Pet carrier system for vehicle seat

Abstract

A carrier system for carrying a pet in a vehicle includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat back. The carrier is integrated into the seatback. The carrier has at least one panel movable between a stowed condition in the seatback and a deployed condition protruding from the seatback.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle seats and, more particularly, to vehicle seats that accommodate the carriage of pets. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle interior includes any of a number of seating arrangements for one or more passengers. A driver's seat is provided in the cockpit position, and a front passenger seat is provided adjacent to the driver's seat. One or more rows of rear seats may be provided for the vehicle's driver seat and front passenger seat. The seats are designed for human passengers and typically have a seat bottom on which the passenger sits and a seat back disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the seat bottom. When the passenger sits on the seat bottom, they typically lean against the seat back. Some seats may be foldable for stowage, such as to increase the vehicle's cargo carrying capacity when the passenger does not need to use the seat.

[0003] Vehicle seats are designed for use by human passengers. The shape and angle of the seat bottom and seat back are not necessarily optimal for pet use. Furthermore, the seat area is open, unrestricted for pet movement. It would be advantageous to provide a vehicle seat with features designed for carrying pets as passengers in the vehicle. It would also be advantageous if such features required minimal space so as not to interfere with the comfort of human passengers or cargo loading when not in use.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a vehicle seat having systems or features that accommodate the various requirements of pets as passengers in a vehicle and that require minimal space when not in use for various vehicle seat applications. Further, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In various embodiments, a carrier system for transporting a pet in a vehicle includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat back. The carrier is integrated into the seat back. The carrier has at least one panel movable between a stowed position within the seat back and a deployed position projecting from the seat back.

[0006] In additional embodiments, a tether system is connected to the seat and has an end for coupling to a pet.

[0007] In additional embodiments, when the carrier is stowed in the seat back, the seat back includes a substantially continuous rear surface without the carrier projecting rearwardly from the rear surface.

[0008] In additional embodiments, the monitoring system operates to assess the restraint and positioning of the pet.

[0009] In additional embodiments, the monitoring system operates to determine whether a pet is positioned in a carrier.

[0010] In additional embodiments, the carrier operates to deploy upwardly from the seat back when the seat back is folded against the seat bottom.

[0011] In an additional embodiment, the panel is a base panel of the carrier, the base panel being oriented substantially horizontally when the carrier is in the deployed state.The carrier comprises at least two side panels, the side panels projecting upwardly from the base panel when the carrier is in the deployed state.

[0012] In additional embodiments, the seat back serves as the front side of the carrier when the carrier is in the deployed state.

[0013] In additional embodiments, the carrier includes a front side to restrict movement of the pet in a forward direction.

[0014] In additional embodiments, the carrier is connected to a rear side of the seat back and protrudes from the seat back when the carrier is in the deployed condition.

[0015] In various additional embodiments, a carrier system for a vehicle includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat back. A carrier is integrated into the seat back. The carrier includes a panel connected to the seat back and movable between a stowed position within the seat back and a deployed position projecting from the seat back. When in the deployed position, the carrier is configured to carry a pet.

[0016] In an additional embodiment, a tether system is connected to the seat and has an end for coupling to a pet. The tether system extends into the carrier.

[0017] In an additional embodiment, the carrier is contained within the seat back when in the stowed position. The seat back includes a rear surface that is substantially continuous without the carrier projecting rearwardly from the rear surface when the carrier is in the stowed position.

[0018] In additional embodiments, the monitoring system is operable to assess the restraint and positioning of the pet and provide an alert based on the assessment.

[0019] In additional embodiments, the monitoring system operates to determine whether a pet is positioned in the carrier and whether a tether is connected to the pet.

[0020] In an additional embodiment, the seat back is foldable against the seat bottom so that the seat back is disposed in a substantially horizontal position. When the seat back is folded against the seat bottom, the carrier is deployed upwardly from the seat back.

[0021] In an additional embodiment, the panel is a base panel of the carrier, the base panel being oriented substantially horizontally when the carrier is in the deployed state. The carrier includes two side panels that project upwardly from the base panel when the carrier is in the deployed state. The side panels are contained within the seat back and concealed by the base panel when the carrier is in the stowed state.

[0022] In additional embodiments, when the carrier is in the deployed position, the seat back acts as a front side of the carrier to restrict movement of the pet in a forward direction.

[0023] In additional embodiments, the carrier includes a front side to restrict movement of the pet in a forward direction. The carrier includes an openable side configured to open to allow the pet to enter the carrier.

