WO2019172895A1

WO2019172895A1 - A modular pet leisure assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2019172895A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/021191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Wilson
Original assignee: Catastrophic Creations LLC
Current assignee: Catastrophic Creations LLC
Priority date: 2018-03-06
Filing date: 2018-03-06
Publication date: 2019-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-06

Abstract

A modular pet leisure assembly includes a first jaw element secured to a first supporting structure, the first jaw element having a first active surface, a laterally extending element, the laterally extending element including a first portion adjacent to the first active surface of the first jaw element, a second jaw element having a second active surface disposed opposite the first active surface of the first jaw element with the first portion of the laterally extending element disposed therebetween, and at least a locking element fixedly securing the second jaw element to the first jaw element.

Description

A MODULAR PI T UJSUR.L ASSE BLY

{0001 | The present invention generally nitetes to the field of furniture for pets. In particular, the present invention i* directed to a modular pet leisure assembly,

BACKGROUND

{0002} Many pets respond well to being given habitual places to sleep or otherwise rest, for which purpose a number of pet furniture elements have been developed, Most pet furniture, however, lacks flexibility of deployment Climbing structures- cots and floor-cushions take u too much space in many rooms. They cart also give the rooms a cluttered appearance for some pets, notoriously including salts, that prefer to rest on high surfaces, beds at floor level will be abandoned for higher ground of the pet^'s choosing like the backs of sofas or the tops of book-eases. This can result in messes_* broken objects knocked off of shelves, and other undesirable outcomes.

SUMMA Y OF ! i IF D1SOT .OSURI

|00 3| in one. aspect, a modular pet leisure assembly is disclosed. The modular pet leisure assembly includes a first jaw element secured to a first supporting structure, the first jaw clement having a first active surface, a proximal end secured to the first supporting structure, and a distal end The modular pet leisure assembly includes a laterally extending element, the laterally extending dement including a first portion adjacent to the Sirs! active surface of the fits:! jaw element. The modular pet leisure assembly includes a second jaw dement having a second active surface disposed opposite the first active surface of the first jaw clement with the first portion of the laterally extending element disposed therebetween. The modular pet leisure assembly includes at least a{Peking element fixedly securing the second jaw element id the first jaw element.

10004] These and other aspects and features of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon resdew of the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BR f hT DESCRIPTION OF Till· DRAWINGS

{0005 j For the purpose of ilmsltuliiig die invention, the drawings show aspects of ope or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is mot limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown the drawings, wherein:

Fit I is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular pet leisure assembly;

FIGS. 2A-D are isometric view's of exemplary embodiments of a first anchor element; I^'KJ . 3 Li> an isometric vievv of an exemplary embodiment of a modular pet leisure assembly including a laterally extending element;

FIGS. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular pet leisure assembly;

FIGS. 5A-B are isometric views of exemplary embodiments of a modular per leisure assembly;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular pet leisure assembly:

FIG . 7 Is a perspective view of exemplary embodiments of a modular pet leisure assembly;

FIGS. 8L-Ϊ⁾ are isometric views of exemplary' embodiments of a modular pet leisure assembly;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular pet leisure assembly;

FIG. 10 i an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a first atiebor element;

FIGS. 11 A~B are isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a first anchor element and laterall extending clement;

FIG 12 is au isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular pet leisure assembly;

FIGS. 13A © are schematic views of a exemplary embodiments of a second jaw element;

HG. 14 is a schematic cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a set of jaw elements with a sheet of flexible material inserted;

FIGS 15A-B are isometric views illustrating exemplary" embodi ents of mating features: and MG. 16 is an Isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular pet leisure assembly.

Did A l LED DESCRIPTION

piOOfij In an embodiment, this disclosure describes devices that may fee mounted to a wall or other upright structure to support a modular pet leisure assembly. Devices include one or more anchor elements, which secure laterally extending dements such as shelves, bridges ramps, walkways, beds, hammocks, or the like for pets to rest upon or traverse. The modular assembly may be adjusted to modify the slack or tension of a given section of material, allowing a user to create play structures, beds, hammocks, and other arrangements, which may be mounted high off the floor For the comfort and amusement of animals of an arboreal bent. Containers and tunnels may be mounted, permitting various paths for an animal such as a cat to traverse through or lounge in. Structural strength may he enhanced from bracing and/or mounting brackets, which may be invisibl installed. As a result, users have great flexibility outfitting an otherwise unused portion of their living space with pet furniture, while having I he option to modify or remove the furniture .for parties or other events,

