Abstract:
A reconfigurable modular play structure for animals including a base, a plurality of cylindrical support members, and one or more platforms to support an animal. The cylindrical support members are helically wrapped with a plurality of flexible line wrappings, allowing different colors and types of wrappings to be used in combination. Special access apertures and holes facilitate locking the line wrappings to the support members. One or more of the platforms or an upper portion of the structure may be rotated on a rotating connection. The structure may also include one or more play members held by an open spring or a soft flexible material playhouse for the entertainment of an animal.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/420,484 filed Apr. 21, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/872,231, filed May 31, 2001. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to play and exercise structures for animals.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Cats and other pets enjoy climbing and elevated places where they can rest and observe goings on in their surroundings. Cats and other pets also enjoy and benefit from exercise involving movable objects and spaces that spark their natural curiosity and stalking and pouncing instincts, as well as provide them an opportunity to sharpen their claws.  
         [0004]     A variety of structures and devices has been made for cats and other pets to satisfy these needs and instincts. Typical pet structures and devices for this purpose, however, are either very large and cumbersome, or limited to small scratching devices. Large freestanding animal structures, often constructed of wood with carpet covering, consist of long and heavy sidepieces. These large structures are cumbersome both for the pet owner to assemble and maintain, as well as for the retailer to acquire and stock for sale, especially given commercial limitations in the display space available in typical retail stores and outlets. Scratching and climbing structures and devices for pets have also been designed to attach to walls. Again, however, such devices are often large and cumbersome, and increase assembly complexity by requiring the pet owner to install wall fasteners and attach the device to a wall.  
         [0005]     Attempts at workable animal structures have also suffered from a lack of flexibility in their configuration. Various attempts have been made to increase the flexibility and ease of use of such structures using detachable elements. Such attempts have been largely unsuccessful, however, due to manufacturing costs and design deficiencies.  
         [0006]     Cats and other animals also enjoy and benefit from playing with paper bags and other flexible containers. Pet toys or attractive small objects or assemblages have often been hung by cord from pet structures and scratching devices. These accessories suffer from failure from use of the support cord, and shredding of the pet toy, often a toy mouse, with use. A more durably attached and durable in use accessory to an animal structure and scratching device would be desirable and useful. In addition, attractive assemblages that could function both as toys and yet be sufficiently rigid and durable to support an animal&#39;s weight for climbing purposes would be beneficial.  
         [0007]     Current play structures and perches provide only rigid structures and areas, rather than flexible ones that can be pushed through by the animal.  
         [0008]     There is a need for a modular, reconfigurable structure that is attractive to and usable by cats and other small animals, while providing ease of assembly, storage and maintenance both to pet owners and retailers.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     In accordance with the present invention, a modular, reconfigurable animal play and scratching structure is described. The present invention comprises a base member that rests upon a supporting surface and one or more cylindrical support members supporting one or more stationary or rotating platforms.  
         [0010]     In accordance with further aspects of the invention, one or more of the platforms may be rotated after assembly through the use of swivel bearings above and below the platform. In a varied aspect of the invention, a rotating connector is used only below a platform to allow the entire portion of the play structure above the rotating connector to be rotated after assembly.  
         [0011]     In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the cylindrical support members are multiple spirally wrapped with flexible line wrappings for animal scratching and climbing.  
         [0012]     In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, both ends of the cylindrical support member have holes to anchor the ends of the multiple flexible line wrappings, which are spirally wrapped in parallel to cover the cylindrical structure member, as well as to provide color flexibility and a barber pole effect.  
         [0013]     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the cylindrical support members at one or both ends are fitted with disk-shaped cheek plates that retain the flexible line wrappings close-wound around the cylindrical support member. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical support member cheek plates have one or more access apertures that permit access to the ends of the flexible line wrappings anchored through the holes at the ends of the cylindrical support members, facilitating locking the flexible line in place to prevent the ends from coming out of the holes through the support cylinders. In varying embodiments, locking the flexible line in place is done with knots, clamps or clips.  
