Patent Publication Number: US-2022217939-A1

Title: Animal enclosure and habitat with integral natural plant or forage platform

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/136,780, filed Jan. 13, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to an animal enclosure, and, in particular, to an animal enclosure including at least one platform. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The use of animal cages or crate is well known. Many conventional cages have been developed over the years for housing animals of different shapes and sizes. For instance, animal cages typically house dogs and cats. Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs, and other small animals have also been known to be housed by such cages and are quite common. In fact, such cages are also used for farm animals when needed, including ducks and chickens. As cages have been further developed, the portability 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. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an animal enclosure assembly includes a top member, a bottom member, a front member, a rear member, a first side member, and a second side member; an interior formed between the top member, the bottom member, the front member, the rear member, the first side member, and the second side member, the interior being defined by at least a first level and a second level; a platform located in the interior and coupled to at least one of the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member, the platform including a top surface; and a ramp coupled to the platform to allow travel to and from a location above, below or adjacent the platform; wherein, the platform comprises a concave-shaped recess formed in the top surface. 
     In one aspect of this embodiment, the recess is filled with dirt and a natural plant. In a second aspect, the top surface is generally flat and surrounds the recess. In a third aspect, the platform is positioned in the first level closest to the bottom member. In a fourth aspect, at least one of the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member comprises a semi-transparent or transparent material. In a fifth aspect, at least one of the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member comprises a mesh material. 
     In another aspect, at least one of the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member comprises a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires. In a further aspect, the platform comprises a generally four-sided structure. In an alternative aspect, the platform comprises a generally L-shaped structure. In yet another aspect, the platform is positioned in the second level closest to the top member. 
     In a further aspect, a second platform is located in the interior and coupled to at least one of the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member, wherein the ramp is coupled between the platform and the second platform. In yet a further aspect, the second platform comprises a concave-shaped recess formed in the top surface. Further, in a different aspect, the recess of the second platform is filled with dirt and a natural plant. In yet a further aspect, at least one tube port is formed in the front member, rear member, first side member or second side member. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an animal enclosure assembly includes a top member, a bottom member, a front member, a rear member, a first side member, and a second side member; an interior formed between the top member, the bottom member, the front member, the rear member, the first side member, and the second side member, the interior being defined by at least a first level and a second level; a first platform located in the interior and coupled to at least one of the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member, the platform including a top surface; a second platform located in the interior and coupled to another of the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member, the second platform including a top surface; a ramp coupled between the first platform and the second platform; wherein, the first platform comprises a first concave-shaped recess formed in the top surface thereof and the second platform comprises a second concave-shaped recess formed in the top surface thereof; wherein, the first platform is arranged within the interior at a different level than the second platform. 
     In one aspect of this embodiment, either the first recess or second recess is filled with dirt and a natural plant. In another aspect, the first platform is positioned in the first level closest to the bottom member and the second platform is positioned in the second level closest to the top member. In a further aspect, at least one tube port formed in the front member, rear member, first side member or second side member. In yet another aspect, at least one of the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member comprises a semi-transparent or transparent material. 
     In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-animal enclosure assembly includes a first animal enclosure assembly and a second animal enclosure assembly, wherein the first animal enclosure assembly comprises at least one side member and a first tube port formed in the at least one side member; and the second animal enclosure assembly comprises a top member, a bottom member, a front member, a rear member, a first side member, and a second side member; an interior formed between the top member, the bottom member, the front member, the rear member, the first side member, and the second side member, the interior being defined by at least a first level and a second level; a platform located in the interior and coupled to at least one of the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member, the platform including a top surface; a ramp coupled to the platform to allow travel to and from a location above, below or adjacent the platform; and a second tube port formed in the front member, rear member, first side member or second side member; wherein, the platform comprises a concave-shaped recess formed in the top surface; wherein, the first tube port and second tube port are aligned with one another such that a tube is coupled therebetween to provide access between an interior of the first animal enclosure and the interior of the second animal enclosure. 
    
    
     
       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 an animal enclosure with a plurality of platforms; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another animal enclosure with a plurality of platforms; 
         FIG. 3  is a top schematic view of a platform with a recess defined therein; 
         FIG. 4  is a side schematic view of the platform of  FIG. 3  with a natural plant or forage located in the recess; 
         FIG. 5  is a top schematic view of another platform with a recess defined therein; 
         FIG. 6  is a side schematic view of the platform of  FIG. 5  with a natural plant or forage located in the recess; 
     
    
    
