AU2009222624B1

AU2009222624B1 - A collapsible animal protection device

Info

Publication number: AU2009222624B1
Application number: AU2009222624A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mary Stubbs; Robert Stubbs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-08
Filing date: 2009-10-08
Publication date: 2010-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-08

Description

A COLLAPSIBLE ANIMAL PROTECTION DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 [0011 The present invention related to a collapsible animal protection device. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 10 [002] Vehicles such as utility or open tray vehicles are designed for the purposes of storing and transporting many or large items that would otherwise not be conveniently transported using a conventional passenger vehicle. As such, these vehicles are often used on farms and other work 15 environments. [003] As these types of vehicles have limited passenger space, animals such as dogs accompanying farmers or tradespeople, will typically travel in the rear of the vehicle in the tray, or in a trailer attached to the vehicle. 20 [004] There is growing concern for the safety and welfare of animals, particularly dogs, as thousands of dogs each year are either injured or killed whilst travelling in the back of utility, open tray vehicles and trailers. Injuries commonly occur as a result of either: 25 being unrestrained or improperly restrained in the rear of the vehicle or trailer; - jumping or attempting to jump from the vehicle or trailer while it is in motion; - being struck by unsecured tools, equipment or materials located in 30 the back of the vehicle or trailer during transit.

2 [005] Also, due to the open design of these vehicles and trailers, dogs are usually exposed to the elements such as the sun and wind. When left in the sun for long periods of time, dogs are highly susceptible to heat stress and dehydration. 5 [006] Further, in hot conditions dogs can often suffer burns to their paws and footpads, as the floors of the trays or trailers are often made of metal, which can heat up to extreme temperatures. 10 [007] Current animal welfare regulations stipulate that it is now a legal requirement for animals to be restrained when travelling in the back of utility vehicles or trailers. Additionally, various transport regulations also specify that all loads on the back of vehicles must be secured during transit. Unrestrained dogs travelling on the back of a vehicle are likely to 15 be considered as an unsecured load and penalties can apply in such instances. [008] Restraints such as leads and chains are commonly used to tether and restrain dogs to the back of the cabin of the vehicle. It is advised that 20 the ideal length for a restraint should be enough to allow the dog to stand and move about comfortable but not allow the dog to reach the sides of the tray or trailer. [009] However, there are a number of disadvantages in solely using a 25 lead or chain restraint. Firstly, whilst the restraint can prevent a dog from falling or jumping off the vehicle, the dog can still be struck and injured by unsecured items moving about the tray or trailer. Further, the dog essentially remains exposed to the elements and depending on the conditions, can suffer further harm or injury. 30 [010] By comparison, a cage or enclosure, situated in the tray or trailer, would appear to be a more effective means of securing a dog. The cage 3 not only provides a means for securing the dog during transit but can also provide shelter from the sun, wind or rain. [011] Again, there are some significant disadvantages in using a cage or 5 enclosure. Utility or open tray vehicles and trailers are designed to be open such that they can store and carry large items or loads. Therefore, space in a tray or trailer is often at a premium. Cages and enclosures are often bulky in size, as they need to be large enough to accommodate the dog inside. Therefore, can utilize quite a significant amount of space in the tray 10 or trailer. [012] Although cages and other similar type enclosures suitably provide for the safety and welfare of a dog, these structures tend to monopolize the much needed space in a tray or trailer and are not a very popular or 15 practical solution. [013] Also, whilst a cage or enclosure may be large enough to fit the dog inside, the dog is essentially confined to the space within the cage. The enclosure may not provide adequate ventilation or adequate space for the 20 dog to comfortably move about. [014] Another disadvantage is that a cage or enclosure prevents quick and convenient access to the dog. For example, working farm dogs are often required to either quickly get on or off a vehicle at numerous 25 intervals. Therefore, if the dog is located inside a cage, presumably the farmer would need to exit the vehicle in order to access and open the cage to let the dog out. Conversely, the farmer would have to open the cage to let the dog back in, then close and secure the cage before driving on. The surrounding working conditions may not allow time for the farmer to do this 30 each and every time he requires the animal's assistance.

