Patent Publication Number: US-2021176954-A1

Title: Animal crate assembly

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/888,958, filed Jun. 1, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/915,351, filed Mar. 8, 2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to an animal crate assembly, and, in particular, to an animal crate assembly having a latching mechanism and shelf assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The use of animal cages or crates is well known. Many conventional cages have been developed over the years for housing animals of different shapes, sizes, and types. For example, animal cages typically house pets such as dogs and cats. Rabbits, rodents and other small animals have also been known to be housed by such cages and are quite common. Other conventional cages are used for farm animals when needed, including ducks and chickens. As cages have been further developed, the portability, safety, and ease of use have become points of emphasis. Some conventional cages, for example, have been designed to collapse to a compact structure for portability. Others have been designed to be of light weight and from durable materials. Conventional cages have been designed for ease of transporting an animal. Some conventional cages are designed as exercise pens that provide an interior space that the animal can move about, particularly outdoors. 
     Most conventional cages include at least one door for providing access to the interior of the cage. The animal enters or exits the cage through an 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 latched or locked in its closed position with a latch, such as a slide bolt latch. A variety of latches have been incorporated into the design of the door to allow a user to open, close, and or securely latch the door. 
     Many of these conventional designs have limitations, however. With regards to an exercise pen, for example, the door is generally formed by an entire height and width of a panel or side member of the pen. Many of these doors are not able to be securely latched or may not prevent an animal from escaping the crate assembly. In addition, due to the size of the door, it can be difficult for an owner to reach into the interior of the exercise pen and retrieve a desired animal when two or more animals are enclosed therein. 
     In other conventional cages, the wire gauge used to manufacture the cage lacks robustness. In these instances, a caged animal may push or force different panels away from one another. In other instances, the caged animal may damage the cage or, even worse, injure themselves. 
     Therefore, a need exists for an improved animal crate assembly that provides better means for accessing the interior of the crate assembly and increasing the safety of an animal when contained within the interior. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an animal crate assembly includes a plurality of members defining an interior of the crate assembly, where the plurality of members includes a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side; a door frame formed in one of the plurality of members, the door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and to enter or exit the interior of the crate assembly; a door comprising a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being pivotally coupled to the door frame, the door being pivotable about a pivot wire of the frame to move between an open position and a closed position; and a hook member formed from a wire having a first end, a second end, and a hook portion, the hook member being coupled to the top and the hook portion extending partially downward where it intersects a plane in which the top is disposed within; wherein, each of the plurality of members is formed by a plurality interconnected horizontal and vertical wires; wherein, the top and door frame are coupled to one another; further wherein, the hook portion is positioned between a top perimeter wire of the top and a frame perimeter wire of the door frame such that the hook portion is located within the interior of the crate assembly and behind the door frame. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the top comprises a first wire positioned parallel to the top perimeter wire, the hook member being coupled to the first wire and the top perimeter wire. In a second example, a cross wire has a length shorter than the first wire and the top perimeter wire but being parallel therewith, the hook member being coupled to the cross wire. In a third example, the top comprises a first wire and a second wire, the first and second wires being parallel to but offset from one another, where the first and second wires are perpendicular to the top perimeter wire. In a fourth example, the hook member is positioned between the first and second wires. In a fifth example, a cross wire is coupled to the first wire, the second wire and the hook member. 
     In a sixth example, the hook member comprises a first bend and a second bend, where a first portion of the hook member is defined between the first end and the first bend and the second end and the second bend, and the hook portion is defined between the first and second bends. In a seventh example, the first portion is defined within a first plane and the hook portion is defined in a second plane. In an eighth example, the first plane and second plane are perpendicular to one another. 
     In a ninth example, a plurality of elongate hooks may couple the top and door frame to one another, where each of the plurality of elongate hooks comprises a wire having a first end and a second end, the second end defining a hook opening for receiving the top perimeter wire of the top and the frame perimeter wire of the door frame. In a tenth example, at least one side clip is formed by a wire having a first end, a second end, and a receiving end, the receiving end coupling a second top perimeter wire of the top with the first side or the second side. In an eleventh example, a clip has a hollow body with a defined opening, the clip coupling one of the plurality of members with another of the plurality of members. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-level animal crate assembly includes a plurality of members defining an interior of the crate assembly, the plurality of members includes a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side, wherein each of the plurality of members comprises a plurality of horizontal and vertical interconnected wires; an upper level and a lower level formed by the front, the back, the top, the bottom, the first side and the second side, where the upper level is located above the lower level; a first door frame formed in one of the plurality of members, the first door frame comprising a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and to enter or exit the interior at the upper level of the crate assembly; a first door comprising a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being pivotally coupled to the first door frame, the first door being pivotable about a pivot wire of the first door frame to move between an open position and a closed position; a second door frame formed in one of the plurality of members, the second door frame comprising a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and to enter or exit the interior at the lower level of the crate assembly; a second door comprising a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being pivotally coupled to the second door frame, the second door being pivotable about a pivot wire of the second door frame to move between an open position and a closed position; and a hook member formed from a wire having a first end, a second end, and a hook portion, the hook member being coupled to the top such that the hook portion extends partially downward where it intersects a plane in which the top is disposed within; wherein, the top and first door frame are coupled to one another, the top including a top perimeter wire and the first door frame including a frame perimeter wire; further wherein, the hook portion is positioned between the top perimeter wire and the frame perimeter wire such that the hook portion is located at least partially within the interior of the crate assembly and behind the door frame. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the top comprises a first wire and a cross wire, the first wire and cross wire being positioned parallel to the top perimeter wire such that the hook member is coupled to the first wire, the cross wire and the top perimeter wire. In a second example, the cross wire comprises a length shorter than the first wire and the top perimeter wire. In a third example, the top comprises a second wire and a third wire, the second and third wires being parallel to but offset from one another; the first and second wires are perpendicular to the top perimeter wire, the first wire and the cross wire; and the hook member is positioned between the first and second wires and parallel thereto. 