|M07| Turning now to FIG. i , an exemplary embodiment of a modular pel leisure assembly 100 is illustrated. Assembly 100 includes a first anchor element 104. First anchor element 104maybe constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials having sufficient rigidity to perform damping as described and illustrated her inbelow. Material making up first anchor element 1 4 may include, without limitation, plant materials such as wood or bamboo, metal, pol mer materials such as plastic, composite materials such s fiberglass, ceramics, glass, or any combination thereof; materials may include materials that are flexible or elastomeric, in addition to any materials or combination of materials lending rigidity to first anchor element 104, jOOOBj Still viewing FIG. i , first anchor element 104 has a proximal end 108 mounted to a first supporting structure 1 12. Finn supporting structure 1 1 2 may include, as a non-limiting example, an interior or exterior wall, an interior or exterior door, a doorframe, a piece of molding or other architectural element of an interior or exterior of a building, a surface of an item of furniture such as a slteh ing unit, chair, table, or other item, a portion of a ceiling such as a substantially vertical seel ton of a domed or Mansard roof coiling, a substantially vortical projection from a ceiling a rafter or cross-beam, a stand such as a "hobby horse^" or other item designed to support other objects, whether specially constructed to support device 100 or adapted for such support. First supporting structure 1 12 may be substantially vertical only in the localized area to which proximal end J OS ataches; that is, first supporting structure 1 i 2 may include a surface that is vertical, or nearly vertical, only where attachment means of proximal end 1 OK anchor bracing means as described in further dentil below attach to first supporting structure 1 12, "Nearly vertical,” as used herein, includes any surfaces that cast be locally treated as essentially vertical; for instance, if a mounting slot and brace are used as described in further detail below, a surface is nearly vertical locally, and therefore substantially vertical as used herein, if the mounting slot and brace may contact the surface at points that may bt; located on an: apparently vertical plane from a user^'s perspective, regardless of surface forms between those points. First anchor element 104 has a distal end 1 16. f⁽M109j Continuing to refer to RG. 1 , first anchor element 104 may have solid or hollow construction in some embodiments, first anchor element 104 includes a. set of one of more internal voids to add lightness to first anchor element 104; this may, for instance, reduce weight on the attachment of proximal end 1 OS to first supporting structure 1 1 . First anchor element 104 may include ne or more internal bracing elements, such as triangular bracing made up of sheets or walls of rigid material. Bracing dements and voids may form any suitable configuration, including without limitation honeycomb construction. Bracing elements may include elements that extend to contact or brace against a mounting bracket 220 as described in further detail below; lor iustauue, one or more bracing elements may project from side-walls of a recess containing a vertical portion of the mourning bracket 220 to hold the mounting bracket 220 securely in place within the recess without filling the space around mounting bracket 220 with material . Such bracing may increase structural strength of first anchor element 104 while retaining lightness of construction introduced by one or more voids. jfi i oj Soil referring to 1 10. 1 , first anchor element i 04 includes a first active surface 1 0; first active surface 120 may be a surface of first anchor element 104 used to secure or support further dements, accessories andor animals as described sn further detail below. One ot more voids and· or bracing elements may be exposed to first active surface 120. for instance to aid in attachment of other ements as set forth in further detail below . 1 first active surface 120 may be orthogonal to the first substantially vertical surface. As used herein, first active surface 120 is orthogonal to first supporting structure f t 2 where first active surface 1 0 appears to be orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first supporting structure 1 12. first active surface 120 may be approximately planar; first damping surface may have one or more surface «regularities or projections as described in further detail below. First active surface 120 may be essentially horizontal, or may be rotated from the horizontal to any degree. Although first active surface 120 is shown in R . 2 as substantially planar and substantially rectangular, first active surface 120 may have any suitable form: first active surface 120 may have any combination of polygonal and curved forms for its exterior perimeter and any curved, angled or other three-dimensional structure on first active surface 120 itself. First active surface 120 may have any form suitable for use of any surface of a laterally extending element 200 and/or jaw element as described below, including a platform or shelf form a flexible or rigid bridge, or the like. Firs anchor element 104 may include a lip (not shown) that projects from first active surface 1 0 at distal end 1 16. Lip may be substantially orthogonal to first active surface 120. in an embodiment lip may help to secure a second damping ement to first clamping surface, as set forth in further detail below. Furthermore, and as disclosed in further detail below, lip may aid in preventing a sheet of exible material secured against first active surface 120 from sliding out from first active surface i 20. Alternatively or additionally where scouring dement includes an end-cap as described in further detail below, securing ement may aid in preventing a laterally extending element secured against first active surface 126, as described in further detail below from sliding out from first active surface 1 0.

{00! 1 j Referring now to FIGS. 2.A

first anchor element 104 may be attached to first supporting surface by any suitable means or combination of means. First anchor element 104 may be adhered to first supporting surface using any adhesive. First anchor element 104 may be attached to first supporting surface using one or more listeners including without: limitation screws, bolls, rivets, nails, or the like. First anchor dement .104 may be atached to a mounting bracket 220. which may be attached to first supporting surface using any means suitable for attachment of first anchor dement 104; means used to attach the mounting bracket 220 may be the same means used to attach the first anchor dement 104, including for instance fasteners passed through communicating holes in first anchor ement 104 and mounting bracket 220, separate means, including for instance holes through a portion ui mounting bracket 220 extending along first upporting structure i 12 away from first anchor element 104, or any combination thereof Specific examples illustrating ways in which mounting bracket 220. fasteners, and'or first anchor may be combined arc presented in description and drawings herein; persons skilled in the art. upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of various alternative or additionai means a cpnfiguratious tor attachment with or without mounting bracket 220s, all of which ate contemplated as within the scope of this disclosure.

{0012 j Still referring to FIGS. A-D, first anchor dement I U4 may include a bracin projectio 200. Bracing projection 200 may have a proximal end or surface 204 at a surface of first anchor element 104 and a distal end 208 that braces against first support mg stracture 3 1.2 at a different location on first supporting structure I i .1 from a location at which first anchor dement ! 04 is attached to the first substantially vertical surface, lor instance, distal ertd 208 may contact first supporting structure 1 12 at a point below the point of attachment of proximal end 108* creating a “triangular" bracing configuration. As a result, bracin projection 200 may have the effect of transferring a force exerted against first active surface 120 into first supporting structure i 12. In an embodiment, this may enable first anchor dement 104 to remain in position without substantially beading or breaking when a force is exerted against first active surface 1 0 by a weight on the first anchor ement 104. First anchor element 104 may combine voids and internal bracing structures with bracing projection 200 to achieve a greater ability to support downward force such as that exerted by the weight of one or more animals such as cats or the like, jOOUj Continuing to refer to hiGS. 2A-D. in an embodiment first anchor element 104 may include at least a mounting aperture 212 in first anchor element 104 ar proximal end 108. At least mounting aperture 71 may be an aperture at or in a portion of distal end 1 16. At least a mounting aperture 212 may include, without limitation one or more holes through which seiews, nai !s, bolts, or other fasteners may be inserted. At least a mourning aperture 2 i 2 may include one or more openings into which a fastener attached to first supporting structure 3 1 may be inserted, such as keyhole slots or the like. In an embodiment, at least a mounting aperture 212 includes a mounting slot 16. Mounting slot 216 may have an opening in distal end 11 o; mounting slot 1 o may haw an opening in an end surface 236, or may only have an opening at distal end 1 1 f . Although mourning slot 216 is shown here as having an elongate and substantially rectangular form, mounting slot 216 and/or at least a mounting aperture 212 may have any shape conducive to its use to secure first anchor dement 104 to first supporting structure 1 1 , in an embodiment, mounting slot 216 extends for some distance beneath first active surface 120.

