US20120227675A1 - Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector - Google Patents
Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120227675A1 US20120227675A1 US13/045,411 US201113045411A US2012227675A1 US 20120227675 A1 US20120227675 A1 US 20120227675A1 US 201113045411 A US201113045411 A US 201113045411A US 2012227675 A1 US2012227675 A1 US 2012227675A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- grooves
- connector
- edge
- rod
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/0005—Stable partitions
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/0005—Stable partitions
- A01K1/0017—Gates, doors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; 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
- A01K1/034—Dog-kennels
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D3/00—Hinges with pins
- E05D3/06—Hinges with pins with two or more pins
- E05D3/12—Hinges with pins with two or more pins with two parallel pins and one arm
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D5/00—Construction of single parts, e.g. the parts for attachment
- E05D5/10—Pins, sockets or sleeves; Removable pins
- E05D5/12—Securing pins in sockets, movably or not
- E05D5/127—Securing pins in sockets, movably or not by forcing the pin into the socket
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
- F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/40—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for gates
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/34—Combined diverse multipart fasteners
- Y10T24/3427—Clasp
- Y10T24/3439—Plural clasps
- Y10T24/344—Resilient type clasp
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/34—Combined diverse multipart fasteners
- Y10T24/3427—Clasp
- Y10T24/3439—Plural clasps
- Y10T24/344—Resilient type clasp
- Y10T24/3444—Circular work engageable
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49716—Converting
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/32—Articulated members
- Y10T403/32008—Plural distinct articulation axes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/32—Articulated members
- Y10T403/32606—Pivoted
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a collapsible enclosure (e.g., pet enclosure).
- Pet or animal enclosures are commonly used to accommodate, confine or transport pets or animals.
- prior art pet enclosures are fabricated from a wire frame wherein the various panels are hinged to each other by way of Hartco clips.
- Hartco clips are wrapped around adjacent wires of adjacent panels so as to form a loop around the adjacent wires.
- the adjacent panels can pivot or rotate with respect to each other due to the space provided in the enclosed loop.
- the wires of the adjacent panels may bind within the loop (i.e., Hartco clip) when being rotated with respect to each other.
- the wires contact each other within the Hartco clip and are inadvertently wedged between the wires and the loop.
- the Hartco clips provide space for the adjacent wires but do not ensure that the adjacent wires will not bind against each other. When the wires bind against each other in the Hartco clip, the adjacent panels cannot be stacked upon each other.
- the pet enclosure disclosed herein addresses the needs discussed above, discussed below and those that are known in the art.
- the pet enclosure may have left, right, front, back, top and bottom panels which are stackable upon each other to fold the enclosure to a collapsed position.
- the user may unfold the enclosure to the erected position. In doing so, the various panels are pivoted about each other by way of dual axes swivel connectors.
- the panels may be fabricated from a metallic material whereas the swivel connectors may be fabricated from a plastic material.
- the various panels are generally supported between each other by the swivel connectors.
- the swivel connectors which may be fabricated from a plastic material behave as shock absorbers or vibration dampeners to reduce the overall noise caused by the rattling of the erected pet enclosure.
- the panels which are typically fabricated from a metallic material generally do not bend. As such, the various panels must be offset at different height elevations as measured from the bottom panel when being stacked upon each other and on top of the bottom panel.
- adjacent panels are connected to each other through prior art Hartco clips, adjacent wires of the adjacent panels are looped together as discussed in the background section above.
- the adjacent wires and the prior art Hartco clips may bind against each other preventing rotation of the adjacent panels and preventing the adjacent panels from being stacked upon each other at different heights.
- the dual axes swivel connector facilitates offsetting of the panels so that they may be stacked upon each other since the adjacent wires of adjacent panels do not bind within the dual axes swivel connector.
- the dual axes swivel connectors may be unidirectional.
- the dual axes swivel connector is mounted to edge rods of adjacent panels. Once the swivel connector is attached to adjacent edge rods of adjacent panels, it is not intended for the swivel connectors to be removed.
- the swivel connectors may have a tapered median that separates the adjacent edge rods from each other and pushes the respective edge rods deeper into grooves of the swivel connector to mitigate withdrawal of the edge rods out of the connectors once the edge rods are disposed in the grooves of the swivel connector.
- retaining walls of the swivel connector may be sufficiently wrapped around the edge rods to mitigate pull out of the edge rods from the swivel connectors.
- the tapered median prevents contact between adjacent edge rods of adjacent panels so that the edge rods do not bind or get stuck during pivoting of adjacent panels.
- the enclosure may comprise a first top dual axes swivel connector, a second top dual axes swivel connector, a first bottom dual axes swivel connector and a second bottom dual axes swivel connector wherein each of the connectors may have two grooves defining pivot axes generally parallel to each other.
- the enclosure may further comprise a top panel having first and second side edge rods, a bottom panel disposed opposite to the top panel wherein the bottom panel may have first and second side edge rods, a first side panel and a second side panel.
- the first side panel may define top and bottom edge rods.
- the top edge rod of the first side panel may be pivotally attached to the first side edge rod of the top panel with the first top dual axes swivel connector so that the first side panel and the top panel pivots about the two pivot axes of the first top dual axes swivel connector.
- the bottom edge rod of the first side panel may be pivotally attached to the first side edge rod of the bottom panel with the first bottom dual axes swivel connector so that the first side panel and the bottom panel pivots about the two pivot axes of the first bottom dual axes swivel connector.
- the second side panel may define top and bottom edge rods.
- the top edge rod of the second side panel may be pivotally attached to the second side edge rod of the top panel with the second top dual axes swivel connector so that the second side panel and the top panel pivots about the two pivot axes of the second top dual axes swivel connector.
- the bottom edge rod of the second side panel may be pivotally attached to the second side edge rod of the bottom panel with the second bottom dual axes swivel connector so that the second side panel and the bottom panel pivots about the two pivot axes of the second bottom dual axes swivel connector.
- the enclosure may be traversed to a folded configuration wherein the first and second top and bottoms swivel connectors pivot to allow the first and second side panels to be positioned at different elevations with respect to the bottom panel so that the first and second side panels and the top panel may be stacked upon each other.
- the first side wall may be disposed between the second side wall and the bottom panel when the enclosure is in a folded configuration.
- the top panel may be disposed between the first and second side walls when the enclosure is in the folded configuration.
- the top edge rod of the first side panel and the first edge rod of the top panel may be disposed within the two grooves of the first top dual axes swivel connector.
- the bottom edge rod of the first side panel and the first edge rod of the bottom panel may be disposed within the two grooves of the first bottom dual axes swivel connector.
- the top edge rod of the second side panel and the second edge rod of the top panel may be disposed within the two grooves of the second top dual axes swivel connector.
- the bottom edge rod of the second side panel and the second edge rod of the bottom panel may be disposed within the two grooves of the second bottom dual axes swivel connector.
- the bottom edge rod of the first side panel may be at a higher elevation compared to the bottom edge rod of the second side panel when the enclosure is in a collapsed position and wherein the first and second side edge rods of the bottom panel are at the same elevation.
- the first and second side panels and the top and bottom panels may be fabricated from a metallic material and the dual axes swivel connectors may be fabricated from a plastic material for mitigating noise.
- a unidirectional dual axes swivel connector for pivotally connecting adjacent first and second panels having edge rods.
- the connector may comprise a first end portion having two grooves which are operative to each receive one of the edge rods.
- the first end portion may comprise a tapered median, a back wall, and retaining walls.
- the tapered median may urge the edge rods into the two grooves.
- the tapered median may define a proximal end portion and a distal end portion.
- the back wall may be connected to the distal end portion of the tapered median.
- the back wall may extend laterally outward from the distal end portion of the tapered median to limit insertion of the edge rods into the two grooves.
- the retaining walls may be connected to opposed distal end portions of the back wall.
- the retaining walls may be resilient so as to flex outward upon inserting the edge rods between distal end portions of the retaining walls and the proximal end portion of the tapered median to permit traversal of the edge rods into the two grooves and to flex inward around the edge rods thereafter.
- the resilient retaining walls may extend about 180 degrees from the opposed distal end portions of the back wall to mitigate removal of the edge rods from the two grooves after insertion.
- the distal end portions of the retaining walls and the distal end portion of the tapered median defines entrance gaps of the two grooves.
- the connector may further comprise a second end portion which may have two grooves which are operative to each receive one of the edge rods.
- the second end portion may be oriented in reverse to the first end portion for engaging the two grooves of the first and second end portions by rotating the connector with respect to the edge rods.
- the second end portion may comprise a tapered median, a back wall and retaining walls.
- the tapered median may urge the edge rods into the two grooves.
- the tapered median may define a proximal end portion and a distal end portion.
- the back wall may be connected to the distal end portion of the tapered median.
- the back wall may extend laterally outward from the distal end portion of the tapered median to limit insertion of the edge rods into the two grooves.
- the retaining walls may be connected to opposed distal end portions of the back wall.
- the retaining walls may be resilient to flex outward upon inserting the edge rods between distal end portions of the resilient retaining walls and the distal end portion of the tapered median to permit traversal of the edge rods into the two grooves and to flex inward around the edge rods thereafter.
- the resilient retaining walls may extend about 180 degrees from the opposed distal end portions of the back wall to mitigate removal of the edge rods from the two grooves after insertion.
- the distal end portions of the retaining walls and the distal end portion of the tapered median may define entrance openings of the two grooves.
- a bridge may be attached to the tapered medians of the first and second end portions with the first and second end portions gapped apart from each other.
- the entrance openings of the two grooves of the first end portion may be oriented about-face with respect to the entrance openings of the two grooves of the second end portion.
