Patent Publication Number: US-11377907-B2

Title: Animal crate

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/432,100, filed Feb. 14, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/069,002, filed Mar. 14, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/161,950, filed Jan. 23, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/758,400, filed on Jan. 30, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/879,716, filed on Sep. 19, 2013, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for containing animals, and in particular to a collapsible wire crate for containing animals. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The use of animal cages is well known in the prior art. Many conventional cages have been developed over the years for housing animals of different sizes, and through the development of these cages flexibility and portability have become points of emphasis. Some conventional cages, for example, have been designed to collapse to a compact position for portability. Others have been designed of light weight and from durable materials. Conventional cages have been designed for ease of transporting an animal. 
     Most conventional cages include at least one door for providing access to the interior of the cage. An animal can enter or exit the cage through the opening when the door is opened, and the animal can be safely contained in the cage when the door is closed. Many conventional cages include a door that is attached to the cage via a hinge. This allows the door to be swung open and closed. A spring activated latch or the like have been incorporated into the design of the door to allow a user to open or securely lock the door. 
     Many of these conventional designs have limitations, however. For instance, the door that is hingedly attached to the cage can be swung open or closed too quickly and scratch or damage another object such as a wall or furniture. Hinged doors also require placement in a location with enough space to allow the door to swing open. This limits where the cage may be placed or stored. In addition, due to the hinged connection, the door may not be able to remain partially opened, i.e., the door is either in an open position or closed position. 
     Therefore, a need exists for an improved animal crate that can be collapsible, portable, and overcomes some of the above-mentioned limitations in the prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a door assembly for an animal enclosure is provided. The door assembly includes a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and enter or exit the interior of the enclosure; a door configured to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the door frame, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being slidably coupled to the door frame to allow egress and ingress through the opening; a latch pivotably coupled to the door, wherein the latch includes a latching mechanism removably coupled to one of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door frame; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced from one another such that the first vertical wire is at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire coupled to the door frame; wherein, the first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the first guide wire between the open and closed positions, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the second guide wire between the open and closed positions. 
     In one example, the door assembly includes a catch member coupled to the frame, the catch member configured to engage the door in the closed position. In a second example, a first wire of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door has a first end and a second end, the first end being removably engaged to the catch member in the closed position. In a third example, the latch is pivotably coupled about the first wire of the door. In a fourth example, the door frame comprises a first support wire and a second support wire, the first support wire being vertically spaced from the second support wire; and the catch member being coupled to the first support wire and the second support wire. 
     In a fifth example, the latch is formed by a single wire having a first end and a second end, the first end forming a curled end and pivotably coupled to a horizontal wire of the door and the second end being bent and pivotably coupled to the horizontal wire; and the latching mechanism is formed by a bend in the second end of the single wire; further wherein, the latching mechanism is releasably coupleable to any location along the length of the one of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door frame to position the door in the open position, the closed position, and any position therebetween. In a sixth example, the first guide wire and the second guide wire are bent to form guide openings. In a seventh example, the size of each guide opening is substantially the same and each defines the length or distance of travel of the door. 
     In a seventh example, the first vertical wire comprises a curled first end coupled to the first guide wire and a substantially straight second end; and the second vertical wire comprises a curled first end coupled to the second guide wire and a substantially straight second end. In an eighth example, the door assembly includes a third guide wire coupled to the door frame; and a fourth guide wire coupled to the door frame; wherein, the substantially straight second end of the first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the third guide wire, and the substantially straight second end of second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the fourth guide wire. In a ninth example, the first guide wire and the second guide wire are coupled near the top of the door frame, and the third guide wire and the fourth guide wire are coupled near the bottom of the door frame. In a tenth example, the third guide wire and the fourth guide wire are bent to form guide openings through which the first and second vertical wires, respectively, move through between the open and closed positions. 
     In another embodiment of this disclosure, an animal crate includes a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and enter or exit the interior of the animal crate; a door configured to move laterally between an open position and a closed position relative to the door frame, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires; and at least two mechanisms releasably coupling the door to the door frame in the closed position, where one of the two mechanisms is pivotably coupled to the door and the second of the two mechanisms is affixed to the door frame; wherein, the first of the two mechanisms is releasably coupleable to any location along a length of one of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door frame such that the door is disposable relative to the door frame in the open position, the closed position, or any position therebetween. 
     In one example, the first of the two mechanisms comprises a latch pivotably coupled to the door, wherein the latch is pivotable between a first position in which the latch is engaged with the one horizontal wire of the door frame and a second position in which the latch is disengaged from the one horizontal wire of the door frame. In a second example, the second of the two mechanisms comprises a catch member coupled to the frame, the catch member configured to engage the door only in the closed position. In a third example, the animal crate includes a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced from one another such that the first vertical wire is at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire coupled to the door frame; wherein, the first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the first guide wire between the open and closed positions, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the second guide wire between the open and closed positions. In a fourth example, the animal crate includes a first wire of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door having a first end and a second end, the first end being elastically bent outwards away from interior of the animal crate; wherein, the first end engages the second of the two mechanisms in the closed position and maintains the door in the closed position until the first end is disengaged from the second of the two mechanisms. 
     In a different embodiment, an animal enclosure includes a top member, a bottom member, and a plurality of side members, wherein the top member, bottom member, and the plurality of side members define an interior of the enclosure; a door frame defined by at least one of the side members, the door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and enter or exit the interior of the enclosure; a door formed by a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires, the door being movable laterally between an open position and a closed position relative to the door frame, wherein the opening is accessible in the open position and inaccessible in the closed position; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the plurality of vertical wires of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced from one another such that the first vertical wire is at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is at a second end of the door; a first guide wire and a second guide wire coupled near a top end of the door frame and a third guide wire and a fourth guide wire coupled near a bottom end of the door frame; and a plurality of mechanisms releasably coupling the door to the door frame in the closed position, where one of the plurality of mechanisms is pivotably coupled to the door and a second of the plurality of mechanisms is affixed to the door frame; wherein, a first end of the first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the first guide wire between the open and closed positions, and a second end of the first vertical wire is in contact with the third guide wire in the open and closed positions; further wherein, a first end of the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the second guide wire between the open and closed positions, and a second end of the second vertical wire is in contact with the fourth guide wire in the open and closed positions. 
     In one example, the one of the plurality of mechanisms comprises a latch pivotably coupled to the door, the latch including a latching mechanism that is releasably coupleable to one of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door frame in the closed position; wherein, the latching mechanism is releasably coupleable to the one horizontal wire of the door frame at any location along its length such that the door is disposable relative to the door frame in the open position, the closed position, or any position therebetween. In a second example, the second of the plurality of mechanisms comprises a catch member coupled to the frame, the catch member defining an opening for receiving an end of one of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door in the closed position. 
     In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a door assembly for an animal enclosure includes a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and enter or exit the interior of the enclosure; a door configured to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the door frame, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being slidably coupled to the door frame to allow egress and ingress through the opening; a catch member coupled to the door frame, the catch member formed by a substantially U-shaped wire; a latch comprising a base member, a bolt, and a lever portion, where the bolt is slidably coupled to the base member; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced from one another such that the first vertical wire is at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire coupled to the door frame; wherein, the first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the first guide wire between the open and closed positions, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the second guide wire between the open and closed positions; further wherein, in the closed position, the bolt is coupled to the first vertical wire. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the bolt includes a single wire forming a substantially straight portion and a bent portion, the bent portion coupling to the first vertical wire in the closed position. In a second example, the bolt is rotatably disposed within at least one bolt opening defined by the base member. In a third example, the bolt is rotatably between a latched position and an unlatch position, the bolt being coupled to the first vertical wire in the latched position; and the bent portion is oriented in a direction away from the door opening in the latched position, and oriented in an upward direction in the unlatched position. In a fourth example, the catch member includes a first end and a second end, the first end and second end spaced from one another and coupled to an outer vertical wire of the door frame. 
     In a fifth example, the catch member is coupled to another vertical wire of the door frame at locations which are spaced horizontally from the first and second ends. In a sixth example, the catch member is partially disposed within a first plane and a second plane, the first plane and second plane being substantially perpendicular to one another. In a seventh example, the first vertical wire includes a substantially U-shaped bend between its two ends, the substantially U-shaped bend forming a recessed area in which the catch member is received in the closed position. In a further example of this embodiment, the door assembly may include a third guide wire coupled to the door frame; and a fourth guide wire coupled to the door frame; wherein, the first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the third guide wire, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the fourth guide wire. 
     In yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a door assembly for an animal enclosure includes a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and enter or exit the interior of the enclosure; a door configured to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the door frame, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being slidably coupled to the door frame to allow egress and ingress through the opening; a catch member coupled to the door frame, the catch member having a first end and a second end; a latch comprising a base member, a bolt, and a lever portion, where the bolt is slidably coupled to the base member; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced from one another such that the first vertical wire is at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire coupled to the door frame; wherein, the first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the first guide wire between the open and closed positions, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the second guide wire between the open and closed positions; further wherein, in the closed position, the bolt is coupled to the first vertical wire. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the first end and second end of the catch member are spaced from one another and coupled to an outer vertical wire of the door frame. In a second example, the first end and second of the catch member are integrally coupled to one another such that the catch member is formed by a single, continuous wire. In a third example, the catch member includes a substantially closed loop design. In a fourth example, the catch member is coupled to another vertical wire of the door frame at locations which are spaced horizontally from the first and second ends. In a fifth example, the bolt includes a single wire forming a substantially straight portion and a bent portion, the bent portion coupling to the first vertical wire in the closed position; and the bolt is rotatably disposed within at least one bolt opening defined by the base member. 
