Pet cage and pet cage with circle

Abstract

To provide a pet cage capable of suppressing wobbling of a circle panel, and to provide a pet cage with a circle.SOLUTION: A pet cage 100 includes a panel (for example, a front panel 20) forming a peripheral wall and a support column (for example, a front support column 24) supporting the panel, and the support column includes a connection part 26 capable of connecting a circle panel 9. According to such a configuration, by providing the coupling portion 26 on the support column, it is possible to suppress wobbling of the circle panel 9 at the coupling portion 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pet cage and a pet cage with a playpen. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a pet cage with connectable playpen panels. In such a pet cage, the cage panel and the playpen panel are connected using a connector. However, connecting the panels using the connector creates gaps and play between the panels, which causes the playpen panel to wobble. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Rakuten Market, "Breeding Cage," [online], [Searched May 15, 2024], Internet〈URL: https: / / item.rakuten.co.jp / onlineshopmaru / ql82-1 / 〉 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pet cage and a pet cage with a playpen that can suppress wobbling of the playpen panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The pet cage of the present disclosure includes a panel forming a peripheral wall and a support column supporting the panel, and the support column includes a connecting portion to which the playpen panel can be connected. With this configuration, by providing the connecting portion on the support column, it is possible to suppress wobbling of the playpen panel at the connecting portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a right side perspective view of a pet cage according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the pet cage according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pet cage according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pet cage according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the pet cage according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the arrow VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pet cage with a playpen according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the pet cage with playpen according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a pet cage with a playpen according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a pet cage with a playpen according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a pet cage with a playpen according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a pet cage with a playpen according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a pet cage with a playpen according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] [Pet cage] First, a pet cage 100 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 9. Fig. 1 is a right side perspective view of the pet cage 100, Fig. 2 is a left side perspective view of the pet cage 100, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pet cage 100.

[0008] 1 to 3, the pet cage 100 is a pet cage for raising small animals such as rabbits, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. However, the small animals to be raised are not limited to the above.

[0009] The pet cage 100 comprises a lower cage body 1 having an opening 10 (see Figure 3), an upper cage body 2 arranged above the lower cage body 1, a floor panel 3 placed on the lower cage body 1 so as to cover the opening 10, and a tray 4 arranged below the opening 10 and accommodated in the lower cage body 1 so as to be retractable.

[0010] The lower cage body 1 is made of, for example, resin. The opening 10 is an opening for dropping unwanted matter (such as small animal feces and urine, leftover food, etc.) into the tray 4. The shape of the opening 10 is, for example, quadrilateral (rectangular or square) in plan view. The floor panel 3 has a shape corresponding to the opening 10 and is made of, for example, a mesh-like resin. The space enclosed by the floor panel 3 and the upper cage body 2 becomes the living space for the small animals.

[0011] The lower cage body 1 is equipped with a cage locking portion 11 for locking the upper cage body 2. The cage locking portion 11 is provided at the top of both side surfaces of the lower cage body 1 (both side surfaces of an upper wall portion 14 described below). A well-known mechanism can be used for the cage locking portion 11.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3, the lower cage body 1 has an inclined portion 12 that slopes downward toward the inside of the opening 10. The inclined portion 12 is provided around (the entire periphery of) the opening 10. The inclined portion 12 extends further inward than (the peripheral wall 421 of) the storage portion 42 of the tray 4, which will be described later (see FIGS. 6 and 7). This makes it easier for unwanted objects that have passed through the floor panel 3 and fallen onto the inclined portion 12 to slide down to the tray 4 below. The opening 10 is formed by the inclined portion 12.

[0013] The lower cage body 1 is provided with a plurality of mounting portions 13 for placing the floor panels 3 thereon. The plurality of mounting portions 13 are arranged around the opening 10. The mounting portions 13 are protrusions provided on the inclined portion 12, and extend linearly along the opening 10. In this embodiment, the mounting portions 13 are provided on the upper portions of the inclined portions 12.

[0014] 1 to 3, the lower cage body 1 includes an upper wall portion 14 and a lower wall portion 15 provided around the periphery of the inclined portion 12, and an inlet flat portion 16 provided in front of the inclined portion 12. The outer peripheral surfaces of the upper wall portion 14 and the lower wall portion 15 are substantially flush, and are each inclined upward toward the inside of the lower cage body 1 (toward the opening 10).

