Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
  • A01K1/02—Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
  • A01K1/035—Devices for use in keeping domestic animals, e.g. fittings in housings or dog beds
  • A01K1/0353—Dog beds
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
  • A01K1/02—Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
  • A01K1/03—Housing for domestic or laboratory animals
  • A01K1/033—Cat or dog houses

Definitions

• This invention relates to a magnetically attachable bedding and more specifically to a magnetically attachable pillow for an animal housing.
• Pillows are often placed on bedding.
• Drawbacks to the typical pillows include unwanted movement of the pillow in relation to the bedding.
• pillows may be used in bedding for animals. Animals are not typically stationary in the bedding, and the movement of such animals may facilitate movement of the pillow. Such movement of the pillow may be unwanted by the animal owner.
• such pillow and bedding are disposed in a housing for an animal such as a cage.
• drawbacks to such unwanted movement of the -pillow include blocking of entry into the cage by the pillow. Therefore, there is a need for an improved method for preventing unwanted movement of a pillow. Further needs include improved bedding.
• the animal housing includes a top and a plurality of sides.
• the plurality of sides provide support to the top.
• the animal housing further includes a bedding.
• the bedding includes a cushion, a pillow, a magnet, and a magnetically attractive material. Magnetism of the magnet attracting the magnet to the magnetically attractive material secures the pillow to the cushion.
• a method for providing bedding for an animal housing includes providing an animal housing.
• the animal housing includes a top and a plurality of sides. The plurality of sides provides support to the top.
• the method includes providing a cushion and a pillow. The method further includes securing the pillow to the cushion by magnetic attraction to provide the bedding.
• the method also includes disposing the bedding on the top or inside the animal housing.
• Figure 1 illustrates an animal housing
• Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of Figure 1 with the top at an open position
• Figure 3 illustrates an animal housing with a ramp
• Figure 4 illustrates an animal housing with a cushion
• Figure 5 illustrates a cushion
• Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of a pillow magnetically secured to the cushion
• Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a pillow magnetically secured to the cushion
• Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of a pillow magnetically secured to die cushion
• Figure 9 illustrates a ran ⁇ p
• Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the ramp of Figure 9;
• Figure 11 illustrates a mat
• Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the mat of Figure 11;
• Figure 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bedding
• Figure 14 illustrates a back side of the animal housing with a rack means
• Figure 15 illustrates a detachable grate
• Figure 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a guide
• Figure 17 illustrates a front view of an animal housing showing a front and top side and having a cage and an outer covering
• Figure 18(a) illustrates an embodiment of a side of the outer covering
• Figure 18 ⁇ b) illustrates an embodiment of a side of the outer covering
• Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment showing a cage and an outer covering with the top side of the outer covering removed
• Figure 20 illustrates an animal housing comprising a cage
• Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment of the animal housing of Figure 17 with a door in an open position
• Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of the animal housing having a base and a grate
• Figure 23 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a base
• Figure 24 illustrates a top view of an alternate configuration of an embodiment of a base
• Figure 25 illustrates a cross sectional side view of the animal housing having a base and a cage
• Figure 26 illustrates a side having a grate
• Figure 27 illustrates securing a pillow to a wall
• Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of animal housing 5 having a top 10, a front side 12, a back side 14, and side walls 16, 18.
• Animal housing 5 may also contain a floor 20.
• Front side 12 has an opening 22. Opening 22 may be of any desirable size. In an embodiment, opening 22 is of a size suitable for a desired animal to pass therethrough.
• Animal housing 5 also has openings 24, 26 disposed in the side walls 16, 18. Without being limited by theory, openings 24, 26 may improve ventilation in animal housing 5.
• Each side wall may have one or more than one opening. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), at least one side wall may not have an opening. It is to be understood that openings in side walls may be of any desired shape and size.
• Front side 12 also has a lip 28.
• a lip section may also be attached to top 10. Without hmitation, such a lip section may serve as a restraining means to stabilize and keep a bedding stationary when an animal is resting thereupon.
