Unit for enclosing animal on seat of vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a unit for enclosing animals on a seat of a vehicle, which comprises a base structure, and the base structure comprises a base. The unit also includes a frame structure having a front member coupled to the front portion of the base, a rear member coupled to the rear portion of the base, and a containment material extending at least partially around the frame structure. The webbing structure includes at least a first span and a second span of webbing. Each of the span segments has a first end coupled to a first anchor point at the base structure and extends around an exterior of the frame structure and around the front component. The second end of each of the span segments is configured to couple to a rigid connection on or near the seat of the vehicle such that the webbing extends around the frame structure along a desired path to constrain a pet enclosed within the unit.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This utility model claims the benefit of U.S. application No. 63 / 476,842 filed on December 22, 2022, U.S. application No. 63 / 502,812 filed on May 17, 2023, U.S. application No. 63 / 512,037 filed on July 5, 2023, and U.S. application No. 63 / 512,671 filed on July 10, 2023, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a unit used for enclosing an animal on a seat of a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] A cage or another type of carrier may be used to transport animals in a vehicle. However, many existing carriers have various drawbacks. For example, some carriers are not strong enough to contain and protect the animals in the event of a car crash, especially for larger animals. In another example, some carriers are difficult to transport, ship, or store outside of a vehicle. In yet another example, some carriers are difficult to install in a vehicle. Utility Model Content

[0005] According to one embodiment, a unit for enclosing an animal on a seat of a vehicle comprises: a base structure comprising a base, the base comprising a front portion and a rear portion; a frame structure comprising a front member coupled to the front portion of the base; a rear member coupled to the rear portion of the base; and a containment material extending at least partially around the frame structure. The unit also comprises a webbing structure comprising at least a first span and a second span of webbing, each of the spans comprising a first end coupled to a respective first anchor point defined by the base structure, the spans extending from the respective first anchor point around the exterior of the frame structure and around the front member to a respective second end of the span, the second end of each of the spans being configured to be coupled to a rigid connector on or near the seat of the vehicle so that the webbing extends around the frame structure along a desired path, configured to restrain a pet enclosed within the unit.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the front component includes a first end connected to the front portion of the base on a first side and a second end connected to the front portion of the base on a second side, the front component of the frame structure is shaped into a curve to partially define the front of the unit and partially define the top of the unit, and the rear component includes a first end connected to the rear portion of the base on a first side and a second end connected to the rear portion of the base on a second side, the rear component of the frame structure is shaped into a curve to partially define the rear of the unit and partially define the top of the unit, wherein the span extends along the top portion of the enclosure material covering the top of the unit to the second end connected to the second anchor point.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments, the base structure further includes a base frame mounted to the base, and wherein the base frame includes a front portion, and the first end of the span of the webbing is connected to the front portion of the base frame inside the base.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the first end of the span of webbing is sewn to the front member of the base frame.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the enclosure material includes a front enclosure material that partially defines the front of the unit and is at least partially supported by the front member of the frame structure, the front portion of the enclosure material covers the front of the unit, the front portion of the enclosure material includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the unit further includes a top portion of the enclosure material covering the top of the unit and is at least partially supported by the front and rear members of the frame structure.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, a span of the webbing is woven through at least a portion of the front enclosure material such that a portion of the span is outside the outer surface of the front enclosure material and another portion of the span is inside the outer surface of the front enclosure material.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the enclosure material comprises at least two layers, and the span of webbing is woven through a first of the layers and not woven through a second of the layers.

[0012] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the span wraps around an outer surface of a front member of the base frame.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the frame structure further includes a first middle component and a second middle component, each having a first end connected to the front component and a second end connected to the rear component, the first middle component and the second middle component are outside the outer surface of the enclosure material, and wherein the first span of the webbing extends along the first middle component across the outer surface of the enclosure material, and the second span of the webbing extends along the second middle component across the outer surface of the enclosure material.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the first and second intermediate components of the frame structure each comprise a loop structure through which the spans of webbing extend.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the first middle component and the second middle component of the frame structure each include a front middle component and a rear middle component that can be removed via a sliding actuator, and the sliding actuator can be translated between a first position and a second position, in which the sliding actuator slides over the front middle component and is removed from the rear middle component, and in which the sliding actuator slides over the rear middle component and attaches the front middle component and the rear middle component when the sliding actuator is translated.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in another embodiment, a tie down structure is included, the tie down structure comprising at least two spans, each of the spans of the tie down structure having a first end connected to a rear component, the second ends of the spans being joined together at a joint, the tie down structure further comprising an integral span extending from the first end at the joint to a second end on which a tie down latch is adjustably positioned, wherein the tie down latch is configured to be attached to a rigid connector on or near a seat of the vehicle.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the first end of the span of the tie-down structure is adjacent to the second end of the span of the webbing.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, a first end of a span of the tie-down structure is sewn around the rear component.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, a first end of a span of webbing is coupled to a rigid bracket at a rear portion of the base.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the span extends from the first end within the base structure, surrounds the front portion of the base structure, and continues outside the outer surface of the front portion of the enclosure material covering the front of the unit.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the rigid connector on or near the seat of the vehicle is a first rigid connector, and the unit further includes a latch connected to the frame structure, and the latch is configured to connect the frame structure to a second rigid connector on or near the seat of the vehicle.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the second rigid connector is spaced apart from the first rigid connector.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the second ends of the first span and the second span of the webbing are configured to be coupled directly to a rigid connector on or near a seat of the vehicle.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a unit for enclosing an animal on a seat of a vehicle includes a base structure including a base including a front portion and a rear portion and a frame structure that transitions between a deployed state and a telescoping state. The frame structure includes: a front member having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the front member being rotatably connected to the front part of the base, the front member being shaped to partially define the front of the unit and partially define the top of the unit when the frame structure is in the deployed state; a rear member having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the rear member being rotatably connected to the rear part of the base, the rear member being shaped to partially define the rear of the unit and partially define the top of the unit when the frame structure is in the deployed state; at least one intermediate member including a first end rotatably connected to the front member or the rear member via a rotational joint, and a second end, the second end being attached to a corresponding part of the frame structure when the frame structure is in the deployed state, so that a connection is formed between the front member and the rear member via the at least one intermediate member, and when the frame structure is to be transformed into the telescopic state, the front member and the rear member are rotated to the telescopic position, in which the at least one intermediate member is within the front member or the rear member or is substantially flush with the front member or the rear member.

[0025] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the second end of the at least one intermediate member is detached from a corresponding portion of the frame structure when the frame structure is to be transformed into the telescoping state.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in a further embodiment, the at least one intermediate component includes two intermediate components, each of which has a front intermediate component and a rear intermediate component that can be removed via a sliding actuator, and the sliding actuator can be translated between a first position and a second position, in which the sliding actuator slides over the front intermediate component and is removed from the rear intermediate component, and in which the sliding actuator slides over the rear intermediate component and attaches the front intermediate component to the rear intermediate component.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the sliding actuator includes a first opening and a second opening for receiving a button extending away from the outside of the front middle component, wherein, in the first position, the button is received in the first opening, and in the second position, the button is received in the second opening.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, there is included: a first front rotary actuator, which is rotatably connected to the front portion of the base on a first side; a second front rotary actuator, which is rotatably connected to the front portion of the base on a second side; a first rear rotary actuator, which is rotatably connected to the rear portion of the base on a first side; and a second rear rotary actuator, which is rotatably connected to the rear portion of the base on a second side.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, after the at least one intermediate component is brought into the telescoping position, the first front rotary actuator and the second front rotary actuator are rotated to a stowed position, in which the front component is within the base structure or flush with the base structure or the rear component, and the first rear rotary actuator and the second rear rotary actuator are rotated to cause the rear component to be within the base structure or flush with the base structure or the front component.

[0030] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the first rear rotary actuator and the second rear rotary actuator are positioned higher than the first front rotary actuator and the second front rotary actuator relative to the base so that when the frame structure is in the telescoping state, the rear component is flush on top of the front component.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the first front rotary actuator and the second front rotary actuator can be locked in a first position and a second position, wherein the first position comprises a front part of the frame structure extending perpendicular to the base, and the second position comprises a front part extending parallel to the base, and wherein the first rear rotary actuator and the second rear rotary actuator can be locked in a first position and a second position, wherein the first position comprises a rear part of the frame structure extending perpendicular to the base, and the second position comprises a rear part extending parallel to the base.

[0032] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the at least one intermediate component can be detached from the front component or the rear component while remaining attached to the other of the front component or the rear component, so that the at least one intermediate component can rotate with the rotational joint.

[0033] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the at least one intermediate component is detachable from the front component or the rear component via a release actuator mounted to the at least one intermediate component.

[0034] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the release actuator withdraws at least one pin extending away from the at least one intermediate component from a corresponding recess in the front component or the rear component.

[0035] According to one embodiment, a unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle includes: a base structure, which includes a base and a base frame, the base including a front portion and a rear portion, and the base frame includes a front component mounted to the front portion of the base and a rear component mounted to the rear portion of the base; and a latch bracket, which is slidably connected to the front component and the rear component of the base frame so that the latch bracket can be translated within the base in a direction parallel to the front component and the rear component from a first position on a first side of the unit to a second position on a second side of the unit, the latch bracket including a latch configured to be rigidly connected to an anchor point for the unit to reach within the vehicle.

[0036] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the latch bracket is slidably connected to the front part of the base frame via a front guide, wherein the front guide extends from the front part of the latch bracket connected to the front part of the base frame, and the latch bracket is slidably connected to the rear part of the base frame via a rear guide, wherein the rear guide extends from the rear part of the latch bracket connected to the rear part of the base frame.

[0037] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the latch bracket is translatable relative to the base in a direction parallel to the front member and the rear member.

[0038] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the base includes a front portion and a rear portion, the front component is arranged at the front portion, and the rear component is arranged at the rear portion, and the unit includes: a first side actuator, which is coupled to the base structure and accessible from the outside of the unit to lock the latch bracket in a first position so that the latch extends out of the rear portion of the base on a first side; and a second side actuator, which is coupled to the base structure and accessible from the outside of the unit to lock the latch bracket in a second position so that the latch extends out of the rear portion of the base on a second side. The latch bracket can be released from the first side actuator or the second side actuator by pulling the first side actuator or the second side actuator relative to the base structure.

[0039] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the first side actuator and the second side actuator include features for receiving corresponding shaped features of the latch bracket to lock the latch bracket.

[0040] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the latch is transitionable to an extended position extending out of the rear portion of the base frame or a retracted position retracted into the rear portion of the base frame.

[0041] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the latch is telescopic.

[0042] According to one embodiment, a unit for enclosing an animal on a seat of a vehicle comprises: a base structure comprising a base, the base comprising a rear cutout portion; and a latch system mounted in the rear cutout portion of the base and accessible from the bottom of the unit, the latch system comprising a bar extending across the rear cutout portion and fixed to the base, the latch system further comprising a plurality of latches slidably and rotatably coupled to the bar to rigidly couple the unit to an anchor point within the vehicle, wherein the latches are coupled to each other such that a desired distance between the latches is maintained, the latch system further comprising a bracket around the bar to prevent the latches from sliding when the latches are adjacent to the bracket. The latches are positionable along the bar in a first position on a first side of the unit or in a second position along the bar on a second side of the unit.

[0043] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the latch can be transitioned from a retracted position, in which the latch is withdrawn into the base, to an extended position, in which the latch pivots around the bar and extends out from the base.

[0044] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments, a latch release actuator is included, which is connected to the protrusion and is configured to translate the protrusion, wherein at least one latch includes a slot for receiving the protrusion, and the latch release actuator is configured such that when the latch release actuator is actuated, the protrusion translates, causing the latch to be released from an anchor point to which the latch is attached.

[0045] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the bracket prevents the latch from sliding along the bar when the latch is in the extended position, and the bracket does not prevent the latch from sliding along the bar when the latch is in the retracted position.

[0046] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the latch may be locked in a retracted position in the base.

[0047] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, a latch unlocking actuator is included in the base structure, the latch unlocking actuator is connected to the protrusion and is configured to translate the protrusion, wherein the first of the latches includes a groove for receiving the protrusion, and the latch unlocking actuator is configured so that when the latch unlocking actuator is actuated, the protrusion translates, so that the first latch is released from the retracted position and freely transitions to the extended position.

[0048] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the latch may be locked in an extended position in the base.

[0049] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, a latch unlocking actuator is included in the base structure, the latch unlocking actuator being connected to the pin and configured to translate the pin, wherein the first of the latches includes a hole for receiving the pin, and the latch unlocking actuator is configured such that when the latch unlocking actuator is actuated, the protrusion translates, causing the first latch to be released from the extended position and freely transition to the retracted position.

[0050] According to one embodiment, a unit for enclosing an animal on a seat of a vehicle includes: a base structure, which includes a base and a base frame, the base including a front portion and a rear portion, and the base frame includes a front member mounted to the front portion of the base and a rear member mounted to the rear portion of the base; a latch system, which is connected to the front member and the rear member of the base frame, the latch system includes a plurality of latches configured to releasably connect the unit to an anchor point within the vehicle, the latches are mounted to corresponding intermediate members that are slidably connected to corresponding side members of the latch system so that the latches can be transitioned between an extended position and a retracted position, in which the latches extend out of the rear portion and in which the latches are retracted into the rear portion; and an actuator, which is connected to the latch system and is accessible from the outside of the unit to lock the intermediate member relative to the side members so that the latches are locked in the extended position or the retracted position, and the actuator is operable to unlock the intermediate member relative to the side members so that the latches can be transitioned between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0051] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the actuator is mounted to the front component via a front portion of the base.

[0052] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the latch system can translate within the base in a direction parallel to the front portion of the base frame, wherein a slot is formed in the front portion of the base so that the actuator can translate along with the latch system.