[0015] The upper wall 14 is connected to the inclined portion 12 or the entrance flat portion 16 and extends upward. The upper wall 14 extends above the floor panel 3. This prevents unwanted matter such as small animal feces and urine from scattering outside the pet cage 100. The upper wall 14 is provided around the entire periphery of the lower cage body 1 (excluding the notch 143 described below).

[0016] The entrance flat surface 16 is provided on the front side of the lower cage body 1, and is a portion through which small animals enter and exit the pet cage 100. It is preferable that the upper surface of the entrance flat surface 16 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the floor panel 3 (see FIG. 7). This makes it easier for small animals to enter and exit the pet cage 100 compared to when there is a step between the entrance flat surface 16 and the floor panel 3. The inclined portion 12, the placing portion 13, the upper wall portion 14, the lower wall portion 15, and the entrance flat surface 16 are integrally formed.

[0017] The upper wall portion 14 is composed of a low wall portion 141 and a high wall portion 142 that is taller than the low wall portion 141. The front surface and part of the side surface of the upper wall portion 14 are composed of the low wall portion 141, and the other part of the rear surface and side surface of the upper wall portion 14 is composed of the high wall portion 142. The specific heights and formation locations of the low wall portion 141 and the high wall portion 142 can be changed as appropriate.

[0018] The upper wall 14 is provided with a notch 143 for opening and closing a door 202, which will be described later. The notch 143 is provided on the front surface of the lower cage body 1, and exposes the inlet flat surface 16. In this embodiment, the notch 143 cuts out a portion of the bottom wall 141.

[0019] The lower wall 15 is connected to the upper wall 14 and extends downward. The lower wall 15 covers the entire periphery of the inclined portion 12. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the pet cage 100. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, an opening 151 for pulling out the tray 4 is preferably provided on the side (left and / or right) of the lower wall 15. That is, the tray 4 is preferably configured to be pullable from the side of the lower cage body 1. With this configuration, the tray 4 can be easily pulled out even when a playpen panel 9 (described later) is connected to the front side of the pet cage 100. The tray 4 is not shown in FIG. 5.

[0020] The opening 151 has a shape corresponding to the tray 4, and is slightly larger than the drawer section 41 of the tray 4, which will be described later. The opening 151 is preferably provided on each of both side surfaces of the lower cage body 1 (the left and right surfaces of the lower wall section 15). That is, the tray 4 is preferably configured to be able to be drawn out from both side surfaces of the lower cage body 1. This makes it possible to draw out the tray 4 from both sides. As a result, the draw-out direction of the tray 4 can be changed depending on the installation position of the pet cage 100. In this embodiment, the tray 4 is inserted from the right opening 151, but the draw-out direction of the tray 4 can be changed by inserting the tray 4 from the left opening 151.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the tray 4 is configured to be able to store unwanted items that have fallen through the floor panel 3. The tray 4 includes a handle 40, a drawer 41 provided with the handle 40, and a storage section 42 for storing unwanted items. The handle 40 may have any shape or configuration that allows it to be grasped by hand.

[0022] The drawer section 41 is provided on a side surface of the pet cage 100. The drawer section 41 has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. In this embodiment, the drawer section 41 is provided on only one side surface of the pet cage 100.

[0023] The shape of the storage section 42 corresponds to the shape of the opening 10, and in plan view has a larger area than the opening 10. The height of the storage section 42 is preferably substantially the same as the height of the drawer section 41. This allows the tray 4 to be drawn out from both directions.

[0024] Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 4, and Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 3 and Figs. 5 to 7, the lower cage body 1 has a bottom wall portion 17 on which the tray 4 is placed. The bottom wall portion 17 is connected to the lower wall portion 15. In this embodiment, the bottom wall portion 17 is separate from the lower wall portion 15. The bottom wall portion 17 is connected to the lower wall portion 15 by a well-known structure.

[0025] The bottom wall 17 is preferably formed like a rail extending in the direction in which the tray 4 is pulled out (left-right direction), and is provided on the front and rear sides of the lower cage body 1. This allows the tray 4 to slide on the bottom wall 17, making it possible to pull out the tray 4 from the lower cage body 1.