[0024] In various other embodiments, a carrier system for a vehicle includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat back. A carrier is integrated into the seat back. The carrier has a panel coupled to the seat back, the panel being movable between a stowed position within the seat back and a deployed position projecting from the seat back. A monitoring system is operable to determine whether a pet is positioned in the carrier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a vehicle with a seat having a pet carrier system according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 A perspective view of a pet carrier system for a vehicle seat, shown in an unfolded state;

[0028] Figure 3 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 A perspective view of a pet carrier system for a vehicle seat, shown in a partially deployed state;

[0029] Figure 4 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 A perspective view of a pet carrier system for a vehicle seat, shown in a fully deployed state;

[0030] Figure 5 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 A perspective view of a pet carrier system for a vehicle seat, shown in an unfolded state;

[0031] Figure 6 According to various embodiments, Figure 1A perspective view of a pet carrier system for a vehicle seat, shown in a deployed state;

[0032] Figure 7 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 A side view of a pet carrier system for a vehicle seat, shown in an unfolded state;

[0033] Figure 8 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 A perspective view of a pet carrier system for a vehicle seat, shown in a partially deployed state;

[0034] Figure 9 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 A perspective view of a pet carrier system for a vehicle seat shown in a fully deployed state; and

[0035] Figure 10 According to various embodiments Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a pet carrier system, showing alternative uses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding introduction, brief summary, or the following detailed description.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 , shows an example of a vehicle 20 having a body 22 with a front row of seats 40 and a rear row of seats mounted thereto. Generally, a representative seat 24 has a seat bottom 26, a seat back 28, and a pet carrier system 30. The pet carrier system 30 can be at least partially integrated into the seat 24 (and / or any other seat of the vehicle 20) and can be provided as original equipment in the vehicle 20. For example, the seat 24 can have components of the pet carrier system in or on the seat back 28, the seat bottom 26, and / or a frame 32 that supports the seat 24 and can connect it to a floor 34 of the vehicle 20. It should be understood that the vehicle 20 can have multiple seats arranged in multiple rows.

[0038] like Figure 1 As depicted in FIG, a body 22 of the vehicle 20 may be supported on wheel assemblies (not shown), such as by a suspension assembly (not shown). The body 22 may be of various types defining a physical shape for a desired purpose. The body 22 substantially encloses the components of the vehicle 20, defines an exterior surface, and defines an interior 38. The wheel assemblies may each be rotationally coupled about a respective corner of the body 22. In various embodiments, the vehicle 20 may be a front-wheel drive vehicle, a rear-wheel drive vehicle, or an all-wheel drive vehicle having any number of wheels, although other drive arrangements are also contemplated.

[0039] Propulsion of the vehicle 20 (such as on a road) is provided by a propulsion system (not shown). The propulsion system can be any of a variety of types, such as electric, internal combustion, hybrid, or other. The torque generated by the propulsion system is transmitted to the wheel assemblies to propel the vehicle 20, which can be done under manual and / or autonomous control.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG, interior 38 of vehicle 20 includes front seat row 40 and rear seat row 42. In other embodiments, additional or fewer seat rows may be included. Front seat row 40 includes seat backs 28, which are generally intended to remain upright as shown. Rear seat row 42 includes seats 24, which may be operable to fold, such as in a fold-flat or other configuration. Pet carrier system 30 may be used with any seat row, such as front seat row 40 and / or rear seat row 42.

[0041] The pet carrier system 30 may include various aspects, such as a carrier 44 stowable within the seat back 28, an anchor 46 coupled to the seat frame 32, a restraint system 48 connectable to the anchor 46 and the pet 50, and a monitoring system 52. For example, the carrier 44 may be folded into the seat 24 and deployed from the seat 24. Inclusion of the carrier 44 provides the option of carrying a pet 50 or multiple pets 50 in the carrier 44 (when deployed) and / or on the seat bottom 26, while benefiting from the restraint system 48 and the monitoring system 52 in either or both options.

[0042] like Figure 1 , a pet 50 is carried on the seat bottom 26. The restraint system 48 includes a tether 54 connected to the anchor 46 and a safety belt 56 for the pet 50. When used with this option, the tether 54 passes through a gap 58 between the seat bottom 26 and the seat back 28. In other embodiments, the anchor 46 may be located or may include an extension (not shown) located forward of the gap 58. A connector 60 may be included to releasably connect the tether 54 to the anchor 46, and another connector 62 may be included to releasably connect the tether 54 to the safety belt 56. Connectors 60, 62 may be snap clips or another type of connector to provide a secure, quick, and easy releasable connection. The length of the tether 54 may be adjustable to accommodate different sizes of pet 50. In the current embodiment, the pet 50 can be carried on the seat bottom 26 with the aid of the monitoring system 52.

[0043] The monitoring system 52 includes various aspects for evaluating the status of the restraint system 48 and the pet 50 and reporting the results of those evaluations to the driver and / or other occupants of the vehicle 20. Figure 1, the monitoring system shown is an optional configuration and is also intended for use with a pet 50 in a carrier 44. In either case, the monitoring system includes a tether sensor 64 for monitoring whether the tether 54 is connected to the anchor 46. The tether sensor 64 can be any type of sensor capable of providing an output signal indicating whether the connector 60 is coupled to the anchor 46 and / or the pet 50. For example, the tether sensor 64 can be a proximity or position sensor, or can be a switch type that provides an open or closed indication corresponding to the connected or disconnected state of the connection between the connector 60 and the anchor 46, respectively.