         [0014]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, one or more of the supporting platforms is specially shaped, such as scalloped disc shaped, paddle-shaped, fish-shaped, or dog bone-shaped.  
         [0015]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, two platforms are assembled with a cylindrical support member, one above another, and an enclosed area defining a playhouse is created by hanging a soft flexible material from the upper platform toward the lower platform. In varying embodiments, the soft flexible material may be plastic or fabric pieces or strips. In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, the fabric playhouse is configured to have one or more door-shaped openings. In an alternative embodiment, the playhouse materials are hung from a platform situated immediately above the base, and the enclosed area is between the platform and the base.  
         [0016]     In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a shaped play member is attached to one of the cylindrical support members or platforms via a spring. The spring and play member projects outward from the support members or down from the platforms. The play member will then bounce when the cat or other small animal bats at it. In other aspects of the invention, the play member is a ball and is covered with a shaggy carpet material. In yet an alternative embodiment, the spring holding the shaped play member supports the play member outward and up from the side of the support members and is sufficiently rigid and durable to support a small animal&#39;s weight for climbing purposes.  
         [0017]     As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing summary, the invention includes small modular sections for an animal play structure that provides durability and flexibility in configuration after assembly. It further provides optional elements including rotating platforms, specially shaped platforms, multiple color choices and color combinations for spiral wrapping of the scratching and support members, an animal playhouse, and shaped play members. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     The many features and advantages of this invention are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, along with the following drawings.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a play structure for animals in accordance with the present invention illustrating a plurality of cylindrical support members, a base, a plurality of platforms, multiple spiral flexible line wrappings on the cylindrical support members, and a top fastener.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the play structure showing a rotating connector permitting reconfiguration of the structure.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view showing the components of the play structure of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the disassembled play structure of  FIG. 2  showing the small size of the components closely packed for retailing or storage.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged exploded section taken substantially along the plane of the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged exploded section taken substantially along the plane of line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged exploded section of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having two swivel bearings permitting reconfiguration of a single platform of the structure.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged exploded section of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a single swivel bearing permitting reconfiguration of a single platform of the structure.  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the play structure for animals, illustrating a plurality of material-covered shaped play members movably attached to the structure.  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the play structure for animals, further showing a soft flexible material playhouse. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0029]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the play structure for animals comprises a base  20  removably fastened to one or more multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support members  30 , and one or more platforms  60 . Platforms  60  may be specially shaped. Examples of design variations include paddle shaped  66 , dog bone shaped  64 , scalloped disk shaped  62 , and fish shaped (not shown) platforms. It will be appreciated that while only a limited number of platform designs are shown and described herein, the platforms may be specially shaped to incorporate a virtually limitless number of design variations. The multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support members are releasably fastened end to end forming a pole with two ends, the lower end fastened to base  20 , and the upper end capped with a securing fastener  80 .  
         [0030]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , an alternate embodiment of the play structure further comprises a rotating connector  100 , such as a swivel bearing or other swiveling member or members, releasably connected between an upper end of a multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support member  30  and a platform  60 . The rotating connector permits an upper portion of the animal play structure, above the rotating connector, to be rotatably reconfigured relative to a lower portion of the animal play structure.  
         [0031]     As further shown with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the present invention is comprised of small component parts releasably connected to facilitate convenient packing, transportation, retail display and sale, and customer storage. In the preferred embodiment, base  20  includes a female threaded connector  22 . Each multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support member  30  includes affixed end pieces  32  and  36 , one located on each end of the support member. A male threaded connector  34  is attached to end piece  32 , and a female threaded connector  38  is attached to end piece  36 . Male threaded connector  34  is threaded and sized comprises a male threaded connector  108  and a female threaded connector  106  threaded and sized to correspond to and be connected with, respectively, female threaded connector  38  and male threaded connector  34  of support members  30 . Securing fastener  80  consists of a male threaded portion  82  threaded and sized to correspond to and be received by female threaded connector  38  of support member  30 , as well as by female threaded connector  22  of base  20 . One end of the securing fastener, designed to be exposed where not threaded into female threaded connector corresponding to the male threaded portion of the securing fastener, further includes a smooth and generally flat or slightly rounded cap  84 . The cap may be configured to receive a screwdriver or wrench assembly to allow tightening of the securing fastener in the female threaded connector.  