Still referring to FIGS, 2A-D. dev ice 100 may include a mountin bracket 220 that may be used to secure device 100 to first supporting structure 1 12 is illustrated. Mounting bracket 220 an 'or proximal end 108 may have an attachment means 224 for attaching mounting bracket 220 and 'or proximal end 108 to first substantially vertical surface; attachment means 224 may include, without limitation, screw or bolt-holes with screws, bolls, or nails, adhesive to adhere mounting bracket 220 and/or proximal end 108 to first supporting structure 1 1 . detachable surface fasteners such as pressure adhesive, hook-and-ioop fasteners, a press fastener such as the TRIAL LOCK fastener produced by 3M Company Co, of St, Paul, Minnesota or any other fastener or attachment means for attaching air object to a first substantially vertical surface. Where attachment means 2.24 includes screw holes or the like, such screw holes may line up w ith similar holes in proximal end 108 and/or fastener brace plate 244. allowing screws or similar fasteners to pass through ail such holes and secure fastener brace plate 244, proximal end 108 and/or mounting bracket 220 to first supporting structure 1 12 and to each other.

}©0iS| With continued reference to FIGS, 2A-Ό, mounting bracket 220 may include at least a projection 228 projecting away from first supporting structure 1 12. At least a projection 228 may be shaped to insert in at feast a mounting aperture 212; for instance, where at least a mounting aperture 21 includes a mounting slot 216, at feast a projection 228 may include a fab that fits in at least a mounting slot 216, A.s a non-limiting example, first anchor element 104 may be mounted to first supporting structure i 12 by inserting at least a projection 228 in as leas! a mounting aperture 212; for instance tab mav be inserted in mounting slot 216. In an embodiment, mounting bracket 220 may provide a way to rapidly mount or unmount first anchor element 104 and/or device 100, allowing a user to customize positioning of first anchor clement 104 and/or device 100 as desired. Mounting bracket 220 and at least a mounting aperture 212 may combine in some embodiments with bracing projection 200 to hold proximal end 108 securely against first supporting structure 1 12; bracing projection 200 and mounting bracket 220 may support weight of an object or animal placed on device i 00 or objects attached thereto as descried in iiirther detail below. .Alternatively or additionally, proximal end 108 may be directly attached to first supporting structure i 12 using any means or combination of means suitable for attaching mounting bracket 220 to the first substantially vertical surface. As noted below a mating feature may include portion of or element attached to mounting bracket 220; for instance, where the mating feature includes at least a projection 228, at least a projection 228 may puss through holes in proximal end 108 amb'or a fastener brace plate us described in further detail below to urate with a correspond g recess in another element of assembly 100. j00! 6j Still referring to RGS. 2A-D, first anchor ement 104, mounting aperture 212 and Or proximal end 108 may include a mounting bracket recess 232 that receives mounting bracket 220. Mounting bracket recess 232, in combination with or including mounting slot 216, may be shaped to receive all or substantially all of mounting bracket 220, rendering mounting bracket 220 partly or wholly invisible when first anchor clement 104 is attached to first supporting structure 1 12. In an embodiment, assembly 100 may be and/or include an invisible bracket modular pet leisure assembly including a first anchor element 104 having a proximal end including a mounting bracket recess 232, a mounting bracket 220 inserted m the mounting bracket recess 232, and at least a fastener attaching the mounting bracket 220 to a supporting structure, which may be any structure suitable for use as first supporting structure 1 12. Invisible bracket modular pet leisure assembly may include any additional elements described herein for pet modular pet leisure assembly.

|©017| With continued relerenec to FIGS, 2A4.3, first anchor clement 104 may include an end surface 236 located at the proximal end 108 and facing the distal end 116. Brid surface 236 may be substantially orthogonal to first active surface 120; end surface 236 ay combine with first active surface 120 to form a substantially“Ifi-shaped combined surface., with the end surface 236 approximately parallel to the first supporting structure P2. Find surface 236 may form any angle with first supporting structure 1 12, including a shallow angle, livid surface 2.36 may be substantially ilut or may Have any three-dimensional form; end surface 236 may have any combination of polygonal nr curved forms for its peripheral edge, Fnd surface 236 may include a recess 240.

Recess 240 may o en in the direction of distal end 1 16. Recess 240 may have any shape; in an embodiment recess 240 may be a mating element as described in further detail below, for instance by admitting a projection of a second clamping element.

|O0Ϊ 81 Kiill referring to FIGS. 2A-D, first anchor element 104 may include a fastener brace plate 244 against end surface 236. Fastener brace plate 244 may be inserted in recess 240. Fastener brace plate 244 ay be constructed of any suitable material, including without limitation metal. Fastener brace plate 244 may include at least a hole 248 to accept at least a fastener attaching proximal end 10 to first supporting structure 1 12. At least a hole 248 may include a plurality of holes. At least a bole 248 may include beveling to allow at least a fastener to be inserted flush into at least a hob: for instance, whore the at least a fastener includes one or more screws, the at least a hole may include beveling to admit Oat screw heads so the exposed screw head surfaces may be substantially Hush with s surface of fastener brace plate 244. In an embodiment, fastener brace plate 244 acts to distribute force exerted bv fasteners across end surface 236, adding to strength and durability of device 100. Fastener brace plate 244 may include one or more additional holes through which projections may extend either toward or away from end surface 236.

(0019) With continued reference to FIGS. 2A-D, first anchor element 104 may include at least a first mating feature 252 at proximal end 108. At least a first mating feature 252 may be part of en surface 236. fastener brace plate 244, and/or mounting bracket 220 as described in further detail below. At least a first mating feature 252 may include recess 240. At least a first mating feature 252 may include any component of arty latching or fastening apparatus; at least a first mating feature 252 may latch or fasten to a corresponding mating feat tire of a second clamping element as described tit Jitriher detail below. At least a first mating feature 252 may form a mortise-and-tenon combination with a corresponding muting feature of a second clamping element; the mortise-and-tenon combination may include at leas! a projection 338 and/or recess in u! leas! a fir t mating feature 252 that is inserted into and/or penetrated by a corresponding ecess and/or projection in a corresponding mating element. As & non-limiting example, at least a first mating leaturc 252 may include at least a projection 228, w hich may be cylindrical or have any other suitable form. At least a project ion 228 may project from end surface 236. fastener brace plate 244, and for a mounting bracket 320 as described in further detail below: ibr instance, at least a projection 2 may pass through one or more additional holes 416 in fastener brace plate 244 and -or one or more holes in end surface 236.

At least a projection 228 may include at least two projections symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal axi of symmetry of first activ e surface 1 0. l«2flj Referring now to RG. 3. assembly { 00 may include at least a laterally extending dement 300. At least a laterally extending dement 300 may include an upper surface 304 suitable to support tut animal such as a pet. At least a laterally extending element. 300 may include a first portion secured to first anchor element 104. hirst portion n y be secured to active surface 120 or to any other surface of first anchor element 104. At least a laterally extending element 300 may be constructed from any material or combination of materials. Materials may include or combinations of materials, including without limitation sheets o.i polymer material such as rubber, sheets of textile material such as canvas, sheets of natural material such as rubber, or any combinations thereof In layers and/or other mixtures. Materials may include rigid materials such as rigid plastics or other polymer materials, wood, rnetai. rope, or any combination thereof. Rigid and flexible elements may be combined to form, for instance, bridges or walkways of segmented material wherein rigid sections are joined by flexible joints, or lengths a tul ^'or expanses of flexible material include periodic rigid 'rungs'^’ or other elements for traction. Further examples to illustrate possible forms for at leash a laterally extending element 300 are presented below; as always, these examples are presented for illustrative purposes only. Persons skilled in the art, upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of an almost limitless number of combinations of anchor elements, laterally extending dements 300. and/or other elements that may be used to form modular assembly 100, particularly given the interchangeable and modular nature of components allowing for user configuration in various ways; indeed, one advantage of embodiments disclosed herein is a manner m which the embodiments permit user customization of assembly 100 to fit needs or desires of a user and/or pet, as w ell as the ability to configure assembly 100 as needed or desired to fit a particular space.

{00211 Referring now to FIG. 4, at least a laterally extending element 300 may include at least a sheet of flexible material 400 may include a first portion 404 inserted attached to first anchor dement .104, ibr instance at first active surface 120. A second portion 408 of sheet of flexible material 400 may be secured to a second supporting structure 12; second supporting structure 412 may be anything suitable for use as first supporting structure 1 12. Second supporting structure 1.2 may be a part of first supporting structure 1 12, part of a structure including first substantially vertical surface, or may be a part of a separate structure. For instance, where first supporting structure 1 12 is a part of a wall, second substantially vertical surface may be pan of that wall, an opposite wall a bookshelf or other furniture item near to the wall, an architectural feature near to the wall, or any other substantial ly vertical surface as described above. Sheet of flexible material 400 may include a third portion 416 between first portion 404 and second portion 408. Third portion 4 ! 6 may include at least a part id^' upper sin- face 304: the upper surface 304 may be substantially orthogonal to first supporting structure 1 12. Upper surface 304 may be substantially orthogonal to first supporting structure 112 where at least one line substantially orthogonal to first supporting structure 112 may be drawn across upper surface 304. Upper surface 304 may not be entirely orthogonal to first supporting structure ! 12; for instance, where second portion 408 is close enough to first portion 404 to allow third portion 416 to hang down like a bag or hammock upper surface 304 may be bowed or otherw isc curved. Third portion 416 may be stretched taught or may be given any degree of slack as desired. Second ponton 408 may be disposed above, below, or on the same vertical level as first portion 404, permuting third portion 4 16 to have the form of a level walkway or ramp.

{0022! Still referring to FIG. 4. second portion 408 maybe secured to second supporting structure 412 using another anchor element 420 having the features of device 100. In other words, assembly 1 0 may include a second anchor element 420, to which other elements described herein, including without limitation laterally extending element 300, may attach using any means or combination of means described herein for attachment of elements of assembly 100 to one another. One or more additional anchor elements 424, which may be implemented as described for first anchor clement 104. may also be included, and may attach to one or more additional portions of sheet 400, with intermediate portions of sheet 400 providing additional upper surfaces w hich may be arranged in any manner suitable for third portion 416. Other laterally extending ements 300 of at least a laterally extending element 300 may be additionally or alternatively attached to any one of first anchor element 104, second anchor element 420, and/or additional anchor elements 424. in any configuration desired by a user and permitted by any of various attachment means and/or configuration options as described herein.

10023 j Fuming now to FIGS. 5A-C, an embodiment in whi h at least a lateral ly extending element 300 includes a rigid shelf element 500 supported by first anchor element 104 is illustrated for exemplary purposes. In an embodiment, a first portion of shelf dement 500. which may include a first end of the shelf element 500. may be supported by first anchor element 1 (4: a second anchor element n y support a second portion of shelf ement 500. which may be a second end. of shelf ement 500. Additional shelf elements, or any other elements suitable for use as at least a laterally extending element 300.. may be included in assembly 100 and may be attached to first anchor

ement 104. second anchor element 420, or additional ements, using any means or method described herein to accomplish such attachment. Note that while shelf element 500 is illustrate here as a flat or substantially fiat element, the shelf dement 500 may include any other ibrrn, including without limitation a shad and·· or tunnel form as described below for orthogonal element. Furthermore, shelf element 500 may Stave arts desired angle from the horizontal, including without limitation a ramp or vertical wall arrangement. Shelf element 5U0 may have a curved or straight profile, and may be arched, bowed, arranged in an S-eurve, or any ther desired shape. Shelf dement 500. and/or any other element used as part of at least a laterally extending ement 300. ma have any surface conducive to use by domestic animals including without limitation textiles, scratch- post material, wound rope, or other covering permitting an animal to grip the exterior surface for climbing to sharpen claws, or the like..

J0024j Still referring to FIGS. 5 A-C, shel f element 500 may include a recess 504; recess may include a through-opening. Although recess 5(4 is shown here in in a circular form, reeess may have any combination of cross-sectional forms including any regular or irregular polygonal or curved forms. Recess 504 may be formed to accept, for instance, a receptacle such as a food or water bowl, a cat litter box, or the like. Recess 504 may be placed over a lower portion of at least a laterally extending element 300. such as a bridge, platform, hammock, or other element, so that an animal may climb down to or up from such an element through recess 504. Internal surface of recess 504 may be lined with any surface conducive to use by domestic animals including without limitation textiles, scratch-post material, w ound rope, or other covering permiting an animal to grip the exterior surface for climbing to sharpen daws, or the like,

J002S] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5L-B, cm orthogonal element 508 may fee attached to shelf dement 500: orthogonal element 5*3 may be attached to art edge of shelf element, inserted into or through recess 504, or the like. Where shelf dement 500 is substantially horizontal, orthogonal dement 508 may be substantially vertical. Orthogonal element 508 may include a shaft, having an exterior surface on which an animal can climb: exterior surface may include a material or combination of material# having one or more properties appealing to an animal user, including without limitation a textile, wound rope, or other covering permitting an animal to grip the exterior surface for climbing, to sharpen claws, or the like. As a non-limiting example, shaft may include a substantially cylindrical shaft. Orthogonal element 508 may include a tunnel; that is. orthogonal element 508 may have an internal passage 51 2. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment incorporating shel 500 and orthogonal element OS, Internal passage 12 may open onto another shelf element flexible sheet, floor, or other surface. Interna! passage 512 may open into a further tunnel or receptacle. Interna! passage 512 may be lined with a material or combination of materials having one or more properties appealing to an animal user, including without limitation a textile, wound rope, or other covering permitting an animal to grip an interna! surface for climbing, to sharpen claws, or the like Additional elements included with assembly may include one or more shelves 600 that may be directly attached to a support surface such as first support surface 1 12. Additional elements may include one or more receptacles 604 such as boxes or other containers. As noted and depicted throughout this disclosure, various combinations may be realized by a user to configure assembly iOO according to the user's wishes in an embodiment, an additional lateral element 60k and-or al least a second lateral element 608 may be disposed between a lateral element of at least a lateral element 300 and an anchor dement such as first anchor element; in other words, at least a lateral clement 300 may include a second jaw element that combines with a first jaw dement that may he an anchor dement to secure therebetween second lateral element 608 according to any embodiment described or alluded to below 026| In operation, as shown for instance in FIG. 7, assembly |00 may function as an item of furniture for an animal 700 such as a cat A user may install one or more devices with laterally extending ements 500 between them as varying angles and degrees of tension, creating walkways, ramps, hammocks and/or beds for the animal 700 as desired; user may modify the configuration by detaching one or more proximal ends 108 and reattaching to another location; anchor elements may be attached to studs in wails or similarly structurally strong elements. Furthermore the user may disengage any portion of at. least a laterally extending element 300 from any device; portion of at least a laterally extending element 300 may then be removed, or pulled in one or another direction to adjust tension, .stored, or reconfigured. The entire structure may be removed by detaching proximal ends 108 from one or more support structures including without limitation first and second support structures; this may enable relocation to another room or wall, or storage during a social engagement or other event requiring the removal of assembly KM), Once removed, assembly 100 {or portions thereof) may be stored compactly until further use. {0027 j At least a laterally extending lement 300 may be attached to tirst anchor element 104 b various means. As a non-limiting example, and turning n w to TIGS. $A-D. first anchor ele ent 104 may include at least a peg 800 over which at least a hole 804 in at least a laterally extending clement 300 may he placed; at least a hole 804 may include without limitation a hole bored or cut in at least a laterally extending element 300, or formed therethrough in any other manufacturing process including without limitation molding or additive or subtractive processes. At least a hole 804 may include a grommet of rigid or substantially rigid materia! such as, without limitation metal wood, ceramics, plastics, or the like. At least a peg 800 may include one peg or a plurality of pegs. Plurality of pegs may be arranged along axes perpendicular to first supporting structure 1 12, for instance as shown in FIGS. 8A-C. along axes parallel to first supporting structure 1 12, for instance as shown in FIG. 8D, or both; for instance plurality of pegs may be arranged in a rectangular configuration or the like, in an embodiment, at least a peg 800 may include an attachment locus 808 including any feature to which a securing element 812 may be attached. Attachment locus <808 may include without limitation a recess or hole in at least a peg 800, recess or hole may be in the end of at least a peg in a vertical or transverse direction. Recess or hole may include threading. Attachment locus 808 may similarly include an extension in any direction which may be threaded hooked, or otherwise formed to secure at least a hole 804 m place. Securing dement 812 or elements may include complementarily threaded elements such as bolts or nuts to screw to atachment locus 808; for instance and without limitation, where at least a peg 800 includes one or more cylindrical pegs standing out from active surface 120, attachment locus may include a threaded coaxial recess in each peg, and securing element 812 may include a threaded bolt formed to screw into each threaded recess and may include a bead or other flange or projecting clement to secure at least a hole 804 on at least a peg 800, either with or without a second jaw ement as described in further detail below. Active surface 120 may, as a non-limiting example, include one or more strips 816 of material having a. different coefficient of static friction from the remainder of active surface 120; one or more strips; of material may be made from materials including, e.g.. polymer foam or textured surfaces fine or more strips 816 may be used on any embodiment of active surface 12(1 or second active surface as described below, including without limitation in combination with pegs 800. j0 28j Turning now io HO. 9, in an embodiment, at least a laterally extending element 309 may include one or more projections 900 that insert into one or more recesses *>04 in first anchoring element 104, such as one or more recesses 1004 in active surface 120. One or more projections 900 may include, as a non-limiting example, one or more pegs, hooks, downward pointing ridges, or the like; one or more projections 900 may be secured in one or more recesses 904 by friction or gravity, by a securing element a described in further detail herein, or by a second jaw element as described in further detail below.

1 29] Referring now to RG. 10, firs! active surface 120 may include at least a first projection 1 00: "projection" is defined for the purposes of at least a first projection 1000 as anything that extends upw ard from first active surface 120, where the "surface" from which at least a first projection 1000 extends is taken as the lowest point of the surface given an‘upward" direction away from the first active surface 1 0, As an example, where first active surface 120 is a fiat plane with a groove, the portion of the first active surface 12(1 that is not the bottom of the groove is at least a first projection 1(100, and the bottom of the groove is the surface from which the at least a first projection 1000 projects. Similarly, where first active surface 120 includes a recess, at least a first projection 1000 may be the portion of first active surlace 1 0 that surrounds the recess. At least a first projection 1000 may include at. least a ridge extending in the direction from proximal end 108 to distal end 1 16. At least a ridge may include a plurality of ridges running in parallel. For instance, and as a non-limiting example, at least a ridge may include two parallel ridges on either side of a centrally located groove or recess in first active surface 120. At least a first projection 1000 may alternatively or additionally include at least a peg 800 as described above. jOO30j With continued reference to RG. 10. first active surface 120 ay include at least a recess 1004; at feast a recess 1004 may ha ve at least a projection 1000 on one or both sides, as noted above. At least a recess 1004 may have a .substantially elongate shape and may run along an axis from proximal end 108 to distal end 1 16. assembly 100 may include an insert 1 08. Insert 1008 may be selectively seeurable within at least a recess 1004; that is, insert 1008 may be removable from recess, and may be secured within recess by a fastener or the like. For instance, and without limitation, insert 1008 may nave a first mating dement 1012 at a proximal end 1016 of insert 1008 that engages a corresponding mating dement 1020 of first anchor dement 104; insert 1008 may have a second dtinn element 1024 at a distal end 244 of insert 1008 that et maces a corresi inding mat g ement 1032 of first anchor dement 1 4, As a non-limiting example, first mating dement 10.12 may include a projection that enters into a recess or hole that makes up corresponding mating element 1020, w hile second mating element 1024 may include a latch or similar item that connects to corresponding mating element 1032, snapping insert 1008 into place; the roles of the two mating dements may be reversed. Alternatively or additionally, cither end of insert 1008 may be secured in recess using any suitable fastener including screws, studs, locking studs, bobs w ith or without nuts, and the like. In an embodiment, as shown for instance in FIGS. 12L-13, a portion of a at least a laterally extending dement 300, such as an end of the at least a laterally extending element 300. mas be placed in at least a recess 1004, and insert 1 08 may be installed on top of at least a laterally extending element 300. Consequently at least a laterally extending element 300 may he secured to active surface 120 by insert 1 08. This may, for instance aid in securing an end of at least a laterally extending element 300: scouring end of sheet of flexible material may be farther aided by clamping using second clamping element as set forth in further detail below in an embodiment* use of insert to secure an end of sheet of flexible material may enable a user of assembly 100 alone to place end on first active surface and proceed to damp with second damping element as described in further detail below, without having to hold the end of the sheet of flexible material in place with the user^'s hand; insert 1008 may be used to secure portion of at least a laterally extending element 300 solely or in combination with, e.g., a securing element and/or second jaw element as described in further detail below.

Referring now to GIO. 12, _<u l ast a laterally extending element 300 maybe secured to first anchor element 104 using a system of jaws wherein first anchor element 104 is a first jaw element and a second jatv element is used. In an embodiment, assembly 1(H) may include a first ja element, which may be firs! anchor dement 104 secured to a first supporting structure 1 1 . the first jaw element ha\ ing a first active surface 120. Assembl 100 mav include a laterally extendins element 300. the laterally extending element 300 including a first portion 304 resting against the first active surface 120 of the first jaw ement. Assembly 100 may include a second _jaw demem 1200 having a second active surface disposed opposite first active surface 120 of first j w element with first portion 304 of laterally extending element 300 disposed therebetween. Assembly 100 may include at least a locking element 1204 fixedly securing the first jaw emen to the second jaw dement. In an embodiment, at least a lateral iv extendina element 300 mav be secured at first anchor dement 104 by fixedly securing second aw element to first jaw element using at least a locking element 1204. Second jaw element 1200 may include an additional laterally extending dement; that is, second jaw element 12(H) may be any laterally extending element 300 as described above, with an additional laterally extending element sandwiched between second jaw element and_..first jaw dement, as shown for exemplary purposes in FIG. 6 ss described above. |0032| Relating now to FIGS. I 3.VU, an exemplary embodiment oi second jaw element 1200 is illustrated. Second jaw element 1200 includes a second active surface 1300 that id against or over first active surface i 20. Second active surface 1300 may have any form suitable for tin* form of first active surface 120 as described abov e. Second active surface 1300 may have a complementary form to first active surface 120; in other words, second active surface 1300 may include surface features that fit snugly against surface features of first active surface 120. jO03 j Still referring to RGS. I 3A-B, where .first anchor element 104 includes an end surface 236, second jaw dement 1200 may have a first end 1304 that fits against end surface 236, f irsi end 1304 may be shaped to fit against end surface 236 by having a complementary form to end surface 236, For instance, where end surface 236 includes a recess 240, first end 1304 may include a projection that fils in recess; insertion of projection in recess may help secure second active surface 1300 against first active surface 120. Second jaw element 1200 may hav e a second end 1308.

Where first anchor element 104 includes a lip, second ertd 1308 may 11† against lip; for instance, the second end 1308 may indude notch that fils over the lip, jiKKMj Continuing to refer to FIGS, 13 A-8, where end surface 236 includes at least a first mating feature 252 as described above, first end 1.304 may include at least a second mating feature 1 12 that mates with the at least a first mating feature 252, securing the first end 1 304 against the end surface 236. At least a second mating feature 1312 may include any mating feature suitable for use as at least a first mating feature 252, including without limitation any complementary fastener portion that may fasten to least a first mating feature 252 and any projection and/or recess of a mortisertmd-tenen combination. F or example, and without limitation, at least a second mating feature 1312 may include one or more recesses into which one or more projections of at least a first mating feature 252 may insert. Placement of at least a second mating feature 1312 may be such that when mated with at least ?t first mating feature 252, if tends to urge second active surface 1300 tightly against first damping surface. Second end 1 08 may also include at least a mating feature 1316, which a be any mating feature suitable for use. as at least a second mating feature 1312.

