that they provide convenient grab points for the person to hold pet crate  10  while unlocking/locking pet crate  10 . Further, handle brackets  34  are positioned such that shell  12  is trapped between brackets  34  and internal framework  14 , providing a convenient method of keeping shell  12  in close contact with internal framework  14  to prevent flapping when pet crate  12  is deployed, and to keep shell  12  in contact with internal framework  14  when pet crate  10  is collapsed. Though these two points of securing shell  12  to internal framework  14  (i.e., at both ends) are sufficient for most purposes, it may be necessary to add further attachment points depending on the particular installation of the invention, such as at the corners of pet crate  10 . For example, anchor straps (not shown) can be attached to shell  12  for wrapping around framework  14  or otherwise securing shell  12  to framework  14 . Similarly, clips (not shown) can clip shell  12  to framework  14 . More permanent but less preferable attachment means can include riveting, gluing, or sewing shell  12  to framework  14 .  
         [0037]     A further feature partially visible in  FIG. 1  relates to a preferred mechanism of locking pet crate  10  so that it does not collapse prematurely. Shown in this figure is a hole  28  in shell  12  for knob  30  that allows a person to lock or unlock pet crate  10 . This feature is further discussed below, particularly with regard to  FIGS. 6-7 .  
         [0038]     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , doors/windows in roof  20 , and side(s)  24 ,  26  may be provided with zippers  50  which run on tracks  52  (though zippers are preferred, any acceptable means of securing the doors will suffice such as Velcro®, snaps, etc.).  
         [0039]      FIG. 3  illustrates a preferred internal framework  14  component of pet crate  10 . As pet crate  10  is collapsible, it has at least two positions: (1) expanded/deployed as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and (2) collapsed as shown in  FIG. 5B . In order to transition between these positions, pet crate  10  preferably includes an internal framework  14  with a first hub  60  having several masts  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68  pivotably extending therefrom (hub  60  and masts  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68  are shown in more detail in  FIGS. 6A-6D ). At the opposite end of pet crate  10  is a second hub  70  that is pivotably attached to an equal number of masts  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 . Connecting these two sets of masts are a number of beams  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 . As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4 , and  6 , when one views one of the hubs  60 ,  70  from the end of pet crate  10 , an approximate “X” shape is formed between the various masts in a configuration with four masts per hub.  
         [0040]     It should be noted that although the figures are shown with four masts per hub, the number of masts at each hub can vary as long as there are at least three masts per hub. In accordance with the invention, the number of masts at each hub should be the same, and an identical number of beams should be utilized to connect the masts from one hub to corresponding masts from the other hub.  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each respective mast is preferably pivotably connected to a beam by way of a respective elbow, thus mast  62  is pivotably connected to elbow  63 , which is then pivotably connected to respective beam  82 . Continuing, mast  64  is pivotably connected to elbow  65 , which is then pivotably connected to a respective beam  84 , and so on, with masts  66 ,  68 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  being pivotably connected to elbows  67 ,  69 ,  73 ,  75 ,  77 ,  79 , respectively, which then are pivotably connected to beams  86 ,  88 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 , respectively. Although it is preferred to use an elbow to pivotably connect the masts to their respective beams, it is also within the scope of the invention to pivotably connect the masts to their respective beams without use of elbows.  
         [0042]     In order to secure pet crate  10  in an open position, i.e., wherein angle θ is approximately 90° such that pet crate  10  presents a generally parallelepiped configuration, it is preferable that a locking mechanism be utilized, so that pet crate  10  does not collapse prematurely. Many suitable mechanisms can perform this task and a portion of a preferred mechanism using sliding pins is shown.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show knob  30  protruding through slot  28  in shell  12  and  FIGS. 3 and 4  show the relationship between knob  30  and internal framework  14 . Knob  30  is attached to a pin  104  as shown in detail in  FIGS. 6A-6D  and  7 A and  7 B. Pin  104  is at least partly situated inside mast  62  and is in contact with knob  30  by way of cutout  106  in mast  62 .  
         [0043]     Pin  104  preferably extends from the interior of mast  62  into at least a portion of mast  68 , such that masts  62  and  68  are maintained along the same centerline. In order to unlock pet crate  10 , knob  30  is simply slid along mast  62  until the pin becomes disengaged from mast  68 . A similar knob/locking mechanism is preferably found on hub  70  for use with masts  72 ,  78  or masts  74 ,  76 . Though a sliding pin type lock is shown, many suitable mechanism would suffice such as springs located at the hubs (or even elbows) urging the masts into an orthogonal relationship with the beams, etc. In order to collapse pet crate  10 , after masts  62 ,  68  and masts  72 ,  78  are unlocked, hubs  60 ,  70  are urged toward each other (i.e., angle Θ becomes reduced) as the crate is collapsed.  FIG. 4  shows internal framework  14  in a partially collapsed condition in which angle Θ is less than 90°.  
         [0044]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show internal framework  14  in a fully collapsed condition in which angle θ is approximately 0°.  FIG. 5B  shows internal framework  14  as a dotted line to show the relationship between the internal framework  14  and shell  12  when pet crate  10  is in a fully collapsed condition.  FIG. 5B  also shows the positioning of handle  32  and handle bracket  34  when pet crate  10  is collapsed. As can be seen, in the fully collapsed position, masts  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and beams  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88  are roughly parallel to each other, greatly reducing the volume of pet crate  10  relative to the deployed configuration. In the collapsed position, elbows  63 ,  65 ,  67 ,  69 ,  73 ,  75 ,  77 ,  79  remain at the outside corners of pet crate  10 , while hubs  60 ,  70  are now centrally located within the collapsed pet crate  10 .  