         [0032]     During assembly, for example of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , male threaded connector  34  of a first support member  30  is threadably inserted into female threaded connector  22  of base  20 . Assembly hole  68  of paddle shaped platform  66  is aligned with female threaded connector  38  of first support member  30 . Male threaded connector  34  of a second support member  30  is then passed through assembly hole  68  of paddle shaped platform  66  and threadably inserted into female threaded connector  38  of first support member  30 . To permit rotatable reconfiguration of the support members and platforms located above this point of the structure, rotating connector  100  is placed between dog bone shaped platform  64  and second support member  30 , as described in greater detail below (see  FIG. 6 ). Assembly hole  68  of dog bone shaped platform  64  is aligned with the rotating connector and female threaded connector  38  of second support member  30 . Male threaded connector  34  of a third support member  30  is then passed through assembly hole  68  of dog bone shaped platform  64  and into rotating connector  100 , which in turn is threadably connected via female threaded connector  38  to second support member  30 . This general process is repeated for circular platform  60 , a fourth support member  30 , and scalloped disk shaped platform  62 . The assembled structure is capped by passing male threaded portion  82  of securing fastener  80  through assembly hole  68  of scalloped disk shaped platform  62  and threadably inserting the male threaded portion into the female threaded connector. By tightly connecting male threaded connector  34  with corresponding female threaded connector  38 , end pieces  32  and  36  securely engage platform  60 . In an alternate embodiment, multiple adjacent support members are threadably connected directly without a sandwiched platform, making a longer pole between other platforms, or the base and a platform.  
         [0033]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the component parts of the animal play structure are displayed in disassembled isometric form showing the capability of the animal play structure to be packed or stored in a small space.  FIG. 4  shows the animal play structure comprising base  20 , a plurality of multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support members  30  each with two opposite end pieces  32  and  36 , end piece  32  having male threaded connector  34  and access aperture  48  (not visible) and end piece  36  having female threaded connector  38  and access aperture  48 . The structure has a plurality of platforms  60  of various shapes, which include scalloped disk shaped platform  62 , paddle shaped platform  66 , circular platform  60 , and dog bone shaped platform  64 .  FIG. 4  shows the disassembled and closely packed components of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , including rotating connector  100 , and a securing fastener  80 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a cross section showing adjacent multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support members  30  having a platform  60  sandwiched between. Attached at the end of each multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support member is an end piece  32  or  36 , supporting male threaded connector  34  and female threaded connector  38 , respectively. In the preferred embodiment, end pieces  32  and  36  are cheek plates, and the male and female threaded connectors are securely mounted to or formed into the cheek plates. As described above, male threaded connector  34  is threaded and sized to correspond to and be received by female threaded connector  38 . In the preferred embodiment, the multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support members are hollow cylinders, preferably made out of metal, having thin walls  40 . In alternative embodiments of the invention the support members may be solid, or thick walled, and the end pieces may be integral with the support members.  
         [0035]     As shown more particularly with reference to  FIG. 5 , support members  30  include multiple flexible line wrappings  42 . The multiple flexible line wrappings preferably consist of two pieces of rope close-wound around support member wall  40 . The ends of the multiple flexible line wrappings project through line holes  44  in the side of support member wall  40  adjacent to the ends of the support member. The flexible line wrappings originate in a first line hole at one end of the support member and are close wound in spiral fashion around the support member wall to the other end of the support member, at which point they are projecting through a second line hole at the other end of the support member. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible line wrappings are locked in place at their ends with a metal fastener  46 , which may be crimped through access aperture  48 . Other fasteners may be used, including knots, glue, etc. In alternative embodiments of the invention, line hole  44  may take different forms, such as a notch at the ends of the support member or multiple holes or notches, one for each corresponding line wrapping, at different angles around the support member. Line wrappings may also be terminated at different locations along length of the support member.  
