Patent Application
20060260972
The present invention relates to a crate, particularly a crate that can be sized appropriately for various uses, such as an animal or storage crate.
Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,194 states that animal crates are known in the prior art. More specifically, prior animal crates consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the art. By way of example, U.S. Patent Des. No. 282,880 to Barati discloses an animal crate. U.S. Pat. No. 3,710,761 to Gregory discloses an animal shipping crate. U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,071 to Johannes discloses an animal crate for pick-up trucks. U.S. Pat. No. 3,962,994 to Petrucciani discloses a dog kennel module. U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,041 to Schmidtz discloses an animal holding crate.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,194 discloses an animal crate, “and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of allowing an animal to be transported therein when the animal crate is placed in an expanded operable configuration and further allowing ready transport when the animal crate is placed in a collapsed stowed configuration.”
U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,194 disclose a rectangular wire structure having six sides (or 4 sides, plus a top and a bottom) of fixed dimensions in length and width hingeably or wire clip coupled. The clips can be disconnected, allowing the sides to fold onto one side (the bottom) to produce a relatively flat rectangular structure of fixed dimensions in length and width that remain unchanged from the original length and width of the original bottom of the crate. Basically, this collapsible animal crate is either closed flat with no open interior space for an animal, or is open to full size. There is no further size adjustment capability that allows the crate to be adjusted to fit the size of the animal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,618 discloses a collapsible animal enclosure of fixed height and width. The structure collapses from end-to-end by pushing the ends inwardly towards one another. This collapses a pliable material between the ends in an accordion-folded manner. U.S. Pat. No. 6,863,030 for a roll top pet carrier reviews pet carriers known in the art and describes a pet carrier that looks like a brief case or a suitcase when the curved sides roll into a bottom tray. The ends collapse on top of the bottom tray when not in use, and then expand into a semi-round top picnic basket shape when the ends are folded up and the sides (called “slidable doors”) are rolled out of the base to create a container for use. U.S. Pat. No. 6,863,030 discusses several “collapsible” pet carriers such as those in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,036 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,568, U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,534, U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,591 B1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,331, U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,818, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,540.
But, animals grow and change size during their lifetime. Consider the following information excerpted as parts from the Humane Society of Delaware County, Ohio (http://www.delawarecobumanesoc.org/crate.htm):
What Kind of Crate is Best?
What Size should a Crate Be?
Thus, a crate should be the “right” size that provides enough room for the animal to stretch out flat on his side or sit or stand without hitting his head, but the “right” size changes the puppy grows. The right size also is variable depending on breed or for different puppies or dogs of the same breed or even the same litter. In fact, this is true of all animals.
Further, it is the experience of this inventor that all animal crates available in fixed dimensions are not even fixed in the correct proportions for the animal. Consider the following two charts of dimensions for some available dog crates.
The height of these fixed dimensions is not the same as the width. Yet experience and common sense make apparent that, for a dog to lie flat on its side in a stretched-out and often preferred position, the width must be about the same as the necessary height. And, an available molded plastic crate is wider in the middle than at the top or bottom. This results in a smaller width where the dog lays than is indicated by the largest outside dimensions, which are those “advertised” for crates. Thus, a molded plastic crate that is 36″×23″×26″ and the right height for a dog has an inside height of about 25″, an outside widest dimension of 23″, and an inside floor dimension of only about 17″. These dimensions do not meet the recommendation stated above that a “crate should always be large enough to permit any age dog to stretch out flat on his side without being cramped and to sit up without hitting his head on the top.”
Further, a crate of 36″×23″×26″ or larger is very difficult to place in the back seat of a car, even a midsize 4-door sedan, let alone a compact 2-door model. In some cases, carrying the crate in the car is sufficiently difficult to be considered either highly unlikely or even impossible. Still, it is most safe and secure for the dog and the passengers if the dog can stay in the crate while traveling in the car. In some cases the “slant-front” models may be desirable for one car in the family but a different configuration may be best for transport in a different car. When not in use, the available fixed-dimension, non-collapsible crates can be very bulky and space intensive, often are in the way in a home, occupy too much room in pet stores, are bulky and awkward during shipment, and may incur excessive shipping fees because of their size and/or shape.