     In a fourth example, the hook member comprises a first bend and a second bend, where a first portion of the hook member is defined between the first end and the first bend and the second end and the second bend, and the hook portion is defined between the first and second bends. In a fifth example, the first portion is defined within a first plane and the hook portion is defined in a second plane, the first plane and second plane being perpendicular to one another. 
     In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, an animal crate assembly includes a plurality of members defining an interior of the crate assembly, where the plurality of members includes a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side; a door frame formed in one of the plurality of members, the door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and to enter or exit the interior of the crate assembly; a door comprising a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being pivotally coupled to the door frame, the door being pivotable about a pivot wire of the door frame to move between an open position and a closed position; a hook member formed from a wire having a first end, a second end, and a hook portion, the hook member being coupled to the top and the hook portion extending partially downward where it intersects a plane in which the top is disposed within; a plurality of elongate hooks for coupling the top and door frame to one another, where each of the plurality of elongate hooks comprises a wire having a first end and a second end, the second end defining a hook opening for receiving the top perimeter wire of the top and the frame perimeter wire of the door frame; at least one side clip formed by a wire having a first end, a second end, and a receiving end, the receiving end coupling a second top perimeter wire of the top with the first side or the second side; and a clip having a hollow body with a defined opening, the clip coupling one of the plurality of members with another of the plurality of members; wherein, the hook portion is positioned between a top perimeter wire of the top and a frame perimeter wire of the door frame such that the hook portion is located within the interior of the crate assembly and behind the door frame. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the hook member comprises a first bend and a second bend, where a first portion of the hook member is defined between the first end and the first bend and the second end and the second bend, and the hook portion is defined between the first and second bends; and the first portion is defined within a first plane and the hook portion is defined in a second plane, the first plane and second plane being perpendicular to one another. 
    
    
     
       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 bottom perspective view of a multi-tier animal crate assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of a single tier animal crate assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a door frame and door assembly of  FIG. 2  with a latch in a rest position and the door in the closed position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the door frame and door assembly of  FIG. 2  with the latch in a pivoted position and the door in a partially closed position; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of a shelf assembly of the crate assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of the shelf assembly of  FIG. 5  with portions of the crate assembly removed; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the latch of  FIG. 3  in its rest position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a shelf hook of the shelf assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another crate assembly; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a top portion of the crate assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of a clip located on the crate assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the clip of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged perspective view of another clip located on the crate assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the clip of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged perspective view of a top panel with a hook member as part of the crate assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the combined clip and hook of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an elongated hook coupled to the crate assembly of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the elongated hook of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments of the present disclosure described herein 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 appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure relates to an animal crate assembly. The animal crate assembly can be used for multiple purposes, such as to contain one or more animals or objects. The crate assembly can be made of any size for accommodating an animal or object of any size. In addition, the crate assembly can be made of different materials including aluminum, plastic, and steel. The crate assembly can be designed as an animal cage to define an interior that is surrounded at all sides, or it can be designed as an exercise pen in which at least one side is not present, for instance a top side. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of an animal crate assembly  100  is shown. The crate assembly  100  is in the form of a multi-tiered crate assembly, but this is only intended to be one such embodiment. In  FIG. 2 , which will be described below, another crate assembly is shown as a single tier assembly. 
     In any event, the crate assembly  100  can be formed by a plurality of substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap one another to define an interior having a defined length, width and height to accommodate an animal. One or more of the horizontal wires  132  can be coupled to one or more of the vertical wires  134 , and vice versa, to add structural integrity to the crate assembly  100 . In other embodiments, wires are oriented in other directions than horizontal and vertical. The wires may be welded, adhered, fastened, or coupled to one another through a variety of means. The crate assembly  100  can include a plurality of sides or members that form the crate assembly  100 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , for example, the crate assembly  100  includes an upper level  102  and a lower level  104 . The upper level  102  and lower level  104  may be similar. In some cases, there may be a panel disposed inbetween the levels to allow for partial separation therebetween. In other cases, such as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , there may not be any separating panel. The entire crate assembly  100  may be supported by a support frame  106 . The support frame  106  may include one or more caster wheels  108  coupled to the bottom thereof to allow the crate assembly  100  to be portable. 
     The crate assembly  100  may include a front  110 , a back  112 , a top  114 , a first side  116 , and a second side  118 . The interior of the crate assembly  100  therefore is defined by the front  110 , back  112 , top  114 , first side  116 , second side  118 , and support frame  106 . The upper level  102  may include the top  114 , whereas the lower level  104  may not include a top or bottom as it rests or is coupled to the support frame  106 . 
     The upper level  102  may be provided with a top door  120  and top door frame  122  formed in the front  110  thereof. The top door  120  may be disposable between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and an open position (not shown). As will be described, the top door  120  may be latched or otherwise disposed in its closed position in such a way that an animal is unable to open the top door  120 . This will be described below. 