• side walls 16, 18 provide physical support to top 10. It is to be understood mat animal housing 5 is not limited to side walls 16, 18 but may instead include any number of sides (e.g., a plurality of side walls) depending, for instance, on the desired configuration. An animal housing is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/459,868, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
• side walls 16, 18 may have one or more than one opening, respectively, and that side walls 16, 18 are shown ⁇ n Figure 1 with each side wall 16, 18 having one opening each (openings 24, 26) for illustration purposes only.
• back side 14 may have no such openings or one or more such openings.
• one or more of the sides may have no such openings.
• Openings in side walls 16, 18 and back side 14 may have any shape, configuration, and size suitable for allowing ventilation and visibility into and out of animal housing 5.
• such openings may have the shape of characters such as animals, cartoon figures, toys, lettering, numbering, symbols, and the like.
• examples of animal shapes include dogs, cats, and the like.
• examples of cartoon figures include MICKEY MOUSE (which is a mark owned by Disney Enterprises, Mc), SUPERMAN (which is a mark owned by DC Comics Warner Communications Inc.), and the like.
• Examples of toys include, without limitation, trucks, cars, airplanes, and the like.
• the character shape openings may be applied to the sides by any suitable process such as by a cutting apparatus, press, or the like.
• Animal housing 5 may be composed of any material suitable for the uses of animal housing 5.
• animal housing 5 may include wood, mesh, wire, plastic, metal, and the like.
• back side 14 and/or side walls 16 and 18 may comprise wire, mesh, netting, weaving, and the like, preferably wire or mesh, and more preferably wire or wire-like material.
• back side 14 and/or side walls 16 and 18 may be composed of any porous material suitable for use as a side in an animal cage (e.g., porous metal or plastic siding).
• back side 14 and/or side walls 16 and IS are composed of a plastic, wood, metal, or the like wire or wire-like material.
• one or more of side walls 16 and 18 may be composed of such materials.
• an outer covering maybe disposed on the outside and/or inside surface of one or more of any side (e.g., front side 12, back side 14, side walls 16 and 18, top 10, floor 20), preferably an outer covering is disposed on the outside surface.
• an outer covering is disposed on the outside surface of side walls 16 and 18, back side 14 and/or top 10.
• the outer covering may cover any desired portion of a side.
• the outer covering may comprise any suitable covering for use with animals.
• the outer covering may be composed of natural or synthetic woods, veneers, vinyl, a weaving, plastic, ceramic, and the like.
• the weaving may include wicker, vinyl, and any other weavable material suitable for use with animal housing 5.
• top 10 and/or front side 12 may also be composed of such plurality of openings and/or alternatively may also include such an outer covering.
• at least one side and/or wall of animal housing 5 comprises a substantially solid material.
• Figure 2 shows animal housing 5 with top 10 extended in an upward position.
• a bar 30 extends across -rout side 12.
• bar 30 may provide support to top 10.
• Hinges 32 and 34 attach top 10 to back side 14 and allow top 10 to open and close as desired.
• Attached to the inside surface of top 10 side is a rack member 36 for holding a ramp member when such ramp member is not in use.
• Rack member 36 may have any suitable shape (e.g., an L-shape) that fits with the shape of a rectangular ramp member.
• rack member 36 is a groove with a generally u-shape in which the ramp member is placed. When the ramp member is placed in rack member 36, a latch 38 secures the ramp in rack member 36.
• Figure 3 shows a configuration of animal housing 5 with a detachable ramp 40 engaged at one side.
• an animal may climb to top 10 of animal housing 5.
• the length of ramp 40 may vary such that the inclination angle formed by the engagement of ramp 40 to animal housing 5 is not too steep for the animal to safely climb.
• Figure 4 shows animal housing 5 with a bedding 42 positioned on top 10.
• Bedding 42 may be composed of any suitable materials on which an animal may be disposed such as a cushion, mattress, pillow and the like.
• Figure 13 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of bedding 42.