The need for collapsible crates also has been ostensibly, but not practically, addressed by producing soft-sided crates that collapse around a fixed dimension frame and fold flat (http://www.doglogic.com/eezi.htm). These crates suffer from the disadvantages that dogs can bite through the fabric. The crates also are easy to tip over if attacked or charged by a dog or other animal from either inside or outside the crate. Further, soft crate dimensions are fixed during use. A general example of dimensions for a typical soft create is shown in the following table:
These crates are not individually adjustable in size by expansion or collapsing in multiple dimensions to provide a variety of sizes for use.
In some cases it is desirable to limit mobility of an animal. This can be advantageous during recovery from an injury or for other reasons. As a result, it is highly desirable to use a crate that can be readily collapsed to fit snugly enough to restrain mobility, often in more than one dimension.
It has been recognized that a crate should be adjustable for a puppy as the puppy grows. “Puppy panels” are available for some wire crates as seen at: http://www.precisionpet.com/productPage2.asp?pid=219. Puppy panels are inserted into a fixed-dimension crate that is too large for the puppy in order to make the interior smaller in one dimension only. The interior remains too large in two dimensions. The outside dimensions of the crate are fixed and thus the crate suffers from nearly all of the problems associated with all fixed-dimension crates.
None of the patents discussed in the Background concerns a crate, such as an animal crate, that provides a usable space in a stabilized, partially collapsed or collapsed configuration, none is expandable in more than one dimension, and none is collapsible and expandable to provide a well-designed fit for an animal or person of different sizes.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that a need exists for a new and improved crate that: (1) can be expanded or collapsed in multi-dimensions; (2) can be secured in a partially or fully expanded or collapsed position(s); (3) provides a space for an animal or human when in the partially or fully collapsed configuration or the expanded configuration; (4) is easily collapsed for storage or loading through spaces that are relatively small compared to the expanded crate size followed by ready expansion as desired; and/or (5) is useful for transporting an animal or objects. The present invention satisfies these needs.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in known animal crates, certain disclosed embodiments provide an improved portable animal crate expandable in multi-dimensions. Embodiments of a method for producing and for using disclosed crates are disclosed.
Certain embodiments of the crate are useful as an animal crate that has expandable length, width, and height dimensions. Disclosed crates typically have both a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and may have plural expanded or collapsed configurations. Both the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration may define a usable interior space. The amount by which the crate can be expanded is variable, but in certain embodiments disclosed crates can be expanded by at least 1.8 times its' original dimension in at least one, or two or more in any combination, of the dimensions of length, width, and height.
Animal crates can comprise multiple panels, typically but not necessarily, panels having fixed dimensions. The multiple panels are assembled together to produce an animal crate expandable in multi-dimensions, such as a crate comprising at least 5 sides, and typically 6 or more sides, expandable and collapsible in at least two dimensions, and which defines a usable interior space in an assembled collapsed configuration. Additional exemplary animal crates may be expandable in at least two of length, width, and height.
Disclosed crates may include at least one, and potentially plural, openable or removable sides. This features facilitates ingress/egress to the crate.
Disclosed crates have a multitude of utilities, and are not solely useful as animal crates. Instead, animal crates are one embodiment described in substantial detail to exemplify additional utilities. Accordingly, some additional non-limiting utilities include camping sleepers, tool sheds, bullet-proof or bullet resistant structures, hunting blinds, stacking storage modules, closet organizers, etc.
A particular disclosed embodiment of a crate according to the present invention defines a collapsible/expandable structure. Both the collapsed and expanded structures enclose usable interior space definable by dimensions of length, width, and height. The structure typically comprises a top roof and a bottom floor, each expandable/collapsible in at least two dimensions, front and rear walls each expandable/collapsible in at least two dimensions, at least two side walls, each expandable/collapsible in at least two dimensions, the side walls being attached to the roof and to the bottom and to the front and rear walls such that the structure is collapsible/expandable in at least three dimensions. Each of the walls, roof or floor may be openable, and at least partially, if not fully, removable, as desired.