     Similar to the upper level  102 , the lower level  104  may also include a bottom door  124  and a bottom door frame  126 . The bottom door  124  and bottom door frame  126  are formed in the front  110  as shown in  FIG. 1 . It is understood, however, that the top and bottom doors and door frames may be formed in any one of the front, back, first side and second side. Moreover, it may be possible to incorporate a single door in the top  114 . The doors and door frames may be formed in the same side, such as the front  110  in  FIG. 1 , but this too is not required. In other embodiments, one of the two doors and door frames may be formed in the front  110 , and the other of the two doors and door frames may be formed in the back. In combination thereof is possible, and the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1  is only intended to be one representation of possibilities with the crate assembly  100  described in the present disclosure. 
     In  FIG. 1 , the crate assembly  100  may also include a pair of shelves. Here, a first shelf assembly  128  may be disposed in the upper level  102  of the crate assembly  100 , and a second shelf assembly  130  may be disposed in the lower level  104 . Each shelf assembly may be securely coupled to the crate assembly  100  to allow an animal to climb or move between levels. The manner in which the shelf assembly is coupled to the crate assembly will be described in further detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a different embodiment of a crate assembly  200  is illustrated. Here, the crate assembly  200  is a single-tier assembly, but it includes many of the same features and design as the crate assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 . For instance, the crate assembly  200  includes a support frame  202  that may include one or more caster wheels  204  coupled thereto. The caster wheels  204  may freely roll along a ground surface to allow the crate assembly  200  to be portable. 
     In addition, the crate assembly  200  may include a door frame  206  formed on at least one side thereof. A door  208  may be coupled to the door frame  206 , such that the door  208  may be configured between a closed position ( FIG. 2 ) and an open position. When the door  208  is in its open position, a door opening is defined by the door frame  206  to allow an animal to enter or exit an interior of the crate assembly  200 . 
     As described, the door frame  206  and door  208  may be provided on any side of the crate assembly  200 . In  FIG. 2 , the crate assembly  200  includes a top  210 , a front (same side as door frame  206  and door  208 ), a back  212 , a first side  214 , and a second side  216 . The different sides may be formed by a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires. A shelf assembly  218  may also be disposed in the interior of the crate assembly  200  and coupled to the door frame  206 , the first side  214 , and the back  212 , as will be described below. 
     The embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  introduce different types of crate assemblies. Other embodiments may depart from the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2  and include any number of levels. In some cases, additional levels may be incorporated to the back or sides of the crate assembly such that a respective assembly has a greater length or width. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of a door assembly  300  that may be incorporated into the crate assemblies of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is shown. The door assembly  300  includes a door frame  302  and a door  330 . The door frame  302  may be coupled to one or more sides of an animal crate assembly via one or more wire clips  322 . For example, in  FIG. 2 , the door frame  302  may be similar or the same as the door frame  206 , and it may couple via the wire clips  322  to the first side  214  and the second side  216 . 
     The door assembly  300  may be formed by a plurality of interconnecting horizontal wires  304  and vertical wires  306 . The plurality of horizontal and vertical wires may be spaced such that an animal is unable to get a paw or other body part caught or stuck between the wires. 
     In  FIG. 3 , the door frame  302  may include a top frame wire  308  at its uppermost horizontal wire  306 , and a bottom frame wire  310  as its lowermost horizontal wire  306 . The door frame  302  also defines a door opening, which is covered in  FIG. 3  by the door  330  in its closed position. The door opening is defined by a first horizontal frame wire  312  of the door frame  302 , a second horizontal frame wire  314 , a vertical pivot wire  328 , and a first vertical wire  332 . The first horizontal frame wire  312  defines an uppermost boundary of the door opening, whereas the second horizontal frame wire  314  defines a lowermost boundary of the door opening. The vertical pivot wire  328  defines one side boundary and the first vertical wire  332  defines a second side boundary of the door opening. The dimensions of the door opening may be sized to allow different size animals to travel in or out of the crate assembly. 
     The door  330  may be pivotally coupled to the door frame  302  via the vertical pivot wire  328 . For instance, the door  330  may also be formed by a plurality of interconnecting horizontal wires  334  and vertical wires  336 . Each of the plurality of horizontal door wires  334  includes a curled end  338  which curls or bends around the vertical pivot wire  328  to allow the door  330  to pivot relative to the door frame  302 . The curled ends  338  securely fasten the door  330  to the pivot wire  328  to allow the door  330  to freely pivot thereabout, but it further allows the door  330  to slide vertically along the vertical pivot wire  328 . Thus, the vertical and pivotal movement of the door  330  relative to the door frame  302  allows the door  330  to move between its open and closed positions. 
     As described above and shown in  FIG. 3 , the door  330  is formed by a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires. In particular, the door  330  may include an outer door wire  340 . The outer door wire  340  is formed by a single wire, and it forms a door top wire  352  and a door bottom wire  350 . The door top wire  352  is the uppermost horizontal wire of the door  330 , and the door bottom wire  350  is the lowermost horizontal wire of the door  330 . Moreover, the outer door wire  340  includes a vertical wire portion as well. The vertical portion of the outer door wire  340  is formed at the opposite end of the door opening from the vertical pivot wire  328 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the vertical portion of the outer door wire  340  may form one or more tab openings, which the function of will be described below. The one or more tab openings may be defined by a first wire portion  342  and a second wire portion  344  in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . Here, the first wire portion  342  and second wire portion  344  bend inwardly toward the door opening. Each portion forms a pair of horizontal portions and a single vertical portion such that both the first and second wire portions form a C-shaped structure. The C-shaped structure of the first wire portion  342  and the second wire portion  344  therefore define a first tab opening  346  and a second tab opening  348 , respectively. 
