CN108419681B

CN108419681B - Animal crate

Info

Publication number: CN108419681B
Application number: CN201810144663.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 布拉德·坎特韦尔; 迈克尔·E·格林; 斯图·克尔; 大卫·J·诺利
Original assignee: Mid West Metal Products Co Inc
Current assignee: Mid West Metal Products Co Inc
Priority date: 2017-02-14
Filing date: 2018-02-11
Publication date: 2021-07-06
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-11
Also published as: CN108419681A; CN113331066A

Abstract

A door assembly for an animal enclosure includes a door frame and a door, each having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. The door frame defines an opening through which an animal passes, and the door is slidably connected to the door frame such that the door moves relative to the door frame between an open position and a closed position to allow access through the opening. The shackle member is connected to the door frame. The latch includes a base member, a bolt, and a shank. The first and second vertical wires of the door are spaced apart from each other such that the first vertical wire is located at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is located at a second end of the door. In the closed position, the bolt is connected to the first vertical wire.

Description

Animal crate

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a device for housing animals, and in particular to a collapsible wire crate for housing animals.

Background

The use of animal cages is well known in the art. Many conventional cages have been developed over the years for housing animals of different sizes and through the development of these cages, flexibility and portability have become important. For example, some conventional cages have been designed to fold into a compact position for portability. Other cage designs are lightweight and made of durable materials. Conventional cages are designed to facilitate transport of the animal.

Most conventional cages include at least one door for providing access to the interior of the cage. When the door is opened, the animal can enter or leave the cage through the opening, and when the door is closed, the animal can be safely contained in the cage. Many conventional cages include a door attached to the cage by a hinge. This allows the door to swing open and closed. Spring-actuated latches and the like have been incorporated into door designs to allow a user to open or reliably close the door.

However, many of these conventional designs have limitations. For example, a door hingedly attached to a cage may swing open or closed quickly, scratching or damaging another object (e.g., a wall or furniture). The hinged door also needs to be placed in a position where there is sufficient space to allow the door to swing open. This limits the places where the cages can be placed or stored. In addition, due to the hinged connection, the door may not be able to remain partially open, i.e., the door is in either the open or closed position.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved animal crate that may be foldable, portable, and overcomes some of the above-mentioned limitations of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a door assembly for an animal enclosure is provided. The door assembly includes: a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires defining an opening through which an animal passes and enters or exits the interior of the enclosure; a door disposed for movement relative to the door frame between an open position and a closed position, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being slidably connected to the door frame to permit access through the opening; a latch pivotally connected to the door, wherein the latch includes a latch mechanism removably connected to one of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door frame; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced apart from each other such that the first vertical wire is located at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is located at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire connected to the door frame; wherein the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the first guide wire between the open position and the closed position, and the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the second guide wire between the open position and the closed position.

In one example, the door assembly includes a latch hook member connected to the door frame, the latch hook member configured to engage the door in the closed position. In a second example, a first wire of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door has a first end and a second end, the first end being removably engaged to the latch hook member in the closed position. In a third example, the latch is pivotally connected around the first wire of the door. In a fourth example, the door frame includes a first support wire and a second support wire, the first support wire being vertically spaced apart from the second support wire; and the shackle member is connected to the first support wire and the second support wire.

In a fifth example, the latch is formed from a single wire having a first end and a second end, the first end forming a curled end and being pivotally connected to the horizontal wire of the door, and the second end being bent and pivotally connected to the horizontal wire; and the latch mechanism is formed by a bend in the second end of the single piece of wire; and wherein the latch mechanism is releasably connected to any position along the length of one of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door frame to position the door in the open position, the closed position, and any position therebetween. In a sixth example, the first guide wire and the second guide wire are bent to form the guide opening. In a seventh example, each guide opening is substantially the same size and each defines a length or distance of travel of the door.

In a seventh example, the first vertical wire comprises a curled first end connected to the first guide wire and a substantially straight second end; and the second vertical wire comprises a curled first end connected to the second guide wire and a substantially straight second end. In an eighth example, the door assembly includes a third guide wire connected to the door frame; and a fourth guide wire connected to the door frame; wherein the substantially straight second end of the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the third guide wire and the substantially straight second end of the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the fourth guide wire. In a ninth example, the first and second guide wires are connected near the top of the door frame and the third and fourth guide wires are connected near the bottom of the door frame. In a tenth example, the third and fourth guide wires are bent to form the guide openings, and the first and second vertical wires are respectively moved between the open position and the closed position.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an animal crate includes: a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires defining an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and into or out of the interior of the animal crate; a door configured to move laterally relative to the door frame between an open position and a closed position, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires; and at least two mechanisms releasably connecting the door to the door frame in a closed position, wherein one of the two mechanisms is pivotally connected to the door and a second of the two mechanisms is fixed to the door frame; wherein a first of the two mechanisms is releasably connected to any position along the length of one of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door frame such that the door is disposable with respect to the door frame in an open position, a closed position, or any position therebetween.

In one example, a first of the two mechanisms includes a latch pivotally connected to the door, wherein the latch is pivotable between a first position in which the latch engages one of the horizontal wires of the door frame and a second position in which the latch disengages the one of the horizontal wires of the door frame. In a second example, the second of the two mechanisms includes a latch hook member connected to the door frame, the latch hook member being arranged to engage the door only in the closed position. In a third example, the animal crate includes a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced apart from each other such that the first vertical wire is located at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is located at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire connected to the door frame; wherein the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the first guide wire between the open position and the closed position, and the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the second guide wire between the open position and the closed position. In a fourth example, the animal crate includes a first wire of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door, the first wire having a first end and a second end, the first end being resiliently bent outward from an interior of the animal crate; wherein the first end positions the second of the two mechanisms in the closed position and maintains the door in the closed position until the first end disengages the second of the two mechanisms.

In various embodiments, an animal enclosure includes a top member, a bottom member, and a plurality of side members, wherein the top member, the bottom member, and the plurality of side members define an interior of the enclosure; a door frame defined by at least one side member, the door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires defining an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and into or out of the interior of the enclosure; a door formed from a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires, the door being laterally movable relative to the door frame between an open position and a closed position, wherein the opening is accessible in the open position and inaccessible in the closed position; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the plurality of vertical wires of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced apart from each other such that the first vertical wire is located at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is located at a second end of the door; a first guide wire and a second guide wire connected near the top end of the door frame and a third guide wire and a fourth guide wire connected near the bottom end of the door frame; and a plurality of mechanisms releasably connecting the door to the door frame in the closed position, wherein one of the plurality of mechanisms is pivotally connected to the door and a second of the plurality of mechanisms is secured to the door frame; wherein a first end of the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the first guide wire between an open position and a closed position, and a second end of the first vertical wire is in contact with the third guide wire in the open position and the closed position; further wherein a first end of the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the second guide wire between the open position and the closed position, and a second end of the second vertical wire is in contact with the fourth guide wire in the open position and the closed position.

In one example, one of the plurality of mechanisms includes a latch pivotally connected to the door, the latch including a latch mechanism releasably connected to one of the plurality of horizontal wires of the door frame in a closed position; wherein the latch mechanism is releasably connected to a horizontal wire of the door frame at any position along its length such that the door is disposable relative to the door frame in the open position, the closed position, or any position therebetween. In a second example, a second mechanism of the plurality of mechanisms includes a latch hook member connected to the door frame, the latch hook member defining an opening for receiving an end of one of the plurality of horizontal wires positioned at the door in the closed position.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a door assembly for an animal enclosure includes: a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires defining an opening through which an animal passes and enters or exits the enclosure; a door disposed to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the door frame, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being slidably connected to the door frame to allow access through the opening; a shackle member formed of a generally U-shaped wire; a latch comprising a base member, a bolt, and a stem, wherein the bolt is slidably connected to the base member; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced apart from each other such that the first vertical wire is located at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is located at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire connected to the door frame; wherein the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the first guide wire between the open position and the closed position, and the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the second guide wire between the open position and the closed position; further wherein in the closed position the bolt is connected to the first vertical wire.

In one example of this embodiment, the bolt comprises a single wire forming a substantially straight portion and a curved portion, the curved portion being connected to the first vertical wire in the closed position. In a second example, a bolt is rotatably disposed within at least one bolt opening defined by the base member. In a third example, the bolt is rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the bolt being connected to the first vertical wire in the latched position; and the curved portion is oriented in a direction away from the door opening in the latched position and upwardly in the unlatched position. In a fourth example, the shackle member includes a first end and a second end that are spaced apart from each other and connected to the outer vertical wire of the door frame.

In a fifth example, the shackle member is connected to another vertical wire of the door frame at a location horizontally spaced from the first and second ends. In a sixth example, the shackle member is partially disposed within first and second planes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. In a seventh example, the first vertical wire comprises a substantially U-shaped bend between its two ends, the substantially U-shaped bend forming a recessed nesting area in which the shackle member is received in the closed position. In another example of this embodiment, the door assembly may include a third guide wire connected to the door frame; and a fourth guide wire connected to the door frame; wherein the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the third guide wire and the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the fourth guide wire.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a door assembly for an animal enclosure includes: a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires defining an opening for an animal to pass through and enter or exit the enclosure; a door disposed to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the door frame, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being slidably connected to the door frame to allow access through the opening; a shackle member connected to the door frame, the shackle member having a first end and a second end; a latch comprising a base member, a bolt, and a stem, wherein the bolt is slidably connected to the base member; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced apart from each other such that the first vertical wire is located at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is located at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire connected to the door frame; wherein the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the first guide wire between the open position and the closed position, and the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the second guide wire between the open position and the closed position; further wherein in the closed position the bolt is connected to the first vertical wire.

