Pet carrier with reversibly expandable/collapsible sections

Abstract

The invention relates generally to a device designed for the comfort of a pet or other small animal during travel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device that can function a pet carrier designed and sized for travel on a public or private transportation vehicle that comprises one or more reversibly expandable and collapsible sections that, when expanded, increase the interior space of the pet carrier and, when collapsed, are substantially flush with the sides or top of the carrier to which they are attached.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The invention relates generally to a device designed for the comfort of a pet or other small animal during travel.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002]Generally, people want to make their pets or animal companions as comfortable as reasonably possible during travel. Additionally, most companies that provide public modes of transportation services (such as airline, bus line or train) require that an animal be restrained in a carrier that can fit into a designated space or area on the vehicle. Private automobiles also often have limited space for pet carriers. In this regard, pet owners place their pets into small carriers that offer little or no room for the animal to move freely or be comfortable, especially when on long trips.[0003]Prior art carriers have not addressed this problem. Most prior art carriers designed for air or bus travel, for example, are sized to fit into the allotted space for the carrier. For example, most airlines require the pet carrier to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032]The present invention also contemplates that the pet carrier of the present invention embodies different non-limiting variations and options. For example, the pet carrier may be designed so that it can be stacked. This embodiment may be useful for owners of multiple pets, pet shops or business that frequently engage in the transportation of pets and other animals or just for storage. In another embodiment, the pet carrier of the present invention comprises one or more seat belt loops or other means for the attachment of a seat belt such as those found in cars and planes. In yet another embodiment, the carrier comprises a non-slip base made of, for example, rubber or a rubber-like material. In another embodiment the pet carrier is made from a one-piece molded (uni-molded, see, below) shell (foam, plastic, etc) in which a liner, for example, may be placed. In yet another embodiment, the pet carrier comprises attachable play sets (such as might entertain a kitten or puppy).

[0033]In yet other embodiments, the pet carrier of the present invention may comprise, for example, a plastic shell or frame (e.g., high-density plastic) coupled with foam bedding and / or a liner. The liner may be leak-proof or leak-resistant. The plastic shell may be “rigid” or “essentially rigid” as defined elsewhere in this specification. The plastic shell of the pet carrier may be made of a single uni-molded piece of plastic or of two or more separate pieces glued or otherwise attached to each other (e.g., they may be attached to each other with fabric covers sewed to each other) to form the carrier. The term “uni-mold” and uni-molded” are defined herein as meaning an item (such as the pet carrier of the present invention) being molded in one piece instead of more two or more pieces that need to be assembled. Although the present invention is not limited to theory, the design of a hard plastic shell lined with a foam liner is thought to protect a pet while traveling. Fabric may cover both main compartment and the secondary compartment(s) of the pet carrier of the present invention. Fabric may be attached to or adhered to the shell of the main compartment and / or secondary compartment(s) by using adhesives, sewing, rivets, push plugs, etc. In another embodiment, the shell of the main compartment and / or secondary compartment(s) pet carrier are inserted into a fabric covering and sealed closed by glue, buttons, sewing, zippers, etc. Although the present invention is not limited to any particular choice in fabric, 1680D ballistic nylon is preferred for both the main and secondary compartment(s) for it's durable properties and high tech appearance. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and are incorporated herein as embodiments of the present invention.

Problems solved by technology

Private automobiles also often have limited space for pet carriers.

Prior art carriers have not addressed this problem.

However, the animal is not usually allowed to leave the carrier.

Thus, the animal must often remain in the cramped carrier for the entire length of the trip.

These carriers, however, only have one resizable compartment with limited expansion capacities and are too small, even when in the expanded configuration, to provide enough space for the animal to be comfortable for any length of time.

Additionally, the bottom portion of this prior art carrier has the generally curved shape which would not be comfortable for an animal for any length of time.

This product is not designed for nor sturdy enough for carrying an animal and, because of the curved bottom portion, would be uncomfortable for animals contained in it for any length of time.

Additionally, these types of prior art carriers have only limited expansion capabilities.

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