• Bedding 42 may have any desirable shape suitable for use with animal housing 5.
• Bedding 42 may comprise any soft material suitable for an animal to be disposed thereupon. Without limitation, examples of such materials of which bedding 42 may be composed include wool, hair, feathers, polyester staple fiber, foam, paper, or combinations thereof.
• the foam may comprise any suitable foam for use with an animal.
• the foam includes memory foam. It is to be understood that memory foam refers to v ⁇ sco-elastic polyurethane foam.
• Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of bedding 42 having a cushion 450 disposed within a cover 400.
• Cover 400 may be composed of any suitable material for use with a cushion 450. Without limitation, examples of suitable materials for cover 400 include cloth, li ⁇ ien. plastic, or combination thereof.
• Cover 400 may be openable and closeable and includes a closing means for closing cover 400.
• the closing means may include any closing means suitable for closing an opening in cover 400.
• suitable closing means include buttons, zippers, VELCRO, and the like.
• VELCRO is a hook and loop type fastener that is commercially available from Velcro Industries N. V.
• cover 400 includes the closing means comprising a zipper 405. Any type of zipper suitable for closing an opening in cover 400 may be used. It is to be understood that Figure 5 illustrates cover 400 with an open portion 410 and a closed portion 415. In such an embodiment, zipper 405 may be moved to close open portion 410. Tt is to be further understood that zipper 405 may be moved to open or close more of cover 400 than shown in Figure 5.
• cover 400 has more one or more zippers 405 and/or one or more other closing means (e.g., VELCRO).
• closing means e.g., zipper 405
• closing means is not limited to extending along the length of cushion 450, but instead may cover a portion of the length of cushion 450.
• one or more closing means may extend at an angle or angles to a horizontal plane intersecting cushion 450.
• cover 400 may be sufficiently openable to provide an open portion 410 tbat allows access to the interior of cover 400.
• zipper 405 may be moved to provide an open portion 410 of cover 400 that allows a user access to the interior of cover 400.
• Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment in which bedding 42 includes a pillow 425 secured to cushion 450.
• pillow 425 has magnets 420.
• magnets 420 are permanent magnets. Ih other embodiments (not illustrated), pillow 420 has one magnet 420 or more than two magnets 420.
• magnetically attractive material 430 is disposed within cover 400 and secured to magnets 420 by magnetic force. Permanent magnets 420 of any strength may be selected. In some embodiments, permanent magnets 420 are selected to sufficiently secure pillow 425 to cushion 450.
• Magnetically attractive material 430 may include any material that attracts a magnetic force. Without limitation, examples of suitable magnetically attractive material includes a magnet, iron, steel, and the like.
• Magnets 420 may be secured to pillow 425 by any suitable means.
• such means may include gluing magnets 420 to pillow 425, sewing magnets 420 to pillow 425, and the like.
• magnets 420 may be embedded in a pillow cover or secured to a pillow cover in which pillow 425 is disposed.
• pillow 425 is secured to cushion 450.
• zipper 405 is moved to provide an open portion 410 of sufficient size to allow access to the interior of cover 400.
• Magnetically attractive material 430 may then be placed into the interior of cover 400. Magnets 420 attract magnetically attractive material 430 and secure pillow 425 to cushion 450.
• pillow 425 may be secured at any desired location on cushion 450.
• magnetically attractive material 430 is attached to the interior of cover 400 by any suitable method such as by glue, sewn to cover 400. and the like.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which bedding 42 includes a magnetically attractive material 430 secured to pillow 425.
• Magnetically attractive material 430 may be secured to pillow 425 by any suitable means, For instance, such means may include gluing magnetically attractive material 430 to pillow 425, sewing magnetically attractive material 430 to pillow 425 > and the like.
• magnetically attractive material 430 may be embedded in a pillow cover or secured to a pillow cover in which pillow 425 is disposed.
• pillow 425 is secured to cushion 450.
• zipper 405 is moved to provide an open portion 410 of sufficient size to allow access to lhe interior of cover 400.