     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 enclosure. The animal enclosure can be used for multiple purposes, such as to contain one or more animals or objects. The enclosure can be made of any size for accommodating an animal or object of any size. In addition, the enclosure can be made of different materials including aluminum, plastic, and steel. The enclosure 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 embodiment of an animal enclosure  100  is shown. The enclosure  100  is in the form of a small pet enclosure, but this is only intended to be exemplary. The enclosure  100  may include a top member  102 , a bottom member  104 , a front member  106 , and a rear member  108 . The front member  106  may include a door or gate assembly  116  which opens and closes to provide access to the interior of the enclosure  100 . The enclosure  100  also includes a first side  110  and a second  112 . A latch (not shown) may be operatively connected to the door assembly  116  and is configured to maintain the door assembly  116  in the closed position when latched. Other latching or locking mechanisms may be used for holding the door assembly  116  in a closed position. 
     While the door assembly  116  may be on the front of the enclosure  100 , it is also possible for it to be integrated into either side member or rear member thereof. Moreover, the top member  102  may be removable in order to allow better access to the interior of the enclosure  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the enclosure  100  may include a frame  114  which borders the different members. The frame  114  may be formed of a treated wood material, plastic, or other known material. The frame  114  may include a cross-member  126  that partially divides the enclosure  100  between a lower level  122  and an upper level  124 . Upon removing the top member  102 , a user may have direct access to the upper level  124 . 
     The frame or border  114  may include slots or grooves (not shown) to which a member may be slidingly coupled. For example, the front member  106  may be coupled to the enclosure  100  by sliding it downwardly along slots or grooves formed in the frame or border  114 . The cross-member  126  may include a slot (not shown) in which the front member  106  may pass through. 
     A portion of the enclosure  100  may include mesh and/or other portions may be transparent. In  FIG. 1 , the enclosure  100  is shown including the rear member  108  and portions of the first side member  110  and second side member  112  as comprising mesh material  118 . The mesh material  118  may be screen-like material, or it may include a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires. In any event, the mesh material  118  allows for sufficient ventilation of the interior of the enclosure  100 . 
     The transparent portions  120  of the enclosure  110  may be formed as part of the front member  106  and the first side member  110  and/or second side member  112 . In  FIG. 1 , for example, the front member  106  is entirely transparent, whereas a bottom portion of each of the first and second side members is transparent. The transparent material may be polycarbonate, for example, but it may comprise other known transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent material. Ideally, the transparent material allows a user or owner to visually see the interior of the enclosure  100  without the impediment of the mesh material  118  obstructing the view. 
     The bottom  104  of the enclosure  100  may be removable therefrom for ease in cleaning. Further, one or more legs  128  of a base structure may support the enclosure  100  on a ground or floor surface. The one or more legs  128  may be at least partly coupled to the bottom member  104 . 
     The enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown including a first platform  134  and a second platform  136 . The first platform  134  is located between the lower level  122  and upper level  124 , whereas the second platform  136  is located in the upper level  124 . In other embodiments, the platforms may be located in the lower level, upper level, or therebetween. The platforms may be coupled to any one of the members that form the enclosure including the top member  102 , front member  106 , rear member  108 , first side member  110 , and second side member  112 . 
     A first ramp  130  is shown leading between the bottom member  104  and the first platform  134 . A second ramp  132  extends from the first platform  134  to the second platform  136 . Thus, an animal such as a hamster, guinea pig, gerbil, or the like may easily traverse from the bottom member  104  to the second platform  136  via the ramps and first platform  134 . 
     In the enclosure of  FIG. 1 , the first side member  110  and second side member  112  may include tube ports  138 . The tube ports  138  may be fitted for a tube to be coupled thereto, thereby allowing an enclosed animal to travel between the enclosure  100  to another enclosure via the tube (not shown). Thus, one or more other enclosures may be coupled to the enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1  by coupling one or more tubes to the tube ports  138 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , one embodiment of a platform  300  which may be coupled to the enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown. The platform  300  may be either the first platform  134  or second platform  136 . In any event, the platform  300  may include a top surface  302  that is substantially rectangularly-shaped. This, however, is only an example and is not intended to be limiting. The top surface  302  may have any desired shape. 
     The platform  300  may include a recess  304  defined in a portion of the top surface  302 . The recess  304  may form a bowl or cup-like structure  402  as shown in  FIG. 4 . With this structure, a user or owner may deposit dirt or the like into the recess  304  for planting a natural plant  400  such as grass or forage. Alternatively, herbs, mint, bean sprouts, or any other natural plant may be planted in the recess  304 . Any plant or food item may be grown in the recess. Further, the recess may simply be used for water from which the enclosed animal may drink or bathe, or for food from which the enclosed animal may eat. The use or function of the recess is unlimited, and any user or owner of the enclosure may use the recess for their desired purpose. 
     In one embodiment, at least one of the top member  102 , front member  106 , rear member  108 , first side member  110 , and second side member  112  may be formed of a transparent or sem-transparent material to allow sunlight, for example, to reach the natural plant  400  to help with growth. In another embodiment, one or more of these members may be formed of mesh material which may allow sunlight to penetrate through and reach the platform. In other embodiments, one or more of the members may be partially transparent or semi-transparent and partially mesh. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a different animal enclosure  200  is shown. The enclosure  200  may include a top member  202 , a bottom member  204 , a front member  206 , and a rear member  208 . The front member  206  may include a door or gate assembly  216  which opens and closes to provide access to the interior of the enclosure  200 . The enclosure  200  also includes a first side  210  and a second  212 . A latch (not shown) may be operatively connected to the door assembly  216  and is configured to maintain the door assembly  216  in the closed position when latched. Other latching or locking mechanisms may be used for holding the door assembly  216  in a closed position. 