[0044] The monitoring system 52 includes a pet sensor 68. The pet sensor 68 can be located at, in, or on the seat 24, or remotely located, such as Figure 1 The pet sensor 68 may be a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a vision system, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar system, or any type of sensor that provides a signal indicating whether the pet 50 is properly located.

[0045] The monitoring system 52 includes an interface 70 for communicating information to and / or from the driver and / or other occupants of the vehicle 20. The interface 70 may include indicators or symbols that provide information regarding the connection status between the connector 60 and the anchor 46 provided by the tether sensor 64. The interface 70 may provide an audio output. The interface 70 may include indicators or symbols that provide information regarding the location status of the pet 50 provided by the pet sensor 68. The interface 70 may be in a driver information center 72 of the vehicle 20.

[0046] Monitoring system 52 includes a controller 74. In other embodiments, any number of controllers may be used in place of controller 74. For the purposes of the present embodiment, controller 74 controls the operation of monitoring system 52 and may provide other functionality. Controller 74 may include any number of electronic control modules and may receive various inputs, including from tether sensor 64 and pet sensor 68. It analyzes the inputs and calculates results based on the data, applying them to interface 70 and other response devices as appropriate. Controller 74 may receive various signals, including from tether sensor 64 and pet sensor 68, analyze them, and send control signals to various destinations, including interface 70. Controller 74 may include a processor 75 and a memory device (not shown), and may include or be coupled to a storage device (not shown). The processor may generate control signals for monitoring system 52 based on logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms. For example, monitoring system 52 may provide an indication that tether 54 is connected to anchor 46 and / or that pet 50 is in a suitable position. Monitoring system 52 may also provide alerts, such as when tether 54 is disconnected and / or pet 50 is outside a defined location.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 , the seat 24 is shown alone. The carrier 44 is shown in the stowed position within the seat back 28. In the stowed position, the carrier 44 is closed and can be contained within the seat back 28 so that the surface 80 is substantially continuous without protruding rearwardly from the surface 80. The carrier 44 can be retained in the stowed / closed position by a latch or catch (not shown). Figure 3 82 and two side panels 84 and 86. The side panels 84 and 86 are connected to the base 82 to form a four-sided structure having a surface 80. The seat back 28 includes a groove 88 into which the base 82 fits and two slots 90 and 92 that receive the side panels 84 and 86, respectively. The carrier 44 is connected to the seat back by a hinge 94 that is connected to the base 82. When in Figure 2 In the stowed position, the base plate 82 conceals the side panels 84 and 86 within the seat back 28 . Figure 4 The carrier 44 is shown in a fully deployed position, ready for use by a pet 96. The base 82 is positioned in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position to support the pet 96. The side panels 84 and 86 are substantially vertical and extend upward from opposite ends of the base 82. As a result, a dedicated space 98 is provided for the pet 96. In the event of a rapid deceleration of the vehicle 20, the pet 96 is retained in the space 98 and restrained from forward movement by the seat back 28. If desired, a tether, screen cover, or other device can be used to prevent the pet 96 from leaving the space 98.

[0048] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the carrier 100 is contained in the seat back 28 of the seat 24 and is Figure 5 In the stowed position, the carrier 100 is closed and can be accommodated within the seat back 28 so that the surface 80 is substantially continuous without protruding rearwardly from the surface 80. Figure 6 8. The carrier 100 is shown in an expanded state. The carrier 100 includes a base panel 102, two side panels 104 and 106, and a top panel 108. The side panels 104 and 106 are connected to the base panel 102 and the top panel 108 to form a five-sided structure including the surface 80. The seat back 28 includes a recess 110 into which the carrier 100 fits.

[0049] The top panel 108 is connected to the seat back 28 via a hinge 114 , and the base panel 102 is connected to the seat back via a hinge 116 . Figure 6The carrier 100 is shown in a fully deployed position ready for use by a pet. The base 102 is positioned in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position to support the pet. The side panels 104 and 106 are substantially vertical and extend upward from opposite ends of the base 102 to opposite ends of the top panel 108. The base 102 and the top panel 108 can be rigid. The side panels 104 and 106 can be made of a flexible or pliable material so that when the carrier 100 is closed, they are sandwiched between the top panel 108 and the base 102. When the base 102 is opened by rotating on the hinges 116. The side panels 104 and 106 can be pulled and can be deployed, and the top panel 108 can be pulled. In other embodiments, the side panels 104 and 106 can also be hinged to the seat back by vertically arranged hinges (not shown). When the base 102 is opened, the side panels 104 and 106 can be rotated to Figure 6 . As a result, a dedicated space 120 is provided for the pet. It should be understood that items other than pets can be carried in the carrier 100. In the event of a rapid deceleration of the vehicle 20, the pet is retained in the space 120 and restrained from moving forward by the seat back 28. If desired, a tether, screen cover, or other device can be used to prevent the pet from leaving the space 120 through the open rear-facing side 122.