[0053] According to one embodiment, a unit for enclosing an animal on a seat of a vehicle comprises: a base structure comprising a base, the base comprising a rear portion; and a latch system mounted in the rear portion of the base, the latch system comprising a bar fixed to the base, the latch system further comprising a latch rotatably coupled to the bar to rigidly couple the unit to an anchor point within the vehicle. The latches are coupled to each other so that a distance between the latches is maintained. The latches can be transitioned from an extended position outside the base to a retracted position within the base by rotating the latches about the bar.

[0054] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the latch system further includes a bracket around the bar to prevent the latch from sliding when the latch is adjacent to the bracket.

[0055] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the latch may be locked in a retracted position in the base via a lock accessible on the bottom of the base.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle includes a base including a front portion and an opposing rear portion, and a latch system coupled to the base. The latch system includes a plurality of latches configured to releasably couple the unit to an anchor point within the vehicle, the latches being movable to the base so that the latches are transitionable between an extended position in which the latches extend out of the rear portion and a retracted position in which the latches are withdrawn into the rear portion, and an actuator coupled to the base and accessible from an exterior of the unit, the actuator being configured to release the latches from the anchor point within the vehicle.

[0057] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the actuator is configured to release each of the plurality of latches simultaneously.

[0058] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the latch system includes a latch bracket to which the plurality of latches are connected, wherein the latch bracket is translatable within the base in a direction parallel to the front and rear portions of the base from a first position on a first side of the unit to a second position on a second side of the unit, and wherein the actuator is configured to release the latches when the latch bracket is in either the first position and the second position.

[0059] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the unit comprises a body panel defining an inflated shape of the exterior of the unit.

[0060] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the latch system includes an auxiliary latch release mechanism, which includes an actuator with an attachment / release indicator on the rigid latch, and an indicator window on the rigid latch.

[0061] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment the unit comprises a lead-in for securing the latch in a connected position for connecting the unit to a supporting structure of the vehicle.

[0062] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the introducer includes an angled surface such that as the latch is rotated to the connected position, contact between the latch and the angled surface causes the introducer to translate toward the unlocked position.

[0063] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, when the latch is in the connected position, the introducer translates toward the locked position.

[0064] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the introducer is biased towards the locked position.

[0065] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the unit comprises a position release actuator for transitioning the introducer from the locked position to the unlocked position to rotate the latch away from the connected position.

[0066] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the rigid latch is angled relative to the base to level the unit on the seat of the vehicle.

[0067] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments, the frame structure of the unit includes an X-shaped bar, and the X-shaped bar has a release actuator attached to the front part or the rear part, and the release actuator includes a pin that can be slidably received in a corresponding hole on the end of the component of the X-shaped bar to lock the X-shaped bar relative to the front part or the rear part.

[0068] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the unit comprises a fold lock for attaching the substrate to the enclosure material when the unit is in the telescoping state.

[0069] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the fold lock comprises a protrusion that connects with a corresponding notch or recess on the base.

[0070] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the fold lock comprises a recess that connects with a corresponding protrusion on the base.

[0071] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the unit comprises a handle.

[0072] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the handle extends through the first opening and the second opening defined by the base and into the interior of the base.

[0073] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the end of the handle within the base connects with a corresponding boss on the interior of the base to secure the handle to the base.

[0074] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the unit comprises feet on the base to enable the unit to stand upright.

[0075] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the enclosing material can be removed from the unit by disconnecting the top portion of the base from the bottom portion, disconnecting the enclosing material from the top portion and the frame structure, and sliding the enclosing material away from the frame structure.

[0076] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the unit includes a tie-down link including a first connector connected to an end of a first tie portion that is slidably connected to a second tie portion and a second connector.

[0077] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the slidable connection between the first tie portion and the second tie portion allows the first tie portion to move to a position relative to the second tie portion to maintain a taut connection between the first tie portion and the tie.

[0078] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the tie down disconnect may remain in the vehicle when the unit is removed from the vehicle.

[0079] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the unit comprises a tie down guide connected to the frame structure for receiving a tie down to align the tie down on the unit.

[0080] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the unit includes a stepped feature on the base to trim the enclosure material to form the first side and the second side of the unit.

[0081] According to one embodiment, a unit for enclosing an animal on a seat of a vehicle includes a base structure, a frame structure coupled to the base, and a containment material extending at least partially around the frame structure. The base structure, the frame structure, and the containment material cooperate to define an enclosure area of ​​the unit. An opening is formed in the containment material to provide access to the enclosure area. An impact absorbing pad can be removably mounted to the unit near the opening.

[0082] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, an impact-absorbing pad may be removably connected to a door, the impact-absorbing pad being movable with the door relative to the opening.

[0083] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the door is integrally formed with the enclosure material.

[0084] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, an impact absorbing pad may be removably connected to the surrounding material proximate the opening.

[0085] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, a door is included that is movable relative to the surrounding material to selectively seal the opening.

[0086] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the door is movable relative to the impact absorbing pad.

[0087] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the impact absorbing pad is formed from a foam material.

[0088] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the impact absorbing pad may be removably mounted to a single-cell hook and loop fastener.

[0089] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the impact absorbing pad may be removably mounted to the unit via magnets.

[0090] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the impact absorbing pad may be removably mounted to the unit via a buckle.

[0091] According to one embodiment, a unit for enclosing an animal on a seat of a vehicle includes a base structure, a frame structure coupled to the base, and a containment material extending at least partially around the frame structure. The base structure, the frame structure, and the containment material cooperate to define an enclosure area of ​​the unit. An opening is formed in the containment material to provide access to the enclosure area. A safety net can be removably mounted to the unit in an arrangement overlapping the opening.

[0092] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the safety net comprises a plurality of lengths of webbing arranged to block the opening.

[0093] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the safety net may be removably connected to the unit via at least one quick disconnect mechanism.

[0094] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the at least one quick connection mechanism comprises a connector attached to the unit and a buckle arranged at an end of the safety net.

[0095] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the connector is rigidly attached to the frame structure.

[0096] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments the connector is rigidly attached to the base structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0097] Figure 1a A perspective view of an animal containment unit is shown according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0098] Figure 1b A front view of an animal containment unit is shown according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0099] Figure 1c A side view of an animal containment unit is shown of a first exemplary embodiment.

[0100] Figure 1d A top view of an animal containment unit of a first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0101] Figure 2a A base structure of an animal containment unit of a first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0102] Figure 2b A base frame and latch bracket of a base structure of an animal containment unit of a first exemplary embodiment are shown.

[0103] Figure 2c A side view of a base structure of an animal containment unit of a first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0104] Figure 3a The base structure of the first exemplary embodiment is shown with the latch bracket in a first position toward a first side of the animal containment unit.

[0105] Figure 3b A front button of the substrate structure of the first exemplary embodiment is shown extending through a front cavity in a front portion of the molded substrate.

[0106] Figure 3c The base structure of the first exemplary embodiment is shown with the latch bracket in a first position and with the latch extending out of the rear cavity.

[0107] Figure 3dA first side actuator of a first exemplary embodiment of a substrate structure is shown positioned in a first side cavity in a first side portion of a molded substrate.

[0108] Figure 3e The front button of the base structure of the first exemplary embodiment is shown sliding within the front slot.

[0109] Figure 3f The base structure of the first exemplary embodiment is shown with the latch bracket in a second position toward the second side of the unit.

[0110] Figure 3g The base structure of the first exemplary embodiment is shown with the latch bracket in the second position and with the latch withdrawn into the rear cavity.

[0111] Figure 4a The animal containment unit of the first exemplary embodiment is shown in a deployed state.

[0112] Figure 4b The animal containment unit of the first exemplary embodiment is shown transitioning to a telescoping state.

[0113] Figure 4c The animal containment unit of the first exemplary embodiment is shown in a telescoping state.

[0114] Figure 5a A perspective view of the slide actuator of the first exemplary embodiment is shown in a first state, wherein the front middle support member and the rear middle support member are connected via the slide actuator.

[0115] Figure 5b A side view of the slide actuator of the first exemplary embodiment is shown in a first state.

[0116] Figure 5c A side view of the slide actuator of the first exemplary embodiment is shown in a second condition, wherein the front intermediate support member and the slide actuator are disconnected from the rear intermediate support member.

[0117] Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of a containment material showing a first exemplary embodiment.

[0118] Figure 6b An outer layer of a containment material of a first exemplary embodiment is shown with the animal containment unit in an expanded state.

[0119] Figure 6c The reinforcement layer of the containment material of the first exemplary embodiment is shown with the animal containment unit in an expanded state.

[0120] Figure 6d The inner layer of the containment material of the first exemplary embodiment is shown with the animal containment unit in an expanded state.

[0121] Figure 7 A webbing and tie-down structure of an animal containment unit of a first exemplary embodiment is shown assembled with a frame structure and a base structure.

[0122] Figure 8 A diagram showing a first exemplary embodiment of an animal containment unit mounted in a vehicle.

[0123] Figure 9a A perspective view of an animal containment unit is shown according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0124] Figure 9b An exploded view of an animal containment unit is shown according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0125] Fig.9c A top view of an animal containment unit is shown according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0126] Fig.10a A second exemplary embodiment of a base structure is shown in which the top portion is nested with the bottom portion.

[0127] Fig.10b A bottom portion of a base structure of a second exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0128] Fig.11a A latch system of a second exemplary embodiment without a substrate structure is shown.

[0129] Fig.11b A bottom view of the latch system mounted in a bottom portion of a base structure is shown with the latch pivoted into an extended position on a first side of the unit of a second exemplary embodiment.

[0130] Fig.11c A bottom view of the latch system is shown with the latch pivoted into a retracted position on a first side of the unit of a second exemplary embodiment.

[0131] Fig.11d A bottom view of the latch system is shown with the latch pivoted into an extended position on the second side of the unit of a second exemplary embodiment.

[0132] Fig.12a , 12b and 12c show the animal containment unit of the second exemplary embodiment transitioning from an expanded state to a telescoping state.

[0133] Fig.13a A webbing and tie-down structure of an animal containment unit of a second exemplary embodiment is shown assembled with a frame structure and a base structure.

[0134] Fig.13bA diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of an animal containment unit mounted in a vehicle is shown.

[0135] Fig.13c The animal containment unit of the second exemplary embodiment is shown deflected by the forces of a motor vehicle crash.

[0136] Fig.14 A second exemplary embodiment animal containment unit is shown mounted in a vehicle.

[0137] Fig.15a A perspective view of an animal containment unit is shown according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0138] Fig.15b A bottom view of an animal containment unit is shown in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment.

[0139] Fig.16 An X-shaped bar of a frame structure of an animal containment unit of a third exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0140] Fig.17a An arrangement of a latch release actuator of a third exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0141] Fig.17b Arrangement of the first latch unlocking actuator of the third exemplary embodiment.

[0142] Fig.17c The arrangement of the second latch unlocking actuator of the third exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0143] Fig.18a , 18b , 18c and 19 show various views of an animal enclosure unit according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0144] Fig.20a and 20b An auxiliary latch release mechanism of a unit of a fourth exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0145] Fig.21a and 21b The steeper latch angle of the cell of the fourth exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0146] Fig.22a , 22b , 22c, 22d and 22e show the actuators of the unit of the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0147] Fig.23a , 23b , 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f, 23g, 23h, 23i and 23j show flexible folding locks secured to the base of the unit.

[0148] Fig.24a ,24b , 24c and 24d show handles on the front of the unit.

[0149] Fig.25a and 25b The display unit 400 has feet 422 on its base.

[0150] Fig.26a , 26b and 26c show the progression of steps for removing containment material from a unit.

[0151] Fig.27a and 27b Show details for removing enclosure materials from the unit.

[0152] Fig.28a , 28b and 28c show details of the tie-down disconnect extending between the unit and the vehicle seat in various positions.

[0153] Fig.29 Showing the tie down guides connected to the frame structure of the unit.

[0154] Fig.30 Showing the tie down guide connected to the front member of the frame structure.

[0155] Fig.31 The step features are shown positioned on the base of the unit.

[0156] Fig.32a and 32b Demonstrating a unit with shock absorption.

[0157] Fig.33a and 33b Showing the unit with a safety net.

[0158] Fig.34a and 34b Detail showing the interface between the tie bolt and the tie bolt disconnect.

[0159] Fig.35a and 35b Detail of a tie down with a connector connectable to a tie down disconnect is shown.

[0160] Fig.36 An exploded perspective view showing the interface between the tie down and the tie down disconnect.

[0161] Fig.37 A cross-sectional view showing the interface between the tie down and the tie down disconnect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0162] The present invention may be further understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements. The present invention relates to an animal containment unit for safely containing an animal for transportation in a vehicle. An exemplary animal containment unit is designed to have sufficient strength to contain larger animals, such as up to 50 pounds, during a motor vehicle crash without failure, while still maintaining flexibility sufficient to provide cushioning for the animal.

[0163] In one aspect, the unit is reinforced with webbing across its front and top sides to absorb forces that would otherwise be applied to the unit in an automobile crash (e.g., when an animal inside is thrown against the inside of the unit). In another aspect, a latch system includes a plurality of latches rigidly mounted to the base of the unit for securing the bottom / rear of the unit to an anchor point in the vehicle accessible, for example, via a gap in a vehicle seat (i.e., a rigid element coupled to the frame of the vehicle). In yet another aspect, a tie bolt on the top / rear of the unit secures, for example, to another anchor point in the vehicle (e.g., on the rear of a vehicle seat on which the unit is mounted). These features provide a continuous protective ring around the unit, for example, 360 degree support in both the longitudinal (front-to-back) and transverse (up-and-down) planes.

