Abstract:
A habitat ( 1 ) having a framed enclosure ( 2 ) with removable panels ( 25 ), preferably constructed out of a screen material and a basin ( 3 ) that collects waste, such as bird food and feces, and is use to collect and dispose of water when cleaning the habitat or to drain water if the habitat is being used for gardening. A removable perch ( 18 ) and carrying bag ( 21 ) allows a user a way to easily transport an animal from location to location. A cleaning perch ( 21 ) attaches to the top of the frame and provides a location for an animal to rest while the habitat is being cleaned. The cleaning perch also provides a ring ( 22 ) for attaching a shower curtain ( 23 ) that surrounds the habitat while it is being cleaned. One of many alternative uses for the habitat is as a portable garden.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 12/777,361 filed on May 11, 2010. The patent application identified above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to habitats for pets, such as bird, reptiles, cats and so forth and more particularly, a habitat having a framed enclosure with removable panels and a basin for the purpose of collecting and disposing of waste, such as bird food and feces, and for use in cleaning the habitat. This invention also relates to gardening and more particularly portable gardens. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A well known problem with owning and caring for domesticated birds and other animals is the maintenance and convenience of use. For example, most birds are typically messy when eating and have a tendency to drop food and other matter, including feces, on the bottom of the bird cage, on the sides of the bird cage, on top of the bird cage while on a perch and even outside of the bird cage onto the floor surrounding the bird cage. This creates quite a mess on the bars of the bird cage and especially in the bottom of the bird cage where waste accumulates and must be cleaned on a regular basis. Bird owners typically place absorbent material, such as newspaper, wood shavings or corn cob in the bottom portion of the bird cage to collect feces and water spilled from the bird&#39;s water dish. However, the absorbent material must be replaced on a regular basis and the bird cages must also be sprayed down and washed on a regular basis. Bird cages cannot be sprayed down inside and typically need to be taken outside and to be washed down with a hose. This poses a problem for bird owners who live in condos or apartments and cannot take the bird cages outside for cleaning. This also poses a problem for bird owners who own large cages that are difficult to move. Cages that are difficult to move also prevent a pet owner from being able to move a pet from one location to another, such as from inside of a house onto a patio. An even further problem with conventional cages is that owners are limited in where they can place the cages for fear that an animal may be exposed to heat or sunlight. For example, an owner may want to place a bird cage on a patio during the day, but the heat and exposure to sunlight through the bars of the cage prevents the owner from doing so. 
         [0004]    Thus, a need exists for a habitat that replaces conventional bird cages and allows a user to easily maintain and clean the habitat, to easily move the habitat from location to location, and protects animals from the elements when it is placed outdoors. 
         [0005]    An additional problem faced by gardeners is the placement of small gardens, such as herb gardens. Many such gardens create a mess on the surface below the pots and are difficult to move for the purposes of placing the garden in direct sunlight or moving the garden out of extreme weather conditions. 
         [0006]    Thus, a need exists for providing a habitat that can be used as a portable garden. 
         [0007]    The relevant prior art includes the following references: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Patent No. 
                 Inventor 
                 Issue/Publication Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 (U.S. References) 
                   
                   
               
