AU2004100195A4 - Pet Run Structure - Google Patents

Description

PET RUN STRUCTURE Technical field The present invention relates to pet runs for home use, particularly but not exclusively for dogs.

Background art Traditionally, if a pet owner wishes for their pet to have a pet run at their home, the owner constructs a structure themselves. In many cases, the structure is made from second hand or left over materials. To achieve a good result with this approach requires that the owner have access to adequate skills to design and construct such a structure. The result is accordingly often insecure, difficult to maintain and not aesthetically pleasing. Further, this type of construction, often with wood and wire, may not be safe for the animal.

Certain businesses will construct dog runs to order, generally using fencing type materials. Whilst this approach produces a run which is generally secure and safe, it is custom manufactured and accordingly generally expensive to construct.

AU 8319583 A (PARKINSON) 29 March 1984 discloses an exercise run for pets enclosed by side walls, a roof and a floor and an access fitting to be fitted to a window frame of a house. It is not capable of being separate from the house, and states that one of the walls may be the house.

GB 2132064 A (PRATTLEY) 4 July 1984 discloses a kennel and enclosure combination which are releasable engaged. The kennel is made from wood and the walls and floor are held together by grooves. The enclosure does not operate independently of the kennel.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an animal run which can be conveniently supplied and constructed.

Summary of the invention In a broad form, a pet run according to the present invention includes preformed modular panels, connection means and bracing means. The panels are formed from a frame, covered with steel mesh. The pet run will preferably include a door.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a pet run including a plurality of panels, each panel including a frame covered with mesh, connecting means for joining the panels, and bracing means, wherein the panels are joined together by the connecting means and the bracing means extends between the upper edges of selected panels so as provide a secure, self supporting enclosure.

Preferably, at least some of the panels include a member to permit the structure to be affixed to the ground.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a kit for constructing a self supporting pet run, including a plurality of panels, each panel including a frame covered with mesh, connecting means adapted to join the panels, and bracing means adapted to be joined to the panels, such that operatively the panels, connecting means and bracing can be assembled to form a structure wherein the panels are joined together by the connecting means to form a self supporting enclosure and the bracing means extends between the upper edges of selected panels so as provide a secure, self supporting enclosure.

The kit is preferably such that it can be packed flat for ease of transport.

The present invention accordingly allows a pet owner to select a suitably sized pet run from a range of standard sizes, take a kit home and assemble it to provide a secure pet run. This provides a significant advantage to the pet owner over existing alternatives.

Brief description of the drawings An illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembled dog run; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative dog run; and Figure 3 shows a view of a suitable connector.

Description The present invention may be implemented in a variety of ways, using various structures for the panels, connectors and bracing means. The embodiments illustrated are only illustrative constructions.

Figure 1 shows an assembled pet run 10 with three panels 20 on each side and two panels 21, 22 on each end. The panels are preferably formed of a metal tubing frame, with mesh spot welded or otherwise affixed to the frame. It will be understood that the frame and mesh material need to be selected having regard to the intended size of dog which is to be contained. Each panel is relatively rigid, and is joined to the adjacent panels using suitable connectors, which are not shown in this view. Preferably two connectors join each pair of panel edges.

Bracing means 30 extends between the panels on one side to between the panels on the other side. The shown assembled pet run has a door 40 with a latch 50 and hinge 60. The panels have feet 70, to enable ,the attachment of ground securing means 80. Feet 70 may, for example, be bolted or otherwise affixed to concrete, or simply pegged into the earth. The pet run may have a roof formed of mesh attached to it, or if required a suitable floor.

Figure 2 shows an assembled pet run of two panels by two panels. It has a similar construction to figure 1, with fewer panels 20 and only one bracing means Figure 3 shows a suitable connector 55, which is placed around the tubing of the two panels to be joined, and the screw 56 inserted through the holes provided. Nut 57 is attached and tightened to form a firm connection.

The panels and all necessary connectors and bracing means are preferably supplied in a flat pack, which may be conveniently purchased by the user from a store. The purchaser simply connects the panels using the connecting means, and connects the bracing means between the panels to provide stability to the run. If the pet run has a door, the hinges are connected to the adjacent panel and the latch affixed to the free end of the door panel. If the pet run is to be connected to the ground, then ground connecting means are connected to the ground though the feet 70 of the panels. The user does not require any complex construction skills, and uses only simple tools. The result is a secure, safe, aesthetically pleasing animal run.

Although the present invention has been principally described with reference to a dog run, it will be appreciated that this construction can readily be applied for cats or other pet animals.

Claims (4)

1. A pet run including a plurality of preformed modular panels, each panel including a frame covered with mesh, connecting means for joining the panels, and bracing means, wherein the panels are joined together by the connecting means, and the bracing means extends between the upper edges of selected panels, so as provide a secure, self supporting enclosure.

2. A pet run according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the panels include a member to permit the structure to be affixed to the ground.

3. A kit for constructing a self supporting pet run, including a plurality of modular panels, each panel including a frame covered with mesh, connecting means adapted to join the panels, and bracing means adapted to be joined to the panels, such that operatively the panels, connecting means and bracing can be assembled to form a structure wherein the panels are joined together by the connecting means to form an self supporting enclosure and the bracing means extends between the upper edges of selected panels so as provide a secure, self supporting enclosure.

4. A kit according to claim 3, wherein the kit is packed flat for transport. A pet run according to claim 3, wherein at least some of the panels include a member to permit the structure to be affixed to the ground. DATED this 15th day of March 2004 KRA-MAR PET SUPPLIES PTY LTD WATERMARK PATENT TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS 290 BURWOOD ROAD HAWTHORN VICTORIA 3122 AUSTRALIA UIP1070AU00