[0026] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the tray 4 as viewed from the arrow VIII in FIG. 7. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tray 4 preferably includes a protrusion 43 protruding downward from the tray 4, and the lower cage body 1 (bottom wall portion 17 thereof) preferably includes a recess 171 into which the protrusion 43 fits when the tray 4 is housed. According to this configuration, fitting the protrusion 43 into the recess 171 locks the housed tray 4, preventing it from opening unexpectedly. Furthermore, by having the protrusion 43 protrude downward from the tray 4, deterioration of the fit between the protrusion 43 and the recess 171 due to manufacturing errors, wear, and the like can be prevented, compared to when the protrusion 43 protrudes upward from the tray 4. In this embodiment, the protrusion 43 is provided on the lower surface of the housing portion 42, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 43 may be provided on the lower surface of the drawer portion 41. Furthermore, the protrusion 43 is not limited to the above, and may be provided on the upper surface of the housing portion 42, for example.

[0027] The protrusion 43 is preferably provided on the handle portion 40 side of the tray 4. With this configuration, the engagement between the protrusion 43 and the recess 171 can be released by lifting the handle portion 40, making it easy to pull out the tray 4. When the tray 4 is stored, it is preferable to provide a gap between the upper surface of the drawer portion 41 and the upper surface of the opening 151. The dimension of this gap is preferably larger than the height dimension of the protrusion 43.

[0028] The recess 171 is, for example, a groove extending in a direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the pull-out direction on a horizontal plane. The recess 171 is preferably provided on the opening 151 side. When the openings 151 are provided on both side surfaces of the lower cage body 1, the recess 171 is preferably provided on each opening 151 side. This allows the protrusion 43 to fit into the recess 171, locking the tray 4 in the housed state, even if the insertion direction of the tray 4 is changed.

[0029] 1 to 5, the upper cage body 2 (pet cage 100) includes a front panel 20, a pair of side panels 21, 21, a rear panel 22, a top panel 23, a front support pillar 24 that supports the front panel 20 and the side panel 21, and a rear support pillar 25 that supports the side panel 21 and the rear panel 22. The top panel 23 is not shown in FIG. 4. The side panel 21 is locked to the cage locking portion 11, thereby fixing the upper cage body 2 to the lower cage body 1.

[0030] In this embodiment, each of the panels 20 to 23 (excluding the locking portion 203 and hinges described below) is a panel made of resin (for example, acrylic), but this is not limited to this. For example, each of the panels 20 to 23 may be a panel formed into a mesh shape by combining a large number of metal wires. Each figure shows an example in which one each of the panels 20 to 23 and floor panel 3 is provided, but this is not limited to this. For example, two or more each of the panels 20 to 23 and floor panel 3 may be provided.

[0031] The front panel 20, the pair of side panels 21, 21, and the rear panel 22 form the peripheral walls of the pet cage 100. The side panel 21 and the rear panel 22 are preferably placed on the upper wall portion 14. This prevents urine from small animals from getting on the side panel 21 or the rear panel 22.

[0032] The top panel 23 is placed on each of the panels 20 to 22 and is fixed to the front panel 20 and the rear panel 22 with screws, for example. The top panel 23 has a cutout 231 to avoid the front support pillar 24 and the rear support pillar 25, and a plurality of ventilation holes 232. Although each drawing shows an example in which two ventilation holes 232 are provided, this is not limited thereto. For example, three or more ventilation holes 232 (e.g., six) may be provided. Furthermore, a plurality of ventilation holes may be provided in the side panel 21 or the rear panel 22. The position and number of ventilation holes are appropriately determined depending on the height of the pet cage 100, etc.

[0033] The front panel 20 is placed on the entrance plane portion 16. The front panel 20 includes a panel body 201, a door portion 202, a hinge (not shown) for opening and closing the door portion 202, and a lock portion 203 for locking the door portion 202.

[0034] Panel body 201 is formed in an inverted U shape, and door section 202 is provided at the opening of panel body 201. Lock section 203 can be locked and unlocked by, for example, an operating lever. Lock section 203 can employ a well-known mechanism.

[0035] The door portion 202 is provided on the entrance flat surface 16 and at a position (i.e., the notch 143) where it does not come into contact with the upper wall portion 14 when opening or closing. The panel main body 201 is not interposed between the door portion 202 and the entrance flat surface 16. This prevents the panel main body 201 from becoming a step at the entrance when the door portion 202 is opened, making it easier for small animals to enter and exit the pet cage 100.