         [0045]      FIGS. 6A-6D  show partial front views of hub  60  and portions of masts  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates pet crate  10  in a “locked” condition such that knob  30  is slid toward hub  60  and pin  104  extends at least partly into mast  68 .  FIG. 6B  shows a the same area of pet crate  10  as  FIG. 6A , but in an “unlocked” position wherein knob  30  has been slid away from hub  60  such that pin  104  has become disengaged with mast  68  such that all of the masts attached to hub  60  are now free to pivot. Note that although only one mast is shown as being locked, it is of course possible to lock each mast individually with respect to hub  60 , but this is a much more complex and costly method of preventing the collapse of pet crate  10 , and therefore less desired. Also, although pin  104  is illustrated as being straight and the masts are directly in line allowing pin  104  to penetrate a second mast, pet crate  10  may be constructed with an odd number of masts wherein a flexible pin or linkage could be utilized in the same manner to still prevent the crate from collapsing.  
         [0046]     Also shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D  screw holes  102  may be present in hub  60 ,  70  to permit screws  103  (not shown) to attach handle brackets  34 , and handles  32  to hub  60 / 70  (trapping shell  12  between handle brackets  34  and hubs  60 / 70 ). Pins  100  in hub  60  permit masts  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68  to pivot (likewise for the masts attached to hub  70 ).  
         [0047]      FIGS. 6C and 6D  show an internal view of the subject matter of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , that is, from the opposite side of hubs  60 ,  70 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 7A  shows a partial section view along section A from  FIG. 6B  of the locking mechanism and  FIG. 7B  shows a side view of the mechanism wherein tab  112  connects knob  30  to pin  104 . In this illustrative embodiment, mast  62  is a hollow cylinder and pin  104  is a solid rod. Knob  30  attached to pin  104  via tab  112 , which extends through a slot in the side of mast  62 . For example, with one respective pair of masts  62 ,  68  (or masts  72 ,  78 ) on a respective hub  60  (or hub  70 ) locked, the respective hub  60  (or hub  70 ) cannot move and therefore the remaining respective pair of masts  64 ,  66  (or masts  74 ,  76 ) will not pivot relative to the respective hub  60  (or hub  70 ).  
         [0049]     As can be seen, in the four-mast configuration, it is only necessary to lock two opposing sets of masts, that is either masts  62 ,  68  or masts  64 ,  66  and masts  72 ,  78  or masts  74 ,  76 , together to provide the structural rigidity necessary to maintain pet crate  10  in the deployed configuration. Further, as shown in the illustrative embodiment in FIGS.  6 A-D, the outer diameter of pin  104  is less than the inner diameter of hollow mast  62  such that pin  104  can slide within the interior of hollow mast  62 . The slot through the side of mast  62  is long enough to allow tab  112  to slide from the locked position (see  FIGS. 6A and 6C ) to the unlocked position (see  FIGS. 6B and 6C ) and back.  
         [0050]     FIGS.  8 A-C shows a partial front view of a preferred handle assembly including shafts  106  to receive screws  103  (not shown) and cutaways  33  to receive the end portions of handle  32 . Though using screws  103  to attach handle bracket  34  to hubs  60 / 70  is preferred, any suitable method may be adopted including gluing, snaps, clamps, etc.  
         [0051]      FIG. 9  shows pet crate  10  wherein two doors, one in roof  20  and another in side  24 , have been fully opened and are held open by straps  46 . Any number of roof  20 , bottom  22 , and sides  24 ,  26  can have opening doors, or none at all. Although ends  16 ,  18  can have opening doors or windows, it is preferred that they do not to minimize the possibility of interference with the locking and folding mechanisms.  
         [0052]     The preferred assembly order is to (1) assemble internal framework  14 , (2) insert internal framework  14  into shell  12 , (3) insert screws from inside of shell  12  through hubs  60 ,  70  so that screws go through the hubs, through shell  12  and are anchored in handle bracket  34 . Further, anchors (not shown) attached to shell  12  can anchor shell  12  to framework  14 . Though internal framework  14  may be made of many materials, including wood, metal and plastics, it is preferred that the masts and beams be made of aluminum as a light, yet durable material in order to provide many years of service.  
         [0053]     Although the above description was more tailored to a configuration including an internal framework  14  and an external shell  12 , it is within the present invention to have an internal share attached to an exoskeleton. In such a configuration, the shell  12  is preferably attached to the framework  14  by Velcro® straps or other means at the corners of the pet crate  10  and at the hubs  60 ,  70 . It is, however, preferred to have an outer shell  12  with an inner framework  14  such that no hard edges or surfaces are on the exterior to scratch or damage car interiors when transporting pet crate  10  in either its deployed or collapsed condition (it would add considerable expense to coat the framework such that no hard surfaces were present if an exoskeleton were used). In either case, neither the framework  14  nor the shell  12  need be removed in order to collapse/transport/deploy pet crate  10 .  
         [0054]     The foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are not intended to be exhaustive and are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One skilled in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.