[0164] The unit described herein generally includes a frame structure supported by a base structure. The frame structure of the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment includes a front part and a rear part bent in a U-shape, whose ends are connected to the base structure and extend substantially perpendicular to the base structure, and a top portion is formed therebetween. In the first exemplary embodiment, the frame structure further includes two intermediate support members connecting the front part and the rear part. In the second exemplary embodiment, a tie rod is used to connect the front part and the rear part. The frame structure supports a containment material (e.g., soft objects), which defines a portion of the outer surface of the unit and an inner surface to define a space for internal enclosure of animals. In some embodiments, the containment material includes at least two layers, such as a durable outer layer, an intermediate reinforcement layer, and an internal waterproof layer that can be removed, for example, for cleaning. In some embodiments, the webbing can be woven into one or more layers of the containment material to provide a firm but flexible surface that can absorb the force applied thereto in a car crash.

[0165] The base structure of the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment includes a molded base (e.g., molded from plastic) and a latch system. The first exemplary embodiment additionally includes a rigid base frame, such as composed of steel. The latch system includes at least one latch, such as a plurality of rigid latches (e.g., two latches), which protrude or pivot out from the bottom / rear of the base so that the latch can be rigidly coupled to an anchor point in the vehicle to install the unit in the vehicle. The latch can be retracted into the base, such as when the unit is not installed, being transported or stored.

[0166] In one embodiment, the latch system includes a latch bracket coupled to the base frame that supports the latch and facilitates actuation of the latch. The latch bracket can translate (e.g., slide) from a first side of the unit to a second side of the unit so that the latch can extend from the base / rear in different positions in view of the position in the vehicle seat where the seat frame is accessible, so that the unit can be installed on either side of the rear car seat (e.g., the driver's side or the passenger's side). In addition, the latch bracket can be coupled to a button on the frame, which can, for example, lock the latch in a protruding position or a retracted position and / or release the latch to allow the latch to enter and exit the base. In another embodiment, the latch can pivot in and out of the rear of the base. As described above, the latch can be locked or unlocked and translated to either side of the unit, which will be described in more detail below.

[0167] In yet another aspect, the unit can transition between an expanded state and a telescoping state. In one embodiment, the intermediate support member can include two members (a front intermediate support member and a rear intermediate support member) that can be attached to provide rigid support between the front and rear members of the frame structure and define the top of the unit in the expanded state. The front and rear members of the intermediate support member can be detached from each other via a sliding actuator, whereupon the front intermediate support member can be rotated relative to the front member into a position flush with the front member, and the rear intermediate support member can be rotated relative to the rear member into a position flush with the rear member. The front member (and the front intermediate support member) can then be rotated (telescoped) toward the base structure via the front rotation actuator and positioned flush with or within the base structure, whereupon the rear member (and the rear intermediate support member) can be rotated (telescoped) toward the base structure via the rear rotation actuator and positioned flush with the front member.

[0168] The slide actuator of one embodiment includes a length of tubing that can slide over the front and rear components, and the tubing can be locked in a first position, extending toward the opposing component so that the opposing component can slide therein, or in a second position, retracted from the opposing component so that the opposing component is released and can telescope freely. In another embodiment, the pull rod can be removed from one or both of the front and / or rear components, and the front and rear components can then telescope toward the base structure.

[0169] It should be noted that a first animal enclosure unit according to a first exemplary embodiment, a second animal enclosure unit according to a second exemplary embodiment, and a third animal enclosure unit according to a third exemplary embodiment are described herein and depicted in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the various features described with respect to the units of the first and second exemplary embodiments may be interchanged between the embodiments in any suitable manner, or may be implemented with other designs of animal enclosure units described in further detail below, and that the present invention is not limited to the specific arrangements described in the first, second, and third exemplary embodiments and depicted in the drawings.

[0170] It should be further understood that the units described herein generally have six sides and are described relative to the front, rear, first side (e.g., left side, relative to the front view), second side (e.g., right side, relative to the front view), bottom, and top. When the unit is installed in a vehicle, the front of the unit faces the front of the vehicle, the rear of the unit faces the rear of the vehicle, and so on. However, it should be understood that the reference to the "side" of the unit is for convenience of explanation, and that multiple different components of the unit define the exterior of the unit. For example, the "front" of the unit may include multiple components, including a front part of the frame structure, a front part of the enclosure material, a front portion of the base structure, etc. In addition, the terms "inside" and / or "interior" and / or "inside" may refer to features relative to a specific component of the unit in a direction toward the center of the unit, and the terms "outside" and / or "exterior" and / or "outside" may refer to features relative to a specific component of the unit in a direction away from the center of the unit.

[0171] First Exemplary Embodiment

[0172] Figure 1a -d shows a view of an animal enclosure unit 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The unit 100 generally has six sides and is described with respect to a front, a rear, a first side (e.g., a left side, relative to a front view), a second side (e.g., a right side, relative to a front view), a bottom, and a top. These sides are Figure 1a -d, and these marks are omitted in subsequent figures. Figure 1a A perspective view of the display unit 100; Figure 1b A front view of the display unit 100; Figure 1c a side view of the display unit 100; and Figure 1d A top view of the display unit 100.

[0173] Framework

[0174] The unit 100 comprises a frame structure 101 coupled to and supported by a base structure 120, which will be described below with respect to Figure 2a-c. The unit 100 includes a containment material 160 (e.g., a soft object) forming the exterior of the unit 100, which will be described below with respect to Figure 6a -d is further described in detail. The unit 100 further includes a webbing and tie-down structure 180 for restraining the force of the animal during a vehicle crash, which will be described below with respect to Figure 7 Described in further detail. Figure 7 The frame structure 101 and webbing and tie-down structure 180 are shown in greater detail, with the containment material 160 removed.

[0175] The frame structure 101 includes a front member 102, a rear member 103 and an intermediate support member 104 (a first intermediate support member 104a and a second intermediate support member 104b), wherein the intermediate support member connects the front member 102 and the rear member 103 when the unit 100 is in the unfolded state, and will be described below with respect to Figure 4a -c is further described in detail. The front component 102 is bent in a shape similar to a U-shape and is connected to the base structure 120 at both the first end 114 and the second end 115 via the front rotary actuators 154a, 154b. The rear component 103 is shaped similar to the front component 102 in a shape similar to a U-shape and is connected to the base structure 120 at both the first end 116 and the second end 117 via the rear rotary actuators 156a, 156b. It should be noted that in this example, the rear component 103 is slightly shorter than the front component 102 and is mounted to the base structure 120 at a position slightly higher than the front component 102 to facilitate the telescoping of the unit 100 and define a rear cavity 128 in the base structure 120 for latch extension and retraction, which will be described in further detail below.

[0176] The front component 102 extends from a first end 114 toward the top of the unit 100, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the second side and across the top of the unit 100, and bends approximately 90 degrees toward the bottom of the unit 100 to a second end 115. The rear component 103 extends from a first end 116 toward the top of the unit 100, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the second side and across the top of the unit 100, and bends approximately 90 degrees toward the bottom of the unit 100 to a second end 117. The front component 102 of this embodiment includes one unitary piece extending from the first end 114 to the second end 115. Alternatively, the front component 102 may include multiple parts that are joined together during assembly of the unit 100 (e.g., having different curvatures to define the curvature of the front component 102). Similarly, the rear component 103 may include one unitary piece, or may include multiple parts that are joined together during assembly (e.g., having different curvatures to define the curvature of the rear component 103).

[0177] In the present example, the intermediate support member 104 includes two parts, such as the front intermediate support member 105 (the first front intermediate support member 105a of the first intermediate support member 104a and the second front intermediate support member 105b of the second intermediate support member 104b) and the rear intermediate support member 106 (the first rear intermediate support member 106a of the first intermediate support member 104a and the second rear intermediate support member 106b of the second intermediate support member 104b), which can be engaged and / or separated via the operation of corresponding sliding actuators 107 (the first sliding actuator 107a of the first intermediate support member and the second sliding actuator 107b of the second intermediate support member), which will be described below with respect to Figure 4a The front intermediate support members 105a, 105b are coupled to the front member 102 at respective front rotational joints 112 (the first front rotational joint 112a of the front member 102 and the second front rotational joint 112b of the front member), and the rear intermediate support member 106 is coupled to the rear member 103 at respective rear rotational joints 113 (the first front rotational joint 112a of the front member 102 and the second front rotational joint 112b of the front member).

[0178] It should be noted that in this example, the front and rear intermediate support members 105, 106 are not removable from their respective rotational joints 112, 113, and the telescoping ability of the unit 100 is provided via the actuator 107 to separate the front and rear intermediate support members 105, 106. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate support member may include a unitary piece that is not separable into the front and rear intermediate support members, and the telescoping ability of the unit 100 may be facilitated via a mechanism for removing the intermediate support member from the rotational joint to separate the intermediate support member from the front and / or rear members, as will be described in more detail below.

[0179] In the present example, when the intermediate support member 104 is engaged, such as when the unit 100 is in the deployed state for transporting an animal in a vehicle, the intermediate support member 104 rigidly extends from the front rotational joint 112 of the front member 102 to the rear rotational joint 113 of the rear member 103. The front rotational joint 112 is oriented generally perpendicular to the front member 102 to direct the intermediate support member 104 rearwardly, wherein the intermediate support member 104 is received in the rear rotational joint 113, which is also oriented generally perpendicular to the rear member 103 (toward the front). When the intermediate support member 104 is separated (the front intermediate support member 105 is removed from the rear intermediate support member 106 via the actuator 107) to, for example, telescope the unit 100, the front rotation joint 112 can be rotated 90 degrees and oriented toward the bottom of the unit 100 so that the front intermediate support member 105 is flush with the front member 102, and the rear rotation joint 113 can be rotated 90 degrees and oriented toward the bottom of the unit 100 so that the rear intermediate support member 106 is flush with the rear member 103.

[0180] The front rotary actuator 154 can then be rotated 90 degrees and oriented toward the rear so that the front intermediate support member 105 and the front member 102 are received within or flush with the base structure 120, whereupon the rear rotary actuator 156 can be rotated 90 degrees and oriented toward the front so that the rear intermediate support member 106 and the rear member 103 are flush with the telescoping front member 102, as will be described below with respect to Figure 4a -c is described in more detail. As described above, the rear component 103 is slightly shorter than the front component 102, and the rear rotary actuator 156 is raised relative to the front rotary actuator 154, such as Figure 1c As shown in FIG. 1 , when the unit 100 is telescoped ( Figure 4c ), the rear component 103 and / or the rear intermediate support component 106 fits tightly against the telescopic front component 102 and / or the front intermediate support component 105, and / or fits tightly within the telescopic front component and / or the front intermediate support component.

[0181] The front and rear rotary actuators 154, 156 can be locked in any of the positions described above, such as oriented so that the front component 102 extends toward the top of the unit 100 and defines the front surface of the unit 100, and the rear component 103 extends toward the top of the unit 100 and defines the rear surface of the unit 100 (deployed state), or oriented so that the front component 102 extends toward the rear of the unit 100 and the rear component 103 extends toward the front of the unit 100 (telescoping state). Thus, the frame structure 101 can be locked in the deployed state to provide a rigid frame that defines the interior / exterior of the unit 100, and the frame structure 101 can be locked in the telescoping state to facilitate transportation and / or storage of the unit 100.

[0182] refer to Figure 6a -d, the frame structure 101 supports the enclosure material 160 that defines the exterior and interior surfaces of the unit 100, including the enclosure material 160 for the front 165, first side 168, second side 169, top 172, and rear 173 of the unit 100. Some or all of the components of the frame structure 101 may be formed to include the extruded channels 118, such as Figure 6a As shown, it extends along the length of the component for receiving a plastic bar 164 that extends through one end of the enclosure material 160. The plastic bar 164 of the enclosure material 160 can be slid or snapped into the extruded channel 118 to mount the enclosure material 160 to the component of the frame structure 101, which will be described below with respect to Figure 6a -d is further described. In the current example, only the front and rear components 102, 103 include extruded channels 118, and the intermediate support component 104 does not directly support the enclosure material 160 for, for example, the first side 168, the second side 169, or the top 172. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate support component 104 may also include extruded channels 118 to support the enclosure material 160.

[0183] refer to Figure 2b and 7 , the frame structure 101 further supports a webbing and tie-down structure 180, which includes a webbing 181 that is secured at a first end to the front member 134 of the base frame 133 and runs up the front of the unit 100, around the front member 102 of the frame structure 101, and across the top of the unit 100 to a second end secured to the rear member 103 of the frame structure 101. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the webbing 181 is formed of a material similar to that forming seat belts so that it is capable of withstanding the forces that would be exerted upon it if a pet were to be thrown against the webbing in a vehicle accident.

[0184] The webbing 181 includes two spans 181a and 181b extending from a front attachment point 182 on the front member 134 of the base frame 133 toward the top of the unit 100, wrapping around the outside of the front member 102 at a wrap point 184, and toward the rear of the unit 100 to a rear attachment point 186 on the rear member 103, which will be described below with respect to FIG. Figure 7 100, as described above, to provide a force containment structure that extends across the front and top of the unit 100. The frame structure 101 further supports a tie down 188 that is secured to the rear member 103 of the frame structure 101 at a first end (comprising two spans) at a location similar to the way the webbing 181 is secured to the rear member 103 (e.g., rear attachment point 186). The tie down 188 of this embodiment extends from the top / rear of the unit 100 and may be connected to an anchor structure in the vehicle, such as a vehicle frame structure on the rear of a vehicle seat, as will be described below with respect to FIG. Figure 8 It will be appreciated that the webbing 181 may be directly connected to the tie 188 such that one end of the webbing 181 and tie 188 combination is secured to the base frame 133 and the other end may be attached to an anchor structure in the vehicle.

[0185] The frame structure 101 may be formed of any material of suitable strength, such as an extruded metal tube (e.g., aluminum). The aluminum tube provides a rigid frame structure 101 that is strong enough to stabilize the unit 100 but flexible enough to absorb the force of an animal impact and deform to reduce the impact on the animal. The sliding actuator 107 may include a metal tube that is similar in shape to the frame structure 101, but whose inner dimensions are slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the intermediate support member 104, so that the intermediate support member 104 (the rear end of the front intermediate support member 105 and the front end of the rear intermediate support member 106) can be slidably received therein and the sliding actuator 107 can slide thereon to engage and / or disengage (e.g., connect or separate) the front and rear intermediate support members 105, 106, which will be described below with respect to Figure 5a -c Be more descriptive.