     In a sixth example, the bolt is rotatably between a latched position and an unlatch position, the bolt being coupled to the first vertical wire in the latched position; and the bent portion is oriented in a direction away from the door opening in the latched position, and oriented in an upward direction in the unlatched position. In a seventh example, the catch member is partially disposed within a first plane and a second plane, the first plane and second plane being substantially perpendicular to one another. In an eighth example, the first vertical wire comprises a substantially U-shaped bend between its two ends, the substantially U-shaped bend forming a recessed area in which the catch member is received in the closed position. In another example, the door assembly includes a third guide wire coupled to the door frame; and a fourth guide wire coupled to the door frame; wherein, the first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the third guide wire, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the fourth guide wire. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, an animal crate includes a plurality of members including a top member, a bottom member, and a side member, wherein the top member, bottom member and the side member are coupled to one another to define an interior, where each member is formed by a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires; a door frame formed in the side member and include a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and enter or exit the interior of the enclosure; a door configured to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the door frame, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being slidably coupled to the door frame to allow egress and ingress through the opening; a catch member coupled to the door frame, the catch member having a first end and a second end; a latch comprising a base member, a bolt, and a lever portion, where the bolt is slidably coupled to the base member; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced from one another such that the first vertical wire is at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire coupled to the door frame; wherein, the first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the first guide wire between the open and closed positions, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the second guide wire between the open and closed positions; further wherein, in the closed position, the bolt is coupled to the first vertical wire. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wire crate; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a door frame and door of the wire crate of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  is an enlarged perspective view of a first door stop mechanism of the door frame of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first side member of the wire crate of  FIG. 1  with the door in the closed position; 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged perspective view of a latch assembly of the wire crate of  FIG. 1  disposed in a latched position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the first side member of  FIG. 3  with the door in a partially open position; 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged perspective view of the latch system of  FIG. 3A  in a partially unlatched position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the wire crate of  FIG. 1  in a collapsed position; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another wire crate; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a door frame and door of the wire crate of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a partial enlarged perspective view of the door frame and door of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a door frame and door of  FIG. 7  in a closed position; 
         FIG. 8A  is a partial enlarged perspective view of the door frame and door of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the door frame and door of  FIG. 7  in an open position; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a different wire crate; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a door frame and door of the wire crate of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a partial enlarged perspective view of the door frame and door of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the door frame and door of  FIG. 10  in an open position; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wire animal crate; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a door frame and door of the wire crate of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 14A  is a partial enlarged perspective view of the door frame and door of  FIG. 13 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the door frame and door of  FIG. 13  in an open position. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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. 
     The present disclosure relates to a collapsible wire crate. The wire crate can be used for multiple purposes, such as to contain an animal or for storing an object. The crate can be made of any size for accommodating an object of any size. In addition, the crate can be made of different materials including aluminum, plastic, and steel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a crate  100  is shown. The crate  100  can be formed of substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap one another to define an interior portion. One or more of the horizontal wires can be coupled to one or more of the vertical wires, and vice versa, to add structural integrity to the crate  100 . For instance, the wires may be welded, adhered, fastened, or coupled to one another through a variety of means. The crate  100  can include a top member  102 , a bottom member  104 , a front member  106 , and a back member  108 . The crate  100  can further include a first side member  110  and a second side member  112 , where the first side member  110  is oppositely disposed from the second side member  112 . The dimensions of each member can vary to accommodate the size of any animal, for example. In an upright, fully assembled orientation or position, the top member  102 , bottom member  104 , front member  106 , back member  108 , first side member  110 , and second side member  112  can define an interior of the crate  100  which is sized to receive and accommodate an animal or other object, as desired. 
     In one aspect, the front member  106 , back member  108 , top member  102 , and bottom member  104  can form a continuous structure. In other words, these members can be fixedly attached to one another. Alternatively, the top member  102 , bottom member  104 , first side member  110 , and second side member  112  can form a continuous structure such that the top member  102  and bottom member  104  are affixed to the first side member  110  and second side member  112 . In a different aspect, each member may be removably coupled to one another such that the different members are removably coupled to one another. 
     Each of the top member  102 , bottom member  104 , front member  106 , back member  108 , first side member  110 , and second side member  112  can be formed by a plurality of overlapping horizontal and vertical wires or rods. The number of horizontal and vertical wires as well as the spacing therebetween can vary. If a smaller animal is being contained in the crate  100 , the spacing may be desirably smaller than if a larger animal is being contained. 
     In  FIG. 1 , the first side member  110  of the crate  100  can define a door frame which includes corresponding structure for accommodating a door  114 . The door  114  can also be made of substantially overlapping horizontal and vertical wires as shown in  FIG. 1 . Further, the door  114  can be movably disposed between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, i.e., in  FIG. 2 , the first side member  110  defines an opening  204  ( FIG. 2 ) that provides access to the interior of the crate  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the door  114  can move between the closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and the open position ( FIG. 2 ) by moving the door  114  in a lateral direction identified by arrow  200  in  FIG. 2 . In this manner, the door  114  is disposed in a plane, and as the door moves between the open and closed positions, the door  114  remains in the plane. The door  114  can move relative to the first side member  110  along a first horizontal wire  206  and a second horizontal wire  208 . The first horizontal wire  206  and the second horizontal wire  208  can also be referred to as guide wires. In  FIG. 2 , the first horizontal wire  206  is disposed near the top edge of the first side member  110  and the second horizontal wire  208  is disposed near the bottom edge of the first side member  110 . 
     The first horizontal wire  206  and second horizontal wire  208  may be offset in a direction opposite the interior of the crate from the first side member  110  by a distance sufficient to allow the door  114  to be slidably coupled to the first horizontal wire  206  and second horizontal wire  208 . Stated another way, the first side member  110  can include an outer frame wire  210  that is continuous about the four edges of the first side member  110 . The outer frame wire  210  can be defined in a first plane. The first horizontal wire  206  and second horizontal wire  208  can be at least partially disposed offset from the first plane such that both wires are disposed in a second plane, where the second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane. The spacing between the first plane and second plane can allow the door  114  to move along the first horizontal wire  206  and second horizontal wire  208  without contacting or being interfered by the other horizontal and vertical wires of the first side member  110  while being sufficiently close to side member  110  to restrict access into or out of the interior of crate  100  when the door  114  is in the closed position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , while the first horizontal wire  206  and second horizontal wire  208  are offset or spaced from the outer frame wire  210 , both wires can be coupled at each respective end to the outer frame wire  210 . For instance, the first horizontal wire  206  can be coupled at one end  212  and at an opposite end  214  to the outer frame wire  210 . Similarly, the second horizontal wire can be coupled at one end  216  and at an opposite end  218  thereof to the outer frame wire  210 . The wires can be coupled to the outer frame wire  210  by means of welding, adhesive, a fastener or coupler, press-fit (e.g., the horizontal wire can wrap around the outer frame wire  210  to form a press-fitting), or any other known means. 
     To offset both horizontal wires from the outer frame wire, the first horizontal wire  206  can include a first transverse bend  220  defined in the wire  206  near its first end  212  and a second transverse bend  222  near its second end  214 . The bends at each end of the first horizontal wire  206  allows a substantial portion of the length of the wire  206  to be offset from the first plane defined by the outer frame wire  210  while remaining close enough to side panel  110  to restrict access into or out of the crate  100  when door  114  is in the closed position. This, in effect, allows the door  114  to move about this substantial portion of the first horizontal wire  206  in a smooth manner. Likewise, the second horizontal wire  208  can include a first transverse bend  224  disposed near its first end  216  and a second transverse bend  226  disposed near its second end  218 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the door  114  does not include any means for sliding or moving about the first horizontal wire  206  and second horizontal wire  208 , (e.g., casters or wheels), but in other embodiments a mechanism to facilitate the movement along the wires (e.g., casters) may be included to assist with opening and closing the door  114 . In the present embodiment, the material used for each wire, and in particular the wires that move relative to one another, can include properties that allow for a smooth opening and closing of the door  114 . Alternatively, a supplemental material may be disposed along the horizontal wires  206 ,  208  to further accommodate movement of the door  114  relative thereto. 
     The first side member  110  may also include a first door stop mechanism  202  and a second door stop mechanism  203 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The first and second door stop mechanisms  202 ,  203  can be partially formed by a vertical wire  228  that is coupled to outer frame wire  210  near a top portion  254  and bottom portion  252 , respectively, of the first side member  110 . In  FIG. 2A , the vertical wire  228  can be coupled to the outer frame wire  210  at a first location  236  and to a different horizontal wire  234  of the first side member  110  at a second location  238 . Each of the first location  236  and second location  238  are locations along the length of the vertical wire  228  and each is spaced from the other by a defined distance. Between the first location  236  and the second location  238 , the vertical wire  228  includes a protruding portion  232  that can function as a door stop member. The protruding portion  232  can include a substantially U-shaped structure that protrudes by at least a distance in which the wire  228  at least partially passes through the second plane created by the offset portions of the horizontal wires  206 ,  208 . 
