GB2479399A

GB2479399A - Divider for pet cage

Info

Publication number: GB2479399A
Application number: GB201005904A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sophie Lee Greczyn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-09
Filing date: 2010-04-09
Publication date: 2011-10-12
Also published as: GB201005904D0

Abstract

A divider, suitable for use in a rabbit cage 6, comprises a flexible membrane 5 and a plurality of connectors 9 for connecting the divider to the cage 6. The cage 6 may be defined, at least in part, by spaced elements, which may be vertical wires 8 and/or horizontal wires 7. The membrane 5 may be liquid impervious, and may have opposing surfaces of contrasting texture. The connectors 9 may be secured to the membrane 5 by means of eyelets, and may be constructed so as to allow releasable connection with the bars of the cage. The divider may be suspended within a cage 6 to create different zones within the cage and also to provide a comfortable surface on which a small mammal can rest.

Description

A PETACCESSORY

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a pet accessory and has been devised in particular, though not necessarily solely, to provide an accessory for use in rabbit cages.

Background to the Invention

Rabbits are commonly kept as pets and, as such, are housed in cages. Within that environment rabbits exhibit both curiosity and the need for privacy.

It is typical to provide various objects within a rabbit cage with which the rabbit can interact for mental and physical stimulation. Further, box-like structures are often provided within the cage in which the animals can sleep. But there is little variety on offer to the animals and few texture changes which the animals can enjoy.

It is an object of the invention to provide an accessory which will go at least some way in addressing the aforementioned drawbacks; or which will at least provide a novel and useful choice.

Summaiy of the Invention Accordingly the invention provides a divider for use in a rabbit cage defined at least in part by spaced elements, said divider comprising a flexible membrane; and a plurality of connectors connectable between said membrane and some of said spaced elements.

Preferably said membrane is liquid impervious.

Preferably said membrane has opposed surfaces of contrasting texture.

Preferably one of said opposed surfaces is formed from natural or synthetic fleece.

Preferably said membrane is provided with eyelets about the periphery thereof to allow engagement by said connectors.

Preferably said connectors are constructed and arranged to allow releasable connection of said membrane to said cage.

Many variations in the way the invention may be performed will present themselves to those skilled in the art, upon reading the following description. The description should not be regarded.as limiting but rather as an illustration, only, of one manner of performing the invention. Where appropriate any element or component should be taken as including any or all equivalents thereof whether or not specifically mentioned.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One working embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: shows an isometric view of an end section of a rabbit cage provided with an accessory according to the invention; Figure 2: shows a plan view of the accessory shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3: shows a view along the line 3-3 in Figure 2.

Detailed Description of Working Embodiment

Referring to the drawings, the invention provides a divider 5 for use in a rabbit cage, and end section 6 of which is shown in Figure 1. In the known manner, the upper section of the cage is defined by grill consisting of spaced horizontal wires 7 fixed to spaced vertical wires 8. As will be apparent from the description that follows, the horizontal wires 7 provide convenient fixings for the divider 5.

The dividerS comprises a flexible membrane which is fixed to the horizontal wires by means of a plurality of connectors 9. These connectors 9 may be simple spring clips which can be easily to released to allow removal or re-positioning of the divider 5.

The membrane which defines the divider 5 is preferably liquid impervious and, more preferably, is formed from two sheet materials of contrasting texture. The upper surface 10 is preferably formed from a natural or synthetic fleece material which provides a soft warm surface on which the rabbit can rest. I have found that a 100% polyester material sold as Sherpa faux fur is particularly suitable. The base surface 11 may be conveniently formed from a plastics sheet material such as 40 oz polyurethane coated nylon fabric. As can be seen, the base sheet 11 is preferably folded up and over the edges of the top surface 10 to provide a border 12 through which eyelets 13 may he fastened to provide strong anchor points for the connectors 9.

A further feature that can be seen in Figure 2 is that the upper surface 10 is preferably stitched to provide a series of rectangles 14. This stitching not only provides a degree of quilting to the surface 10 but also sub-divides the surface so that, should a rabbit scratch or claw the surface, any damage that results is confined.

I have found that a divider of the type herein described not only provides an area of privacy beneath but also provides an soft upper surface which rabbits enjoy climbing onto, and resting.

Claims

Claims 1. A divider for use in a rabbit cage defined at least in part by spaced elements, said divider comprising a flexible membrane; and a plurality of connectors connectable between said membrane and some of said spaced elements.
2. A divider as claimed in claim I wherein said membrane is liquid impervious.
3. A divider as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein said membrane has opposed surfaces of contrasting texture.
4. A divider as claimed in claim 3 wherein one of said opposed surfaces is formed from natural or synthetic fleece.
5. A divider as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said membrane is provided with eyelets about the periphery thereof to allow engagement by said connectors.
6. A divider as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said connectors are constructed and arranged to allow releasable connection of said membrane to said cage.