Multi-Layer Modular Pet Bed

Abstract

A multi-layer modular pet bed includes a foldable outer layer, a folder inner layer, and an attachment means for securing the layers together in order to form a pet bed. The foldable inner layer has a slightly smaller perimeter than the foldable outer layer such that the foldable inner layer sits just within the foldable outer layer. When ready to wash, a user simply opens and unfolds the foldable outer layer to convert the bed into a throw blanket sized unit for ease in cleaning. Optionally, a protective layer may be added, either on top of the foldable outer layer or encompassing the entire outer layer when the modular pet bed is in its folded configuration. Additional cushioning material may be added to any or all layers, in some embodiments.

Claims

1. A multi-layer modular pet bed, comprising: a generally rectangular shaped foldable outer layer having four edges, said foldable outer layer including attachment means positioned about said four edges thereof, said foldable outer layer including an outer surface and an inner surface; a foldable inner layer comprising a first panel attached to a first edge of said foldable outer layer and a second panel attached to a second edge of said outer layer; wherein said foldable inner layer panels are adapted to be stacked onto said inner surface of said foldable outer layer, so that said foldable outer layer may be folded in half with said foldable inner layer disposed therebetween; and and wherein said attachment means are configured to removably attach said outer foldable layer to itself about at least three edges thereof while said foldable inner layer is positioned within said foldable outer layer.

2. The multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 1, further including a removably attachable additional layer, wherein the additional layer is adapted to be contained within said outer layer when said outer layer is folded and attached to itself about said perimeter thereof.

3. The multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 1, further including a protective layer that is adapted to be removably attached to said outer surface of said outer foldable layer.

4. The multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 1, further including a protective layer that is adapted to be removably attached to said outer foldable layer, wherein said protective layer encompasses the entirety of said outer foldable layer.

5. The multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 4, wherein said protective layer includes an opening for receiving said pet bed therein, and further includes closure means for temporarily securing said opening in a closed position.

6. The multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 5, wherein said closure means is selected from the group consisting of a zipper, buttons, and hook and loop fasteners.

7. The multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 1, wherein said inner layer includes an inner chamber for receiving additional stuffing therein.

8. The multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 1, further including a handle for carrying.

9. A method of using a multi-layer modular pet bed, said method comprising the steps of: providing a foldable outer layer with an attachment means disposed along the edges of said foldable outer layer and a foldable inner layer comprised of a first panel and a second panel arranged within said foldable outer layer; folding said first panel of said foldable inner layer such that it lays flush with the inner section of said foldable outer layer; folding said second panel of said foldable inner layer such that it lays flush with said first panel; folding one side of said foldable outer layer such that it lays on the opposing side of said foldable outer layer; securing said attachment means along the edges of said foldable outer layer to form a pet bed.

10. The method of using a multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 9, further including the step of: securing a protective layer to the top portion of the foldable outer layer.

11. The method of using a multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 9, further including the step of: providing an additional layer for placement with said foldable inner layer to provide additional comfort.

12. The method of using a multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 9, further including the step of: providing a protective layer that is adapted to be removably attached to said outer foldable layer, wherein said protective layer encompasses the entirety of said outer foldable layer.

13. The method of using a multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 12, wherein said protective layer includes an opening for receiving said pet bed therein, and further includes closure means for temporarily securing said opening in a closed position.

14. The method of using a multi-layer modular pet bed set forth in claim 13, wherein said closure means is selected from the group consisting of a zipper, buttons, and hook and loop fasteners.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the multi-layer modular pet bed, wherein the pet bed is shown in its folded, compact state, and further showing a zipper around three sides thereof for securing the pet bed in the folded, compact state;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the multi-layer modular pet bed, wherein the pet bed is shown in an open, unzipped state, and wherein one corner of the foldable inner layer is folded back onto itself;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of the multi-layer modular pet bed, wherein the pet bed is shown in an open, unzipped state, and one panel of the foldable inner layer is disposed in an open position adjacent one side of the foldable outer layer;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the multi-layer modular pet bed, wherein the pet bed is shown in an open, unzipped state, and both panels of the foldable inner layer are disposed in an open position adjacent the respective, opposed sides of the foldable outer layer;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the multi-layer modular pet bed, wherein the pet bed is shown in its folded, compact state, and a removable protective outer layer is attached to a top portion of the pet bed;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of the multi-layer modular pet bed, wherein the pet bed is shown in an open, unzipped state, and wherein one corner of the foldable inner layer is folded back onto itself, and wherein a removable additional layer is positioned over the foldable inner layer, in order to provide additional cushioning for the pet bed;

[0030] FIG. 7 is a top view of one embodiment of the multi-layer modular pet bed, wherein the pet bed is shown in an open, unzipped state, and both panels of the foldable inner layer are disposed in an open position adjacent the respective, opposed sides of the foldable outer layer, and wherein each layer includes an inner chamber for receiving additional filling material through an opening therein, and wherein each opening includes a zipper for securing the opening in a closed position; and

[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the multi-layer modular pet bed, wherein the pet bed is shown in its folded, compact state, and further, shows a pair of handle members being disposed on an outer portion of the foldable outer layer for handling and transport purposes; and

[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the multi-layer modular pet bed, wherein the pet bed is shown in its folded, compact state, and a removable protective layer slips over the entirety of the pet bed and includes a zipper for securing the protecting layer onto the pet bed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present invention includes, in a first embodiment, a multi-layer modular pet bed 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, and includes a foldable outer layer 12, a foldable inner layer 14, and an attachment means 16, such as a zipper, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable means for releasable attachment. The foldable inner layer 14 fits within the foldable outer layer 12 when the pet bed is in a compact state, as shown in FIG. 1, and is preferably attached to the foldable outer layer 12 by attachment means 18, such as stitching, a zipper, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the foldable inner layer 14 consists of two panels 20 attached to opposed sides of the foldable outer layer 12, as shown in FIG. 4. The foldable outer layer 12 is preferably slightly wider than the foldable inner layer 14 such that the foldable inner layer 14 fits within the foldable outer layer 12. In order to secure the modular pet bed into its folded, compact configuration, the inner foldable layer panels 20 are folded onto the inner surface of the foldable outer layer, so that the foldable outer layer is underneath the two foldable inner layer panels, as shown in FIG. 2. Then, the three layers are folded in half, so that the foldable outer layer encompasses the foldable inner layer panels, and the zipper (or other attachment means) is closed or otherwise secured about 3 sides of the modular pet bed, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 8.

[0035] Both the foldable outer layer 12 and the foldable inner layer 14 are made of a durable, washable, preferably soft, cushioned material. In a preferred embodiment, the layers may include a thick pile textile material to provide cushioning and insulation, and it should be understood that the layers may be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to Sherpa fabric, which is typically made from polyester, acrylic, or cotton and is sometimes called ‘faux shearling,’ named for its resemblance to the wool-lined clothing worn by the Sherpa people of Nepal. Sherpa mimics the bumpy texture of sheep's wool.

[0036] In one embodiment, one or more additional layers 22 may be inserted with the foldable inner layer 14, or within the foldable outer layer 12 to provide more cushion to the multi-layer modular pet bed 10, as shown in FIG. 6. The additional layer 22 is preferably made from the same material as the foldable inner layer 14, although it is contemplated that the additional layer may be made from a different material.

[0037] A removably attachable protective layer 24 may be attached to the foldable outer layer 12 by attachment means 16, such as a zipper, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners, as shown in FIG. 5. The protective layer 24 allows the multi-layer modular pet bed 10 to stay clean, so the user would only have to wash the protective layer 24.

[0038] Alternatively, the protective layer 24 may form a casing that fits over the entire pet bed, similarly to a pillowcase being removably placed around a pillow in the traditional manner, as shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the protective layer includes an opening at one end for receiving the pet bed, and may optionally include closure means about the opening, such as a zipper, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and the like, in order to maintain the opening in a closed position while disposed about the pet bed.

[0039] In another embodiment, the foldable inner layer 14, the additional inner layer(s) 22 and/or the foldable outer layer 12 may include an inner chamber for receiving soft padding material 26 which may be secured within any or all of these layers by an attachment device 28 (such as a zipper or the like) positioned on one side of the layer, as shown in FIG. 7. If a user desires to increase the amount of cushion within the pet bed, a user may add additional soft padding material 26 to the foldable inner layer 14 by opening the foldable inner layer 14 using the attachment device 28. The soft padding material 26 may be any suitable material, such as foam, expanded polystyrene beads (which is the fill material typically used inside of traditional bean bags), or any other desirable material that provides additional cushioning.

[0040] It is also contemplated that the foldable inner layer 14 may be removable from the foldable outer layer 12, so that the foldable outer layer may be washed without having to wash the foldable inner layer. In an alternate embodiment, a handle 30 can be added to the multi-layer pet bed 10 for allow for easy travel. While the invention has been described as being used as a pet bed, it should be understood that the multi-layer modular pet bed could also be used as a blanket in its unfolded configuration, or a pillow in its folded configuration, and may be particularly useful during travel.

[0041] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.