Animal containing system

Abstract

An animal containment system includes a docking station or impact protection component and an animal containment unit. The station is configured to secure the assembly to the vehicle. The station includes a base that includes a rigid support member or a tensible flexible member that can extend from an anchor point in the base to an anchor point in the vehicle such that the station is mounted within the vehicle. The unit includes one or more features configured to attach the unit to the station such that the unit is secured within the vehicle and detach the unit from the station such that the unit is removed from the vehicle when the station is installed in the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefits of the following patents: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 498,419, filed April 26, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 512,448, filed July 7, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 512,670, filed July 10, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 520,282, filed August 17, 2023; and [other patents filed October 19, 2023]. The following U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 591,640, filed December 7, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 607,371, filed December 7, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 607,375, filed December 7, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 631,007, filed April 8, 2024, are all incorporated herein by reference as if they were fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a pet shelter system. In particular, this disclosure relates to a pet shelter system for securing pets or animals in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Many people consider pets family members or companions. Therefore, pet owners often take their pets with them on road trips to vacation destinations, veterinary visits, or travel around town. Pet transport devices work in conjunction with a vehicle's seatbelts or other anchor points to prevent pets from wandering around the vehicle and / or escaping. However, these devices are often insufficient to protect pets in the event of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction and may be difficult to install in a vehicle. In a collision, improperly restrained pets are more likely to be injured and injure vehicle occupants.

[0005] Some dog crates lack safety features and the ability to securely attach them to vehicles. Furthermore, when not in use, dog crates attached to vehicles often take up considerable space in the cargo area. These crates are also difficult to install and remove. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure relates to an animal containment system for containing animals in a vehicle. The system may include: a docking station configured to be received in the cargo area of ​​the vehicle, and animal containment units selectively installable into the docking station.

[0007] The docking station can include at least one anchor point for securing the docking station to at least one anchor point of the vehicle. The animal containment unit can include at least one rigid support structure for engaging a non-horizontal surface of the vehicle, the at least one rigid support structure configured to limit relative movement of the docking station or the animal containment unit with respect to the non-horizontal surface. The docking station can include a plurality of rigid support structures, each rigid support structure adapted to engage a different non-horizontal surface of the vehicle. At least two of the plurality of rigid support structures can extend from opposite sides of the docking station. The at least one rigid support structure can be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A length of the at least one rigid support structure can be adjustable. The docking station can include a latch configured to selectively secure the animal containment unit to the docking station. The animal containment unit can also include a rotatable and extendable handle. The handle can be rotatable to a horizontal orientation and extendable to engage a non-horizontal surface of the vehicle when the animal containment unit is attached to the docking station, thereby securing the animal containment unit. The docking station can include a base having a bracket secured to a side surface of the base, the bracket including at least one anchor point and further including a tensionable flexible member extending from the bracket for attachment to at least one anchor point of the vehicle. The tensionable flexible member can include a tether. The docking station can include a ramp extending from a rear portion of the base. The ramp can be telescoping and can include an extension that is stowable within a cavity in the base. The docking station can include a base and the at least one rigid support structure can be U-shaped and include a first member that is slidable within a side surface of the base such that the first member can slide into or out of a cavity in the base to adjust a length of the at least one rigid support structure. The rigid support structure can include a second member configured to engage an interior surface of the vehicle. The docking station can include a base and the docking station can further include a vertical rigid support member having a first member extending from a side surface of the base and being vertically curved and a second member including a sliding member that is slidable within the first member to adjust a length of the vertical rigid support member. The animal containment unit can include wheels on a bottom surface. The docking station can include two spaced apart tracks adapted to support the animal containment unit. Each track can include a protrusion adapted to be received in a corresponding recess of the animal containment unit to secure the animal containment unit to the docking station. The protrusion can include an L-shaped bracket and the corresponding recess can include a slot. Each track can include an end surface having at least one recess or protrusion and the animal containment unit can include a corresponding mating recess or protrusion adapted to secure the animal containment unit to the docking station. The docking station can include a load bearing leg configured to engage a seat back of the vehicle. The load bearing leg can include an adjustable engagement member that is adjustable to match an angle of the seat back of the vehicle. The adjustable engagement member can be biased toward a vertical orientation. The system can further include an organizer mountable to the docking station.

[0008] According to another aspect, an animal containment unit includes a containment body defining an interior space sized to receive an animal, the containment body including a base securable to a vehicle, the base having an anchor point and members extendable from the anchor point to further anchor points of the vehicle such that the unit is securable to the vehicle and detachable therefrom. The members include rigid support members or tensionable flexible members. The containment body can be permanently mounted on the base.

[0009] According to another aspect, an animal containment unit includes a containment body defining an interior space sized to receive an animal, the containment body including an anchor point and members extendable from the anchor point, the members configured to attach to further anchor points of a vehicle such that the unit is securable to the vehicle and detachable therefrom. The members include rigid support members or tensionable flexible members.

[0010] According to another aspect, an animal containment system for installation in a cargo area of a vehicle includes a docking station having a front load-bearing leg configured to engage a seat back of the vehicle and a first mounting structure, and a containment unit having a front wall, a side wall, a rear door opposite the front wall, and a second mounting structure. The first and second mounting structures are configured to cooperate with one another when the containment unit is installed on the docking station with the front wall oriented toward the front load-bearing leg and the front wall structurally reinforced relative to the side wall.

[0011] The docking station can include a frame having side rails and a crossbar. The side rails can be telescoping. The telescoping side rails can have a retention structure configured to retain an extended configuration after installation. The side rails can include a guide structure and the containment device includes a complementary shaped base. The guide structure can include one or more rollers. The docking station can include an actuator to extend the front load-bearing leg forward. The front load-bearing leg can include a flat plate. The front load-bearing leg can be angularly adjustable and configured to conform to an angle of the seat back of the vehicle. The angular adjustment of the front load-bearing leg can be biased toward a vertical orientation. The docking station can include at least one side load-bearing leg. The first mounting structure can include a slot and the second mounting structure includes a tab adapted to be received in the slot. The first mounting structure can include a protrusion and the second mounting structure can include a recess. The containment unit front wall can include a high tensile strength member. The high tensile strength member can include at least one of a steel cable, a sheet of metal, or a heavy duty nylon strap. The high tensile strength member can be embedded within the front wall.

[0012] According to another aspect, a docking station for installation in a rear cargo area of a vehicle includes a base including a frame and a front load-bearing leg coupled to the frame and configured to engage a seatback of the vehicle. The frame can include side rails and a crossbar. The side rails can be telescoping. The telescoping side rails can include a retention structure configured to retain an extended configuration after installation. The side rails can include a guide structure. The guide structure can include one or more rollers. The docking station can include an actuator to extend the front load-bearing leg forward. The front load-bearing leg can include a flat plate. The front load-bearing leg can be angularly adjustable and configured to conform to an angle of the seatback. The angular adjustment of the front load-bearing leg can be biased toward a vertical orientation. The docking station can further include at least one side load-bearing leg.

[0013] According to another aspect, an animal containment system for installation in a cargo area of a vehicle includes an animal containment unit configured to contain an animal therein and an impact protection component coupled to the animal containment unit, the impact protection component being at least partially positionable between a seatback portion of the vehicle and the animal containment unit when the animal containment system is installed in the cargo area such that the seatback portion exerts a second force on the impact protection component when the animal containment unit exerts a first force on the impact protection component.

[0014] The impact protection component can extend along a length of the animal containment unit. The impact protection component can be movable relative to the animal containment unit. The impact protection component can be rotatable relative to the animal containment unit. The impact protection component can include a contact face positioned in alignment with a surface of the seatback portion, and an angle of the contact face can be adjustable by movement of the impact protection component relative to the animal containment unit. The impact protection component can be configured to absorb at least one of the first force and the second force such that a shape of the impact protection component deforms when the first force and the second force are exerted on the impact protection component. The impact protection component can be removably coupled to the animal containment unit. A height of the impact protection component can be at least one quarter of a height of the animal containment unit when the animal containment system is installed in the cargo area. The impact protection component can include a stowage chamber. The impact protection component can include a coupling bar, and wherein the animal containment unit includes a latch adapted to releasably engage the coupling bar. The impact protection component can include a load-bearing leg configured to engage the seatback of the vehicle. The load-bearing leg can be adjustable to change an angle of a contact face of the load-bearing leg. The impact protection component can include a channel for routing a strap for securing the impact protection component to the vehicle. The impact protection component can include a tensioning mechanism. The impact protection component can include a pad for receiving the animal containment unit. The pad can be selectively deployable between an extended configuration and a stowed configuration. The pad can include a plurality of hingedly connected segments. The pad can include at least one track or recess for retaining the animal containment unit thereon.

[0015] According to another aspect, an animal containment unit for installation in a vehicle includes a base, at least one side plate extending upward from the base and having a thickness, and a front plate extending upward from the base, the front plate including an outer plate and an impact plate, such that the thickness of the front plate is greater than the thickness of the at least one side plate.

[0016] Animal containment units may also include ribs extending between the front plate and the impact plate.

[0017] According to another aspect, an animal containment unit for installation in a vehicle cargo area includes: two or more sidewalls extending from a base, the two or more sidewalls including a first sidewall having a door and a second sidewall having a connecting mechanism configured to connect to an external component to anchor the animal containment unit; a first actuator configured to open the door and a second actuator configured to release the connecting mechanism.

