Deployable cat tower arrangement

Abstract

Provided is a deployable cat tower arrangement (10) which comprises an A-frame base (12) comprising two side panels (14) interspaced by means of two opposed angled panels (16) in a trestle arrangement. Also included is a first deployable wing member (18) pivoted at one end between the opposed side panels (15) and including at least one deployable cat platform (20), and a second deployable wing member (22) pivoted at another end between the opposed side panels (14) and including at least one deployable cat platform 20. The wing members (18) and (22) are configurable between a deployed position, in which said wing members 18 and (22) stand proud of the two side panels (14) with deployable cat platforms (20) positionable to form a cat tower, and a stowed position, in which the respective deployable cat platforms (20) are folded onto their supporting wing members 18 or (22) and said wing members (18) and (22) pivoted into the trestle arrangement proximate the opposed angled panels (16) to form a support surface (24) as an article of furniture.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to pet furniture, and more specifically to a deployable cat tower arrangement. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] A cat tower or cat tree (also referred to as a cat tree house, cat condo, kitty condo, cat stand, or cat post) is generally known in the art of keeping feline pets. It is well known that some pet animals, especially cats, enjoy climbing, jumping, perching on tall objects, investigating enclosed spaces, and scratching to exercise and sharpen claws. To this end, cat towers have been developed that facilitate these needs and behaviours for domestic cats.

[0004] Such conventional cat towers are generally some manner of artificial structure for a cat to play, exercise, relax and sleep on. Cat towers vary in height and complexity, with most cats preferring features offering height over comfort, particularly if tall enough to allow a clear survey of their territory. Some cats prefer options which offer shelter or a secluded escape, which may be at any height of the structure.

[0005] Conventional cat tower designs are typically of a floor-based solid structure, composed of square-shaped sheets of particle board (as platforms, boxes and enclosed structures) combined with wooden beams, poles and planks (used as elevators or stairs), with exteriors and interiors typically covered with carpet. Such elevators are also frequently covered with an abrasive material, such as rope, intended to induce cats to scratch in those areas and reduce overall wear of the structure. The levels created by the layer of interactive features offer cats anything from bedding and shelter to exercise and play.

[0006] The products currently available for use as play structures have limitations that affect utility. Some products require extension of the structure from floor to ceiling for the structure to be adequately supported. Other products take up an inordinate amount of space. Further, many products available for use as play structures have a substantially fixed configuration and are not meant to be modified once installed. Many claw posts and scratch posts are well suited for training felines and other small animals to remain off-of home furnishings when they play, exercise and climb indoors, however their usefulness lacks multi-functions for versatility purposes .

[0007] The current invention was conceived with the goal in mind of ameliorating the art of conventional cat towers by providing a deployable arrangement able to serve more than one function, whilst also reducing the space required for a cat tower . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a deployable cat tower arrangement comprising: an A-frame base comprising two side panels interspaced by means of two opposed angled panels in a trestle arrangement; a first deployable wing member pivoted at one end between the opposed side panels and including at least one deployable cat platform; and a second deployable wing member pivoted at another end between the opposed side panels and including at least one deployable cat platform; wherein the wing members are configurable between a deployed position, in which said wing members stand proud of the two side panels with deployable cat platforms positionable to form a cat tower, and a stowed position, in which the respective deployable cat platforms are folded onto their supporting wing members and said wing members pivoted into the trestle arrangement proximate the opposed angled panels to form a support surface as an article of furniture.

[0009] In an embodiment, the side panels each comprise a rectangular panel with triangular apertures therein to form a truss .

[0010] In an embodiment, the two opposed angled panels transversely interspace the side panels at a respective angle of between 15° and 75° with respect to the horizontal.

[0011] In an embodiment, the A-frame base comprises a floor panel arranged substantially horizontal beneath the two opposed angled panels to form a cubbyhole bounded by the angled panels and floor panel.

