Deployable catwalk arrangement
By designing an expandable cat tree device, the problems of traditional cat trees taking up a lot of space and having limited functions are solved, and the cat tree can be flexibly switched with furniture to meet the cat's climbing and resting needs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480073239.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Traditional cat trees take up a lot of space and have limited functionality. They cannot be adjusted flexibly and cannot simultaneously meet the needs of cats for climbing and furniture.
Design an expandable cat tree device, including an A-shaped frame base and expandable wing components that can switch between expanded and retracted positions to form a cat tree or furniture, and utilize pneumatic or hydraulic support components for easy expansion or retraction.
It achieves the versatility of a cat tree, reduces its space occupation, and can be switched to be used as furniture as needed, meeting the cat's climbing and resting needs.
Smart Images
Figure CN122294989A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates broadly to pet furniture, and more specifically, to an extendable cat tree device. Background Technology
[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended only to facilitate understanding of the invention. This discussion does not confirm or acknowledge that any material mentioned was, or was, part of common general knowledge at the time of the application.
[0003] Cat trees or cat climbing frames (also known as cat treehouses, cat apartments, kitten apartments, cat frames, or cat pillars) are well-known in the world of cat ownership. It is well-known that some pets, especially cats, enjoy climbing, jumping, perching on tall objects, exploring enclosed spaces, and scratching for exercise and to sharpen their claws. Cat trees have been developed to accommodate these needs and behaviors in domestic cats.
[0004] Traditional cat trees are typically some kind of artificial structure for cats to play, exercise, relax, and sleep. Cat trees vary in height and complexity, with most cats preferring features that provide height rather than comfort, especially if tall enough to clearly survey their territory. Some cats prefer shelters or secluded escape options, which can be at any height within the structure.
[0005] Traditional cat tree designs are typically based on a solid floor structure, composed of square particleboard panels (serving as platforms, boxes, and enclosed structures) combined with wooden beams, poles, and planks (used as steps or stairs), usually covered both the exterior and interior with carpet. These steps are also frequently covered with abrasive materials such as ropes, designed to encourage cats to scratch in these areas, reducing overall wear and tear on the structure. The various levels created by interactive functional layers provide cats with everything they need, from resting and sheltering areas to exercise and play.
[0006] Currently available play structures have limitations that affect their practicality. Some products require the structure to extend from the floor to the ceiling for adequate support. Others take up too much space. Furthermore, many play structures have largely fixed configurations that cannot be modified once installed. Many claw posts and scratching posts are excellent for training felines and other small animals to play, exercise, and climb away from furniture indoors; however, they lack versatility in use.
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to improve upon the technology of traditional cat trees by providing an expandable device that can serve multiple functions, while reducing the space required for cat trees. Summary of the Invention
[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a deployable cat tree device is provided, comprising: The A-frame base includes two side panels, which are separated by two opposing inclined panels in a bracket-type device. A first deployable wing member, pivotally connected at one end between opposing side panels, and including at least one deployable cat platform; and The second deployable wing member is pivotally connected to the other end between the opposing side panels and includes at least one deployable cat platform; The wing member is configurable between the unfolded and stowed positions. In the unfolded position, the wing member protrudes beyond the two side panels, and the unfoldable cat platform can be positioned to form a cat climbing frame. In the stowed position, the corresponding unfoldable cat platform folds onto its supporting wing member, and the wing member is pivotally connected to the bracket device near the opposite inclined panel to form a supporting surface as furniture.
[0009] In one embodiment, each side panel includes a rectangular panel with triangular holes to form a truss.
[0010] In one embodiment, two opposing tilted panels laterally separate the side panels at an angle between 15° and 75° relative to the horizontal plane.
[0011] In one embodiment, the A-frame base includes a base plate arranged generally horizontally below two opposing inclined panels to form a cubicle enclosed by the inclined panels and the base plate.
[0012] In one embodiment, the A-frame base includes casters to facilitate movement of the cat climbing frame on a surface.
[0013] In one embodiment, the first deployable wing member is pivotally connected to an upper corner between opposing side panels.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first deployable wing member includes a cantilever cat platform at its end away from the pivot end. The first wing member has a length such that, when in the stowed position, the cantilever cat platform forms the side of an A-frame base, and the first wing member forms a support surface for the furniture.
[0015] In one embodiment, the first deployable wing member includes a deployable cat platform hinged along its length.
[0016] In one embodiment, the second deployable wing member is pivotally connected to another upper corner between opposite side panels.
[0017] In one embodiment, the second wing member includes a deployable cat platform hinged along its length.
[0018] In one embodiment, the length of the second wing member is less than the length of the first wing member, so that when in the storage position, the second wing member can be covered by the first wing member within the A-shaped frame base.
[0019] In one embodiment, each deployable wing member includes a stopper to detachably secure the wing member in either the deployed or stowed position.
[0020] In one embodiment, each wing component includes a pneumatic or hydraulic support component to facilitate the deployment or retraction of the wing component.
[0021] In one embodiment, the side panel includes a support bracket to support the wing member in a stowed position.
[0022] In one embodiment, the cat platform can be selected from the group including, but not limited to, solid platforms, porous platforms, mesh platforms, cushioning platforms, toy platforms, and feeding platforms.
[0023] In one embodiment, the panel, wing members, and / or cat platform are covered with textile material to facilitate scratching and / or climbing by the cat.
[0024] In one embodiment, the panel, wing member, and / or cat platform include accessory hooks to facilitate the attachment of accessories to the device.
[0025] In one embodiment, the panel, wing member, and / or cat platform define an attachment hole configured to receive an attachment, thereby enabling a detachable connection between the attachment and the device.
[0026] In one embodiment, the A-frame base is configured as furniture by defining a seat and / or tabletop through a supporting surface.
[0027] In one embodiment, the furniture defined by the A-frame base can be selected from a group including, but not limited to, chairs, stools, tables, bedside tables, coffee tables, desks, cabinets, chests, and benches.
[0028] In one embodiment, the panel, wing components, and cat platform are all made of wood.
[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, a deployable cat climbing frame device is provided, which is substantially as described and / or shown herein. Attached Figure Description
[0030] The description will refer to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the deployable cat tree device according to aspects of the present invention in the deployed position; Figure 2 yes Figure 1Another schematic perspective view of the deployable cat tree device; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of the deployable cat tree device; Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of an extendable cat tree assembly, showing the wing components folded into their stowed position; Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of the unfoldable cat tree device in its storage position; Figure 6 This is a schematic side view of an extendable cat tree device; Figure 7 This is a schematic side view of an extendable cat tree device; Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Another schematic perspective view of the deployable cat tree device; Figure 9 A schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the deployable cat tree device; and Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a representation of an embodiment of a deployable cat climbing frame device, showing various attachments accommodated in the attachment holes of the panel, wing members, and / or cat platform. Detailed Implementation
[0031] Other features of the invention are described more fully in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments. This description is intended only to illustrate the invention to those skilled in the art and should not be construed as limiting the scope, disclosure, or description of the invention described above.
[0032] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same parts in order to illustrate the features of the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, features, mechanisms, and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail, as these features, mechanisms, or aspects will be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0033] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are not engineering or design drawings, but only provide a functional overview of the invention. Therefore, the features and actual construction details required for various embodiments may not be shown in every drawing, but these construction requirements will be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0034] In summary, referring now to the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a deployable cat tree assembly 10 comprising an A-shaped frame base 12 including two side panels 14 spaced apart by two opposing inclined panels 16 in a support-type assembly, as shown. In an exemplary embodiment, each side panel 14 typically comprises a rectangular panel having generally triangular openings to form a truss. However, variations are possible and within the scope of the invention. For example, the side panels 14 may have a non-rectangular shape, defining openings with non-triangular shapes, etc.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, typically, two opposing inclined panels 16 laterally space the side panels 14 at angles between 15° and 75° relative to the horizontal plane. In a typical example, as part of the support assembly, the inclined panels 16 form an angle of approximately 45° with the horizontal plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the A-frame base 12 also includes a base plate 26 arranged generally horizontally below the two opposing inclined panels 16 to form a compartment enclosed by the inclined panels 16 and the base plate 26, as shown. Such a compartment has a particular application in providing entertainment for cats and may include mats, etc. In one embodiment, the A-frame base 12 may also include casters (not shown) to facilitate movement of the cat tree assembly 10 on a surface.
