WO2023122171A1

WO2023122171A1 - Connector assembly for coupling multiple animal enclosures and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2023122171A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/053647
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brad Cantwell; Michael E. Greene
Original assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-12-22
Filing date: 2022-12-21
Publication date: 2023-06-29

Abstract

A method of coupling two or more animal enclosures to one another includes providing a first enclosure, a second enclosure, a first member support frame, a second member support frame, and a connector support frame. The method includes removing a first member from the first enclosure and a second member from the second enclosure, and coupling the first member support frame to the first enclosure and the second member support frame to the second enclosure. The method also includes coupling the connector support frame between the first member support frame and the second member support frame.

Description

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR COUPLING MULTIPLE ANIMAL ENCLOSURES AND METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/265,876, filed December 22, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly, and in particular to a connector assembly for coupling multiple animal enclosures to one another.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The use of animal cages is well known in the prior art. Many conventional cages have been developed over the years for housing animals of different sizes, and through the development of these cages flexibility and portability have become points of emphasis. Some conventional cages, for example, have been designed to collapse to a compact position for portability. Others have been designed of light weight and from durable materials. Conventional cages have been designed for ease of transporting an animal.

[0004] Most conventional cages include at least one door for providing access to the interior of the cage. An animal can enter or exit the cage through the opening when the door is opened, and the animal can be safely contained in the cage when the door is closed. Many conventional cages include a door that is attached to the cage via a hinge. This allows the door to be swung open and closed. A spring activated latch or the like have been incorporated into the design of the door to allow a user to open or lock the door.

[0005] Many of these conventional designs have limitations, however. For instance, the door that is hingedly attached to the cage can be swung open or closed too quickly and scratch or damage another object such as a wall or furniture. In addition, due to the hinged connection, the door cannot be partially opened, i.e., the door is either open or closed.

[0006] Other conventional cages have a limited volume. For example, a large conventional cage is ideally suited for a larger animal, whereas a smaller cage is ideally suited for a smaller

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26) animal. However, many conventional cages with a larger capacity may not be suitable for a smaller animal. Further, it is not possible to change or reduce the size of a larger cage to meet the needs of a smaller animal. In some instances, it may be desirable to couple multiple cages or enclosures to one another to form a larger enclosure.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for a method and system for coupling two or more animal enclosures to one another to form a larger enclosure.

SUMMARY

[0008] In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an animal enclosure adapted for being coupled to a second animal enclosure includes a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure, where the plurality of members includes a first member and a second member having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires, where the first member defines a first opening configured to provide access to the interior and the second member includes a defined first height and a first width; a member support frame comprising a top support, a bottom support, a first side support, and a second side support, the member support frame defining a second opening between the top support, the first side support, the second side support and the bottom support; and a connector support frame comprising a top support member, a bottom support member, a first side support member, and a second side support member, the connector support frame defining a third opening between the top support member, the bottom support member, the first side support member, and the second side support member; wherein the member support frame includes a second height and a second width, the first height and second height being the same and the first width and second width being the same; wherein the second member is removable from the plurality of members and replaced with the member support frame, the member support frame being coupled to at least two of the plurality of members; wherein, when the member support frame is coupled to the at least two of the plurality of members, the connector support frame is coupled to the member support frame such that the second opening and the third opening are aligned with one another. [0009] In one example of this embodiment, the member support frame includes a first plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support, the bottom support, the first side support, and the second side support, and the connector support frame includes a second plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support member, the bottom support member, the first side support member, and the second side support member. In a second example, each of the first plurality of openings is aligned with one of the second plurality of openings when the connector support frame is coupled to the member support frame.

[0010] In another example of this embodiment, a plurality of fasteners couple the member support frame and the connector support frame to one another via the first and second plurality of openings. In a further embodiment, the second member includes one of a top member, a bottom member, a first side member, a second side member, a rear member and a front member.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of coupling two or more animal enclosures to one another includes providing a first enclosure, a second enclosure, a first member support frame, a second member support frame, and a connector support frame; removing a first member from the first enclosure and a second member from the second enclosure; coupling the first member support frame to the first enclosure and the second member support frame to the second enclosure; and coupling the connector support frame between the first member support frame and the second member support frame.