[0186] Base structure

[0187] Figure 2a -c shows the base structure 120 of the unit 100 of the first exemplary embodiment. The base structure 120 includes a base 121 and a base frame 133 mounted to the base 121. The latch bracket 140 is slidably coupled to the base frame 133. Figure 2a Substrate structure 120 is shown and substrate 121 is described in more detail. Figure 2b The base frame 133 and latch bracket 140 of the base structure 120 are shown. Figure 2cA side view of the base structure 120 is shown.

[0188] The base 121 may be molded of plastic, for example. The base 121 includes a bottom 122 and a frame (not to be confused with the base frame 133 described below), the frame including a front portion 123, side portions 124 (a first side portion 124a and a second side portion 124b), and a rear portion 125. The front portion 123, the side portions 124, and the rear portion 125 are shaped to have internal channels to receive corresponding components of the base frame 133 so as to mount the base frame 133 on the base 121. At the front corners of the base 121 (on the front portion 123 near the intersection of the front portion 123 and the first side portion 124a; and on the front portion 123 near the intersection of the front portion 123 and the second side portion 124b) are respective front recesses 126 (first front recess 126a and second front recess 126b) that extend toward the top of the unit 100 to receive and couple to a front rotary actuator 154, which will be described below with respect to FIG. Figure 5a Similarly, at the rear corners of the base 121 (on the rear portion 125 near the intersection of the rear portion 125 with the first side portion 124a; and on the rear portion 125 near the intersection of the rear portion 125 with the second side portion 124b) are respective rear recesses 127 (first rear recess 127a and second rear recess 127b) that extend toward the top of the unit 100 to receive and couple to the rear rotary actuator 156.

[0189] The internal channel formed in the rear portion 125 of the base 121 (for mounting the base frame 133 (rear member 136) to the base 121) is raised relative to the channels formed in the front portion 123 and the side portions 124, as shown in FIG. Figure 2c In the rear portion 125, below the channel for the base frame 133 is a rear cavity 128 through which the latch 150 of the latch bracket 140 can extend, as will be further described below.

[0190] The base 121 further includes a first slot 129a formed therein that extends laterally (left-right) across the bottom portion 122, and a second slot 129b formed therein that extends laterally (left-right) across the bottom portion 122. The first slot 129a is positioned farther toward the rear of the unit 100 than the second slot 129b. The first and second slots 129 facilitate lateral translation of the latch bracket 140, as will be further described below.

[0191] like Figure 2bAs shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the base frame 133 includes a front component 134, two side components 135 (a first side component 135a and a second side component 135b), and a rear component 136. The front component 134, the side components 135, and the rear component 136 of this embodiment are formed of a metal such as steel. In the current example, these components are formed of square steel and welded at the connection between the components. The rear component 136 is raised relative to the front component 134 and the side components 135. The rear component 136 is joined to the first side component 135a and the second side component 135b via corresponding brackets 137a, 137b, which can be formed of, for example, bent metal sheets. The front component 134, the side components 135, and the rear component 136 of this embodiment include through holes for mounting the base frame 133 to the base 121. In some embodiments, only the front component and the side components 134, 135 may include through holes. In the current example, the components of the base frame 133 are formed of square steel of the same size. However, in other embodiments, the corresponding components of the base frame 133 may have different cross-sectional sizes, for example, the rear component 136 of the base frame 133 may be formed of a taller steel than the front component 134 and the side components 135 .

[0192] The base frame 133 provides a structure for the unit 100 that is configured to withstand large forces applied thereto, such as would be experienced in the event of a crash of the vehicle to which the unit 100 is mounted. As will be described in greater detail below, the base frame 133 provides a rigid structure to which the rigid latch 150 is attached at the rear and to which the webbing 181 is attached at the front. The webbing 181 wraps around the front and top to the rear, and the tie-down 188 extends from the rear to an anchor point within the vehicle (in some embodiments, behind the vehicle seat), effectively providing a complete ring of protection around the unit 100.

[0193] The latch bracket 140 includes a front part 141, which is coupled to the front part 134 of the base frame 133 via two front guides 142 slidably coupled to the front part 134. The latch bracket 140 further includes two side parts 143 (a first side part 143a and a second side part 143b) extending from a first end on the inner surface of the front part 141 to a second end toward the rear of the latch bracket 140. Each side part 143 of the latch bracket 140 has a rear guide 144 fixed thereto (to the top of the side part 143) to couple the side part 143 to the rear part 136 of the base frame 133 (which protrudes relative to the rest of the base frame 133 and the latch bracket 140). The first rear guide 144a on the first side member 143a and the second rear guide 144b on the second side member 143b are slidably coupled to the rear member 136. The front guide 142 and the rear guide 144 allow the latch bracket 140 to translate (in a direction parallel to the front member 134 and the rear member 136) toward and / or away from the first side and / or second side (e.g., left and right) of the unit 100 along the front member 134 and the rear member 136. The front guide 142 of this embodiment is, for example, formed of a square stock steel having an inner dimension slightly larger than the outer dimension of the front member 134, and the rear guide 144 may be formed of a square stock having an inner dimension slightly larger than the outer dimension of the rear member 136. In the current example, the components of the base frame 133 and the components of the latch bracket 140 are formed of the same size of square stock steel, and the front guide 142 and the rear guide 144 have the same size. It should be appreciated that the front and rear guides 142 and 144 and the corresponding front and rear components 134 and 136 may comprise stock steel having other configurations, such as rectangular, cylindrical, or yet other configurations.

[0194] The two side members 143 are coupled to the respective middle members 145 (the first middle member 145a and the second middle member 145b) via two middle guides 146 (the first middle guide 146a and the second middle guide 146b) slidably coupled to the middle member 145. The middle guides 146 allow the middle members 145 to translate (slide) relative to the side members 143 toward and / or away from the front and / or rear of the unit 100. The first middle member 145a is coupled to the outer side of the first side member 143a (relative to the center of the latch bracket 140), and the second middle member 145b is coupled to the outer side of the second side member 143b (relative to the center of the latch bracket 140).

[0195] The first end of the bar 148 is fixed to the first intermediate member 145a, extends through the slot 147 in the side member 143, and the second end thereof is fixed to the second intermediate member 145b. The side members 143 each have a slot 147 extending therethrough (with respect to the left-right direction) and further extending through the rear portion of the side members 143 toward the rear of the latch bracket 140 (e.g., the first slot 147a extends through the first side member 143a, and the second slot 147b extends through the second side member 143b). The sliding member 149 depends from the bar 148. When the unit 100 is assembled and the latch 150 is withdrawn into the rear cavity 128, the sliding member 149 is moved to the rear of the latch bracket 140. Figure 2a , the slide member 149 is received in the first slot 129a on the bottom 122 of the molded base 121 and can slide within the first slot 129a as the latch bracket 140 translates laterally to reposition the latch 150. When the latch 150 extends out of the rear of the unit 100, the slide member 149 is moved out of the first slot 129a. Figure 2c As shown, the intermediate guide 146 coupling the intermediate member 145 of the latch bracket to the side members 143 is laterally slidable within the second slot 129b.

[0196] A respective latch 150 is secured to each of the rear ends of the two intermediate members 145 (a first latch 150a is secured to the first intermediate member 145a and a second latch 150b is secured to the second intermediate member 145b). The latches 150 each have a latch end 151 shaped to engage a support structure in the vehicle, such as a rigid member coupled to a steel frame (e.g., an isofix anchor point) within the seat, as will be described below with respect to Figure 8 The latch may extend out of the rear cavity 128 of the rear portion 125 of the molded base 121 or may be retracted into the rear cavity 128 .

[0197] In the non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein, the at least one latch 150 may be considered a "rigid latch". A rigid latch is not mounted by a flexible structure (e.g., a strap) and extends a fixed distance from the device when deployed. In this way, when installed in a vehicle and connected to an isofix anchor point, any relative movement between the unit 100 and the vehicle seat is minimized or eliminated. Other example embodiments of any of the animal containment units 100 disclosed herein may have at least one non-rigid or "soft" latch mounted by a flexible structure, such as one or more straps, which can be adjustably tightened by a user to fit securely in a vehicle.

[0198] In the following, Figure 3a-g In further detail, the front button 153 can be fixed or coupled to the latch bracket 140 via the front slot 131 formed in the front portion 123 of the molded base 121. In this example, the front button 153 is directly mounted to the front guide 142, which is fixed to the front member 141 of the latch bracket 140 and slidably coupled to the front member 134 of the base frame 133. The front button 153 is coupled to the latch 150 so that operation of the front button locks or unlocks the latch 150 so that the latch 150 can be locked in or transitioned to an extended position (extended out of the rear of the unit 100 for installation in a vehicle) or retracted to a retracted position (retracted into the rear cavity 128 in the rear portion 125 of the molded base 121).

[0199] In addition, two side actuators 152 (a first side actuator 152a on the first side portion 124a of the base 121 and a second side actuator 152b on the second side portion 124b of the base 121) can be coupled to or disengaged from the latch bracket 140 to lock the latch bracket 140 on the first side or the second side of the unit 100. The side actuators 152 can be pushed in to lock the latch bracket 140, or pulled out to release the latch bracket 140. When the latch 150 and / or the latch bracket 140 are unlocked (via the front button 153 or the side actuators 152), the user can manually move the latch or latch bracket into a desired position, for example, by removing the inner removable cushion 175 covering the base structure 120 and accessing the latch bracket 140. In an alternative embodiment, the latch 150 may be connected to a biasing member that biases the latch 150 toward the extended position such that when the front button 153 is pushed, the latch 150 transitions from the withdrawn position to the extended position.

[0200] Latch Actuation and Repositioning of the Latch Bracket

[0201] As described above, the latch 150 of the unit 100 is fixed to the middle member 145, which is slidably coupled to the side members 143. The middle member 145 can be released from the side members 143 and slid toward and / or away from the rear and / or front of the unit 100. The front button 153 is fixed to the front guide 142 (the front guide 142 is fixed to the front member 141 of the latch bracket 140 and slidably coupled to the front member 134 of the base frame 133) via the front slot 131 in the molded base 121. The front button 153 of this embodiment is spring loaded (provided in the cavity 130 including the spring) and can be pressed to lock the middle member 145 to prevent forward / rearward translation or release the middle member 145 to allow forward / rearward translation, for example, to extend the latch 150 out of the rear of the unit 100 or to withdraw the latch 150 within the rear of the unit 100.

[0202] The middle part 145 can then be locked by pressing the front button 153 again to lock the latch 150, for example, in the extended position. The front button 153 can be pressed to lock the latch 150 in the extended position or the withdrawn position, and to unlock the latch 150 from the extended position or the withdrawn position. Any suitable mechanism can be used to lock the middle part 145 to the side parts 143. For example, the front button 153 can be connected to a cable that is connected to a pin that extends away from the side parts 143 toward the middle part 145. The pin can be received in a corresponding hole in the middle part 145 to lock the middle part 145 relative to the side parts 143, and correspondingly lock the latch 150 in the extended position or the withdrawn position. A person skilled in the art will recognize that other mechanisms can also be used to lock / unlock the middle part 145.

[0203] In the current example, actuation of the front button 153 locks / unlocks the latch 150. However, in alternative embodiments, the front button 153 can be configured to automatically extend and / or retract the latch 150 without manual intervention by the user. In alternative embodiments, the latch 150 can be connected to a biasing member that biases the latch 150 toward the extended position, such that when the front button 153 is pushed, the latch 150 transitions from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0204] Independent of the mechanism described above for locking / releasing the latch 150 for forward and backward movement, the latch bracket 140 may be integrally locked and or released with respect to lateral movement. As described above, the latch bracket 140 may be positioned toward the first side of the unit 100 or toward the second side of the unit 100. When the latch bracket 140 is positioned toward the first side of the unit 100, the latch bracket 140 may be locked in place using a first side actuator 152a located in the side cavity 132a of the molded base 121. The first side actuator 152a may, for example, have an internal component that is coupled to the middle guide 146a of the latch bracket 140 when the middle guide 146a is pushed into the first side actuator 152a. The latch bracket 140 may be released by pulling the first side actuator 152a and disengaging the latch bracket 140 from the first side actuator 152a.

[0205] The latch bracket 140 can slide toward the second side of the unit 100 with the sliding member 149 in the first slot 129a and the intermediate guide 146 in the second slot 129b. When the latch bracket 140 is positioned toward the second side of the unit 100, the latch bracket 140 can be locked in place using a second side actuator 152b located in the side cavity 132b of the molded base 121, the second side actuator having an internal component that is coupled to the intermediate guide 146b of the latch bracket 140 when the intermediate guide 146b is pushed into the first side actuator 152b. It should be understood that either side actuator 152a, 152b can be actuated to release the latch bracket 140. For example, regardless of whether the latch bracket 140 is positioned on the first side or the second side of the unit 100, either of the actuation-side actuators 152a, 152b can release the latch bracket 140 so that the latch bracket 140 can be transferred to the other of the first side and the second side of the unit 100.

[0206] Figure 3a -g shows actuating the latch 150 and operating the latch bracket 140 to reposition the latch 150 of the unit 100 of the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 3a The base structure 120 is shown with the latch bracket 140 in a first position toward a first side of the unit 100. The latches 150a, 150b are withdrawn into the rear cavity 128 of the rear portion 125 of the base 121. In this example, the latches 150a, 150b are locked in the withdrawn position.