[0036] The deployable cat tree assembly 10 also includes a first deployable wing member 18 pivotally connected to one end between opposing side panels 14 and including at least one deployable cat platform 20. The assembly 10 also includes a second deployable wing member 22 pivotally connected to the other end between opposing side panels 14, as shown, and including at least one deployable cat platform 20. Variations are possible; for example, one embodiment of the assembly 10 may include only the first deployable wing member 18, omitting the second deployable wing member 22, etc.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the first deployable wing member 18 is typically pivotally connected to one upper corner between opposing side panels 14, as shown, and the second deployable wing member 22 is pivotally connected to another upper corner between opposing side panels 14.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown more clearly, the first deployable wing member 18 includes a cantilever cat platform 20 at its end away from the pivot end, as shown. The first wing member 18 has a length such that when in the stowed position, the cantilever cat platform 20 forms the side of the A-shaped frame base 12, and the first wing member 18 forms a support surface 24 for furniture.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the first deployable wing member 18 further includes a deployable cat platform 20 hinged along its length, as shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the second wing member 22 also includes a deployable cat platform 20 hinged along its length. The length of the second wing member 22 is less than the length of the first wing member 18, such that when in the stowed position, the second wing member 22 can be covered by the first wing member within the A-shaped frame base 12.
[0040] like Figure 4 As shown more clearly in the diagram, the wing members 18 and 22 can be configured between an extended position and a stowed position. In the extended position, the wing members 18 and 22 protrude beyond the two side panels 14, and the extendable cat platform 20 can be positioned to form a cat tree. In the stowed position, the respective extendable cat platforms 20 fold onto their supporting wing members 18 or 22, as indicated by the dashed arrows, and the wing members 18 and 22 are close to the opposing inclined panels 16 and pivotally connected to the support assembly to form the supporting surface 24 of the furniture, as indicated by the solid arrows.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, each deployable wing member 18 and 22 also includes a suitable stop to detachably secure such wing member 18 or 22 in an deployed or retracted position. Such stops are known in the art and may include magnetic latches, eccentric toggle mechanisms, interference fit latches, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, each wing member 18 and 22 also includes a pneumatic or hydraulic support member 30 to facilitate the deployment or retraction of the wing member 18, 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the side panel 14 also includes a support bracket 32 to support the wing members 18 and 22 in the retracted position. For example, the support bracket may include a stop for each pivoting wing member 18 and 22, which rests on the support bracket 32 in the retracted position.
[0042] In various embodiments, the cat platform 10 may be selected from a non-exhaustive group consisting of solid platforms, porous platforms, mesh platforms, cushioning platforms, toy platforms, and feeding platforms. In one embodiment, panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22, and / or the cat platform 20 may be selectively covered with a textile material, such as carpet, to facilitate scratching and / or climbing by the cat. For example, various portions of panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22, and / or the cat platform 20 may include hook or loop fasteners for complementaryly receiving padding or material covered with corresponding loop or hook fasteners, etc.
[0043] In one embodiment, panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22, and / or cat platform 20 may also include attachment hooks (not shown) for attaching attachments to the device. Figure 10 and 11In the illustrated embodiment, panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22, and / or cat platform 2 define attachment holes 36, as shown, which are typically configured to receive attachments 34 therein, thereby enabling a detachable connection between the attachment and device 10. For example, such attachments 34 may include hammocks, scratching bars, hanging toys, ramps, feeding bowls, etc. Of course, other attachments 34 are also possible and anticipated. When device 10 is in a stowed position, such attachments 34 can be stored within the A-frame base 12.
[0044] In one embodiment, the A-frame base 12 can be configured as furniture, defining a seat and / or tabletop or similar support by the support surface 24. In various embodiments, the furniture defined by the A-frame base 12 can be selected from a non-exhaustive group consisting of chairs, stools, tables, bedside tables, coffee tables, desks, cabinets, chests, and benches. In a typical embodiment, panels 14 and / or 16, wing members 18 and / or 22, and / or cat platform 20 are made of wood, but variations are possible and included herein. As mentioned above, the support surface 24 can include removable padding or fabric materials, etc.
[0045] Various optional functions may also be present. For example, in one embodiment, device 10 may include electromechanical actuators (not shown) for deploying or retracting wing members 18 and 22, etc. Lighting and other aesthetic features may also be included. In this manner, device 10 is capable of providing furniture as well as a cat tree with various cat platforms when needed. The applicant believes it is particularly advantageous that the present invention provides a cat tree device 10 capable of providing multiple functions, both as a cat tree (when deployed) and as furniture (when retracted). The cat tree device can be neatly stored, and the cat tree can be deployed and adjusted as needed.