[0012] In one example of this embodiment, the method includes aligning a first plurality of openings formed in the first member support frame, a second plurality of openings formed in the second member support frame, and a third plurality of openings formed in the connector support frame. In a second example, the method includes inserting a fastener through each of the first plurality of openings, second plurality of openings and third plurality of openings for coupling the first enclosure to the second enclosure. In a third example, the method includes forming a gap between the first member support frame and the second member support frame. [0013] In a fourth example, the removing the first member forms a first open end of the first enclosure; and the removing the second member forms a second open end of the second enclosure. In a fifth example, the method includes aligning the first open end of the first enclosure with the second open end of the second enclosure. In a sixth example, the coupling the first member support frame to the first enclosure includes coupling the first member support frame to at least one of a top member, a bottom member, a front member, and a rear member of the first enclosure. In a seventh example, the coupling the second member support frame to the second enclosure includes coupling the second member support frame to at least one of a top member, a bottom member, a front member, and a rear member of the second enclosure. [0014] In an eighth example, the removing the first member from the first enclosure includes disassembling the first member from at least one of a top member, a bottom member, a front member, and a rear member of the first enclosure. In a ninth example, the removing the second member from the second enclosure includes disassembling the second member from at least one of a top member, a bottom member, a front member, and a rear member of the second enclosure. In another example, the method includes providing a third enclosure, a third member support frame, a fourth member support frame, and a second connector support frame; removing a third member from the third enclosure and a fourth member from the first enclosure or the second enclosure; coupling the third member support frame to the third enclosure where the third member was removed from; coupling the fourth member support frame to the first or second enclosure where the fourth member was removed from; and coupling the second connector support frame to the third member support frame and the fourth member support frame.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, an animal enclosure assembly includes a first enclosure comprising a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure, where the plurality of members includes a first member and a second member having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires, where the first member defines a first access opening configured to provide access to the interior; a second enclosure comprising a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure, where the plurality of members includes a first member and a second member having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires, where the first member defines a second access opening configured to provide access to the interior; a first member support frame comprising a top support, a bottom support, a first side support, and a second side support, the first member support frame defining a first opening between the top support, the first side support, the second side support and the bottom support; a second member support frame comprising a top support, a bottom support, a first side support, and a second side support, the second member support frame defining a second opening between the top support, the first side support, the second side support and the bottom support; and a connector support frame comprising a top support member, a bottom support member, a first side support member, and a second side support member, the connector support frame defining a third opening between the top support member, the bottom support member, the first side support member, and the second side support member; wherein the second member of the first enclosure is removable from the plurality of members of the first enclosure, the first member support frame being coupled to the first enclosure at a location where the second member of the first enclosure is removed from; wherein the second member of the second enclosure is removable from the plurality of members of the second enclosure, the second member support frame being coupled to the second enclosure at a location where the second member of the second enclosure is removed from; wherein, the connector support frame is coupled to the first and second member support frames.

[0016] In one example of this embodiment, the first opening, the second opening and the third opening are aligned with one another. In another example, the connector support frame is coupled between the first and second member support frames. In a further example, the first member support frame includes a first plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support, the bottom support, the first side support, and the second side support; the second member support frame includes a second plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support, the bottom support, the first side support, and the second side support; the connector support frame includes a third plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support member, the bottom support member, the first side support member, and the second side support member; where, each of the first plurality of openings is aligned with one of the second plurality of openings and one of the third plurality of openings when the connector support frame is coupled to the first and second member support frames.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Fig. l is a perspective view of a multi-level animal enclosure assembly;

[0019] Fig. 2 is a partially perspective and exploded view of a single level animal enclosure assembly and connector support frame;

[0020] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an assembly of animal enclosure side member support frames and a connector support frame; [0021] Fig. 4 is a perspective and exploded view of the assembly of Fig. 3;

[0022] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the single level animal enclosure assembly of Fig. 2 with the connector support frame coupled thereto;

[0023] Fig. 6 is a front view of a pair of animal enclosures coupled to one another; and

[0024] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the pair of animal enclosures of Fig. 6.