In one example of this embodiment, the first and second ends of the shackle member are spaced apart from each other and connected to an outer vertical wire of the door frame. In a second example, the first and second ends of the shackle member are integrally connected to each other such that the shackle member is formed from a single continuous wire. In a third example, the shackle member comprises a substantially closed loop design. In a fourth example, the shackle member is connected to another vertical wire of the door frame at a location horizontally spaced from the first and second ends. In a fifth example, the bolt comprises a single wire forming a substantially straight portion and a curved portion, the curved portion being connected to the first vertical wire in the closed position; and a bolt is rotatably disposed within at least one bolt opening defined by the base member.

In a sixth example, the bolt is rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the latch connected to the first vertical wire in the latched position; and the curved portion is oriented in a direction away from the door opening in the latched position and upwardly in the unlatched position. In a seventh example, the shackle member is partially disposed within first and second planes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. In an eighth example, the first vertical wire includes a generally U-shaped bend between its two ends, the generally U-shaped bend forming a recessed nesting area in which the shackle member is received in the closed position. In another example, the door assembly includes a third guide wire connected to the door frame; and a fourth guide wire connected to the door frame; wherein the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the third guide wire and the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the fourth guide wire.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, an animal crate includes: a plurality of members including a top member, a bottom member, and a side member, wherein the top member, the bottom member, and the side member are connected to one another to define an interior, wherein each member is formed from a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires; a door frame formed in the side member, the door frame including a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires defining an opening for passage of an animal into or out of the interior of the enclosure; a door disposed for movement relative to the door frame between an open position and a closed position, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being slidably connected to the door frame to allow ingress and egress of the opening; a shackle member connected to the door frame, the shackle member having a first end and a second end; a latch comprising a base member, a bolt, and a stem, wherein the bolt is slidably connected to the base member; a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced apart from each other such that the first vertical wire is located at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is located at a second end of the door; and a first guide wire and a second guide wire connected to the door frame; wherein the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the first guide wire between the open position and the closed position, and the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the second guide wire between the open position and the closed position; further wherein in the closed position the bolt is connected to the first vertical wire.

Drawings

The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wire crate;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a door frame and door of the wire crate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of a first door stop mechanism of the door frame of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first side member of the wire crate of FIG. 1, with the door in a closed position;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of the latch assembly of the wire crate of FIG. 1 disposed in a closed latch position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first side member of FIG. 3 with the door in a partially open position;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged perspective view of the latch system of FIG. 3A in a partially unlatched position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wire crate of FIG. 1 in a folded position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another wire crate;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the door frame and door of the wire crate of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged partial perspective view of the doorframe and door of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the doorframe and door of FIG. 7 in a closed position;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged partial perspective view of the doorframe and door of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the door frame and door of FIG. 7 in an open position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a different wire crate;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the door frame and door of the wire crate of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11A is an enlarged partial perspective view of the doorframe and door of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the door frame and door of FIG. 10 in an open position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wire animal crate;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the door frame and door of the wire crate of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14A is an enlarged partial perspective view of the doorframe and door of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the door frame and door of FIG. 13 in an open position;

corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Detailed Description

The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may understand and appreciate the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to a collapsible wire crate. Wire crates may be used for a variety of purposes, such as housing animals or storing objects. The crate may be made in any size to accommodate any size object. Additionally, the crate may be made of different materials, including aluminum, plastic, and steel.

Referring to fig. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a crate 100 is shown. The crate 100 may be formed from substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap one another to define an interior portion. One or more horizontal wires may be connected to one or more vertical wires, or vice versa, to increase the structural integrity of the crate 100. For example, the wires may be welded, adhered, fastened or connected to each other by various means. The crate 100 may include a top member 102, a bottom member 104, a front member 106, and a rear member 108. The crate 100 may also include a first side member 110 and a second side member 112, where the first side member 110 is disposed opposite the second side member 112. For example, the size of each member may be varied to accommodate the size of any animal. In the upright, fully assembled orientation or position, the top member 102, bottom member 104, front member 106, rear member 108, first side member 110, and second side member 112 may define an interior of the crate 100 that is sized to receive and accommodate an animal or other object as desired.

In one aspect, the front member 106, the rear member 108, the top member 102, and the bottom member 104 may form a continuous structure. In other words, these components may be fixedly connected to each other. Alternatively, the top member 102, the bottom member 104, the first side member 110, and the second side member 112 may form a continuous structure such that the top member 102 and the bottom member 104 are secured to the first side member 110 and the second side member 112. In various aspects, each component may be removably connected to each other such that the different components are removably connected to each other.

Each of the top member 102, bottom member 104, front member 106, rear member 108, first side member 110, and second side member 112 may be formed from a plurality of overlapping horizontal and vertical wires or rods. The number of horizontal and vertical wires and the spacing between them may vary. If smaller animals are contained in the crate 100, the spacing may be smaller than would be expected if larger animals were contained.

In fig. 1, the first side member 110 of the crate 100 may define a door frame that includes corresponding structure for receiving a door 114. As shown in fig. 1, the door 114 may also be made of substantially overlapping horizontal and vertical wires. Further, the door 114 may be movably disposed between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, i.e., in fig. 2, the first side member 110 defines an opening 204 (fig. 2), the opening 204 providing access to the interior of the crate 100.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the door 114 may be moved between the closed position (fig. 1) and the open position (fig. 2) by moving the door 114 in a direction generally transverse to the direction 200 in fig. 2. In this manner, the door 114 is disposed in a plane and the door 114 remains in the plane as the door moves between the open and closed positions. The door 114 is movable relative to the first side member 110 along the first horizontal wire 206 and the second horizontal wire 208. The first horizontal wire 206 and the second horizontal wire 208 may also be referred to as guide wires. In fig. 2, a first horizontal wire 206 is disposed near a top edge of the first side member 110, and a second horizontal wire 208 is disposed near a bottom edge of the first side member 110.

The first and second

horizontal wires

206, 208 may be offset from the first side member 110 in a direction opposite the interior of the crate a sufficient distance to allow the door 114 to be slidably connected to the first and second

horizontal wires

206, 208. In other words, the first side member 110 may include the outer frame wire 210 that is continuous around four edges of the first side member 110. The outer frame wire 210 may be defined in a first plane. The first horizontal wire 206 and the second horizontal wire 208 may be disposed at least partially offset from a first plane such that both wires are disposed in a second plane, wherein the second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane. The spacing between the first plane and the second plane may allow the door 114 to move along the first horizontal wire 206 and the second horizontal wire 208 without contacting or interfering with other horizontal and vertical wires of the first side member 110 while being sufficiently close to the side member 110 to restrict access to or from the interior of the crate 100 when the door 114 is in the closed position.

Referring to fig. 2, when the first horizontal wire 206 and the second horizontal wire 208 are offset or spaced apart from the outer frame wire 210, two wires may be connected to the outer frame wire 210 at each respective end. For example, the first horizontal wire 206 may be connected to the outer frame wire 210 at a first end 212 thereof and at a second end 214 thereof. Similarly, a second horizontal wire may be connected to the outer frame wire 210 at its first end 216 and at its second end 218. The wires may be connected to the outer frame wires 210 by welding, adhesives, fasteners or connectors, press fitting (e.g., the horizontal wires may be wrapped around the outer frame wires 210 to form a press fit), or any other known means.

To offset the two horizontal wires from the outer frame wire, the first horizontal wire 206 may include a first transverse bend 220 defined in the wire 206 near its first end 212 and a second transverse bend 222 near its second end 214. The bends at each end of the first horizontal wire 206 allow a substantial length of the wire 206 to deviate from the first plane defined by the outer frame wire 210 while remaining close enough to the side panel 110 to restrict entry into or exit from the crate 100 when the door 114 is in the closed position. This in effect allows the door 114 to move around this substantial portion of the first horizontal wire 206 in a smooth manner. Similarly, the second horizontal wire 208 may include a first transverse bend 224 disposed near the first end 216 thereof and a second transverse bend 226 disposed near the second end 218 thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, the door 114 does not include any means (e.g., casters or wheels) for sliding or moving about the first and second

horizontal wires

206, 208, but in other embodiments, a mechanism (e.g., a caster) that facilitates movement along the wires may be included to assist in opening and closing the door 114. In this embodiment, the material for each wire, particularly the wires that move relative to each other, may include characteristics that allow for smooth opening and closing for the door 114. Alternatively, supplemental material may be provided along the

horizontal wires

206, 208 to further accommodate movement of the door 114 relative thereto.

As shown in fig. 2, the first side member 110 may further include a first door stop mechanism 202 and a second door stop mechanism 203. The first and second

door stop mechanisms

202 and 203 may be formed in part from vertical wires 228 connected to the outer frame wire 210 at the top and bottom portions 254 and, respectively, of the first side member 110. In fig. 2A, the vertical wire 228 may be connected to the outer frame wire 210 at a first location 236 and to a different horizontal wire 234 of the first side member 110 at a second location 238. Each of the first and

second locations

236, 238 is a location along the length of the vertical wire 228 and are spaced apart from each other by a defined distance. Between the first position 236 and the second position 238, the vertical wire 228 includes a protruding portion 232 that can act as a door stop. The protruding portion 232 may comprise a substantially U-shaped structure protruding at least a distance where the wire 228 at least partially passes through a second plane formed by the offset portions of the

horizontal wires

206, 208.

Similarly, the second door stop mechanism 203 may also be formed from a vertical wire 228 connected to the frame wire 210 near the bottom of the first side member 110. The vertical wires 228 can be connected to the outer frame wire 210 at a first location 252 and to the horizontal wires 250 of the first side member 110 at a second location 260. Each of the first and

second locations

252, 260 is a location along the length of the vertical wire 228 and are spaced apart from each other by a defined distance. Between the first position 252 and the second position 260, the vertical wire 228 includes a protruding portion that can act as a door stop. The protruding portion may comprise a substantially U-shaped structure protruding at least a distance where the wire 228 at least partially passes through a first plane and a second plane formed by the offset portions of the

horizontal wires

206, 208.

Further, the first door stop mechanism 202 and the second door stop mechanism 203 may be connected to

horizontal wires

206 and 208, respectively. For example, the protruding portion 232 of the first door stop mechanism 202 may be connected to the horizontal wire 206 at an intersection 233. Connecting the protruding portion 232 to the horizontal wire 206 may improve the structural integrity of the horizontal wire 206 while reducing the deflection between the horizontal wire 206 and the protruding portion 232 of the first door stop mechanism 202. By reducing the deflection between the protruding portion 232 and the horizontal wire 206, the first door stop mechanism 202 may restrict or limit the door 114 from opening more than desired. Likewise, the protruding portion of the second door stop mechanism 203 may be similarly connected to the horizontal wire 208 in the same manner as the first door stop mechanism 202. The first door stop mechanism 202 and the second door stop mechanism 203 form two contact points that simultaneously restrict or limit the door 114 from moving more than desired, or stated another way, define the distance or amount the door 114 is opened.

In this manner, the first door stop mechanism 202 and the second door stop mechanism 203 may limit movement of the door 114 to open beyond a certain distance via interference between the door 114 and the first side member 110. The first door stop mechanism 202 and the second door stop mechanism 203 may be positioned along the same vertical wire 228 to ensure that both

door stop mechanisms

202, 203 are in contact with the door 114 at about the same time. When the door is in the fully open position (as shown in fig. 2), the

door stop mechanisms

202, 203 may limit the door 114 from opening more than desired by contacting the

hooks

240 and 242. The

door stop mechanisms

202, 203 may also be used to limit the door 114 from closing more than desired when contacted by the hooked ends 246 and 248 of the door 114 as shown in fig. 3, while the first vertical wire 230 of the door 114 simultaneously contacts the side stop member 306.

The first and second

door stop mechanisms

202 and 203 may be formed along any vertical wire of the first side member 110 at any desired location in a manner that must limit the movement of the door 114 when the door 114 is opened or closed to the desired location. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the first and second

door stop mechanisms

202 and 203 are disposed near the center of the first side member 110 such that when the door 114 is in the open position, the width defining the opening 204 occupies about half of the entire width of the first side member 110, and when the door 114 is closed, the latch assembly 300 is positioned to allow the latch member 304 to be positioned on the outer edge of the side stop member 306 (i.e., to the side closest to the frame wire 210). However, this is only one embodiment, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiment. Those skilled in the art will understand how to use a number of different positions to implement the

door stop mechanisms

202, 203 or different horizontal wires on the first side member 110 to limit and facilitate movement of the door 114 between the open and closed positions.

To accommodate movement along the first and second

horizontal wires

206, 208, the door 114 may include at least first and second

vertical wires

230, 244. The first vertical wire 230 may be disposed at one end of the door 114 and the second vertical wire 244 may be disposed at an opposite end thereof. For example, in FIG. 2, the first vertical wire 230 is disposed near the right side of the door 114 and the second vertical wire 244 is disposed near the left side of the door 114. However, other variations are possible, and the door 114 may include additional vertical wires to facilitate movement along the direction 200.

The first vertical wire 230 may include a first hooked end 240 and a second hooked end 242. The first hooked end 240 may form a hooked end that slidably engages the first horizontal wire 206. Similarly, the second hooked end 242 may form a hooked end that slidably engages the second horizontal wire 208. The hooked ends 240, 242 define an opening of appropriate size to enable the first and second horizontal wires to fit therein. Moreover, the sized openings are large enough to allow for smooth movement of the hooked ends 240, 242 relative to the first horizontal wire 206 and the second horizontal wire 208. Similarly, the second vertical wire 244 may include a first hooked end 246 and a second hooked end 248. The first hooked end 246 may form a hooked end that slidably engages the first horizontal wire 206 and the second hooked end 248 may form a hooked end that slidably engages the second horizontal wire 208. The hooked ends 246, 248 may also define openings that allow for smooth movement of the hooked ends 246, 248 relative to the first horizontal wire 206 and the second horizontal wire 208.

Referring to fig. 1-3, the hooked ends 240, 242, 246, 248 may be modified extensions of the

vertical wires

230, 244 that form the vertical ends of the door 114. These hooked ends may be positioned to ensure that the door 114 remains in a substantially planar orientation parallel to the side member 110, but to allow the door to slide horizontally along the first and second

horizontal wires

206, 208. Further, the hooked ends 240, 242 of the first vertical wire 230 may contact the

door stop mechanisms

202, 203 when the door 114 reaches its fully open position (e.g., fig. 2), and the hooked ends 246, 248 of the second vertical wire 244 may contact the

door stop mechanisms

202, 203 when the door 114 reaches its fully closed position (e.g., fig. 1 and 3).

Turning to fig. 2-4, the first side member 110 and the door 114 may form a latch assembly 300 for securely holding the door 114 in a closed position (e.g., fig. 3). The latch assembly 300 may include a contact member 310 and a latch member 304 connected to the door 114. The latch member 304 may be formed from a single wire that is bent at multiple locations and then connected to the vertical wire 302 of the door 114 at a first location 308 and a second location 312. The latch member 304 may also be connected to the first vertical wire 230 at a third position 402 and a fourth position 404. The latch members 304 may be spaced from the vertical wires 230 such that a gap or space d is defined therebetween to allow the side stop members 306 to be located in the defined gap or space d when the door 114 is in the closed position (fig. 3). The manner in which the latch member 304 is attached to the door 114 may be accomplished by welding, adhesives, fasteners, or other means known to those skilled in the art. The contact member 310 may be connected to the latch member 304 in any of a variety of ways. For example, the contact member 310 may be a substantially solid flat piece of material that may be bent around the upper and lower portions or wires of the latch member 304 to form a press-fit connection. The contact members 310 may also be welded, adhered, fastened or connected in other known manners. Also, the latch member 304 or the contact member 310 may be connected to the horizontal wire 320 of the door 114 to make the latch assembly 300 more rigid and more supported.

The latch assembly 300 may also include a portion formed on the first side member 110. Specifically, the first side member 110 may include a vertical wire 314 (see fig. 2) defining at least one side of the opening 204. The first support wire 316 and the second support wire 318 may be arranged horizontally along the first side member 110 such that each support wire is connected to the vertical wire 314 at one end and to the outer frame wire 210 at its opposite end (see fig. 4A). Additionally, the latch assembly 300 also includes a side stop member 306, which may be formed from a single piece of wire. The side stop member 306 may be connected to a first support wire 316 near one end and a second support wire 318 near its other end. The side stop members 306 may be welded, adhered, fastened, bent in a press fit, or attached to the support wires in any other known manner. Side stop members 306 may form a substantially U-shaped member, except that side stop member 306 is connected to each respective end of the support wire.

To secure the door 114 to the first side member 110 in the closed position, the door 114 may be moved laterally in direction 200 toward the side stop member 306. In fig. 4, for example, door 114 is shown partially open. To reach the closed position, the latch member 304 and the contact member 310 may be pressed inward toward the interior of the crate 100 while the door 114 is moved toward the side stop member 306. In this way, the latch member 304 can be moved laterally to the opposite side of the side stop member 306 (i.e., to the side closest to the frame wire 210). When the force applied to the contact member 310 and the latch member 304 is released, the latch member 304 may be disposed at a position opposite the side stop member 306 because the first vertical wire 230 contacts or engages the side stop member 306. The latching engagement of the latch member 304 and the side stop member 306 may prevent the door 114 from moving or sliding to the open position (fig. 2).

To open the latch door 114, the latch member 304 may be disengaged from the side stop member 306 by applying a force inwardly against the contact member 310 or the latch member 304, while subsequently moving or sliding the door 114 away from the side stop member 306 in the direction 200. Although the contact members 310 move inwardly due to the applied force, the latch members 304 may pass behind the side stop members 306 (i.e., toward the interior of the crate 100) as the door 114 moves toward the side stop members 306. Once the latch member 304 passes and clears the side stop member 306 (i.e., the door 114 is in the partially open position 400), the inwardly applied force may be released and the door 114 may simply be moved in the opening or closing direction 200. The latch assembly 300 described in this embodiment is not exhaustive and should not limit its application. Many latches used in the industry such as hooks and loops, sliding members, wedges, springs, etc. should be considered to be incorporated herein.

Of course, this allows the side door 114 to open in such a way that the door 114 is out of the way and does not obstruct access to the interior of the crate. In addition, the side door 114 does not swing open and risks scratching, denting, or damaging nearby objects such as walls, furniture, etc. When the side door 114 is open, an opening defined in the first side member 110 allows access to the interior of the crate 100.

Although one particular embodiment has been described with a sliding door located on the first side member 100, it should be understood that any of the top member 102, front member 106, rear member 108, or second side member 112 may include a similar door and latch assembly. Further, one or more doors may be provided in one or more components such that the interior of the crate 100 may be accessed through two or more doors. In addition, the particular orientation of the different wires and the direction of movement of the respective doors should not limit the present disclosure. For example, one skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that a wire crate may be designed with at least one door that moves vertically rather than horizontally and in any direction therebetween. Accordingly, the present disclosure should be considered to include a plurality of door member positions and door movement directions that may be used by applying the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 5, the crate 100 may be easily folded into a compact position 500. This may make the crate 100 portable, for example in a vehicle or an airplane. Further, when in the compact position 500, the crate 100 may be easily stored in a box, carton, travel bag, or other storage device. The crate 100 may be assembled from a folded or compact position 500 to an upright assembled position as shown in fig. 1. To this end, the base member 104 may be disposed on a flat surface. In this position, the front member 106 is positioned directly above the top member 102 and directly below the front member 106. The rear member 108 may be located below the top member 102. As shown in fig. 1, the front member 106 may be hingedly or pivotally connected to the top member 102 via a plurality of hooks 116 that engage an outer frame wire 122 of the top member 102. Similar to the outer frame wire 210 of the first side member 110, the outer frame wire 122 of the top member 102 is the outermost single wire that forms the dimensions of the top member 102. Similar to the front member 106, the rear member 108 may include a plurality of hooks 124 that engage the outer frame wires 122 of the top member 102.

The front member 106 may also include a plurality of vertical wires having hooked ends 120 (fig. 1) that overlap the horizontal wires 118 of the bottom member 104. In this arrangement, the front member 106 can be disengaged from the top member 102 by disengaging the plurality of hooks 116 from the outer frame wire 122 and pivoting the front member 106 about the bottom member horizontal wire 118. In this manner, the front member 106 is removably connected to the top member 102 and pivotally connected to the bottom member 104. The rear member 108 may include similar hooked ends for engaging horizontal wires on the bottom member 104 such that it is connected to the top and

bottom members

102, 104 similar to the front member 106.

Thus, based on the connection between the front and

rear members

106, 108 relative to the top and

bottom members

102, 104, the crate 100 may be assembled to the upright position of fig. 1 by pivoting the front member 106 about the horizontal wires 118 of the bottom member 104 and then lifting the top member 102. The top member 102 may be lifted into a position such that the rear member 108 may pivot about the bottom member 104 to a substantially upright position. Once the front and

rear members

106, 108 are pivoted to the generally upright position, the plurality of hooks 116 on the front member 106 and the plurality of hooks 124 on the rear member 108 may be engaged to the framing wires 122 of the top member 102 to complete the assembly of the crate 100.

To fold the crate 100 from the upright position of fig. 1 to the folded or compact position 500 of fig. 5, the above steps may be reversed. That is, the front and

rear members

106, 108 may be disengaged from the top member 102. One of the front member 106 and the rear member 108 may pivot relative to the base member 104 and be disposed in a position above the base member 104. The first side member 110 and the second side member 112 may pivot relative to the top member 102 and the bottom member 104 and fold on top of the previously folded front member 106 or back member 108. The unfolded front member 106 or rear member 108 may then be folded on top of the other components to fully fold the crate into its compact position 500.

In the foregoing embodiments, the front and rear members may be removably connected to the top member 102. In another embodiment, the front and rear members may be removably connected to the base member 104. In addition, first and

second side members

110, 112 are pivotally connected to top and

bottom members

102, 104 to form a continuous structure. However, in an alternative embodiment, the front and rear members are pivotally connected to the top and bottom members to form a continuous structure. In this alternative embodiment, the first and

second side members

110, 112 may be removably connected to one of the top and

bottom members

102, 104 such that the crate 100 may be folded to the compact position 500 of fig. 5. In another alternative embodiment, each of the front member 106, the rear member 108, the first side member 110, and the second side member 112 may be removably connected to the top member 102 and the bottom member 104. Here, each of the six members may be completely detached from each other and stacked on each other to form a compact structure. Alternatively, the top member 102 and the bottom member 104 may be removably connected to one of the front member 106, the rear member 108, the first side member 110, and the second side member 112, and the front member 106, the rear member 108, the first side member 110, and the second side member 112 may form a continuous structure.

In a similar embodiment, the first side member 110 and the second side member 112 may be folded inwardly over the top of the bottom member 104. In this arrangement, the front, top and

rear members

106, 102, 108 are folded on top of the first and

second side members

110, 112. The first and

second side members

110, 112 may be hingedly or pivotally connected to the base member 104 to accommodate such means for folding the crate 100. These members may be removably connected or fixedly connected to the base member 104. Thus, in another related embodiment, the top member 102, the front member 106, and the back member 108 may be folded first on top of the bottom member 104, and then the first side member 110 and the second side member 112 are folded on top thereof, with the first side member 110 or the second side member 112 resting on top of the other.

As another method of assembling the crate from the folded position, the top member 102 may be lifted away from the front member 106 to a position where the top member 102 is substantially parallel to and directly above the bottom member 104. In this position, the front and

rear members

106, 108 are substantially upright and parallel to each other. Once the top member 102, front member 106, and rear member 108 are disposed in their upright positions, the first side member 110 and second side member 112 may be assembled. In an exemplary embodiment, the first side member 110 can be latched to the second side member 112 by a hook or other fastener (not shown), and when assembled, the two side members are disengaged from each other. The first side member 110 may then be raised to an upright position. The first side member 110 may be connected to the top member 102 in a variety of ways including those previously described. For example, one such way is by aligning hooks extending outwardly from the first side member 110 with terminal wires on the top member 102. Clips or other fasteners may also be used to connect the first side member 110 to the top member 102 and/or the front and

rear members

106, 108.

Similarly, the second side member 112 may be lifted from its folded position to an upright position. In its upright position, the second side member 112 may be connected to the top member 102 by aligning a hook near the top edge of the member with the terminal wire of the top member 102. Clips or other fasteners may be used to further connect the second side member 112 to the top member 102 and/or the front and

rear members

106, 108. These members may be connected in other ways known to those skilled in the art. For example, in another embodiment, the top member 102 may include hooks that engage the first side member 110 and the second member 112.

Referring to fig. 6, another embodiment of a crate 600 is shown. The crate 600 may be formed from substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap one another to define an interior portion. One or more horizontal wires may be connected to one or more vertical wires, or vice versa, to increase the structural integrity of the crate 600. For example, the wires may be welded, adhered, fastened or connected to each other by various means. The crate 600 may include a top member 602, a bottom member 604, a front member 606, and a rear member 608. The crate 600 may also include a first side member 610 and a second side member 612, where the first side member 610 is disposed opposite the second side member 612. For example, the size of each member may be varied to accommodate the size of any animal. In the upright, fully assembled orientation or position, the top member 602, bottom member 604, front member 606, rear member 608, first side member 610, and second side member 612 may define an interior of the crate 600 that is sized to receive and accommodate an animal or other object as desired.

In one aspect, the front member 606, the rear member 608, the top member 602, and the bottom member 604 may form a continuous structure. In other words, these components may be fixedly connected to each other. Alternatively, the top member 602, the bottom member 604, the first side member 610, and the second side member 612 may form a continuous structure such that the top member 602 and the bottom member 604 are secured to the first side member 610 and the second side member 612. In various aspects, each member may be removably connected to each other such that different members are removably connected to each other. In the example shown in fig. 6, a plurality of clips 622 may be used to secure or connect the top member 602 to the front member 606 and the rear member 608. Similar clips or fasteners may be used to connect the top member 602 to other members of the crate 600.

Each of the top member 602, bottom member 604, front member 606, rear member 608, first side member 610, and second side member 612 may be formed from a plurality of overlapping horizontal and vertical wires or rods. The number of horizontal and vertical wires and the spacing between them may vary. If smaller animals are contained in the crate 600, the spacing may be less than desired if larger animals are contained.

In fig. 6, a first side member 610 of a crate 600 may define a door frame that includes corresponding structure for receiving a door 614. The door 614 may also be made of substantially overlapping horizontal and vertical wires, as shown in fig. 6. Further, the door 614 may be movably disposed between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, i.e., fig. 9, the first side member 610 defines an opening 902, the opening 902 providing access to the interior of the crate 600.

The crate 600 may also include a latch assembly 616, the latch assembly 616 being pivotally connected to the door 614 to releasably connect to the first side member 610 to hold or latch the door 614 in the closed position 800. The first side member 610 may form a portion of a frame for a door 614 and may be formed from a plurality of horizontally and vertically disposed wires as shown in fig. 6.

The front member 606 may be offset or spaced apart from the bottom member 604 to define a slot or opening 618 therebetween. In this manner, a tray (not shown), tray, pet bed, blanket, or other device may be slidably positioned over the bottom member 604 in the opening 618. In this manner, the animal housed within the crate 600 may rest on a more comfortable pet bed, comforter, tray, plate, or the like. In the embodiment of fig. 6, the first side member 610 and the second side member 612 may include support wires 620 disposed in connection with the bottom member 604 to prevent lateral movement of the pet bed (not shown) from the confined space. The back member 608 may also include similar support wires 620 to further position a pet bed, tray, or the like within the defined opening 618. In this arrangement, a tray, bed, tray, or the like, may be positioned only within the defined opening 618 in the front member 606. Although not shown, the crate 600 may also include a latch or other mechanism to prevent a bed, tray, or the like from sliding or moving out of position (i.e., due to movement of the animal within the crate) via the opening 618.

In fig. 7, the first side member 610 and the door 614 are shown in more detail. The first side member 610 may form a door frame for the door 614 such that the door 614 is slidably connected to the door frame. As described above and shown in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 7, the door 614 may be formed from a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. For example, the door 614 may include a first horizontal wire 700 extending from one end of the door 614 to the other. As shown, the first horizontal wire 700 may include a bent end 702. The bent end 702 may have a degree of resiliency such that it may resiliently move inward and outward (i.e., toward and away from the first side member 610).

The first side member 610 may include a hook member 704 formed from a single oval-shaped wire. The hook member 704 defines an opening therein that can receive the bent end 702 of the first horizontal wire 700 in the latched position. The curved end 702 may be biased outwardly away from the first side member 610 such that when positioned in the defined opening of the hook member 704, the hook member 704 may substantially restrain or retain the curved end 702 in a position to prevent the door 614 from easily sliding or moving from the closed position 800.

The door 614 may also include a first vertical wire 706 and a second vertical wire 708. A first vertical wire 706 and a second vertical wire 708 are disposed at opposite ends of the door 614, with the bent end 702 of the first horizontal wire connected to the first vertical wire 706. In one aspect, the curved end 702 can be connected near or at a midpoint or center of the first vertical wire 706. The first vertical wire 706 includes two ends, a first end 714 forming a curled end, and a second end 716 being substantially straight. Similarly, the second vertical wire 708 includes two ends, a first end 710 forming a curled end and a second end 712 being substantially straight.

To accommodate sliding or lateral movement of the door 614 relative to the first side member 610, the first side member 610 may include a plurality of tracks or guides. For example, in fig. 7, the first side member 610 may include a first guide member 718, a second guide member 720, a third guide member 722, and a fourth guide member 724. As shown in fig. 7 and 7A, the first guide member 718 and the second guide member 720 are formed in a substantially oval or annular structure. The first guide member 718 may define a first guide opening 726 and the second guide member 720 may define a second guide opening 728. Although not shown, the third and

fourth guide members

722, 724 may also have similarly defined guide openings formed therein. However, these elliptical configurations are merely exemplary. The guide member may be bent, crimped or otherwise formed to provide a guide wire, track, channel, opening or the like

Each guide opening has a first end and a second end defined by a respective guide member. In fig. 7A, for example, the first guide member 718 has an end 730 defining one end of the guide opening 726. Likewise, second guide member 720 has an end 732 that defines one end of guide opening 728. The ends 730, 732 may abut each other such that the two

guide members

718, 720 are in contact with each other or spaced apart from each other such that a gap exists between each

respective end

730, 732. In this manner, door 614 may be defined by the distance between the respective ends of the guide openings (i.e., the travel distance along first guide member 718 is defined between ends 908 and 730, and the travel distance along second guide member 720 is defined at ends 910 and 732).

As also shown in the illustrative embodiment of fig. 6-9, each of the first guide member 718, second guide member 720, third guide member 722, and fourth guide member 724 may be formed from a single piece of wire. As such, each wire may be bent, crimped, or otherwise formed to define how the door 614 moves laterally relative to the first side member 610.

As shown in fig. 7 and 7A, the first end 714 of the first vertical wire 706 forms a loop or curled end such that the first end 714 is connected to the first guide member 718. Likewise, the first end 710 of the second vertical wire 708 forms a loop or curled end that is connected to the second guide wire 720. The first ends of the two vertical wires are slidable relative to the first and

second guide members

718, 720 to allow the door 614 to move between the closed position 800, the open position 900, and any position therebetween.

The first vertical wire 706 may have a length such that its second end 716 protrudes through the opening-defining third guide member 722. Similarly, the second vertical wire 708 may have a length that enables the second end 712 to protrude through the opening-defining fourth guide member 724. In this arrangement, the animal cannot push the door 614 outward because the second ends of the two vertical wires are at least partially disturbed by the capture in the defined openings of the two guide members.

Although the guide member is shown as forming a ring-like or oval-shaped structure, this is shown as an example only. In other examples, the first and second guide members may be a single substantially straight wire along which the first ends of the two vertical wires slide. The third and fourth guide members may also be a single wire disposed outwardly from the first side member 610 such that the second ends of the two vertical wires are disposed between the respective guide wires and the first side member 610. Other tracks, channels, guides, and the like may be used to facilitate substantially linear movement of the door 614 relative to the first side member 610.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, 8A, and 9, the latch 616 is shown released or disengaged from the first side member 610 to further facilitate movement of the door 614 relative to the first side member 610. The latch 616 may include a first end 814 and a second end 816 pivotally connected to the first horizontal wire 700 of the door 614. The second end 816 of the latch 616 may further include a latching mechanism 806 in the form of a bend or crimp in the wire. In fig. 9, the latch 616 and the latch mechanism 806 are shown as being formed from a single piece of wire. The single wire may include a first bend 912, a second bend 914, and a third bend 916. The first bend 912 may be defined at substantially the same location along the single wire as the second end 816, with the latch 616 pivotally connected to the first horizontal wire 700 of the door 614.

In the closed position 800 as shown in fig. 7 and 8, the horizontal wire 804 of the first side member 610 may be connected or latched by a latch mechanism 806. Here, the second bend 914 may define an opening for receiving the horizontal wire 804 of the first side member 610 or the door frame. The latch mechanism 806 may prevent or limit movement of the door 614 in the lateral direction when the latch mechanism 806 is engaged or connected to the horizontal wire 804. To release the latch mechanism 806, the latch 616 is pivoted to the position 802 shown in FIG. 8, whereby the latch mechanism 806 is removed and no longer connected to the horizontal wire 804.

Once the latch mechanism 806 is disengaged from the horizontal wire 804, the door 614 may also be moved from the closed position 800 by releasing or disengaging the bent end 702 of the first horizontal wire 700 from the hook member 704. As shown in fig. 8A, the shackle member 704 may be a single wire connected to the first support wire 808 and the second support wire 812 of the first side member 610. As shown, the first and second support wires may be substantially horizontal wires, and the hook member 704 may be welded, fastened, adhered, or connected in other known manners. The shackle member 704 may define an opening 810, with the curved end 702 disposed in the closed position 800 through the opening 810. Since the bent end 702 may be resiliently deflected or deformed away from the door 614 to latch or connect to the shackle member 704, to move the door 614 from the closed position 800, the bent end 702 may be pushed inward to release or disengage the door 614 from the shackle member 704.

Referring to fig. 9, the door 614 is shown in the open position 900. In this position, an opening or entrance 902 is defined between the door 614 and the first side member 610. The size of the opening or entrance 902 may be changed by moving the door 614 in the direction indicated by arrow 906. Additionally, the latch 616 remains in the pivot position 904 to prevent the latch mechanism 806 from engaging the horizontal wire 804 of the first side member 610. Because the plurality of vertical wires of the first side member 610 are spaced apart, the door 614 may be moved and held in a partially open position by connecting the latch mechanism 806 with the horizontal wire 804 at substantially any location between any two of the plurality of vertical wires along its length that form the first side member 610.

As above and also shown in fig. 9, the first guide member 718 may be formed from a single piece of wire. The first end 714 of the first vertical wire 706 may move along the first guide member 718, and the length of movement may be defined by the length of the first guide member 718. The first guide member 718 may include one end 730 and an opposite end 908 such that the first end 714 of the first vertical wire 706 may travel a length defined by the distance between the first end 730 and the second end 908. Likewise, second guide member 720 may be formed from a single piece of wire having a defined length between first end 732 and second end 910. The distance between the first end 732 and the second end 910 may define the length of travel of the first end 710 of the second vertical wire 708. In one aspect, the first guide member and the second guide member are about the same length. In other words, the first ends of both vertical wires of the door 614 may travel about the same distance between the open and closed positions. In other embodiments, the lengths may be different, and thus the lateral movement of the door 614 is defined by the smaller of the two openings.

In another example, the third guide member 722 may define a length similar or identical to the length of the first guide member 718. The fourth guide member 724 may have substantially the same length as the second guide member 720. In other examples, the length or opening size of the guide member may be different, and the guide member having the shortest length or opening size may define the travel distance of the door 614.

The crate 600 may also be folded into a folded position similar to fig. 5. The crate 600 may also include a tray or plate that may be removably positioned or connected to the crate.

Referring to fig. 10, yet another embodiment of a collapsible crate 1000 is shown. The crate 1000 may be formed from substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap one another to define an interior portion. One or more horizontal wires may be connected to one or more vertical wires, or vice versa, to increase the structural integrity of the crate 1000. For example, the wires may be welded, adhered, fastened or connected to each other by various means. The crate 1000 may include a top member 1002, a bottom member 1004, a front member 1006, and a rear member 1008. The crate 1000 may also include a first side member 1010 and a second side member 1012, where the first side member 1010 is disposed opposite the second side member 1012. For example, the size of each member may be varied to accommodate the size of any animal. In the upright, fully assembled orientation or position, the top member 1002, the bottom member 1004, the front member 1006, the back member 1008, the first side member 1010, and the second side member 1012 may define an interior of the crate 1000 that is sized to receive and accommodate an animal or other object as desired.

In one aspect, the front member 1006, the back member 1008, the top member 1002, and the bottom member 1004 may form a continuous structure. In other words, these components may be fixedly connected to each other. Alternatively, the top member 1002, the bottom member 1004, the first side member 1010, and the second side member 1012 may form a continuous structure such that the top member 1002 and the bottom member 1004 are secured to the first side member 1010 and the second side member 1012. In various aspects, each member may be removably connected to each other such that different members are removably connected to each other. In the example shown in fig. 10, a plurality of clips 1022 may be used to secure or connect the top member 1002 to the front member 1006 and the rear member 1008. Similar clips or fasteners may be used to connect other components of the crate 1000.

Each of the top member 1002, bottom member 1004, front member 1006, back member 1008, first side member 1010, and second side member 1012 may be formed from a plurality of overlapping horizontal and vertical wires or rods. The number of horizontal and vertical wires and the spacing between them may vary. If a smaller animal is contained in the crate 1000, the spacing may be desirably smaller than if a larger animal were contained.

In fig. 10, a first side member 1010 of a crate 1000 may define a door frame that includes corresponding structure for receiving a door 1014. The door 1014 may also be made of substantially overlapping horizontal and vertical wires, as shown in fig. 10. Further, the door 1014 may be movably disposed between the open position 1200 and the closed position 1100. In the open position, i.e., fig. 12, the first side member 1010 defines an opening 1202, the opening 1202 providing access to the crate 1000.

The crate 1000 may also include a latch assembly 1016 pivotally connected to the door 1014 to releasably connect to the first side member 1010 to hold or latch the door 1014 in the closed position 1100. The first side member 1010 may form a portion of a frame for the door 1014 and may be formed from a plurality of horizontally and vertically disposed wires as shown in fig. 10.

The front member 1006 may be offset or spaced apart from the bottom member 1004 to define a slot or opening 1018 therebetween. In this manner, a tray (not shown), tray, pet bed, blanket, or other device may be slidably positioned over the bottom member 1004 in the opening 1018. In this manner, the animal housed within the crate 1000 may rest on a more comfortable pet bed, comforter, tray, plate, or the like. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the first side member 1010, the second side member 1012, and/or the bottom member 1004 may include support wires 1020 disposed in connection with the bottom member 1004 to prevent lateral movement of the pet bed (not shown) from the enclosed space. The back member 1008 may also include similar support wires 1020 to further position a pet bed, tray, plate, etc. within the defined opening 1018. In this arrangement, a tray, bed, tray, or the like, may be positioned only within the defined opening 1018 in the front member 1006. Although not shown, the crate 1000 may also include a latch or other mechanism to prevent a bed, tray, or the like from sliding or moving out of position (i.e., due to movement of the animal within the crate) via the opening 1018.

In fig. 11 and 11A, the first side member 1010 and the door 1014 are shown in greater detail. The first side member 1010 may form a door frame for the door 1014 such that the door 1014 is slidably connected to the door frame. A generally U-shaped latch hook member 1102 may be connected to the first side member 1010. Hook member 1102 is connected to first side member 1010 at first end 1104 and second end 1106 by outer wire 1103. In this embodiment, the shackle member 1102 forms an open structure with a first end 1104 and a second end 1106 spaced apart from each other and connected to the outer wire 1103.

The fixed vertical wire 1112 may be disposed adjacent and parallel to the outer wire 1103 of the first side member 1010, and the wire 1112 may define one edge of the door frame. For stability, hook member 1102 may also be connected to a fixed vertical wire 1112 at a first position 1108 and a second position 1110. Hook member 1102 may be formed from a single wire or multiple wires. In the embodiment of fig. 11, the first end 1104 may be axially aligned with a first location 1108 and the second end 1106 may be axially aligned with a second location 1110. In one example, the axis along which the first end 1104 and the first location 1108 are aligned may be substantially parallel to the axis along which the second end 1106 and the second location 1110 are aligned.

As shown in fig. 11A, the latch hook member 1102 may bend and protrude outward from the first side member 1010 (i.e., in a direction away from the interior of the crate). Thus, the shackle member 1102 may be partially aligned within a first plane and a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

The sliding mechanism of the door 1014 of the crate 1000 is substantially similar to the sliding mechanism of the previous embodiment shown in fig. 6-9. The first guide member 718, the second guide member 720, the third guide member 722, and the fourth guide member 724 are connected to the first side member 1010, and guide the lateral movement of the door 1014 when the door 1014 is opened and closed. As shown in fig. 11, the first guide member 718 and the second guide member 720 are formed in a substantially oval or annular structure. The first guide member 718 may define a first guide opening 726 and the second guide member 720 may define a second guide opening 728. Although not shown, the third and

fourth guide members

722, 724 may also have similarly defined guide openings formed therein. However, these elliptical configurations are merely exemplary. The guide member may be bent, crimped or otherwise formed to provide a guide wire, track, channel, opening or the like.

Each guide opening has a first end and a second end defined by a respective guide member. For example, the first guide member 718 has an end 730 defining one end of the guide opening 726. Likewise, second guide member 720 has an end 732 that defines one end of guide opening 728. The respective ends 730, 732 may abut each other such that the two

guide members

respective end

730, 732. In this manner, the travel length of the door 1014 may be defined by the distance between the respective ends of the guide openings (i.e., the travel distance along the first guide member 718 is defined between ends 908 and 730, and the travel distance along the second guide member 720 is defined between ends 910 and 732).

As also shown in the illustrative embodiment shown in fig. 10-12, each of the first guide member 718, second guide member 720, third guide member 722, and fourth guide member 724 may be formed from a single piece of wire. As such, each wire may be bent, crimped, or otherwise formed to limit lateral movement of the door 1014 relative to the first side member 1010.

Additionally, the functions and features of the second vertical wire 708 of the crate 600 may be incorporated in the crate 1000 shown in fig. 10. The first end 710 of the second vertical wire 708 is slidably connected to the second guide wire 720 in the guide opening 728. The second end 712 simultaneously fits into the guide opening of the fourth guide member 724. Similarly, the first vertical wire 1114 has a first end 714, the first end 714 fitting in the guide opening 726 and slidably connecting with the first guide member 718. In addition, the second end 716 of the first vertical wire 1114 fits into the guide opening and slidably the third guide member 722.

The first vertical wire 1114 differs from the first vertical wire 706 of the previous embodiment (shown in fig. 6-9) in that it includes a U-shaped bend 1116 between the first end 714 and the second end 716. The U-shaped bend 1116 of the first vertical wire 1114 may mirror the profile of the bend formed by the generally U-shaped design of the hook member 1102 such that the hook member 1102 and the first vertical wire 1114 are partially in the same plane, but do not interfere with each other. When the door 1014 is in the closed position 1100, the U-shaped bend 1116 of the first upright wire 1114 forms a recessed area in which the hook member 1102 is received. Thus, the shackle member 1102 may or may not contact the first vertical wire 1114, but due to the outward bend defined in the U-shaped portion of the shackle member 1102, the presence or absence of contact does not interfere with the function of the latch assembly 1016.

As shown in fig. 11, the first end 714 of the first vertical wire 1114 forms a loop or curled end such that the first end 714 is connected to the first guide member 718. Likewise, the first end 710 of the second vertical wire 708 forms a loop or curled end that is connected to the second guide wire 720. The first ends of the two vertical wires are slidable relative to the first and

second guide members

718, 720 to allow the door 1014 to move between the closed position 1100, the open position 1200, and any position therebetween.

The first vertical wire 1114 may have a length such that its second end 716 protrudes through the defined opening of the third guide member 722. Similarly, the second vertical wire 708 may have a length such that the second end 712 may protrude through the opening-defining fourth guide member 724. In this arrangement, the animal cannot push the door 1014 outward because the interference created by the second ends of the two vertical wires is at least partially captured in the defined openings of the two guide members.

Although the guide member is shown as forming an annular or oval shaped structure, this is shown as an example only. In other examples, the first and second guide members may be a single wire along which the first ends of the two vertical wires slide. The third and fourth guide members may also be a single wire disposed outwardly from the first side member 1010 such that the second ends of the two vertical wires are disposed between the respective guide wires and the first side member 1010. Other tracks, channels, guides, and the like may be used to facilitate substantially linear movement of the door 1014 relative to the first side member 1010.

Fig. 11A shows the latch assembly 1016 in the closed position 1100. The latch assembly 1016 may include three components: a bolt 1118, a rod 1120, and a latch member 1122. The latch member 1122 is the base of the latch assembly 1016 and may comprise a wire bent into a substantially rectangular shape. Other possible designs for the latch member 1122 may include oval, square, circular, or other known shapes. The first latch wire 1124 of the door 1014 is disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from the first upright wire 1114. The latch member 1122 may be connected to the first latch wire 1124 at a first latch position 1128 and a second latch position 1130. The latch wire 1126 may be adjacent to and spaced apart from the first latch wire 1124. Latch member 1122 may also be attached to second latch wire 1126 at third and

fourth latch positions

1132, 1134. The latch members 1122 may be connected at more than four locations depending on the spacing between the vertical wires of the door 1014. In one aspect, first latch position 1128 and third latch position 1132 may be aligned with first position 1108 and first end 1104 of hook member 1102. Additionally, the second and

fourth latch positions

1130, 1134 may be aligned with the second position 1110 and the second end 1106 of the shackle member 1102.

In one aspect, a substantially straight portion of latch member 1122 can be located between first latch position 1128 and third latch position 1132 and between second latch position 1130 and fourth latch position 1134. To receive the bolt 1118, the latch member may define two bolt openings 1136. Bolt opening 1136 may include a first bolt opening defined between first latch position 1128 and second latch position 1130 and a second bolt opening defined between third latch position 1132 and fourth latch position 1134. To form the bolt opening 1136, a latch member 1122 may protrude outward from the first side member 1010 to allow the bolt 1118 to fit and slide therebetween. The bolt 1118 is free to rotate and slide axially relative to the latch member 1122. In various embodiments, the bolt 1118 may be free to rotate only relative to the latch member 1122, but fixed in a sliding manner relative thereto.

Bolt 1118 may include a substantially straight end 1138 disposed furthest from the shackle member 1102 and a curved end 1140 disposed closest to the shackle member 1102. The curved end 1140 is located outside of the perimeter defined by the latch component 1122 and, when in the closed position 1100, the curved end 1140 may rest against the latch hook member 1102 to close the latch door 1014. The curved end 1140 of the bolt 1118 may be directed outward from the first side member 1010 when in the locked position (as shown in fig. 10-11A) or in the rest position (in the open position 1200 in fig. 12).

The rod 1120 may be a single wire connected to the bolt 1118. The rod 1120 may hang below the bolt 1118 and form a U-shaped bend. The rod 1120 may have a first end 1142 and a second end 1144. The first end 1142 is connected to the bolt 1118 closest to the curved end 1140 but inside the perimeter of the latch member 1122. The first end 1142 may be secured to an inwardly facing portion of the bolt 1118. The rod 1120 is also connected to an inwardly facing portion of the bolt 1118 at a second end 1144. The second end 1144 is connected to the bolt 1118 within the perimeter of the latch member 1122.

The rod 1120 is secured only to the bolt 1118 such that the rod 1120 is free to rotate about the axis defined by the bolt 1118. Pivoting the lever 1120 away from the first side member 1010 may cause the bolt 1118 to rotate. When the bent end 1140 of the bolt 1118 is connected to the U-shaped portion of the shackle member 1102 in the closed position 1100, the latch latches the door 1014 closed. By rotating the bolt 1118 such that the curved end 1140 is disengaged from the shackle member 1102, the door 1014 may be moved in the transverse direction 1206 such that the door 1014 may be disposed in its open position 1200.

The latch assembly 1016 may be positioned to move to or from the closed position 1100 by rotating the bolt 1118 such that the curved end 1140 faces upward. The door 1014 may be moved in the transverse direction 1206 until the bent end 1140 is able to latch or connect to the shackle member 1102. Pivoting the lever 1120 to a rest position below the bolt 1118, the bolt 1118 may be connected to the shackle member 1102, and the door 1014 may be latched closed in the closed position 1100.

The crate 1000 may also be folded into a folded position similar to fig. 5. The crate 1000 may also include a tray or plate that may be removably positioned or connected to the crate.

Referring to fig. 13, yet another embodiment of a collapsible crate 1300 is shown. Crate 1300 may be formed from substantially horizontal and vertical wires that overlap one another to define an interior portion. One or more horizontal wires may be connected to one or more vertical wires, or vice versa, to increase the structural integrity of the crate 1300. For example, the wires may be welded, adhered, fastened or connected to each other by various means. The crate 1300 may include a top member 1002, a bottom member 1004, a front member 1006, and a rear member 1008. The crate 1300 may also include a first side member 1010 and a second side member 1012, wherein the first side member 1010 is disposed opposite the second side member 1012. For example, the size of each member may be varied to accommodate the size of any animal. In the upright, fully assembled orientation or position, the top member 1002, the bottom member 1004, the front member 1006, the back member 1008, the first side member 1010, and the second side member 1012 may define an interior of the crate 1300 that is sized to receive and accommodate an animal or other object as desired.

In one aspect, the front member 1006, the back member 1008, the top member 1002, and the bottom member 1004 may form a continuous structure. In other words, these components may be fixedly connected to each other. Alternatively, the top member 1002, the bottom member 1004, the first side member 1010, and the second side member 1012 may form a continuous structure such that the top member 1002 and the bottom member 1004 are secured to the first side member 1010 and the second side member 1012. In various aspects, each member may be removably connected to each other such that different members are removably connected to each other. In the example shown in fig. 13, a plurality of clips 1022 may be used to secure or connect the top member 1002 to the front member 1006 and the rear member 1008. Similar clips or fasteners may be used to connect other component panels of the crate 1300.

Each of the top member 1002, bottom member 1004, front member 1006, back member 1008, first side member 1010, and second side member 1012 may be formed from a plurality of overlapping horizontal and vertical wires or rods. The number of horizontal and vertical wires and the spacing between them may vary. If a smaller animal is contained in crate 1300, the spacing may be less than desired for the case where a larger animal is contained.

In fig. 13, a first side member 1010 of a crate 1300 may define a door frame that includes corresponding structure for receiving a door 1014. The door 1014 may also be made of substantially overlapping horizontal and vertical wires, as shown in fig. 11. Further, the door 1014 is movably disposed between an open position 1500 and a closed position 1400. In the open position 1500, i.e., in fig. 15, the first side member 1010 defines an opening 1202, the opening 1202 providing access to the interior of the crate 1300.

The crate 1300 may also include a latch assembly 1302, the latch assembly 1302 pivotally connected to the door 1014 to releasably connect to the first side member 1010 to retain or latch the door 1014 in the closed position 1400. The first side member 1010 may form a portion of a frame for the door 1014 and may be formed from a plurality of horizontally and vertically disposed wires as shown in fig. 13.

The front member 1006 may be offset or spaced apart from the bottom member 1004 to define a slot or opening 1018 therebetween. In this manner, a tray (not shown), tray, pet bed, blanket, or other device may be slidably positioned over the bottom member 1004 in the opening 1018. In this manner, the animal housed within the crate 1300 may rest on a more comfortable pet bed, comforter, tray, plate, or the like. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the first side member 1010, the second side member 1012, and/or the bottom member 1004 may include support wires 1020 disposed in connection with the bottom member 1004 to prevent lateral movement of the pet bed (not shown) from the enclosed space. The back member 1008 may also include similar support wires 1020 to further position a pet bed, tray, plate, etc. within the defined opening 1018. In such an arrangement, a plate, bed, tray, or the like may only be positioned within a defined opening in the front member 1106. Although not shown, the crate 1300 may further include a latch or other mechanism to prevent a bed, tray, or the like from sliding or moving out of position (i.e., due to movement of the animal within the crate) via the opening 1018.

In fig. 14 and 14A, the first side member 1010 and the door 1014 are shown in greater detail. The first side member 1010 may form a door frame for the door 1014 such that the door 1014 is slidably connected to the door 1014. A substantially rectangular hook member 1402 may be connected to the first side member 1010. Alternative designs for the latch hook member 1402 are contemplated herein, including designs that are substantially square, circular, oval, triangular, etc. Hook member 1402 may be formed from a single wire having a first end 1404 and a second end 1406 that may be joined together as shown in fig. 14A. The first end 1404, the second end 1406 may define a portion of the shackle member 1402 connected with the outer wire 1103. In one aspect, shackle member 1402 may be formed from a single piece of wire, with first end 1404 being integrally formed with second end 1406. In this regard, the latch hook member 1402 forms a closed design. Alternatively, first end 1404 may be spaced from second end 1406, but the spacing between the two ends is less than the spacing between first end 1104 and second end 1106 of shackle member 1102 in fig. 11A. The hook member 1402 is connected to the first side member 1010 via an outer wire 1103. The fixed vertical wire 1112 may be disposed adjacent and parallel to the outer wire 1103 of the first side member 1010, and the wire 1112 may define one edge of the door frame. For stability, the hook member 1402 may also be connected to a fixed vertical wire 1112 at a first location 1108 and a second location 1110. As shown in fig. 14A, the hook member 1402 may be bent to protrude outward from the first side member 1010.

The sliding mechanism of the door 1014 of the crate 1300 is substantially similar to that of the previous embodiment shown in fig. 6-9. The first guide member 718, the second guide member 720, the third guide member 722, and the fourth guide member 724 are connected to the first side member 1010 and guide the lateral movement of the door 1014 when the door 1014 is opened and closed. As shown in fig. 14, the first guide member 718 and the second guide member 720 are formed in a substantially oval or annular structure. The first guide member 718 may define a first guide opening 726 and the second guide member 720 may define a second guide opening 728. Although not shown, the third and

fourth guide members

guide members

respective end

As also shown in the illustrative embodiment shown in fig. 13-15, the first guide member 718, the second guide member 720, the third guide member 722, and the fourth guide member 724 can each be formed from a single wire. As such, each wire may be bent, crimped, or otherwise formed to limit lateral movement of the door 1014 relative to the first side member 1010.

Additionally, the functions and features of the second vertical wire 708 of the crate 600 may be incorporated in the crate 1300 shown in fig. 13. The first end 710 of the second vertical wire 708 is slidably connected to the second guide wire 720 in the guide opening 728. The second end 712 simultaneously fits into the guide opening of the fourth guide member 724. Similarly, the first vertical wire 1114 has a first end 714, the first end 714 fitting in the guide opening 726 and slidably connecting with the first guide member 718. In addition, the second end 716 of the first vertical wire 1114 fits into the guide opening and slidably the third guide member 722.

The first vertical wire 1114 differs from the first vertical wire 706 of the previous embodiment (as shown in fig. 6-9) in that it includes a U-shaped bend 1116 between the first end 714 and the second end 716. The U-shaped bend 1116 of the first upright wire 1114 may mirror the profile of the bend formed by the substantially rectangular design of the hook member 1402, such that the hook member 1402 and the first upright wire 1114 are partially on the same plane, but do not interfere with each other. When the door 1014 is in the closed position 1400, the first vertical wire 1114 and the hook member 1402 may contact each other without interfering with the function of the latch assembly 1302 due to the outward bow defined in the hook member 1402.

As shown in fig. 14, the first end 714 of the first vertical wire 1114 forms a looped or crimped end such that the first end 714 is connected to the first guide member 718. Likewise, the first end 710 of the second vertical wire 708 forms a loop or curled end that is connected to the second guide wire 720. The first ends of the two vertical wires are slidable relative to the first guide member 718 and the second guide member 720 to allow the door 1014 to move between the closed position 1400, the open position 1500, and any position therebetween.

Although the guide member is shown as forming a ring-like or oval-shaped structure, this is shown as an example only. In other examples, the first and second guide members may be a single wire along which the first ends of the two vertical wires slide. The third and fourth guide members may also be a single wire disposed outwardly from the first side member 1010 such that the second ends of the two vertical wires are disposed between the respective guide wires and the first side member 1010. Other tracks, channels, guides, and the like may be used to facilitate substantially linear movement of the door 1014 relative to the first side member 1010.

Fig. 14A shows the latch assembly 1302 when the latch assembly 1302 is in the closed position 1400. The latch assembly 1302 may include three components: a bolt 1118, a rod 1120, and a latch member 1122. The latch member 1122 is the base of the latch assembly 1302 and may include a guide wire bent into a substantially rectangular shape. However, the latch member 1122 may be any shape including oval, square, circular, trapezoidal, polygonal, or other known designs. The first latch wire 1124 of the door 1014 is disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from the first upright wire 1114. The latch member 1122 may be connected to the first latch wire 1124 at a first latch position 1128 and a second latch position 1130. The latch wire 1126 may be adjacent to and spaced apart from the first latch wire 1124. Latch member 1122 may also be attached to second latch wire 1126 at third and

fourth latch positions

1132, 1134. Depending on the vertical wire of the door 1014, the latch member 1122 may be connected at more than four locations. In one aspect, the first and

third latch positions

1128, 1132 can be aligned with the first position 1108 of the hook member 1402. Additionally, the second and

fourth latch positions

1130, 1134 may be aligned with the second position 1110 of the shackle member 1402.

In one aspect, the substantially straight portion of latch member 1122 may be located between first and

third latch positions

1128, 1132 and between second and

fourth latch positions

1130, 1134. To receive the bolt 1118, the latch member may define two bolt openings 1136. Bolt opening 1136 may include a first bolt opening defined between first latch position 1128 and second latch position 1130 and a second bolt opening defined between third latch position 1132 and fourth latch position 1134. To form the bolt opening 1136, the latch member 1122 may protrude outward from the first side member 1010 to allow the bolt 1118 to fit and slide therebetween. The bolt 1118 is free to rotate and slide axially relative to the latch member 1122. In various embodiments, the bolt 1118 may be free to rotate only relative to the latch member 1122, but fixed in a sliding manner relative thereto.

The bolt 1118 may include a substantially straight end 1138 disposed furthest from the hook member 1402 and a curved end 1140 disposed adjacent the hook member 1402. The curved end 1140 is located outside of the perimeter defined by the latch component 1122 and, when in the closed position 1400, the curved end 1140 may abut against the latch hook member 1402 to close the latch door 1014. The curved end 1140 of the bolt 1118 may be directed outward from the first side member 1010 when in the locked position (as shown in fig. 13-14A) or in the rest position (shown in the open position 1500).

The rod 1120 may be a single wire connected to the bolt 1118. The rod 1120 may hang below the bolt 1118 and form a U-shaped bend. The rod 1120 may have a first end 1142 and a second end 1144. The first end 1142 is connected to the bolt 1118 closest to the curved end 1140 but inside the perimeter of the latch member 1122. The first end 1142 may be secured to an inward portion of the bolt 1118. The rod 1120 is also connected to an inward portion of the bolt 1118 at a second end 1144. The second end 1144 is connected to the bolt 1118 within the perimeter of the latch member 1122.

The rod 1120 is secured only to the bolt 1118 such that the rod 1120 is free to rotate about the axis defined by the bolt 1118. Pivoting the lever 1120 away from the first side member 1010 may rotate the bolt 1118. The latch 1014 is closed when the bent end 1140 of the bolt 1118 is connected to the latch hook member 1402 in the closed position 1400. By rotating the bolt 1118 such that the curved end 1140 is disengaged from the latch hook member 1402, the door 1014 may be moved in the transverse direction 1206 such that the door 1014 may be disposed in its open position 1500.

The latch assembly 1302 may be positioned to move to the closed position 1400 or from the closed position 1400 by rotating the bolt 1118 such that the curved end 1140 faces upward. The door 1014 may be moved in the transverse direction 1206 until the curved end 1140 is able to latch or connect to the latch hook member 1402. By pivoting the lever 1120 to a rest position below the bolt 1118, the bolt 1118 may be connected to the latch hook member 1402 and the door 1014 may be latched in the closed position 1400.

The crate 1300 may also be folded into a folded position similar to fig. 5. The crate 1300 may also include a tray or tray that may be removably positioned or connected to the crate.

Although exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been disclosed above, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A door assembly for an animal enclosure, comprising:

a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires defining an opening for an animal to pass therethrough and into or out of the enclosure interior;

a door disposed for movement relative to the door frame between an open position and a closed position, the door having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires and being slidably connected to the door frame to allow access through the opening;

a latch hook member connected to the door frame, the latch hook member being formed of a substantially U-shaped wire;

a latch comprising a base member, a bolt, and a stem, wherein the bolt is slidably connected to the base member;

a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door, the first vertical wire and the second vertical wire being spaced apart from each other such that the first vertical wire is located at a first end of the door and the second vertical wire is located at a second end of the door; and

a first guide wire and a second guide wire connected to the door frame;

wherein the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the first guide wire between the open position and the closed position, and the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the second guide wire between the open position and the closed position;

further wherein in the closed position, the bolt is connected to the first vertical wire.

2. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the bolt comprises a single wire that substantially forms a straight portion and a curved portion, the curved portion being connected to the first vertical wire in the closed position.

3. The door assembly of claim 2, wherein the bolt is rotatably disposed within at least one bolt opening defined by the base member.

4. The door assembly of claim 2, wherein:

the bolt being rotatable between a closed latch position and an open latch position, the bolt being connected to the first vertical wire in the closed latch position; and

the curved portion is oriented in a direction away from the door opening in the latched position and is oriented upwardly in the unlatched position.

5. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the shackle member includes a first end and a second end that are spaced apart from each other and connected to an outer vertical wire of the door frame.

6. The door assembly of claim 5, wherein the shackle member is connected to another vertical wire of the door frame at a location horizontally spaced from the first and second ends.

7. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the shackle member is partially disposed within first and second planes that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

8. The door assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the first vertical wire includes a generally U-shaped bend between its two ends, the generally U-shaped bend forming a recessed nesting area in which the latch hook member is received in the closed position.

9. The door assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a third guide wire connected to the door frame; and

a fourth guide wire connected to the door frame;

wherein the first vertical wire is connected to and moves along the third guide wire and the second vertical wire is connected to and moves along the fourth guide wire.

10. A door assembly for an animal enclosure, comprising:

a shackle member connected to the door frame, the shackle member having a first end and a second end;

a first guide wire and a second guide wire connected to the door frame;

11. The door assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second ends of the shackle member are spaced apart from one another and are connected to an outer vertical wire of the door frame.

12. The door assembly of claim 11, wherein the first and second ends of the shackle member are integrally connected to one another such that the shackle member is formed from a single continuous wire.

13. The door assembly of claim 12, wherein the shackle member comprises a substantially closed loop design.

14. The door assembly of claim 11, wherein the shackle member is connected to another vertical wire of the door frame at a location horizontally spaced from the first and second ends.

15. The door assembly of claim 10, wherein:

the bolt comprises a single wire substantially forming a straight portion and a curved portion, the curved portion being connected to the first vertical wire in the closed position; and

the bolt is rotatably disposed within at least one bolt opening defined by the base member.

16. The door assembly of claim 15, wherein:

17. The door assembly of claim 10, wherein the shackle member is partially disposed within first and second planes, the first and second planes being substantially perpendicular to each other.

18. The door assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein the first vertical wire includes a generally U-shaped bend between its two ends, the generally U-shaped bend forming a recessed nesting area in which the latch hook member is received in the closed position.

19. The door assembly of claim 10, further comprising:

a third guide wire connected to the door frame; and

a fourth guide wire connected to the door frame;

20. An animal crate comprising:

a plurality of members including a top member, a bottom member, and a side member, wherein the top member, the bottom member, and the side member are connected to one another to define an interior, wherein each member is formed from a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires;

a door frame formed in the side member, the door frame including a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires defining an opening through which an animal passes and enters or exits the interior of the enclosure;

a first guide wire and a second guide wire connected to the door frame;