[0050] refer to Figure 7 , the seat 24 is shown in a folded configuration connected to the floor 34 of the vehicle 20 by the frame 32. The carrier 130 is shown in a stowed configuration within the seat back 28. In the stowed configuration, the carrier 130 is closed and can be contained within the seat back 28 such that the surface 80 is substantially continuous without the carrier 130 protruding rearwardly from the surface 80. The carrier 130 can be retained in the stowed / closed configuration by a latch or catch (not shown). Figure 8 , the seat 24 is shown in a folded configuration with the seat back 28 rotated forward to a position lying flat against the seat 24. Although the seat 24 remains above the floor 34 in this illustration, in other embodiments, the seat 24 may be folded into or through the floor 34. With the seat 24 folded, the carrier 130 remains stowed in the seat back 28.

[0051] Carrier 130 Figure 9131 is shown in the expanded position. Carrier 130 includes four side panels 131-134 (with side panel 134 in the background behind side panel 131). Side panels 131-134 rotate to an open position so as to be oriented vertically or substantially vertically. Seat back 28 serves as the base or bottom of carrier 130. Side panels 132 and 133 may be hinged to seat back 28 and open in opposite directions to form the front and rear sides of carrier 130. Side panels 131 and 134 may be hinged to seat back 28, or they may be made of a pliable / flexible material connected to seat back 28 and side panels 132 and 133 and serve as the lateral sides of carrier 130. With four sides and a bottom, only the top of the carrier remains open. In some embodiments, a cover 138 may be provided for the carrier, with cover panel 140 hinged to side panel 132 and another cover panel 142 hinged to side panel 133. A latch 144 may be provided to hold cover 138 closed. In other embodiments, a tether, screen cover, or other device may be used to prevent the pet from leaving the carrier 130, if desired.

[0052] refer to Figure 10 , showing the monitoring system 52 and Figure 6 The tether 54 includes an end 150 connected to the anchor 46 and an end 152 disposed within the space 120 of the carrier 100 for connection to the pet, such as via the seat belt 56. A tether sensor 64 may be disposed at either or both ends 150 / 152 of the tether 54. A pet sensor 68 may be disposed in or on the carrier 100 to sense the location of the pet. The monitoring system 52 may provide an indication to the driver that the pet is present and correctly positioned. If the pet becomes incorrectly positioned or the tether 54 becomes disconnected, the monitoring system 52 may provide an alert. If the pet is present and the driver exits the vehicle 20, the monitoring system 52 may provide an alert, such as via the interface 70 or the horn or alarm system of the vehicle 20.

[0053] Thus, an integrated pet carrier system for a vehicle seat is provided that offers the benefit of providing the option of placing a pet in an enclosed space or on the seat. The carrier is foldable into the vehicle seat and, when desired, deployable from the seat for use. When stowed, the carrier does not require any space in the vehicle other than within the seat. While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that a large number of variations exist. It will also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A carrier system for a vehicle, comprising: a seat having a seat bottom and a seat back; as well as A carrier is integrated into the seat back, the carrier having at least one panel movable between a stowed position within the seat back and a deployed position projecting from the seat back.

2. The carrier system of claim 1 , comprising a tether system connected to the seat and having an end configured for coupling to a pet.

3. The carrier system according to claim 1, wherein When the carrier is stowed in the seat back, the seat back includes a substantially continuous rear surface without the carrier projecting rearwardly from the rear surface.

4. The carrier system of claim 1 , comprising a monitoring system configured to assess restraint and positioning of the pet.

5. The carrier system of claim 1, comprising a monitoring system configured to determine whether a pet is positioned in the carrier.

6. The carrier system according to claim 1, wherein The carrier is configured to deploy upwardly from the seat back when the seat back is folded against the seat bottom.

7. The vector system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one panel comprises a base plate of the carrier, the base plate being oriented substantially horizontally when the carrier is in the deployed state, and The carrier includes at least two side panels, and when the carrier is in the unfolded state, the side panels protrude upward from the base plate.

8. The carrier system according to claim 1, wherein The seat back is configured as a front side of the carrier when the carrier is in the deployed state.

9. The carrier system according to claim 1, wherein The carrier includes a front side to restrict movement of the pet in a forward direction.

10. The carrier system according to claim 1, wherein The carrier is connected to a rear side of the seat back and protrudes from the seat back when the carrier is in the deployed state.

Images