     Similarly, the second door stop mechanism  203  can also be formed by the vertical wire  228  that is coupled to outer frame wire  210  near the bottom of the first side member  110 . The vertical wire  228  can be coupled to the outer frame wire  210  at a first location  252  and to a horizontal wire  250  of the first side member  110  at a second location  260 . Each of the first location  252  and second location  260  are locations along the length of the vertical wire  228  and each is spaced from the other by a defined distance. Between the first location  252  and the second location  260 , the vertical wire  228  includes a protruding portion that can function as a door stop member. The protruding portion can include a substantially U-shaped structure that protrudes by at least a distance in which the wire  228  at least partially passes through the first plane and the second plane created by the offset portions of the horizontal wires  206 ,  208 . 
     Further, the first door stop mechanism  202  and the second door stop mechanism  203  can be coupled to the horizontal wires  206  and  208 , respectively. For example, the protruding portion  232  of the first door stop mechanism  202  can be coupled to the horizontal wire  206  at the point of intersection  233 . Coupling the protruding portion  232  to the horizontal wire  206  can improve the structural integrity of the horizontal wire  206  while reducing deflection between the horizontal wire  206  and the protruding portion  232  of the first door stop mechanism  202 . By reducing the deflection between the protruding portion  232  and the horizontal wire  206 , the first door stop mechanism  202  can restrict or limit the door  114  from opening further than desired. Likewise, the protruding section of the second door stop mechanism  203  can similarly be coupled to the horizontal wire  208  in the same manner as the first door stop mechanism  202 . The first and second door stop mechanisms  202 ,  203  create two points of contact that simultaneously restrict or limit the door  114  from moving further than desired, or stated another way, define the distance or amount by which the door  114  opens. 
     In this manner, the first door stop mechanism  202  and second door stop mechanism  203  can restrict movement of the door  114  from opening beyond a certain distance via interference between the door  114  and the first side member  110 . The first door stop mechanism  202  and second door stop mechanism  203  can be positioned along the same vertical member  228  to ensure both door stop mechanisms  202 ,  203  contact the door  114  at about the same time. The door stop mechanisms  202 ,  203  may restrict the door  114  from opening further than desired by contacting hooks  240  and  242  when the door is in the fully open position  200 . The door stop mechanisms  202 ,  203  may also be used to restrict the door  114  from closing farther than desired when contacted by hooked ends  246  and  248  of the door  114  as shown in  FIG. 3  while a first vertical wire  230  of the door  114  simultaneously contacts a side stop member  306 . 
     First door stop mechanism  202  and second door stop mechanism  203  can be formed in the first side member  110  at any desired location along any vertical wire of the first side member  110  in a manner that necessarily restricts movement of the door  114  when the door  114  is either opened or closed to a desired position. In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first door stop mechanism  202  and the second door stop mechanism  203  are disposed near the center of the first side member  110  such that when the door  114  is in the open position, the width of the defined opening  204  occupies about half of the entire width of the first side member  110  and when the door  114  is closed, the latch assembly  300  is positioned to allow latch member  304  to be positioned on the outer edge of side stop member  306  (i.e. to the side nearest the outer frame wire  210 ). This is only one embodiment, however, and this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments. One skilled in the art would understand how a plurality of different locations could be used to implement the door stop mechanisms  202 ,  203  or use different horizontal wires on the first side member  110  to restrict and facilitate movement of the door  114  between the open and closed positions. 
     To accommodate movement along the first horizontal wire  206  and second horizontal wire  208 , the door  114  can include at least a first vertical wire  230  and a second vertical wire  244 . The first vertical wire  230  can be disposed at one end of the door  114  and the second vertical wire  244  can be disposed at an opposite end thereof. For instance, in  FIG. 2 , the first vertical wire  230  is disposed near the rightside of the door  114  and the second vertical wire  244  is disposed near the leftside of the door  114 . Other variations are possible, however, and the door  114  can include additional vertical wires that facilitate movement along direction  200 . 
     The first vertical wire  230  can include a first end  240  and a second end  242 . The first end  240  can form a hooked end that slidably engages the first horizontal wire  206 . Likewise, the second end  242  can form a hooked end that slidably engages the second horizontal wire  208 . The hooked ends  240 ,  242  define an opening that is appropriately sized such that the first and second horizontal wires can fit therein. Moreover, the sized openings are sufficiently large to allow for smooth movement of the hooked ends  240 ,  242  relative to the first and second horizontal wires  206 ,  208 . Similarly, the second vertical wire  244  can include a first end  246  and a second end  248 . The first end  246  can form a hooked end that slidably engages the first horizontal wire  206  and the second end  248  can form a hooked end that slidably engages the second horizontal wire  208 . The hooked ends  246 ,  248  can also define openings sufficiently sized to allow for smooth movement of the hooked ends  246 ,  248  relative to the first and second horizontal wires  206 ,  208 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the hooked ends  240 ,  242 ,  246 ,  248  can be modified extensions of the vertical wires  230 ,  244  that form the vertical ends of the door  114 . These hooked ends may be positioned to ensure the door  114  maintains a substantially planar orientation that is parallel to the side member  110  but allows the door to slide horizontally along the first horizontal wire  206  and second horizontal wire  208 . Moreover, the hooked ends  240 ,  242  of the first vertical wire  230  may contact the door stop mechanisms  202 ,  203  when the door  114  reaches its fully open position (e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) and the hooked ends  246 ,  248  of the second vertical wire  244  may contact the door stop mechanisms  202 ,  203  when the door  114  reaches its fully closed position (e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2-4 , the first side member  110  and door  114  can form a latch assembly  300  for securely maintaining the door  114  in the closed position (e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). The latch assembly  300  can include a contact member  310  and a latch member  304  that are coupled to the door  114 . The latch member  304  can be formed by a single wire that is bent in a plurality of locations and then is coupled to a vertical wire  302  of the door  114  at a first location  308  and a second location  312 . The latch member  304  may also be coupled to the first vertical wire  230  at a third location  402  and a fourth location  404 . The latch member  304  can be spaced from the vertical wire  230  such that a gap or space d is defined therebetween to allow the side stop member  306  to be located in this defined gap or space d when the door  114  is in the closed position ( FIG. 3 ). The manner in which the latch member  304  is coupled to the door  114  can be via welding, adhesive, fastener, or other known means to the skilled artisan. The contact member  310  can be coupled to the latch member  304  in any of a plurality of manners. For instance, the contact member  310  can be a substantially solid, flat piece of material that can be bent around an upper and lower portion or wire of the latch member  304  to form a press-fit coupling. The contact member  310  may also be welded, adhered, fastened, or coupled in other known ways. Moreover, the latch member  304  or contact member  310  may be coupled to a horizontal wire  320  of the door  114  for further rigidity and support of the latch assembly  300 . 
     The latch assembly  300  may also include a portion formed on the first side member  110 . In particular, the first side member  110  can include a vertical wire  314  that defines at least one side of the opening  204  (see  FIG. 2 ). A first support wire  316  and a second support wire  318  can be horizontally disposed along the first side member  110  such that each support wire is coupled at one end to the vertical wire  314  and at an opposite end thereof to the outer frame wire  210  (see  FIG. 4A ). In addition, the latch assembly  300  further includes a side stop member  306  which can be formed by a single wire. The side stop member  306  can be coupled to the first support wire  316  near one end and to the second support wire  318  near an opposite end thereof. The side stop member  306  can be welded, adhered, fastened, bent in a press-fit coupling, or coupled in any other known manner to the support wires. The side stop member  306  can form a substantially U-shaped member except at each respective end where the side stop member  306  is coupled to the support wires. 
     In order to secure the door  114  to the first side member  110  in the closed position, the door  114  can be moved laterally in a direction  200  towards the side stop member  306 . In  FIG. 4 , for example, the door  114  is shown partially opened. To reach the closed position, the latch member  304  and contact member  310  can be pressed inwardly towards the interior of the crate  100  while simultaneously moving the door  114  towards the side stop member  306 . In doing so, the latch member  304  can move laterally to the opposing side of the side stop member  306  (i.e., to the side nearest the outer frame wire  210 ). When the force applied to the contact member  310  and latch member  304  is released, the latch member  304  may become disposed at a location opposite the side stop member  306  as the first vertical wire  230  contacts or engages the side stop member  306 . The latching engagement of the latch member  304  and side stop member  306  can prevent the door  114  from moving or sliding to the open position ( FIG. 2 ). 
     To open the latched door  114 , the latch member  304  can be disengaged from the side stop member  306  by applying a force inwardly against the contact member  310  or latch member  304  while subsequently moving or sliding the door  114  along direction  200  away from the side stop member  306 . While the contact member  310  is moved inwardly due to the applied force, the latch member  304  may pass behind (i.e., towards the interior of the crate  100 ) the side stop member  306  as the door  114  moves towards the open position. Once the latch member  304  passes by and clears the side stop member  306  (i.e. the door  114  is in a partially opened position  400 ), the inwardly applied force can be released and the door  114  may simply be moved in either the open or closed direction  200 . The latch assembly  300  described in this embodiment is not exhaustive and should not limit its application. Many latches used in the industry such as a hook and loop, a sliding member, a wedge and spring etc. should be considered as incorporated herein. 