[0207] Figure 3b The front button 153 is shown coupled to the latch bracket 140 such that pressing the front button 153 releases the latch 150. The latch 150 can be slid out to a desired length that it extends out of the rear cavity 128 (eg, manually). Figure 3c The base structure 120 is shown with the latch bracket 140 in the first position and with the latch 150 extending out of the rear cavity 128. The front button 153 may be pressed a second time to lock the latch 150 in the extended position. Alternatively, the latch 150 may automatically lock into the extended position after the latch 150 transitions from the retracted position to the extended position. To release the latch 150, the front button 153 may be actuated and the latch may transition from the extended position back to the retracted position.

[0208] Figure 3d The first side actuator 152a is shown positioned in the first side cavity 132a in the first side portion 124a of the molded base 121. The first side actuator 152a can be pulled out to release the latch bracket 140 from the first side. The latch bracket 140 can then translate toward the second side. As the latch bracket 140 moves, the front button 153 slides within the front slot 131, as shown in FIG. Figure 3e shown.

[0209] Figure 3f The base structure 120 is shown with the latch bracket 140 in a second position toward the second side of the unit 100. When the latch bracket 140 has entered the second position, it can lock into the second side actuator 152b. If desired, the user can withdraw the latch 150 back into the rear cavity 128 by pressing the front button 153 to release the latch 150. Figure 3g The base structure 120 is shown with the latch bracket 140 in the second position and with the latch 150 withdrawn into the rear cavity 128. The front button 153 may be pressed a second time to lock the latch 150 in the withdrawn position.

[0210] Expandable / telescopic animal enclosure units

[0211] The unit 100 of this embodiment can be transformed between an expanded state and a telescoping state. The unit 100 can be locked into either of the two states using the front and rear rotary actuators 154, 156 and the actuator 107 of the intermediate support member 104 of the frame structure 101. In the expanded state, the frame structure 101 provides a rigid frame for supporting the enclosure material 160 and the webbing and tie-down structure 180 and defining the interior / exterior aspects of the unit 100. In the telescoping state, the frame structure 101, the enclosure material 160 and the webbing and tie-down structure 180 are folded into the base structure 120, are substantially flush with the base structure, or are adjacent to the base structure to provide a slim configuration for easy carrying.

[0212] Figure 4a -c shows the unit 100 of the first exemplary embodiment transitioning from the expanded state into the telescoping state. Figure 4a The display unit 100 is in an unfolded state; Figure 4b The display unit 100 is transformed into a telescoping state; Figure 4c The display unit 100 is in a telescoping state.

[0213] In the deployed state, the unit 100 is configured such that the intermediate support members 104 are engaged and form a rigid connection between the front member 102 and the rear member 103. To disengage the intermediate support members 104, the actuators 107 (the first sliding actuator 107a of the first intermediate support member 104a and the second sliding actuator 107b of the second intermediate support member 104b) slide toward the front member 102 to expose the rear intermediate support member 106. Figure 5a -c shows the actuator 107 of the intermediate support member 104 transitioning from a first position engaged with the rear intermediate support member 106 to a second position disengaged from the rear intermediate support member 106 to allow the unit 100 to telescope. Figure 5aA perspective view showing the actuator 107 in a first state, wherein the front intermediate support member 105 and the rear intermediate support member 106 are connected via the actuator 107; Figure 5b A side view showing the actuator 107 in a first state; Figure 5c A side view of the actuator 107 is shown in a second state, wherein the front intermediate support member 105 and the actuator 107 are disconnected from the rear intermediate support member 106 .

[0214] The actuator 107 comprises a length of tubing having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate support member 104, so that the actuator 107 slides over the front intermediate support member 105 and the rear intermediate support member 106. The actuator 107 of this embodiment is coupled to the front intermediate support member 105 at two different locations over the front intermediate support member 105. The front intermediate support member 105 has a spring-loaded button 108 attached to its side surface, and each of the sliding actuators 107 has two openings 109, such as a front opening 109a and a rear opening 109b, through which the button 108 can protrude (e.g., snap / snap into) the openings. When the button 108 snaps into the front opening 109a, the actuator 107 extends away from the front intermediate support member 105 toward the rear of the unit 100. The distance between the front middle support member 105 and the rear middle support member 106 is such that when the actuator 107 extends away from the rear end of the front middle support member 105 towards the rear, the front of the rear middle support member 106 can slide into the channel of the actuator 107. This provides a rigid joint that completes the rigid structure of the frame structure 101 when the unit 100 is deployed.

[0215] To disengage the actuator 107 from the rear intermediate support member 106, the button 108 may be pressed, and the actuator 107 may slide toward the front, and the button 108 may engage with the rear opening 109b of the actuator 107. The position of the button 108 relative to the rear opening 109b of the actuator 107 is such that, in this position, the rear intermediate support member 106 is not covered by the duct of the actuator 107, thus disengaging the front intermediate support member 105 from the rear intermediate support member 106. This allows the front intermediate support member 105 and the rear intermediate support member 106 to telescope toward their respective sides. As previously described, the front intermediate support member 105 is coupled to the front member 102 at the front rotational joint 112, and the rear intermediate support member 106 is coupled to the rear member 103 at the rear rotational joint 113. When the middle support member 104 is disengaged via the actuator 107, the user is free to rotate the respective members toward their respective sides by rotating the rotational joints 112, 113. It should be noted that the webbing 181 can extend through the channel 111 formed by the plastic ring 110 of the actuator. In other embodiments, the front middle support member 105 and the rear middle support member 106 can be connected by a rotational joint (not shown) that is released by the actuator 107 or similar structure, thereby allowing the front middle support member 105 and the rear middle support member 106 to remain connected to each other when telescoping toward their respective sides.

[0216] As previously described, the front component 102 of the frame structure 101 is coupled to the base structure 120 via the front rotary actuator 154, and the rear component 103 of the frame structure 101 is coupled to the base structure 120 via the rear rotary actuator 156. The front rotary actuator 154 and the rear rotary actuator 156 include spring-loaded buttons that can be pressed to rotate the actuators 154, 156. When the buttons of the two front rotary actuators 154 are pressed, the front rotary actuators 154 are released to rotate toward the base of the unit 100. When the buttons of the two rear rotary actuators 156 are pressed, the rear rotary actuators 156 are released to rotate toward the base of the unit 100. The buttons can be released to lock the rotary actuators 154, 156 and the components of the frame structure 101 coupled to the rotary actuators 154, 156 in place.

[0217] Figure 4a The display unit 100 is in the unfolded state. The front rotary actuator 154 is locked by positioning the front member 102 (e.g., its longitudinal plane) orthogonally to the base 121. The rear rotary actuator 156 is locked by positioning the rear member 103 orthogonally to the base 121. The front intermediate support member 105 is engaged with the rear intermediate support member 106 via the actuator 107.

[0218] Figure 4bThe display unit 100 is transformed into the telescoping state. The slide actuator 107 has disengaged the front intermediate support member 105 from the rear intermediate support member 106. The front intermediate support member 105 has been rotated downward so that the front intermediate support member 105 (e.g., its longitudinal plane) is parallel to the front member 102. The rear intermediate support member 106 has been rotated downward so that the rear intermediate support member 106 (e.g., its longitudinal plane) is parallel to the rear member 103. First, the front member 102 rotates toward the base and telescopes, and then the rear member 103 follows the front member 102 to rotate toward the base and telescope.

[0219] As previously described, the base 121 is shaped so that the front recess 126 for the front rotary actuator 154 is positioned closer to the base 122 than the rear recess 127 for the rear rotary actuator 156. Thus, when the front member 102 and the attached front intermediate support member 105 are rotated toward the base 122, these members can rotate 90 degrees from their original position and lie flat across the top of the latch bracket 140 and partially or completely within the base 121. When the rear member 103 and the attached rear intermediate support member 106 are rotated toward the base 122, these members can rotate 90 degrees from their original position and lie flat across the top of the front member 102.

[0220] Figure 4c The display unit 100 is in the telescoping state. The unit 100 can be locked into the telescoping state for storage, shipping, carrying, etc.

[0221] Material

[0222] As described above, the frame structure 101 supports the enclosure material 160 (e.g., soft objects) which defines the outer surface of the unit 100 and the inner surface of the unit 100 to define the space for the internal enclosure of the animal. The enclosure material can have several material layers. In this example, the enclosure material includes a durable outer layer, an intermediate reinforcement layer, and an inner waterproof layer that can be removed, for example, for cleaning.

[0223] Figure 6a -d Enclosure material 160 of display unit 100 . Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of the enclosure material 160 is shown. Figure 6a As shown, the enclosure material 160 generally includes an outer layer 161, a reinforcement layer 162, and an inner layer 163. The outer layer 161 may be, for example, a durable material, while the reinforcement layer 162 is a softer material to protect the animal from harmful contact with the vehicle and metal frame (e.g., foam). The inner layer 163 may be, for example, a durable waterproof fabric. The inner layer 163 may be removed for cleaning. It should be understood that additional layers may be provided. Figure 6b An outer layer 161 of the enclosure material 160 is shown with the unit 100 in an expanded state; Figure 6cshowing a reinforcement layer 162 of the enclosure material 160 with the unit 100 in an expanded state; Figure 6d The inner layer 163 of the containment material 160 is shown with the unit 100 in an expanded state.

[0224] The enclosure material 160 further includes a plastic bar 164 that runs across one side of the enclosure material 160. For certain portions of the enclosure material, a plastic bar 164 may be included to attach the enclosure material 160 to the base structure 120. As described above, some or all of the components of the frame structure 101 may be formed with an extruded channel 118, such as Figure 6a As shown, it extends along the length of the component for receiving a plastic strip 164 that runs through the enclosure material 160. The plastic strip 164 can be slid or snapped into the extruded channel 118 to mount the enclosure material 160 to the component.

[0225] The enclosure material 160 and the frame structure 101 can be designed in various ways, such as so that the enclosure material 160 for the first side 168, the top 172, and the second side 169 includes a unitary piece having plastic bars 164 coupled to the extruded channels 118 in the front and rear components 102, 103. In another example, the enclosure material 160 for each side (top, first side, second side, front, back) can be a separate part, each supported on a component of the frame structure 101 via a separate extruded channel 118. In the current example, only the front and rear components 102, 103 include the extruded channels 118, and the intermediate support component 104 does not directly support the enclosure material 160 for, for example, the first side 168, the second side 169, or the top 172. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate support component 104 may also include the extruded channels 118 to support the enclosure material 160.

[0226] The enclosure material 160 for the unit 100 includes a front portion 165, a first side 168, a second side 169, a top 172, and a back portion 173. As previously described, the enclosure material 160 can be connected to the base structure 120 or the frame structure 101. In one embodiment, the base structure 120, the frame structure 101, and the enclosure material 160 cooperate to define an enclosure or space within which an animal can be enclosed. The front portion 165 includes windows 166 to allow air flow and to facilitate viewing from inside and outside the unit 100. The front portion 165 further includes slits 167 (e.g., a first slit, a second slit, and a third slit) to weave the webbing 181 into the front portion 165, which will be described below with respect to FIG. Figure 7166 in the front portion 165.

[0227] In this example, the webbing 181 is interlaced with (e.g., woven into) the slots 167 in the outer layer 161 only (e.g., not woven into the middle or inner layers 162). In other embodiments, the webbing 181 is woven into additional layers. In addition, the unit 100 includes an internal cushioning pad 174 on the base that can be removed to access the latch bracket 140.

[0228] Webbing and tie-downs

[0229] As discussed above, the unit 100 is reinforced with a webbing and tie-down structure 180 that provides additional reinforcement for the unit when it is installed in a vehicle. The webbing 181 extends across the front and top of the unit 100 to restrain the animal by absorbing the forces applied to the unit 100 in the event of a car crash (e.g., when the animal inside is thrown against the inside of the unit 100) and transmitting the forces to the frame of the vehicle. In use, the tie-downs 188 on the top / rear of the unit 100 are secured to one or more anchor points in the vehicle (e.g., on the rear of the vehicle seat). These features, combined with the latch 150 rigidly mounted to the base 121 of the unit 100 and the rigid base frame 133, provide a continuous protective ring (e.g., 360 degree support) around the unit 100.

[0230] Figure 7The webbing and tie-down structure 180 of the unit 100 is shown assembled with the frame structure 101 and the base structure 120. The webbing 181 includes two spans (e.g., a first span 181a and a second span 181b) extending from a front attachment point 182 (a first front attachment point 182a and a second front attachment point 182b) on the front member 134 of the base frame 133 to a rear attachment point 185 (a first rear attachment point 185a and a second rear attachment point 185b) on the rear member 103. Each of the first span 181a and the second span 181b includes a front portion 183 woven through at least one layer of the front 165 enclosure material 160. The first end of the front portion 183 is attached to the front component 134 of the base frame 133 and extends within the first portion of the front 165 to extend outside the front 165 at the first gap so that the webbing continues to the second gap and extends within the second portion of the front 165 to the third gap, at which time the remainder of the span of the webbing 181 extends outside the enclosure material 160.

[0231] The webbing 181 continues around the top of the front member 102 at a wrap point 184. The webbing 181 continues to the top portion and is routed through the channel 111 of the actuator 107 on the intermediate support member 104 to a rear attachment point 185 on the rear member 103. In one aspect, the webbing 181 can continue along the top portion without being routed through the channel 111 of the actuator 107.

[0232] The tie 188 includes two spans 189, the first ends of which are sewn around the rear component 103, for example at the rear attachment point 185 of the webbing 181. The two spans 189 are brought together at the attachment point 190. The tie 188 continues from the attachment point 190 to the rear span 191, which has a connector 192 at the end for an anchor point in the vehicle. In one aspect, one end of the two spans 189 of the tie 188 is directly connected to the respective spans 181a, 181b, and the other ends of the two spans 189 of the tie 188 are brought together at the attachment point 190.

[0233] In some vehicles, the rearward-facing side of the rear seat may have an anchor location for the tie down 188. In other vehicles, the anchor location may be located elsewhere in the vehicle.