     The door frame  302  may include one or more upright tabs  316  coupled to it. The upright tab  316  may extend upward beyond the door bottom wire  350  when the door  330  is in the closed position. This provides enhanced security to the door  330 , and can prevent an animal from moving the door  330  while contained within the interior of the crate assembly. Moreover, the upright tab  316  provides additional robustness to the overall crate assembly. 
     The door assembly  300  in  FIG. 3  may also include a latch  324 . The latch  324  may be pivotally coupled to a pair of horizontal wires  326  affixed to the door frame  302 . The pair of wires  326  may include shorter lengths compared to the other horizontal frame wires  304  that makeup the door frame  302 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the pair of horizontal wires  326  may span the gap between three of the plurality of vertical frame wires  306  of the door frame  302 . 
     The latch  324  and pair of horizontal wires  326  are shown in greater detail in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 7 , for example, the pair of horizontal wires  326  includes a first horizontal wire  700  and a second horizontal wire  702 . Both of the horizontal wires  700 ,  702  may be coupled to the three vertical wires  306  as shown. The coupling may be via a welding, adhesive, or other known means. The three vertical wires are spaced approximately equidistantly from one another, as is the case with the other vertical wires  306  that form the door frame  302 . A middle vertical wire  704  is therefore spaced approximately equidistantly between the two outer vertical wires in  FIG. 7 . 
     The latch  324  may be formed by a single latch wire  706 , although in other embodiments it may also be possible for two or more wires to be connected to one another to form the latch  324 . In  FIG. 7 , the latch wire  706  comprises a first end  708  and a second end  710 . The first end  708  and second end  710  may be pivotally coupled to the first horizontal wire  700  as shown. Moreover, the latch wire  706  may slide horizontally along the first horizontal wire  700  in some instances. The latch wire  706  includes a first curled portion  712  and a second curled portion  714  that wrap generally around the first horizontal wire  700 . The first end  708  may be disposed in close proximity to or in contact with a first elongate portion  716  of the latch wire  706 , thereby maintaining the pivotal connection with the first horizontal wire  700 . Likewise, the second end  710  may be disposed in close proximity to or in contact with a second elongate portion  718  thereby maintaining the pivotal connection with the first horizontal wire  700 . 
     The first elongate portion  716  is disposed between the first curled portion  712  and a first bend  720  in the latch wire  706 . Likewise, the second elongate portion  718  is disposed between the second curled portion  714  and a second bend  722 . A first curve portion  724  of the wire  706  curls in a C-shaped form from the first bend  720  to a first transverse bend  732 . Moreover, a second curve portion  726  of the latch wire  706  curls in a C-shaped form from the second bend  722  to a second transverse bend  730 . The latch wire  706  forms a transverse portion  728  between the first transverse bend  732  and the second transverse bend  730 . 
     The structural design of the latch  324  is such that the first end  708 , the first curled portion  712 , the first elongate portion  716 , the first bend  720 , the first curve portion  724 , and the first transverse bend  732  may lie within a first plane, B. In addition, the second end  710 , the second curled portion  714 , the second elongate portion  718 , the second bend  722 , the second curve portion  726 , and the second transverse bend  730  may lie within a second plane, A. Moreover, the transverse portion  728  of the latch wire  706  may lie in a horizontal plane, C. In this embodiment, the first plane B and second plane A may be offset from and parallel to one another. As such, the first plane B and second lane A may be perpendicular to the third plane C. 
     Although not labelled in  FIG. 7 , the middle vertical wire  704  of the door frame  302  may be disposed along a substantially vertical axis. The vertical axis, and thus the middle vertical wire  704 , may be disposed at a location between the first plane B and second plane A, and may further be perpendicular to the third plane C. 
     The latch  324  may be designed such that its weight causes the latch  324  to hang from the first horizontal wire  700 . Due to gravity, the first elongate portion  716  and second elongate portion  718  of the latch wire  706  may contact in a rest position against the second horizontal wire  702 . Further, the transverse portion  728  may rest against the vertical wire  704 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the latch  324  may hang due its weight in a position such that the top door wire  352  is located below the first and second curve portions of the latch wire  706  when the door  330  is in its closed position. Thus, in the closed position, the door  330  may not be lifted to slide along the vertical pivot wire  328  due to interference between the latch  324  and the top door wire  352 . To lift the door  330 , the latch  324  must first be pivoted about the first horizontal wire  700  to provide clearance between the latch  324  and the door  330 . This is shown in  FIG. 4  and will be described in detail below. 
     The manner in which the door  330  is moved from its closed position to its open position is further illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The door frame  302  may include a plurality of side tabs for securely maintaining the door  330  in its closed position. In  FIG. 3 , a first side tab  318  and a second side tab  320  are shown. These side tabs are disposed in a horizontal orientation and affixed to one or more vertical wires  306  of the door frame  302 . In the closed position, the door  330  is positioned such that a portion of the door  330  overlaps the door frame  302  and is located behind the first and second side tabs  318 ,  320 . In particular, the outer door wire  340  of the door  330  is located between the door frame  302  and the first and second side tabs  318 ,  320 . 