     This, of course, allows the side door  114  to be opened in such a way that the door  114  is out of the way and does not interfere with accessing the interior of the crate. In addition, the side door  114  does not swing open and risk scratching, denting, or damaging nearby objects such as walls, furniture, etc. When the side door  114  is opened, the opening  200  defined in the first side member  110  allows for access to the interior of the crate  100 . 
     While one particular embodiment has been described utilizing a sliding door located on the first side member  100 , it is to be understood that any of the top member  102 , front member  106 , back member  108 , or second side member  112  could include a similar door and latch assembly. Moreover, one or more doors may be configured in one or more of the members so that access to the interior of the crate  100  is possible via two or more doors. In addition, the particular orientation of the different wires and direction of moving the respective door should not limit this disclosure. For instance, one skilled in the art could understand from this disclosure that a wire crate could be designed with at least one door moves vertically instead of horizontally and in any direction between. Therefore, this disclosure should be seen to encompass the plurality of door member locations and door movement directions that could be used by applying the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the crate  100  can be easily collapsed into a compact position  500 . This can enable the crate  100  to be portable, for example, in a vehicle or airplane. Moreover, the crate  100  can be easily stored in a box, carton, travelling bag, or other storage means while in the compact position  500 . The crate  100  can be assembled from the collapsed or compact position  500  to an upright, assembled position as shown in  FIG. 1 . To do so, the bottom member  104  can be disposed on a flat surface. In this position, the front member  106  is on top with the top member  102  directly beneath the front member  106 . The back member  108  can be positioned beneath the top member  102 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the front member  106  can be hingedly or pivotally coupled to the top member  102  via a plurality of hooks  116  engaging an outer frame wire  122  of the top member  102 . Similar to the outer frame wire  210  of the first side member  110 , the outer frame wire  122  of the top member  102  is an outermost, single wire that forms the dimensions of the top member  102 . Like the front member  106 , the back member  108  can include a plurality of hooks  124  that engage the outer frame wire  122  of the top member  102 . 
     The front member  106  can also include a plurality of vertical wires having hooked ends  120  ( FIG. 1 ) that overlap a horizontal wire  118  of the bottom member  104 . In this arrangement, the front member  106  can be disengaged from the top member  102  by disengaging the plurality of hooks  116  from the outer frame wire  122  and pivoting the front member  106  about the horizontal wire  118  of the bottom member. In this manner, the front member  106  is removably coupled to the top member  102  and pivotally coupled to the bottom member  104 . The back member  108  can include similar hooked ends for engaging a horizontal wire on the bottom member  104  such that it is similarly coupled to the top member  102  and bottom member  104  as the front member  106 . 
     Thus, based on the connections between the front member  106  and back member  108  relative to the top member  102  and bottom member  104 , the crate  100  can be assembled to its upright position of  FIG. 1  by pivoting the front member  106  about the horizontal wire  118  of the bottom member  104  and then lifting the top member  102 . The top member  102  can be lifted to a position so that the back member  108  can be pivoted about the bottom member  104  to a substantially upright position. Once the front member  106  and back member  108  are pivoted to substantially upright positions, the plurality of hooks  116  on the front member  106  and plurality of hooks  124  on the back member  108  can be engaged to the outer frame wire  122  of the top member  102  to complete the assembly of the crate  100 . 
     To collapse the crate  100  from the upright position of  FIG. 1  to the collapsed or compact position  500  of  FIG. 5 , the steps above can be reversed. Namely, the front member  106  and back member  108  can be disengaged from the top member  102 . One of the front member  106  and back member  108  can be pivoted relative to the bottom member  104  and disposed in a position above the bottom member  104 . The first side member  110  and second side member  112  can pivot relative to the top member  102  and bottom member  104  and collapse on top of the previously collapsed front member  106  or back member  108 . The uncollapsed front member  106  or back member  108  can then be folded on top of the other members to fully collapse the crate to its compact position  500 . 
     In the previously described embodiment, the front and back members can be removably coupled to the top member  102 . In another embodiment, the front and back members can be removably coupled to the bottom member  104 . Moreover, the first side member  110  and second side member  112  are pivotally coupled to the top member  102  and bottom member  104  to form a continuous structure. In an alternative embodiment, however, the front and back members can be pivotally coupled to the top and bottom members to form a continuous structure. In this alternative embodiment, the first side member  110  and second side member  112  can be removably coupled to one of the top member  102  and bottom member  104  so that the crate  100  can be collapsed to its compact position  500  of  FIG. 5 . In yet another alternative embodiment, each of the front member  106 , back member  108 , first side member  110 , and second side member  112  can be removably coupled to the top member  102  and bottom member  104 . Here, each of the six members can be completely disengaged from one another and stacked on top of one another to form a compact structure. Or, the top member  102  and bottom member  104  can be removably coupled to one of the front member  106 , back member  108 , first side member  110 , and second side member  112  and the front member  106 , back member  108 , first side member  110 , and second side member  112  can form a continuous structure. 
     In a similar embodiment, the first side member  110  and second side member  112  can be folded inwardly on top of the bottom member  104 . In this configuration, the front member  106 , top member  102 , and back member  108  are collapsed on top of the first side member  110  and second side member  112 . The first side member  110  and second side member  112  can be hingedly or pivotally coupled to the bottom member  104  to accommodate this means for collapsing the crate  100 . These members can be removably coupled or fixedly coupled to the bottom member  104 . As such, in another related embodiment, it can be possible for the top member  102 , front member  106 , and back member  108  to first collapse on top of the bottom member  104  and then for the first side member  110  and second side member  112  to fold on top thereof, with either the first side member  110  or second side member  112  resting on top of the other. 
     As another method for assembling the crate from the collapsed position, the top member  102  can be lifted away from the front member  106  to a position in which the top member  102  is substantially parallel and directly above the bottom member  104 . In this position, the front member  106  and back member  108  are substantially upright and parallel to one another. Once the top member  102 , front member  106 , and back member  108  are arranged in their upright positions, the first side member  110  and second side member  112  can be assembled. In one exemplary embodiment, the first side member  110  can be latched to the second side member  112  via a hook or other fastener (not shown), and to assemble, the two side members are disengaged from one another. The first side member  110  can then be raised to an upright position. The first side member  110  can be coupled to the top member  102  in a plurality of ways including as previously described. For instance, one such way is by aligning hooks which extend outward from the first side member  110  with an end wire on the top member  102 . Clips or other fasteners may also be used for coupling the first side member  110  to the top member  102  and/or the front member  106  and back member  108 . 
     Similarly, the second side member  112  can be lifted from its collapsed position to an upright position. In its upright position, the second side member  112  can be coupled to the top member  102  by aligning hooks near the top edge of the member with an end wire of the top member  102 . Clips or other fasteners may be used to further couple the second side member  112  to the top member  102  and/or front member  106  and back member  108 . The members may be coupled in other ways known to the skilled artisan. For instance, in another embodiment, the top member  102  can include hooks that engage the first side member  110  and second member  112 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , another embodiment of a crate  600  is shown. The crate  600  can be formed of substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap one another to define an interior portion. One or more of the horizontal wires can be coupled to one or more of the vertical wires, and vice versa, to add structural integrity to the crate  600 . For instance, the wires may be welded, adhered, fastened, or coupled to one another through a variety of means. The crate  600  can include a top member  602 , a bottom member  604 , a front member  606 , and a back member  608 . The crate  600  can further include a first side member  610  and a second side member  612 , where the first side member  610  is oppositely disposed from the second side member  612 . The dimensions of each member can vary to accommodate the size of any animal, for example. In an upright, fully assembled orientation or position, the top member  602 , bottom member  604 , front member  606 , back member  608 , first side member  610 , and second side member  612  can define an interior of the crate  600  which is sized to receive and accommodate an animal or other object, as desired. 
     In one aspect, the front member  606 , back member  608 , top member  602 , and bottom member  604  can form a continuous structure. In other words, these members can be fixedly attached to one another. Alternatively, the top member  602 , bottom member  604 , first side member  610 , and second side member  612  can form a continuous structure such that the top member  602  and bottom member  604  are affixed to the first side member  610  and second side member  612 . In a different aspect, each member may be removably coupled to one another such that the different members are removably coupled to one another. In the illustrated example of  FIG. 6 , a plurality of clips  622  can be used to fasten or couple the top member  602  to the front member  606  and the back member  608 . Similar clips or fasteners can be used to couple the other members of the crate  600 . 
     Each of the top member  602 , bottom member  604 , front member  606 , back member  608 , first side member  610 , and second side member  612  can be formed by a plurality of overlapping horizontal and vertical wires or rods. The number of horizontal and vertical wires as well as the spacing therebetween can vary. If a smaller animal is being contained in the crate  600 , the spacing may be desirably smaller than if a larger animal is being contained. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the first side member  610  of the crate  600  can define a door frame which includes corresponding structure for accommodating a door  614 . The door  614  can also be made of substantially overlapping horizontal and vertical wires as shown in  FIG. 6 . Further, the door  614  can be movably disposed between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, i.e., in  FIG. 9 , the first side member  610  defines an opening  902  that provides access to the interior of the crate  600 . 