[0018] The first actuator and the second actuator can be mounted on the same sidewall of two or more sidewalls. The first actuator and the second actuator can be mounted on the first sidewall. The second sidewall can be disposed opposite to the first sidewall.

[0019] According to another aspect, a system includes an animal containment unit and an impact protection component. The animal containment unit includes: two or more sidewalls extending from a base, the two or more sidewalls including a first sidewall having a door and a second sidewall having a connecting mechanism configured to connect to an external component to anchor the animal containment unit; a first actuator configured to open the door; and a second actuator configured to release the connecting mechanism, wherein the impact protection component is at least partially positionable between a seat back portion of a vehicle and the animal containment unit, and wherein the connecting mechanism of the animal containment unit is configured to be releasably connected to the impact protection component.

[0020] According to another aspect, a method for assembling an animal containment unit includes: attaching a first side panel and a second side panel to a base; attaching a top panel to the first side panel and the second side panel; attaching a rear panel by sliding two or more short posts of a rear panel into corresponding receivers near the top panel and the base; and attaching a front panel by sliding two or more short posts of a front panel into corresponding receivers near the top panel and the base.

[0021] According to another aspect, an animal containment system includes: an animal containment unit having a first connecting mechanism; and an impact protection member at least partially positionable between a seat back portion of a vehicle and the animal containment unit, the impact protection member having a second connecting mechanism for selectively attaching to the first connecting mechanism and an anchoring device for mounting the impact protection member to the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The following description of illustrative embodiments can be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that potential embodiments of the disclosed system are not limited to those described.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a side view of an exemplary animal shelter unit according to this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an exemplary docking station according to this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3a is a perspective view of an exemplary animal containment system according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3b is a top-view perspective of the animal containment system shown in Figure 3a.

[0027] Figure 3c is a side view of the animal containment system shown in Figure 3a.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the animal containment system shown in Figure 3a, which is an unfolded ramp.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of another exemplary docking station according to this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6a is a perspective view of another exemplary animal shelter system according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6b is a top-view perspective of the animal containment system shown in Figure 6a.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the method according to this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of another exemplary animal containment unit according to this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A side view of the animal shelter unit.

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A side view of the animal shelter unit.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of another exemplary docking station according to this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 12 In the vehicle Figure 11 A three-dimensional view of an exemplary docking station.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of another exemplary animal containment unit according to this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A side view of the animal shelter unit.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of another exemplary animal shelter system according to this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of another exemplary animal shelter system according to this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A side view of an animal shelter system.

[0043] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 A 3D diagram of an animal shelter system.

[0044] Figure 19 This is a side view of another exemplary animal containment unit according to this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A side view of the animal shelter unit.

[0046] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of an exemplary animal containment system including a retracted buffer protector.

[0047] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A three-dimensional diagram of an animal shelter system, with the buffer protectors deployed.

[0048] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the organizer installed on the docking station according to this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of another exemplary animal shelter system according to this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 25 This is a perspective view of another exemplary animal containment unit according to this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A side view of the animal shelter unit.

[0052] Figure 27 yes Figure 25 A side view of the animal shelter unit.

[0053] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of another exemplary animal containment system including impact protection components according to the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 29It is a section taken from line 29-29. Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of an animal containment system.

[0055] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of an exemplary impact protection component according to the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 Side view of the impact protection component.

[0057] Figure 32 It is a section taken along line 32-32. Figure 30 A partial 3D view of the impact protection components.

[0058] Figure 33 This is a perspective view of another exemplary impact protection component according to the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 Another perspective view of the impact protection component.

[0060] Figure 35 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary animal containment system having a first latching mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 36 yes Figure 35 The magnified portion.

[0062] Figure 37 This is a 3D diagram of the latching mechanism.

[0063] Figure 38 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary animal containment system with a second latching mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 39 yes Figure 38 The magnified portion.

[0065] Figure 40 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary animal shelter system according to this disclosure.

[0066] Figure 41 and Figure 42 This is a perspective view of another exemplary impact protection component according to the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 43 and Figure 44 This is a perspective view of another exemplary impact protection component according to the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 45 and Figure 46 This is a perspective view of another exemplary impact protection component according to the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 47, Figure 48 and Figure 49 This is a perspective view of another exemplary impact protection component according to the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 50 yes Figure 47 , Figure 48 and Figure 49 A top view of the impact protection components; some parts are omitted for clarity.

[0071] Figure 51 This is a side view of another exemplary animal shelter system according to this disclosure.

[0072] Figure 52 yes Figure 51 A top-down 3D view of the animal shelter system.

[0073] Figure 53 yes Figure 51 A 3D diagram of an animal shelter system.

[0074] Figure 54 This is a top perspective view of another exemplary animal containment system including the impact protection components according to this disclosure.

[0075] Figure 55 yes Figure 54 A 3D diagram of an animal shelter system.

[0076] Figure 56 and Figure 57 This is a perspective view of another exemplary impact protection component according to the present disclosure.

[0077] Figures 58-62 This is a perspective view of different exemplary impact protection components according to this disclosure.

[0078] Figure 63 It is a three-dimensional exploded view of another animal shelter unit according to this disclosure.

[0079] Figures 64-66 It is a display Figure 63 Three-dimensional diagrams of animal shelter units at different assembly stages.

[0080] Figure 67 It is a 3D view of the disassembled animal shelter unit.

[0081] Figure 68 This is a side view of the disassembled animal shelter unit.

[0082] Figure 69 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing an exemplary latching mechanism for connecting plates to animal shelter units.

[0083] Figure 70 yes Figure 69Another partial cross-sectional view of the latch.

[0084] Figures 71-73 This is a cross-sectional view of the cam bolt assembly used to connect the plates of the animal housing unit.

[0085] Figure 74 This is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary animal containment unit according to this disclosure.

[0086] Figure 75 It is a perspective view of the impact plate according to this disclosure.

[0087] Figure 76 and Figure 77 This is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary animal containment unit according to this disclosure.

[0088] Figure 78 This is a partial view of an exemplary latch mechanism according to the present disclosure, in which certain parts are omitted.

[0089] Figure 79 yes Figure 78 A three-dimensional diagram of the latch mechanism.

[0090] Figure 80 Is it through Figure 78 A cross-sectional view of the handle (actuator) of the latch mechanism.

[0091] Figure 81 It is a cross-sectional view taken through the latch mechanism.

[0092] Figure 82 This is an exploded view of another exemplary animal containment unit according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0093] This disclosure describes various aspects of a pet shelter system for vehicles, including a shelter structure for housing pets. The pet shelter system can be installed in a vehicle.

[0094] It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples and embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments are contemplated in this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that the concepts described in the foregoing examples and embodiments can be used alone or in combination with any other examples and embodiments described above. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the various alternative examples and embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment can be applied to all examples and embodiments described herein.

[0095] Unless otherwise expressly stated, each value and range should be interpreted as approximate, as if preceded by "approximately," "approximately," or "substantially." Unless otherwise stated, the terms "approximately," "approximately," and "substantially" can be understood as describing a range within 15% of a particular value.

[0096] The conditional language used herein, such as “may,” “possibly,” “can,” “will,” “for example,” etc., unless otherwise stated or understood in the context of use, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments require features, elements, and / or steps in any way, or that one or more embodiments must include logic for determining, with or without author input or prompting, whether such features, elements, and / or steps are included in or will be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are synonymous and used in an open-ended manner, and do not exclude additional elements, features, actions, operations, etc. Furthermore, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive sense), and thus, when used, for example, to connect a series of elements, the term “or” indicates one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0097] Exemplary embodiments can be further understood with reference to the following description and related drawings, wherein like elements have like reference numerals. Exemplary embodiments describe a component for the safe transport of animals (e.g., large dogs) in the cargo area of ​​a vehicle. In some embodiments, the component is characterized by a docking station that can be attached to the vehicle via a flexible tether and / or a rigid support structure. The docking station can be installed in the cargo area of ​​any suitable size vehicle (e.g., an SUV, crossover, or hatchback). Animal containment units (e.g., cages) for holding the animal can be attached to or locked to the docking station for the safe transport of the animal within the vehicle.

[0098] In one embodiment, the components for animal shelter include an animal shelter unit and a docking station. The animal shelter unit may also be referred to as a cage, dog crate, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the animal shelter unit is configured to safely hold the animal during, for example, the transport of an animal in a moving vehicle and / or the transport of an animal to the outside of the vehicle. The docking station is detachable from the animal shelter unit, allowing the docking station to be left installed in the vehicle while the animal shelter unit is removed from the docking station and later reinstalled on it.

[0099] The docking station can also be referred to as a dock, base, etc. The docking station can be securely installed in a vehicle using flexible tethers and / or rigid support structures. In some embodiments, the docking station features a telescopic ramp to aid in loading and unloading animal housing units (e.g., cages) or dogs into and from the vehicle. The cage may have wheels and handles for easy movement and features appropriate for secure attachment to the docking station. The handles can also function as structural support legs in the event of a traffic accident.

[0100] It should be understood that this component can be installed in the cargo area of ​​a vehicle, such as an SUV, crossover, or hatchback.