• Magnets 420 may then be placed into the interior of cover 400.
• Magnets 420 attract magnetically attractive material 430 and secure pillow 425 to cushion 450.
• magnets 420 are attached to the interior of cover 400 by any suitable method such as by glue, sewn to cover 400, and the like.
• at least a portion of magnets 420 are secured to cover 400 a similar distance apart as magnetically attractive material 430.
• pillow 425 may be placed on cushion 450 and secured to cushion 450 when magnets 420 attract magnetically attractive material 430.
• Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of bedding 42 in which cushion 450 is not disposed within cover 410.
• magnetically attractive material 430 are secured to cushion 450.
• Magnetically attractive material 430 may be secured to cushion 450 by any suitable method.
• magnetically attractive material 430 may be secured to cushion 450 by glue, sewn to cushion 450, and the like.
• Magnets 420 are secured to pillow 425.
• pillow 425 is secured to cushion 450.
• magnets 420 attract magnetically attractive material 430 and secure pillow 425 to cushion 450.
• pillow 425 may be disposed within a cover (e.g., a pillow cover). Jn such an embodiment, pillow 425 may be placed over the area of cushion 450 in.
• magnets 420 are placed in the cover (e.g., pillow cover) and magnetically attracted to magnetically attractive material 430, thereby securing pillow 425 to cushion 450.
• magnets 420 are secured to cushion 450 and magnetically attractive material 430 is attached to pillow 425.
• pillow 425 is disposed within a cover (e,g., pillow cover).
• magnetically attractive material 430 is placed within the cover (e.g., pillow cover) and magnets 420 are magnetically attracted thereto, thereby securing pillow 425 to cushion 450.
• bedding 42 having cushion 450 and pillow 425 are not limited to disposition in animal housing 5 and/or on top 10 but instead may be used remote from animal housing 5,
• bedding 42 may be used with humans or other animals.
• bedding 42 may be used with a couch, a human bed, and the like.
• At least one magnet is secured to a pillow.
• magnetically attractive material may be attached to an object such as a wall, furniture, and the like.
• the magnetically attractive material may be attached to the wall by glue, screws, or any other suitable method.
• the magnetically attractive material may be embedded in the object (e.g., embedded in the wall).
• the magneticaEy attractive material is secured to the object a desired distance above top 10.
• Animal housing 5 may be disposed against or near the object.
• the pillow may be disposed on top 10 of animal housing 5 with the at least one magnet in contact with the magnetically attractive material to secure the pillow to the wall.
• magnetically attractive material 305 are secured to wall 300.
• Animal housing 5 is disposed against or near wall 300.
• a pillow (not illustrated) may then be disposed on top 10. At least one magnet in the pillow is secured to at least one of the magnetically attractive material 305 to secure the pillow to wall 300. It is to be understood that in alternative embodiments the pillow may include magnetically attractive material and magnets may be secured to the object.
• Figure 9 shows a front view of ramp member 40.
• a fiber-type material 44 e.g., cloth or carpet material
• fiber-type material 44 increases the friction of ramp member 40 such that an animal may have improved traction as the animal climbs ramp member 40 to top 10.
• Figure 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of ramp member 40.
• Ramp member 40 contains a lip 46 that engages an edge of top 10 securing ramp member 40 to animal housing 5.
• Figure 11 shows a view of a floor 20 of animal housing 5 on which mat material 48 is disposed.
• Mat material 48 may be an elastic or rubber type of material or other type of water-proof material.
• Mat material 48 extends up the side walls of animal housing 5 thereby covering substantially all or a portion of floor 20. Without being limited by theory, mat material 48 provides a way to easily clean animal housing 5. In an embodiment, mat material 48 is removeable from animal housing 5.
• Figure 12 shows the cross-section of mat material 48.
• Edge 50 of mat material 48 has a lip shape that prevents substances from escaping the mat material 48 surface.
• Mat material 48 may also have a ridged surface similar to Figure 13 for channeling liquid.
• animal housing 5 may comprise mat material 48 and/or a thermoelectric cushion (not illustrated).
• the thermoelectric cushion is disposed on mat material 48.
• animal housing 5 comprises more than one thermoelectric cushion.
• the thermoelectric cushion may comprise any desired shape and size.
• the thermoelectric cushion may be suitable as an animal bed.
• the thermoelectric cushion may provide heating and/or cooling functions.
• thermoelectric cushion a commercial example of a thermoelectric cushion is the THERMOELECTRIC COOLER & PET BED, which is a thermoelectric bed commercially available from Laurina Company Limited.
• a thermoelectric cushion may be disposed on top 10.
• Figure 14 shows back side 14 of animal housing 5. Attached to back side 14 is a storage rack 52 similar to rack member 36. Without limitation, storage rack 52 may hold grate 54, which is shown in Figure 15. Storage rack 52 has a general shape that matches the shape of grate 54. Figure 16 shows a cross-section of storage rack 52. Storage rack 52 has two sides 56 and 58 and a base 60. The two sides 56, 58 are perpendicularly attached to the base 60. One side is also attached to the back side 14. When grate 54 is not in use, grate 54 may be slid into storage rack 52. Grate 54 may be disposed in front opening 22. Grate 54 may have different designs and may also be composed of screen material.
• any suitable material e.g., plastic
• a grate refers to a framework of parallel or latticed bars that may be suitable for blocking an opening.
• animal housing 5 comprises a cage and/or an outer covering on top side 10, back side 14, front side 12, and sides 16, 18 of the cage (e.g., on all sides of the cage).
• animal housing 5 also comprises an outer covering on bottom side (e.g., floor 20).
• Figure 17 illustrates a front view of such an embodiment showing front side 12 and top 10.
• animal housing 5 comprises a cage 100 and an outer covering 105.
• Cage 100 may comprise any suitable material for containing an animal.
• cage 100 may comprise metal, wood, plastic, ceramic, and the like.
• the sides of cage 100 may be attached by any suitable means.
• top side 10 has a door 115 that is movably openable and closable.
• Door 115 comprises a latching mechanism 120 by which door 115 may be secured to top side 10 and substantially prevented from movement.
• Latching mechanism 120 may comprise any suitable mechanism for opening and closing door 115 and also suitable for securing door 115 against movement relative to top side 10, It is to be understood that Figure 17 shows door 115 in a closed position.
• Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment in which door 115 is in an open position, As shown in Figure 17, outer covering 105 on front side 12 has opening 125 by which cage 100 is exposed therethrough. In an embodiment, at least one side of outer covering 105 has an opening; alternatively front side 12, sides 16, 18, and back side 14 of outer covering 105 has such openings; and alternatively all sides of outer covering 105 have an opening.
• Figures 18(a) and 18(b) show embodiments of sides of outer covering 105 having different opening configurations.
• Figure 18(a) illustrates outer covering 105 having opening 125 therethrough.
• Outer covering 105 having such opening 125 may be suitable as side 16, side 18, and/or back side 14. It is to be understood that outer covering 105 may have more than one opening 125. Opening 125 may have any desirable shape and size.
• Figure 18(b) illustrates an embodiment of front side 12 having outer covering 105 with opening 125. in such an embodiment, opening 125 may be of sufficient size to allow a desirable animal to pass therethrough.
• front side 12 of cage IOO may be movably attached to side 16 or 18 of cage 100.
• front side 12 of cage 100 may be sufficiently movable to allow a desirable animal to pass through opening 125 in front side 12.
• front side 12 of cage 100 may also be sufficiently closable to prevent the desirable animal from passing through opening 125 in front side 12.
• another side is openable to allow a desirable animal to pass through an opening 125 therein into multiple functional animal furniture piece 5.
• top side 10 may or may not be openable.
• outer covering 105 may be secured to cage 100 or not secured to cage 100.
• outer covering 105 may be secured by any suitable method.