     The crate  600  can further include a latch assembly  616  pivotably coupled to the door  614  to be releasably coupled to the first side member  610  to maintain or latch the door  614  in a closed position  800 . The first side member  610  can form a portion of a door frame for the door  614 , and as shown in  FIG. 6  can be formed by a plurality of horizontally and vertically disposed wires. 
     The front member  606  can be offset or spaced from the bottom member  604  to define a slot or opening  618  therebetween. In this manner, a pan (not shown), tray, pet bed, blanket or other apparatus can be slidably positioned above the bottom member  604  in the opening  618 . In this manner, an animal being contained within the crate  600  can rest on a more comfortable pet bed, comforter, tray, pan, etc. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the first side member  610  and the second side member  612  can include support wires  620  disposed in connection with the bottom member  604  to prevent the pet bed (not shown) from shifting laterally from the confined space. The back member  608  can also include similar support wires  620  to further position the pet bed, tray, pan, etc. within the defined opening  618 . In this configuration, the pan, bed, tray, etc. may only be positioned within the defined opening  618  in the front member  606 . Although not shown, the crate  600  can further include a latch or other mechanism to prevent the bed, pan, tray, etc. from sliding or moving out of position via the opening  618  (i.e., due to movement of the animal inside the crate). 
     In  FIG. 7 , the first side member  610  and door  614  are shown in greater detail. The first side member  610  can form a door frame for the door  614  such that the door  614  is slidably coupled thereto. As described above and shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the door  614  can be formed by a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. For instance, the door  614  can include a first horizontal wire  700  that extends from one end of the door  614  to the other end. The first horizontal wire  700  can include a bent end  702  as shown. The bent end  702  can have a degree of elasticity such that it can be elastically moved inward and outward (i.e., towards and away from the first side member  610 . 
     The first side member  610  can include a catch member  704  formed by a single, oval-shaped wire. The catch member  704  defines an opening therein that can receive the bent end  702  of the first horizontal wire  700  in a latched position. The bent end  702  can bias outwardly away from the first side member  610  such that when positioned in the defined opening of the catch member  704 , the catch member  704  can substantially restrain or hold the bent end  702  in a position to prevent the door  614  from easily being slid or moved from the closed position  800 . 
     The door  614  can also include a first vertical wire  706  and a second vertical wire  708 . The first vertical wire  706  and the second vertical wire  708  are disposed at opposite ends of the door  614 , where the bent end  702  of the first horizontal wire is coupled to the first vertical wire  706 . In one aspect, the bent end  702  can be coupled near or at the midpoint or center of the first vertical wire  706 . The first vertical wire  706  includes two ends, with a first end  714  forming a curled end and the second end  716  being substantially straight. Similarly, the second vertical wire  708  includes two ends, with a first end  710  forming a curled end and the second end  712  being substantially straight. 
     To accommodate the sliding or lateral movement of the door  614  relative to the first side member  610 , the first side member  610  can include a plurality of tracks or guides. For example, in  FIG. 7 , the first side member  610  can include a first guide member  718 , a second guide member  720 , a third guide member  722 , and a fourth guide member  724 . As shown in both  FIGS. 7 and 7A , the first guide member  718  and the second guide member  720  are formed as substantially oval or looped shaped structures. The first guide member  718  can define a first guide opening  726  and the second guide member  720  can define a second guide opening  728 . Although not shown, the third guide member  722  and fourth guide member  724  can also form similar defined guide openings therein. These oval-shaped structures, however, are only shown as illustrative examples. The guide members can be bent, curved, or otherwise formed to provide guide wires, tracks, channels, openings, etc. 
     Each guide opening has a first end and a second end defined by the respective guide member. In  FIG. 7A , for example, the first guide member  718  has an end  730  that defines one end of the guide opening  726 . Likewise, the second guide member  720  has an end  732  that defines one end of the guide opening  728 . The respective ends  730 ,  732  can abut one another such that both guide members  718 ,  720  are in contact with one another or are spaced from one another such that a gap exists between each respective end  730 ,  732 . In this manner, the length of travel of the door  614  can be defined by the distance between the respective ends of the guide openings (i.e., the travel distance along the first guide member  718  is defined between ends  908  and  730 , and the travel distance along the second guide member  720  is defined between ends  910  and  732 ). 
     As also shown in the illustrative embodiments of  FIGS. 6-9 , the first guide member  718 , the second guide member  720 , the third guide member  722 , and the fourth guide member  724  can each be formed by a single wire. As such, each wire can be bent, curled, or otherwise formed to define how the door  614  moves laterally with respect to the first side member  610 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 7A , the first end  714  of the first vertical wire  706  forms a loop or curled end such that the first end  714  is coupled to the first guide member  718 . Likewise, the first end  710  of the second vertical wire  708  forms a loop or curled end that is coupled to the second guide wire  720 . The first ends of both vertical wires can slide relative to the first guide member  718  and second guide member  720  to allow the door  614  to move between the closed position  800 , an open position  900 , and any position therebetween. 
     The first vertical wire  706  can have a length such that the second end  716  thereof protrudes through the defined opening of the third guide member  722 . Similarly, the second vertical wire  708  can have a length such that the second end  712  can protrude through the defined opening of the fourth guide member  724 . In this configuration, an animal cannot push the door  614  outward due to the interference created by the second ends of both vertical wires being at least partially captured in the defined openings of both guide members. 
     While the guide members are shown as forming loop or oval like structures, this is only illustrated as one example. In other examples, the first and second guide members can be single, substantially straight wires along which the first ends of both vertical wires slide. The third and fourth guide members may also be a single wire that is disposed outwardly from the first side member  610  such that the second ends of both vertical wires is disposed between respective guide wire and the first side member  610 . Other tracks, channels, guides, etc. can be used to facilitate substantially linear movement of the door  614  relative to the first side member  610 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 8, 8A, and 9 , the latch  616  is shown as being released or decoupled from the first side member  610  to further facilitate movement of the door  614  relative to the first side member  610 . The latch  616  can include a first end  814  and a second end  816  that are pivotally coupled to the first horizontal wire  700  of the door  614 . The second end  816  of the latch  616  can further include a latching mechanism  806  in the form of a bend or curve in a wire. In  FIG. 9 , the latch  616  and latching mechanism  806  are shown as being formed by a single wire. The single wire can include a first bend  912 , a second bend  914 , and a third bend  916 . The first bend  912  can be defined at approximately the same location along the single wire as the second end  816 , where the latch  616  is pivotably coupled to the first horizontal wire  700  of the door  614 . 
     In the closed position  800  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a horizontal wire  804  of the first side member  610  can be coupled or latched by the latching mechanism  806 . Here, the second bend  914  can define an opening for receiving the horizontal wire  804  of the first side member  610  or door frame. The latching mechanism  806  can prevent or limit movement of the door  614  in the lateral direction when the latching mechanism  806  engages or couples to the horizontal wire  804 . To release the latching mechanism  806 , the latch  616  is pivoted to the position  802  shown in  FIG. 8 , whereby the latching mechanism  806  is clear and no longer coupled to the horizontal wire  804 . 
     Once the latching mechanism  806  is decoupled from the horizontal wire  804 , the door  614  can be moved from the closed position  800  by also releasing or decoupling the bent end  702  of the first horizontal wire  700  from the catch member  704 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the catch member  704  can be a single wire coupled to a first support wire  808  and a second support wire  812  of the first side member  610 . As shown, the first and second support wires can be substantially horizontal wires to which the catch member  704  can be welded, fastened, adhered, or coupled in other known ways. The catch member  704  can define an opening  810  through which the bent end  702  is disposed in the closed position  800 . Since the bent end  702  can be elastically biased or deformed away from the door  614  to thereby latch or couple to the catch member  704 , to move the door  614  from the closed position  800  the bent end  702  can be pushed inward to release or disengage the door  614  from the catch member  704 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the door  614  is shown in the open position  900 . In this position, an opening or access  902  is defined between the door  614  and the first side member  610 . The size of the opening or access  902  can be varied by moving the door  614  in the direction indicated by arrow  906 . In addition, the latch  616  remains in a pivot position  904  to prevent the latching mechanism  806  from engaging the horizontal wire  804  of the first side member  610 . Since each of the plurality of vertical wires of the first side member  610  is spaced, the door  614  can be moved to and maintained in a partially open position by coupling the latching mechanism  806  with the horizontal wire  804  at approximately any location along its length between any two of the plurality of vertical wires that form the first side member  610 . 
     As described above and also shown in  FIG. 9 , the first guide member  718  can be formed by a single wire. The first end  714  of the first vertical wire  706  can move along the first guide member  718 , and the length of travel can be defined by the length of the first guide member  718 . The first guide member  718  can include one end  730  and an opposite end  908  such that the first end  714  of the first vertical wire  706  can travel the length defined by the distance between the first end  730  and second end  908 . Likewise, the second guide member  720  can be formed by a single wire having a length defined between a first end  732  and a second end  910 . The distance between the first end  732  and the second end  910  can define the length of travel by the first end  710  of the second vertical wire  708 . In one aspect, the lengths of the first guide member and the second guide member is about the same. In other words, the first ends of both vertical wires of the door  614  can travel about the same distance between the open and closed positions. In other embodiments, the lengths may differ and thus the lateral movement of the door  614  is defined by the smaller of the two openings. 