     When opening the door  330 , the latch  324  may first be pivoted upward about the first horizontal wire  700  to a pivot position  402  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Once the latch  324  is moved out of the way, the door  330  may be raised in an upward direction indicated by arrow  400  in  FIG. 4 . As described above, the door  330  includes an outer door wire  340  that is oriented in a substantially vertical direction along the majority of its length. However, as also described above, there are two offset wire portions  342 ,  344  that form tab openings  346 ,  348 , respectively. These tab openings  346 ,  348  are sized appropriately to allow the door  330  to pivot about the vertical pivot wire  328  once the first side tab  318  is aligned with the first tab opening  346  and the second side tab  320  is aligned with the second tab opening  348 . This is shown in  FIG. 4  where the first side tab  318  is in an unlatched position  404  and the second side tab  320  is in an unlatched position  406 . In particular, the first side tab  318  and the second side tab  320  comprise a tab end portion  408  that may be formed by a curvature in a single wire forming each tab. The tab end portion  408  may extend horizontally past the first vertical wire  332  of the door frame  302  that forms a side boundary of the door opening. As the door  330  is pivoted about the vertical pivot wire  328 , the tab end portion  408  may pass through the first tab opening  346  and the second tab opening  348 , thereby allowing the door  330  to pivot with respect to the door frame  302 . 
     As described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of the illustrated crate assemblies included at least one shelf assembly. It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to only those crate assemblies that have a shelf assembly. With that said, in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an example of one embodiment of a shelf assembly  500  that may be implemented in a crate assembly is shown. Here, the shelf assembly  500  may be similar to the top shelf  128  and bottom shelf  130  of  FIG. 1  and/or the shelf  218  of  FIG. 2 . 
     The shelf assembly  500  is shown being coupled to a crate assembly having a door frame  526  similar to the door frame  302  of  FIG. 3 . This is shown including the upright tab  316  and second side tab  320  as described above. It is to be understood however that any crate assembly may be used, and that reference to the door frame  302  of  FIG. 3  is only intended to be one such example. 
     The shelf assembly  500  is illustrated as including a front end  502 , a rear end  504 , a first side end  506  and a second side end  508 . Due to the orientation of the view of  FIG. 5 , a top end  510  is not clearly visible, but a bottom surface  600  is shown. 
     The shelf assembly  500  may include a wire frame  512  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The shelf wire frame  512  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 6  in which it may include a first wire  606 , a second wire  608 , a third wire  610 , and a seventh wire  618  oriented in the same direction but offset from one another. The frame  512  may also include a fourth wire  612 , a fifth wire  614 , and a sixth wire  616  oriented in the same direction but offset from one another. The first, second, third and seventh wires may be perpendicular to the fourth, fifth, and sixth wires, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The wires may overlap or interconnect with one another to form the shelf wire frame  512 . 
     The shelf assembly  500  may be substantially rectangularly or square shaped. Other shaped designs may be used for the shelf. For purposes of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , however, the front end  502  and first side end  506  may converge at a first corner  620 . Here, the material that forms the shelf is close-ended. The front end  502  and second side end  508  may converge at a third corner  624 . As shown, the third corner  624  of the shelf assembly  500  is at least partially open-ended, i.e., there is a gap defined between portions of the front end  502  and second side end  508 . 
     The back end  504  of the shelf assembly  500  may converge with the first side end  506  at a second corner  622  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Like the first corner  620 , the second corner  622  may be formed as close-ended. The close-ended corners may be smooth and curved such that an animal may not get injured or caught by the respective corner. Thus, the close-ended corners may be disposed within the crate assembly facing the interior of the crate rather than a side panel  528  of the crate assembly. The back end  504  and the second side end  508  may converge at a fourth corner  626  that is formed as partially open-ended. Again, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the third corner  624  and fourth corner  626  may be disposed proximal to the side panel  528 , whereas the first and second corners  620 ,  622  are disposed distal from the side panel  528 . 
     The shelf assembly  500  may be designed such that the top end  510  is mostly smooth so as to not injure an animal positioned thereon. To incorporate the shelf frame  512 , however, the front end  502 , back end  504 , first side end  506 , and second side end  508  may define a recess  604  between each respective end and an edge  602  of the bottom surface  600 . This is shown in  FIG. 6 . In other words, the top end  510  of the shelf assembly may form a small cavity such that the front end  502 , back end  504 , first side end  506 , and second side end  508  form side walls defining a cavity on the top end  510  of the shelf assembly  500 . The shelf assembly  500  thus forms a concave structure on the top end. This, however, is not required in all embodiments. In other embodiments, a top surface of the shelf assembly  500  may be flush with the front end  502 , back end  504 , first side end  506 , and second side end  508 . 
     On the bottom side of the shelf assembly  500 , however, the shelf wire frame  512  is able to fit within the recess  604  defined about the perimeter edge  602  of the bottom surface  600 . The frame  512  may be welded, adhered, or mechanically coupled to the shelf body, or the body may simply rest within the shelf wire frame  512 . 
     As for coupling the shelf assembly  500  to the crate assembly, this is shown in  FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 . The shelf assembly  500  may include a first elongate wire  514  and a second elongate wire  516  which extend the length of the shelf assembly  500 . The first and second elongate wires  514 ,  516  may be substantially parallel to one another but offset. Each of the elongate wires may be parallel to the first wire  606 , second wire  608 , third wire  610  and seventh wire  618 . Moreover, the first and second elongate wires  514 ,  516  may be coupled to the fourth wire  612 , fifth wire  614 , and sixth wire  616 . 
     The first and second elongate wires include a first hook end  518  and a second hook end  520 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first hook ends  518  of the first and second elongate wires may be coupled to a door frame horizontal wire  530 . Although not shown, the second hook ends  520  of the first and second elongate wires  514 ,  516  may be coupled to a horizontal wire located on a panel opposite the door frame  526  of the crate assembly. Thus, through the connection of the hook ends to the door frame and opposite panel, the shelf assembly  500  may be coupled to the crate assembly. 
     The shelf assembly  500  may also include one or more shelf hooks. In  FIG. 5 , for example, one embodiment is illustrated in which the shelf assembly  500  includes a first shelf hook  522  and a second shelf hook  524 . The shelf hooks may comprise a single wire that is coupled to the third wire  610  and seventh wire  618  of the shelf wire frame  512 . 
     An example of the first shelf hook  522  and the second shelf hook  524  is depicted in  FIG. 8 . Here, the shelf hook may be formed by a single shelf hook wire  800 . In other embodiments, two or more wires may be coupled to one another to form the shelf hook. In  FIG. 8 , however, the shelf hook wire  800  may include a first end  802  and a second end  804 . The wire  800  may be continuous from the first end  802  to the second end  804 . The shelf hook wire  800  may include a first elongate portion  806  that extends from the first end  802  and a second elongate portion  808  that extends from the second end  804 . The first and second elongate portions  806 ,  808  may be coupled to the third wire  610  and seventh wire  618  of the shelf wire frame  512  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     The shelf hook wire  800  may include a plurality of bends between its respective elongate portions and a curved portion  818  located opposite the first and second ends  802 ,  804 . In particular, the first elongate portion  806  extends from the first end  802  to a first bend  810 , and the second elongate portion  808  extends from the second end  804  to a second bend  812 . The wire  800  continues from the first bend  810  to a third bend  814 , and from the second bend  812  to a fourth bend  814 . The shelf hook wire  800  further extends from the third bend  814  and fourth bend  816  to converge at the curved portion  818  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The shape of the shelf hook wire  800  forms a substantially V-shape between the first bend  810 , third bend  814 , and curved portion  818 , and likewise between the second bend  812 , the fourth bend  816 , and the curved portion  818 . 
     The substantially V-shaped design of the shelf hook opposite the first and second ends thereof may be used for securing the shelf assembly  500  to the side panel  528 . For example, and as shown in  FIG. 5 , the side panel  528  is formed by a plurality of horizontal wires (and vertical wires) including a side panel horizontal wire  532 . This side panel horizontal wire  532  may be disposed within a V-shaped catch portion  820  defined by the shelf wire  800 . In particular, the side panel horizontal wire  532  may be in contact with each of the first and second shelf hooks  522 ,  524  when the shelf assembly  500  is coupled to the door frame  526  and side panel  528 . 
     The shelf hooks  522 ,  524  allow for the shelf to be securely coupled to at least three different panels that form the crate assembly. Moreover, it provides additional safety to an animal that may be positioned on the shelf. Without the first and second shelf hooks, an animal may apply pressure (i.e., by laying or standing) to the first end  506  of the shelf assembly  500 . In doing so, the shelf assembly  500  may be inclined to tilt in that direction, and particularly since there is no resistance or coupling to the side panel. In the present embodiment of  FIG. 5 , however, the first and second shelf hooks  522 ,  524  generally couple the shelf assembly  500  to the side panel  528  to prevent the shelf from tilting under these circumstances. 
     The unique design of the shelf hooks also provides additional sturdiness to the crate assembly. In some instances, an animal may push outwardly against the side panel  528  when disposed on the shelf assembly  500 . Without the shelf hooks, the side panel  528  may be pushed away from the shelf assembly  500 , and thereby creating a gap or space therebetween. If the animal loses its balance, for example, it may fall or have a paw or other body part become caught in this space. An injury may result to the animal. The shelf hooks, however, can securely couple the shelf assembly  500  to the side panel  528  such that if an animal does push outwardly against the side panel  528 , the shelf hooks resist the side panel pulling away from the shelf assembly  500  and forming any gap or space therebetween. Thus, possible injury to the animal can be avoided under these circumstances. 
     Depending upon the size of the crate assembly, it may be desirable to include more than two shelf hooks. The present disclosure is intended to cover any shelf assembly having one or more shelf hooks for coupling to a panel of the shelf assembly. Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the shelf hooks may be coupled to the shelf wire frame along the same side of the shelf assembly that comprises the open-ended corners. With this design, the shelf assembly may be coupled to either side panel of the crate assembly, with the closed-ended corners of the shelf being oriented towards the interior of the crate assembly. 
     In  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of an animal crate assembly  900  is shown. The crate assembly  900  is shown in the form of a multi-tiered crate assembly, but this is only intended to be one such embodiment. However, the principles and teachings of this application extend beyond a multi-tiered crate assembly and equally apply to a single level crate assembly. 