[0012] In an embodiment, the A-frame base includes castor wheels to facilitate moving the cat tower arrangement across a surface.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first deployable wing member is pivoted at one upper corner between the opposed side panels.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first deployable wing member comprises a cantilevered cat platform at an end distal from the pivoted end thereof, said first wing member having a length such that, when in the stowed position, the cantilevered cat platform forms a side of the A-frame base and the first wing member forms the support surface for an article of furniture.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first deployable wing member comprises a deployable cat platform hinged along a length thereof .

[0016] In an embodiment, the second deployable wing member is pivoted at another upper corner between the opposed side panels .

[0017] In an embodiment, the second wing member comprises a deployable cat platform hinged along a length thereof.

[0018] In an embodiment, the second wing member has a length less than that of the first wing member so that the second wing member is able to be covered by the first wing member within the A-frame base when in the stowed position.

[0019] In an embodiment, each deployable wing member comprises a detent to releasably secure such wing member in the deployed or stowed position.

[0020] In an embodiment, each wing member comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic strut member to facilitate in deploying or stowing such wing members.

[0021] In an embodiment, the side panels include a support bracket to support the wing members in the stowed position.

[0022] In an embodiment, the cat platforms are selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a solid platform, a foraminous platform, a mesh platform, a cushioned platform, a toy platform and a feeding platform.

[0023] In an embodiment, the panels, wing members and / or cat platforms are covered in a textile material to facilitate scratching and / or climbing by a cat.

[0024] In an embodiment, the panels, wing members and / or cat platforms include accessory hooks to facilitate attachment of accessories to the arrangement.

[0025] In an embodiment, the panels, wing members and / or cat platforms define accessory apertures configured to receive accessories for removable attachment to the arrangement.

[0026] In an embodiment, the A-frame base is configurable as an article of furniture by the support surface defining a seat and / or tabletop.

[0027] In an embodiment, the article of furniture definable by the A-frame base being selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a chair, a stool, a table, a bedside table, a coffee table, a desk, a cabinet, a chest and a bench.

[0028] In an embodiment, the panels, wing members and cat platforms are manufactured from timber.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a deployable cat tower arrangement substantially as herein described and / or illustrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of one embodiment of a deployable cat tower arrangement, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, in a deployed position; Figure 2 is another diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the deployable cat tower arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a further diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the deployable cat tower arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of the deployable cat tower arrangement, showing folding of wing member into a stowed position; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the deployable cat tower arrangement in a stowed position; Figure 6 is diagrammatic side representation the deployable cat tower arrangement; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic opposite side-view representation of the deployable cat tower arrangement; Figure 8 is a further diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the deployable cat tower arrangement of Figure 5; Figure 9 is diagrammatic perspective-view representation of a further embodiment of the deployable cat tower arrangement; and Figures 10 and 11 are rendered representations of embodiments of the deployable cat tower arrangement showing various accessories received in accessory apertures of the panels, wing members and / or cat platforms. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above.

[0031] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout. Additionally, features, mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail, as such features, mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0032] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings, but provide a functional overview of the invention only. As a result, features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure, but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0033] Broadly, with reference now to the accompanying figures, the present invention provides for a deployable cat tower arrangement 10, which comprises an A-frame base 12 comprising two side panels 14 interspaced by means of two opposed angled panels 16 in a trestle arrangement, as shown. In the exemplified embodiment, the side panels 14 each typically comprise a rectangular panel with substantially triangular apertures therein to form a truss. However, variations hereon are possible and within the scope of the present invention. For example, the side panels 14 may take a shape other than rectangular, define apertures having a shape other than triangular, or the like.

[0034] In the exemplified embodiment, the two opposed angled panels 16 generally transversely interspace the side panels 14 at a respective angle of between 15° and 75° with respect to the horizontal, as shown. In a typical example, the angled panels 16 lie at a roughly 45° angle to the horizontal as part of the trestle arrangement. In the exemplified embodiment, the A-frame base 12 also comprises a floor panel 26 which is arranged substantially horizontal beneath the two opposed angled panels 16 to form a cubbyhole bounded by the angled panels 16 and floor panel 26, as shown. Such a cubbyhole finds particular application in entertaining cats and may include a cushion, or the like. In one embodiment, the A-frame base 12 may further include castor wheels (not shown) to facilitate moving the cat tower arrangement 10 across a surface .