     In another example, the third guide member  722  can define a length that is similar to or the same as the length of the first guide member  718 . The fourth guide member  724  can have approximately the same length as the second guide member  720 . In other examples, the lengths or opening sizes of the guide members may differ, and the guide member having the shortest of the lengths or opening sizes can define the travel distance of the door  614 . 
     The crate  600  can also be collapsed into a collapsed position similar to that of  FIG. 5 . The crate  600  can also include a tray or pan that can be removably positioned or coupled to the crate. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , yet another embodiment of a collapsible crate  1000  is shown. The crate  1000  can be formed of substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap one another to define an interior portion. One or more of the horizontal wires can be coupled to one or more of the vertical wires, and vice versa, to add structural integrity to the crate  1000 . For instance, the wires may be welded, adhered, fastened, or coupled to one another through a variety of means. The crate  1000  can include a top member  1002 , a bottom member  1004 , a front member  1006 , and a back member  1008 . The crate  1000  can further include a first side member  1010  and a second side member  1012 , where the first side member  1010  is oppositely disposed from the second side member  1012 . The dimensions of each member can vary to accommodate the size of any animal, for example. In an upright, fully assembled orientation or position, the top member  1002 , bottom member  1004 , front member  1006 , back member  1008 , first side member  1010 , and second side member  1012  can define an interior of the crate  1000  which is sized to receive and accommodate an animal or other object, as desired. 
     In one aspect, the front member  1006 , back member  1008 , top member  1002 , and bottom member  1004  can form a continuous structure. In other words, these members can be fixedly attached to one another. Alternatively, the top member  1002 , bottom member  1004 , first side member  1010 , and second side member  1012  can form a continuous structure such that the top member  1002  and bottom member  1004  are affixed to the first side member  1010  and second side member  1012 . In a different aspect, each member may be removably coupled to one another such that the different members are removably coupled to one another. In the illustrated example of  FIG. 10 , a plurality of clips  1022  can be used to fasten or couple the top member  1002  to the front member  1006  and the back member  1008 . Similar clips or fasteners can be used to couple the other members of the crate  1000 . 
     Each of the top member  1002 , bottom member  1004 , front member  1006 , back member  1008 , first side member  1010 , and second side member  1012  can be formed by a plurality of overlapping horizontal and vertical wires or rods. The number of horizontal and vertical wires as well as the spacing therebetween can vary. If a smaller animal is being contained in the crate  1000 , the spacing may be desirably smaller than if a larger animal is being contained. 
     In  FIG. 10 , the first side member  1010  of the crate  1000  can define a door frame which includes corresponding structure for accommodating a door  1014 . The door  1014  can also be made of substantially overlapping horizontal and vertical wires as shown in  FIG. 10 . Further, the door  1014  can be movably disposed between an open position  1200  and a closed position  1100 . In the open position, i.e., in  FIG. 12 , the first side member  1010  defines an opening  1202  that provides access to the interior of the crate  1000 . 
     The crate  1000  can further include a latch assembly  1016  pivotably coupled to the door  1014  to be releasably coupled to the first side member  1010  to maintain or latch the door  1014  in a closed position  1100 . The first side member  1010  can form a portion of a door frame for the door  1014 , and as shown in  FIG. 10  can be formed by a plurality of horizontally and vertically disposed wires. 
     The front member  1006  can be offset or spaced from the bottom member  1004  to define a slot or opening  1018  therebetween. In this manner, a pan (not shown), tray, pet bed, blanket or other apparatus can be slidably positioned above the bottom member  1004  in the opening  1018 . In this manner, an animal being contained within the crate  1000  can rest on a more comfortable pet bed, comforter, tray, pan, etc. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the first side member  1010 , the second side member  1012 , and/or the bottom member  1004  can include support wires  1020  disposed in connection with the bottom member  1004  to prevent the pet bed (not shown) from shifting laterally from the confined space. The back member  1008  can also include similar support wires  1020  to further position the pet bed, tray, pan, etc. within the defined opening  1018 . In this configuration, the pan, bed, tray, etc. may only be positioned within the defined opening  1018  in the front member  1006 . Although not shown, the crate  1000  can further include a latch or other mechanism to prevent the bed, pan, tray, etc. from sliding or moving out of position via the opening  1018  (i.e., due to movement of the animal inside the crate). 
     In  FIGS. 11 and 11A , the first side member  1010  and door  1014  are shown in greater detail. The first side member  1010  can form a door frame for the door  1014  such that the door  1014  is slidably coupled thereto. A substantially U-shaped catch member  1102  can be coupled to the first side member  1010 . The catch member  1102  is coupled to the first side member  1010  via an outer wire  1103  at a first end  1104  and a second end  1106 . In this embodiment, the catch member  1102  forms an open-ended structure in which the first end  1104  and second end  1106  are spaced from one another and coupled to the outer wire  1103 . 
     A fixed vertical wire  1112  can be disposed adjacent to and parallel with the outer wire  1103  of the first side member  1010 , and the wire  1112  may define one edge of the door frame. The catch member  1102  can also be coupled to the fixed vertical wire  1112  at a first location  1108  and a second location  1110  for stability. The catch member  1102  may be formed of a single or multiple wires. In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the first end  1104  may be axially aligned with the first location  1108 , and the second end  1106  may be axially aligned with the second location  1110 . In one example, the axis along which the first end  1104  and first location  1108  are aligned may be substantially parallel to the axis along which the second end  1106  and the second location  1110  are aligned. 
     The catch member  1102  may be bent and protrudes outwardly from the first side member  1010  (i.e., in a direction away from the interior of the crate) as shown in  FIG. 11A . Thus, the catch member  1102  may be aligned partially within a first plane and a second plane, where the first and second planes may be approximately perpendicular to one another. 
     The sliding mechanism for the door  1014  of crate  1000  is substantially similar to the sliding mechanism of the previously described embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-9 . The first guide member  718 , second guide member  720 , third guide member  722 , and fourth guide member  724  are coupled to the first side member  1010  and guide the lateral movement of the door  1014  as it opens and closes. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the first guide member  718  and the second guide member  720  are formed as substantially oval or looped shaped structures. The first guide member  718  can define a first guide opening  726  and the second guide member  720  can define a second guide opening  728 . Although not shown, the third guide member  722  and fourth guide member  724  can also form similar defined guide openings therein. These oval-shaped structures, however, are only shown as illustrative examples. The guide members can be bent, curved, or otherwise formed to provide guide wires, tracks, channels, openings, etc. 
     Each guide opening has a first end and a second end defined by the respective guide member. For example, the first guide member  718  has an end  730  that defines one end of the guide opening  726 . Likewise, the second guide member  720  has an end  732  that defines one end of the guide opening  728 . The respective ends  730 ,  732  can abut one another such that both guide members  718 ,  720  are in contact with one another or are spaced from one another such that a gap exists between each respective end  730 ,  732 . In this manner, the length of travel of the door  1014  can be defined by the distance between the respective ends of the guide openings (i.e., the travel distance along the first guide member  718  is defined between ends  908  and  730 , and the travel distance along the second guide member  720  is defined between ends  910  and  732 ). 
     As also shown in the illustrative embodiments of  FIGS. 10-12 , the first guide member  718 , the second guide member  720 , the third guide member  722 , and the fourth guide member  724  can each be formed by a single wire. As such, each wire can be bent, curled, or otherwise formed to define how the door  1014  moves laterally with respect to the first side member  1010 . 
     Further, the functionality and features of the second vertical wire  708  of the crate  600  may be incorporated in the illustrated crate  1000  of  FIG. 10 . The curled end  710  of the second vertical wire  708  slidably couples with the second guide wire  720  in the guide opening  728 . The straight end  712  fits into the guide opening of the fourth guide member  724  simultaneously. Similarly, a first vertical wire  1114  has a curled end  714  that fits in the guide opening  726  and slidably couples with the first guide member  718 . Additionally, the straight end  716  of the first vertical wire  1114  fits into the guide opening and slidably couples with the third guide member  722 . 
     The first vertical wire  1114  differs from the first vertical wire  706  of previous embodiments (shown in  FIGS. 6-9 ) in that it contains a U-shaped bend  1116  between the curled end  714  and the straight end  716 . The U-shaped bend  1116  of the first vertical wire  1114  can mirror the contour of the bend formed by the substantially U-shaped design of the catch member  1102  such that the catch member  1102  and the first vertical wire  1114  lie partially on the same plane, but do not interfere with one another. When the door  1014  is in the closed position  1100 , U-shaped bend  1116  of the first vertical wire  1114  forms a recessed area in which the catch member  1102  is received. As such, the catch member  1102  may or may not contact the first vertical wire  1114 , but whether there is contact or not the two do not interfere with the functionality of the latch  1016  due to the outward bend defined in the U-shaped portion of the catch member  1102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the first end  714  of the first vertical wire  1114  forms a loop or curled end such that the first end  714  is coupled to the first guide member  718 . Likewise, the first end  710  of the second vertical wire  708  forms a loop or curled end that is coupled to the second guide wire  720 . The first ends of both vertical wires can slide relative to the first guide member  718  and second guide member  720  to allow the door  1014  to move between the closed position  1100 , an open position  1200 , and any position therebetween. 
     The first vertical wire  1114  can have a length such that the second end  716  thereof protrudes through the defined opening of the third guide member  722 . Similarly, the second vertical wire  708  can have a length such that the second end  712  can protrude through the defined opening of the fourth guide member  724 . In this configuration, an animal cannot push the door  1014  outward due to the interference created by the second ends of both vertical wires being at least partially captured in the defined openings of both guide members. 