[0025] Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to a collapsible wire crate, and a removable clip for use with the crate. The wire crate can be used for multiple purposes, one of which is to contain animals. The crate can be made of any size for accommodating an object of any size. In addition, the crate can be made of different materials including aluminium, plastic, and steel. [0028] Referring to Fig. 1, one embodiment of an animal enclosure in the form of a multienclosure assembly 100 of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the multienclosure assembly 100 may be formed substantially of wire and is shown in its upright configuration for containing an animal. The multi-enclosure assembly 100 may include a top 102 and a bottom 104. At the top 102 may be a first enclosure 106, and towards the bottom 104 is a second enclosure 108. In one embodiment, the first enclosure 106 may be located directly above the second enclosure 108. In another embodiment, the first enclosure 106 may be located above the second enclosure 108, but not directly above. In a further embodiment, the first enclosure may be above and offset from the second enclosure. In yet another embodiment, the first enclosure 106 may be located adjacent to the second enclosure 108. In yet a further embodiment, the first enclosure 106 may be partially above the second enclosure 108. Other arrangements or configurations of the first and second enclosures may be possible in different embodiments, but are contemplated in this disclosure. [0029] In some embodiments, the first and second enclosures may be further supported by a plurality of support legs 110. In Fig. 1, a plurality of support legs 110 comprise a first end and a second end. The first end of each support leg 110 may be coupled to either the first or second enclosure, whereas the second end may be coupled to a wheel or caster 112. In this embodiment, the multi-enclosure assembly 100 is transportable as the casters 112 roll along a surface such as a ground or floor. One or more of the casters 112 may be configured in a locked state or unlocked state. In an unlocked state, the caster 112 may be free to roll or rotate about a rotational axis. In a locked state, the caster 112 may be held or prevented from rolling or rotating.

[0030] In one embodiment, a shelf 114 may be coupled to the plurality of support legs 110. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, the shelf 114 may be located below the second enclosure 108 but above the casters 112. In some embodiments, the shelf 114 may be located closer to the casters to enable larger items to be stored on the shelf compared to if the shelf 114 were closer to the second enclosure 108. The shelf 114 may be formed of wire. In one embodiment, the wire may be arranged as a plurality of horizontal and vertical wires. The shelf 114 may be sized such that is approximately the same width and depth as the first and second enclosures. In other embodiments, the shelf 114 may be smaller than the first and second enclosures. In other embodiments, the shelf 114 may comprise multiple shelves. In other embodiments, another shelf 114 may be located between the first and second enclosures.

[0031] Referring to Fig. 1, the first enclosure 106 may include a top member 116, a bottom member 118, a front member 120, a back member 122, a first side member 124 and a second side member 126. The first and second side members may be oppositely disposed from one another. In this embodiment, the front member 120 can include a door assembly. In other embodiments, the first side member 124, second side member 126, or back member 122 may also include a door assembly. Each of the members may be formed by a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires.

[0032] Although not shown, the top member 116 and bottom member 118 may include one or more pegs or pins protruding therefrom. The one or more pegs or pins may project downward from a bottom surface of the top member 116 such that each of the one or more pegs or pins may be located within an opening formed in the first side member 124, second side member 126, front member 120 and/or back member 122. As the pegs or pins are inserted into the corresponding openings, the top member 116 may be coupled to the corresponding member. In the same way, the bottom member 118 may include one or more pegs or pins protruding from a top surface thereof. Each of the one or more pegs or pins on the bottom member 118 may be inserted into a corresponding opening formed in the first side member 124, second side member 126, front member 120 and/or back member 122. As such, the bottom member 118 may be coupled to the corresponding first side member 124, second side member 126, front member 120 and/or back member 122 upon the connection of the peg or pin within the opening.

[0033] In one implementation, the first side member 124, second side member 126, front member 120 and/or back member 122 may include an opening formed at each corner thereof. In the same way, the top member 116 and bottom member 118 may include a peg or pin protruding therefrom at each comer thereof. The insertion of each peg or pin in the corresponding openings enables the first enclosure 106 to be assembled.

[0034] In other implementations, one or more latches may be used for coupling the different members to one another. For example, the front member 120 may be coupled to the first side member 124 and second side member 126 via one or more latches.

[0035] In one embodiment, the door assembly may include a first door 128 and a second door 130. Each door may be pivotally coupled to the front member 120 via one or more hinges 136. Each of the first door 128 and second door 130 may be opened independently of the other. Each door may include its own latch or locking mechanism 132 for maintaining the door in its closed position.