4 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an animal protection device that when assembled, effectively provides for the safety 5 and welfare of an animal but can also be conveniently disassembled for transport and storage purposes, compared to that of conventional devices used. [016] Unlike the conventional animal protection assemblies and 10 enclosures, the present invention is advantageous in that it is a collapsible animal protection device. Given that space in the rear of a vehicle is often limited, the device can be collapsed into a compact arrangement for convenient. storage. Additionally, the arrangement of the device also enables a user to quickly assemble or disassemble the device as required. 15 [017] When assembled, the device provides an effective means of securing an animal in the rear of the vehicle, whilst also providing adequate shelter, ventilation and room for the animal to comfortably move about. 20 { 018] In addition to providing comfort and safety for the animal, the substantially open arrangement of the device also provides quick and -convenient access to the animal and enable the animal may enter and exit the device quickly and comfortably. This is a particularly advantageous 25 feature for both people and animals alike. For example, working dogs on a farm are required to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times. The device will enable a farmer to access and release their dogs with minimal effort and the dogs themselves can enter and exit the vehicle comfortably. 30 [019] The device possesses an adjustable roof, which can assume either an open or closed position, as required. When open, the roof provides the animal with effective shelter and protection from sun, wind or rain.

5 Additionally, the roof also provides the animal with protection from falling objects or debris from the surrounding environment. [020] The device also includes an adjustable floor panel, which can 5 assume either an open or closed position, as required. This floor panel effectively provides both a safe and stable surface to support the animal. The adjustable roof can open out to a position and length, which adequately covers the floor panel in an open position. This is advantageous, as the surface of the floor panel on which the animal is 10 supported, is then effectively sheltered from the sun or rain. This prevents the animal from sustaining injuries such as burns or falls from standing on either hot or wet surfaces. [021] Additionally, the device also possesses a protection means, which 15 can extend out from the floor area. The protection means provides for an effective barrier preventing items such as tools or equipment that may become dislodged and move about the rear of the vehicle, from entering the floor area where the animal is positioned, striking the animal during transit. 20 [022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 25 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [023] In one form of the invention, although this should not bee seen as limiting in any way, there is proposed a collapsible animal protection 30 device having a body and a roof, the body having an upper portion and a base portion, the upper portion at least partially support the roof, the roof 6 further characterised in that it can be adjusted into either an open or closed position with respect to the body. [024] In preference, the roof can be adjusted outwardly from the body into 5 an open position, and the roof can be adjusted inwardly toward the body into a closed position. [025] Preferably, the body is adapted to slidably engage the roof, wherein the body has at least one channel sized and adapted to engage at least a 10 portion of the roof, such that when the roof is adjusted inwardly toward the body into a closed position, the roof slidably retracts into the channel and wherein the roof is adjusted outwardly from the body into an open position, the roof slidably extends from the channel. 15 [026] Preferably, the roof is further characterized in that it can comprise of a plurality of substantially rigid interconnected panels, wherein an open position the panels form a large contiguous panel. [027] In the alternative, the roof may be hingedly connected to the upper 20 portion of the body. [028] In the alternative, the roof may be a panel of pliable material. [029] Preferably, the base portion is further characterized in that there is a 25 floor panel attached. [030] Preferably, the floor panel is further characterized in that it is pivotally attached to the base portion of the body. 30 [031] Preferably, the floor panel can be adjusted into an open or closed position with respect to the base portion, wherein the closed position the floor panel is substantially perpendicular with respect to the base portion 7 and in the open position the floor panel is substantially parallel with respect to the base portion. [032] In the alternative, the floor panel may be a panel of pliable material. 5 [033] Preferably, the floor panel is further characterized in that a protection means can be located on the floor panel, wherein the protection means is substantially perpendicular with respect to the floor panel, such that when the floor panel assumes the open position with respect to the 10 base portion, the protection means effectively forms a barrier preventing the ingress of objects into the floor area. [034] Preferably, the protection means is a lip attached to the floor panel, wherein the lip is substantially perpendicular with respect to the floor 15 panel. [035] Preferably, the lip is positioned substantially around an outer edge of the floor panel. 20 [036] Preferably, the lip is further characterized in that there is at least one aperture located on the lip, wherein the aperture is shaped and sized to locate and releasably receive a distal end of a roof support strut. [037] Preferably, attached to the roof is at least one roof supporting strut, 25 the roof supporting strut having two distal ends wherein one end is pivotally attached to the roof and other end is sized and shaped to releasably engage with an aperture located on the lip such that when the device is assembled, wherein the floor panel is adjusted into the open position with respect to the base portion and the roof is adjusted outwardly 30 from the body into the open position, the other distal end of the roof supporting strut extends vertically from the roof, locates and engages with 8 an aperture located on the lip, thereby supporting the roof in the open position. [038] In the alternative, the device is further characterized wherein the 5 floor panel has at least one aperture disposed at a pre-defined position on the floor panel, such that when device is assembled, wherein the floor panel is adjusted into the open position with respect to the base portion and the roof is adjusted outwardly from the body into the open position, the roof supporting strut pivotally attached to the roof at one distal end, 10 extends vertically from the roof and the other distal end of the roof supporting strut locates and engages with an aperture disposed on the floor panel, thereby supporting the roof in the open position. [039] It will be readily appreciated that the roof supporting strut may be 15 secured to the lip or floor panel by any fastening means readily known in the art. [040] Preferably, attached to the body there is at least one support strut, the support strut having two distal ends, wherein one end is pivotally 20 attached to the body and the other end is releasably attached to a roof supporting strut, such that when the device is assembled, wherein the floor panel is adjusted into the open position with respect to the base portion, the roof is adjusted outwardly from the body into the open position and the roof supporting strut is extended between the roof and the lip, the support 25 strut pivotally attached to the body is extended between the body and the roof supporting strut, thereby providing additional structural support to the device. [041] It is understood that the support strut may be secured to the roof 30 supporting strut by any fastening means readily known in the art.