               
                 D641,455 
                 Euse 
                 Jul. 12, 2011 
               
               
                 2004/0031446 
                 Harrison 
                 Feb. 19, 2004 
               
               
                 6,626,129 
                 Schrader 
                 Sep. 30, 2003 
               
               
                 6,532,900 
                 Wang 
                 Mar. 18, 2003 
               
               
                 5,996,536 
                 King 
                 Dec. 07, 1999 
               
               
                 5,957,086 
                 Gallardo 
                 Sep. 28, 1999 
               
               
                 5,553,568 
                 Verscheure et al. 
                 Sep. 10, 1996 
               
               
                 5,435,266 
                 Carson 
                 Jul. 25, 1995 
               
               
                 5,009,197 
                 Cottell 
                 Apr. 23, 1991 
               
               
                 4,838,204 
                 Young 
                 Jun. 13, 1989 
               
               
                 4,586,463 
                 Braeuner 
                 May 06, 1986 
               
               
                 4,572,107 
                 Clarizo 
                 Feb. 25, 1986 
               
               
                 4,413,363 
                 Troiano 
                 Nov. 08, 1983 
               
               
                 4,285,301 
                 Voss 
                 Aug. 25, 1981 
               
               
                 4,181,612 
                 Trail 
                 Jan. 01, 1980 
               
               
                 3,657,746 
                 Downey 
                 Apr. 25, 1972 
               
               
                 3,297,001 
                 Locke et al. 
                 Jan. 10, 1967 
               
               
                 3,293,664 
                 Woodrow 
                 Dec. 27, 1966 
               
               
                 2,747,545 
                 Baldwin 
                 May 29, 1956 
               
               
                 2,524,229 
                 Krueger 
                 Oct. 03, 1950 
               
               
                 1,864,230 
                 Busch 
                 Jun. 21, 1932 
               
               
                 1,929,584 
                 Havlis 
                 Oct. 10, 1933 
               
               
                 1,771,491 
                 Hendryx 
                 Jul. 29, 1930 
               
               
                 1,692,835 
                 Hendryx 
                 Nov. 27, 1928 
               
               
                 1,502,748 
                 Schleich 
                 Jul. 29, 1924 
               
               
                 1,468,730 
                 Oster 
                 Sep. 25, 1923 
               
               
                 689,164 
                 Castle 
                 Dec. 17, 1901 
               
               
                 (Foreign References) 
               
               
                 KR20050011637 
                 Young 
                 Jan. 29, 2005 
               
               
                 JP2003230327 
                 Miwako 
                 Aug. 19, 2003 
               
               
                 DE19747311 
                 Hartmut 
                 Sep. 05, 2002 
               
               
                 FR2766330 
                 Herve 
                 Jan. 29, 1999 
               
               
                 JP4135431 
                 Takuji 
                 May 08, 1992 
               
               
                 GB2079576 
                 Ayres 
                 Jan. 27, 1982 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The primary objects of the present invention are to provide a habitat that replaces conventional bird cages. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a habitat having a basin that allows a user to easily maintain and clean the habitat. 
         [0010]    to easily move the habitat from location to location, and protects animals from the elements when it is placed outdoors. 
         [0011]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a habitat that easily moveable the habitat from location to location. 
         [0012]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a habitat that protects animals from the elements when it is placed outdoors. 
         [0013]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a habitat that has removable and interchangeable panels that easily attach to a framed enclosure. 
         [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a habitat having a perch that is easily accessorize. 
         [0015]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a habitat having a removable perch that can be converted into a travel habitat for transporting an animal. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a habitat having a perch that allows a user to attach a shower curtain to the habitat so the habitat may be cleaned with little mess. 
         [0017]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a habitat that can be used for gardening. 
         [0018]    The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a habitat having a framed enclosure with removable panels, preferably constructed out of a screen material. 
         [0019]    The frame may be placed over a basin that collects waste, such as bird food and feces, and is use to collect and dispose of water when cleaning the habitat. A removable perch and carrying bag allows a user a way to easily transport an animal from location to location. A cleaning perch attaches to the top of the frame and provides a location for an animal to rest while the habitat is being cleaned. The cleaning perch also provides a ring for attaching a shower curtain that surrounds the habitat while it is being cleaned. 
         [0020]    One of many alternative uses for the habitat is as a garden. For example, a user may plant an herb garden in the directly in the basin or in pots that are placed in the basin. The habitat may be rolled in and out of the sunlight or inside or outdoors to protect the plants from extreme temperatures. Panels may also be removed or attached to the enclosure to protect the plants or to expose the plants to sunlight. 
         [0021]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of a habitat frame of the present invention that surrounds a basin; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a habitat of the present invention having a basin located therein and panels attached; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a representative view of a right side view, rear side view and left side view of the habitat; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective front view of a habitat frame of the present invention that fits into a basin; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a habitat frame of the present invention with a basin base; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a side plan view of a lower cleaning sink of a bird cage assembly of the present invention is shown having no base; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a perspective top view of a basin of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a perspective side view of a perch of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective side view of a perch of the present invention having a removable floor; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a carrying bag of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a perspective side view of a cleaning perch of the present invention; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of a frame of the present invention having a door for accessing the interior of the frame without having to remove any panels from the frame. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:
         1 . habitat     2 . frame     3 . basin     4 . vertical support     5 . front right vertical support     6 . rear right vertical support     7 . rear left vertical support     8 . front left vertical support     9 . bottom horizontal support     10 . bottom end of vertical support     11 . middle horizontal support     12 . middle portion of vertical support     13 . top horizontal support     14 . top end of vertical support     15 . upper cross bar     16 . intersection     17 . accessory attachment means     18 . perch     19 . rope     20 . upper attachment means     21 . cleaning perch     22 . ring     23 . curtain     24 . panel attachment means     25 . panel     26 . wheel     27 . removable floor     28 . notched corner     29 . side of removable floor     30 . leg     31 . tub     32 . floor of tub     33 . vertical perimeter wall of tub     34 . angled perimeter wall of tub     35 . upper edge of vertical perimeter wall of tub     36 . drain     37 . removable floor     38 . arch     39 . aperture     40 . L-shaped bracket     41 . carrying bag     42 . carrying bag attachment means     43 . handle     44 . cross member     45 . door     46 . horizontal door frame support     47 . hinge     48 . locking means       
 