[0035] The deployable cat tower arrangement 10 further includes a first deployable wing member 18 which is pivoted at one end between the opposed side panels 14 and including at least one deployable cat platform 20. Arrangement 10 further includes a second deployable wing member 22 which is pivoted at another end between the opposed side panels 14, as shown, and which includes at least one deployable cat platform 20. Variations hereon are possible; for example, one embodiment of arrangement 10 may only include the first deployable wing member 18 without the second deployable wing member 22, or the like .

[0036] In the exemplified embodiment, the first deployable wing member 18 is generally pivoted at one upper corner between the opposed side panels 14, as shown, with the second deployable wing member 22 pivoted at the other upper corner between the opposed side panels 14.

[0037] In the exemplified embodiment, as shown more clearly in Figures 5 and 7, the first deployable wing member 18 comprises a cantilevered cat platform 20 at an end distal from the pivoted end thereof, as shown, said first wing member 18 having a length such that, when in the stowed position, the cantilevered cat platform 20 forms a side of the A-frame base 12 and the first wing member 18 forms a support surface 24 for an article of furniture.

[0038] In the exemplified embodiment, the first deployable wing member 18 also comprises a deployable cat platform 20 hinged along a length thereof, as shown. In the exemplified embodiment, the second wing member 22 also comprises a deployable cat platform 20 hinged along a length thereof. The second wing member 22 has a length less than that of the first wing member 18 so that the second wing member 22 is able to be covered by the first wing member within the A-frame base 12 when in the stowed position.

[0039] As shown more clearly in Figure 4, in this manner, the wing members 18 and 22 are configurable between a deployed position, in which said wing members 18 and 22 stand proud of the two side panels 14 with deployable cat platforms 20 positionable to form a cat tower, and a stowed position, in which the respective deployable cat platforms 20 are folded onto their supporting wing members 18 and 22, as indicated by the dashed arrows, and said wing members 18 and 22 are pivoted into the trestle arrangement proximate the opposed angled panels 16 to form the support surface 24 for an article of furniture, as shown by the solid arrows.

[0040] In the exemplified embodiment, each deployable wing member 18 and 22 also comprises a suitable detent to releasably secure such wing member 18 or 22 in the deployed or stowed position. Such detents are generally known in the art and may include a magnetic latch, an over-centre toggle, an interference-fit latch, etc. In the exemplified embodiment, each wing member 18 and 22 also comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic strut member 30 to facilitate in deploying or stowing such wing members 18 and 22. In the exemplified embodiment, the side panels 14 further include support brackets 32 in order to support the wing members 18 and 22 in the stowed position. For example, the support brackets may comprise a stop for each pivoted wing member 18 and 22 that rests on such support brackets 32 in the stowed position.

[0041] In different embodiments, the cat platforms 10 are selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a solid platform, a foraminous platform, a mesh platform, a cushioned platform, a toy platform and a feeding platform. In one embodiment, the panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22 and / or cat platforms 20 are selectively covered in a textile material, such as carpeting or the like, to facilitate scratching and / or climbing by a cat. For example, various parts of the panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22 and / or cat platforms 20 may comprise hook or loop fasteners for complementarily receiving cushions or material covering with respective loop or hook fasteners, or the like.

[0042] In one embodiment, panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22 and / or cat platforms 2 may also include accessory hooks (not shown) to facilitate attachment of accessories to the arrangement. In the embodiment exemplified in Figures 10 and 11, the panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22 and / or cat platforms 2 define accessory apertures 36, as shown, generally configured to receive accessories 34 therein for removable attachment to the arrangement 10. For example, such accessories 34 may include a hammock, scratch posts, dangling toys, a ramp, a feeding bowl, etc. Of course, other accessories 34 are possible and anticipated. Such accessories 34 may be stowable within the A-frame base 12 when the arrangement 10 is in the stowed position, or the like.