- the retaining walls of the first and second end portions may have chamfered interior corners.
- a method of collapsing an enclosure may comprise the steps of stacking a left panel on a bottom panel and a top panel on a right panel; pivoting the stacked top panel and right panel on top of the stacked left panel and bottom panel; and rotating first and second dual axes swivel connector, the first dual axes swivel connector attached to the left panel and bottom panel, the second dual axes swivel connector attached to the right panel and the bottom panel so that a bottom edge rod of the left panel is at a lower elevation compared to a bottom edge rod of the right panel for permitting stacking of the left panel, right panel and top panel on top of the bottom panel.
- the rotating step may comprise the steps of rotating the first dual axes swivel connector about a first side edge rod of the bottom panel in a direction opposite from a rotating direction of the second dual axes connector about a second side edge rod of the bottom panel for offsetting the left panel below the stacked top and right panels.
- the first panel may have a first rod.
- the second panel may have a second rod.
- the connector may comprise a first part having first and second grooves wherein the first groove is operative to receive the first rod and the second groove is operative to receive the second rod.
- the first part comprises a tapered median and first and second retaining walls.
- the tapered median directs the first and second rods into the grooves and away from each other.
- the first and second retaining walls extend from the tapered median and wrap around the first and second rods defining the first and second grooves.
- the tapered median and the first retaining walls wrap around more than 180 degrees around the first rod after insertion of the first rod in to the first groove.
- the tapered median and the second retaining wall wrap around more than 180 degrees around the second rod to hold the first and second rods in the first and second grooves after insertion of the second rod into the second groove.
- the connector may further comprise an extension that protrudes out from the tapered median parallel to longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves.
- the longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves may be parallel to each other.
- the connector may further comprise a second part having an identical structure compared to the first part wherein the first groove of the second part is operative to receive the first rod and the second groove of the second part is operative to receive the second rod.
- the extension of the first part may be disposed between a gap of the second part defined between first and second walls of the second part when an extension of the second part is disposed between a gap of the first part defined between first and second walls of the first part for interlocking the first and second parts.
- the connector may further comprise a second part which is identical to the first part and can interlock with the first part.
- the connector may further comprise an extension that protrudes out from the tapered median parallel to longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves.
- the extension may have a pawl.
- the longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves may be parallel to each other.
- the connector may further comprise a second part having a tapered median and first and second retaining walls.
- the tapered median may direct the first and second rods into the grooves and away from each other.
- the first and second retaining walls may extend from the tapered median and wrap around the first and second rods defining the first and second grooves.
- the tapered median and the first retaining wall wrap more than 180 degrees around the first rod and the tapered median after insertion of the first rod into the first groove to hold the first rod in the first groove after insertion of the first rod into the first groove.
- the tapered median and the second retaining wall wrap more than 180 degrees around the second rod to hold the second rod in the second groove after insertion of the second rod into the second groove.
- the first groove of the second part is operative to receive the first rod.
- the second groove of the second part is operative to receive the second rod.
- the extension of the first part is disposable between a gap of the second part defined between first and second walls of the second part.
- the pawl of the first part may engage the first and second walls of the second part when the extension of the second part is disposed between a gap of the first part defined between first and second walls of the first part for interlocking the first and second parts.
- the extension of the second part may have a pawl for engaging the first and second walls of the first part when the extension of the first part is disposed within the gap of the first part.
- the pawl of the extension of the first part and the pawl of the extension of the second part may extend from the distal end portions of the extensions of the first and second parts.
- Longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves of the first part may be coaxial with longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves of the second part when the first and second parts are interlocked with each other.
- First and second opposed interior surfaces of the tapered median may each have a semi-circular configuration.
- the first and second distal ends of the first and second retaining walls may define the gap which is about equal to a diameter of the first rod.
- the first and second distal end portions of the first and second retaining walls of the first part may have a V shaped configuration for guiding the first rod between the gap.
- the tapered median may have a V shaped configuration.
- a width of the extension of the first part may be about equal to a gap of the second part.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an enclosure in a collapsed position
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 1 being erected;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 2 being further erected;
- FIG. 4 illustrates attaching a front panel of the enclosure to left and right side panels and the top panel of the enclosure to complete erection of the enclosure
- FIG. 5 is a front view of the collapsed enclosure shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a first embodiment of a dual axes swivel connector being inserted between edge rods of adjacent panels
- FIG. 7 illustrates edge rods of adjacent panels disposed within a gap of the connector shown in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 illustrates the connector shown in FIG. 7 mounted to the edge rods of adjacent panels
- FIG. 9 is a top view of the connector shown in FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the connector shown in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pen having a plurality of wire panels rotatably connected to each other by way of the dual axes swivel connectors;
- FIG. 11A is a plan view of the pen shown in FIG. 11 in a collapsed configuration
- FIG. 12 is a front view of a gate or partition wherein a wire door is rotatably connected to a structure
- FIG. 13 illustrates a second embodiment of a dual axes swivel connector wherein first and second parts of the second embodiment of the swivel connector mates with each other;
- FIG. 14 illustrates a first part of the second embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. 13 wherein an edge rod of an adjacent panel is inserted into a groove of the first part of the second embodiment of the connector;
- FIG. 14A is a side view of the first part of the second embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 15 illustrates edge rods of adjacent panels fitted within grooves of first and second parts of the second embodiment of the connector
- FIG. 15A is a side view of the first part of the second embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 16 illustrates the first and second parts of the second embodiment of the connector when engaged to each other.
- FIG. 17 illustrates a variation of the second embodiment of the swivel connector with a widened median.
- FIG. 1 When the enclosure 10 is in storage or being transported, the enclosure 10 may be traversed to the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates the erected position of the enclosure 10 with front and back panels 12 , 14 still in the folded configuration.
- the various panels namely, a bottom panel 16 , left and right side panels 18 , 20 and top panel 21 may be rotatably connected to each other by way of a dual axes swivel connector 22 , 100 .
- a first embodiment of the dual axes swivel connector 22 is shown and described in relation to FIGS. 1-12 .
- a second embodiment of the dual axes swivel connector 100 is shown and described in relation to FIGS. 13-17 . It is also contemplated that the front and back panels 12 , 14 may be rotatably connected to the bottom panel 16 by way of the dual axes swivel connector 22 , 100 .
- the dual axes swivel connector 22 has a first pivot axis 24 and a second pivot axis 26 .
- the first and second pivot axes 24 , 26 are separated by a median 28 .
- adjacent edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 21 , 18 for example, generally do not contact each other as the adjacent panels 21 , 18 are rotated about each other.
- the swivel connectors 22 may be attached to adjacent edge rods 30 of any two adjacent panels 12 - 21 . Since the edge rods 30 are separated by the median 28 , the enclosure 10 does not bind as the enclosure 10 is being traversed from the collapsed position to the erected position, and vice versa.
- the swivel connectors 22 may be fabricated from a plastic material whereas the various panels 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 and 21 may be fabricated from a metallic material. In this manner, the plastic swivel connector 22 may behave as a shock absorber reducing noise when the enclosure 10 is being transported in cars, trains, etc. (i.e., vibration induced environments). Additionally, the swivel connector 22 may be sufficiently wrapped around the edge rods 30 so as to mitigate pull out of the edge rods 30 from the connectors 22 .
- the median 28 of the swivel connector 22 may be tapered so that the edge rod 30 is pushed into groove 32 , 34 and is pushed sideways and is seated deep within the groove 32 , 34 as shown in FIG. 10 .
- the swivel connector 22 may be pivoted or pushed in direction of arrow 36 .
- the edge rods 30 contact distal end portions 38 of retaining walls 40 of the swivel connector 22 to increase pull out force required to pull rods 30 out of grooves 32 , 34 of connector 22 .
- the swivel connector 22 may be a unidirectional connector 22 .
- the enclosure 10 may be transported in a collapsed position.
- the front panel 12 , back panel 14 , left side panel 18 , right side panel 20 and the top panel 21 are all stacked upon the bottom panel 16 in a compact configuration.
- the collapsed enclosure 10 may be packaged and sold to customers who can then later erect the enclosure 10 for use.
- the right side panel 20 and the top panel 21 may be pivoted outward in direction of arrow 42 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the top panel 21 and the right side panel 20 are folded over in direction of arrow 42 (see FIG. 2 )
- the top panel 21 may be raised up so as to traverse the enclosure 10 into the configuration shown in FIG. 3 .
- the left and right side panels 18 , 20 are disposed generally perpendicular with the bottom panel 16 and the top panel 21 .
- Swivel connectors 22 are used to attach the top panel 21 to the left side panel 18 , the left side panel 18 to the bottom panel 16 , the bottom panel 16 to the right side panel 20 and the right side panel 20 to the top panel 21 .
- the front and back panels 12 , 14 may be raised up and interlocked to the left and right side panels 18 , 20 and the top panel 21 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the wire frame of the front and back panels 12 , 14 may be wrapped around an edge rod 30 of the bottom panel 16 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the front and back panels 12 , 14 may be rotatably connected to the edge rod 30 of the bottom panel 16 by way of the dual axes swivel connector 22 .
- the front and back panels 12 , 14 may have hooks 42 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the left and right side panels 18 , 20 may have hooks 44 .
- Edge rods 30 of the front and back panels 12 , 14 may initially be received into the hooks 44 .
- the hooks 42 of the front and back panels 12 , 14 are pulled beyond the edge rods 30 of the top panel 21 and the hooks 42 are hooked onto the edge rods 30 of the top panel 21 .
- the steps are reversed.