• outer covering 105 may be secured to cage 100 by one or more grooves in outer covering 105.
• portions of cage 100 may be suitably secured into a groove disposed in outer covering 105.
• Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment of Figure 17 with outer covering 105 of top 10 removed to expose top 10 of cage 100 for illustration purposes.
• door 115 has latching mechanism 120.
• the sides of outer covering 105 may be attached by any suitable method.
• the sides may be connected by magnets, glue, hooks, and the like.
• the sides are connected by magnets.
• Each side of outer covering 105 may have any number of magnets suitable to sufficiently secure one such side to another such side (e.g., by magnetic attraction to another side).
• the magnets may be secured to the exterior of the outer covering 105 (e.g., by glue) and/or may be embedded in the outer covering 105.
• each side of outer covering 105 may be separated from another side by applying sufficient force to overcome the force of the magnet. Thereby, one or more sides of outer covering 105 may be removed to expose cage 100.
• magnets disposed on the outer covering 105 may also be used to secure outer covering 105 to cage 100.
• Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment in which magnets 130 on outer covering 105 of door 115 secure such outer covering 105 of door 115 to the cage portion 100 of door 115.
• sides 12, 14, 16, and 18 are for illustration and explanatory purposes and embodiments described for one of such particular sides may be suitable for one or more other of such sides.
• Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment in which animal housing 5 comprises a base 500 and an outer covering 510.
• Animal housing 5 may optionally comprise a cage 100 (not illustrated).
• Base 500 comprises any material suitable for use with an animal cage. Without limitation, examples of suitable materials include plastic, ceramic, stainless steel, and the like. Preferable materials include plastic.
• Base 500 preferably comprises a similar configuration to that of outer covering 510.
• base 500 has a width and length suitable for outer covering 510 to be disposed inside of base 500.
• outer covering 510 is disposed within sufficient proximity to base 500 for magnets 515 disposed within base 500 and/or outer covering 510 to provide a desirable stability (e.g., lateral and vertical stability) to outer covering 510.
• Base 500 may comprise any height suitable for providing strength and integrity to outer covering 510. Li an embodiment, the height of base 500 is less than the height of outer covering 510.
• outer covering 510 comprises magnets 515.
• base 500 and/or outer covering 510 comprise magnets 515.
• Magnets 515 may be attached to base 500 and/or outer covering 510 and/or may be embedded in base 500 and/or outer covering 510.
• animal housing 5 may comprise any desired number and type of magnets.
• magnets 515 are disposed in base 500.
• magnetically attractive material may be attached to outer covering 510 in sufficient locations that when outer covering 510 is placed in base 500, the magnets 515 secure outer covering 510 to base 500.
• the magnetically attractive material may be attached to outer covering 510 by any suitable means such as by glue.
• the magnetically attractive material may be disposed in locations on outer covering 510 that correspond to locations on base 500.
• the magnets 515 also may serve to laterally and vertically secure cage 100.
• animal housing 5 may also comprise a grate 520.
• Grate 520 comprises any suitable grate-like shape and configuration. Without limitation, grate 520 comprises openings of a sufficient diameter to allow animal waste to fall through grate 520.
• a pan (not illustrated) is disposed beneath grate 520. The pan may be comprised of any suitable material. Without being limited by theory, animal waste that falls through grate 520 is captured by the pan.
• Grate 520 and the pan are slidably insertable into base 500. Grate 520 and the pan may be inserted and removed from base 500 in the directions as illustrated by arrow 525.
• grate 520 and the pan are inserted into base 500 through an opening in base 500.
• a thermoelectric cushion may be disposed on the grate.
• FIG 23 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of base 500.
• base 500 comprises a plurality of drain holes 530.
• drain holes 530 allow fluid such as water to pass into the pan.
• Figure 24 illustrates an embodiment of base 500 having a different configuration than that shown in Figure 23.
• Figure 25 illustrates a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of base 500 having a lip 5S0.
• lip 580 provides a cavity 540 in which grate 520 may be inserted.
• lip 580 comprises a raised portion of base 500.
• the walls 570 and corners 560 of base 500 are disposed upon lip 580, which, provides cavity 540 for insertion of grate 520.
• the pan is disposed beneath grate 520, which provides spacing in cavity 540 between the grate 520 and the pan.
• Lip 580 may also comprise one or more drain holes 530.
• magnets 515 may disposed on corner 560 and wall 570.
• animal housing 5 comprises an air purifier.
• animal housing 5 comprises more than one air purifier. Any air purifier suitable for use in removing contaminants from the air within animal housing 5 may be used. Without limitation, examples of suitable air purifiers include mechanical filter devices, absorbent devices (e.g., devices that filter air through absorbents such as charcoal), and air ionizers. Any air ionizer suitable for removing particulate from air in animal housing 5 may be used.
• An example of an air ionizer is an electrostatic precipitator. Electrostatic precipitators refer to a particulate collection device that removes particles from air using the force of an induced electrostatic charge. Without limitation, examples of commercial electrostatic precipitators include the NATURAL AIR and HYBRID GP.
• the NATLTRAL ATR is an electrostatic precipitator commercially available from Natural Air Systems, Inc.
• HYBRID GP is an. electrostatic precipitator commercially available from THE SHARPER IMAGE.
• the air purifier may be disposed at any suitable location on animal housing 5 by which the air purifier may remove particulate from the air within animal housing 5. For instance, one or more air purifiers may be disposed on the inside of a side of animal housing 5.
• animal housing 5 has a grate disposed in at least one opening, hi such an embodiment, animal housing 5 may or may not have a cage 100, preferably animal housing 5 does not have cage 100 in such embodiments. Such grates may be secured to animal housing 5 by any suitable means.
• all openings of animal housing 5 include a grate. The grate may extend across all or a portion of an opening, preferably all of an opening.
• Figure 26 illustrates an embodiment in which side 16 has grate 200 in opening 26.
• an air purifier is attached to a grate or cage 100 in an opening of animal housing 5.
• the air purifier may be attached to a grate or cage 100 by any suitable means.
• the air purifier is attached to a grate or cage 100 by hooks.
• hooks are attached to a side of the air purifier, hi an embodiment, the air purifier has one or more than one hook, alternatively the air purifier has two hooks.
• the hooks may be of any size suitable for attaching the air purifier.
• the hooks may be attached to the air purifier by any suitable means such as by injection molding, welds, glue, screws, and the like.
• the air purifier is raovably attached to a grate or cage 100.
• the air purifier may swivel in a vertical direction in relation to a grate or cage 100.
• one or more magnets may also be attached to the air purifier.
• one or more magnets are attached to the same side of the air purifier as the hooks. Any magnet suitable for securing the air purifier to a grate or cage 100 may be used, hi some embodiments, the magnet is a permanent magnet.
• the air purifier is attached to a grate or cage 100 by one or more hooks, hi such an embodiment, the air purifier then may swivel down until at least one magnet is in magnetic attraction to the grate or cage 100 thereby securing the air purifier.
• the grate and cage 100 in such embodiments is composed of a magnetically attractive material (e.g., a magnet, iron, steel, and the like).
• animal housing 5 includes an outer covering of a weaving
• the air purifier may be attached to the weaving.
• the weaving may be pliable, and the hooks may slide down between gaps in the weaving to thereby secure the air purifier to the outer covering.
• the air pTirifier may be secured to animal housing 5 by each hook sliding into an opening in a side of animal housing 5.

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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Environmental Sciences (AREA)
• Zoology (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Animal Husbandry (AREA)
• Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)
• Magnetic Treatment Devices (AREA)

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• 2006
  • 2006-11-28 EP EP06846384A patent/EP1954122A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2006-11-28 WO PCT/US2006/061300 patent/WO2007062426A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2006-11-28 CA CA002631146A patent/CA2631146A1/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (3)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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