[0101] In the following description, unless otherwise stated, the terms "front" and "rear" generally relate to the front and rear portions of a vehicle in which aspects of this disclosure are used or intended to be used. Thus, for example, the rear portion of the docking station facing the rear of the vehicle, or the portion of the docking station intended to face the rear of the vehicle.

[0102] It should also be understood that the reference to "side" of a component, unit, or docking station is for ease of interpretation, and multiple different parts of a component may define the exterior of the component, and these exterior parts are not necessarily orthogonal to other "sides". Furthermore, the terms "inner" and / or "internal" and / or "inside" may refer to a feature in a direction relative to a part of the component toward the center of the component, while the terms "outer" and / or "external" and / or "outer" may refer to a feature in a direction relative to a part of the component away from the center of the component.

[0103] Animal shelter units or cages can be formed in a variety of ways. Below are some examples. Figure 1 An example of an animal containment unit is provided. It should be noted that, according to this embodiment, only certain features of the cage are described in detail below, specifically the support plate at the bottom of the cage, the wheels at the bottom of the plate, and the telescopic handle rotatably connected to the front of the plate via a bracket. Those skilled in the art will determine that the exemplary embodiments can be applied to different types of cages.

[0104] Figure 1 Figure 3a illustrates an animal containment unit 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. The animal containment unit 100 includes multiple sides (e.g., six sides), and is described in relation to a first side 101a (e.g., the left side in the view of Figure 3a), a second side 101b, a third side 101c, a fourth side 101d, a top side 101e, and a bottom side 101f. These sides of the animal containment unit 100 are... Figure 1 And / or marked in Figure 3a, and these markings are omitted in subsequent figures. It should be noted that... Figure 1 A side view of the animal containment unit 100 as seen from the second (right) side is shown, with the first (left) side of the animal containment unit 100 obscured by the second side.

[0105] Animal housing unit 100 typically includes a body 101 (e.g., a cage portion for securely holding an animal), which can be formed in various ways. In one example, the body 101 includes a frame structure, a base, housing material (e.g., soft material enclosing the interior of the unit), and support webbing. The frame structure may include support members. In one exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The animal containment unit 100 is shown in more detail, for example, in Figures 3a-3b. The frame structure includes an X-bar extending from a first side across the top to a second side, which connects two U-shaped support members on the first and second sides. The frame structure of this embodiment includes an actuator for folding the frame when the animal containment unit 100 is not in use.

[0106] The containment material defines the outer and inner surfaces of the body 101 and can be supported by a frame structure. At least one door is formed in the containment material, for example on the fourth side 101d of the animal containment unit 100, for loading and unloading animals into and from the animal containment unit 100. One or more windows may also be formed in the containment material to allow observation of the animals inside and to allow the animals to look out. In this embodiment, the base of the body 101 rigidly supports the frame structure and includes actuators for various functions of the cage, such as folding the body 101. In this example, the body 101 also includes a top handle, for example for lifting the animal containment unit 100.

[0107] The above example of the body 101 of the animal housing unit 100 is provided for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplary embodiments can be applied to different types of cages.

[0108] According to one aspect of these exemplary embodiments, the animal housing unit 100 includes a plate 102 or base member fixed to the exterior of the bottom of a body 101, for example, on the outer surface of the base of the body 101. The plate 102 extends from a first end to a second end 104 and crosses the bottom of the body 101 from a first side to a second side. The first end 103 and the side portion are substantially covered by the bottom of the body 101, so that in this embodiment, the plate 102 does not protrude beyond a fourth side 101d of the body 101 or cross other sides. The second end 104 extends beyond the front portion of the body 101 by a distance sufficient to allow a support 105 to be formed or disposed on the top side of the second end 104 of the plate 102.

[0109] The animal containment unit 100 may also include a handle 107 (e.g., a telescopic handle) for ease of movement. The animal containment unit 100 may include a plurality of wheels 106 (e.g., four wheels). The wheels 106 may be located at the bottom of the plate 102. The wheels 106 may include at least one rear wheel (e.g., preferably two rear wheels) and at least one front wheel (e.g., preferably two front wheels), with the rear wheels located adjacent to a fourth side 101d of the body 101 and the front wheels located adjacent to a second side 101b of the body 101. Other configurations of the wheels 106 and / or the plate 102 and / or the body 101 may be used to lock the animal containment unit 100 to the docking station 120, as described in more detail below.

[0110] Handle 107 can be accessed from the first end 108 (see...) Figure 1 The first end 108 extends to the second end 109 (see Figure 3a), and is rotatably connected to the first bracket 105 on the first side of the plate 102. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) The second end 109 is rotatably connected to a second bracket on a second side of the plate 102. The handle 107 may have a first member 110 and a second member 111. The first member 110 is rotatably connected to the bracket 105. The second member 111 is U-shaped in this embodiment and includes a sliding member 112 and an engaging member 113. The sliding member 112 is slidably connected to the first member to adjust the length of the handle 107, and the engaging member 113 connects the sliding member 112 to accommodate a user's grip. In this example, the external dimensions of the sliding member 112 correspond to the internal dimensions of the first member 110, allowing the sliding member 112 to slide telescopically within the first member 110. The handle 107 also serves as a structural support leg to secure the animal housing unit 100 to the vehicle 150 in the event of an accident by engaging the engaging member 113 with the inner surface of the vehicle 150, which will be described in more detail below.

[0111] As described above, the animal containment unit 100 of this embodiment can be securely attached to the docking station 120 installed in the vehicle 150, and can then be detached from it. Figure 2 Figures 3a-3c and Figure 4 In the first exemplary embodiment shown, docking station 120 may include flexible tether 124. According to... Figure 5 As described in the second exemplary embodiment in Figures 6a-6b, docking station 120 may include a rigid support structure (fixed structure). Due to the fixed attachment of containment unit 100 to docking station 120, and the fixed structures of docking station, such as tethers and load-bearing legs discussed below, docking station may generally be referred to as an “impact protection component” of animal containment unit for protecting human and animal occupants in a vehicle during a collision.

[0112] Figure 2A docking station 120 with flexible attachments for mounting in a vehicle 150 is shown according to various exemplary embodiments. The docking station 120 is described in a manner similar to that of the animal containment unit 100, and has a first side 120a (e.g., Figure 2 (Left side in the view), second side 120b, third side 120c, fourth side 120d, top side 120e, and bottom side 120f. The docking station 120 allows for a secure connection between the animal shelter unit 100 and the vehicle 150, while allowing sufficient space in the cargo area when not in use, and enabling quick and easy installation and removal of the animal shelter unit 100.

[0113] The docking station 120 may include a base 121 having a flat bottom surface (not shown) configured to rest on a flat surface (e.g., a cargo area) within the vehicle 150. The base 121 may also include side surfaces 122 extending from the front to the rear of the base 121, with supports 123 (e.g., four supports 123) at the ends of the side surfaces. In this embodiment, the supports 123 include anchor points for tethers 124 (e.g., flexible tethers). The tethers 124 extend from a first end attached to the support 123 to a second end, which may be attached to an anchor point 152 within the cargo area of ​​the vehicle 150. The tension of the tethers 124 is adjustable, and each tether 124 can be locked such that tension is applied between a corresponding support 123 and an anchor point 152. Therefore, the docking station 120 can be safely installed before the animal containment unit 100 is loaded into the vehicle 150.

[0114] The base 121 may also include a top surface 125 that engages with the animal housing unit 100. The top surface 125 may include L-shaped supports 126 extending along its first and second sides, configured to guide the animal housing unit 100 into a locking configuration with the docking station 120. The L-shaped supports 126 are spaced apart by a distance slightly less than the distance from the first to the second side of the animal housing unit 100, such that the outer surface of the body 101 at the bottom corner extending from the front to the rear of the animal housing unit 100 can engage with and align with the top inner surface of the L-shaped supports 126 for locking with the docking station 120. A latch 127 is provided at the rear of the top surface 125 to receive the rear wheels of the animal housing unit 100's wheels 106, which will be described in more detail below.

[0115] The rear of the base 121 is open and provides an entrance to a cavity (not shown) in which the extensions 131a / 131b / 131c of the ramp 128 (e.g., a telescopic ramp) are stored when the ramp 128 is not deployed. Figure 2 As shown. The ramp 128, in its extended or expanded state, will be referenced below. Figure 4The ramp 128 includes a rear portion that may include an inclined member 129 (e.g., preferably two members) and a handle 130 (e.g., a transverse member) connecting the inclined member 129. A user can grasp the handle 130, and the extensions 131a / 131b / 131c of the ramp 128 can be successively withdrawn, as described below. In this example, the front of the base 121 is closed.

[0116] Figures 3a-3c illustrate various exemplary embodiments including connections to... Figure 2 docking station 120 Figure 1 Component 140 of the animal shelter unit 100.