     While the guide members are shown as forming loop or oval like structures, this is only illustrated as one example. In other examples, the first and second guide members can be single wires along which the first ends of both vertical wires slide. The third and fourth guide members may also be a single wire that is disposed outwardly from the first side member  1010  such that the second ends of both vertical wires is disposed between respective guide wire and the first side member  1010 . Other tracks, channels, guides, etc. can be used to facilitate substantially linear movement of the door  1014  relative to the first side member  1010 . 
       FIG. 11A  demonstrates the latch assembly  1016  when it is in the closed position  1100 . The latch assembly  1016  may include three components: a bolt  1118 , a lever  1120 , and a latch component  1122 . The latch component  1122  is the base of the latch assembly  1016  and can include a wire bent into a substantially rectangular shape. Other possible designs of the latch component  1122  may include oval, square, circle, or other known shape. A first latch wire  1124  of the door  1014  is disposed adjacent to and spaced from the first vertical wire  1114 . The latch component  1122  can be coupled to the first latch wire  1124  at a first latch location  1128  and a second latch location  1130 . A second latch wire  1126  can be adjacent to and spaced from the first latch wire  1124 . The latch component  1122  can also be attached to the second latch wire  1126  at a third latch location  1132  and a fourth latch location  1134 . Depending on the spacing between the vertical wires of the door  1014 , the latch component  1122  can be coupled at more than just four locations. In one aspect, the first and third latch locations  1128 ,  1132  may be aligned with the first location  1108  and the first end  1104  of the catch member  1102 . Additionally, the second and fourth latch locations  1130 ,  1134  may be aligned with the second location  1110  and the second end  1106  of the catch member  1102 . 
     In one aspect, substantially straight portions of the latch component  1122  may lie between the first latch location  1128  and the third latch location  1132  and also between the second latch location  1130  and the fourth latch location  1134 . To accommodate the bolt  1118 , the latch component may define two bolt openings  1136 . The bolt openings  1136  can include a first bolt opening defined between the first latch location  1128  and the second latch location  1130 , and a second bolt opening defined between the third latch location  1132  and the fourth latch location  1134 . To form the bolt openings  1136 , the latch component  1122  may protrude outwardly from the first side member  1010  to allow the bolt  1118  to fit and slide therebetween. The bolt  1118  is free to rotate and slide axially relative to the latch component  1122 . In a different embodiment, the bolt  1118  may only rotate freely relative to the latch component  1122  but is otherwise fixed from sliding relative thereto. 
     The bolt  1118  may include a substantially straight end  1138  disposed furthest from the catch member  1102  and a bent end  1140  disposed nearest the catch member  1102 . The bent end  1140  is located outside of a perimeter defined by the latch component  1122 , and when in the closed position  1100 , the bent end  1140  may rest against the catch member  1102  to lock the door  1014 . When in the locked position (illustrated in  FIGS. 10-11A ) or when in the resting position (illustrated in the open position  1200  in  FIG. 12 ), the bent end  1140  of the bolt  1118  may point outwardly from the first side member  1010 . 
     The lever  1120  may be a single wire coupled to the bolt  1118 . The lever  1120  may hang below the bold  1118  and form a U-shaped bend. The lever  1120  can have a first end  1142  and a second end  1144 . The first end  1142  is coupled to the bolt  1118  nearest the bent end  1140 , but inside the perimeter of the latch component  1122 . The first end  1142  can be affixed to an inner facing portion of the bolt  1118 . The lever  1120  is also coupled to the inner facing portion of the bolt  1118  at the second end  1144 . The second end  1144  is coupled to the bolt  1118  within the perimeter of the latch component  1122 . 
     The lever  1120  is affixed solely to the bolt  1118  so the lever  1120  is free to rotate about an axis defined by the bolt  1118 . Pivoting the lever  1120  away from the first side member  1010  can cause the bolt  1118  to rotate. The bent end  1140  of the bolt  1118  latches the door  1014  when it couples to the U-shaped portion of the catch member  1102  while in the closed position  1100 . By rotating the bolt  1118  so that the bent end  1140  uncouples from the catch member  1102 , the door  1014  may be moved in a lateral direction  1206  so that the door  1014  may be disposed in its open position  1200 . 
     By rotating the bolt  1118  so that the bent end  1140  faces upwards, the latch assembly  1016  can be positioned to move to or from the closed position  1100 . The door  1014  can be moved in a lateral direction  1206  until the bent end  1140  is able to latch or couple to the catch member  1102 . By pivoting the lever  1120  into the resting position below the bolt  1118 , the bolt  1118  can be coupled to the catch member  1102  and the door  1014  may be latched in the closed position  1100 . 
     The crate  1000  can also be collapsed into a collapsed position similar to that of  FIG. 5 . The crate  1000  can also include a tray or pan that can be removably positioned or coupled to the crate. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , yet another embodiment of a collapsible crate  1300  is shown. The crate  1300  can be formed of substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap one another to define an interior portion. One or more of the horizontal wires can be coupled to one or more of the vertical wires, and vice versa, to add structural integrity to the crate  1300 . For instance, the wires may be welded, adhered, fastened, or coupled to one another through a variety of means. The crate  1300  can include a top member  1002 , a bottom member  1004 , a front member  1006 , and a back member  1008 . The crate  1300  can further include a first side member  1010  and a second side member  1012 , where the first side member  1010  is oppositely disposed from the second side member  1012 . The dimensions of each member can vary to accommodate the size of any animal, for example. In an upright, fully assembled orientation or position, the top member  1002 , bottom member  1004 , front member  1006 , back member  1008 , first side member  1010 , and second side member  1012  can define an interior of the crate  1300  which is sized to receive and accommodate an animal or other object, as desired. 
     In one aspect, the front member  1006 , back member  1008 , top member  1002 , and bottom member  1004  can form a continuous structure. In other words, these members can be fixedly attached to one another. Alternatively, the top member  1002 , bottom member  1004 , first side member  1010 , and second side member  1012  can form a continuous structure such that the top member  1002  and bottom member  1004  are affixed to the first side member  1010  and second side member  1012 . In a different aspect, each member may be removably coupled to one another such that the different members are removably coupled to one another. In the illustrated example of  FIG. 13 , a plurality of clips  1022  can be used to fasten or couple the top member  1002  to the front member  1006  and the back member  1008 . Similar clips or fasteners can be used to couple the other members of the crate  1300 . 
     Each of the top member  1002 , bottom member  1004 , front member  1006 , back member  1008 , first side member  1010 , and second side member  1012  can be formed by a plurality of overlapping horizontal and vertical wires or rods. The number of horizontal and vertical wires as well as the spacing therebetween can vary. If a smaller animal is being contained in the crate  1300 , the spacing may be desirably smaller than if a larger animal is being contained. 
     In  FIG. 13 , the first side member  1010  of the crate  1300  can define a door frame which includes corresponding structure for accommodating a door  1014 . The door  1014  can also be made of substantially overlapping horizontal and vertical wires as shown in  FIG. 13 . Further, the door  1014  can be movably disposed between an open position  1500  and a closed position  1400 . In the open position  1500 , i.e., in  FIG. 15 , the first side member  1010  defines an opening  1202  that provides access to the interior of the crate  1300 . 
     The crate  1300  can further include a latch assembly  1302  pivotably coupled to the door  1014  to be releasably coupled to the first side member  1010  to maintain or latch the door  1014  in a closed position  1400 . The first side member  1010  can form a portion of a door frame for the door  1014 , and as shown in  FIG. 13  can be formed by a plurality of horizontally and vertically disposed wires. 
     The front member  1006  can be offset or spaced from the bottom member  1004  to define a slot or opening  1018  therebetween. In this manner, a pan (not shown), tray, pet bed, blanket or other apparatus can be slidably positioned above the bottom member  1004  in the opening  1018 . In this manner, an animal being contained within the crate  1300  can rest on a more comfortable pet bed, comforter, tray, pan, etc. In the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the first side member  1010 , the second side member  1012 , and/or the bottom member  1004  can include support wires  1020  disposed in connection with the bottom member  1004  to prevent the pet bed (not shown) from shifting laterally from the confined space. The back member  1008  can also include similar support wires  1020  to further position the pet bed, tray, pan, etc. within the defined opening  1018 . In this configuration, the pan, bed, tray, etc. may only be positioned within the defined opening  1018  in the front member  1006 . Although not shown, the crate  1300  can further include a latch or other mechanism to prevent the bed, pan, tray, etc. from sliding or moving out of position via the opening  1018  (i.e., due to movement of the animal inside the crate). 