Moreover, one or more doors may be included in the structure. In certain embodiments, the door may be expandable/collapsible in at least two dimensions. The crate door may have at least one panel of fixed dimensions in length, height, and width, where the fixed dimensions for each of length, height and width dimensions can be the same or different. Alternatively, the door may comprise plural panels that when assembled define the door.
In certain embodiments, the sidewalls and front and rear walls may be pivotally attached to the floor, roof, or both. This feature facilitates folding the crate into a configuration that does not have a usable interior space, such as for transportation without having an animal or object housed in the crate.
Panels used to assemble crates can be assembled to form components of crates. For example, it will be apparent that disclosed crates can be expanded or collapsed to define variably-dimensioned usable space. This space also can be further defined using dividers. For example, certain crates may include a panel of fixed dimension in length, height, and width. The panel can be used as a divider alone, or can be constructed to be assembled with other panels, typically but not necessarily, of fixed dimension in length, width, and height to produce a vertical or horizontal divider in the crate. As another example, crate components can be assembled using one or more panels, such as using 3 panels that, when assembled, define a crate corner. Multiple corners, typically 8 corners, are joined to define a crate.
The panels may be coupled together using a variety of connectors. For example, certain embodiments include at least one wall having a button and slide connector. Other exemplary panel connectors include male-female hinges, push rods, twist rods, telescoping rods, spring loaded rods, slide guide clips, locking clips, etc.
Panels may be substantially solid. Other panel embodiments may include or define openings for ingress or egress. Still other panels may have at least one aperture, typically plural such apertures, such as might be useful for air or sight. Still other embodiments may have a substantially smooth surface, may include textured surfaces, such as may facilitate handling or heat transfer, may have aesthetic features formed therein or on, and any and all combinations thereof.
Assembled crates can include optional features that facilitate use. For example, a crate might include a handle, rollers, or both.
A particular disclosed embodiment of the present invention is directed to a crate for housing at least one individual, and potentially plural individuals. Such crates have a variety of purposes, including camping or military shelters, hunting blinds, etc. These crates typically comprise plural panels that are movable in multi-dimensions and sizeable in an assembled state for receiving at least one human. These crates preferably, but not necessarily, are portable, and perhaps portable by a single individual.
Crate and panel components can be made from any suitable material and by any suitable technique. For example, certain embodiments of disclosed crates comprise at least one component made by extrusion molding, pressure molding, or both.
It will be apparent that disclosed crates may be assembled using panels. As a result, the present application also concerns panels useful for forming such crates, or other structures. One embodiment of a disclosed panel has fixed dimensions in length, height, and width and is constructed to be assembled with other panels of fixed dimension in length, width, and height to produce a crate expandable in multi-dimensions.
It should be recognized that the disclosed and illustrated embodiments are only exemplary of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.
Unless otherwise explained, all technical and other terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. The described materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.
Term definitions are provided solely for the benefit of the reader, and should not be construed to limit the defined terms to any specific examples provided, or to be definitions that would be narrower than accepted by persons of ordinary skill in the art.
“Multi-dimensions” means at least two of length, width, and height dimensions, such as, length and width or height and width, for just two possible examples. In some embodiments, multi-dimensions means length, width, and height. In some embodiments, “multi-dimensions” means that at least one of the at least two dimensions of length, width and height is expandable to a different extent at one point in a crate or structure than at another point. That is, height may be expandable to a different extent at one end of the crate or structure than at the other end, for one example only. In certain embodiments multi-dimensional expansion can occur in more than one of the at least two dimensions. These concepts are illustrated by the accompanying figures.
“Expandable” means that the crate can be expanded or contracted such that the expansion increases the dimension in the direction of expansion, typically by at least 10% from the fully contracted state. Contraction and expansion are movements that take place in opposition to each other and the concept is readily understood in the general sense by analogy to the movement of a telescoping fishing pole that can be expanded from the contracted state to be longer, and then also can be contracted from the expanded state to be shorter. The terms contract and collapse or contractible and collapsible are all interchangeable in terms of multi-dimensional expansion.