         [0084]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a perspective front view of a habitat  1  frame  2  of the present invention that surrounds a basin  3  is illustrated. The habitat  1  comprises a frame  2  having at least four vertical supports  4 , preferably a front right vertical support  5 , a rear right vertical support  6 , a rear left vertical support  7  and a front left vertical support  8 . Bottom horizontal supports  9  connect bottom ends  10  of the vertical supports  4  and extend between the front right vertical support  5  and the rear right vertical support  6 , between the rear right vertical support  6  and the rear left vertical support  7 , and between the rear left vertical support  7  and the front left vertical support  8 . Middle horizontal supports  11  connect middle portions  12  of the vertical supports  4  and extend between the front right vertical support  5  and the rear right vertical support  6 , between the rear right vertical support  6  and the rear left vertical support  7 , between the rear left vertical support  8  and the front left vertical support  8  and between the front left vertical support  8  and the front right vertical support  5 . Top horizontal supports  13  connect top ends  14  of the vertical supports  4  and extend between the front right vertical support  5  and the rear right vertical support  6 , between the rear right vertical support  6  and the rear left vertical support  7 , between the rear left vertical support  7  and the front left vertical support  8  and between the front left vertical support  8  and the front right vertical support  5 . Upper cross bars  15  connect the top horizontal supports  13  and form an intersection  16  in the center of the habitat  1 . A perch attachment means  17 , such as a hook, eyelet, loop, bolt, clip and so forth, extends down from the intersection  16 . The perch attachment means  17  provides a means to attach and hang a perch  18 . Accessories  19  may then be attached to the perch, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . An upper attachment means  20 , such as a pipe fitting, sleeve and so forth, extends upward from the intersection  16 . The upper attachment means  20  provides a means for attaching a cleaning perch  21 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , preferably having a ring  22  for attaching a curtain  23 . Panel attachment means  24 , such as snaps, buttons, clips, hook and loop fastener and so forth, are located on the vertical supports  4 , bottom horizontal supports  9 , middle horizontal supports  11  and top horizontal supports  13  to allow a user to attach one or more panels  25  to the vertical supports  4 , bottom horizontal supports  9 , middle horizontal supports  11  and/or top horizontal supports  13  to enclose the habitat  1 . Wheels  26  are preferably located on the bottom ends  10  of the vertical supports  4  to allow a user to easily move the habitat  1  from location to location. An accessory attachment means  17 , such as a hook, eyelet, loop and so forth, extends down from the intersection  16 . The accessory attachment means  17  provides a means to attach and hang accessories, such as a perch  18 , rope  19  and so forth, in the habitat  1 . 
         [0085]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a front view of a habitat  1  of the present invention having a basin  3  located therein and panels  25  attached and a representative view of a right side view, rear side view and left side view of the habitat  1  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , respectively, are illustrated. The basin  3  has wheels  26  to allow a user to roll the basin  3  into the frame  2  between the front right vertical support  4  and the front left vertical support  7  and then be rolled with the frame  2  from location to location. Panel attachment means  24 , such as snaps, buttons, clips, hook and loop fastener and so forth, are located on the vertical supports  4 , bottom horizontal supports  9 , middle horizontal supports  11  and top horizontal supports  13  to allow a user to attach one or more panels  25  having panel attachment means  24  located thereon to the vertical supports  4 , bottom horizontal supports  9 , middle horizontal supports  11  and/or top horizontal supports  13  to enclose the habitat  1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the area between the front right vertical support  4  and the front left vertical support  7  does not have a panel attached thereto. The panels  25  may be constructed out of various materials, such as screen, cloth, 80/20 fabric, plastic, Plexiglas and so forth, and are interchangeable depending on the location a user places the habitat  1  or the type of animal being placed in the habitat  1 . 