[0036] In some embodiments, a pan 134 may be positioned inside the first enclosure 106 and rest against the bottom member 118. The pan 134 may be approximately the same size as the bottom member 118, although in some embodiments it may differ in size.

[0037] In other embodiments, a shelf 138 may be located in the first enclosure 106. The shelf may be formed of a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires similar to the other members of the first enclosure 106. A corresponding pan may be placed on top of the shelf 138 or coupled thereto.

[0038] In one embodiment, a ramp 140 may be disposed between the shelf 138 and the bottom member 118 or pan 134. The ramp may be configured as a step of steps formed of wire as shown in Fig. 1, or it may be configured as a generally flat body. The ramp 140 may be coupled to the shelf 138. For example, the ramp 140 may be formed of a pair of elongate wires that extend the length of the ramp. Each end of the pair of elongate wires may include a hooked end of the respective wire for engaging a corresponding wire or surface of the shelf 138.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first enclosure 106 may include one or more shelves 138. There may be a ramp 140 for each shelf 138. In some instances, a ramp 140 may be coupled between shelves to allow an animal to move between shelves.

[0040] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the second enclosure 108 may be arranged similar to the first enclosure 106. In other words, the second enclosure 108 may include a top member 116, a bottom member 118, a front member 120, a back member 122, a first side member 124 and a second side member 126. The second enclosure 108 may include a door assembly formed in one of the members, and the door assembly may include a first door 128 and a second door 130. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second enclosure 108 may include a pan 134, one or more shelves 138, and one or more ramps 140. In at least one embodiment, an opening may be formed between the first and second enclosure to provide access therebetween. In this manner, the pan 134 in the first enclosure 106 may include a cut-out to allow an animal to travel therebetween.

[0041] While stacking multiple enclosures on top of one another can save space while also allowing multiple animals to be enclosed, in some instances it may be desirable to couple two or more enclosures to one another in a side-by-side or adjacent relationship. This is particularly the case when otherwise stand-alone enclosures are provided.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 2, one embodiment of an animal enclosure 106 is shown. The animal enclosure may be the same as or similar to the first enclosure of Fig. 1. In other embodiments, the enclosure may be different from the first enclosure 106. For sake of this disclosure, the first enclosure 106 will be described as being modified for coupling a second enclosure thereto.

[0043] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first enclosure 106 may include a first side member 124 as described above. In order to couple another enclosure to the first enclosure 106, the side member 124 may be disassembled and removed. In one implementation, the top member 116 may include one or more pegs or pins extending from one or more locations and the side member 124 may include one or more openings configured to receive the one or more pegs or pins for coupling the side member 124 to the top member 116. In the same way, the bottom member 118 may include one or more pegs or pins extending from one or more locations such that the side member 124 may be coupled to the bottom member 118 by inserting the one or more pegs or pins on the bottom member 118 into one or more corresponding openings formed in the side member.

[0044] In any event, by disassembling the side member 124 from the top member 116 and bottom member 118, the pegs or pins from each of the top member 116 and bottom member 118 may be removed from the openings formed in the side member 124. In doing so, the first side of the enclosure 106 is open. Once the first side member 124 is removed, a member support frame 200 may be coupled to the first enclosure in the same way the first side member 124 is coupled, i.e., the member support frame 200 may include one or more openings formed therein for receiving the one or more pegs or pins from the top member 116 and bottom member 118. The same may be true of additional enclosures and member support frames. In some implementations, the one or more openings in the member support frame 200 may be formed at each corner thereof. In this way, the top member 116 is positioned above and the bottom member 118 is positioned below the member support frame 200. The member support frame 200 may include a top support 202, a bottom support 204, a first side support 206, and a second side support 208.

[0045] In an embodiment, the member support frame 200 may be configured to be coupled with a connector support frame 210. The connector support frame 210 may include a top support 212, a bottom support 214, a first side support 216, and a second side support 218. The connector support frame 210 may have a size similar to that of the member support frame 200. In some embodiments, the connector support frame 210 may include a plurality of sides as shown in Fig. 2. In other embodiments, the connector support frame 210 may be substantially circular, oval, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or have any number of sides. Again, in at least one embodiment, the shape of the connector support frame and the number of sides may correspond with that of the member support frame 200.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, one or more pins or bolts 220 may be provided for aligning and coupling the connector support frame 210 to the member support frame 200. Both support frames may include openings through which the pins or bolts 220 may pass through. A corresponding fastener such as a washer 222 and screw or nut 224 may further couple the connector support frame 210 and member support frame 200 to the first enclosure 106.