9 [042] Preferably, the device is further characterized in that the' body further includes a coupling member, onto which an animal may be tethered and secured. 5 [043] In a further form of the invention, there is a method of assembly of the device, the method including the steps of a. adjusting the floor panel attached to the base portion of the device into an open position, such that the floor panel is substantially parallel with respect to the base portion; 10 b. adjusting the roof outwardly from the body into an open position, wherein the roof extends out to a position and length equal to that of the floor panel, such that the roof substantially covers the floor panel; c. extending the roof supporting strut pivotally attached to the roof, 15 wherein the roof supporting strut is extended vertically between the roof and the floor panel, the end of the roof supporting strut is aligned with and secured by an aperture located on the lip, thereby supporting the roof in the open position; and d. extending the support strut pivotally attached to the body, 20 wherein the support strut is extended horizontally between the body and the roof supporting strut, the end of the support.strut is aligned with and secured to the roof supporting strut, thereby providing additional structural support to the device. 25 [044] Alternatively, the device may be partially disassembled or collapsed by repeating the above steps in reverse order, wherein the collapsed form the device assumes a compact arrangement, which facilitates convenient storage.

10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [045] For a better understanding of the present invention and associated method of use, it will now be described with respect to the preferred 5 embodiment which shall be described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [046] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device in a fully assembled formation; 10 [047] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the device in a fully assembled formation with an animal located and secured within; [048] Figure 3A is a further perspective view of the device in a partially 15 collapsed formation; [049] Figure 3B is a side perspective view of the device in a partially collapsed formation; 20 [050] Figure 4A is a further perspective view of the device in a fully collapsed formation; [051] Figure 4B is a side perspective view of the device in a fully collapsed formation. 25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [052] Referring to Figure 1, where there is illustrated a perspective view of the device (1) in a fully assembled formation, comprising of a body (2). 30 The body (2) having an upper portion (3a) and a base portion (3b). The upper portion (3a) partially supports a roof (4), wherein the roof (4) is adjustable with respect to the body (2). In Figure 1, the roof (4) is adjusted 11 outwardly from the body (2) assuming an open position. In this open position, the roof (4) effectively provides shelter and protection of the animal, which can be located and secured underneath. 5 [053] The design of the device (1) enables it to be suitable for use in the rear of a vehicle, such as a utility vehicle, wherein the body (2) of the device can be secured by any appropriate means to the vehicle. Alternatively, the device (1) may function as a stand alone animal protection device as required a variety of environments. 10 [054] Attached to the base portion (3b) of the body (2) is a floor panel (5). The floor panel (5) is pivotally attached to the base portion (3b), which enables it to be adjusted with respect to the base portion (3b). The floor panel (5) can assume either an open position as shown in Figure 1 or a 15 closed position. In the open position, the floor panel (5) is substantially parallel with respect to the base portion (3b) of the body (2). In a closed position, the floor panel (5) is substantially perpendicular to the base portion (3b) of the body (2). 20 [055] In the open position, as illustrated in Figure 1, the floor panel (5) is substantially parallel with respect to the base portion (3b). The floor panel (5) provides a stable surface to accommodate the animal thereon. [056] Surfaces exposed to the elements such as the sun or rain can be 25 hazardous for an animal to sit or stand on. For example, sun exposure can heat up surfaces quickly, consequently burning the animals' feet. Wet surfaces are similarly hazardous in that the animal may slip or fall on the slippery surface. Advantageously, as can be seen in Figure 1, the roof (4) extends to a position and length, which corresponds to the position and 30 length of the floor panel (5), effectively substantially covering the floor panel (5) and thereby sheltering both the floor panel (5) and the animal, from exposure to the sun or rain.