         [0086]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a perspective front view of a habitat  1  frame  2  of the present invention that fits into a basin  3  is illustrated. The habitat comprises a frame  2  having at least four vertical supports  4 , preferably a front right vertical support  5 , a rear right vertical support  6 , a rear left vertical support  7  and a front left vertical support  8 . Bottom horizontal supports  9  connect bottom ends  10  of the vertical supports  4  and extend between the front right vertical support  5  and the&#39;rear right vertical support  6 , between the rear right vertical support  6  and the rear left vertical support  7 , between the rear left vertical support  7  and the front left vertical support  8 , and between the front left vertical support  8  and the front right vertical support  5 . Top horizontal supports  13  connect top ends  14  of the vertical supports  4  and extend between the front right vertical support  5  and the rear right vertical support  6 , between the rear right vertical support  6  and the rear left vertical support  7 , between the rear left vertical support  7  and the front left vertical support  8  and between the front left vertical support  8  and the front right vertical support  5 . Upper cross bars  15  connect the top horizontal supports  13  and form an intersection  16  in the center of the habitat  1 . An accessory attachment means  17 , such as a hook, eyelet, loop, bolt, clip and so forth, extends down from the intersection  16 . The accessory attachment means  17  provides a means to attach and hang accessories, such as a perch  18 , rope  19  and so forth, in the habitat  1 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . An upper attachment means  20 , such as a pipe fitting, sleeve and so forth, extends upward from the intersection  16 . The upper attachment means  20  provides a means for attaching a cleaning perch  21 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , preferably having a ring  22  for attaching a curtain  23 . Panel attachment means  24 , such as snaps, buttons, clips, hook and loop fastener and so forth, are located on the vertical supports  4 , bottom horizontal supports  9 , middle horizontal supports  11  and top horizontal supports  13  to allow a user to attach one or more panels  25  to the vertical supports  4 , bottom horizontal supports  9  and/or top horizontal supports  13  to enclose the habitat  1 . Wheels  26  are preferably located on the bottom ends  10  of the vertical supports  4  to allow a user to easily move the habitat  1  from location to location. An accessory attachment means  17 , such as a hook, eyelet, loop and so forth, extends down from the intersection  16 . The accessory attachment means  17  provides a means to attach and hang accessories, such as a perch  18 , rope  19  and so forth, in the habitat  1 . 
         [0087]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a side view of a habitat  1  frame  2  of the present invention with a basin  3  base is illustrated. The bottom horizontal supports  9  and bottom ends  10  of the vertical supports  4  fit within the basin  3 . The basin  3  has wheels  26  to allow a user to roll the basin  3  and the frame  2  from location to location. Panel attachment means  24 , such as snaps, buttons, clips, hook and loop fastener and so forth, are located on the vertical supports  4 , bottom horizontal supports  9 , middle horizontal supports  11  and top horizontal supports  13  to allow a user to attach one or more panels  25  having panel attachment means  24  located thereon to the vertical supports  4 , bottom horizontal supports  9  and/or top horizontal supports  13  to enclose the habitat  1 . 
         [0088]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , a perspective top view of a removable floor  27  of the present invention is illustrated. The removable floor  27  substantially rectangular-shaped and has notched corners  28 . When the removable floor is placed in the frame  2 , the sides  29  of the removable floor  27  rest on top of the bottom horizontal supports  9  and the notched corners  28  engage the vertical supports  4 , thereby preventing the removable floor  27  from sliding out of the frame  2 . The removable floor  27  is preferably placed in the frame  2  illustrated in  FIG. 4  when the frame  2  is not in the basin  3 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0089]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , a perspective top view of a basin  3  of the present invention is illustrated. The basin  3  comprises legs  30  having wheels  26  located thereon for rolling the basin  3  from location to location. The legs  30  support a tub  31  comprising a floor  32 , a vertical perimeter wall  33  and an angled perimeter wall  34  extending from an upper edge  35  of the vertical perimeter wall  33 . A drain  36  is located in the floor  32  of the tub  31 . The drain  36  may be threaded so it can be attached to plumbing. When the frame  2  is placed in the basin  3  the vertical perimeter wall  33  keeps the frame  2  in a stable position. When the frame  2  is placed in the basin  3  the removable floor  27  is preferably removed so waste will fall directly onto the floor  32  of the tub  31 . 