[0046] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, structures, and techniques are not described in detail, as they will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Alternative embodiments of the invention may also broadly include portions, elements, and features individually or jointly mentioned or indicated herein, as well as any or all combinations of two or more portions, elements, or features. If a particular integer mentioned herein has a known equivalent in the field to which this invention pertains, such known equivalents are considered to be included herein as if listed separately.
[0047] It should be understood that references to "an example" or "example" of the invention herein, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as"), are not exclusive. Various substantially practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein in textual and / or graphical form to achieve the claimed subject matter. Thus, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, while other aspects are exemplified in different examples. These examples are intended to assist those skilled in the art in practicing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0048] Variations (e.g., modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to appropriately adopt such variations, and the inventors hope that the claimed subject matter can be practiced beyond the specific description herein.
[0049] In the context of describing various embodiments (particularly in the context of the claimed subject matter), the use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and / or similar designations should be construed as encompassing both the singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”). 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 that any unclaimed subject matter is essential to the practice of the claimed object.
[0050] For ease of description, this document uses spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., to describe the relationship of an element or feature to other elements or features, as shown in the figure. In addition to the orientations shown in the figure, spatial relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, elements described as “below” or “below” will be oriented as “above.” Therefore, the example term “below” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.
Claims
1. An extendable cat tree device, comprising: The A-shaped frame base includes two side panels, which are separated by two opposing inclined panels in a bracket device. A first deployable wing member, pivotally connected at one end between opposing side panels, and includes at least one deployable cat platform; as well as The second deployable wing member is pivotally connected to the other end between the opposing side panels and includes at least one deployable cat platform; The wing member is configurable between the unfolded position and the folded position. In the unfolded position, the wing member protrudes beyond the two side panels, and the unfoldable cat platform can be positioned to form a cat climbing frame. In the folded position, the corresponding unfoldable cat platform folds onto its supporting wing member, and the wing member is pivotally connected to the bracket device near the opposing inclined panel to form a supporting surface as furniture.
2. The deployable cat tree device according to claim 1, wherein, Each side panel comprises a rectangular panel with approximately triangular holes to form a truss.
3. The deployable cat tree device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The two opposing inclined panels are laterally spaced apart by angles between 15° and 75° relative to the horizontal plane.
4. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The A-shaped frame base includes a base plate, which is arranged generally horizontally below the two opposing inclined panels to form a compartment enclosed by the inclined panels and the base plate.
5. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The A-frame base includes casters to facilitate movement of the cat climbing frame on the surface.
6. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first deployable wing member is pivotally connected to an upper corner between the opposing side panels.
7. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first deployable wing member includes a cantilever cat platform at its end away from the pivot end. The first deployable wing member has a length such that, when in the stowed position, the cantilever cat platform forms the side of the A-frame base, and the first deployable wing member forms a supporting surface for the furniture.
8. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first deployable wing member includes a deployable cat platform hinged along its length.
9. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The second deployable wing member is pivotally connected to another upper corner between the opposing side panels.
10. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The second deployable wing member includes a deployable cat platform hinged along its length.
11. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The length of the second deployable wing member is less than the length of the first deployable wing member, so that when in the storage position, the second deployable wing member can be covered by the first deployable wing member within the A-shaped frame base.
12. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, Each deployable wing component includes a stopper to detachably secure the wing component in either the deployed or stowed position.
13. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, Each wing component includes a pneumatic or hydraulic support component to facilitate the deployment or retraction of the wing component.
14. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The side panel includes a support bracket to support the wing member in the stowed position.
15. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The cat platform includes a solid platform, a porous platform, a mesh platform, a cushioning platform, a toy platform, or a feeding platform.
16. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The panel, wing components, and / or cat platform are covered with textile material to facilitate scratching and / or climbing by the cat.
17. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The panel, wing member, and / or cat platform include accessory hooks to facilitate the attachment of accessories to the device.
18. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The panel, wing member, and / or cat platform define attachment holes configured to receive attachments, thereby enabling a detachable connection between the attachments and the device.
19. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The A-frame base is configured as furniture, defining a seat and / or tabletop via the supporting surface.
20. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, Furniture defined by the A-frame base includes chairs, stools, tables, bedside tables, coffee tables, desks, cabinets, chests, or benches.
21. The deployable cat tree device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The panel, wing components, and cat platform are all made of wood.