12 [057] Alternatively, the floor panel (5) may be a panel of pliable material that is adjustable with respect to the base portion (3b) of the body (2), wherein the panel of pliable material may be adjusted outwardly from the 5 body (2) into an open position or inwardly toward the body (2) into a closed position. [058] The roof (4) may comprise of a plurality of rigid interconnected panels (6a-6f) such as that shown in Figure 1. 10 [059] Alternatively, the roof (4) may be hingedly connected to the upper portion (3a) of the body (2). [060] Alternatively, the roof (4) may be a panel of pliable material that is 15 adjustable and can extend outwardly from the body (2) into an open position to substantially cover a floor area (6) or be adjusted inwardly toward the body (2) into a closed position, such that the device (1) can collapse into a compact arrangement for convenient storage purposes. 20 [061] Further attached the floor panel (5) is a protection means (7). In this particular embodiment, the protection means is a lip (8). The lip (8) is arranged in a substantially perpendicular manner with respect to the floor panel (5). Therefore, when the floor panel (5) is adjusted into an open position, as illustrated in Figure 1, the lip (8) effectively forms a barrier that 25 extends upright from the floor panel (5). The lip (8) further protects the animal located within the device (1) from injury as a result of items moving in the rear of a vehicle into the floor area. Consequently, without an additional protection means (7) such as that provided by the lip (8), dislodged or unsecured items such as tools or equipment can move about 30 potentially striking the animal.

13 [062] In the alternative, the protection means z(7) is positioned substantially around the outer edge of the floor panel (5), thereby preventing the ingress of objects from any side of the device (1) into the floor area, potentially striking and injuring the animal located within the 5 floor area of the device (1). [063] Effectively, the device (1) provides an animal with both adequate overhead protection by way of a roof (4). and sideward protection means (7) in the form of a lip (8). 10 [064] In an open position, the roof (4) is further supported by at least one roof supporting strut (9), which extends vertically between the roof (4) and the floor panel (5) of the device (1). The roof supporting strut (9) has two distal ends (10a) and (10b), wherein one distal end (10a) is pivotally 15 attached to the roof (4) so as to be extendible when the roof (4) is in an open position, as in Figure 1, but also collapsible when the roof (4) is in a closed position. [065] The other distal end (1Ob) of the roof supporting strut (9) can be 20 secured to either the floor panel (5) or lip (8), by any fastening means readily known in the art. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, there is an aperture (11) located on the lip (8). The aperture (11) being shaped and sized so as to receive and releasably secure the distal end (10b) of the roof supporting strut (9). 25 [066] Alternatively, the floor panel (5) of the device (1) may possess an aperture into which the distal end (1Ob) of the roof supporting strut (9) may be located and releasably secured. In this secured position, the roof supporting strut (9) provides additional structural support and stability for 30 the roof (4) in an open position.