[0047] In one embodiment, there may be a corresponding pin or bolt 220, washer 222 and nut 224 at each comer or joint of the respective support frames. In another embodiment, there may be a corresponding pin or bolt 220, washer 222 and nut 224 for every side (e.g., top, bottom, sides) of the support frames. In a further embodiment, there may only be one pin or bolt 220, washer 222, and nut 224 for coupling the support frames to the first enclosure. In yet a further embodiment, there may be a pin or bolt 220, washer 222, and nut 224 located in a center portion of each side as well as near a corner of the support frames. Any arrangement or number of fasteners may be used. Alternatively, other means may be used for coupling the support frames to the first enclosure 106. For example, the support frames may be welded or adhered together to form a single, integral body. In another example, the support frames may be individually welded or adhered to the first enclosure 106.

[0048] Referring to Fig. 3, the member support frame 200, connector support frame and second member support frame 302 are shown as a connector assembly 300. The second member support frame 302 may replace a side member of a second enclosure (not shown). In this assembly 300, the connector support member 210 may function as a spacer between the member support frames of the pair of enclosures being coupled to one another.

[0049] Turning to Fig. 4, the assembly 300 of support frames is shown. In one embodiment, the first member support frame 200 may include a plurality of openings 400. Similarly, the connector support frame 200 may include a second plurality of openings 402. Further, the second member support frame 302 may include a third plurality of openings 404. A corresponding one opening of each of the plurality of openings is aligned in each support frame to allow a bolt 220 to pass through each support frame and be fastened using a washer 222 and nut 224. This is best shown in Fig. 4 where the alignment of fasteners and openings is illustrated in one embodiment.

[0050] As also shown in the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 4, the first member support frame 200 includes a top support 202 that is coupled to a first side support 206 and a second side support 208 at each upper corner of the frame 200. At each upper comer, an opening 406 is formed therein. The opening 406 may be sized for receiving a corresponding peg or pin (not shown) that projects downwardly from the top member 116. Similarly, the first member support frame 200 includes a bottom support 204 that is coupled to the first side support 206 and the second side support 208 at each lower corner of the frame 200. At each lower corner, another opening 408 is formed therein. The openings 408 may be sized for receiving a corresponding peg or pin (not shown) that projects upwardly from the bottom member 118. In view of these openings in the first member support frame 200, the first member support frame 200 may be coupled to the top member 116 and bottom member 118 in the same way the first side member 124 or second side member 126 are coupled thereto.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4, the second member support frame 302 may be coupled to a second enclosure having a top member 116, a bottom member 118, a front member 120, a rear member 122, a first side member 124 and a second side member 126. To couple the second member support frame 302 to the second enclosure, one of the members of the second enclosure is removed at the location where the second enclosure is to be coupled to the first enclosure. Upon removing the corresponding member, the second member support frame 302 may be coupled to the second enclosure. In one example, the second member support frame 302 may include a top support 202, a bottom support 204, a first side support 206 and a second side support 208 similar to that of the first member support frame 200. In the same way, the second member support frame 302 may include openings 410 formed at upper corners thereof as well as openings 412 formed at lower corners thereof. The openings 410, or upper openings, may be sized for receiving a peg or pin from a top member 116 of the second enclosure. Similarly, the openings 412, or lower openings, may be sized for receiving a peg or pin from a bottom member 118 of the second enclosure. In this manner, the first member support frame 200 and second member support frame 302 may replace the removed member from the first and second enclosures. As such, the size, i.e., height, width, diameter, thickness, etc., of the support frames 200, 302 may be generally the same as the size of the member it is replacing.

[0052] In Fig. 5, the first enclosure 106 is shown with the connector support frame 210 coupled to the first member support frame 200. As shown in this embodiment, the bolts 220 extend beyond the connector support frame 210 to allow the second member support frame 302 (not shown) to be coupled thereto.