[0036] The pet cage 100 is provided with caps 5 that can be fitted onto each end of the support posts 24, 25. The caps 5 have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the support posts 24, 25 into which they are fitted. The caps 5 are fitted onto the upper ends of the support posts 24, 25. The caps 5 are made of, for example, resin or rubber.

[0037] The front support pillar 24 extends in the up-down direction. The front support pillar 24 is, for example, a thin and elongated member made of resin (or metal). The front support pillar 24 is placed on the bottom wall portion 141. In this embodiment, the front support pillar 24 is formed into a T-shape in plan view by front support portions 241, 242 (see FIG. 9 ) and a connecting portion 26, which will be described later, but is not limited to this. For example, the front support pillar 24 may be formed into an L-shape or a Y-shape in plan view.

[0038] The rear support pillar 25 extends in the up-down direction. The rear support pillar 25 is, for example, a thin and long member made of resin (or metal). The rear support pillar 25 is placed on the high wall portion 142. In this embodiment, the rear support pillar 25 is formed into an L-shape in plan view by rear support portions 251, 252 (see FIG. 9 ), which will be described later, but is not limited to this. For example, the rear support pillar 25 may be formed into a T-shape or a Y-shape in plan view.

[0039] Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 9, the front support pillar 24 includes a first front support portion 241 that supports the front panel 20 and a second front support portion 242 that supports the side panel 21. In this embodiment, the front support portions 241, 242 are formed to extend continuously in the vertical direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the front support portions 241, 242 may be formed only on the upper and lower sides of the front support pillar 24, or may be formed intermittently in the vertical direction.

[0040] The first front support part 241 is formed, for example, in a substantially U-shape and includes a groove part 241a into which the front panel 20 is inserted, and a plurality of through-holes 241b for fixing the front panel 20 to the groove part 241a with screws. The front panel 20 is fixed to the first front support part 241 by inserting male screws (not shown) into the through-holes 204 of the front panel 20 and the through-holes 241b of the first front support part 241 and screwing them into the female screws (not shown). Note that the first front support part 241 is not limited to the above and may have any configuration that is capable of supporting the front panel 20.

[0041] The second front support part 242 has the same configuration as the first front support part. Specifically, the second front support part 242 is formed in a substantially U-shape and includes a groove part 242a into which the side panel 21 is inserted and a plurality of through holes 242b for fixing the side panel 21 to the groove part 242a with screws. Note that the second front support part 242 may have a different configuration from the first front support part 241.

[0042] The rear support pillar 25 includes a first rear support portion 251 that supports the rear panel 22 and a second rear support portion 252 that supports the side panel 21. In this embodiment, the rear support portions 251, 252 are formed in a shape that extends continuously in the vertical direction, but this is not limited to this. For example, the rear support portions 251, 252 may be formed only on the upper and lower sides of the rear support pillar 25, or may be formed intermittently in the vertical direction.

[0043] Similar to the front support portions 241 and 242, the first rear support portion 251 has a groove 251a and a through-hole 251b, and the second rear support portion 252 has a groove 252a and a through-hole 252b. The first rear support portion 251 and the second rear support portion 252 may have the same configuration or different configurations. Furthermore, the rear support portions 251 and 252 may have the same configuration as the front support portions 241 and 242 or different configurations.

[0044] The front support columns 24 and / or the rear support columns 25 are provided with connecting portions 26 to which the circle support panel 9 can be connected. That is, the front support columns 24 and / or the rear support columns 25 are provided with connecting portions 26. According to this configuration, by providing the connecting portions 26 on the front support columns 24 and / or the rear support columns 25, wobbling of the circle support panel 9 at the connecting portions 26 can be suppressed.

[0045] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 26 is formed in a shape that extends continuously in the vertical direction, but is not limited to this. For example, the connecting portion 26 may be formed only on the upper and lower sides of the front support column 24 and / or the rear support column 25, or may be formed intermittently in the vertical direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 26 is provided on the front side of the front support pillar 24. With this configuration, the playpen panel 9 can be connected to the front side of the pet cage 100, ensuring a minimum space for small animals to exercise. The connecting portion 26 protrudes forward from the lower cage body 1.

[0047] The connecting portion 26 is formed, for example, in a substantially U-shape and includes a groove portion 261 into which the circle panel 9 can be inserted, and a plurality of through holes 262 for fixing the circle panel 9 to the groove portion 261 with screws. With this configuration, the circle panel 9 can be firmly connected to the connecting portion 26. The circle panel 9 is connected (fixed) to the connecting portion 26 by inserting a male screw (not shown) into the through hole 95 of the circle panel 9 and the through hole 262 of the connecting portion 26 and screwing it into a female screw (not shown).