- the front and back panels 12 , 14 are collapsed back onto the bottom panel 16 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the left side panel 18 is folded onto the stacked front panel 12 , back panel 14 and bottom panel 16 while the top panel 21 is stacked upon the right side panel 20 .
- the edge rods 30 of each of the panels 12 - 21 swivel within the dual axes swivel connectors 22 .
- the edge rods 30 of the panels 12 - 21 generally do not contact each other because the median 28 of the connectors 22 are disposed between the edge rods 30 of the adjacent panels 12 - 21 . Accordingly, during movement and folding of the various panels 12 - 21 to traverse the enclosure 10 from the collapsed position to the erected position and vice versa, the edge rods 30 do not bind against each other.
- the stacked top panel 21 and right side panel 20 are then folded over onto the left side panel 18 .
- the swivel connectors 22 prevent any kinking of the enclosure 10 .
- the panels 12 - 21 may be fabricated from a metallic material such as steel, aluminum, etc. Accordingly, the panels 12 - 21 may have a matrix of vertical and horizontal wires/rods so that the panels 12 - 21 are generally rigid. The panels 12 - 21 may flex slightly for the purposes of erecting the front and back panels 12 , 14 ; however, the panels 12 - 21 are generally rigid. To this extent, the stacking of the various panels 12 - 21 on top of each other as shown in FIG. 1 may be accomplished by offsetting the various panels 12 - 21 with the aid of the dual axes swivel connectors 22 .
- the dual axes swivel connectors 22 provides a definite or guaranteed separation between adjacent wires of adjacent panels 12 - 21 so that the adjacent wires and the dual axes swivel connectors 22 cannot be wedged against each other preventing rotation of the adjacent panels and stacking of the panels as in the prior art Hartco clips.
- FIG. 5 a front view of the collapsed enclosure 10 is shown.
- the bottom panel 16 may generally have a U-shaped configuration which extends from edge rod 30 a to edge rod 30 b.
- the left side panel 18 is offset downward by pivoting the dual axes swivel connector 22 a to the down position.
- the left side panel 18 may rest on top of the bottom panel 16 .
- the top panel 21 is now stacked upon the left side panel 18 .
- the swivel connector 22 b is pivoted upward to offset the top panel 21 above the left side panel 18 .
- the right side panel 20 may be offset on top of the top panel 21 by way of swivel connector 22 c.
- Swivel connector 22 d raises the right side panel 20 above the top panel 21 and left side panel 18 .
- edge rods 30 a, b of the bottom panel 16 may be at the same height elevation yet allow stacking of the panels 18 , 20 and 21 upon each other since the dual axes swivel connectors 22 a - d allow the various panels 18 , 20 , 21 to be offset.
- no special instructions are necessary thereby reducing assembly cost when assembling the left and right side panels 18 , 20 to the bottom panel 16 since they may be mirror configurations of each other.
- edge rods 30 a, b have mirror configurations, it is also contemplated that either one of the edge rods 30 a or 30 b may be disposed at a higher elevation to the other to allow for additional offset space so that the various panels 18 , 20 , 21 may be stacked upon the bottom panel 16 .
- the dual axes swivel connector 22 may be mounted to adjacent edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12 - 21 .
- the connectors 22 may have distal end portions 44 , 46 which may be identical but mirror reversed images of each other.
- the distal end portion 44 has grooves 32 , 34 that are coaxial to grooves 32 , 34 of the distal end portion 46 .
- the grooves 32 , 34 of the first and second distal end portions 44 , 46 may also be parallel with respect to each other.
- the groove openings 52 , 54 face opposite directions, as shown in FIGS. 6-8 . This is to allow the edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12 - 21 to be inserted into the grooves 32 , 34 upon rotation of the connector 22 .
- the swivel connector 22 is inserted between adjacent edge rods 30 as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the connector 22 is pushed until the edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12 - 21 are aligned to a gap 48 between the first and second distal end portions 44 , 46 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the distal end portions 44 , 46 may be attached to each other by a bridge 50 (see FIG. 6 ).
- the bridge 50 connects the medians 28 of the first and second distal end portions 44 , 46 .
- the retaining walls 40 may have optional chamfers 58 (see FIG. 9 ) at a proximal portion adjacent the gap 48 . Only one chamfer 58 is identified in FIG. 9 , but each of the retaining walls 40 are shown as having the chamfer 58 .
- the edge rods 30 push against the chamfer 58 and urge the retaining walls 40 outward so that the edge rods 30 can enter the grooves 32 , 34 . In its final position, the edge rods 30 are disposed within the grooves 32 , 34 as shown in FIG.
- Adjacent panels 12 - 21 may now be pivoted with respect to each other about two different axes 24 , 26 to allow for offsetting of the various panels 12 - 21 to allow stacking of the various panels 12 - 21 upon each other and allow for a collapsed configuration of the enclosure 10 .
- the edge rods 30 are pushed into the grooves 32 , 34 .
- the retaining walls 40 are spread open to allow the edge rods 30 to be inserted into the grooves 32 , 34 .
- the openings 52 , 54 may have a distance smaller than an outer diameter of the edge rods 30 .
- the median 28 may be tapered so that as the edge rods 30 are inserted into the grooves 32 , 34 , the edge rods 30 are pushed deeper into the grooves 32 , 34 .
- the retaining walls 40 are spring closed over the edge rods 30 to retain the edge rods 30 .
- the connector 22 includes the median 28 which holds the edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12 - 21 apart from each other such that the panels 12 - 21 may rotate about each other without binding.
- the edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12 - 21 generally do not rub against each other so that the adjacent panels 12 - 21 may rotate freely.
- a back wall 60 of the connector 22 extends laterally outward from a distal end portion of the median 28 .
- the retaining walls 40 are attached to opposed distal end portions of the back wall 60 and define the grooves 32 , 34 .
- the retaining walls 40 curve around and approach the proximal end portion of the median 28 .
- the space between the distal end portion 38 of the retaining wall 40 and the proximal end portion 62 of the median 28 define the openings 52 , 54 of the grooves 32 , 34 .
- the width 64 (see FIG. 9 ) is less than a diameter 66 of the edge rods 30 . In this manner, once the edge rods 30 are disposed within the grooves 32 , 34 , the retaining walls 40 retain the edge rods 30 within the grooves 32 , 34 .
- the distal end portion 38 extends to about a central axis of the edge rods 30 .
- two edge rods 30 are inserted into the grooves 32 , 34 .
- the connector 22 is pushed or pulled in the direction of arrow 36 (see FIG. 10 ) so as to rotate the connector 22 about axis 70 (see FIG. 9 ) in the rotational direction shown by arrow 72 .
- Both edge rods 30 are inserted or removed from the grooves 32 , 34 at the same time.
- the direction of movement of the connector 22 with respect to the edge rods 30 occurs generally in alignment with arrow 36 .
- the distal end portions 38 of the retaining walls 40 are positioned medially past such line.
- the distal end 74 of the retaining walls 40 is positioned past such line 78 .
- the drawings show the distal ends 74 of the retaining walls 40 extending past or medially between the lines 78 drawn from the center 43 of the edge rods 30 , it is also contemplated that the distal ends 74 of the retaining walls 40 extend slightly shy of such lines 78 .
- the exact position of the distal ends 74 of the retaining walls 40 may be positioned appropriately to withstand, prevent or mitigate removal of the edge rods 30 from the connector 22 in relation to the flexibility or resiliency of the retaining walls 40 .
- the less resilient the retaining walls 40 the more the distal ends 74 of the retaining walls 40 must extend closer to or past the line emanating from the center 43 of the edge rods 30 .
- the distal ends 74 of the retaining walls 40 may be positioned shy of the line emanating from the center 43 of the edge rods 30 .
- the line 78 at the intersection of the distal end portion 38 of the retaining wall 40 defines the “bottom portion” of the grooves 32 , 34 .
- the grooves 32 , 34 of the first and second distal end portions 44 , 46 are oriented in opposite directions. As such, the bottom portions of the grooves 32 , 34 of the first and second distal portions 44 , 46 are also located on opposite sides with respect to each other.
- the chamfers 58 assist in spreading open the retaining walls 40 so as to allow receipt of the edge rods 30 into the grooves 32 , 34 . More particularly, lateral ends 76 of the chamfer 58 may be disposed on lateral sides of the central axis 43 of the edge rods 30 . In this manner, as the connector 22 is rotated about axis 70 in the direction of arrow 72 when inserting the edge rods into the grooves 32 , 34 , the exterior surfaces of the edge rods 30 push against the chamfers 58 to spread open the retaining walls 40 and aid in insertion of the edge rods 30 to the grooves 32 , 34 .
- the connector 22 may be described or characterized as a unidirectional connector that allows insertion of the rods 30 into the grooves 32 , 34 of the connector 22 without mechanical aid and prevents withdrawal of the rods 32 , 34 from the connector 22 by hand.
- the connector 22 may be utilized to attach a plurality of wire panels 100 a - h for forming a pen 102 .
- Each of the wire panels 100 may be rotatably attached to adjacent wire panels 100 a - h.
- the pen 102 shown in FIG. 11 is shown as having eight wire panels 100 a - h.
- the wire panels 100 a - h may be collapsed upon each other and folded into an accordion configuration as shown in FIG. 11A .
- the swivel connectors 22 may have varying widths to accommodate the thicknesses of the stacked wire panels 100 .
- the connector 22 may be utilized to provide a hinge for a partition 104 such as in a hallway or stairwell to prevent animals from passing through but allowing people to open and close the partition as desired.
- a first side of the partition 104 may be attached to a structural member 106 .
- the partition 104 may include a vertical elongate wire member 108 which receives the connector 22 .