14 [067] Further attached to the body (2) is at least one support strut (12). This support strut (12) having two distal ends (13a) and (13b), wherein one distal end (13a) is pivotally attached to the body (2) and the other distal end (13b) is releasably attached to a roof supporting strut (9) that extends 5 vertically between the roof (4) and either the floor panel (5) or lip (8). The pivotal attachment of the support strut (12) to the body (2) enables the support strut (12) to be extended or collapsed with respect to the body (2). The support strut (12) provides additional structural support for the device (1) in an assembled formation. 10 [068] The support strut (12) may be releasably attached to the roof supporting strut (9), by any releasable attachment or mechanism known in the art. 15 [069] It is readily appreciated that the number and arrangement of roof supporting struts and support struts, can deviate from that shown in Figures 1, 2, 3A-3B and 4A-4B. [070] The body (2) of the device (1) can comprise of a coupling member 20 onto which an animal may be tethered and secured. The particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, shows a plurality of vertical and horizontal members forming a lattice structure (14). The lattice structure (14) provides a means to secure an animal within the device (1). 25 [071] The substantially open arrangement of the device (1) provides the animal with an adequate amount of room to comfortably move about whilst secured within the device (1) and an ample amount of ventilation. The open arrangement also facilitates easy access to the animal and conversely, the animal can enter and exit the device (1) with ease. 30 [072] Figure 2 depicts a side perspective of the device (1) in a fully assembled formation, with an animal located and secured within the 15 device (1). The length and width of the device (1) is sufficient to enable the animal to comfortably sit, stand or move about. [073] The roof (4) when in an open position provides the animal with 5 adequate overhead protection from exposure to the elements such as the sun and rain but also from any objects potentially falling onto the animal. [074] A protection means (7), in this case a lip (8) attached to the floor panel (5), prevents objects moving about in the rear of the vehicle from 10 entering into the floor area where the animal is situated, potentially striking and injuring the animal. [075] The animal may be tethered and secured by an appropriate means such as a leash (15) or a clip, which can be tethered to a coupling member 15 located on body (2) of the device (1). [076] Figures 3A and 3B depict perspective views of the device (1) in a partially collapsed formation. In order to collapse the device (1), the roof supporting strut (9) and support strut (12) must be respectively 20 disengaged. The distal end (13b) of the support strut (12) extending horizontally between the body (2) and the roof supporting strut (9) is releasably disengaged from roof supporting strut (9). The pivotal attachment of the other distal end (13a) to the body (2) enables the support strut (12) to be collapsed, such that it aligns substantially parallel 25 to the body (2). [077] The distal end (10b) of the roof supporting strut (9) extending vertically between the roof (4) and floor panel (5) or lip (8), is disengaged from the aperture (11) located on either the floor panel (5) or lip (8). The 30 pivotal attachment of the other distal end (10a) to the roof (4) enables the roof supporting strut (9) to be collapsed and aligned substantially parallel to the body (2).

16 [078] The roof (4) is adjusted inwardly toward the body (2) such that it assumes a closed position. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, 2, 3A-3B and 4A-4B, the roof (4) is comprised of a plurality of 5 substantially rigid interconnected panels (6a-6h). The body (2) in this particular embodiment is sized and shaped such that it can slidably engage the roof (4). As the roof (4) is adjusted inwardly toward the body (2), the upper portion (3a) of the body (2) slidably receives and guides the roof (4), which retracts into the body (2) into a closed position. This is 10 clearly depicted in Figure 3A and 3B, wherein the roof (4) can be seen to partially slidably retract into the body (2) via the upper portion (3b) the body (2). [079] In an alternative embodiment, the roof (4) may be a panel of pliable 15 material that can be adjusted inwardly toward the body (2) into a closed position or extend outwardly into an open position. [080] Alternatively, the roof (4) may be hingedly connected to the upper portion (3a) of the body (2), such that the roof (4) can be adjusted into an 20 open or closed position with respect to the body (2). [081] Once the roof (4) assumes a closed position with respect to the body (2), the floor area (6) can be collapsed. The floor panel (5) pivotally attached to the base portion (3b) of the body (2) is folded inwardly toward 25 the body (2) into a closed position. In a closed position, the floor panel (5) is substantially perpendicular with respect to the base portion (3b) of the body (2). [082] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the device (1) in a fully collapsed 30 formation. It can be seen that the roof (4) is slidably retracted into the body (2). The floor panel (5) is folded into a closed position with respect to the base portion (3b), such that the alignment of the floor panel (5) is now 17 substantially parallel to the body (2). Similarly, the roof supporting strut (9) and support strut (12) are collapsed, such that each strut is respectively aligned substantially parallel to the body (2). 5 [083] The floor panel (5) may be secured in the closed position by any appropriate fastening means known in the art. [084] Advantageously, the collapsed formation enables the device (1) to be conveniently transported or stored, without taking up a large amount of 10 space. [085] The arrangement of the device (1) also enables quick and convenient assembly and disassembly by a single user with minimal effort. 15 [086] Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognised that departures can be made within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details described herein but it is to be accorded the full scope of the appended claims so as to embrace any and 20 all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Claims

1. A collapsible animal protection device having: a body and a roof, the body having an upper portion and a base portion, characterized in that the upper portion at least partially supports the roof; the roof further characterised in that it can be adjusted into either an open or closed position with respect to the body; wherein the roof can be adjusted outwardly from the body into the open position, or the roof can be adjusted inwardly toward the body into the closed position; the base portion further characterized in that there is a floor panel attached, wherein the floor panel is pivotally attached to the base portion.