     While the door assembly  216  may be on the front of the enclosure  200 , it is also possible for it to be integrated into either side member or rear member thereof. Moreover, the top member  202  may be removable in order to allow better access to the interior of the enclosure  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the enclosure  200  may include a frame  214  which borders the different members. The frame  214  may be formed of a treated wood material, plastic, or other known material. 
     The enclosure  200  may include a built-in drawer  220  that may pull out to allow a user access to a bottom portion or lower level  222  of the enclosure  200 . The lower level  222  may include a pan (not shown), as known in the art. An area above the lower level  222  (i.e., above the drawer  220 ) may be referred to as an upper level  224 . 
     The frame  214  may include a cross-member  126  that partially divides the enclosure  200  between a lower level  222  and an upper level  224 . Upon removing the top member  202 , a user may have direct access to the upper level  224 . 
     The border  214  may include slots or grooves (not shown) to which a member may be slidingly coupled. For example, the front member  206  may be coupled to the enclosure  200  by sliding it downwardly along slots or grooves formed in the border  214 . 
     A portion of the enclosure  200  may include mesh and other portions may be transparent. In  FIG. 2 , the enclosure  200  is shown including the rear member  208 , top member  202 , the first side member  210  and second side member  212  as including mesh material  218 . The mesh material  218  may be screen-like material, or it may include a plurality of horizontal and vertical wires. In any event, the mesh material  218  allows for sufficient ventilation of the interior of the enclosure  200 . 
     The transparent portions  120  of the enclosure  210  may be formed as part of the front member  206 . In  FIG. 2 , for example, the front member  206  is entirely transparent. Other members of the enclosure  200  may also be transparent in another embodiment. The transparent material may be polycarbonate, for example, but it may comprise other known transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent material. Ideally, the transparent material allows a user or owner to visually see the interior of the enclosure  200  without the impediment of the mesh material  218  obstructing the view. 
     The bottom  204  of the enclosure  200  may be removable therefrom for ease in cleaning. Further, one or more legs  228  of a base structure may support the enclosure  200  on a ground or floor surface. The one or more legs  228  may be at least partly coupled to the bottom member  204 . 
     The enclosure  200  of  FIG. 1  is shown including a first platform  234 , a second platform  236 , and a third platform  238 . The first platform  234  may be located between the lower level  222  and upper level  224 , whereas the second platform  236  and third platform  238  may be located in the upper level  224 . In other embodiments, the platforms may be located in the lower level, upper level, or therebetween. 
     A first ramp  226  is shown leading between the bottom member  204  and the first platform  234 . A second ramp  230  extends from the first platform  234  to the second platform  236 , and a third ramp  232  extends from the second platform  236  to the third platform  238 . Thus, an animal such as a hamster, guinea pig, gerbil, or the like may easily traverse from the bottom member  204  to the third platform  238  via the ramps and intermediate platforms. 
     In the enclosure of  FIG. 2 , the first side member  210  and second side member  212  may include tube ports  138  similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 1 . Thus, one or more other enclosures may be coupled to the enclosure  200  of  FIG. 2  by coupling one or more tubes to the tube ports  138 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , one embodiment of a platform  500  which may be coupled to the enclosure  200  of  FIG. 1  is shown. The platform  500  may be either the first platform  234  or second platform  236 . In any event, the platform  500  may include a top surface  502  that is shaped differently from the platform  300  of  FIG. 3 . This, however, is only an example and is not intended to be limiting. The top surface  502  may have any desired shape. 
     The platform  500  may include a recess  504  defined in a portion of the top surface  502 . The recess  504  may form a concave (e.g., a bowl or cup-like) structure  602  as shown in  FIG. 6 . With this structure, a user or owner may deposit dirt or the like into the recess  504  for planting a natural plant  600  such as grass or forage. Alternatively, herbs, mint, bean sprouts, or any other natural plant may be planted in the recess  504 . Any plant or food item may be grown in the recess. Further, the recess may simply be used for water from which the enclosed animal may drink or bathe, or for food from which the enclosed animal may eat. The use or function of the recess is unlimited, and any user or owner of the enclosure may use the recess for their desired purpose. 
     The aforementioned enclosures of  FIGS. 1 and 2  therefore may include built-in natural grass foraging platforms as shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . In other embodiments, the enclosures may include running wheels, feeding bowls, water bottles, and other features. In one example of the enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , the front member  106  may comprise a top portion and a bottom portion separable by the cross-member  126 . The top and/or bottom portion may include a drop down access panel to allow easy access to the upper or lower portions. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, two or more animal enclosures may be provided to form an assembly such that each enclosure has one or more side members which form an interior. A tube port may be formed in a corresponding side member of each of the first and second enclosures. In order to allow an animal access between the interiors of both enclosures, a tube may be coupled to each tube port. The hollow tube may be accessed in each enclosure. Each animal enclosure may comprise the features of either  FIG. 1 or 2 , for example. Each enclosure may include a plurality of tube ports to permit access between multiple animal enclosures including three or more enclosures. 
     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.