[0048] The connecting portion 26 is not limited to the above, and may have any configuration that allows the circle holder panel 9 to be connected. For example, the connecting portion 26 may be formed in a clamp shape. It is preferable that the shape of at least one of the support portions 241, 242, 251, and 252 is substantially the same as the shape of the connecting portion 26. In other words, it is preferable that at least one of the support portions is configured to allow the circle holder panel 9 to be connected. With such a configuration, at least one of the support portions can be used as the connecting portion 26. As a result, by changing the orientation of the front support pillar 24 (for example, by rotating it horizontally 90 degrees), the orientation in which the circle holder panel 9 can be connected in the pet cage 100 can be changed.

[0049] [Pet cage with playpen] Next, a pet cage 200 with a playpen according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the pet cage 200 with a playpen, and Figure 11 is a plan view of the pet cage 200 with a playpen.

[0050] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the pet cage with playpen 200 includes a pet cage 100, a plurality of playpen panels 9, and a plurality of connecting posts 8 that connect the playpen panels 9. Figures 10 and 11 show an example in which three playpen panels 9a to 9c are connected to the pet cage 100.

[0051] The circle panel 9 is connected, for example, to the front side of the pet cage 100. The horizontal area of ​​the circle formed by the circle panel 9 and the panel of the pet cage 100 (the front panel 20 in this embodiment) is larger than, for example, the horizontal area of ​​the pet cage 100 (living space).

[0052] The panel portion of the playpen panel 9 is provided with an inclined portion 90 (see FIG. 5) that is inclined along the lower cage body 1 (upper wall portion 14 and lower wall portion 15) of the pet cage 100. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the inclined portions 90 are provided at the rear ends of the left and right playpen panels 9. Note that if the lower cage body 1 (upper wall portion 14 and lower wall portion 15) is not inclined, the playpen panels 9 do not need to be provided with the inclined portions 90.

[0053] The panel portion of the circle panel 9 is made of, for example, resin (e.g., acrylic). The panel portion of the circle panel 9 may be, for example, a panel formed in a mesh shape by combining a large number of metal wires. The panel portion of the circle panel 9 may also be provided with a plurality of ventilation holes.

[0054] It is preferable that the height dimension of the playpen panel 9 is substantially the same as the height dimension of the pet cage 100. This prevents a step from occurring between the pet cage 100 and the playpen panel 9 when the playpen panel 9 is connected to the pet cage 100. In this embodiment, the height dimension of the playpen panel 9 is greater than the height dimension of each of the panels 20 to 22, but is not limited to this.

[0055] The connecting pole 8 is formed in an L-shape or an I-shape when viewed from above. The connecting pole 8 has a connecting portion 81 (see FIG. 10) to which the playpen panel 9 can be connected. The connecting portion 81 has a configuration similar to that of the connecting portion 26 in the pet cage 100, for example. Caps 5 are fitted to the upper and lower ends of the connecting pole 8. The cap 5 fitted to the lower end of the connecting pole 8 is in contact with the installation surface, while the playpen panel 9 is not in contact with the installation surface.

[0056] The multiple playpen panels 9 include an entrance panel 91 (9a) through which small animals and people can enter and exit. In Figures 10 and 11, the entrance panel 91 is connected to the right side of the front of the pet cage 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, the entrance panel 91 may be connected to the left side of the front or to the side of the pet cage 100. Furthermore, the entrance panel 91 may be connected to another playpen panel 9 at a position away from the pet cage 100.

[0057] The entrance panel 91 includes first to third panels 910 to 912, a hinge (not shown) that connects the first panel 910 and the second panel 911, and a locking section 913 that locks the second panel 911 against opening or closing. The first to third panels 910 to 912 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (the front-to-rear direction in the drawing), and the second panel 911 serves as a door. The configuration of the locking section 913 is preferably the same as the configuration of the locking section 203 of the front panel 20 (see FIG. 11).

[0058] The length in the front-rear direction of the second panel 911 is greater than the lengths in the front-rear direction of the first panel 910 and the third panel 912. The length in the front-rear direction of the first panel 910 is greater than the length in the front-rear direction of the third panel 912. That is, in the entrance panel 91, the length in the front-rear direction of the second panel 911, which becomes the door portion, is the longest.