[0234] Figure 8 A diagram showing the unit 100 of the first exemplary embodiment installed in a vehicle. As shown, the latch 150 is connected to the steel frame of the car at its latch end 151. A connector 192 at the end of the tie 188 wraps from the rear member 103 of the frame structure 101 to an anchor point on the back of the vehicle seat. This forms a complete protective loop of the tie 188 from the latch 150 through the base frame 133, through the webbing 181, and finally through the anchor attached to the back of the seat.

[0235] Second Exemplary Embodiment

[0236] Figure 9a -c shows a view of an animal containment unit 200 according to a second exemplary embodiment. Similar to the unit 100 described above, the unit 200 generally has six sides (although any other arrangement that provides the desired space for containing animals may be used) and is described with respect to the front, back, first side (e.g., left side, relative to the front view), second side (e.g., right side, relative to the front view), bottom, and top. These sides are shown in FIG. Figure 9a and omitted in subsequent figures. Figure 9a A perspective view of the display unit 200; Figure 9b An exploded view of the display unit 200; Fig.9c A top view of the display unit 200.

[0237] Framework

[0238] Unit 200 includes a frame structure 201 coupled to and supported by a base structure 224, as will be described below with respect to Fig.10a -b is further described. Unit 200 includes a containment material 250 (e.g., soft material) forming the exterior of unit 200, which may be similar to containment material 160 described with respect to the first exemplary embodiment. Unit 200 further includes a webbing and tie-down structure 270 ( Figure 9a -c), similar to the webbing and tie-down structure 180 of the first exemplary embodiment, as will be described below with respect to Fig.13a -c further describes in detail.

[0239] The frame structure 201 includes a front part 202, a rear part 203, and a tie rod 204, which connects the front part 202 and the rear part 203 when the unit 200 is in the deployed state, which will be described in further detail below with respect to Figure 12. The front part 202 is bent in a shape similar to a U-shape and is connected to a base structure 224 at both a first end 210 and a second end 211 via front rotary actuators 220a, 220b. The rear part 203 is shaped similar to the front part 202 in a shape similar to a U-shape and is connected to the base structure 224 at both a first end 212 and a second end 213 via rear rotary actuators 221a, 221b. The front part 202 and the rear part 203 can be shaped similar to the front part 102 and the rear part 103 of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0240] The front member 202 extends from a first end 210 toward the top of the unit 200, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the second side and across the top of the unit 200, and bends approximately 90 degrees toward the bottom of the unit 200 to a second end 211. The rear member 203 extends from a first end 212 toward the top of the unit 200, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the second side and across the top of the unit 200, and bends approximately 90 degrees toward the bottom of the unit 200 to a second end 213. The front member 202 and the rear member 203 may each include one integral piece, or may each include multiple parts that are joined together during assembly.

[0241] The tie rod 204 includes a front intermediate support member 205, a rear intermediate support member 207, and a center intermediate support member 209. The front intermediate support member 205 is bent in a shape similar to a U-shape and is connected to the front member 202 at both the first end 206a and the second end 206b via front rotation joints 216a, 216b. The rear member 203 is shaped similar to the front member 202 in a shape similar to a U-shape and is connected to the base structure 224 at both the first end 212 and the second end 213 via rear rotation actuators 221a, 221b. Similar to the first exemplary embodiment described above, the rear member 203 is slightly shorter than the front member 202 and is mounted to the base structure 224 at a position slightly higher than the front member 202 to facilitate the telescoping of the unit 200.

[0242] The tie rod 204 of the present example is not separable into multiple parts, in contrast to the intermediate support member 104 described above for the first exemplary embodiment, which can be separated into the front intermediate support member 105 and the rear intermediate support member 106 via the actuator 107 to telescope the frame structure 101. In fact, the tie rod 204 can be detached from one or both of the front member 202 and / or the rear member 203 to telescope the frame structure 201. The first end 206a and the second end 206b of the front intermediate support member 205 of the tie rod 204 can be clamped into the front rotation joints 216a, 216b under a pushing force, and can be disengaged from the front rotation joints 216a, 216b under a pulling force. In a similar manner, the first end 208a and the second end 208b of the rear intermediate support member 207 of the tie rod 204 can be clamped into the rear rotation joints 217a, 217b under a pushing force, and can be disengaged from the rear rotation joints 217a, 217b under a pulling force. To telescope the unit 200, the tie rod 204 can be detached from one or both of the front member 202 and / or the rear member 203 of the frame structure 201, as will be described in more detail below.

[0243] See also Figure 9a-b, the frame structure 201 supports the enclosure material 250 that defines the outer and inner surfaces of the unit 200, including the enclosure material 250 for the front 251, the first side 252, the second side 253, the top 254, and the back 255 of the unit 200. Some portions of the enclosure material 250 may be wrapped around the outside of the frame structure 201, while other portions of the enclosure material 250 may be located inside the frame structure 201. In the current example, the enclosure material 250 surrounds the outside of the front part 202 and the back part 203, however, the pull rod 204 is located on the outside of the enclosure material 250 on the top 254 of the unit 200. Therefore, the pull rod 204 can also be used as a handle for carrying the unit 200 in the deployed state.

[0244] See also Fig.13a -b, the frame structure 201 further supports a webbing and tie-down structure 270, which includes a webbing 271 fixed at a first end to the base structure 224 and extending upward along the front of the unit 200, wrapping around the front part 202 of the frame structure 201, and crossing the top of the unit 200 to a second end fixed to the rear part 203 of the frame structure 201, which will be described in more detail below.

[0245] The frame structure 201 may be formed from extruded metal tubing such as aluminum, similar to the first exemplary embodiment. The aluminum tubing provides a rigid frame structure 201 that is strong enough to stabilize the unit 200 but flexible enough to absorb the force of an animal impact and deform to reduce the impact on the animal, as described below with respect to Fig.13c Described in further detail.

[0246] Base structure

[0247] Fig.10a -b shows the base structure 224 of the unit 200 of the second exemplary embodiment. The base structure 224 includes a top portion 225 and a bottom portion 234 that is nested with the top portion 225 sliding into the bottom portion 234. Fig.10a A base structure 224 is shown with a top portion 225 nested with a bottom portion 234; Fig.10b A bottom portion 234 of the base structure 224 is shown.

[0248] The top portion 225 and the bottom portion 234 can be molded of plastic, for example. The top portion 225 includes a bottom 226 and a frame including a front portion 227, side portions 228 (a first side portion 228a and a second side portion 228b), and a rear portion 229. On the front corners of the top portion 225 (on the front portion 227 near the intersection of the front portion 227 and the first side portion 228a; and on the front portion 227 near the intersection of the front portion 227 and the second side portion 228b) are respective front recesses 230 (a first front recess 230a and a second front recess 230b) extending through the top portion 225 to receive and couple to the front rotary actuator 220. Similarly, on the rear corners of the top portion 225 (on the rear portion 229 near the intersection of the rear portion 229 and the first side portion 228a; and on the rear portion 229 near the intersection of the rear portion 229 and the second side portion 228b) are respective rear recesses 231 (first rear recess 231a and second rear recess 231b) that extend through the top portion 225 to receive and couple to the rear rotary actuator 217. Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the rear recess 231 is raised relative to the front recess 230, as shown in FIG. Figure 9b and 10a shown.

[0249] The bottom portion 234 includes a bottom portion 235 and a frame including a front portion 236, side portions 237 (a first side portion 237a and a second side portion 237b), and a rear portion 238. In the rear portion 238 are cutout portions 239 in the bottom portion 235 and the rear portion 238, which contain a latch system 240 of a second exemplary embodiment, as described below with respect to Fig.11a -d is further described. The bottom portion 234 further includes a lock 246 for the latch system 240 in a recess in the bottom 235 .

[0250] Latch system

[0251] The latch system 240 of the second exemplary embodiment includes a pivoting rigid latch. It should be appreciated that the latch may include a sliding retractable rigid latch as described above in the first exemplary embodiment. The latch system 240 is located at the bottom of the unit 200 and can be accessed by a user from the outside of the unit 200 to transition (pivot) the latch 242 into and / or away from the base structure 224 and / or slide the latch 242 from a first position on a first side of the unit 200 to a second position on a second side of the unit 200.

[0252] Fig.11a -d shows the latching system 240 of the unit 200 of the second exemplary embodiment. Fig.11a The latch system 240 is shown without the base structure 224; Fig.11b showing a bottom view of the latch system 240 mounted in the bottom portion 234 of the base structure 224 with the latch 242 pivoted into an extended position on a first side of the unit 200; Fig.11c A bottom view of the latch system 240 is shown with the latch 242 pivoted into a retracted position on a first side of the unit 200; Fig.11d A bottom view of the latch system 240 is shown with the latch 242 pivoted into an extended position on the second side of the unit 200 .

[0253] The latch system 240 includes a bar 241 mounted to the rear portion 238 of the bottom portion 234 within a bottom cutout 239. Two rigid latches 242 (e.g., a first latch 242a and a second latch 242b) are slidably and rotatably coupled to the bar 241 so that the latches 242 can slide along the length of the bar 241 and pivot about the bar 241. The first latch 242a and the second latch 242b are connected with a rigid member therebetween so that a constant distance between the first latch 242a and the second latch 242b is maintained. The latch 242 has a latch end 243 for connecting to an anchor point in the vehicle (e.g., a steel frame structure).

[0254] The latch system 240 further includes two brackets 244 (a first bracket 244a and a second bracket 244b) fixed around the bar 241. The brackets 244 prevent the latch 242 from moving laterally when the latch 242 is pivoted out in the extended position. The brackets 244 further include a connection feature 245 for connecting the webbing 271 to the bottom portion 234, as will be described below with respect to Fig.13a -c further describes in detail.

[0255] like Fig.11b -d, the latch system 240 further includes a locking member 246 for locking and / or unlocking the latch 242. Fig.11b In , the latch 242 is unlocked and positioned on the second side of the unit 200. Fig.11c , the latch 242 is pivoted into the bottom cutout 239 of the rear portion 238 of the bottom portion 234 of the base structure 224. The latch 242 can be coupled to the locking member 246 and locked in the retracted position. Alternatively, the latch 242 can remain unlocked and slide to the first side of the unit 200. Fig.11d , the latch pivots away from the bottom cutout 239 on the first side of the unit 200.

[0256] Expand / telescope

[0257] The unit 200 can be transformed between an expanded state and a telescoping state, similar to the first exemplary embodiment. In the expanded state, the frame structure 201 provides a rigid frame for supporting the enclosure material 250 and the webbing and tie-down structure 270 and defining the interior / exterior aspects of the unit 200. In the telescoping state, the frame structure 201, the enclosure material 250, and the webbing and tie-down structure 270 are folded into the base structure 120, are substantially flush with the base structure, or are adjacent to the base structure to provide a slim configuration for easy carrying.

[0258] When the unit 200 is in the deployed state for transporting animals in a vehicle, the pull rod 204 rigidly extends from the front swivel joint 216 of the front part 202 to the rear swivel joint 217 of the rear part 203. The front swivel joint 216 is oriented perpendicularly to the front part 202 to guide the front intermediate support member 205 to the rear. The rear intermediate support member 207 is received in the rear swivel joint 217, which is oriented perpendicularly to the rear part 203 toward the front. When the ends 206a, 206b of the front intermediate support member 205 or the first end 208a and the second end 208b of the rear intermediate support member 207 are separated from the front swivel joint 216 and the rear swivel joint 217 to, for example, telescope the unit 200, the front swivel joint 216 can be rotated 90 degrees and oriented toward the bottom of the unit 200, and / or the rear swivel joint 217 can be rotated 90 degrees and oriented toward the bottom of the unit 200. If the tie rod 204 remains connected, rotation of the rear rotational joint 217 will cause the tie rod 204 to be located within, substantially flush with, or adjacent to the component to which it is connected, such as the front component 202 or the rear component 203. Alternatively, the tie rod 204 can be detached and completely removed from both the front component 202 and the rear component 203.

[0259] The front rotary actuator 220 can then be rotated 90 degrees and oriented toward the rear so that the front component 202 is received within, substantially flush with, or adjacent to the base structure 224, whereupon the rear rotary actuator 221 can be rotated 90 degrees and oriented toward the front so that the rear component 203 is substantially flush with or adjacent to the telescoping front component 202. As described above, the rear component 203 is slightly shorter than the front component 202, and the rear rotary actuator 221 is raised relative to the front rotary actuator 220 so that when the unit 200 is telescoping, the rear component 203 fits tightly against the telescoping front component 202 and / or fits tightly within the telescoping front component. The front rotary actuator 220 and the rear rotary actuator 221 can be locked in any of the positions described above, for example, oriented so that the front component 202 extends toward the top of the unit 200 and defines the front surface of the unit 200, and the rear component 203 extends toward the top of the unit 200 and defines the rear surface of the unit 200 (deployed state), or oriented so that the front component 202 extends toward the rear of the unit 200 and the rear component 203 extends toward the front of the unit 200 (telescoping state). Thus, the frame structure 201 can be locked in the deployed state to provide a rigid frame that defines the interior / exterior of the unit 200, and the frame structure 201 can be locked in the telescoping state to facilitate transportation and / or storage of the unit 200.

[0260] FIG. 12 shows the unit 200 of the second exemplary embodiment transitioning from an expanded state to a telescoping state. In 260, the unit 200 is in an expanded state. The tie rod 204 is connected to the front member 202 and the rear member 203 to form a rigid connection between the members. To disengage the tie rod 204, the end 206 of the front intermediate support member 205 of the tie rod 204 is disengaged from the front member 202. Alternatively, the end 208 of the rear intermediate support member 207 can be disengaged from the rear member 203. In 261, the front member 202 is telescoping toward the base structure 224 via the front rotary actuator 220. In 262, the front member 202 is stored substantially flush with the base structure 224, and in 263, the tie rod 204 is telescoping toward the rear member 203 via the rear rotary joint 217. In 264, the tie rod 204 is folded under the rear member 203. Finally, at 265, the rear component 203 is telescoped toward the base structure 224 via the rear rotary actuator 221. At 266, the rear component 203 is stored substantially flush with the base structure 224.