“Side” refers to any of the sides and also, unless context indicates otherwise, may refer to a top, bottom or end. In certain descriptions, the terms “top, “bottom” and “end” also may be used according to their common and ordinary meaning. A hard side is a relative term when compared to a soft side and the terms are readily recognized and have their ordinary and customary meanings. As some non-limiting examples, a hard side might be made from a rigid or semi-rigid material. Examples of such material include polymeric materials, such as a material commonly used in molded plastic dog houses; metal materials or metal alloys, such as stainless steel and aluminum; wood or word composites; or other material suitable to form rigid or semi-rigid panels. Non-limiting examples of soft sides include materials broadly classified as fabrics, both man made and natural, and certain polymeric materials, and includes all such materials that are or can be folded, wrinkled, sewn or have other common characteristics of fabrics. Metal mesh and other materials, for example may be considered a soft side in some cases and a hard side in other cases depending on the comparison or criterion being used.
It will be readily apparent from the text and examples that the invention disclosed herein as a portable animal crate expandable in multi-dimensions also has many other new and novel uses that are previously unrecognized, some of which are disclosed herein for the multi-dimensional expandable structure of this invention, and will take on names as appropriate for the use of the multi-dimensional expandable structure. Thus, the term animal crate is intended to include all such new and novel structures, uses and appropriate names.
Generally, the invention is composed of any materials appropriate to meet the purpose of the invention. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials, such as plastics, wood, wood composites, metals, alloys, including stainless steel and aluminum, fabrics, insulating materials, such as fiberglass, and any and all combinations of such materials. These terms are intended to have their broadest meaning possible and not to be limited to a specific meaning but to include all pure or mixtures of materials that generally can be considered to be of a particular type or appropriate to meet the purpose of the invention. Any reference to wood means all woods and mixtures of woods, including particle board, plywood, wood-plastic composites, etc., and within any category of materials is included all composites or mixtures of materials of either like or unlike materials so long as appropriate to meet one or more purposes of disclosed embodiments of the present invention.
These materials also can be used in various configurations into which the materials may be formed. For example, suitable materials may be configured as panels, fibers, wires, sheets, etc., for some specific examples. Thermal insulating materials, including structural foam materials and outer film protective layers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,568, incorporated herein by reference, may be included when desirable. Certain disclosed embodiments include hard-walled, multi-dimensional expansion crates. Certain disclosed embodiments also can be implemented as soft-sided, multi-dimensional expandable crates.
Disclosed crates of the present invention, such as animal crates expandable in multi-dimensions, may have any features of known crates including, but not limited to: thermal insulation; heaters; coolers; fans; ventilation openings; water or food dish(es); at least one wall, such as a floor, that is substantially water tight (does not leak to a degree that renders the crate unusable, and in a preferred example substantially leak proof); flexible or foldable fabric or plastic rugs or curtains on any side; an insert tray; a wheel or wheels; storage pockets, such as for holding a dog leash, food or other items; tie ring(s), such as to attach a leash; rollers for easy sliding or rolling; carrying handle(s); at least one and potentially multiple doors, such as, for example, a door at one end and then either top, or side, or other end or any combination thereof; an open or openable top, such that an animal may or may not have the roof fully closed or open; no bottom, so that the floor of a room or vehicle may provide the floor; doors that may open both left and right, and/or up and down; easy to clean materials; materials that are easily molded or shaped; transparent or semi-transparent materials, or viewing apertures, to allow visibility both out and in; rounded corners and edges without sharp points; separable components, such that either ½ (top or bottom, or in some cases, left-end or right-end) can be used as a crate or a tub to wash the animal; etc.
Typically, crates expandable in multi-dimensions of this invention may have a collapsed configuration or configurations and an expanded configuration or configurations. Both collapsed and expanded configurations may have a usable interior space characterized by length, width, and height dimensions. That is, the interior can be used for storage of desired items or to house an animal of appropriate size even when the structure is in a collapsed state. The crate also may have a fully collapsed configuration that is most useful for transporting the crate without housing any objects or animals. A usable interior space in the collapsed configuration is novel when compared to known collapsible animal crates in which sides of fixed dimensions that are not individually expandable or collapsible can be folded on top of each other to form a relatively flat structure with each side retaining its' individual fixed length and width. Known crates do not provide any usable interior space when collapsed. In some disclosed embodiments of the present invention, the collapsed structure may be even further collapsed by folding or disassembling the sides (before or after collapsing) to stack with the top and bottom. But a unique feature of some disclosed embodiments is that, after the structure is unfolded or un-stacked and assembled to form a crate with a usable interior space characterized by length, width, and height dimensions, the crate still may be in a collapsed configuration, although obviously less collapsed than when in the completely folded configuration described above. These embodiments can be stabilized in this partially expanded configuration for use. The crate then may be expanded further as desired to increase the useable interior space and can be stabilized in multi-dimensions for use in different sizes.
A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the length, width, and height dimensions for a generally usable interior space and a generally overall exterior size will depend on multiple factors, including intended use. Length, width, and height dimensions further may be different for different portions of the crate depending on various factors, such as the materials used and the type of structure involved, including the number of components involved, type of assembly, and the degree of overlap of some component parts, for example.
Disclosed crate components may themselves be expandable, or may be coupled together to form a crate that is itself expandable in multi-dimensions. For example, and without limitation, a panel, such as a square or rectangular panel, may consist of a first portion and a second portion that are movable relative to one another to create a panel that can be expanded in at least one, and possibly plural, dimensions. Alternatively, individual components, such as a single panel, may be of fixed dimensions that, when coupled together, such as by using a button and slide configuration, form a crate that is expandable in multi-dimensions.
One embodiment of a disclosed animal crate comprises multiple panels of fixed dimensions. These multiple panels of fixed dimensions may be assembled together to produce an animal crate expandable in multi-dimensions. The panels may be of the same size or different sizes within a single structure.
One disclosed embodiment comprises a panel of a fixed dimension in length, height, and width constructed to be assembled with other panels of a fixed dimension in length, width, and height to produce an animal crate expandable in multi-dimensions. This embodiment makes assembly possible at a desired site, such as by a homemaker or person generally unskilled in dog crate assembly, at home as one non-limiting example.
Assembly of the panels optionally may include using edge or corner pieces as are illustrated in certain drawings. The edge or corner pieces may be effectively coupled together by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, adhesives, hinges, fasteners, such as bolts, screws, clips, etc., interlocking designs, and combinations thereof. Of course, sides may be assembled and attached by any appropriate methods. Moreover, components of crates also can be made by any suitable method, such as extrusion molding, pressure molding, and combinations of suitable methods.
The invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.
This example concerns methods, figures, and an example for making multi-dimensional expansion crates. The methods, figures and an example are used only to illustrate further the concept of an animal crate that is optionally expandable and collapsible in multi-dimensions. The degree of expansion from the collapsed state typically is at least 10%, and even more typically is at least 1.8 times the original, in at least one of the dimensions of length, width, or height. It will be apparent that modifications can be made readily in the various components such as, for non-limiting examples, panel design, methods of locking or guiding panels, dimensions, creating or omitting openings in panels for use as windows, doors, ventilation or handles, shapes, and connecting hardware or items. Such modifications are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure of a crate that optionally is expandable and collapsible in multi-dimensions.
Turning now to the figures,
Crate 100 has usable interior space even in its collapsed state relative to crate 102. Crate 100 may be further collapsed to a fully collapsed state for transporting. Openings can be included in one or more sides to allow for example, animal ingress or egress. The size of the portable animal crate expandable in multi-dimensions as disclosed herein is not limited to a size appropriate for a single animal. It may be large enough for multiple animals or may even be larger than is typically considered appropriate for any particular animal and may have a different common name based on the intended use.
The components illustrated in
One way to describe certain disclosed embodiments is as a collapsible/expandable structure comprising a top wall (roof) and bottom wall (floor) that are each expandable/collapsible in at least two dimensions; front and rear walls, each being expandable/collapsible in at least two dimensions; at least two side walls, each being expandable/collapsible in at least two dimensions; the side walls being capable of being effectively coupled to the roof and to the bottom and to the front and rear walls such that the structure is collapsible/expandable in at least three dimensions. These structures enclose a usable interior space definable by dimensions of length, width, and height in both the collapsed and expanded configurations, with the understanding also that the walls, top, and/or bottom, can be effectively disassembled from each other to provide a more readily portable structure. The structure can be fitted with openings for ingress and egress or loading of contents and also fitted with a suitable door or closure. The door or closure may be expandable/collapsible in at least two dimensions. The sidewalls and front and rear walls may be pivotally attached to the floor or roof or both to facilitate folding of said walls, roof, and floor into a configuration that does not contain a usable interior space, thus allowing for even further decrease in size beyond the collapsing into the smallest size that still contains a usable interior space.
Alternative methods of guiding and/or fixing plural panels in position may be employed. Examples of such alternative methods include, but are not limited to, tongue and groove design, dado and ridge design, off-set rollers, such as are used for cabinets, overlapping and interlocking edges, “fingers” or slides, pulley or lever and channels, any and all appropriate combinations thereof, and any other design that is appropriate for the use.
It will be readily apparent that, while much discussion has involved a portable crate or structure that is expandable in multi-dimensions typically useful as an animal crate, disclosed embodiments also have many other uses. Thus, “crate” is intended to include all such structures, and their uses.
For one non-limiting example,
Crate 900 has 4 walls that can be formed using plural individual panels 904 interconnected as described above. Crate 900 can have one or more open ends 906 for entering and exiting the crate. While not illustrated, it will be appreciated that an end 906 also might include a door, such as described herein.
Innumerable names might be used to describe structure 900 other than crate. It could, for example, be referred to in a hard-side embodiment as a “turtle shell sleeping bag box”.
Another embodiment for disclosed multi-dimensional expandable structure can be useful as a “tool shed,” and may be an appropriate length, width, and height for use as a tool shed, such as about 8′ wide and 12′ long and 8′ high in the most expanded position and about 2′×2′×2′ when fully collapsed. It will be appreciated that other dimensions also are useful, depending on the size of the panels involved, number of panels, and the materials used for the structure, to name only some of the parts that effect dimensions.
While plastic or fiberglass materials are preferred for some such embodiments, other embodiments may be constructed of fabric, wood, metals, such as aluminum or steel, any other appropriate materials, and combinations thereof. In some cases, the multi-dimensional expandable structure may be constructed of a “bullet-proof” or “projectile resistant” material or any material appropriate for the conditions involved in a military operation. Thus, the panels may have appropriate colors and/or markings suitable for military applications, such as green camouflage. The structure can readily be transported in the collapsed state and quickly expanded in multi-dimensions, (usually height, width, and length) at the desired site to be an appropriate size for one, two, three or more soldiers, for one non-limiting example. Appropriate supplies or weapons may be enclosed in the interior space characterized by length, width, and height dimensions of the collapsed structure which acts as a container during transport. This concept is made generally clear in the figures discussed above.
Another embodiment for disclosed multi-dimensional expandable structures include hunting blinds, such as are used by duck hunters or deer hunters.
Another embodiment for disclosed multi-dimensional expandable structures include porta-potty structures. These structures are moved from site-to-site and can be most easily moved in the collapsed configuration.
Another embodiment for disclosed multi-dimensional expandable structures include containers for a variety of items including, but not limited, to toys, reusable shipping crates or boxes, closet organizers, play houses for children, suitcase, coffin, motorcycle cover, and green house. It is appropriate to repeat that the materials used to construct the multi-dimensional expanding crate may be any material that is appropriate for the intended use and include, without limitation, the materials commonly used for each of the recognized names that would be applied to a particular embodiment of the invention based on the intended use. further non-limiting illustrations include using cardboard for making a multi-dimensional expanding crate, such as might be useful as a shipping or storage box or for small animals; plastic may be used for a multi-dimensional expanding crate used as a playhouse; fabric may be used for a multi-dimensional expanding crate used as a suitcase; steel or metal alloys or Kevlar may be used for a multi-dimensional expanding crate used as a portable bunker; and wood may be used for a multi-dimensional expanding crate used as a tool shed. Of course, each embodiment may consist of a combination of appropriate materials and different parts of the multi-dimensional expanding crate may consist of different appropriate materials.
This example further illustrates methods, figures, and examples of panels and assembly to make a crate that is expandable in multi-dimensions. The panels may be assembled into useful structures, including disclosed crate embodiments, that typically are expandable in the dimensions of length, width, and/or height to provide a usable interior space characterized by dimensions of length, width, and height in the collapsed configuration of the assembled crate. The crate typically can be further expanded independently in any one or all three of the dimensions of length, height, or width. Each individual panel in this example typically has fixed dimensions in length, height, and width. Plural panels are assembled together to produce the multi-dimensional expandable crate. However, it also will be appreciated that individual panels also might be sizable too, and might be expandable or collapsible in one or more dimension. These and other aspects of the invention are illustrated in the figures and text.
Panels 1102, 1202, 1302 and 1402 for this example each contain at least one, and perhaps plural, connectors for connecting two or more panels together. Panels 1102, 1202, 1302 and 1304 are illustrated as having two male hinge snaps 1110, 1210, 1310 and 1410 on each of two sides, and two female hinge snaps 1112, 1212, 1312 and 1412 on each of two sides, respectively.
Panels 1102, 1202, 1302 and 1402 can be assembled into multi-dimensional expandable crates, such as crate 1500 of
An assembled corner unit 1600 is illustrated in
In some cases it is desirable to assemble the panels in a configuration that prevents opening. Airlines, for example, require that pet crates containing pets be “locked” in a secure fashion that prevents accidental opening during travel, especially due to the animal pushing from the inside against the crate sides. It will be readily recognized that certain embodiments of panel connectors, such as the exemplary hinge snaps of panels 1102, 1202, 1302 and 1402 of
Prior to combining the top one-half and bottom one-half of the multi-dimensional expandable crate 1500, an optional guide clip 1700 as illustrated in
Locking clip 1800 can be placed to prevent crate expansion or collapsing in length, width, or height, in any sequence, as desired. In one case, for only one example, the assembled crate may be in the fully collapsed position. A person may then expand the crate to a desired length, and lock the length dimension by insertion of one or more clips 1800 on one side or opposing sides as desired. The person may then expand the crate to a desired height, and use additional clips or move the first clips to lock crate movement in the dimensions of height and length. Then, the person can expand the crate to the desired width and move the clips or use additional clips to lock the crate into a fixed dimensional size with respect to length, height, and width. Note that any suitable locking mechanism, such as for example telescoping and locking rods, can be used to fix or lock dimensional movement of the crate.
Clip 1800 is one example of a locking clip and typically has sufficient dimensions to penetrate openings in at least 4 or more, as desired, adjacent panels. One skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions of clip 1800 will be appropriate for the dimensions of the panels and openings involved. In this illustrated embodiment, locking clip 1800 has a female hinge snap at end 1804 and a male hinge snap at end 1802. One end of the locking clip of this example is snapped into an appropriate hinge snap on a panel and then the rod is inserted into openings in the adjacent panels to lock or prevent expansion or collapsing of the crate. As many or as few locking clips are used as are effective for desired locking of crate movement.
The design of crates 1500 and 1900 as illustrated in
Although preferred embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing text, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed which are illustrative only of the principles of the invention but the invention is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements as will readily occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention, and accordingly, all such suitable modification and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. provisional application, No. 60/678,693, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60678693 | May 2005 | US |