         [0090]    With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a perspective side view of a perch  18  of the present invention and a perspective side view of a perch  18  of the present invention having a removable floor  37 , respectively, are illustrated. The perch comprises a ring  22  having at least one arch  38  extending upward from and curving across the span of the ring  22  downward to the opposite side of the ring  22 . Each arch  38  preferably has a plurality of apertures  39  to allow a user to attach accessories  19 , such as toys, limbs, ropes and so forth (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 8 ), to an arch  38  via an accessory attachment means  40 , such as a nut and bolt. Substantially L-shaped brackets  40  extend from the ends of the arches  38  and provides support for a removable floor  37 . The removable floor  37  may be used in conjunction with the carrying bag  41  illustrated in  FIG. 10  to allow a user to transport an animal in the perch  18 . 
         [0091]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , a side view of a carrying bag  41  of the present invention is illustrated. A user may remove the perch illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  from a habitat  1  and place the perch  18  in the carrying bag  41 , which is preferably made of a screen material, to create a means of transporting an animal from one location to another. A carrying bag attachment means  42 , such as a hook and loop fastener, allows a user to seal the perch  18  within the carrying bag  41 . Handles  43  provide a means for carrying the carrying bag  41  and perch  18 . 
         [0092]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , a perspective side view of a cleaning perch  21  of the present invention is illustrated. The cleaning perch  21  comprises a ring  22  having at least one arch  38  extending upward from and curving across the span of the ring  22  downward to the opposite side of the ring  22 . The arch  38  preferably has a plurality of apertures  39  to allow a user to attach accessories  19 , such as toys, limbs, ropes and so forth (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 8 ), to the arch  38  via an accessory attachment means  40 , such as a nut and bolt. An upper attachment means  20 , such as a pipe fitting, sleeve and so forth, extends downward from a cross member  44  that spans the diameter of the ring. The upper attachment means  20  provides a means for attaching a cleaning perch  21  to a frame  2  of the present invention to allow a space for an animal to rest while the habitat  1  is being cleaned. A user may attach a conventional shower curtain  23  to the ring  22  and enclose the habitat  1  during cleaning so water does not escape on surrounding areas while the habitat  1  is being sprayed. The cleaning perch  21  may also only comprise a ring  22  if an owner is not using the habitat  1  for a bird and is instead using the habitat to house another animal or as a utility sink or dog bath. 
         [0093]    Finally with reference to  FIG. 12 , a front perspective view of a frame  2  of the present invention having a door  45  for accessing the interior of the frame  2  without having to remove any panels  25  from the frame  2  is illustrated. Horizontal door frame supports,  46  are located between the front right vertical support  5  and the front left vertical support  8  to create a door frame. The door  45  is attached to the left vertical support  8  via one or more hinges  47 . A locking means  48 , such as a latch, door knob and so forth, allows a user to secure the door  45  in a closed position. Panel attachment means  17  are located on the door  45  to allow a user to attach a panel  25  to the door  45 . 
         [0094]    It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. Although the embodiment shown here has a square shape, then invention may be any shape, such as circular, hexagonal, etc., to be adapted to any shape of bird cage. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.