- the elongate wire member 108 is attached to the structural member 106 .
- a wire panel 110 may have a wire edge rod 112 also connected to the connector 22 . There may be a sufficient number of swivel connectors 22 so that the wire panel 110 is sturdily held in the upright position.
- the wire panel 110 may swivel about the wire connectors 22 about pivot axes 114 , 116 .
- the wire panel 110 may be opened and closed as desired by a person.
- the wire panel 110 may be locked in the closed position by latch 118 .
- the latch is mounted to structural member 120 . To open the partition 104 , the latch 118 is disengaged from the wire panel 110 and the wire panel 110 is pivoted.
- the swivel connectors 22 described herein were illustrated in relation to a pet enclosure, a pet pen, and a partition. However, the dual axes swivel connectors 22 may be employed in other types of wire based products and are not limited to those embodiments described herein.
- the connectors 22 may be utilized in any type of wire based product.
- the wire panels or wire based walls need not be fabricated entirely from wire. Rather, the panel or wall may be solid but only the portion of the panel or wall that connects to the connectors 22 may have a cylindrical or wire rod configuration so that the wire rod configuration may be inserted into the first or second grooves of the connectors 22 as needed.
- the connectors 22 may be utilized in other configurations such as in connecting a plurality of wire rods.
- the dual axes swivel connector 100 includes a first clip 102 and a second clip 104 .
- the first and second clips 102 , 104 may be identical to each other, but oriented in a reversed orientation as shown in FIG. 13 .
- the first and second clips 102 , 104 may be engaged to each other to secure adjacent edge rods 30 of adjacent panel 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 21 to each other.
- the second embodiment of the dual axes swivel connector 100 may replace the dual axes swivel connector 22 shown and described in relation to FIGS. 1-12 and provide all of the same benefits described in relation to the first embodiment of the dual axes swivel connector 22 as well as additional benefits described below.
- the dual axes swivel connector 100 also has a first pivot axis 106 and a second pivot axis 108 .
- the first and second pivot axes 106 , 108 are separated by median 110 so that adjacent edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12 - 21 do not contact each other as the adjacent panels 12 - 21 are rotated about each other. Since the edge rods 30 of the adjacent panels 12 - 21 do not contact each other, the enclosure 10 does not bind as the enclosure is being traversed from the collapsed position to the erected position and vice versa.
- the dual axes swivel connector 100 may be fabricated from a plastic material, whereas the various panels 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 and 21 may be fabricated from a metallic material(e.g., wire rod).
- the plastic swivel connector 100 functions as a shock absorber reducing noise when the enclosure 10 is being transported in cars, trains, etc. (i.e., vibration induced environments).
- the swivel connector 100 provides even further pullout resistance than the dual axes swivel connector 22 since only one edge rod 30 fits within an entry 112 (see FIG. 14A ) of the clips 102 , 104 .
- the dual axes swivel connector 100 also pushes the edge rods 30 deeper into first and second grooves 114 , 116 so that a distal edge 118 of retaining walls 120 may be positioned at the center of the edge rods 30 to prevent or mitigate withdrawal from the swivel connector 100 .
- the inner surface of the first and second grooves 114 , 116 may have a flat surface 128 (see FIG. 14A ) to further mitigate withdrawal of the edge rods 30 from the swivel connector 100 .
- the dual axes swivel connector 100 may also be characterized as a unidirectional connector 22 .
- the first and second clips 102 , 104 may be identical to each other. Accordingly, during manufacture of the dual axes swivel connector 100 , although there are two clips 102 , 104 , only one mold or unique configuration is necessary.
- the first clip 102 may be an identical copy of the second clip 104 except the orientations are reversed for assembly.
- the first clip 102 is flipped over as shown by arrow 122 in relation to the second clip 104 .
- the median 110 may have an inner surface 122 (see FIG. 14A ) which is curved that urges the edge rods 30 deeper into the grooves 114 , 116 and also have a semi-circular configuration as shown in FIG. 14A .
- the curved inner surfaces 122 may be characterized as having an inverted V shape configuration or tapered shape.
- the retaining walls 120 wrap around the edge rods 30 to retain the edge rods 30 within the grooves 114 , 116 .
- the retaining walls 120 preferably extend around the edge rods 30 until the distal edges 118 are aligned to a center 43 of the edge rods 30 when the edge rods 30 are disposed within the first and second grooves 114 , 116 .
- the first and second grooves 114 , 116 are generally parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 13 .
- the axes 106 , 108 of the first and second grooves 114 , 116 may be in the same plane 132 .
- the distal edge 118 may still be characterized as being aligned to the respective axes 106 , 108 when the distal edge 128 is aligned to the respective axes 106 , 108 when a line 126 perpendicular to the plane defined by the axes 106 , 108 intersects the distal edge 118 .
- the distal edge 118 may be slightly shy of the line 126 as shown in solid lines in FIG. 14A or or past the line 126 as shown in dash lines. Nonetheless, the distal edge 118 may still be characterized as being aligned to the respective axes 106 , 108 .
- line 126 is shown for axis 108 , but not shown for axis 106 for purposes of clarity. However, in FIG. 14A , line 126 for both axes 106 , 108 for the first and second grooves 114 , 116 are shown.
- An inner surface 130 of the retaining walls 120 may have a generally circular configuration which conforms to the inner surface 122 of the median 110 . As the inner surfaces 130 of the retaining walls 120 approach the distal edge 118 , the inner surface 130 may jog upward and have a flat surface 128 .
- the flat surface 128 may be parallel to the plane 132 defined by axes 106 , 108 .
- the flat surface 128 provides for more pullout resistance so that the edge rods 30 are less likely to be pulled out of the grooves 106 , 108 after assembly. The reason is that the edge rod 30 applies a force 133 on the flat surface 128 of the retaining wall 120 that is generally normal to the plane 132 .
- the edge rod 30 produces or applies a force 133 that is generally parallel to the line 126 on the flat surface 128 instead of a force 135 that tends to spread open the retaining walls 120 . If the flat surface 128 were to be circular and conformed to the circular configuration of the inner surfaces 130 , 122 then the edge rod would apply a force that is generally skewed with respect to the plane 132 so as to be likely to spread the retaining wall open compared to the generally normal force 133 discussed above.
- one of the edge rods 30 as shown in FIG. 14 is inserted into one of the grooves 106 , 108 of the first part 102 .
- the other edge rod 30 of the other panel 12 - 21 is inserted into the other one of the grooves 106 , 108 of the first part 102 .
- the second part is secured to the adjacent edge rods 30 of the adjacent panels 12 - 21 one by one, not simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 15 .
- both the first and second parts 102 , 104 of the connector 100 are secured to adjacent edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12 - 21 , but are not engaged to each other.
- both rods 30 would be forced through the entry 112 simultaneously. Due to the rigidity of the retaining walls 120 , both rods 30 could not come out of the entry 112 at the same time.
- the first and second parts 102 , 104 are engaged to each other. To this end, the first and second parts 102 , 104 are pushed toward each other as shown by arrows 134 , 136 in FIG. 13 . Extensions 138 of the first and second parts 102 , 104 are disposed between the retaining walls 120 of the second and first parts 104 , 102 .
- the extensions 138 must be lifted up slightly so that pawls 140 which engages recesses 142 of the other parts 102 , 104 can clear the retaining walls 120 of the other part 102 , 104 .
- the first and second parts 102 , 104 are slid together until the pawls 140 snaps into place in the recesses 142 , as shown in FIG. 16 .
- a plurality of connectors 100 are fitted onto the adjacent edge rods 30 to allow the panels 12 - 21 to swivel or pivot with respect to each other and yet be strong enough to withstand stress from the animal and outside forces.
- the swivel connector 100 allows an operator to collapse the enclosure 10 and provides all of the other benefits described above in relation to the other embodiments of the connector.
- the first and second parts 102 , 104 have pawls 140 which engage recesses 142 (see FIG. 13 ) to lock the first and second parts together (see FIG. 16 ).
- the pawls 140 are formed on the distal end of the extension 138 .
- the recesses 142 are formed on the proximal side of the retaining walls 120 (see FIG. 16 ).
- the pawls 140 are shown as being received into the recesses 142 so that the pawls 140 do not protrude out of the retaining walls 120 . Rather, the pawls 140 are flush with the retaining walls 120 .
- no recesses 142 are formed in the retaining walls. In this instance, the pawls 140 extend over the proximal side of the retaining walls 120 and are not flush therewith.
- first and second clips 102 , 104 discussed above were described as being identical to each other. However, it is also contemplated that the first and second clips 102 , 104 may not be identical to each other.
- one of the first and second clips 102 , 104 may have recesses 142 and no pawls 140 , whereas the other one has pawls 140 and no recesses 142 .
- neither of the first and second clips 102 , 104 have recesses but only one of the first and second clips 102 , 104 has pawls that extend over the retaining walls of the of the other one of the first and second clips 102 , 104 .
- FIG. 17 a side view of a variation of the first and second parts 102 , 104 of the second embodiment of the swivel connector 100 is shown.
- the inner surfaces of the first and second grooves 114 , 116 may still have flat surfaces 128 to mitigate withdrawal of the edge rods 30 from the first and second parts 102 , 104 .
- the median 110 may be wider for disposing the adjacent edge rods 30 further apart from each other compared to the edge rods 30 disposed within the first and second parts 102 , 104 as shown and described in relation to FIGS. 13-16 .
- entry 112 is wider than two diameters of the edge rod 30 .
Abstract
Description
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- The present invention relates to a collapsible enclosure (e.g., pet enclosure).