     In any event, the crate assembly  900  can be formed by a plurality of substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap and/or interconnect with one another to define an interior having a defined length, width and height to accommodate an animal. One or more of the horizontal wires  932  can be coupled to one or more of the vertical wires  934 , and vice versa, to add structural integrity to the crate assembly  900 . In other embodiments, wires may be oriented in other directions than horizontal and vertical. The wires may be welded, adhered, fastened, or coupled to one another through a variety of means. The crate assembly  900  can include a plurality of sides or members that form the crate assembly  900 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , for example, the crate assembly  900  includes an upper level  902  and a lower level  904 . The upper level  902  and lower level  904  may be similar. In some cases, there may be a panel disposed inbetween the levels to allow for partial separation therebetween. In other cases, such as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , there may not be any separating panel. The entire crate assembly  900  may be supported by a support frame, which is not shown in  FIG. 9  (see  FIG. 1  for an example of a support frame  106 ). The support frame may include one or more caster wheels coupled to the bottom thereof to allow the crate assembly  900  to be portable. 
     The crate assembly  900  may include a front  910 , a back  912 , a top  914 , a first side  916 , and a second side  918 . The interior of the crate assembly  900  therefore is defined by the front  910 , back  912 , top  914 , first side  916 , second side  918 , and support frame (if provided). If no support frame is provided, a ground surface or other bottom surface may help define the interior of the crate assembly  900 . The upper level  902  may include the top  914 , whereas the lower level  904  may not include a top or bottom as it rests or is coupled to the support frame. 
     The upper level  902  may be provided with a top door  920  and top door frame  922  formed in the front  910  thereof. The top door  920  may be disposable between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and an open position ( FIG. 10 ). As will be described, the top door  920  may include a latch  928  for latching or securing the door  920  in its closed position in such a way that an animal is unable to open the top door  920 . This will be described below. 
     Similar to the upper level  902 , the lower level  904  may also include a bottom door  924  and a bottom door frame  926 . The bottom door  924  and bottom door frame  926  are formed in the front  910  as shown in  FIG. 9 . A second latch  930  may be used for securing the door  924  in a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 9 . It is understood, however, that the top and bottom doors and door frames may be formed in any one of the front, back, first side and second side. Moreover, it may be possible to incorporate a single door in the top  914 . The doors and door frames may be formed in the same side, such as the front  910  in  FIG. 9 , but this too is not required. In other embodiments, one of the two doors and door frames may be formed in the front  910 , and the other of the two doors and door frames may be formed in the back. Any combination thereof is possible, and the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 9  is only intended to be one representation of possibilities with the crate assembly  900  described in the present disclosure. 
     In  FIG. 9 , the crate assembly  900  may also include one or more shelves (not shown) similar to what is depicted in  FIG. 1 . Each shelf assembly may be securely coupled to the crate assembly  900  to allow an animal to climb or move between levels. The manner in which the shelf assembly is coupled to the crate assembly is described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , only the top portion  902  of the crate assembly  900  is shown. In some embodiments, the top portion  902  may form a single level crate assembly  900  and thus the principles and teachings related thereto apply to any crate assembly having one or more levels or tiers. Here, the top door  920  is shown with only one door rather than two individual doors. The second door is left off to better illustrate the features of the crate assembly  900 . Each door  920 , however, may be pivotally coupled to the door frame  922 . The door frame  922  may form an internal perimeter via a pair of horizontal wires and a pair of vertical wires which define a door opening  1010 . Each vertical wire that forms the perimeter of the door opening  1010  is a pivot wire  1000 . In this manner, each door  920  may include one or more horizontal wires  1006  which are wrapped around and pivotally coupled to the respective pivot wire  1000  to allow the door  920  to pivot between its closed position and an open position  1008 . 
     Each door  920  may also include a first connector  1002  and a second connector  1004 . The first connector  1002  and second connector  1004  may be formed from the same wire, where the first connector  1002  is located at a top end of the door  920  and the second connector  1004  is located at a bottom end thereof. The first connector  1002  may couple to a vertical wire of the door frame  922  when the door  920  is in its closed position. Likewise, the second connector  1004  may couple to another vertical wire of the door frame  922  in the closed position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10-12 , the crate assembly  900  may include one or more clips  1100  as shown. In  FIG. 11 , the clip  1100  is shown coupling a first wire  1102  of the top  914  with a horizontal wire  1106  of the back  912 . The top  914  may be formed by a plurality of wires which interconnect with one another such as the first wire  1102  and a second wire  1104 . The two wires may interconnect in such a way that both are substantially perpendicular to one another. Similarly, the back  912  may include a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires such as the horizontal wire  1106  and vertical wire  1108  shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     The clip  1100  may include an outer body  1200  which is substantially hollow and defines an opening  1202  on both ends thereof. The opening  1202  may be oval or circularly-shaped. Other designs or shapes are also possible. The clip  1100  may be formed of a sheet of metal such that it is folded or clamped to hold two different sides of the crate assembly together. 
     In  FIG. 9 , the top  914  and back  912  may be coupled to one another via two or more clips  1100 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 9 , there are five clips  1100  used to couple the back  912  and top  914  to one another. In other embodiments, one or more clips  1100  may be used. 