         [0036]     In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of end pieces  32  and  36  are equal to the diameter of the support member wall  40 , plus the diameter of the flexible line wrappings spirally close-wound around the support member wall. In alternative embodiments, the diameter of the end pieces may vary and be less than or greater than the diameter of the support member wall. Increasing the size of the end pieces provides greater support to sandwiched platform  60 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged section taken substantially along the plane of line  6 - 6  on  FIG. 2 . This figure shows an alternate embodiment of the animal play structure having a rotating connector  100  that permits an upper portion of the play structure to be rotationally reconfigured relative to a lower portion. Rotating connector  100  includes movable attached but independently rotatable upper and lower swiveling members  102  and  104 , respectively. Upper swiveling member  102  has a female threaded connector  106 , threaded and sized to receive the male threaded connector  34  of a support member. Lower swiveling member  104  has a male threaded connector  108  threaded and sized to be received by the female threaded connector  38  of a support member. The upper and lower swiveling members rotate on a race of ball bearings  110 . Rotating connector  100  preferably has a diameter equal to or larger than the diameters of end pieces  32  and  36  to engage and provide support to the platform or the adjacently attached multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support members  30 .  
         [0038]     In assembly, to permit rotatable reconfiguration of the support members and platforms located above this point of the structure, rotating connector  100  is placed between platform  64  and support member  30 . More specifically, assembly hole  68  of platform  64  is aligned with female threaded connector  106  of upper swiveling member  102 . Male threaded connector  34  of a first supporting member is then passed through assembly hole  68  of platform  64  and threadably connected to female threaded connector  106 . Male threaded connector  108  of lower swiveling member  104  is threadably connected to female threaded connector  38  of a second support member. In an alternative embodiment, two multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support members  30  are attached directly to rotating connector  100  without platform  64  sandwiched in between. In yet an alternative embodiment (not shown), two rotating connectors  100  are used, one adjacent to the top and bottom surfaces of a platform, respectively. In this configuration, the individual platform surrounded by adjacent rotating connectors is rotatable independent of the balance of the structure, and the upper portion of the structure is rotatable independent of the lower portion of the structure.  
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross section showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention using a different type of rotating connection. In this embodiment, swivel bearings  112  are thin, comprised of a faceplate  114  and a bearing surface  116  in which bearings (not shown) are maintained. Swivel bearing  112  further includes a center aperture  118  sized to allow passage of male threaded connector  34  of support members  30 .  
         [0040]     In assembly, first and second swivel bearings  112  are placed above and below platform  60  and between first and second support members  30 . In this embodiment, assembly hole  68  of platform  60  is aligned with center aperture  118  of both swivel bearings  112 . Male threaded connector  34  of a first supporting member is then passed through center aperture  118  of the first swivel bearing, through assembly hole  68  of platform  60  and through center aperture  118  of a the second swivel bearing, to be threadably connected to female threaded connector  38  of the second support member. Inclusion of two swivel bearings, each have independently movable bearings, permits a single platform  60  to be rotationally reconfigured relative to the balance of the animal play structure.  