2. The collapsible animal protection device as in claim 1, wherein the body is adapted to slidably engage the roof, wherein the body having at least one channel sized and adapted to engage the roof, such that when the roof is adjusted inwardly toward the body into the closed position, the roof slidably retracts into the channel and wherein the roof is adjusted outwardly from the body into the open position, the roof slidably extends from the channel.

3. The collapsible animal protection device as in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the roof is further characterized in that it can comprise of a plurality of substantially rigid interconnected panels, wherein the open position the panels form a large contiguous panel.

4. The collapsible animal protection device as in any one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized in that the roof may be hingedly connected to the upper portion of the body.

5. The collapsible animal protection device as in any one of claims 1 to 4, further characterized in that the roof may be a panel of pliable material. 19

6. The collapsible animal protection device as in claim 1 to 5, further characterized in that the floor panel may be a panel of pliable material.

7. The collapsible animal protection device as in any one of claims 1 to 6, further characterized in that the floor panel can be adjusted into an open or closed position with respect to the base portion, wherein the closed position the floor panel is substantially perpendicular with respect to the base portion and in the open position the floor panel is substantially parallel with respect to the base portion.

8 The collapsible animal protection device as in claim 7, wherein the floor panel is further characterized in that it has a protection means located thereon, wherein the protection means is substantially perpendicular with respect to the floor panel, such that when the floor panel assumes the open position with respect to the base portion, the protection means effectively forms a barrier preventing the ingress of objects into the floor area.

9. The collapsible animal protection device as in claim 8, further characterized in that the protection means is a lip, wherein the lip is substantially perpendicular with respect to the floor panel.

10. The collapsible animal protection device as in claim 9, wherein the lip is positioned substantially around an outer edge of the floor panel.

11. The collapsible animal protection device as in claim 10, wherein the lip is further characterized in that there is at least one aperture located on the lip, wherein the aperture is shaped and sized to locate and releasably receive a distal end of a roof support strut.

12. The collapsible animal protection device as in any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein attached to the roof is at least one roof supporting strut, the roof supporting strut having two distal ends wherein one end is pivotally attached to the roof and other end is sized and shaped to releasably engage with an aperture located on the lip such that when the device is assembled, wherein the floor panel is adjusted into the open position with respect to the base portion and the roof is adjusted outwardly from the body into the open position, the other distal end of the roof supporting strut extends vertically from the roof, locates and engages with an aperture located on the lip, thereby supporting the roof in the open position.

13. The collapsible animal protection device as in any one of claims 7 to 12, the device further characterized wherein the floor panel has at least one aperture disposed at a pre-defined position on the floor panel, such that when device is assembled, wherein the floor panel is adjusted into the open position with respect to the base portion and the roof is adjusted outwardly from the body into the open position, the roof supporting strut pivotally attached to the roof at one distal end, extends vertically from the roof and the other distal end of the roof supporting strut locates and engages with an aperture disposed on the panel, thereby supporting the roof in the open position.

14. The collapsible animal protection device as in any one of claims 12 to 13, further characterized in that there is at least one support strut, the support strut having two distal ends, wherein one end is pivotally attached to the body and the other end is releasably attached to the roof supporting strut, such that when the device is assembled, wherein the floor panel is adjusted into the open position with respect to the base portion, the roof is adjusted outwardly from the body into the open position and the roof supporting strut is extended between the roof and the lip, the support strut pivotally attached to the body is extended between the body and the roof C.1 supporting strut, thereby providing additional structural support to the device.

15. The collapsible animal protection device as in claims 1 to 14, further characterized in that the body further includes a coupling member, onto which an animal may be tethered and secured.

16. A collapsible animal protection device substantially as herein described with reference to any of the embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings.