US 12,433,243 B2
Animal crate with removably coupled divider panel assembly
Brad Cantwell, Muncie, IN (US); Stew Kerr, Muncie, IN (US); Michael E. Greene, Muncie, IN (US); and David J. Nolley, Muncie, IN (US)
Assigned to Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc., Muncie, IN (US)
Filed by MID-WEST METAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC., Muncie, IN (US)
Filed on Nov. 14, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/986,088.
Application 17/986,088 is a continuation of application No. 16/687,967, filed on Nov. 19, 2019, granted, now 11,497,190.
Prior Publication US 2023/0074728 A1, Mar. 9, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A01K 1/035 (2006.01); A01K 1/03 (2006.01); F16B 7/04 (2006.01); F16B 7/22 (2006.01)
CPC A01K 1/035 (2013.01) [A01K 1/03 (2013.01); F16B 7/0433 (2013.01); F16B 7/22 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A divider panel assembly for being assembled within an interior of an animal enclosure, comprising:
a body defined by a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires, the body including a height and width defined by a top horizontal wire, a bottom horizontal wire, a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire;
a hook end formed by at least one of the plurality of horizontal or vertical wires of the body, the hook end configured to engage with the animal enclosure; and
a clip rotatably coupled to the first vertical wire or the second vertical wire, the clip including a first defined opening defining a first gap at a first curled portion, at a first end of the clip, for receiving the first or second vertical wire, a second defined opening defining a second gap at a second curled portion, a third curled portion located adjacent to the second curled portion, a substantially straight portion located between the first opening and the second opening, the second opening configured for receiving a wire of the animal enclosure, and a tab portion extending from the third curled portion to a second end of the clip, wherein the tab portion extends substantially perpendicular to the substantially straight portion and includes a gripping surface to assist with assembly of the divider panel and the animal enclosure, wherein the gripping surface includes ridges.