[0117] To connect the animal housing unit 100 to the docking station 120, the docking station 120 may include, for example, a T-shaped rail (not shown) instead of the L-shaped bracket 126, and the animal housing unit 100 may include a corresponding T-shaped member (not shown) configured to connect the animal housing unit 100 to the docking station 120. As shown in FIG3c, one or more wheels of the wheel 106 are configured to be received in a latch 127 of the docking station 120 to limit the sliding of the animal housing unit 100 relative to the docking station 120. The handle 107 is rotatable such that the handle 107 extends horizontally from the bracket 105, and the second member 111 can be pulled out (e.g., pulled toward the front of the vehicle 150 such that the second member 111 extends relative to the first member 110), such that the engaging member 113 contacts the rearward surface 153 of the vehicle 150. The handle 107 can be locked in this configuration such that the handle 107 facilitates securing the animal housing unit 100 within the vehicle 150. When the second component 111 is withdrawn relative to the first component 110, the handle 107 can be gradually locked. The handle 107 can be unlocked and its length shortened by a release actuator at the bracket 105 or any other known means.

[0118] Figure 4 The extended state is shown according to various exemplary embodiments. Figure 2The docking station 120 has a ramp 128. In this example, the ramp 128 includes three nested extensions 131a / 131b / 131c. The first extension 131a is attached to the inclined member 129 and can slide within or out of (forward) relative to the second extension 131b, while remaining attached to the rear end of the first extension 131a. The second extension 131b is configured to slide within or out of the third extension 131c. The third extension 131c is also configured to slide within the cavity of the docking station 120 with the first extension 131a and the second extension 131b nested inside. When the extensions 131a / 131b / 131c extend (slide out), one or more of the extensions 131a / 131b / 131c can rotate relative to each other, such that the extensions 131a / 131b / 131c can extend in a common space or can be oriented at an angle relative to each other. Figure 4 As shown, the first extension 131a and the second extension 131b are inclined relative to the third extension 131c.

[0119] exist Figure 5 In the second embodiment of docking station 120, rigid support components are included. Figure 5 A docking station 200 with rigid support members according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. Similar to the docking station 120 described above, the docking station 200 may include a base 201 with a flat bottom surface (not shown) resting on a flat surface of the vehicle 150, such as the cargo area. The top surface includes an L-shaped bracket 202 and a latch 203 similar to those of the docking station 120 described above. In this example, the rear surface 204 of the base 201 is closed, and inclined members 205 (e.g., preferably two inclined members) similar to the inclined members 129 of the docking station 120 extend directly from the rear surface 204. Therefore, in this example, there is no telescopic ramp.

[0120] The base 201 includes a side surface 206 and a rear surface (not shown), which are closed but include holes configured to allow members 208 (e.g., horizontal, vertical, and / or inclined rigid support members, also referred to as "carrying legs") to slidably extend through them. In this example, the base 201 includes five members 208, including a first member 208a, a second member 208b, a third member 208c, a fourth member 208d, and a fifth member 208e. The members 208 in this embodiment are generally U-shaped, each having two first members 209 extending perpendicular to the surface of the base 201 and a second member 210 for engaging with the interior panel or other surface of the vehicle's cargo area (marked for the fifth member 208e, omitted for the other members 208).

[0121] In this example, a cavity (not shown) in the base 201 is configured to receive the first member 209 when member 208 is in a storage configuration. Member 208 is configured to be pull-out from a corresponding side of the base 201, such that member 208 engages with the interior panel of the vehicle. Member 208 is configured to gradually lock when member 208 is withdrawn relative to the base 201 using any known mechanism. Member 208 can be unlocked and its length shortened by a release actuator on the base 201 or by any other known means. In this example, two members of member 208 extend from each of the first and second sides, and one member of member 208 extends from the front. Those skilled in the art will determine that in other designs, more or fewer members 208 extending horizontally from the base 201 can be used. In this way, member 208 can be adapted to various cargo area shapes and sizes.

[0122] Furthermore, this example includes a vertical rigid member 211. The vertical rigid member 211 is telescopic to adjust its height for cargo areas of varying heights. Two first members 212 extend from the side of the base 201 and rotate 90 degrees. A U-shaped second member 213 has two sliding members 214 configured to be received in or extend from the first members 212 to adjust the length of the vertical rigid member 211. A connecting member 215, which joins the sliding members 214 together, is configured to engage with an inner surface (top) of the vehicle interior. The first members 212 are rotatable relative to the base 201.

[0123] For housing the vertical rigid member 211, the second member 213 is slidable such that a slidable member 214 is received within the first member 212, and the first member 212 is rotatable such that it extends toward the front (or rear) of the docking station 200. Similar to the above, the telescopic aspect of the vertical rigid member 211 in this embodiment may optionally include a locking mechanism operable to lock the second member 213 in a desired position relative to the first member 212, and the engaging member 215 of the vertical rigid member 211 engages with the top surface of the cargo area.

[0124] Figures 6a-6b illustrate various exemplary embodiments including Figure 1 Animal shelter unit 100 and Figure 5 The docking station 200 has a component 220. Component 208 restricts the horizontal movement of component 220, while vertical rigid component 211 restricts the vertical movement of component 220.

[0125] Figure 7 The following are examples of methods for using various exemplary embodiments: Figure 1Method 300 for loading the animal shelter unit 100 into the vehicle 150. Dock station 120 or docking station 200 can be used.

[0126] In step 305, docking station 120 or 200 is placed in the cargo area of ​​vehicle 150. In step 310, docking station 120 or 200 is secured in the cargo area. If docking station 120 is used, its tether 124 is attached to anchor point 152 in the cargo area. If docking station 200 is used, member 208 and rigid member 211 can extend such that each member abuts against the inner surface of vehicle 150. The members can be locked in the desired extended position.

[0127] In step 315, the animal containment unit 100 is mounted on docking station 120 or 200. The animal containment unit 100 has wheels 106 and a handle 107 to facilitate transport of the animal containment unit 100 to the outside of vehicle 150. When the animal containment unit 100 is brought to the top surface of the docking station, the outer bottom surface and / or sides of the animal containment unit 100 can engage with the L-shaped bracket of docking station 120 or 200. The wheels 106 can be placed within the latch of docking station 120 or 200. In one example, the T-shaped member of the animal containment unit 100 can engage with the T-shaped guide rail of docking station 120 or 200. The handle 107 can be transformed into a support member by rotating the handle 107 toward the front of vehicle 150 and extending the telescopic second member of the handle 107 until the second member engages with the inner surface of vehicle 150.

[0128] As those skilled in the art will understand, the animal containment unit 100 can be inserted into docking stations 120 or 200 with or without animals inside. If docking station 120 is used, ramp 128 can be extended to facilitate animal access to the animal containment unit 100.

[0129] Figures 8-15 Another exemplary component 400 according to this disclosure is shown, which includes an animal containment unit 402 and a docking station 404 for a vehicle 406. The animal containment unit 402 includes a top plate TP, four side plates SP, and a bottom plate BP. The animal containment unit 402 includes a door D supported by hinges H for opening and closing. The door D includes a door handle DH, which a user can grasp to open and / or close the door D. In this embodiment, the docking station 404 typically includes a pallet 408 adapted to be received in the cargo area of ​​the vehicle. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In one embodiment, pallet 408' includes anchor point 412, which can be used in conjunction with strap 416 to secure pallet 408 to an anchor in the cargo area. Figure 13 and Figure 14In one embodiment, the tray 408 includes deployable support legs 420 configured to extend outward to engage with the surface of the cargo area, thereby restricting the horizontal and / or vertical movement of the docking station 404. A front support leg 420a is configured to engage with the seat back 424 of the vehicle, while a rear support leg 420b is configured to engage with the side inner surface and / or rear inner surface of the cargo area. The length of the support legs 420 is adjustable and may include locking mechanisms for selectively securing each support leg 420 in an deployed and / or retracted configuration, and / or for selectively securing each support leg 420 to a desired length. Due to the robust attachment of the containment unit 402 to the docking station 404, and the securing structures of the tethers and support legs, as discussed below, the docking station can generally be referred to as an “impact protection component” for animal containment units, designed to protect human and animal occupants of the vehicle during a collision.

[0130] In the case of pallet 408' or 408'', docking station 404 is secured in the cargo area of ​​vehicle 406, and animal containment unit 402 is configured to be selectively attachable to docking station 404. Animal containment unit 402 may include one or more separate, independent attachment features from any such feature on the docking station. For example, the illustrated embodiment includes an upper support leg 428 that can be deployed from top plate TP to engage with the ceiling surface of the vehicle cargo area, thereby restricting vertical and / or forward movement of animal containment unit 402 and / or docking station 404. The upper support leg 428 in the illustrated embodiment can be rotated to an deployed position to engage with the ceiling of the cargo area. Locking arm 432 can secure the upper support leg 428 in the deployed position. When retracted, support leg 428 can be retracted within a recess in top plate TP. Additionally or alternatively, one or more support legs may be provided to extend from any one or more plates of animal containment unit 402 to supplement or replace the support legs extending from docking station 404.

[0131] Animal containment unit 402 and docking station 404 together provide a stable enclosure for the animal. When animal containment unit 402 is removed from docking station 404, tray 408' or 408'' can be retained in vehicle 406 and provide space for groceries and / or other items, while also serving as a cargo area liner.

[0132] Figures 16-18Another exemplary component 500 is shown, including an animal containment unit 502 and a docking station 504. In this embodiment, the docking station 504 includes a pair of spaced-apart tracks 508 adapted to partially interlock with the animal containment unit 502. The tracks 508 are generally L-shaped and connected together by a transverse member 512. The transverse member 512 can be releasably secured to the tracks 508, allowing the docking station 504 to be disabled for storage and / or transport. Each track 508 includes a retractable strap 516 for securing to a suitable vehicle anchor point. Each retractable strap 516 is mounted to a track 517, which allows adjustment of the horizontal position of the retractable strap 516 for better alignment with the vehicle anchor point. The animal containment unit 502 includes a releasable latch 518 adapted to engage with the transverse member 512 to secure the animal containment unit 502 to the docking station 504.