[0261] Webbing and tie-downs

[0262] The unit 200 is reinforced with webbing 271 and tie-down structures 270 that provide additional reinforcement to the unit when the unit 200 is installed in a vehicle. The webbing 271 extends across the bottom, front, and top of the unit 200 to absorb forces that may be applied to the unit 200 in a car crash (e.g., in the event that an animal inside is thrown against the inside of the unit). The tie-downs 280 on the top / rear of the unit 200 are configured to be secured to an anchor point in the vehicle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any known connector for coupling to a vehicle anchor point may be used for any of the connections described with respect to the exemplary embodiments. These features, in conjunction with the latch 242 rigidly mounted to the base structure 224 of the unit 200, provide a continuous protective ring (e.g., 360 degree support) around the unit 200. Alternatively, for any of the embodiments described herein, the protective ring may only extend about 270 degrees, as the back of the seat on which the unit 200 is mounted may provide protection against the event that the animal is thrown backward.

[0263] Fig.13a The webbing and tie-down structure 270 of the unit 200 of the second exemplary embodiment assembled with the frame structure 201 and the base structure 224 is shown. The webbing 271 includes a first span 271a and a second span 271b extending from a rear bracket attachment point 272 (a first rear bracket attachment point 272a and a second rear bracket attachment point 272b) in the latch system 240 of the base structure 224 to a rear frame attachment point 278 on the tie rod 204 or the rear member 203 of the frame structure 201. Each of the first span 271a and the second span 271b includes a bottom portion 273 extending through the bottom portion 234 of the base structure 224 around the bottom 226 of the top portion 225. The webbing 271 continues to the wrap 274 where it wraps around the top portion 225 of the base structure 224 and continues into the front portion 275.

[0264] The webbing 271 is then wrapped 276 around the front member 202 of the frame structure 201. The webbing 271 continues to a top portion 277, and the first span 271a and the second span 271b are joined at a rear frame attachment point 278, which may be located on the tie rod 204 or the rear member 203. In one aspect, the rear bracket attachment point 272 may be defined by a bracket 244 of the latch system 240. The bracket 244 may be rigidly fixed to the base structure 224 so that when the latch 242 is connected to an anchor structure in the vehicle, a rigid continuous loop is formed that extends from the anchor structure in the vehicle to one end of the webbing 271.

[0265] The frame structure 201 further supports a tie 280 secured to the tie rod 204 or the rear member 203. The tie 280 may extend from the top / rear of the unit 200 and attach to an anchor structure in the vehicle (e.g., on the back of a seat). In one aspect, one end of the tie 280 may be directly connected to the webbing 271, and the other end of the tie 280 may be configured to attach to an anchor structure in the vehicle.

[0266] Fig.13b A diagram showing the unit 200 of the second exemplary embodiment installed in a vehicle. As shown, the latch 242 is connected to the steel frame of the car at its latch end 243. A connector 281 at the end of the tie 280 wraps from the rear member 203 of the frame structure 201 to an anchor point on the back of the seat. This forms a complete protective loop of the tie 280 from the latch 242 through the webbing 271 and finally through the anchor attached to the back of the seat.

[0267] Fig.13c Unit 200 is shown deflected under the forces of an automobile crash. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the deformation of unit 200 will be substantially similar to the deformation of unit 100 when experiencing similar forces. Fig.13c As seen in FIG. 1 , in the initial state, the side view of the unit 200 is presented as having a generally square cross-section, wherein the frame structure 201 and the webbing 271 extend over the front and top surface of the unit 200 along a generally similar path. After impact, the animal is thrown forward, impacting the webbing 271 and pushing the webbing 271 forward out of alignment with the frame structure 201. At the same time, as the webbing 271 moves forward beyond the front of the frame structure 201 (i.e., the stretching of the webbing is minimal), the webbing 271 pushes the front of the frame structure 201 backward, while the base remains in the same position as where it is coupled to the anchor point. Thus, in this position, the top of the frame structure 201 is farther back and slightly lower, while the sides of the frame structure 201 have rotated (counterclockwise in this view) to accommodate the movement of the top of the frame structure 201.

[0268] Fig.14 The installation of the unit 200 in a vehicle is shown. In 285, the unit 200 telescopes so that it can fit through the vehicle door. In 286, the latch is pivoted into the deployed position and attached to the steel frame of the vehicle. In 287, the unit 200 is deployed. In 288, the unit 200 is fully deployed.

[0269] Third embodiment

[0270] Fig.15a-b shows a view of an animal enclosure unit 300 according to a third exemplary embodiment. Similar to the unit 200 of the second exemplary embodiment described above, the unit 300 of the third exemplary embodiment generally has six sides (although any other arrangement that provides the desired space for enclosure of an animal may be used) and is described with respect to the front, rear, first side (e.g., left side, relative to the front view), second side (e.g., right side, relative to the front view), bottom, and top. These sides are shown in FIG. Fig.15a -b and omitted in subsequent figures.

[0271] The unit 300 of the third exemplary embodiment has certain features similar to the unit 200 described with respect to the second exemplary embodiment, including certain aspects of the frame structure, base structure, latch system, enclosure material, and webbing and tie-down structure. However, the unit 300 of the third exemplary embodiment includes certain actuation mechanisms that are different from the actuation mechanisms of the second exemplary embodiment, as will be described in detail below. It should be noted that the enclosure material and webbing and tie-down structure of the third exemplary embodiment can be arranged similarly to the enclosure material and webbing and tie-down structure of the second exemplary embodiment, and in Fig.15a - Not shown in b. Fig.15a A perspective view of the display unit 300; Fig.15b Bottom view of display unit 300.

[0272] The unit 300 includes a frame structure 301 coupled to and supported by a base structure 320. The frame structure 301 includes a front member 302, a rear member 303, and at least one intermediate member (e.g., an X-shaped rod 304) that connects the front member 302 and the rear member 303 when the unit 300 is in the deployed state, which will be described below with respect to Fig.16 The front component 302 and the rear component 303 of the third exemplary embodiment can be shaped similarly to the front component 202 and the rear component 203 of the second exemplary embodiment. In this example, the front component 302 further includes a recess (e.g., a slot) for receiving the pin 310 of the X-shaped rod 304 to attach the X-shaped rod 304 to the front component 302, which will be described below.

[0273] The X-shaped rod 304 includes a front portion 305, a middle portion 306, and a rear portion 307. The front portion 305 of this embodiment is attached to the front component 302 of the frame structure 301, and extends in two lengths toward the rear / middle and joins at the middle portion 306, and also extends in two lengths from the middle portion 306 to the rear portion 307 for attachment to the rear component 303 of the frame structure 301, thereby forming a shape similar to an X.

[0274] The X-shaped bar 304 can be detached from either or both of the front component 302 and / or the rear component 303 in a manner similar to the tie bar 204 of the unit 200 of the second exemplary embodiment. In this example, the X-shaped bar 304 is detachable from the front component 302. The X-shaped bar 304 can be detached from the front component 302 via the X-shaped bar release actuator 309. Alternatively or in addition, a joint can be formed at the middle portion 306 of the X-shaped bar 304 at the intersection between the front portion 305 and the rear portion 307 so that the first portion 305 can be hingedly connected or pivoted relative to the rear portion 307 that remains connected thereto.

[0275] Fig.16 The X-bar 304 of the frame structure 301 of the unit 300 of the third exemplary embodiment is shown. The X-bar 304 includes two pins 308 (one pin 308 at the forward end of each length of the front portion 305 of the X-bar 304) that can translate (e.g., can be extended and retracted) relative to the front portion 305 of the X-bar 304. The pins 308 are connected to an X-bar release actuator 309 via respective cables that run through the front portion 305. The X-bar release actuator 309 includes a plunger that can be pressed into and / or withdrawn from the middle portion 306 of the X-bar 304 by a user. To attach the X-bar 304 to the front member 302, the X-bar release actuator 309 can be withdrawn from the middle portion 306, thereby pushing the cables outward (toward the front member 302) and into the recess of the front member 302. To release the X-bar 304 from the front member 302, the X-bar release actuator 309 is pressed into the middle portion 306, thereby pulling the cable inward (away from the front member 302) and retracting the pin 308 from the notch in the front member 302. When the X-bar 304 is released, the unit 300 can be folded down to the telescoping state in a manner similar to that described above for the unit 200 of the second exemplary embodiment.

[0276] The unit 300 further comprises a base structure 320. Similar to the base structure 224 of the second exemplary embodiment. The base structure 320 of the third exemplary embodiment comprises a top portion and a bottom portion that can be molded, for example, from plastic and nested together. Located in the rear portion of the bottom portion is a cutout portion that contains a latch system 330 of the third exemplary embodiment.

[0277] The latch system 330 of the third exemplary embodiment includes a pivoting rigid latch 332 slidably mounted to a bar 331 including two brackets 336 fixed around the bar 331, similar to the latch system 240 of the unit 200 of the second exemplary embodiment. The latch 332 is slidable along the bar 331 between a first position on a first side of the unit 300 and a second position on a second side of the unit 300. The latch 332 includes a latch end 333 configured to be attached to an anchor point in a vehicle in a known manner. The latch system 330 of the third exemplary embodiment includes a latch release actuator 340 for releasing the latch 332 from the vehicle anchor point, a first latch unlock actuator 342 that allows the latch 332 to rotate into an extended position (e.g., a use position), and a second latch unlock actuator 344 that allows the latch 332 to rotate into a retracted position (e.g., a storage position).

[0278] Fig.17a -c shows a latch system 330 on the bottom of the unit 300 of the third exemplary embodiment, which includes a latch release actuator 340, a first latch unlock actuator 342, and a second latch unlock actuator 344. Fig.17a showing the arrangement of the latch release actuator 340; Fig.17b The arrangement of the first latch unlocking actuator 342 is shown; Fig.17c The arrangement of the second latch unlocking actuator 344 is shown.

[0279] like Fig.17a As shown, the latch release actuator 340 is connected to three actuator protrusions 341 adjacent to the bar 331 at a location along the base structure 320, wherein the latch 332 may extend, for example, adjacent to the bracket 336. The actuator protrusions 341 of this embodiment are connected to the latch release actuator 340, for example, via cables, so that actuating the latch release actuator 340 (e.g., pulling the latch release actuator 340 toward the front of the unit 300) causes the actuator protrusions 341 to translate toward the front of the unit 300.

[0280] Each of the latches 332 includes one or more actuator slots 334 that can be coupled to the actuator protrusions 341 when the latches 332 are in the extended position. For example, when the latches 332 are in the first position on the first side of the unit, the actuator protrusions 341 on the first side are received in the actuator slots 334 of the latches 332 on the first side, and the middle actuator protrusions 341 are received in the middle of the actuator slots 334 of the latches 332; and when the latches 332 are in the second position on the second side of the unit, the actuator protrusions 341 on the second side are received in the actuator slots 334 of the latches 332 on the second side, and the middle actuator protrusions 341 are received in the middle of the actuator slots 334 of the latches 332. When the latch release actuator 340 is actuated, movement of the actuator protrusion 341 within the actuator slot 334 releases the latch 332 (e.g., its latch end 333) from the anchor point within the vehicle. Accordingly, the latch release actuator 340 can release the latch 332 when the latch 332 is in any position (e.g., the first position or the second position).

[0281] like Fig.17b As shown, the first latch unlocking actuator 342 is connected to a protrusion 343, which can be connected to any one of the latches 332 (e.g., its latch end 333) to hold the latch 332 in the retracted (stored) position. The first latch unlocking actuator 342 can be actuated (e.g., slid or pulled) to retract the protrusion 343 and unlock the latch 332 so that the latch 332 is free to rotate into the extended (use) position.

[0282] like Fig.17c As shown, the second latch unlocking actuator 344 is connected to a pin 345, which can be received in a pin receiving hole 335 of any one of the latches 332 when the latch 332 is in the extended (use) position. When the pin 345 is received in the pin receiving hole 335, the latch 332 is locked in the extended position. Both latches 332 include a pin receiving hole 335, so only one pin 345 is required to lock the latch 332. The second latch unlocking actuator 344 can be actuated (e.g., slid or pulled) to retract the pin 345 from the pin receiving hole 335 of the latch 332, thereby allowing the latch 332 to rotate freely, such as to transition the latch 332 to the retracted position.

[0283] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the utility model concepts of the above-described embodiments. It will be further understood that structural features and methods associated with one of the embodiments may be incorporated into other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and in fact, modifications are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0284] Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

[0285] Fig.18a -c, 19 shows a view of an animal enclosure unit 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. Similar to the unit 300 of the third exemplary embodiment described above, the unit 400 of the fourth exemplary embodiment generally has six sides (although any other arrangement that provides the desired space for enclosure of animals may be used) and is described with respect to the front, rear, first side (e.g., left side, relative to the front view), second side (e.g., right side, relative to the front view), bottom, and top. These sides are Fig.18a -c and omitted in subsequent figures.

[0286] Unit 400 of the fourth exemplary embodiment includes several alternative embodiments of various features for animal containment units 100, 200, 300. Unit 400 has certain features similar to unit 300 described for the third exemplary embodiment, including certain aspects of the frame structure, base structure, latch system, containment material, and webbing and tie structures. The alternative embodiments described for the fourth exemplary embodiment may be implemented using unit 300 or using other types of animal containment units, and the various features described for unit 400 may be interchanged between embodiments in any suitable manner or may be implemented in other designs of animal containment units, and the present invention is not limited to the specific arrangement described for unit 400 of the fourth exemplary embodiment. Fig.18a A perspective view of the display unit 400; Fig.18b A side view of the display unit 400; Fig.18c A top view of the display unit 400; Fig.19 A view of the display unit 400 with the containment material 406 removed showing the first body panel 407 and the second body panel 408 defining the inflated shape of the unit 400 .