[0053] Turning to Figs. 6 and 7, one embodiment of a multi-enclosure assembly is illustrated. In this embodiment, the first enclosure 106 is shown adjacent to a second enclosure 600. The second enclosure 600 may be similar constructed as the first enclosure 106. Alternatively, the second enclosure 600 may have a different size, construction (e.g., something other than all wire), a door on a different side, etc. In this embodiment, the connector support frame 210 may be disposed between the first enclosure 106 and second enclosure 600. The connector support frame 210 may not be the same overall height as the first and second enclosures, and thus a gap 602 may exist therebetween. With the connector support frame 210 being substantially open, an animal may traverse between the first enclosure 106 and second enclosure 600. By coupling a pair of enclosures together via the connector support frame 210, a larger interior is provided for an enclosed animal. As a result, as an animal grows in size, a user may not need to purchase a larger enclosure but rather simply reuse the original enclosure and couple it to a second enclosure.

[0054] Further, a user may utilize the larger interior space formed by the pair of enclosures to allow multiple animals to be enclosed. For example, a user may couple a divider panel in some instances to divide the interior of both enclosures if necessary to separate the multiple animals. Although a divider panel is not shown in Figs. 6 or 7, any divider panel known in the art may be used.

[0055] In some embodiments, a plurality of enclosures may be coupled to form an enlarged interior. In at least one of these embodiments, three or more enclosures may be coupled together. In one embodiment, the three or more enclosures may be coupled along the same axis such that each enclosure is adjacent to another enclosure. In yet another embodiment, rather than the first or second side member being removed, the rear member may be removed and a connector support frame may be coupled between the rear members of a pair of enclosures. In other embodiments, either side member, rear member, top member, bottom member, or front member may be removed from an enclosure for coupling to another enclosure.

[0056] In one embodiment, the front member (including the door assembly) may be removed from one enclosure (e.g., the first enclosure 106) and replaced with a member support frame. A rear member of a second enclosure may be removed and replaced with a second member support frame. The two enclosures may be coupled together using a connector support frame 210 and the member support frames. Since the front member (and corresponding door assembly) of the second enclosure remains, a user may access the interior of the enlarged enclosure via the front member of the second enclosure. [0057] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit may be provided for coupling two or more enclosures to one another. In one aspect, the kit may include at least one connector support frame 210 and at least one member support frame. In another aspect, the kit may include at least one connector support frame and at least two member support frames. In a further aspect, the kit may include at least one connector support frame having a size similar to that of a side member 124, 126, at least one connector support frame having a size similar to that of a front member 120 or rear member 122, at least one member support frame having a size similar to that of the side member 124, 126, and at least one member support frame having a size similar to that of the front member 120 or rear member 122.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, a kit may include at least one connector support frame having a size similar to that of a side member 124, 126, at least one connector support frame having a size similar to that of a front member 120 or rear member 122, at least one connector support frame having a size similar to that of a top member 116 or bottom member 118, at least one member support frame having a size similar to that of the side member 124, 126, at least one member support frame having a size similar to that of the front member 120 or rear member 122, and at least one member support frame having a size similar to that of the top member 116 or bottom member 118.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, the kit may include fasteners and the like for achieving the coupling.

[0060] While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been disclosed hereinabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An animal enclosure adapted for being coupled to a second animal enclosure, comprising: a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure, where the plurality of members comprises a first member and a second member having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires, where the first member defines a first opening configured to provide access to the interior and the second member comprises a defined first height and a first width; a member support frame comprising a top support, a bottom support, a first side support, and a second side support, the member support frame defining a second opening between the top support, the first side support, the second side support and the bottom support; and a connector support frame comprising a top support member, a bottom support member, a first side support member, and a second side support member, the connector support frame defining a third opening between the top support member, the bottom support member, the first side support member, and the second side support member; wherein the member support frame comprises a second height and a second width, the first height and second height being the same and the first width and second width being the same; wherein the second member is removable from the plurality of members and replaced with the member support frame, the member support frame being coupled to at least two of the plurality of members; wherein, when the member support frame is coupled to the at least two of the plurality of members, the connector support frame is coupled to the member support frame such that the second opening and the third opening are aligned with one another.

2. The animal enclosure of claim 1, wherein: the member support frame comprises a first plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support, the bottom support, the first side support, and the second side support; the connector support frame comprises a second plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support member, the bottom support member, the first side support member, and the second side support member.

3. The animal enclosure of claim 2, wherein each of the first plurality of openings is aligned with one of the second plurality of openings when the connector support frame is coupled to the member support frame.