[0133] Each track 508 includes a support surface 520 and a sidewall 524 adapted to receive and support a corresponding side of the base portion of an animal containment unit 502. The support surface 520 may include rollers 526 and / or low-friction inserts to facilitate mounting the animal containment unit 502 onto the docking station 504. The bottom surface of each track 508 may include anti-slip feet (not shown). The sidewall 524 defines a groove 528 adapted to receive a protrusion 532 of the animal containment unit 502. Each track 508 also includes an end wall 536 having a hook 540 adapted to be received in a corresponding recess 544 within the animal containment unit 502. When the latch 518 engages with the transverse member 512, the protrusion 532 is received in the groove 528, the hook 540 is received in the recess 544, and vertical and horizontal movement of the animal containment unit 502 relative to the docking station 504 is restricted. The mounting structure (e.g., slot 528 and hook 540) extends only a small portion of the track 508 to allow the user greater freedom of movement for most of the path when initially placing the animal containment unit 502 into the vehicle, then aligning the animal containment unit 502 with the track 508, and then fully inserting the animal containment unit 502 into the docking station 504.

[0134] It should be understood that various interlocking and / or cooperative structures can be provided to secure the animal containment unit 502 to the docking station 504.

[0135] The docking station 504 includes retractable support legs 546. The retractable support legs 546 extend from each track 508 and include spring-loaded engagement members 548 adapted to engage with a vehicle seat back. The spring-loaded engagement members 548 can pivot to accommodate various seat back angles. The retractable support legs 546 may include shock-absorbing features. In one embodiment, one or more gas dampers may be provided to dissipate energy when a collision force is applied to the support legs 546. The retractable support legs 546 can extend and retract from the track 508.

[0136] refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 In this embodiment, the animal containment unit 502 includes an aluminum tubular frame 550, which may be a continuous exoskeleton structure providing structural rigidity. A plastic body panel 554 extends between portions of the aluminum tubular frame 550 and defines the interior of the animal containment unit 502. The plastic panel may be overmolded with an energy-absorbing material to dissipate energy in the event of a collision. A handling handle 558 is provided for lifting the animal containment unit 502, and an opening 562 allows the unit 502 to be fitted with tethers without a docking station or when additional safety is required. The rear of the animal containment unit 502 includes an upward-opening door 566 (e.g., a lift door).

[0137] See also Figure 21 and Figure 22 The docking station 504 may include a retractable buffer protector 560. The retractable buffer protector 560 may include a retractable buffer protector mounted on a reel.

[0138] Figure 23 A docking station 504 is shown for use in conjunction with an organizer 564. The organizer 564 may include features similar to those of the animal housing unit 502 for coupling with the docking station 504. When the animal housing unit 502 is not in use, the organizer 564 can be mounted to the docking station 504 to provide additional utility to the component 500.

[0139] Figure 24 Another exemplary component 500' is shown, including an animal containment unit 502' and a docking station 504' installed in the cargo area of ​​vehicle 506'. The animal containment unit 502' and docking station 504' are generally the same as those of component 500, except that docking station 504' includes a storage area that may include, for example, an organizer drawer 512' and an extendable ramp 514'.

[0140] It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein provide an animal containment unit (cage) including a docking station attached to a vehicle via a flexible tether or a rigid support structure (e.g., a docking station). The docking station may have a telescopic ramp to facilitate loading and unloading the cage or dog into and from the vehicle. The cage is equipped with wheels and handles for easy movement. In the event of a vehicle accident, the handles may also serve as structural support legs.

[0141] Figures 25-27 Animal housing unit 600 is shown. See also [reference needed]. Figures 28-29An impact protection component in the form of a wedge-shaped connector 604 is connected to the animal shelter unit 600. The wedge-shaped connector 604 is configured to insert into the space between the vehicle seat back 608 and the animal shelter unit 600, and is connected to the animal shelter unit 600 by a wedge-shaped locking mechanism 612. Figures 30-32 A wedge-shaped docking member 604 is shown separately. The wedge-shaped docking member 604 includes a contact surface 607 angled to match or approximate the slope of a seat back. The wedge-shaped docking member 604 is connected to the animal containment unit 600 via a connecting rod 618, which will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped docking member 604 provides the animal containment unit 600 with safe and convenient positioning in the vehicle's cargo area, shock absorption capabilities to reduce or mitigate the impact of vehicle collisions, and / or storage features. The animal containment unit 600 and the wedge-shaped docking member 604 together define the animal containment system 606.

[0142] The impact protection component may include, for example, aluminum. In one aspect, the impact protection component defines a cavity 630. The cavity may be empty (containing only air), or the cavity may receive a damping material or structure, such as rubber, foam, honeycomb structure, or other damping material or structure. During a collision, the impact protection component is configured to absorb some of the forces between the animal shelter and the vehicle by means of, for example, collapsing, sinking, deforming, bending, or otherwise twisting.

[0143] When the animal containment unit 600 is located inside the vehicle, the wedge-shaped docking member 604 is sized / constructed to contact (or be close to) the seat back portion 608 of the vehicle (or the front end of the cargo area). As will be described in more detail below, the animal containment unit 600 may include features for engaging with the wedge-shaped docking member 604.

[0144] Figure 33 and Figure 34 Another wedge-shaped mating member 604' is shown. The wedge-shaped mating member 604' typically includes a first impact-absorbing end and a second impact-absorbing end 614. Between the two impact-absorbing ends 614 is a storage chamber 620. A connecting rod 618' extends between the two impact-absorbing ends 614. A cover 622 provides an entrance to the storage chamber 620. A contact surface 607' is located on the side opposite to the connecting rod 618. Although the impact-absorbing ends 614 are configured to absorb most of the impact, it should be understood that in extreme cases, the entire wedge-shaped mating member 604 can deflect and / or deform to absorb impact energy.

[0145] Figure 35 A wedge-shaped docking member 604' connected to the animal containment unit 600 is shown. Figure 36 and Figure 37A first exemplary wedge locking mechanism 612 for securing an animal containment unit 600 to a wedge dock 604 is shown. The wedge locking mechanism 612 typically includes a latching mechanism supported by the animal containment unit 600, configured to releasably engage with a connecting rod 618 of the wedge dock 604. The latching mechanism includes a wedge dock actuator 634 located on the rear side of the animal containment unit 600, which is connected via a link 642 to a latch 638 rotatably supported in a recess 640 of the animal containment unit 600. The latch 638 is typically biased to an engaged position such that a user must actuate the wedge dock actuator 634 to release the animal containment unit 600 from the wedge dock 604.

[0146] During the installation of the animal containment unit 600 onto the wedge-shaped docking member 604', the wedge locking mechanism 612 allows the user to engage the animal containment unit 600 onto the wedge-shaped docking member 604' by forcing the animal containment unit 600 into place so that the latch 638 engages with the connecting rod 618 in the recess 640. Generally, the engagement of the animal containment unit 600 onto the wedge-shaped docking member 604' does not require actuation of the wedge-shaped docking member actuator 634 because the latch 638 is designed as a ratchet mechanism that allows the connecting rod 618 to push the latch 638 fully into place in the recess 640 while preventing the connecting rod 618 from retracting from the recess 640 unless the wedge-shaped docking member actuator 634 is actuated. The wedge-shaped docking member 604' is rotatable relative to the animal containment unit 600 such that the contact surface 607 of the wedge-shaped docking member 604 can be aligned with the seat back 608. During the removal of the animal containment unit 600 from the wedge dock 604', the user can actuate the wedge locking mechanism 612 and simultaneously pull the animal containment unit 600 out of the wedge dock 604. The actuation of the wedge locking mechanism 612 and the removal of the animal containment unit 600 occur in the same direction, thus simplifying the process.

[0147] exist Figures 35-37 In one embodiment, the wedge-shaped docking actuator 634 acts directly on the latch 638 via the connecting rod 642. Figure 38A second exemplary wedge locking mechanism 612' for securing an animal containment unit 600 to a wedge dock 604 is shown. The wedge locking mechanism 612' typically includes a latching mechanism supported by the animal containment unit 600, configured to releasably engage with a connecting rod 618 of the wedge dock 604. The latching mechanism typically includes a wedge dock actuator 634' located on the rear side of the animal containment unit 600. The wedge dock actuator 634' is coupled via a link 642' and a cam 646' to a latch 638' rotatably supported in a recess 640 of the animal containment unit 600. The latch 638' is typically biased to an engaged position such that a user must actuate the wedge dock actuator 634' to release the animal containment unit 600 from the wedge dock 604'.