[0059] The third panel 912 has an inclined portion 90 at its rear end, but the first panel 910 and the second panel 911 do not have an inclined portion 90. The length of the third panel 912 in the front-to-rear direction is shorter than the length of the circle holder panel 9b in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, of the panels having the inclined portion 90, one panel has a shorter length in the front-to-rear direction than the other panel.

[0060] Reinforcement parts 914 extending in the vertical direction are provided on the side edges of each of the panels 910-912 (excluding the portions connected to the connecting posts 8). The reinforcement parts 914 are formed in an I-shape when viewed from above. The attachment structure of the reinforcement parts 914 to each of the panels 910-912 is the same as the structure of the connecting parts 81 of the connecting posts 8. Hinge and lock parts 913 are attached to the reinforcement parts 914. Caps 5 are fitted into the upper and lower ends of the reinforcement parts 914. The caps 5 fitted into the lower ends of the reinforcement parts 914 are in contact with the installation surface, and each of the panels 910-912 is not in contact with the installation surface.

[0061] [Variations] Next, modified examples of the pet cage 100 and the pet cage with playpen 200 will be described.

[0062] (A) In this embodiment, the pet cage 100 is configured with a lower cage body 1, an upper cage body 2, a floor panel 3, and a tray 4, but is not limited to this. For example, the pet cage 100 may be configured with an upper cage body 2 and a floor panel 3. In such a configuration, the floor panel 3 is fixed to the upper cage body 2.

[0063] (B) In this embodiment, the drawer section 41 is provided on only one side surface of the pet cage 100, but this is not limiting. For example, the drawer section 41 may be provided on each of both side surfaces of the pet cage 100. This allows the tray 4 to be drawn out from both sides without having to be replaced.

[0064] (C) In Figures 10 and 11, three circle panels 9a to 9c are connected to the front side of the pet cage 100 to form a circle, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the circle may be expanded by connecting a plurality of circle expansion panels 92 to 94 to the pet cage 100. In such an example, a connecting post 8 that is L-shaped in plan view and a connecting post 8 that is I-shaped in plan view are used.

[0065] In this example, the multiple circle expansion panels 92-94 include a large panel 92, a medium panel 93, and a small panel 94, and the length of the large panel 92 is substantially the same as the total length of the connected medium panel 93 and small panel 94 (including the length of the connecting column 8). With this configuration, it is possible to change the shape of the circle in various ways by adjusting the arrangement positions of the large panel 92, the medium panel 93, and the small panel 94. The circle expansion panels 92-94 have a configuration similar to that of the circle panels 9b and 9c, for example.

[0066] In the example of FIG. 12, a circle-holding panel 9c and a third panel 912 each having an inclined portion 90 are connected to the pet cage 100 in the same manner as in the example of FIG. 11. The small panel 94 has the same function as the third panel 912 in FIG. 11 (function as the entrance panel 91). The length of the large panel 92 is substantially the same as the length of the circle-holding panel 9c, and the length of the small panel 94 is substantially the same as the length of the third panel 912 (excluding the reinforcing portion 914). As a result, by providing circle-holding extension panels 92 to 94, it is possible to change the shape of the circle into various shapes (such as an L-shape or a rectangle) as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, even when there is a circle-holding panel 9 each having an inclined portion 90 (i.e., when there are circle-holding panels 9 that can be connected to the pet cage 100 and circle-holding panels 9 that cannot be connected to the pet cage 100).

[0067] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 13 , a third panel 912 is connected to the right side of the front support pillar 24 of the pet cage 100, and a middle panel 93 is connected to the right side of that. A small panel 94 is connected to the front of the middle panel 93 via an L-shaped connecting pillar 8, and a reinforcing member 914 is attached to the small panel 94, thereby forming an entrance panel 96 using the small panel 94 instead of the third panel 912. A large panel 92 is connected to the left side of the entrance panel 96 via the L-shaped connecting pillar 8, and the large panel 92 is connected to the circle-holding panel 9b. The length of the large panel 92 is substantially the same as the total length of the connected third panel 912 and middle panel 93, and the length of the circle-holding panel 9c is substantially the same as the length of the entrance panel 96 formed by the small panel 94. This allows the circle to be expanded even though the length of the circle-holding panel 9b is different from the lengths of the other panels. Furthermore, the circle can be expanded without changing the connection position (orientation is allowed) of the circle panel 9 provided with the inclined portion 90.

[0068] When the circle expansion panels 92 to 94 are one set, the circle can be further expanded by using multiple sets of the circle expansion panels 92 to 94. In the example of Figures 12 and 13, one set of the circle expansion panels 92 to 94 is used, and in the example of Figure 14, two sets of the circle expansion panels 92 to 94 are used. The position of the entrance panel 91 (excluding the third panel 912) can be changed as needed.

[0069] In the example of Fig. 13, the orientation of the front support pillar 24 (connecting portion 26) is rotated 90 degrees horizontally from the example of Fig. 11 etc. In other words, the portion that was the support portion in the example of Fig. 11 etc. becomes the connecting portion 26 in the example of Fig. 13.

[0070] (D) In ​​this embodiment, the connecting portion 26 is provided on the front support column 24, but this is not limiting. For example, the connecting portion 26 may be provided on the rear support column 25 as shown in Fig. 15, or may be provided on both the front support column 24 and the rear support column 25 as shown in Fig. 16.

[0071] [1] As described above, the pet cage 100 comprises a panel (e.g., front panel 20) that forms the peripheral wall, and a support pillar (e.g., front support pillar 24) that supports the panel, and the support pillar has a connecting portion 26 to which the circle panel 9 can be connected.

[0072] According to this configuration, by providing the connecting portion 26 on the front support column 24 and / or the rear support column 25, wobbling of the circle holder panel 9 at the connecting portion 26 can be suppressed.

[0073] [2] In addition, in the pet cage 100 of [1] above, the panel may be a front panel 20 having a door portion 202, and the connecting portion 26 may be provided on the front side of the support pillar (front support pillar 24).

[0074] According to this configuration, the circle panel 9 can be connected to the front side of the pet cage 100, and a minimum space for exercise for small animals can be secured.

[0075] [3] Furthermore, in the pet cage 100 of [1] or [2] above, the connecting portion 26 may be configured to include a groove portion 261 into which the circle panel 9 can be inserted, and a plurality of through holes 262 for fixing the circle panel 9 to the groove portion 261 with screws.

[0076] With this configuration, the circle panel 9 can be firmly connected to the connecting portion 26.

[0077] [4] Furthermore, the pet cage 100 of any one of [1] to [3] above comprises a lower cage body 1 on which a support pillar (e.g., the front support pillar 24) is placed and which has an opening 10, a floor panel 3 placed on the lower cage body 1 so as to cover the opening 10, and a tray 4 provided below the floor panel 3 and housed in the lower cage body 1, and it is preferable that the tray 4 is configured to be able to be pulled out from the side of the lower cage body 1.

[0078] According to this configuration, even when the circle panel 9 is connected to the door portion 202 side of the pet cage 100, the tray 4 can be easily pulled out.

[0079] [5] In addition, in the pet cage 100 of any one of the above [1] to [4], the tray 4 is preferably configured so as to be able to be pulled out from both side surfaces of the lower cage body 1.

[0080] According to this configuration, the tray 4 can be pulled out from both directions, which makes it possible to change the direction in which the tray 4 is pulled out depending on the installation position of the pet cage 100.

[0081] [6] Furthermore, in any one of the pet cages 100 described above in [1] to [5], it is preferable that the tray 4 has a protrusion 43 that protrudes downward from the tray 4, and the lower cage body 1 has a recess 171 into which the protrusion 43 fits when the tray 4 is stored.

[0082] According to this configuration, by fitting the protrusion 43 into the recess 171, the accommodated tray 4 is locked and prevented from opening unexpectedly. Furthermore, by having the protrusion 43 protrude downward from the tray 4, it is possible to prevent deterioration in the fit between the protrusion 43 and the recess 171 due to manufacturing errors, wear, etc., compared to when the protrusion 43 protrudes upward from the tray 4.

[0083] [7] In addition, in the pet cage 100 of any one of the above [1] to [6], it is preferable that the tray 4 has a handle portion 40, and the protrusion 43 and the recess 171 are provided on the handle portion 40 side.

[0084] According to this configuration, the engagement between the projection 43 and the recess 171 can be released by lifting the handle 40, making it easy to pull out the tray 4.