100351 With continued reference to FIGS. 14A-B, second active surface 1300 may include at least a second projection 1 20. At least a second projection 1320 may have any form suitable for use as at least a first projection 1000 as described and defined above. At least a second projection 1 20 mas include at least a ridge 1 324 extending in the same direction as at least a ridge 504; that is, at least a ridge 1324 may extend from first end 1 04 to second end 1308. and thus from proximal end 108 to distal end i 1.6 when second jaw element 1200 is engaged to first anchor dement 104. As a non-limiting example, at least a projection may inc lude two parallel ridges that insert between twoparallel ridges on first active surface 120; ridges of first active surface 120 may alternatively fitbetween ridges on second active surface 1300, jfHBfij Referring now to HG. 14, at least a second projection 320 nui interlock with at least a first projection 1000. In an embodiment, at least a second projection 1320 interlocks with at least a fsrsi projection 1000 where a distal point 1400 of the at least second projection 1320 is closer to the first active surface 120 than a distal point 1404 ol the first projection 216, when the two surfaces are engaged with no object inserted between the first active surface 120 and second active surface 1300. As shown for instance in FIG. M, which is A cross-sectional view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of device 100. where at least a first projection 1000 includes at least a ridge as described above, and at least a second projection 1321* includes at least a ridge 1324 as described above. the at least a first projection 1000 and at least a second projection 1320 may form a set of interlocking teeth. Where a portion 1408 of a sheet 1412 of flexible material is inserted between first active surface 120 and second active surface 1300. interlocking at least a first projection 1000 and at least a second projection 1320 may grip the portion 1408; the portion 1408 May be bent in two or more directions by interlocking protections 216, 1400, increasing the frictional resistance of the grip on at least a portion 1408, and as a result aiding in securing sheet. 1412 to assembly 100. Where, as illustrated in a non-limiting example in FIG. 6, there are four ridges, two on first anchor dement 104 and two on second jaw element 1200. grip may be enhanced in the creation of two separate pinch points securing Flexible material. Where sheet of material is not flexible, such pinch points may still aid in securing sheet of material by augmenting pressure and thus friction forces securing material in place. j(HB7] Referring again to HG. 1.3. device 100 includes a at least a locking element 1204. At least a locking element 1204 may be any dement that, when engaged, forces the second active surface 1300 so exert pressure against the first active surface 120. At least a locking element 1 04 may be selectively engagcable: us used herein, "selectively engageable” means that at least a locking dement 1204 may be secured to both first anchor dement 104 and second jaw clement 1200 to secure the first and second clamping elements together and may be disengaged by a user to permi the first and second damping dements to be wholly or partially separated— engagement and disengagement may be performed repeatedly by a user without appreciable damage to first anchor

dement 104. second jaw element 1200. and/or at least a locking element 1204, This may be accomplished by a at least a locking element I >04 exerting force against a surface of first jaw dement 1700 opposite second active surface f 300. forcing second active surface 1300 against first active surface 120, At least a locking element 1 04 may include, without limitation, a bracket having a first surface secured to first supporting structure 112 first supporting structure 1 12 and a second surface pressed against the opposite surface, or a nut or screw element, such as a securing ement 812 corresponding to a peg as described above. First surface may be secured to first supporting structure 1 12 first supporting structure 112 by any means or combination of means usable for securing mounting brocket 220, as described below, to first supporting structure I 1 2 first supporting structure 112. At least a locking dement. 1204 may include a clamp, suck as a C-elamp or the like, attached to first anchor element 104, which may be tightened against a portion of opposite surface, {(1038) Referring now to HGS. 15A-B, at. least a looking element 1 204 .may include at least a third mating feature 1500 that engages first anchor dement 104. At least a third mating feature 1500 may include any mating feature suitable for use as at least a first mating feature 252 as described above, At least a third mating feature 1500 may, as a non-limiting example, connect to distal end 1 16 of first anchor element 104 At least a locking element 1204 may include at least a fourth mating feature 1504 that engages the second damping dement; at least a fourth mating feature 1504 may include any mating feature suitable for use as at least a first mating feature 252 as described above. Fourth mating feature 1 04 may connect to second end 1308 of second jaw dement i 200. first anchor dement 104 may include at least a fifth mating feature 1508 that engages the at least a third mating feature. At least a fifth n taring feature 1508 may include any mating element suitable for use a at least a first mating dement 420 as described above Second jaw dement 1200 may further include at least a sixth mating feature that engages the at least a fourth mating feature 1504; at least a sixth mating feature may include, without limitation additional mating feature 15 i 6 as described above. At least a sixth mating feature may include mating feature suitable for use as at least a first roaring feature 252 as described above. In an embodiment, at least one of at least a feature of the at least a third mating feature, at least a fourth mating feature, at least a fifth mating feature, and at least a sixth mating feature further comprises a locking feature 1 51 that secures the at least a .feature when engaged to a corresponding feature of the at least a third nutting feature, at least a fourth mating feature, at least a fifth mating feature, and at least a sixth mating feature. A locking feature as used herein, is a feature that prevents disengagement of coupled mating features: for instance, where coupled mating features are complementary portions of a latch, the element of the latch that latches them together is a locking feature. A locking feature 1512 may further he characteri/ed as a mating feature that w ill not uncouple from a corresponding muting feature unless subjected io a separate act by a user front slidable retraction of securing iie\ ice Jrora remainder of device 100. As a inriher non-limiting illustration a locking feature 1512 mav include a s!iue-rdease mechanism, such as found iu a slide-release buckle, in which a cam surface 1516 is forced against some portion of a corresponding mating feature, causing elastic deibnmation of the locking feature 1512: the clastic deformation of the locking feature in turn creates a recoi 1 force, such as a spring force as approximated by l iooke^’s law. which urges aprpjection 1520 into a space 1524 in a corresponding mating feature where the projection 152(1 prevents sliding retraction of kicking feature 15 12 by engagement ol a surface 1528 against which it exerts a force opposite a direction of motion to retract the locking feature 1512. Continuing the non-limiting example, as a result the locking feature 151 may not be refracted unless a force normal to the retraction path causes further elastic deformation of locking feature 1 12 to remove projection i 570 from space 1524. allowing it to bypass surface ! 528 so that locking feature .1512 may be retracted. Persons skilled in the art. will be aware upon reading the entirety of this disclosure of many forms acceptable for use as locking features 1 12. as defined and illustrated herein. In non-limiting example, at least a third mating feature 1500 may include a locking feature 1512 that locks when coupled to M least a fi fth mating feature 1 0k: there may be a pair of such features disposed on side alls of first anchor element 104 near to distal end 1 16, requiring, for instance, disengagement of two Seeking features by pressing in on tw o slide-release projections 1520. Further continuing the non-limiting example, at least a fourth mating feature ! 504 may form a mortise-and-ttmon pair with tit least a sixth mating feature, for instance by including at least a projection that penetrates at least a recess in second end 1. 308.

100391 As illustrated for instance in FIG. 13, at least a locking element 1204 may form an end- cap that holds second end 1308 against distal end 1 16; where first end 1304 is secured at proximal end 108 as described above, second active surface 1300 may be pressed against first active surface 120. Where at least a locking element 1204. whatever its form, is engaged, and a portion of a sheet of flexible material is placed between first active surface 120 and second active surface 1500 prior to securing second jaw dement 1200 to first anchor dement 104 using the at least a locking element 1204, portion may be held there by the pressure exerted against the first c lamping surface by the second clamping surface. jtHMCij Now viewi g FK.I. 16, locking elemenl 1324 may alternatively or additionally include any device, component, or means described above for ataching laterally extending element 300 to firs) anchor element 104 For instance and without !imitaii n, locking elemenl may include one_· r more lastcu , which ay include any fasteners as described above. Locking ement 1324 may include any combination of attachment locus 80 and securing clement 812 used to secure an element on at least a peg $00 as described above: for instance, and without limitation, second jaw element 120Q may include at least a through hole 1600 through which l least a peg 800 may be attached to securing dement 812; this may secure the second law ement 1200 in place against or adjacent to first active surface 120, At least a laterally extending element 300 may thus he secured between first anchor dement 104 and second jaw element 1200 by clamping of b insertion of at least u hole 804 over at least a peg. Generally, at least a laterally extending element 300 may be secured to first anchor element 104 when lock ing element 1324 secures second jaw dement 1 00 to first jaw ement This may be accomplished by insertion of pegs through holes as described above, through damping at least a laterally extending dement 300 between first jaw element and second jaw elemenl 1200, by insertion of screws or fasteners through laterally extending element 300, or any other suitable means. Assembly i 00 may be put together in any configuration, using any number of laterally extending elements 300, any unmher of anchor dements which may have any form and/or configuration suitable for first anchor dement 104, any number of second jaw dements 1200, or any other features described herein in any combination. Users may be free to assemble elements of assembly 100 in various orders or configurations to conform to a space in which installation occurs, to aesthetics, to needs oj pets or other animals, or any other combination of needs or desires.

{0041 j The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of dlls invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Additionally, although particular methods herein may be illustrated and. or described as being performed a specific order, the ordering is highly variable within ordinary skill to achieve methods, systems and software according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope oi^' rhis invention,

[00421 Furthermore the foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is noted that in the present specification ami claims appended hereto, conjuncti ve language such as is used in the phrases“at least one of X, Y and 7 and“one or more of X, Y, and Z ^" unless specifically stated or indicated otherwise, shall be taken to mean that each item in the conjunctive list can he present in any number exclusive of every other item in the list or in any number in combination with any or all other item(sj in the conjunctive list each of which may also be present in any number. Applying this general rule the conjunctive phrases in the foregoing examples in which the conjunctive list consists of X. Y, and Z shall each encompass; one or mote of X: one or more of Y; one or more of Z; one or more of X and one or more of Y; one or more of Y and one or more of Z; one or more of X and one or more o Z; and one or more of X, one or more of Y and one or more of Z.

[<HW| Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore while theforegoing describes a number of separate embodiments, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present in vention. Additionally although particular methods herein may he illustrated and/or describe as being performed in a specific order, the ordering is highly variable within ordinary skill to achieve aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limi the scope of ibis invention.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit : and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

L A modular pet leisure assembly the assembly comprising;

a first jaw element secured to a first supporting structure, the first jaw element having a first active surface a proximal end attached to the first supporting structure, and a distal end;

a lateral ly extending element, the laterally extending element including a first portion

adjacent to the first active surface of the first jaw element;

a second jaw element having a second active surface disposed opposite the first active

surface of the first jaw dement with the first portion of the laterally extending element disposed therebetween: and

at least a locking element fixedly securing the second jaw element to the first jaw dement.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first jaw element further comprises art end surface located at the proximal end and facing the distal end.

3, The device of claim 2, further comprising a fastener brace plate against the en surface, the fastener brace plate having at least a hole to accept a fastener attaching the proximal end to the firs† supporting structure.

4 The device of claim 2, wherein the second jaw element has a first end that ills against the end surface.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein:

the end surface farther comprises a first mating, feature; and

the first e d further comprises a second mating feature that mates with the first matin feature, securing the first end against the end surface.

6, The device of claim 1. wherein die first active surface further comprises at feast a first projection extending from the first aciive surface.

?. The device of cla im 6. wherein the at least a first projection further comprises at least a ridge,

8. The device of claim f\ wherein the second active surface further comprises at least a second projection that interlocks with the at least a first projection:

9, The device of claim 6, wherein the at least a first projection further comprises at least a peg, and wherein the second jaw element further comprises at. least a through-hole that receives the at least a nee.

77 Ml. The device of claim 9, herein the at least a peg further comprises at least an attachment locus, and wherein the locking feature further comprises a securing element that attaches to the attachment locus.

I I, rite device oi claim 1 further comprising a mounting slot in the proximal end of the first j w ement

12, The device of claim l i further comprising a mounting bracket having a projection that projects from the first supporting structure, wherein the first jaw element is connected to the mounting bracket by inserting the projection in the mounting slot,

O. The device of claim i 2 wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a first mating feature, and the second damping element further comprises a first end having a second mating feature that mates with the first mating feature, securing the first end to the Mounting bracket.

1 The device of claim 1 , wherein the securing device comprises;

at least a third mating feature that engages the first jaw clement;

at lensi a fourth mating feature that engages the second jaw dement; and

a body connecting the first mating feature to the second mating feature,

15 The device of claim 14, wherein;

i e at least a third mating Seat u re connects to the ₍list a! end of i tie first jaw element; the second jaw dement has a second end that is adjacent to the distal end when the securing device is engaged; and

the at least a fourth mating feature connects to the second end of the second jaw element.

16, 1^'he device of claim 14 wherein:

the first jaw element further eot.npr.ises at least a fifth mating feature that engages the at least a third mating feature; and

the second jaw element further comprises at least a sixth mating feature that engages the at least a fourth mating feature.

17 The device of claim 14, wherein at least a feature of the at least a third mating feature, at least a fourth mating feature, at least a fifth mating feature, and at least a sixth mating feature farther comprises a locking feature that secures the at least a feature when engaged to a corresponding feature of the at least a third mating feature at least a fourth mating feature, at least a fifth mating feature, and at least a sixth mating feature.

18, The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least a

sheet of flexible material. The device of claim L wherein the a! least a Laterally extending element further comprises a rigid element

The device of claim I wherein the first jaw element !wther comprises a first anchor element, and further comprising a .second anchor dement attached to a second upporting structure, wherein a second portion of the at least a laterally extending element is attached to the second anchor element