4. The animal enclosure of claim 2, wherein a plurality of fasteners couple the member support frame and the connector support frame to one another via the first and second plurality of openings.

5. The animal enclosure of claim 1, wherein the second member comprises one of a top member, a bottom member, a first side member, a second side member, a rear member and a front member.

6. A method of coupling two or more animal enclosures to one another, comprising: providing a first enclosure, a second enclosure, a first member support frame, a second member support frame, and a connector support frame; removing a first member from the first enclosure and a second member from the second enclosure; coupling the first member support frame to the first enclosure and the second member support frame to the second enclosure; and coupling the connector support frame between the first member support frame and the second member support frame.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising aligning a first plurality of openings formed in the first member support frame, a second plurality of openings formed in the second member support frame, and a third plurality of openings formed in the connector support frame. 17

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising inserting a fastener through each of the first plurality of openings, second plurality of openings and third plurality of openings for coupling the first enclosure to the second enclosure.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising forming a gap between the first member support frame and the second member support frame.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein: the removing the first member forms a first open end of the first enclosure; and the removing the second member forms a second open end of the second enclosure.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising aligning the first open end of the first enclosure with the second open end of the second enclosure.

12. The method of claim 6, wherein the coupling the first member support frame to the first enclosure comprises coupling the first member support frame to at least one of a top member, a bottom member, a front member, and a rear member of the first enclosure.

13. The method of claim 6, wherein the coupling the second member support frame to the second enclosure comprises coupling the second member support frame to at least one of a top member, a bottom member, a front member, and a rear member of the second enclosure.

14. The method of claim 6, wherein the removing the first member from the first enclosure comprises disassembling the first member from at least one of a top member, a bottom member, a front member, and a rear member of the first enclosure.

15. The method of claim 6, wherein the removing the second member from the second enclosure comprises disassembling the second member from at least one of a top member, a bottom member, a front member, and a rear member of the second enclosure.

16. The method of claim 6, further comprising: 18 providing a third enclosure, a third member support frame, a fourth member support frame, and a second connector support frame; removing a third member from the third enclosure and a fourth member from the first enclosure or the second enclosure; coupling the third member support frame to the third enclosure where the third member was removed from; coupling the fourth member support frame to the first or second enclosure where the fourth member was removed from; and coupling the second connector support frame to the third member support frame and the fourth member support frame.

17. An animal enclosure assembly, comprising: a first enclosure comprising a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure, where the plurality of members comprises a first member and a second member having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires, where the first member defines a first access opening configured to provide access to the interior; a second enclosure comprising a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure, where the plurality of members comprises a first member and a second member having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires, where the first member defines a second access opening configured to provide access to the interior; a first member support frame comprising a top support, a bottom support, a first side support, and a second side support, the first member support frame defining a first opening between the top support, the first side support, the second side support and the bottom support; a second member support frame comprising a top support, a bottom support, a first side support, and a second side support, the second member support frame defining a second opening between the top support, the first side support, the second side support and the bottom support; and a connector support frame comprising a top support member, a bottom support member, a first side support member, and a second side support member, the connector support frame defining a third opening between the top support member, the bottom support member, the first side support member, and the second side support member; 19 wherein the second member of the first enclosure is removable from the plurality of members of the first enclosure, the first member support frame being coupled to the first enclosure at a location where the second member of the first enclosure is removed from; wherein the second member of the second enclosure is removable from the plurality of members of the second enclosure, the second member support frame being coupled to the second enclosure at a location where the second member of the second enclosure is removed from; wherein, the connector support frame is coupled to the first and second member support frames.

18. The animal enclosure assembly of claim 17, wherein the first opening, the second opening and the third opening are aligned with one another.

19. The animal enclosure assembly of claim 17, wherein the connector support frame is coupled between the first and second member support frames.

20. The animal enclosure assembly of claim 17, wherein: the first member support frame comprises a first plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support, the bottom support, the first side support, and the second side support; the second member support frame comprises a second plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support, the bottom support, the first side support, and the second side support; the connector support frame comprises a third plurality of openings formed in at least one of the top support member, the bottom support member, the first side support member, and the second side support member; where, each of the first plurality of openings is aligned with one of the second plurality of openings and one of the third plurality of openings when the connector support frame is coupled to the first and second member support frames.