     The clip  1100  may also be used to allow limited movement when it is clamped. For example, in  FIG. 10 , the clip  1100  is used with the latch  928 . The latch  928  may be coupled to the door  920  via one or more clips. In this arrangement, the latch  928  may pivot or slide within the opening  1202 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 10 and 13-14 , the crate assembly  900  may also include one or more side clips  1300 . The side clip  1300  may be used in place of the clip  1100 . The side clip  1300  may be formed from a single wire  1402  having a first end and a second end spaced from one another by a small gap  1400 . The side clip  1300  may include a receiving end  1404 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The receiving end  1404  may be configured to engage two or more wires from at least two different sides of the crate assembly  900 . For example, in  FIG. 13 , the top  914  may include a perimeter wire  1302  disposed adjacent to a first horizontal wire  1304  of the first side  916 . The first side  916  may be formed by a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires including the first horizontal wire  1304  and a second horizontal wire  1306 . 
     In the coupled arrangement of  FIG. 13 , the top  914  and first side  916  may be coupled to one another by using the side clip  1300  to couple the perimeter wire  1302  and first horizontal wire  1304  via the receiving end  1404 . 
     The single wire  1402  of the side clip  1300  may include a plurality of bends which form the shape of the clip  1300 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the side clip  1300  may include a first bend  1406  and a second bend  1408  located near the gap  1400 . The wire  1402  then includes a pair of elongated portions as shown in  FIG. 14 . A first elongated portion is defined between the first bend  1406  and a fourth bend  1412 , and a second elongated portion is defined between the second bend  1408  and a third bend  1410 . The third and fourth bends are located at the receiving end  1404  of the side clip  1300 . In addition, a fifth bend  1414 , a sixth bend  1416 , a seventh bend  1418 , and an eighth bend  1420  are located at the receiving end  1404  thereof. A straight portion  1422  may be defined between the seventh bend  1418  and the eighth bend  1420 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-10 and 15-16 , the crate assembly  900  may include a hook member  1500 . The hook member  1500  is shown in  FIG. 16  where it may be formed by a single wire  1600  having a first end  1602  and a second end  1604 . The hook member  1500  may also include a first bend  1608  and a second bend  1610 , as illustrated. The hook member  1500  includes a first elongate portion  1614  defined between the first end  1602  and the second bend  1610 , and a second elongate portion  1616  defined between the second end  1604  and the first bend  1608 . The first and second elongate portions may lie within a first plane. However, the hook member  1500  may also include a hook portion  1606  partially formed by the first and second bends. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the single wire  1600  forms a substantially U-shaped hook portion  1606  between the first bend  1608  and the second bend  1610 , and the hook portion  1606  may be disposed within a second plane. In one example, the first plane and second plane may be perpendicular to one another. In another example, the first and second planes may be angled with respect to one another. As will be described, the hook portion  1606  may form a blocking end  1612 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-10 and 15 , the hook member  1500  may be coupled to the top  914 . In particular, the hook member  1500  may be coupled to a top wire  1512  and a top perimeter wire  1508 . The top perimeter wire  1508  may form an outer perimeter of the top  914 , and the top perimeter wire  1508  may be located adjacent to a horizontal perimeter wire  1510  of the top door frame  922 . 
     The top  914  may also include a first top wire  1502  and a second top wire  1504 . The first and second top wires may be perpendicular to the top wire  1512  and top perimeter wire  1508 . Moreover, the hook member  1500  may be located between the first top wire  1502  and the second top wire  1504 , as shown. A cross wire  1506  is shown coupled between the first top wire  1502  and the second top wire  1504 . The hook member  1500  may also be coupled to the cross wire  1506  to further support the hook member  1500 . Thus, the hook member  1500  may be coupled to at least two or more wires of the top  914 . Further, the hook member  1500  may be coupled to the top perimeter wire  1508  at or near the first and second bends. 
     In use, the hook member  1500  is positioned behind the door frame  922 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . In particular, the hook member  1500  may contact the horizontal perimeter wire  1510  in at least two locations. In  FIG. 15 , the hook member  1500  may engage or contact the horizontal perimeter wire  1510  at a first contact location  1514  and a second contact location  1516 . It is noted, however, that the hook member  1500  only contacts the horizontal perimeter wire  1510  and is not affixed or permanently coupled thereto. In this arrangement, the hook member  1500  provides support to the door frame  922  and prevents the door frame  922  from flexing inward, i.e., towards the interior of the crate assembly  900 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-10 and 17-18  of the present disclosure, an elongate hook  1700  is shown. Unlike the hook member  1500  of  FIG. 15 , the elongate hook  1700  is designed to couple the top  914  and door frame  922  to one another. The elongate hook  1700  may be formed of a single wire  1800  having a first end  1802  and a second end  1804 . At the second end  1804 , the single wire  1800  forms a hook portion  1806 . The hook portion  1806  may define an opening  1808  as shown. The opening  1808  is formed because the first end  1802  and second end  1804  may be aligned offset from one another, as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 17 , the elongate hook  1700  is able to couple the top and door frame to one another. Specifically, the top  914  may include a perimeter wire  1702  and the door frame  922  may include a perimeter wire  1704 . For sake of clarity, the perimeter wire  1702  of the top  914  may be the same as the top perimeter wire  1508  of  FIG. 15 . Further, the perimeter wire  1704  of the door frame  922  may correspond with the horizontal perimeter wire  1510  of  FIG. 15 . The hook portion  1806  of the elongate hook  1700  may capture the perimeter wire  1702  of the top  914  and the perimeter wire  1704  of the door frame  922  in the opening  1808  to couple the top  914  and door frame  922  to one another. 
     While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been disclosed herein, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this disclosure 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.