- Pet or animal enclosures are commonly used to accommodate, confine or transport pets or animals. Currently, prior art pet enclosures are fabricated from a wire frame wherein the various panels are hinged to each other by way of Hartco clips. Hartco clips are wrapped around adjacent wires of adjacent panels so as to form a loop around the adjacent wires. The adjacent panels can pivot or rotate with respect to each other due to the space provided in the enclosed loop. Unfortunately, the wires of the adjacent panels may bind within the loop (i.e., Hartco clip) when being rotated with respect to each other. The wires contact each other within the Hartco clip and are inadvertently wedged between the wires and the loop. Accordingly, the Hartco clips provide space for the adjacent wires but do not ensure that the adjacent wires will not bind against each other. When the wires bind against each other in the Hartco clip, the adjacent panels cannot be stacked upon each other.
- An additional problem with prior art pet enclosures is that they are noisy during transportation. By way of example and not limitation, as the pet enclosure is transported in a car over a road or in a train over railway, the Hartco clips vibrate against the wires of the panels of the enclosure and also allow adjacent wires to vibrate against each other. The vibration contact produces undesirable noise.
- Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved animal or pet enclosure.
- The pet enclosure disclosed herein addresses the needs discussed above, discussed below and those that are known in the art.
- The pet enclosure may have left, right, front, back, top and bottom panels which are stackable upon each other to fold the enclosure to a collapsed position. The user may unfold the enclosure to the erected position. In doing so, the various panels are pivoted about each other by way of dual axes swivel connectors.
- These dual axes swivel connectors may reduce noise as the pet enclosure is being transported in a car over a road. In particular, the panels may be fabricated from a metallic material whereas the swivel connectors may be fabricated from a plastic material. When the enclosure is traversed to the erected position, the various panels are generally supported between each other by the swivel connectors. The swivel connectors which may be fabricated from a plastic material behave as shock absorbers or vibration dampeners to reduce the overall noise caused by the rattling of the erected pet enclosure.
- Additionally, when traversing the pet enclosure to the collapsed position, the panels which are typically fabricated from a metallic material generally do not bend. As such, the various panels must be offset at different height elevations as measured from the bottom panel when being stacked upon each other and on top of the bottom panel. If the adjacent panels are connected to each other through prior art Hartco clips, adjacent wires of the adjacent panels are looped together as discussed in the background section above. Unfortunately, the adjacent wires and the prior art Hartco clips may bind against each other preventing rotation of the adjacent panels and preventing the adjacent panels from being stacked upon each other at different heights. To this end, the dual axes swivel connector facilitates offsetting of the panels so that they may be stacked upon each other since the adjacent wires of adjacent panels do not bind within the dual axes swivel connector.
- Moreover, the dual axes swivel connectors may be unidirectional. In particular, the dual axes swivel connector is mounted to edge rods of adjacent panels. Once the swivel connector is attached to adjacent edge rods of adjacent panels, it is not intended for the swivel connectors to be removed. To this end, the swivel connectors may have a tapered median that separates the adjacent edge rods from each other and pushes the respective edge rods deeper into grooves of the swivel connector to mitigate withdrawal of the edge rods out of the connectors once the edge rods are disposed in the grooves of the swivel connector. Moreover, retaining walls of the swivel connector may be sufficiently wrapped around the edge rods to mitigate pull out of the edge rods from the swivel connectors. Additionally, the tapered median prevents contact between adjacent edge rods of adjacent panels so that the edge rods do not bind or get stuck during pivoting of adjacent panels.
- More particularly, a collapsible enclosure is disclosed. The enclosure may comprise a first top dual axes swivel connector, a second top dual axes swivel connector, a first bottom dual axes swivel connector and a second bottom dual axes swivel connector wherein each of the connectors may have two grooves defining pivot axes generally parallel to each other. The enclosure may further comprise a top panel having first and second side edge rods, a bottom panel disposed opposite to the top panel wherein the bottom panel may have first and second side edge rods, a first side panel and a second side panel.
- The first side panel may define top and bottom edge rods. The top edge rod of the first side panel may be pivotally attached to the first side edge rod of the top panel with the first top dual axes swivel connector so that the first side panel and the top panel pivots about the two pivot axes of the first top dual axes swivel connector. The bottom edge rod of the first side panel may be pivotally attached to the first side edge rod of the bottom panel with the first bottom dual axes swivel connector so that the first side panel and the bottom panel pivots about the two pivot axes of the first bottom dual axes swivel connector.
- The second side panel may define top and bottom edge rods. The top edge rod of the second side panel may be pivotally attached to the second side edge rod of the top panel with the second top dual axes swivel connector so that the second side panel and the top panel pivots about the two pivot axes of the second top dual axes swivel connector. The bottom edge rod of the second side panel may be pivotally attached to the second side edge rod of the bottom panel with the second bottom dual axes swivel connector so that the second side panel and the bottom panel pivots about the two pivot axes of the second bottom dual axes swivel connector.
- The enclosure may be traversed to a folded configuration wherein the first and second top and bottoms swivel connectors pivot to allow the first and second side panels to be positioned at different elevations with respect to the bottom panel so that the first and second side panels and the top panel may be stacked upon each other.
- The first side wall may be disposed between the second side wall and the bottom panel when the enclosure is in a folded configuration. Also, the top panel may be disposed between the first and second side walls when the enclosure is in the folded configuration.
- The top edge rod of the first side panel and the first edge rod of the top panel may be disposed within the two grooves of the first top dual axes swivel connector. The bottom edge rod of the first side panel and the first edge rod of the bottom panel may be disposed within the two grooves of the first bottom dual axes swivel connector. The top edge rod of the second side panel and the second edge rod of the top panel may be disposed within the two grooves of the second top dual axes swivel connector. Also, the bottom edge rod of the second side panel and the second edge rod of the bottom panel may be disposed within the two grooves of the second bottom dual axes swivel connector.
- The bottom edge rod of the first side panel may be at a higher elevation compared to the bottom edge rod of the second side panel when the enclosure is in a collapsed position and wherein the first and second side edge rods of the bottom panel are at the same elevation.
- The first and second side panels and the top and bottom panels may be fabricated from a metallic material and the dual axes swivel connectors may be fabricated from a plastic material for mitigating noise.
- Additionally, a unidirectional dual axes swivel connector for pivotally connecting adjacent first and second panels having edge rods is disclosed. The connector may comprise a first end portion having two grooves which are operative to each receive one of the edge rods. The first end portion may comprise a tapered median, a back wall, and retaining walls. The tapered median may urge the edge rods into the two grooves. The tapered median may define a proximal end portion and a distal end portion.
- The back wall may be connected to the distal end portion of the tapered median. The back wall may extend laterally outward from the distal end portion of the tapered median to limit insertion of the edge rods into the two grooves.
- The retaining walls may be connected to opposed distal end portions of the back wall. The retaining walls may be resilient so as to flex outward upon inserting the edge rods between distal end portions of the retaining walls and the proximal end portion of the tapered median to permit traversal of the edge rods into the two grooves and to flex inward around the edge rods thereafter. The resilient retaining walls may extend about 180 degrees from the opposed distal end portions of the back wall to mitigate removal of the edge rods from the two grooves after insertion. The distal end portions of the retaining walls and the distal end portion of the tapered median defines entrance gaps of the two grooves.
- The connector may further comprise a second end portion which may have two grooves which are operative to each receive one of the edge rods. The second end portion may be oriented in reverse to the first end portion for engaging the two grooves of the first and second end portions by rotating the connector with respect to the edge rods.
- The second end portion may comprise a tapered median, a back wall and retaining walls. The tapered median may urge the edge rods into the two grooves. The tapered median may define a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The back wall may be connected to the distal end portion of the tapered median. The back wall may extend laterally outward from the distal end portion of the tapered median to limit insertion of the edge rods into the two grooves. The retaining walls may be connected to opposed distal end portions of the back wall. The retaining walls may be resilient to flex outward upon inserting the edge rods between distal end portions of the resilient retaining walls and the distal end portion of the tapered median to permit traversal of the edge rods into the two grooves and to flex inward around the edge rods thereafter. The resilient retaining walls may extend about 180 degrees from the opposed distal end portions of the back wall to mitigate removal of the edge rods from the two grooves after insertion. The distal end portions of the retaining walls and the distal end portion of the tapered median may define entrance openings of the two grooves.
- A bridge may be attached to the tapered medians of the first and second end portions with the first and second end portions gapped apart from each other. The entrance openings of the two grooves of the first end portion may be oriented about-face with respect to the entrance openings of the two grooves of the second end portion. The retaining walls of the first and second end portions may have chamfered interior corners.
- Moreover, a method of collapsing an enclosure is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps of stacking a left panel on a bottom panel and a top panel on a right panel; pivoting the stacked top panel and right panel on top of the stacked left panel and bottom panel; and rotating first and second dual axes swivel connector, the first dual axes swivel connector attached to the left panel and bottom panel, the second dual axes swivel connector attached to the right panel and the bottom panel so that a bottom edge rod of the left panel is at a lower elevation compared to a bottom edge rod of the right panel for permitting stacking of the left panel, right panel and top panel on top of the bottom panel.
- In the method, the rotating step may comprise the steps of rotating the first dual axes swivel connector about a first side edge rod of the bottom panel in a direction opposite from a rotating direction of the second dual axes connector about a second side edge rod of the bottom panel for offsetting the left panel below the stacked top and right panels.
