Pet enclosure

Abstract

A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.

1 . A support frame for a pet enclosure, comprising: 
 a floor member defining a floor plane, the floor member including at least a first pair of lugs that extend away from the floor plane and define a first pivot axis that is spaced from the floor plane, the floor member further including at least a second pair of lugs that extend away from the floor plane and define a second pivot axis that is spaced from the floor plane;    a first truss pivotably connected to the first pair of lugs at the first pivot axis; and    a second truss pivotably connected to the second pair of lugs at the second pivot axis;    wherein the second pivot axis is spaced from the floor plane a greater distance than the first pivot axis.    
     
     
         2 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein each lug comprises a flat plate.  
     
     
         3 . The support frame of  claim 2 , wherein each lug is substantially rectangular.  
     
     
         4 . The support frame of  claim 2 , wherein each lug is secured to the floor member such that a plane defined by each lug is substantially perpendicular to the floor plane.  
     
     
         5 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein each lug includes a through-hole that is configured to receive a hinge pin.  
     
     
         6 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein each truss is substantially U-shaped and includes at least one tubular member.  
     
     
         7 . A support frame for a pet enclosure, comprising: 
 a floor member;    a first truss pivotably connected to the floor member at or near a first end thereof;    a second truss pivotably connected to the floor member at or near a second end thereof; and    at least one support member having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotably connected to the first truss and the second end being pivotably connected to the second truss;    wherein the at least one support member comprises a first section and a second section, the first and second sections being separate pieces that are connectable to one another at a free end of each;    and further wherein the first section and the second section are of unequal lengths.    
     
     
         8 . The support frame of  claim 7 , wherein a length of the second section is approximately equal to a height of the second truss.  
     
     
         9 . The support frame of  claim 7 , wherein a length of the floor member is approximately equal to a height of the first truss plus a length of the first section.  
     
     
         10 . A support frame for a pet enclosure, comprising: 
 a floor member;    a first truss pivotably connected to the floor member at or near a first end thereof;    a second truss pivotably connected to the floor member at or near a second end thereof;    at least one support member having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotably connected to the first truss and the second end being pivotably connected to the second truss; and    a locking sleeve slidable on the at least one support member between a first position and a second position;    wherein the at least one support member comprises a -first section and a second section, the first and second sections being separate pieces that are connectable to one another at a free end of each; and    wherein when the locking sleeve occupies the first position the free ends of the first section and the second section may be separated from one another, and when the locking sleeve occupies the second position the free ends of the first and second sections may not be separated from one another.    
     
     
         11 . The support frame of  claim 10 , wherein when the locking sleeve occupies the second position it overlies the free ends of the first section and the second section.  
     
     
         12 . The support frame of  claim 10 , wherein the locking sleeve includes a first through-hole and a second through-hole.  
     
     
         13 . The support frame of  claim 12 , further comprising a push-button mechanism associated with the locking sleeve.  
     
     
         14 . The support frame of  claim 13 , wherein the push-button mechanism cooperates with the first through-hole and the second through-hole to releasably lock the locking sleeve in the first position and the second position, respectively.  
     
     
         15 . A support frame for a pet enclosure, comprising: 
 a floor member;    a first truss pivotably connected to the floor member at or near a first end thereof;    a second truss pivotably connected to the floor member at or near a second end thereof;    at least one support member having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotably connected to the first truss and the second end being pivotably connected to the second truss;    a locking sleeve including a first through-hole and a second through-hole slidable on the at least one support member between a first position and a second position; and    a push-button mechanism associated with the locking sleeve;    wherein the push-button mechanism cooperates with the first through-hole and the second through-hole to releasably lock the locking sleeve in the first position and the second position, respectively.    
     
     
         16 . The support frame of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one support member comprises a first section and a second section, the first and second sections being separate pieces that are connectable to one another at a free end of each.  
     
     
         17 . The support frame of  claim 16 , wherein when the locking sleeve occupies the first position the free ends of the first section and the second section may be separated from one another, and when the locking sleeve occupies the second position the free ends of the first and second sections may not be separated from one another.  
     
     
         18 . The support frame of  claim 17 , wherein when the locking sleeve occupies the second position it overlies the free ends of the first section and the second section.