[0043] In one embodiment, the A-frame base 12 is configurable as an article of furniture by the support surface 24 defining a seat and / or tabletop or similar support. In different embodiments, the article of furniture definable by the A-frame base 12 may be selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a chair, a stool, a table, a bedside table, a coffee table, a desk, a cabinet, a chest and a bench. In a typical embodiment, the panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22 and / or cat platforms 20 are manufactured from timber, but variations hereon are possible and included. As described above, the support surface 24 may include a removable cushion(s) or fabric material, or the like.

[0044] Various optional features may also be present. For example, in one embodiment, the arrangement 10 may include an electromechanical actuator (not shown) for deploying or stowing the wing members 18 and 22, or the like. Lighting and other aesthetic features may also be included. In the manner described, arrangement 10 is able to provide both an article of furniture, as well as a cat tower with various cat platforms, as and when needed. Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for cat tower arrangement 10 able to offer multi-functionality as both a cat tower (when deployed) and an article of furniture (when stowed) . The cat tower arrangement can be stowed in a neat and tidy manner, with said cat tower deployable and adjustable according to requirements when needed.

[0045] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee. Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth .

[0046] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise .

[0047] Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0048] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0049] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A deployable cat tower arrangement comprising:an A-frame base comprising two side panels interspaced by means of two opposed angled panels in a trestle arrangement;a first deployable wing member pivoted at one end between the opposed side panels and including at least one deployable cat platform; anda second deployable wing member pivoted at another end between the opposed side panels and including at least one deployable cat platform;wherein the wing members are configurable between a deployed position, in which said wing members stand proud of the two side panels with deployable cat platforms positionable to form a cat tower, and a stowed position, in which the respective deployable cat platforms are folded onto their supporting wing members and said wing members pivoted into the trestle arrangement proximate the opposed angled panels to form a support surface as an article of furniture.

2. The deployable cat tower arrangement of claim 1, wherein the side panels each comprise a rectangular panel with substantially triangular apertures therein to form a truss.

3. The deployable cat tower arrangement of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the two opposed angled panels transversely interspace the side panels at a respective angle of between 15° and 75° with respect to the horizontal.

4. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the A-frame base comprises a floor panel arranged substantially horizontal beneath the two opposed angled panelsto form a cubbyhole bounded by the angled panels and floor panel.2024385732  05 May 20265. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the A-frame base includes castor wheels to facilitate moving the cat tower arrangement across a surface.

6. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first deployable wing member is pivoted at one upper corner between the opposed side panels.

7. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first deployable wing member comprises a cantilevered cat platform at an end distal from the pivoted end thereof, said first wing member having a length such that, when in the stowed position, the cantilevered cat platform forms a side of the A-frame base and the first wing member forms the support surface for an article of furniture.

8. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first deployable wing member comprises a deployable cat platform hinged along a length thereof.

9. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second deployable wing member is pivoted at another upper corner between the opposed side panels.

10. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second wing member comprises a deployable cat platform hinged along a length thereof.

11. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second wing member has a length less than that of the first wing member so that the second wing member is able2024385732  05 May 2026to be covered by the first wing member within the A-frame base when in the stowed position.

12. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein each deployable wing member comprises a detent to releasably secure such wing member in the deployed or stowed position.

13. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein each wing member comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic strut member to facilitate in deploying or stowing such wing members.

14. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the side panels include a support bracket to support the wing members in the stowed position.

15. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cat platforms are selectable from a nonexhaustive group consisting of a solid platform, a foraminous platform, a mesh platform, a cushioned platform, a toy platform and a feeding platform.

16. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the panels, wing members and / or cat platforms are covered in a textile material to facilitate scratching and / or climbing by a cat.

17. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the panels, wing members and / or cat platforms include accessory hooks to facilitate attachment of accessories to the arrangement.2024385732  05 May 202618. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the panels, wing members and / or cat platforms define accessory apertures configured to receive accessories for removable attachment to the arrangement.

19. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the A-frame base is configurable as an article of furniture by the support surface defining a seat and / or tabletop.

20. The deployable cat tower arrangement of any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the panels, wing members and cat platforms are manufactured from timber.

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