[0148] During the installation of the animal containment unit 600 onto the wedge dock 604', the wedge locking mechanism 612' allows the user to engage the animal containment unit 600 onto the wedge dock 604' by forcing the animal containment unit 600 into place so that the latch 638' engages with the connecting rod 618 in the recess 640. Typically, engagement of the animal containment unit 600 onto the wedge dock 604' does not require actuation of the wedge dock actuator 634' because the latch 638' is designed as a ratchet mechanism that allows the connecting rod 618 to push the latch 638' fully into place in the recess 640 while preventing the connecting rod 618 from exiting the recess 640 unless the wedge dock actuator 634' is actuated. During the removal of the animal containment unit 600 from the wedge dock 604', the user can actuate the wedge locking mechanism 612' and simultaneously pull the animal containment unit 600 out of the wedge dock 604' in a common direction.

[0149] It should be understood that the relative positions of the recess 640 and the connecting rod 618 can be reversed, such that the recess 640 and the latch are located in the wedge-shaped docking member 604', while the connecting rod 618 is located in the animal housing unit 600.

[0150] exist Figure 40 It should be understood that the dimensions of the impact protection components (e.g., wedge-shaped mating parts 604 / 604') can be configured such that the height h of the impact protection component is at least one-quarter of the height H of the animal containment unit. In one example, the height h of the impact protection component is at least half the height H of the animal containment unit. When the animal cage is located within the cargo area of ​​the vehicle, the heights of the impact protection components and the animal containment unit extend from the bottom of each respective component / device to the top of each respective component / device.

[0151] Figures 41-50 Various other exemplary impact protection components are shown. Figure 41 and Figure 42In this design, the wedge-shaped mating member 604'' includes a support leg 656. The support leg 656 includes a contact surface 607'' for contacting the seat back. The support leg 656 is pivotally attached to the body 658 of the wedge-shaped mating member 604'', such that the angle of the contact surface 607'' can be adjusted to match the angle of the seat back. See also... Figure 43 and Figure 44 The wedge-shaped mating member 604'' includes a strap 660 for securing the wedge-shaped mating member 604'' to an anchor point on the vehicle. The tension of the strap 660 can be controlled by a center adjuster 664. Rotating the center adjuster allows the strap 660 or other securing mechanism to be pulled out of the wedge-shaped mating member 604''. Figure 45 and Figure 46 As shown, the band 660 can be arranged in various ways to secure the wedge-shaped mating member 604'' to the vehicle. For example, as Figure 45 As shown, the wedge-shaped mating member 604'' can be secured by wrapping the tape 660, which is connected to the wedge-shaped mating member 604'', through the seat back fold seam and securing the tape 660 to the seat back. Optionally, as... Figure 46 As shown, the wedge-shaped mating piece 604'' can be secured by wrapping the strap 660 connected to the wedge-shaped mating piece 604'' around the seat back fold and securing the strap 660 to the wedge-shaped piece 604''.

[0152] In some embodiments, the wedge-shaped mating member may include a strip / band arrangement and tensioning features. (See reference...) Figures 47-50 The wedge-shaped mating member 604''' includes a cover 680 that can be opened to access a belt channel 682. The belt channel 682 is adapted to receive a belt 684, such that the belt 684 extends between the outer sides of the wedge-shaped mating member 604'''. The cover 680 and / or the belt channel 682 include structures that apply tension to the belt 684 when closed. During the installation of the wedge-shaped mating member 604''' into a vehicle, the wedge-shaped mating member 604''' is positioned in the vehicle near the seat back, the cover 680 is opened, and the belt 684 is laid through the belt channel 682 and connected at each end to a corresponding vehicle anchor, such as... Figure 47 As shown. In the illustrated embodiment, each end of band 684 includes a latching mechanism 686, which is adapted to be releasably engaged with a corresponding LATCH anchor 688 or other anchor points of the vehicle. Figure 48 As shown, the strap 684 can then be manually tightened. When the cover 680 is closed, the strap 684 is further tightened, as shown. Figures 49-50 As shown.

[0153] Go to Figures 51-53Another exemplary animal containment unit according to this disclosure is shown and generally identified by reference numeral 700. The animal containment unit 700 includes an impact protection component in the form of an energy-absorbing frame 704. The energy-absorbing frame 704 is attached to the front of the animal containment unit 700 and configured between the animal containment unit 700 and a seat back 706 of the vehicle. The energy-absorbing frame 704 includes a first arm and a second arm 708. The arm 708 extends outwardly from the lower portion of the animal containment unit 700 and includes a contact surface 712 angled rearward toward the animal containment unit 700. The arm 708 may include a retractable strap 716 for securing the animal containment unit 700 to a vehicle anchor point. The energy-absorbing frame 704 may be releasably attached to the animal containment unit 700 or may be configured to fold or otherwise collapse when the animal containment unit 700 is removed from the vehicle.

[0154] Figure 54 and Figure 55 An optional crossbar 720 extending between the arms 708 of the energy absorption frame 704 is shown. In some embodiments, one or both of the crossbars 720 may be engaged by a latching mechanism of the animal containment unit 700 in a manner similar to the engagement of the connecting rod of the animal containment unit with the wedge-shaped docking member described above.

[0155] Figures 56-62 A wedge-shaped docking member 804 is shown for use in conjunction with an animal shelter unit (not shown). The wedge-shaped docking member 804 includes a pad 808 that provides a support surface for the animal shelter unit. The pad 808 is extendable to a use position and retractable to a storage position. In the example shown, the pad 808 is connected to the wedge-shaped docking member 804 at one end via a hinge 812 and is configured to extend from the wedge-shaped docking member 804 in an accordion-like manner. The pad 808 provides a low-friction surface that allows the animal shelter unit to easily slide into engagement with the wedge-shaped docking member 804. Furthermore, the pad 808 may include one or more retaining features for engagement with the animal shelter unit. For example, the pad 808 may include a track 816 and / or a recess / groove 820 that partially mates with the animal shelter unit to restrict lateral movement of the animal shelter unit. The recess / groove 820 may be located prior to the track 816 (…). Figure 59 Located after orbit 816 ( Figure 60 ), located both before and after orbit 816 ( Figure 61 ) or continuous ( Figure 62 In some embodiments, the track 816 may be pivotally connected to the pad 808 and folded into a vertical use position. It should be understood that the pad 808 and related features of this embodiment can be incorporated into any of the aforementioned wedge-shaped mating parts.

[0156] Go to Figures 63-66Another embodiment of an animal containment unit 900 is shown. The animal containment unit 900 can be assembled and disassembled, making its transport and / or storage more convenient. The animal containment unit 900 includes a base plate 908, a rear plate 912, a front plate 916, side plates 920, and a top plate 924. Each plate includes interlocking features for securing the plates together to form an assembled animal containment unit 900. The interlocking features may include, for example, press-fit parts and / or snap-fit ​​parts. In the illustrated example, the side plate 920, top plate 924, and base plate 908 include receivers (e.g., tubes) 928 configured to receive short posts 932 of the front plate 912 and rear plate 916. One or more plates may be configured as a one-piece plastic (e.g., polypropylene) component having, for example, an overmolded mesh.

[0157] Figures 64-66 The assembly sequence is shown, in which side plate 920 is fixed to bottom plate 908. Figure 64 Top plate 924 is fixed to side plate ( Figure 65 The front panel 912 and the rear panel 916 are fixed to the bottom panel 908, the side panel 920 and / or the top panel 924.

[0158] Figure 67 and Figure 68 An animal containment unit 900 in a disassembled state (e.g., for transport and / or storage) is shown, which includes a wedge-shaped docking member 904.

[0159] Figure 69 and Figure 70 A latch assembly 150a (e.g., a securing mechanism) is shown for releasably securing two plates of an animal housing unit 900 together. The two plates in the example shown can be, for example, a base plate 908 engaging with a side plate 920, a base plate 908 engaging with a rear plate 912, or a base plate engaging with a front plate 916; however, it should be understood that the latch assembly 150a can be used to connect any adjacent plates, including a top plate 924.

[0160] The illustrated embodiment of the latch assembly 150a includes a lever 154a associated with a side plate 920 and a latch member 158a associated with a base plate 108a. The latch member 158a is supported by a pivot 162a for pivoting relative to the base plate 908. A pivotable latch arm 166a of the latch member 158a is adapted to engage the lever 154a, and a handle portion 170a of the latch member 158a is used to rotate the latch member 158a over-center to pull the lever 154a to the right. Figure 70 The side panel 920 is fixed to the base plate 908 at the position shown.

[0161] Figures 71-73A cam bolt assembly 180a is shown for securely interlocking a first plate P1 and a second plate P2 of an animal housing unit 900. It should be understood that the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 can be any one and / or a portion of the aforementioned base 908 and / or plates 912 / 916 / 920 / 924; for example, P1 can be a short post 932, and P2 can be a receiver 928. Plate P1 includes threaded holes 182a for receiving bolts 184a. Plate P2 includes a cam plate 186a mounted thereon. Figure 71 As shown, slot 188a extends through P2 and cam plate 186a for the passage of bolt 184a. Initially, plates P1 and P2 are as follows: Figure 71 As shown in the alignment diagram, bolt 184a passes through slot 188a and is screwed into threaded hole 182a. When bolt 184a is tightened, the head 190a of bolt 184a impacts the cam surface 192a of cam plate 186a, which tends to force bolt 184a and thus push plate P1 towards... Figure 72 The right side shown moves to Figure 73 The position shown indicates that plates P1 and P2 will be pulled together to the fixed final position.