- Moreover, a dual axes swivel connector for pivotally connecting adjacent first and second panels is disclosed. The first panel may have a first rod. The second panel may have a second rod. The connector may comprise a first part having first and second grooves wherein the first groove is operative to receive the first rod and the second groove is operative to receive the second rod. The first part comprises a tapered median and first and second retaining walls. The tapered median directs the first and second rods into the grooves and away from each other. The first and second retaining walls extend from the tapered median and wrap around the first and second rods defining the first and second grooves. The tapered median and the first retaining walls wrap around more than 180 degrees around the first rod after insertion of the first rod in to the first groove. The tapered median and the second retaining wall wrap around more than 180 degrees around the second rod to hold the first and second rods in the first and second grooves after insertion of the second rod into the second groove.
- The connector may further comprise an extension that protrudes out from the tapered median parallel to longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves. The longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves may be parallel to each other. The connector may further comprise a second part having an identical structure compared to the first part wherein the first groove of the second part is operative to receive the first rod and the second groove of the second part is operative to receive the second rod. The extension of the first part may be disposed between a gap of the second part defined between first and second walls of the second part when an extension of the second part is disposed between a gap of the first part defined between first and second walls of the first part for interlocking the first and second parts.
- The connector may further comprise a second part which is identical to the first part and can interlock with the first part.
- The connector may further comprise an extension that protrudes out from the tapered median parallel to longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves. The extension may have a pawl. The longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves may be parallel to each other. The connector may further comprise a second part having a tapered median and first and second retaining walls. The tapered median may direct the first and second rods into the grooves and away from each other. The first and second retaining walls may extend from the tapered median and wrap around the first and second rods defining the first and second grooves. The tapered median and the first retaining wall wrap more than 180 degrees around the first rod and the tapered median after insertion of the first rod into the first groove to hold the first rod in the first groove after insertion of the first rod into the first groove. The tapered median and the second retaining wall wrap more than 180 degrees around the second rod to hold the second rod in the second groove after insertion of the second rod into the second groove.
- The first groove of the second part is operative to receive the first rod. The second groove of the second part is operative to receive the second rod. The extension of the first part is disposable between a gap of the second part defined between first and second walls of the second part. The pawl of the first part may engage the first and second walls of the second part when the extension of the second part is disposed between a gap of the first part defined between first and second walls of the first part for interlocking the first and second parts.
- The extension of the second part may have a pawl for engaging the first and second walls of the first part when the extension of the first part is disposed within the gap of the first part. The pawl of the extension of the first part and the pawl of the extension of the second part may extend from the distal end portions of the extensions of the first and second parts.
- Longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves of the first part may be coaxial with longitudinal axes of the first and second grooves of the second part when the first and second parts are interlocked with each other.
- First and second opposed interior surfaces of the tapered median may each have a semi-circular configuration.
- The first and second distal ends of the first and second retaining walls may define the gap which is about equal to a diameter of the first rod. The first and second distal end portions of the first and second retaining walls of the first part may have a V shaped configuration for guiding the first rod between the gap. Also, the tapered median may have a V shaped configuration.
- A width of the extension of the first part may be about equal to a gap of the second part.
- These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an enclosure in a collapsed position; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosure shown inFIG. 1 being erected; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the enclosure shown inFIG. 2 being further erected; -
FIG. 4 illustrates attaching a front panel of the enclosure to left and right side panels and the top panel of the enclosure to complete erection of the enclosure; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the collapsed enclosure shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a first embodiment of a dual axes swivel connector being inserted between edge rods of adjacent panels; -
FIG. 7 illustrates edge rods of adjacent panels disposed within a gap of the connector shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 illustrates the connector shown inFIG. 7 mounted to the edge rods of adjacent panels; -
FIG. 9 is a top view of the connector shown inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the connector shown inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pen having a plurality of wire panels rotatably connected to each other by way of the dual axes swivel connectors; -
FIG. 11A is a plan view of the pen shown inFIG. 11 in a collapsed configuration; -
FIG. 12 is a front view of a gate or partition wherein a wire door is rotatably connected to a structure; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a second embodiment of a dual axes swivel connector wherein first and second parts of the second embodiment of the swivel connector mates with each other; -
FIG. 14 illustrates a first part of the second embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 13 wherein an edge rod of an adjacent panel is inserted into a groove of the first part of the second embodiment of the connector; -
FIG. 14A is a side view of the first part of the second embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 15 illustrates edge rods of adjacent panels fitted within grooves of first and second parts of the second embodiment of the connector; -
FIG. 15A is a side view of the first part of the second embodiment of the connector shown inFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 16 illustrates the first and second parts of the second embodiment of the connector when engaged to each other; and -
FIG. 17 illustrates a variation of the second embodiment of the swivel connector with a widened median. - Referring now to the drawings, a
collapsible enclosure 10 is shown. When theenclosure 10 is in storage or being transported, theenclosure 10 may be traversed to the collapsed position shown inFIG. 1 . During use, theenclosure 10 may be traversed to the erected position shown inFIG. 3 .FIG. 3 illustrates the erected position of theenclosure 10 with front andback panels bottom panel 16, left andright side panels top panel 21 may be rotatably connected to each other by way of a dual axes swivelconnector connector 22 is shown and described in relation toFIGS. 1-12 . A second embodiment of the dual axes swivelconnector 100 is shown and described in relation toFIGS. 13-17 . It is also contemplated that the front andback panels bottom panel 16 by way of the dual axes swivelconnector - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , the dual axes swivelconnector 22 has afirst pivot axis 24 and asecond pivot axis 26. The first and second pivot axes 24, 26 are separated by a median 28. In this manner,adjacent edge rods 30 ofadjacent panels adjacent panels swivel connectors 22 may be attached toadjacent edge rods 30 of any two adjacent panels 12-21. Since theedge rods 30 are separated by the median 28, theenclosure 10 does not bind as theenclosure 10 is being traversed from the collapsed position to the erected position, and vice versa. Moreover, theswivel connectors 22 may be fabricated from a plastic material whereas thevarious panels plastic swivel connector 22 may behave as a shock absorber reducing noise when theenclosure 10 is being transported in cars, trains, etc. (i.e., vibration induced environments). Additionally, theswivel connector 22 may be sufficiently wrapped around theedge rods 30 so as to mitigate pull out of theedge rods 30 from theconnectors 22. Moreover, the median 28 of theswivel connector 22 may be tapered so that theedge rod 30 is pushed intogroove groove FIG. 10 . When attempting to remove theedge rods 30 from theconnector 22, theswivel connector 22 may be pivoted or pushed in direction of arrow 36. When theswivel connector 22 is pushed in the direction of arrow 36, theedge rods 30 contactdistal end portions 38 of retainingwalls 40 of theswivel connector 22 to increase pull out force required to pullrods 30 out ofgrooves connector 22. The tapered median 28 pushed theedge rods 30 deeper into thegrooves distal end portions 38 of theretaining walls 40 may be positioned at a center of theedge rods 30 to prevent or mitigate withdrawal of theedge rods 30 from theswivel connector 22. Accordingly, theswivel connector 22 may be aunidirectional connector 22. - Referring now back to
FIG. 1 , theenclosure 10 may be transported in a collapsed position. In the collapsed position, thefront panel 12, backpanel 14,left side panel 18,right side panel 20 and thetop panel 21 are all stacked upon thebottom panel 16 in a compact configuration. Thecollapsed enclosure 10 may be packaged and sold to customers who can then later erect theenclosure 10 for use. To erect theenclosure 10, theright side panel 20 and thetop panel 21 may be pivoted outward in direction ofarrow 42, as shown inFIG. 2 . After thetop panel 21 and theright side panel 20 are folded over in direction of arrow 42 (seeFIG. 2 ), thetop panel 21 may be raised up so as to traverse theenclosure 10 into the configuration shown inFIG. 3 . The left andright side panels bottom panel 16 and thetop panel 21.Swivel connectors 22 are used to attach thetop panel 21 to theleft side panel 18, theleft side panel 18 to thebottom panel 16, thebottom panel 16 to theright side panel 20 and theright side panel 20 to thetop panel 21. - The front and
back panels right side panels top panel 21, as shown inFIG. 4 . The wire frame of the front andback panels edge rod 30 of thebottom panel 16 as shown inFIG. 3 . Moreover, it is also contemplated that the front andback panels edge rod 30 of thebottom panel 16 by way of the dual axes swivelconnector 22. The front andback panels hooks 42, as shown inFIG. 4 . Additionally, the left andright side panels Edge rods 30 of the front andback panels hooks 44. Thehooks 42 of the front andback panels edge rods 30 of thetop panel 21 and thehooks 42 are hooked onto theedge rods 30 of thetop panel 21. - To traverse the
enclosure 10 to the collapsed position, the steps are reversed. In particular, the front andback panels bottom panel 16 as shown inFIG. 3 . Theleft side panel 18 is folded onto the stackedfront panel 12, backpanel 14 andbottom panel 16 while thetop panel 21 is stacked upon theright side panel 20. In rotating thevarious panels edge rods 30 of each of the panels 12-21 swivel within the dual axes swivelconnectors 22. Theedge rods 30 of the panels 12-21 generally do not contact each other because the median 28 of theconnectors 22 are disposed between theedge rods 30 of the adjacent panels 12-21. Accordingly, during movement and folding of the various panels 12-21 to traverse theenclosure 10 from the collapsed position to the erected position and vice versa, theedge rods 30 do not bind against each other. - The stacked
top panel 21 andright side panel 20 are then folded over onto theleft side panel 18. Theswivel connectors 22 prevent any kinking of theenclosure 10. - The panels 12-21 may be fabricated from a metallic material such as steel, aluminum, etc. Accordingly, the panels 12-21 may have a matrix of vertical and horizontal wires/rods so that the panels 12-21 are generally rigid. The panels 12-21 may flex slightly for the purposes of erecting the front and
back panels FIG. 1 may be accomplished by offsetting the various panels 12-21 with the aid of the dual axes swivelconnectors 22. The dual axes swivelconnectors 22 provides a definite or guaranteed separation between adjacent wires of adjacent panels 12-21 so that the adjacent wires and the dual axes swivelconnectors 22 cannot be wedged against each other preventing rotation of the adjacent panels and stacking of the panels as in the prior art Hartco clips. Referring now toFIG. 5 , a front view of the collapsedenclosure 10 is shown. As can be seen, thebottom panel 16 may generally have a U-shaped configuration which extends fromedge rod 30 a to edgerod 30 b. Theleft side panel 18 is offset downward by pivoting the dual axes swivelconnector 22 a to the down position. Theleft side panel 18 may rest on top of thebottom panel 16. Thetop panel 21 is now stacked upon theleft side panel 18. To this end, theswivel connector 22 b is pivoted upward to offset thetop panel 21 above theleft side panel 18. Theright side panel 20 may be offset on top of thetop panel 21 by way ofswivel connector 22 c.Swivel connector 22 d raises theright side panel 20 above thetop panel 21 and leftside panel 18. In this manner,edge rods 30 a, b of thebottom panel 16 may be at the same height elevation yet allow stacking of thepanels connectors 22 a-d allow thevarious panels enclosure 10, no special instructions are necessary thereby reducing assembly cost when assembling the left andright side panels bottom panel 16 since they may be mirror configurations of each other. - Although the
edge rods 30 a, b have mirror configurations, it is also contemplated that either one of theedge rods various panels bottom panel 16. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , the dual axes swivelconnector 22 is shown. The dual axes swivelconnector 22 may be mounted toadjacent edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12-21. Theconnectors 22 may havedistal end portions distal end portion 44 hasgrooves grooves distal end portion 46. Thegrooves distal end portions groove openings FIGS. 6-8 . This is to allow theedge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12-21 to be inserted into thegrooves connector 22. - To install the
connector 22 to theedge rods 30, theswivel connector 22 is inserted betweenadjacent edge rods 30 as shown inFIG. 6 . Theconnector 22 is pushed until theedge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12-21 are aligned to agap 48 between the first and seconddistal end portions FIG. 7 . Thedistal end portions FIG. 6 ). Thebridge 50 connects themedians 28 of the first and seconddistal end portions edge rods 30 are aligned to thegap 48, theswivel connector 22 is rotated either in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as shown inFIG. 7 . InFIG. 7 , it is shown that theswivel connector 22 is rotated in the clockwise direction.Grooves distal end portions openings edge rods 30. Theswivel connector 22 may now be rotated in the direction ofarrow 56 so that theedge rods 30 are forced into theopenings distal end portions grooves distal end portions FIG. 8 ). To assist in the insertion of theedge rods 30 into thegrooves distal end portions walls 40 may have optional chamfers 58 (seeFIG. 9 ) at a proximal portion adjacent thegap 48. Only onechamfer 58 is identified inFIG. 9 , but each of theretaining walls 40 are shown as having thechamfer 58. When theconnector 22 is rotated in the direction of arrow 56 (seeFIG. 7 ), theedge rods 30 push against thechamfer 58 and urge the retainingwalls 40 outward so that theedge rods 30 can enter thegrooves edge rods 30 are disposed within thegrooves FIG. 8 . Adjacent panels 12-21 may now be pivoted with respect to each other about twodifferent axes enclosure 10. - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , theedge rods 30 are pushed into thegrooves walls 40 are spread open to allow theedge rods 30 to be inserted into thegrooves openings edge rods 30. The median 28 may be tapered so that as theedge rods 30 are inserted into thegrooves edge rods 30 are pushed deeper into thegrooves edge rods 30 are disposed within thegrooves walls 40 are spring closed over theedge rods 30 to retain theedge rods 30. - Referring now to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , theconnector 22 includes the median 28 which holds theedge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12-21 apart from each other such that the panels 12-21 may rotate about each other without binding. Theedge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12-21 generally do not rub against each other so that the adjacent panels 12-21 may rotate freely. Aback wall 60 of theconnector 22 extends laterally outward from a distal end portion of the median 28. When theedge rods 30 are inserted into thegrooves 32 of theconnector 22, the tapered median 28 pushes theedge rods 30 deeper into thegrooves back wall 60 limits the insertion of theedge rods 30 beyond the median 28. The retainingwalls 40 are attached to opposed distal end portions of theback wall 60 and define thegrooves walls 40 curve around and approach the proximal end portion of the median 28. The space between thedistal end portion 38 of the retainingwall 40 and theproximal end portion 62 of the median 28 define theopenings grooves FIG. 9 ) is less than adiameter 66 of theedge rods 30. In this manner, once theedge rods 30 are disposed within thegrooves walls 40 retain theedge rods 30 within thegrooves distal end portion 38 extends to about a central axis of theedge rods 30. To assemble theenclosure 10, twoedge rods 30 are inserted into thegrooves connector 22 is pushed or pulled in the direction of arrow 36 (seeFIG. 10 ) so as to rotate theconnector 22 about axis 70 (seeFIG. 9 ) in the rotational direction shown byarrow 72. Bothedge rods 30 are inserted or removed from thegrooves connector 22 with respect to theedge rods 30 occurs generally in alignment with arrow 36. If aline 78 is drawn from thecenter 43 of theedge rods 30 parallel with respect to the direction of arrow 36, thedistal end portions 38 of theretaining walls 40 are positioned medially past such line. Preferably, thedistal end 74 of theretaining walls 40 is positioned pastsuch line 78. Although the drawings show the distal ends 74 of theretaining walls 40 extending past or medially between thelines 78 drawn from thecenter 43 of theedge rods 30, it is also contemplated that the distal ends 74 of theretaining walls 40 extend slightly shy ofsuch lines 78. The exact position of the distal ends 74 of theretaining walls 40 may be positioned appropriately to withstand, prevent or mitigate removal of theedge rods 30 from theconnector 22 in relation to the flexibility or resiliency of theretaining walls 40. The less resilient theretaining walls 40, the more the distal ends 74 of theretaining walls 40 must extend closer to or past the line emanating from thecenter 43 of theedge rods 30. Conversely, the more rigid or more resilient theretaining walls 40, the distal ends 74 of theretaining walls 40 may be positioned shy of the line emanating from thecenter 43 of theedge rods 30. - The
line 78 at the intersection of thedistal end portion 38 of the retainingwall 40 defines the “bottom portion” of thegrooves grooves distal end portions grooves distal portions - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , thechamfers 58 assist in spreading open the retainingwalls 40 so as to allow receipt of theedge rods 30 into thegrooves chamfer 58 may be disposed on lateral sides of thecentral axis 43 of theedge rods 30. In this manner, as theconnector 22 is rotated aboutaxis 70 in the direction ofarrow 72 when inserting the edge rods into thegrooves edge rods 30 push against thechamfers 58 to spread open the retainingwalls 40 and aid in insertion of theedge rods 30 to thegrooves distal end portions 38 or distal ends 74 of theretaining walls 40 at or about the bottom portion of thegrooves rods 30 from theconnector 22. As such, theconnector 22 may be described or characterized as a unidirectional connector that allows insertion of therods 30 into thegrooves connector 22 without mechanical aid and prevents withdrawal of therods connector 22 by hand. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 , theconnector 22 may be utilized to attach a plurality ofwire panels 100 a-h for forming apen 102. Each of thewire panels 100 may be rotatably attached toadjacent wire panels 100 a-h. Thepen 102 shown inFIG. 11 is shown as having eightwire panels 100 a-h. To collapse thepen 102, thewire panels 100 a-h may be collapsed upon each other and folded into an accordion configuration as shown inFIG. 11A . As shown inFIG. 11A , theswivel connectors 22 may have varying widths to accommodate the thicknesses of the stackedwire panels 100. - Referring now to
FIG. 12 , theconnector 22 may be utilized to provide a hinge for apartition 104 such as in a hallway or stairwell to prevent animals from passing through but allowing people to open and close the partition as desired. In particular, a first side of thepartition 104 may be attached to astructural member 106. Thepartition 104 may include a verticalelongate wire member 108 which receives theconnector 22. Theelongate wire member 108 is attached to thestructural member 106. Awire panel 110 may have awire edge rod 112 also connected to theconnector 22. There may be a sufficient number ofswivel connectors 22 so that thewire panel 110 is sturdily held in the upright position. Thewire panel 110 may swivel about thewire connectors 22 about pivot axes 114, 116. Thewire panel 110 may be opened and closed as desired by a person. Thewire panel 110 may be locked in the closed position bylatch 118. The latch is mounted tostructural member 120. To open thepartition 104, thelatch 118 is disengaged from thewire panel 110 and thewire panel 110 is pivoted. - The
swivel connectors 22 described herein were illustrated in relation to a pet enclosure, a pet pen, and a partition. However, the dual axes swivelconnectors 22 may be employed in other types of wire based products and are not limited to those embodiments described herein. Theconnectors 22 may be utilized in any type of wire based product. By way of example and not limitation, the wire panels or wire based walls need not be fabricated entirely from wire. Rather, the panel or wall may be solid but only the portion of the panel or wall that connects to theconnectors 22 may have a cylindrical or wire rod configuration so that the wire rod configuration may be inserted into the first or second grooves of theconnectors 22 as needed. Theconnectors 22 may be utilized in other configurations such as in connecting a plurality of wire rods. - Referring now to
FIGS. 13-17 , the second embodiment of the dual axes swivelconnector 100 is shown. The dual axes swivelconnector 100 includes afirst clip 102 and asecond clip 104. The first andsecond clips FIG. 13 . Also, the first andsecond clips adjacent edge rods 30 ofadjacent panel connector 100 may replace the dual axes swivelconnector 22 shown and described in relation toFIGS. 1-12 and provide all of the same benefits described in relation to the first embodiment of the dual axes swivelconnector 22 as well as additional benefits described below. - The dual axes swivel
connector 100 also has afirst pivot axis 106 and asecond pivot axis 108. The first and second pivot axes 106, 108 are separated by median 110 so thatadjacent edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12-21 do not contact each other as the adjacent panels 12-21 are rotated about each other. Since theedge rods 30 of the adjacent panels 12-21 do not contact each other, theenclosure 10 does not bind as the enclosure is being traversed from the collapsed position to the erected position and vice versa. Moreover, similar to the first embodiment of the dual axes swivelconnector 22, the dual axes swivelconnector 100 may be fabricated from a plastic material, whereas thevarious panels plastic swivel connector 100 functions as a shock absorber reducing noise when theenclosure 10 is being transported in cars, trains, etc. (i.e., vibration induced environments). As will be discussed further below, theswivel connector 100 provides even further pullout resistance than the dual axes swivelconnector 22 since only oneedge rod 30 fits within an entry 112 (seeFIG. 14A ) of theclips connector 22, the dual axes swivelconnector 100 also pushes theedge rods 30 deeper into first andsecond grooves distal edge 118 of retainingwalls 120 may be positioned at the center of theedge rods 30 to prevent or mitigate withdrawal from theswivel connector 100. Additionally, the inner surface of the first andsecond grooves FIG. 14A ) to further mitigate withdrawal of theedge rods 30 from theswivel connector 100. Accordingly, the dual axes swivelconnector 100 may also be characterized as aunidirectional connector 22. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , the first andsecond clips connector 100, although there are twoclips first clip 102 may be an identical copy of thesecond clip 104 except the orientations are reversed for assembly. Thefirst clip 102 is flipped over as shown byarrow 122 in relation to thesecond clip 104. The median 110 may have an inner surface 122 (seeFIG. 14A ) which is curved that urges theedge rods 30 deeper into thegrooves FIG. 14A . The curvedinner surfaces 122 may be characterized as having an inverted V shape configuration or tapered shape. The retainingwalls 120 wrap around theedge rods 30 to retain theedge rods 30 within thegrooves walls 120 preferably extend around theedge rods 30 until thedistal edges 118 are aligned to acenter 43 of theedge rods 30 when theedge rods 30 are disposed within the first andsecond grooves second grooves FIG. 13 . Theaxes second grooves same plane 132. Thedistal edge 118 may still be characterized as being aligned to therespective axes distal edge 128 is aligned to therespective axes line 126 perpendicular to the plane defined by theaxes distal edge 118. Thedistal edge 118 may be slightly shy of theline 126 as shown in solid lines inFIG. 14A or or past theline 126 as shown in dash lines. Nonetheless, thedistal edge 118 may still be characterized as being aligned to therespective axes FIG. 13 ,line 126 is shown foraxis 108, but not shown foraxis 106 for purposes of clarity. However, inFIG. 14A ,line 126 for bothaxes second grooves - An
inner surface 130 of the retainingwalls 120 may have a generally circular configuration which conforms to theinner surface 122 of the median 110. As theinner surfaces 130 of the retainingwalls 120 approach thedistal edge 118, theinner surface 130 may jog upward and have aflat surface 128. Theflat surface 128 may be parallel to theplane 132 defined byaxes flat surface 128 provides for more pullout resistance so that theedge rods 30 are less likely to be pulled out of thegrooves edge rod 30 applies a force 133 on theflat surface 128 of theretaining wall 120 that is generally normal to theplane 132. Since thesurface 128 is flat and parallel to theplane 132 and perpendicular to theline 126, theedge rod 30 produces or applies a force 133 that is generally parallel to theline 126 on theflat surface 128 instead of a force 135 that tends to spread open the retainingwalls 120. If theflat surface 128 were to be circular and conformed to the circular configuration of theinner surfaces plane 132 so as to be likely to spread the retaining wall open compared to the generally normal force 133 discussed above. - To attach
adjacent edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12-21 to each other, one of theedge rods 30 as shown inFIG. 14 is inserted into one of thegrooves first part 102. Thereafter, theother edge rod 30 of the other panel 12-21 is inserted into the other one of thegrooves first part 102. Thereafter, the second part is secured to theadjacent edge rods 30 of the adjacent panels 12-21 one by one, not simultaneously, as shown inFIG. 15 . At this point, both the first andsecond parts connector 100 are secured toadjacent edge rods 30 of adjacent panels 12-21, but are not engaged to each other. If thepart 102 is twisted to remove therods 30 from the first andsecond grooves rods 30 would be forced through theentry 112 simultaneously. Due to the rigidity of the retainingwalls 120, bothrods 30 could not come out of theentry 112 at the same time. To further add rigidity to the system, the first andsecond parts second parts arrows FIG. 13 .Extensions 138 of the first andsecond parts walls 120 of the second andfirst parts extensions 138 must be lifted up slightly so thatpawls 140 which engagesrecesses 142 of theother parts walls 120 of theother part second parts pawls 140 snaps into place in therecesses 142, as shown inFIG. 16 . A plurality ofconnectors 100 are fitted onto theadjacent edge rods 30 to allow the panels 12-21 to swivel or pivot with respect to each other and yet be strong enough to withstand stress from the animal and outside forces. Theswivel connector 100 allows an operator to collapse theenclosure 10 and provides all of the other benefits described above in relation to the other embodiments of the connector. - As discussed above, the first and
second parts pawls 140 which engage recesses 142 (seeFIG. 13 ) to lock the first and second parts together (seeFIG. 16 ). Thepawls 140 are formed on the distal end of theextension 138. Therecesses 142 are formed on the proximal side of the retaining walls 120 (seeFIG. 16 ). Thepawls 140 are shown as being received into therecesses 142 so that thepawls 140 do not protrude out of the retainingwalls 120. Rather, thepawls 140 are flush with the retainingwalls 120. However, it is also contemplated that norecesses 142 are formed in the retaining walls. In this instance, thepawls 140 extend over the proximal side of the retainingwalls 120 and are not flush therewith. - The first and
second clips second clips second clips recesses 142 and nopawls 140, whereas the other one haspawls 140 and norecesses 142. In another example, neither of the first andsecond clips second clips second clips - Referring now to
FIG. 17 , a side view of a variation of the first andsecond parts swivel connector 100 is shown. In this variant of the second embodiment, the inner surfaces of the first andsecond grooves flat surfaces 128 to mitigate withdrawal of theedge rods 30 from the first andsecond parts adjacent edge rods 30 further apart from each other compared to theedge rods 30 disposed within the first andsecond parts FIGS. 13-16 . Also,entry 112 is wider than two diameters of theedge rod 30. - The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, including various ways of pivoting the
connectors 22 to allow offset of the various panels. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
Claims (27)
Priority Applications (4)
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US13/045,411 US20120227675A1 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2011-03-10 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
US13/283,768 US8733293B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2011-10-28 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
US14/190,371 US10034451B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2014-02-26 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
US15/252,735 US10993411B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2016-08-31 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US13/045,411 US20120227675A1 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2011-03-10 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
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US13/283,768 Continuation US8733293B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2011-10-28 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
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US13/283,768 Expired - Fee Related US8733293B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2011-10-28 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
US14/190,371 Expired - Fee Related US10034451B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2014-02-26 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
US15/252,735 Active 2031-04-12 US10993411B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2016-08-31 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
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US13/283,768 Expired - Fee Related US8733293B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2011-10-28 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
US14/190,371 Expired - Fee Related US10034451B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2014-02-26 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
US15/252,735 Active 2031-04-12 US10993411B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2016-08-31 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector |
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US (4) | US20120227675A1 (en) |
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US10798913B2 (en) * | 2016-02-01 | 2020-10-13 | Shanghai Neocraft Tool Co., Ltd. | Pet cage |
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US20180139925A1 (en) * | 2016-11-20 | 2018-05-24 | Dee Volin | At-least-twenty-four-different-configuration pet kennel, having angled clamp system, parallel clamp system, angled stilt system, parallel stilt system, wind-circulating sail system, and rain-circulating gutter system |
US10757911B2 (en) * | 2016-11-20 | 2020-09-01 | Dee Volin | Multiple-configuration pet kennel |
JP7454304B2 (en) | 2019-03-01 | 2024-03-22 | 株式会社凡美社 | Connector for pet circle |
US20210144954A1 (en) * | 2019-11-19 | 2021-05-20 | Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc. | Animal crate with removably coupled divider panel assembly |
US11497190B2 (en) * | 2019-11-19 | 2022-11-15 | Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc. | Animal crate with removably coupled divider panel assembly |
US20210400907A1 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2021-12-30 | Melanie Gornick | Portable patio for small pet elimination |
US11612132B2 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2023-03-28 | Melanie Gornick | Portable patio for small pet elimination |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8733293B2 (en) | 2014-05-27 |
US20120272920A1 (en) | 2012-11-01 |
US10993411B2 (en) | 2021-05-04 |
US20160366847A1 (en) | 2016-12-22 |
US20140174375A1 (en) | 2014-06-26 |
US10034451B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PRECISION PET PRODUCTS, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LINK, DAVID;LIANG, HONGKUN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20110725 TO 20110726;REEL/FRAME:026686/0643 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
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Owner name: ALLY BANK, AS AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:PRECISION PET PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:039592/0802 Effective date: 20160705 |
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