     In  FIGS. 14 and 14A , the first side member  1010  and door  1014  are shown in greater detail. The first side member  1010  can form a door frame for the door  1014  such that the door  1014  is slidably coupled thereto. A substantially rectangular catch member  1402  can be coupled to the first side member  1010 . Alternative designs for the catch member  1402  are contemplated herein including designs that are substantially square, circular, oval, triangular, etc. The catch member  1402  may be formed by a single wire having a first end  1404  and a second end  1406  that can come together as shown in  FIG. 14A . Both ends  1404 ,  1406  can define a portion of the catch member  1402  that couples with the outer wire  1103 . In one aspect, the catch member  1402  can be formed by a single wire with the first end  1404  integrally formed with the second end  1406 . In this aspect, the catch member  1402  forms a closed-ended design. Alternatively, the first end  1404  can be spaced from the second end  1406 , but the spacing between the two ends is less than the spacing between the first end  1104  and second end  1106  of the catch member  1102  in  FIG. 11A . The catch member  1402  is coupled to the first side member  1010  via an outer wire  1103 . A fixed vertical wire  1112  can be disposed adjacent to and parallel with the outer wire  1103  of the first side member  1010 , and the wire  1112  may define one edge of the door frame. The catch member  1402  can also be coupled to the fixed vertical wire  1112  at a first location  1108  and a second location  1110  for stability. The catch member  1402  may be bent to protrude outwardly from the first side member  1010  as shown in  FIG. 14A . 
     The sliding mechanism for the door  1014  of crate  1300  is substantially similar to the sliding mechanism of the previously described embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-9 . The first guide member  718 , second guide member  720 , third guide member  722 , and fourth guide member  724  are coupled to the first side member  1010  and guide the lateral movement of the door  1014  as it opens and closes. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the first guide member  718  and the second guide member  720  are formed as substantially oval or looped shaped structures. The first guide member  718  can define a first guide opening  726  and the second guide member  720  can define a second guide opening  728 . Although not shown, the third guide member  722  and fourth guide member  724  can also form similar defined guide openings therein. These oval-shaped structures, however, are only shown as illustrative examples. The guide members can be bent, curved, or otherwise formed to provide guide wires, tracks, channels, openings, etc. 
     Each guide opening has a first end and a second end defined by the respective guide member. For example, the first guide member  718  has an end  730  that defines one end of the guide opening  726 . Likewise, the second guide member  720  has an end  732  that defines one end of the guide opening  728 . The respective ends  730 ,  732  can abut one another such that both guide members  718 ,  720  are in contact with one another or are spaced from one another such that a gap exists between each respective end  730 ,  732 . In this manner, the length of travel of the door  1014  can be defined by the distance between the respective ends of the guide openings (i.e., the travel distance along the first guide member  718  is defined between ends  908  and  730 , and the travel distance along the second guide member  720  is defined between ends  910  and  732 ). 
     As also shown in the illustrative embodiments of  FIGS. 13-15 , the first guide member  718 , the second guide member  720 , the third guide member  722 , and the fourth guide member  724  can each be formed by a single wire. As such, each wire can be bent, curled, or otherwise formed to define how the door  1014  moves laterally with respect to the first side member  1010 . 
     Further, the functionality and features of the second vertical wire  708  of the crate  600  may be incorporated in the illustrated crate  1300  of  FIG. 13 . The curled end  710  of the second vertical wire  708  slidably couples with the second guide wire  720  in the guide opening  728 . The straight end  712  fits into the guide opening of the fourth guide member  724  simultaneously. Similarly, a first vertical wire  1114  has a curled end  714  that fits in the guide opening  726  and slidably couples with the first guide member  718 . Additionally, the straight end  716  of the first vertical wire  1114  fits into the guide opening and slidably couples with the third guide member  722 . 
     The first vertical wire  1114  differs from the first vertical wire  706  of previous embodiments (shown in  FIGS. 6-9 ) in that it contains a U-shaped bend  1116  between the curled end  714  and the straight end  716 . The U-shaped bend  1116  of the first vertical wire  1114  can mirror the contour of the bend formed by the substantially rectangular design of the catch member  1402  such that the catch member  1402  and the first vertical wire  1114  lie partially on the same plane, but do not interfere with one another. When the door  1014  is in the closed position  1400 , the first vertical wire  1114  and the catch member  1402  can contact each other without interfering with the functionality of the latch  1302  due to the outward bend defined in the catch member  1402 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the first end  714  of the first vertical wire  1114  forms a loop or curled end such that the first end  714  is coupled to the first guide member  718 . Likewise, the first end  710  of the second vertical wire  708  forms a loop or curled end that is coupled to the second guide wire  720 . The first ends of both vertical wires can slide relative to the first guide member  718  and second guide member  720  to allow the door  1014  to move between the closed position  1400 , an open position  1500 , and any position therebetween. 
     The first vertical wire  1114  can have a length such that the second end  716  thereof protrudes through the defined opening of the third guide member  722 . Similarly, the second vertical wire  708  can have a length such that the second end  712  can protrude through the defined opening of the fourth guide member  724 . In this configuration, an animal cannot push the door  1014  outward due to the interference created by the second ends of both vertical wires being at least partially captured in the defined openings of both guide members. 
     While the guide members are shown as forming loop or oval like structures, this is only illustrated as one example. In other examples, the first and second guide members can be single wires along which the first ends of both vertical wires slide. The third and fourth guide members may also be a single wire that is disposed outwardly from the first side member  1010  such that the second ends of both vertical wires is disposed between respective guide wire and the first side member  1010 . Other tracks, channels, guides, etc. can be used to facilitate substantially linear movement of the door  1014  relative to the first side member  1010 . 
       FIG. 14A  demonstrates the latch assembly  1302  when it is in the closed position  1400 . The latch assembly  1302  may include three components: a bolt  1118 , a lever  1120 , and a latch component  1122 . The latch component  1122  is the base of the latch assembly  1302  and can include a wire bent into a substantially rectangular shape. The latch component  1122 , however, may be any shape including oval, square, circular, trapezoidal, polygonal, or other known design. A first latch wire  1124  of the door  1014  is disposed adjacent to and spaced from the first vertical wire  1114 . The latch component  1122  can be coupled to the first latch wire  1124  at a first latch location  1128  and a second latch location  1130 . A second latch wire  1126  can be adjacent to and spaced from the first latch wire  1124 . The latch component  1122  can also be attached to the second latch wire  1126  at a third latch location  1132  and a fourth latch location  1134 . Depending on the spacing between the vertical wires of the door  1014 , the latch component  1122  can be coupled at more than just four locations. In one aspect, the first and third latch locations  1128 ,  1132  may be aligned with the first location  1108  of the catch member  1402 . Additionally, the second and fourth latch locations  1130 ,  1134  may be aligned with the second location  1110  of the catch member  1402 . 
     In one aspect, substantially straight portions of the latch component  1122  may lie between the first latch location  1128  and the third latch location  1132  and also between the second latch location  1130  and the fourth latch location  1134 . To accommodate the bolt  1118 , the latch component may define two bolt openings  1136 . The bolt openings  1136  can include a first bolt opening defined between the first latch location  1128  and the second latch location  1130 , and a second bolt opening defined between the third latch location  1132  and the fourth latch location  1134 . To form the bolt openings  1136 , the latch component  1122  may protrude outwardly from the first side member  1010  to allow the bolt  1118  to fit and slide therebetween. The bolt  1118  is free to rotate and slide axially relative to the latch component  1122 . In a different embodiment, the bolt  1118  may only rotate freely relative to the latch component  1122  but is otherwise fixed from sliding relative thereto. 
     The bolt  1118  may include a substantially straight end  1138  disposed furthest from the catch member  1402  and a bent end  1140  disposed nearest the catch member  1402 . The bent end  1140  is located outside of a perimeter defined by the latch component  1122 , and when in the closed position  1400 , the bent end  1140  may rest against the catch member  1402  to lock the door  1014 . When in the locked position (illustrated in  FIGS. 13-14A ) or when in the resting position (illustrated in the open position  1500  in  FIG. 15 ), the bent end  1140  of the bolt  1118  may point outwardly from the first side member  1010 . 
     The lever  1120  may be a single wire coupled to the bolt  1118 . The lever  1120  may hang below the bold  1118  and form a U-shaped bend. The lever  1120  can have a first end  1142  and a second end  1144 . The first end  1142  is coupled to the bolt  1118  nearest the bent end  1140 , but inside the perimeter of the latch component  1122 . The first end  1142  can be affixed to an inner facing portion of the bolt  1118 . The lever  1120  is also coupled to the inner facing portion of the bolt  1118  at the second end  1144 . The second end  1144  is coupled to the bolt  1118  within the perimeter of the latch component  1122 . 
     The lever  1120  is affixed solely to the bolt  1118  so the lever  1120  is free to rotate about an axis defined by the bolt  1118 . Pivoting the lever  1120  away from the first side member  1010  can cause the bolt  1118  to rotate. The bent end  1140  of the bolt  1118  latches the door  1014  when it couples to the catch member  1402  while in the closed position  1400 . By rotating the bolt  1118  so that the bent end  1140  uncouples from the catch member  1402 , the door  1014  may be moved in a lateral direction  1206  so that the door  1014  may be disposed in its open position  1500 . 
     By rotating the bolt  1118  so that the bent end  1140  faces upwards, the latch assembly  1302  can be positioned to move to or from the closed position  1400 . The door  1014  can be moved in a lateral direction  1206  until the bent end  1140  is able to latch or couple to the catch member  1402 . By pivoting the lever  1120  into the resting position below the bolt  1118 , the bolt  1118  can be coupled to the catch member  1402  and the door  1014  may be latched in the closed position  1400 . 
     The crate  1300  can also be collapsed into a collapsed position similar to that of  FIG. 5 . The crate  1300  can also include a tray or pan that can be removably positioned or coupled to the crate. 
     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 claims.