         [0041]     In an alternative embodiment shown with reference to  FIG. 8 , a swivel bearing assembly is used in association with a platform  60  having a cutout rather than an assembly hole, the cutout sized slightly larger than the diameter of the end piece  32  of the first supporting member, a ring-shaped swivel bearing  112 , and an additional support element  72  having an assembly hole  68  sized to allow passage of the male threaded connector. In this embodiment, the additional support element is placed above female threaded connector  38 , resting on end piece  36  of the second support member. Bearing surface  116  is attached (permanently or removably) to the additional support element. Faceplate  114  is attached (permanently or removably) to platform  60 . The first support member is passed through the cutout in the platform and the ring-shaped swivel bearing so that end piece  36  of the first support member rests on the additional support element. Male threaded connector  34  is passed through platform  60 , the ring-shaped swivel bearing, and the additional support element (via the assembly hole) and threadably connected to female threaded connector  38 . This embodiment allows only single platform  60  to rotate independent from the balance of the structure. In one variation of this alternative embodiment, the swivel bearing  112  is sized to be supportable directly by the end piece  36  of the second support member. In this example, the bearing surface  116  is attached (permanently or removably) to the end piece  36  and the faceplate  114  is attached (permanently or removably) to platform  60 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment of the invention including two material covered members  120  attached to the modular play structure for animals. In this embodiment, the members are ball shaped and are covered with a shaggy carpet material. In other embodiments alternative shapes as well as alternate covering materials for scratching or clawing by a cat or other animal may be utilized. In the preferred embodiment, material covered members  120  comprise of a carpet-covered ball  122  removably fastened to one end of an open spring  124 . The opposite end of the spring from the ball is removably fastened to multiple spiral wrapped cylindrical support member  30  of the animal play structure.  FIG. 8  also shows an alternate embodiment where material covered member  122 , such as a ball or other toy or device, is removably fastened to an open spring  124  that is removably fastened to the underside of platform  60  of the animal play structure.  
         [0043]     Play member  120  may be fastened to the play structure in a wide variety of ways, either to support members or platforms, as well as at various angles relative to the vertical support members, dependent on the resiliency of spring  124  and the size and weight of ball  122 . In an alternative embodiment, the spring  124  holding the ball  122  supports the ball outward and at or above perpendicular from the side of the support members. In this embodiment, the spring is sufficiently rigid and durable to support the weight of a ball of substantial size and bulk. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the ball used has a diameter of six inches and weighs 0.6 pounds. In this embodiment, the spring used to support the ball outward and up from the side of the support members is a heavy duty spring having a lateral spring constant (tested at 20 cm from the end of the spring) of not less than 12 newtons. The spring holding the ball is sufficiently rigid and durable to support an animal&#39;s weight for climbing purposes from the base to a platform or between platforms. Different types of springs having different lateral spring constants can be used to support balls of different size and bulk.  
         [0044]      FIG. 10  shows an alternate embodiment of the invention with a playhouse  130  for the modular play structure for animals. The playhouse comprises a soft flexible material  132 , in one or more pieces, releasably or permanently attached to platform  60  (for instance by Velcro, snaps, string, hooks, nails, glue, etc.) so as to drape or hang down from the supporting platform towards the platform below, forming an enclosed area  134 . In an alternate embodiment, playhouse  130  is located on the first platform above base  20  and soft flexible material  132  hangs down from the platform touching or coming near the base. Soft flexible material  132  may consist of strips of any number of various materials, such as fabrics, carpets, leathers, etc. The configuration of the resulting enclosed area may vary based on the flexibility of material  132  used, as well as on the shape of platform  60  to which the material is attached. Ingress and egress paths into the enclosed area may be added, such as an opening shaped like a doorway cut into material  132 . This embodiment maximizes the ability of the animal to enter and leave the playhouse area. Because the platform is supported only by a single, centrally located support member, entry through the flexible material forming the playhouse is not obstructed by a support member from any point along the perimeter of the playhouse.  
         [0045]     In yet alternative embodiments, different enclosed areas could be defined by either flexible or rigid coverings positioned on or supported by the supporting members, platforms, or the base. The playhouse may also be made with wire or framed with wire, further enclosed by a covering material. For example, a playhouse may be framed above and below by one or more platforms or the base and molded wire spanning between the platform and base. This structure could be enclosed by flexible or semi-rigid materials draped or molded around part or the entire wire frame to create a play enclosure. Ingress and egress paths could be added to this structure.  
         [0046]     While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the orientation of male and female threaded connectors on the end pieces of the support members may be reversed, the base female threaded connector converted to a male threaded connector, and the securing fastener modified to receive a male threaded connector. This would allow assembly of a comparable structure within the scope of the present invention. Alternately, locking peg and socket connectors could be substituted for threaded connectors. The supporting columns, cylinders in the preferred embodiment herein may also be other shapes in cross section, including square, oval, or rectangular. Materials other than metal may be utilized for the cylindrical support members and platforms, such as wood, plastic, etc. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment.