US20080134430A1

US20080134430A1 - Cat window seat/bed

Info

Publication number: US20080134430A1
Application number: US11/636,529
Authority: US
Inventors: Harry A. Kirmon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-11
Filing date: 2006-12-11
Publication date: 2008-06-12

Abstract

A shelf structure adapted to be detachably secured adjacent a windowsill to provide a perch for a cat(s). The shelf structure comprises a tray having a floor. Walls extend upwardly and peripherally from the floor. A plurality of vertically adjustable adjustment tracks is disposed on an exterior surface of one of walls of the tray. A thin, flexible, elongate adjustment and retaining strap adjustably extends from each of the adjustment tracks. A collapsible support strut assembly depends from the undersurface of the floor of the tray. The support strut assembly is adapted to engage the vertical wall adjacent the windowsill.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to benches, shelving, and related articles. More specifically, the present invention comprises a shelf for removable installation to the sill of a double hung window or the like. The shelf may be used for a variety of purposes, but is particularly well suited as a platform for house pets such as cats.
2. Description of the Related Art
As every human caretaker knows, a cat finds contentment when lying in a warm spot preferably drenched by the sun. This spot is often adjacent a window on the sill thereof since cats prefer high places. Unfortunately, however the favored windowsill may be inconveniently small or otherwise inaccessible for the cat to obtain a suitable perch. The art would certainly welcome an apparatus that could be quickly and easily mounted to a window sill, which apparatus would provide a sturdy, comfortable perch for a cat(s). Thus, a cat window seat/bed solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
The related art has provided many devices that provide for platforms that are adapted for mounting adjacent windowsills. Pertinent examples of such related art are cited and identified in the accompanying IDS. However, none of the cited and identified related art, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to disclose a cat window seat or bed as will subsequently be described and claimed in the instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is a shelf structure adapted to be detachably secured adjacent a windowsill to provide a perch for a cat(s). The shelf structure comprises a tray having a floor. Walls extend upwardly and peripherally from the floor. A plurality of vertically adjustable adjustment tracks is disposed on an exterior surface of one of walls of the tray. A thin, flexible, elongate adjustment and retaining strap adjustably extends from each of the adjustment tracks. A collapsible support strut assembly depends from the undersurface of the floor of the tray. The support strut assembly is adapted to engage the vertical wall adjacent the windowsill.
Accordingly, the invention presents a perch for cats that can be easily and quickly mounted adjacent almost any desired window sill having a conventional, sliding, double hung window assembly. The perch provides a sturdy and durable structure that will safely support the cats and enable the cats to enjoy a warm, sunny environment without being confined on the window sill, per se.
The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
A clear understanding of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a cat window seat/bed according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectioned, side view of a cat window seat/bed according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear, perspective view of a cat window seat/bed according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 wherein the window seat/bed of the present invention is generally indicated at 10. As indicated above, the window seat/bed 10 is adapted to be mounted adjacent the windowsill 12 of conventional double hung sliding windows 14 and 16 and functions as a perch for cats C. A removable, washable pillow 18 is provided for comfort.
As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, window seat/bed 10 comprises a tray having a floor 20, which floor 20 has an undersurface 20 a. The periphery of floor 20 is enclosed by four upstanding walls 22, 24, 26 and 28. Walls 22, 24 and 26 are slightly inclined. Rear wall 28 is substantially vertical.
A strut assembly 30 is pivotally mounted at 30 a to the undersurface 20 a of the tray. Strut assembly 30 includes a pair of main struts having respective upper strut portions 32. A respective lower strut portion 32 a is telescopically received in each respective upper strut portion 32. A pair of conventional clamping collars 34 functions to lock the upper and lower portions in their extended positions. A lateral wall brace 36 spans the distance between lower strut portions 32 a and is pivotally connected at 36 a at each free end of a respective lower strut portion 32 a. A pad 36 b is disposed on the face of wall brace 36. A pair of secondary struts 38 has respective distal ends pivotally connected to the undersurface 20 a at two points 30 a. Respective proximate ends are pivoted to respective upper strut portions 32 at 38 a. The proximate ends of secondary struts can be easily disconnected from the main struts at pivot points 38 a so that the strut assembly can be folded when the tray is not in use.
A pair of height adjustment members 40 is positioned on the outer surface of rear wall 28. Each member 40 is provided with a slot for retaining a respective adjustment track 44 therein. Each adjustment track is vertically adjustable in the slot and receives a respective adjustment strap 46 therein. Openings 45 are disposed in the sidewalls of each member 40 for receiving therein a dowel 45 a. Dowels 45 a are inserted into passages (not shown) in adjustment tracks 44 for retaining the tracks at desired positions in members 40. It should be recognized that other conventional retainers (hasps, cotters, etc.) can be utilized instead of dowels. Each adjustment strap has a free end 46 a adjustably threaded through each track 44. The other end of each strap 46 terminates in a stop member 48. Each member 48 is fashioned with a convex face 48 a on the contact side as explained below.
The tray, strut assembly, height adjustment members and stop members can be made from any suitable, strong light-weight material (plastic, metal, etc.) or combinations thereof. Straps 46 can be manufactured from any suitable strong, thin, flexible material e.g. nylon, leather, etc.
In use, the strut assembly 30 is unfolded and locked into place so that brace 36 abuts the wall below windowsill 12. Straps 46 are positioned between windowsill 12 and the bottom window 14. The tray is adjusted to a desired height via straps 46 and adjustment tracks 48. Window 14 is closed so that the window abuts contact surfaces 48 a to retain stop members 48 and secure the tray in the desired position.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A window shelf, comprising:

a tray having a floor, said floor having an undersurface;

at least one wall extending upwardly and peripherally from said floor;

a plurality of vertically adjustable adjustment tracks disposed on an exterior surface of said at least one wall;

a thin, flexible, elongate adjustment and retaining strap adjustably extending from each of the adjustment tracks; and

a strut assembly depending from the undersurface of said floor.

2. The window shelf according to claim 1, wherein said strut assembly is pivotally attached to said undersurface.

3. The window shelf according to claim 1, wherein said strut assembly includes a lateral wall brace.

4. The window shelf according to claim 1, wherein each elongate and adjustment strap has a first end and a second end, wherein each said first end is a free end and wherein a stop member defines each said second end.

5. A window shelf, comprising:

a tray having a floor, said floor having an undersurface;

a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls extending upwardly and peripherally from said floor and enclosing said floor;

a plurality of vertically adjustable adjustment tracks disposed on an exterior surface of said rear wall;

a strut assembly depending from the undersurface of said floor.

6. The window shelf according to claim 5, wherein said front wall and said two sidewalls are slightly inclined.

7. The window shelf according to claim 5, wherein said front wall and said two sidewalls are slightly inclined and said rear wall is substantially vertical.

8. The window shelf according to claim 5, wherein said strut assembly is pivotally attached to said under surface.

9. The window shelf according to claim 5, wherein said strut assembly further comprises:

a pair of upper strut portions pivotally attached to said undersurface;

a pair of lower strut portions telescopically received in said pair of upper strut portions;

a pair of secondary struts pivotally attached to said upper strut portions and to said undersurface; and

a lateral wall brace attached to said pair of lower strut portions.

10. The window shelf according to claim 5, wherein each elongate and adjustment strap has a first end and a second end, wherein each said first end is a free end and wherein a stop member defines each said second end.

11. The window shelf according to claim 10, wherein each stop member has a convex face.

12. A window shelf, comprising:

a tray having a floor, said floor having an undersurface;

a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls extending upwardly and peripherally from said floor and enclosing said floor wherein said front wall and said two side walls are slightly inclined and wherein said rear wall is substantially vertical;

a thin, flexible, elongate adjustment and retaining strap adjustably extending from each of the adjustment tracks;

a strut assembly depending from the undersurface of said floor; and

a washable, removable pillow disposed on said floor.

13. The window shelf according to claim 12, wherein said strut assembly further comprises:

a pair of upper strut portions pivotally attached to said undersurface;

a lateral wall brace attached to said pair of lower strut portions.

14. The window shelf according to claim 13, including a pad attached to said lateral wall brace.

15. The window shelf according to claim 12, wherein each elongate and adjustment strap has a first end and a second end, wherein each said first end is a free end and wherein a stop member defines each said second end.

16. The window shelf according to claim 15, wherein each stop member has a convex face.