[0162] Figure 74 and Figure 75 Another exemplary animal containment unit 1000 is shown. The animal containment unit 1000 is similar to the animal containment unit described above, but the front panel 1006 includes an outer panel 1008 and an impact plate 1010. The impact plate 1010 reduces the distance d between the animal in the animal containment unit 1000 and the front of the animal containment unit 1000 to reduce the potential impact force on the animal during a vehicle collision. The impact plate 1010 may include voids / ribs or other intermediate structures 1012 filled with impact-absorbing material (e.g., foam). The impact plate 1010 may be a single plate or may be part of the front panel of the animal containment unit. The front panel 1006 can provide additional structural reinforcement to the containment unit 1000, and the sub-assemblies of the plate can provide improved collision performance by dissipating impact energy or cushioning animal impacts. The sub-assemblies of the front panel 1006 may also have a space between the inner impact plate 1010 and the outer panel 1008, and embodiments with such a space may include one or more intermediate structures 1012, such as ribs, voids, foam, etc. In some embodiments, one or more of the inner impact plate 1010 and intermediate structures may be configured to bend or deform in an elastic or inelastic manner to absorb impact energy. In a general sense, the front plate 1006 of these embodiments can be considered a "collision plate," which, unlike the other plates of the containment unit 1000, is thicker, stronger, and / or more cushioning. Furthermore, compared to the other plates of the containment unit 1000, the collision plate of this embodiment may have additional features to improve collision performance and protect animals within the unit.

[0163] Figure 76 and Figure 77 An exemplary animal housing unit 1100 is shown, having a door 1106 and a gas strut 1110. The door 1106 is secured to the body of the animal housing unit by a hinge 1114, allowing the door 1106 to open upwards and permit access to the interior of the animal housing unit. A latch 1118 is configured to selectively hold the door 1106 in a closed position. The gas strut 1110 is configured to hold the door 1106 in an open position and / or assist in moving the door from a closed position to an open position. The gas strut 1110 can be mounted such that when the door 1106 is closed, the gas strut 1110 rotates through a center and applies a force to the door 1106 that tends to hold the door 1106 in the closed position. In this configuration, the door 1106 remains substantially closed until a user at least partially lifts the door 1106 to open it.

[0164] Figures 78-81 The latch 1118 is shown in more detail. The latch 1118 typically includes a handle 1122 coupled to a link 1126 rotatably supported in the door 1106 and coupled to a first latch member 1130 and a second latch member 1130. The first and second latch members 1130 are configured to selectively engage corresponding strikers 1134 of the animal housing unit 1100 to hold the door 1106 in a closed position. Actuation of the handle 1122 (e.g., by lifting off the handle 1122) causes the latch member 1130 to rotate out of engagement with the striker 1134, thereby allowing the door 1106 to open.

[0165] In some embodiments of the latch 1118, a first biasing member 1138 (e.g., a compression spring as shown) may be provided to bias the handle 1122 toward its non-actuated position, such that the latch 1118 is biased to hold the door 1106 in the closed position. Similarly, a second biasing member 1131 (e.g., a torsion spring as shown) may be provided with one or more latching members 1130 to bias the latching members into engagement positions with corresponding strikers 1134. Each latching member 1130 may include an angled surface 1133 and a latching surface 1135, whereby the closing movement of the door 1106 automatically engages the latch 1118 with the striker 1134, thereby maintaining the closed door position. Figure 79 and Figure 81 As shown, when the door 1106 moves from the open position to the closed position, the angled surface 1133 is positioned to contact the impact member 1134, causing the latch member 1130 to temporarily rotate upward as it moves past the impact member toward the closed position. Subsequently, the biasing against the latch member 1130 causes it to rotate downward back so that the latch surface 1135 engages and holds the impact member 1134.

[0166] The latch housing 1133 can be secured to the door 1106 and at least partially covers the components of the latch 1118. In some embodiments, the latch housing 1133 supports the biasing member 1128 and covers the handle 1122. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch housing 1133 extends along the door 1106 to cover the latch member 1130.

[0167] Figure 82 Another exemplary embodiment of the animal containment unit 1600 is shown. The animal containment unit 1600 can be assembled and disassembled, making its transportation and / or storage more convenient. The animal containment unit 1600 includes a base plate 1608, a rear plate 1612, a front plate 1616, side plates 1620, and a top plate 1624. Each plate includes interlocking and / or mating features for securing the plates together to form the assembled animal containment unit 1600. The interlocking and / or mating features may include, for example, press-fit parts and / or snap-fit ​​parts. In the illustrated example, the side plate 1620, top plate 1624, and / or base plate 1608 include a tube 1628 configured to receive short posts 1632 of the rear plate 1612 and the front plate 1616. The side panel 1620 also includes bolt holes 1636 for receiving bolts / screws to further secure the rear panel 1612 and the front panel 1616 to the side panel 1620.

[0168] To assemble the animal housing unit 1600, the user first assembles the side panels 1620 to the base plate 1608. Next, the top plate 1624 is assembled to the side panels 1620. Finally, the rear plate 1612 and the front plate 1616 are positioned and bolted to the side panels 1620.

[0169] Although this disclosure may illustrate different embodiments, it is contemplated that aspects of the various embodiments may be combined or omitted. Therefore, this disclosure and the claims are not intended to limit the embodiments shown.

[0170] Embodiments of the disclosed device may include, for example, slots at the apex for securing a harness. The top of the containment unit may also include one or more handles. The animal containment unit may be made of durable materials that combine the strength of a heavy-duty kennel with some of the flexibility and aesthetics of a soft-sided cage and animal bed.

[0171] An adapter may be provided that mounts to the docking station in the same manner as the larger cage and actively holds the smaller cage. This adapter may be used for specific rear cargo cages having the same features as those disclosed herein, or for certain other dog cages without these features, or may be universally applicable to any cage. The adapter may mimic a lachute anchor or harness used to hold the cage.

[0172] Those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the concept of this disclosure. It should also be understood that a structural feature and method associated with one of the plurality of embodiments can be incorporated into other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but that these modifications are also covered within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0173] While certain examples have been described, these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, the foregoing description does not imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the form of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover these forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of certain inventions disclosed herein.

[0174] It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods described herein do not necessarily need to be performed in the order described, and the order of steps in these methods should be understood as merely exemplary. Similarly, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention, additional steps may be included, and certain steps may be omitted or combined.

[0175] Although the elements in the following method claims (if any) are described in a particular order with corresponding markings, these elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular order unless the statement of the claims implies a particular order for implementing some or all of these elements.

[0176] The terms "inward," "outward," "above," and "below" refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a component, respectively.

[0177] It should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" to describe features such as components or steps herein does not exclude additional features or multiple features. For example, a reference to a device having, including, encompassing, or defining "an" feature does not exclude that the device having, including, encompassing, or defining more than one of that feature, provided that the device has, includes, encompasses, or defines at least one of that feature. Similarly, a reference to "an" feature among a plurality of features herein does not exclude that the invention includes two or more features among a plurality of features. For example, a reference to a device having, including, encompassing, or defining "one of a protrusion and a recess" does not exclude that the device having both a protrusion and a recess.

Claims

1. A system for containing animals in a vehicle, characterized in that, include: The docking station is formed by receiving the cargo area of ​​the vehicle; as well as Animal containment units are selectively installed at the docking station.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking station includes at least one anchor point for securing the docking station to at least one anchor point of the vehicle.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the docking station or the animal containment unit includes at least one rigid support structure for engaging with a non-horizontal surface of the vehicle, the at least one rigid support structure being configured to restrict relative movement of the docking station or the animal containment unit relative to the non-horizontal surface.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The docking station includes multiple rigid support structures, each of which is adapted to engage with different non-horizontal surfaces of the vehicle.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of rigid support structures extend from opposite sides of the docking station.

6. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one rigid support structure is movable between a stowed position and an unfolded position.

7. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The length of the at least one rigid support structure is adjustable.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking station includes a latch configured to selectively secure the animal containment unit to the docking station.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The animal containment unit also includes a rotatable and extendable handle.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The handle is rotatable to a horizontal orientation and can extend to engage with a non-horizontal surface of the vehicle to secure the animal containment unit when it is attached to the docking station.

11. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The docking station includes a base having a bracket fixed to a side surface of the base, the bracket including at least one anchor point and further including a tensionable flexible member extending from the bracket for attachment to at least one anchor point of the vehicle.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The tensionable flexible component includes a tether.

13. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The docking station includes a ramp extending from the rear of the base.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The ramp is retractable and includes an extension that can be stored within a cavity in the base.

15. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The docking station includes a base, and the at least one rigid support structure is U-shaped and includes a first member that is slidable within a side surface of the base, such that the first member can slide into or out of a cavity in the base to adjust the length of the at least one rigid support structure.

16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The rigid support structure includes a second member configured to engage with the inner surface of the vehicle.

17. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The docking station includes a base, and the docking station further includes a vertical rigid support member and a second member, the vertical rigid support member having a first member extending from a side surface of the base and bending vertically, the second member including a sliding member capable of sliding within the first member to adjust the length of the vertical rigid support member.

18. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The animal containment unit includes wheels on its bottom surface.

19. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking station includes two spaced-apart tracks adapted to support the animal containment unit.

20. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that, Each track includes a protrusion adapted to be received in a corresponding recess of the animal containment unit to secure the animal containment unit to the docking station.

21. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that, The protrusion includes an L-shaped support, and the corresponding recess includes a groove.

22. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that, Each track includes an end face having at least one of a groove or a protrusion, and wherein the animal containment unit includes a corresponding mating recess or protrusion adapted to secure the animal containment unit to the docking station.

23. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking station includes a support leg configured to engage with the seat back of the vehicle.

24. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that, The support leg includes an adjustable engagement member that can be adjusted to match the angle of the vehicle's seat back.

25. The system according to claim 24, characterized in that, The adjustable connecting member is biased toward a vertical orientation.

26. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an organizer that can be installed on the docking station.

27. An animal shelter unit, characterized in that, include: The animal containment unit defines an internal space sized to receive animals. The containment unit includes a base capable of being secured to a vehicle. The base has anchor points and components extending from the anchor points to other anchor points on the vehicle, allowing the animal containment unit to be secured to and detached from the vehicle. The components mentioned therein include rigid support components or flexible components capable of being tensioned.

28. The animal shelter unit according to claim 27, characterized in that, The containment body is permanently mounted on the base.

29. An animal shelter unit, characterized in that, include: A containment body, defining an internal space, the dimensions of which are set to receive animals, the containment body comprising: Anchor point, and A component extending from the anchor point, the component being configured to attach to an additional anchor point on the vehicle, such that the animal containment unit can be secured to and detached from the vehicle. The components mentioned therein include rigid support components or flexible components capable of being tensioned.

30. An animal containment system installed in the cargo area of ​​a vehicle, characterized in that, include: The docking station has: front support legs configured to engage with the seat back of the vehicle and a first mounting structure; as well as The housing unit has a front wall, side walls, a rear door opposite the front wall, and a second mounting structure. The first mounting structure and the second mounting structure are configured to cooperate with each other when the receiving unit is installed on the docking station and the front wall is oriented towards the front bearing leg. The front wall is structurally reinforced relative to the side wall.

31. The animal containment system according to claim 30, characterized in that, The docking station includes a frame with side rails and crossbars.

32. The animal containment system according to claim 31, characterized in that, The side rails are retractable.

33. The animal containment system according to claim 32, characterized in that, The retractable side rail has a retaining structure configured to maintain its extended configuration after installation.

34. The animal containment system according to claim 31, characterized in that, The side rail includes a guide structure, and the housing includes a bottom with a complementary shape.

35. The animal containment system according to claim 34, characterized in that, The guide structure includes one or more rollers.

36. The animal containment system according to claim 30, characterized in that, The docking station includes an actuator for extending the front bearing leg forward.

37. The animal containment system according to claim 30, characterized in that, The front bearing leg includes a flat plate.

38. The animal shelter system according to claim 30, characterized in that, The front support leg is angle-adjustable, configured to match the angle of the vehicle seat back.

39. The animal containment system according to claim 38, characterized in that, The angle adjustment of the front bearing leg is biased towards vertical orientation.

40. The animal containment system according to claim 30, characterized in that, The docking station includes at least one side bearing leg.

41. The animal containment system according to claim 30, characterized in that, The first mounting structure includes a groove, and the second mounting structure includes a tab adapted to be received in the groove.

42. The animal containment system according to claim 30, characterized in that, The first mounting structure includes a protrusion, and the second mounting structure includes a recess.

43. The animal containment system according to claim 30, characterized in that, The front wall of the housing unit includes a high-tension strength component.

44. The animal containment system according to claim 43, characterized in that, The high-tension strength component includes at least one of steel cable, metal sheet or heavy-duty nylon tape.

45. The animal containment system according to claim 44, characterized in that, The high-tension strength component is embedded in the front wall.

46. ​​A docking station for installation in the cargo area behind a vehicle, characterized in that, include: The base, including the frame; and The front support leg is connected to the frame and configured to engage with the seat back of the vehicle.

47. The docking station according to claim 46, characterized in that, The frame includes side rails and crossbars.

48. The docking station according to claim 47, characterized in that, The side rails are retractable.

49. The docking station according to claim 48, characterized in that, The retractable side rail includes a retaining structure that maintains the extended configuration after installation.

50. The docking station according to claim 47, characterized in that, The side rail includes a guide structure.

51. The docking station according to claim 50, characterized in that, The guide structure includes one or more rollers.

52. The docking station according to claim 46, characterized in that, The docking station includes an actuator to extend the front bearing leg forward.

53. The docking station according to claim 46, characterized in that, The front bearing leg includes a flat plate.

54. The docking station according to claim 53, characterized in that, The front support leg is angle-adjustable and configured to match the angle of the seat back.

55. The docking station according to claim 54, characterized in that, The angle adjustment of the front bearing leg is biased towards vertical orientation.

56. The docking station according to claim 46, characterized in that, It also includes at least one side support leg.

57. An animal containment system installed in the cargo area of ​​a vehicle, characterized in that, include: Animal shelter units are designed to house animals. as well as An impact protection component, connected to the animal containment unit, is positioned at least partially between the seat back portion of the vehicle and the animal containment unit when the animal containment system is installed in the cargo area, such that when the animal containment unit applies a first force to the impact protection component, the seat back portion applies a second force to the impact protection component.

58. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, The impact protection component extends along the length of the animal containment unit.

59. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, The impact protection component is movable relative to the animal containment unit.

60. The animal containment system according to claim 59, characterized in that, The impact protection component is rotatable relative to the animal containment unit.

61. The animal containment system according to claim 60, characterized in that, The impact protection component includes a contact surface positioned to align with the surface of the seat back portion, wherein the angle of the contact surface is adjustable by movement of the impact protection component relative to the animal containment unit.

62. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, The impact protection component is configured to absorb at least one of the first force and the second force, such that when the first force and the second force are applied to the impact protection component, the shape of the impact protection component deforms.

63. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, The impact protection component can be removably attached to the animal shelter unit.

64. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, When the animal containment system is installed in the cargo area, the height of the impact protection component is at least one-quarter of the height of the animal containment unit.

65. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, The impact protection component includes a storage chamber.

66. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, The impact protection component includes a connecting rod, and the animal containment unit includes a latch adapted to releasably engage with the connecting rod.

67. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, The impact protection component includes a support leg configured to engage with the seat back of the vehicle.

68. The animal containment system according to claim 67, characterized in that, The supporting leg is adjustable to change the angle of its contact surface.

69. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, The impact protection component includes a channel for laying a belt for securing the impact protection component to the vehicle.

70. The animal containment system according to claim 69, characterized in that, The impact protection component includes a tensioning mechanism.

71. The animal containment system according to claim 57, characterized in that, The impact protection component includes a pad for receiving the animal containment unit.

72. The animal containment system according to claim 71, characterized in that, The pad can be selectively deployed between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.

73. The animal containment system according to claim 72, characterized in that, The pad includes multiple hinged segments.

74. The animal containment system according to claim 71, characterized in that, The pad includes at least one of a track or recess for holding the animal housing unit thereon.

75. An animal shelter unit for installation in a vehicle, characterized in that, The containment unit includes: Base; At least one side plate, extending upward from the base and having a thickness; and A front plate extending upward from the base, the front plate including an outer plate and an impact plate, such that the thickness of the front plate is greater than the thickness of the at least one side plate.

76. The animal shelter unit according to claim 75, characterized in that, It also includes ribs extending between the front plate and the impact plate.

77. An animal containment unit for installation in the cargo area of ​​a vehicle, characterized in that, The animal containment unit includes: two or more sidewalls extending from a base, the two or more sidewalls including a first sidewall having a door and a second sidewall having a connecting mechanism configured to connect to an external component to anchor the animal containment unit; a first actuator configured to open the door; and a second actuator configured to release the connecting mechanism.

78. The animal shelter unit according to claim 77, characterized in that, The first actuator and the second actuator are mounted on the same sidewall of the two or more sidewalls.

79. The animal shelter unit according to claim 78, characterized in that, The first actuator and the second actuator are mounted on the first sidewall.

80. The animal shelter unit according to claim 77, characterized in that, The second sidewall is disposed opposite to the first sidewall.

81. A system comprising an animal containment unit and impact protection components, characterized in that, The animal containment unit includes: two or more sidewalls extending from a base, the two or more sidewalls including a first sidewall having a door and a second sidewall having a connecting mechanism configured to connect to an external component to anchor the animal containment unit; a first actuator configured to open the door and a second actuator configured to release the connecting mechanism, wherein the impact protection component is at least partially positioned between a seat back portion of the vehicle and the animal containment unit, and wherein the connecting mechanism of the animal containment unit is configured to be releasably connected to the impact protection component.

82. A method for assembling animal housing units, comprising: Attach the first and second side panels to the base; Attach the top plate to the first side plate and the second side plate; The rear panel is attached by sliding two or more short posts of the rear panel into corresponding receivers near the top panel and the base. and The front panel is attached by sliding two or more short posts of the front panel into corresponding receivers near the top panel and base.

83. An animal shelter system, characterized in that, include: The animal shelter unit has a first connecting mechanism; as well as An impact protection component, at least partially positioned between the vehicle's seat back and the animal containment unit, the impact protection component having: A second connecting mechanism is used for selectively attaching to the first connecting mechanism, and An anchoring device for mounting the impact protection component to the vehicle.

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