[0085] [8] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pet cage 100 of any one of [1] to [7] above has at least one or more support parts (e.g., the first front support part 241 and / or the second front support part 242) that support a panel (e.g., the front panel 20), and that the at least one or more support parts (e.g., the first front support part 241 and / or the second front support part 242) are configured so that the circle panel 9 can be connected thereto.

[0086] According to this configuration, at least one support portion can be used as the connecting portion 26. As a result, by changing the orientation of the support pillar (for example, the front support pillar 24) (for example, by rotating it horizontally by 90 degrees), the orientation in which the playpen panel 9 can be connected in the pet cage 100 can be changed.

[0087] [9] The pet cage with playpen 200 comprises any one of the pet cages 100 described above [1] to [8] and a plurality of playpen panels 9.

[0088]

[10] Furthermore, the pet cage 200 with a playpen [9] above is provided with a plurality of playpen expansion panels 92-94, which include a large panel 92, a medium panel 93 and a small panel 94, and it is preferable that the length of the large panel 92 is substantially the same as the total length of the connected medium panel 93 and small panel 94.

[0089] With this configuration, by adjusting the positions of the large panel 92, the medium panel 93, and the small panel 94, it is possible to change the shape of the circle into various shapes.

[0090] The pet cage and the pet cage with playpen are not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, nor are they limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, the pet cage and the pet cage with playpen can, of course, be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is possible to arbitrarily select one or more of the configurations and methods of the various modified examples described above and adopt them in the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 100...pet cage, 1...lower cage body, 10...opening, 11...cage locking portion, 12...inclined portion, 13...placement portion, 14...upper wall portion, 141...lower wall portion, 142...high wall portion, 143...notch portion, 15...lower wall portion, 151...opening, 16...entrance flat portion, 17...bottom wall portion, 171...recess, 2...upper cage body, 20...front panel, 201...panel body, 202...door portion, 203...locking portion, 204...through hole, 21...side panel, 22...rear panel, 23...top panel, 231...notch portion, 232...ventilation hole, 24...front support pillar, 241...first front support portion, 242...second front support portion, 241a, 242a...groove portion, 241b, 242b...through hole Through hole, 25... rear support pillar, 251... first rear support portion, 252... second rear support portion, 251a, 252a... groove portion, 251b, 252b... through hole, 26... connecting portion, 261... groove portion, 262... through hole, 3... floor panel, 4... tray, 40... handle portion, 41... drawer portion, 42... storage portion, 421... peripheral wall, 43... protrusion, 5... cap, 200... pet cage with playpen, 8... connecting pillar, 81... connecting portion, 9... playpen panel, 90... inclined portion, 91... entrance panel, 910... first panel, 911... second panel, 912... third panel, 913... lock portion, 914... reinforcement portion, 92... large panel, 93... middle panel, 94... small panel, 95... through hole

Claims

1. Panels forming a perimeter wall; a support column for supporting the panel; A pet cage, wherein the support pillar has a connecting portion to which a circle panel can be connected.

2. the panel is a front panel having a door portion, The pet cage according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion is provided on a front side of the support pole.

3. The pet cage of claim 1, wherein the connecting portion comprises a groove into which the circle panel can be inserted, and a plurality of through holes for fixing the circle panel to the groove with screws.

4. a lower cage body on which the support column is mounted and which has an opening; a floor panel placed on the lower cage body so as to cover the opening; a tray provided below the floor panel and accommodated in the lower cage body; The pet cage according to claim 1 , wherein the tray is configured to be able to be pulled out from a side surface of the lower cage body.

5. The pet cage according to claim 4, wherein the tray is configured to be able to be pulled out from both side surfaces of the lower cage body.

6. The tray includes a protrusion that protrudes downward from the tray, The pet cage according to claim 4, wherein the lower cage body has a recess into which the protrusion fits when the tray is housed.

7. The tray includes a handle portion, The pet cage according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion and the recess are provided on the handle side.

8. The support column includes at least one support portion that supports the panel, The pet cage according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one support portion is configured to be connectable to the playpen panel.

9. A pet cage with a playpen, comprising the pet cage according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a plurality of the playpen panels.

10. Equipped with expansion panels for multiple circles, The plurality of circle expansion panels include a large panel, a medium panel, and a small panel; 10. The pet cage with playpen according to claim 9, wherein the length of the large panel is substantially the same as the total length of the connected middle and small panels.

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