[0287] The unit 400 includes a frame structure 401 coupled to and supported by a base structure 405. The frame structure 401 includes a front member 402, a rear member 403, and an X-shaped rod 404, which connects the front member 402 and the rear member 403 when the unit 400 is in the deployed state. The front member 402 and the rear member 403 of the fourth exemplary embodiment can be shaped similarly to the front member 302 and the rear member 303 of the third exemplary embodiment, respectively. The X-shaped rod 404 can also be shaped similarly to the X-shaped rod 304 described above for the third exemplary embodiment. The exemplary embodiment includes a modification of the attachment / release actuation of the X-shaped rod 404 to be described below. The unit 400 includes an enclosure material 406 supported by the frame structure 401, the exterior of the enclosure material having an inflated shape configured to accommodate an animal, as described above.

[0288] The first body panel 407 surrounds the front part 402 on its front side, and the second body panel 408 surrounds the rear part 403 on its rear side. The first body panel 407 and the second body panel 408 have a rounded shape, but different spatial arrangements can also be adopted. The first body panel 407 and the second body panel 408 are designed so that the X-shaped rod 404 can be appropriately attached to the front part 402 and the rear part 403.

[0289] As mentioned in one or more of the previously disclosed embodiments, the enclosure material 406 positioned around the frame structure 401 can define the exterior and / or interior of the unit 400. The enclosure material 406 includes one or more of the front 482, the first side 484, the second side 486, the top 488, and the rear 490 of the unit 400. In one embodiment, the front 482, the first side 484, the second side 486, the top 488, and the rear 490 are integrally formed as a single unit, thereby making installation and removal of the enclosure material 406 by a user more efficient.

[0290] As previously described, one or more of the enclosure materials 406 (e.g., the front portion 482) may, for example, include a window through which an animal disposed within the interior of the unit 400 can view the exterior of the unit 400, and through which an owner can view the interior of the unit 400. Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the enclosure materials may include a material having an opening formed therein, such as a mesh structure or a shield, which, for example, provides visibility to the interior of the unit 400. One or more of the enclosure materials 406 may include an opening 494 for accessing the interior of the unit 400, such as to place an animal therein or to remove an animal therefrom. A door 496 may be movable relative to the unit 400 to selectively seal or block a portion of the opening 494, thereby retaining the animal within the interior of the unit 400. In one embodiment, the door 496 is integrally formed with a corresponding portion of the enclosure material 406. In such embodiments, the door 496 may pivot to selectively expose and seal the opening 494. For example, the side 484 may include a door 496, and the door 496 may be zipped relative to an adjacent portion of the side 484 to selectively seal the opening 494. In other embodiments, the door 496 may be separate from the unit 400.

[0291] In some embodiments, additional soft objects may be connected to the unit 400 to protect the animals therein in the event of a crash or impact. In the non-limiting embodiments of Figures 32A and 32B, for example, a shock absorbing pad 500 formed of thick foam or other cushioning material can be removably mounted around the unit 400. As shown, the shock absorbing pad 500 can be mounted around the opening 494. In these embodiments, the size and shape of the shock absorbing pad 500 can be complementary to the door 496 and / or the opening 494. In one embodiment, the shock absorbing pad 500 is connected to the door 496 itself, and therefore can move relative to the unit 400 with the door 496. In other embodiments, the shock absorbing pad 500 can be directly connected to the enclosure material 406, for example, around the opening 494. The shock absorbing pad 500 can be removably connected to the enclosure material or the door 496 via any suitable connection mechanism, and the connection mechanism, for example, includes but is not limited to magnets, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro TM ), hook and eye fasteners. In one embodiment, the first portion of the connection mechanism can be arranged around the edge of the impact absorbing pad 500 or around the periphery of the impact absorbing pad, and the second portion of the connection mechanism can be arranged around the perimeter of the door 496 or around the edge of the enclosure material defining the opening 494.

[0292] As an alternative or supplement to the impact absorbing pad 500, a safety net 510 may be connected to the unit 400, for example adjacent to the opening 494 or the door 496. The safety net 510 may be formed via one or more sections of webbing 512. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figures 33A and 33B, the webbing 512 of the safety net 510 includes a first transverse span 514a and a second transverse span 514b, which may extend generally between the front component 402 and / or the first body panel 407 and the rear component 403 and / or the second body panel 408. Although the first span 514a and the second span 514b are shown as being vertically offset and parallel to each other, embodiments in which the first span 514a and the second span 514b are arranged at another angle are also within the scope of the present invention. The webbing 512 may additionally include a fork-shaped component 516 connected to some or each of the one or more spans 514. As shown, the at least one fork member 516 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the first span 514a and the second span 514b. In combination, the one or more spans 514 and the one or more fork members 516 of the webbing 512 cooperate to sufficiently block the opening 494, thereby preventing an animal from being thrown from the unit 400 through the opening 494.

[0293] The safety net 510 may be removably connected to the unit 400 to allow animals to enter or leave the interior of the unit 400 as needed. The safety net 510 may be connected to the unit 400 in any suitable manner. In an embodiment, the safety net 510 may be attached to the unit 400 via at least one quick disconnect mechanism 520. As shown, the quick disconnect mechanism 520 may include one or more hooks, shackles, or hooks 522 arranged at the ends of the transverse spans 514a, 514b. The quick disconnect mechanism 520 may additionally include a plurality of connectors 524, such as D-rings, which are attached to or integral with the unit 400, for example. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the connectors 524 are rigidly mounted or attached to the frame structure 401. Some connectors 524 (e.g., the lower two in the exemplary embodiment) may alternatively be connected to the base structure 405. It should be understood that the impact absorbing pad 500 and the safety net 510 as shown and described may be suitable for use with any embodiment of the animal containment unit disclosed herein.

[0294] The latch system for unit 400 is similar to the latch system of unit 300 of the third exemplary embodiment, except that the latch system of unit 400 includes an auxiliary latch release mechanism. In some animal containment units, when the latches are connected to the vehicle seat, they are typically released by an actuator accessible at the front of the containment unit. In some animal containment units, when the latches are not locked in the proper position (e.g., the rotated position), the actuator at the front of the unit cannot release the latch from the vehicle.

[0295] Fig.20a -b Auxiliary latch release mechanism of display unit 400. Fig.20a A rigid latch 409 is shown including an auxiliary latch release 410 having a dual indicator, such as a colored portion indicating red or green (indicating attachment / release). The latch 409 includes an indicator window 411 for viewing the indicator through the latch 409. The auxiliary latch release 410 is configured to release the corresponding latch 409 from a support structure in a vehicle. The auxiliary latch release 410 may be included on each rigid latch 409 as an auxiliary release mechanism. The primary release mechanism includes a latch release actuator, such as the latch release actuator 340 shown on the unit 300. It should be understood that the unit 400 may include either or both the latch release actuator 340 and the auxiliary latch release 410. The auxiliary latch release 410 may provide a user with another way to release the latch 409 from a support structure in a vehicle. For example, if the latch release actuator 340 fails to release the latch 409 , the user may use the auxiliary latch release 410 to release the latch 409 .

[0296] Fig.20bAn importer 412 is shown, which ensures that the latch 409 is fixed in the connection position. The connection position is the desired position of the latch 409 when the unit 400 is connected to the support structure of the vehicle. As shown, the latch 409 rotates to the connection position and is fixed in place by the importer 412. The importer 412 may include an inclined surface, a beveled surface or other angled surface. As the latch 409 rotates to the connection position, the contact between the angled surface of the latch 409 and the importer 412 causes the importer 412 to translate toward the unlocked position. After the latch 409 is in the connection position, the importer 412 can translate toward the locked position, thereby fixing the latch 409 in the connection position. In one aspect, the importer 412 is biased toward the locked position. In order to release the latch 409 from the connection position, the position release actuator 413 can be actuated. When the position release actuator 413 is actuated, the importer 412 changes from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the latch 409 to rotate away from the connection position.

[0297] Additionally, the latch 409 may protrude from the base 405 at an angle other than directly rearward (relative to, for example, the base 405 of the unit 400), as described in previous embodiments. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a steeper latch angle may facilitate latching of the unit 400 despite variations in vehicle latch and seat angles, and may help the unit 400 remain level in the vehicle despite variations in seat geometry.

[0298] Fig.21a -b shows the steeper latch angle of unit 400. Fig.21a A side view of latch 409 is shown extending at an angle from base 405 . Figure 21b The angle of the unit 400 is shown installed in an exemplary vehicle.

[0299] The X-bar 404 may be designed to improve crash dynamics and improve customer setup. The X-bar 404 includes an actuator 413 to release the X-bar 404 from the front member 402 or the rear member 403, for example to telescope the unit, as described in the previous embodiments above.

[0300] Fig.22a -e shows an actuator 413 configured to release an X-shaped rod 404 from the frame structure 401 (e.g., the front component 402 and / or the rear component 403). The X-shaped rod 404 of this embodiment includes a release actuator 413 on one or both components. In this example, the actuator 413 is attached to the first portion 414 of the X-shaped rod 404 attached to the frame structure 401, rather than the middle portion 415 of the rod. Fig.22a -b shows a view of an X-shaped rod 404 comprising an actuator 413 including two pins 416 configured to be received in corresponding shaped holes 418 on ends 417 of a middle portion 415 of the X-shaped rod 404 . Fig.22c The end 417 of the middle portion 415 of the X-shaped rod 404 is shown separated from the actuator 413 and the first portion 414 of the X-shaped rod 404 is attached to the frame structure 401 . Fig.22d The end 417 of the middle portion 415 of the X-shaped rod 404 is shown attached to the frame structure 401 via a pin 416 . Fig.22e The ramped surface 419 of the pin 416 is shown for automatic locking with the hole 418 on the end 417 .

[0301] Additional features are added to unit 400 to improve its portability and enhance the user experience.

[0302] Fig.23a -b shows a flexible fold lock 420 secured to the base 405 of the unit 400 and attachable to a portion of the enclosure material 406 when the unit 400 is telescoping. Fig.23a A locking member 420 is shown attached to the enclosure material 406. The locking member 420 is rotatably secured to the base 405 via a pin. The locking member 420 may be made of Hytrel 4069. Figure 23b The lock 420 is shown detached from the enclosure material 406 and in a storage position awaiting use when not in use.

[0303] Fig.23c -e shows another aspect: a flexible folding lock 420' is fixed to a portion of the enclosure material 406 and can be attached to the base 405 of the unit 400 when the unit 400 is telescoped. The lock 420' includes a protrusion 431' that connects with a corresponding recess 433' located on the base 405. The protrusion 431' can be positioned within the recess 433' to lock the unit 400 in the storage position.

[0304] Figure 23f -g shows another aspect: a flexible folding locking member 420" is fixed to a portion of the enclosure material 406 and can be attached to the base 405 of the unit 400 when the unit 400 is telescoped. The locking member 420" may include a recess 433", and the base 405 may include a corresponding protrusion 431". The protrusion 431' can be positioned within the recess 433' to lock the unit 400 in a storage position.

[0305] Figure 23h -j shows another aspect: a flexible folding locking member 420"' is fixed to a portion of the enclosure material 406 and can be attached to the base 405 of the unit 400 when the unit 400 is telescoped. The locking member 420"' includes a protrusion 431"', which is connected to a corresponding slot or recess 433"' located on the base 405.

[0306] Fig.24a-b shows a handle 421 on the front of the unit 400 for carrying the unit 400. The handle 421 may be attached to the base 405 or the enclosure material 406. The handle 421 may be part of the unit 400's webbing and tie-down system.

[0307] Fig.25a -b shows the feet 422 on the base 405 that allow the unit 400 to stand upright.

[0308] Fig.24c -d shows the front portion of the handle 421 connected to the base 405. The ends of the handle 421 can extend through the first and second openings 435 and 437 defined by the base 405 and into the interior of the base 405. The gripping portion 436 of the handle 421 is positioned on the exterior of the base 405 for the user to grip. Each respective end of the handle 421 can be connected to a respective boss 438 and 440 on the interior of the base 405 to secure the handle 421 to the base 405.

[0309] In some animal containment units, the containment material is difficult to replace. Therefore, additional features are added to the unit 400 to facilitate the removal and replacement of the containment material 406. In addition, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the removability of the containment material 406 also allows the user to remove the containment material 406 for cleaning, and then replace the containment material 406 on the unit 400.

[0310] Fig.26a -c shows the progression of steps for removing containment material 406 from unit 400. Fig.26a The display enclosure 406 (with the frame structure 401 underneath) and the top portion 423 of the base 405 are raised from the bottom portion 424 of the base 405. Figure 26b A display board 425 (eg, formed of polyethylene (PE)) wherein holes on the bottom edge of the containment material 406 are decoupled from the top portion 423 of the substrate 405 . Fig.26c The display enclosure material 406 rises from the frame structure 401 and the top portion 423 of the base 405.

[0311] Fig.27a -b shows details for removing containment material 406 from unit 400. Fig.27a A bottom view of the base 405 (bottom portion 424) is shown. The bottom portion 424 of the base 405 includes several screws, for example 8 screws, for attachment to the top portion 423. The user can remove these 8 screws and lift the top portion 423, the frame structure 401 and the enclosure material 406 from the bottom portion 424. Figure 27bA view showing the top portion 423 of the base 405, the frame structure 401, and the enclosure material 406 raised from the bottom portion 424. The user can then disconnect the webbing and tie-down structure 426 from the bottom portion 424. The bottom portion 424 can include a PE sheet 427 to cover the components in the bottom portion 424.

[0312] exist Figure 27b In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the webbing and tie-down structure comprises a webbing having two tie-downs or spans (e.g., a first tie-down 426a and a second tie-down 426b) extending from a front attachment point 530, for example, at the bottom portion 424. In some embodiments, for example Fig.34a and 35a , one or more fork-shaped members 532 extend between and connect to the first and second tie bolts 426a, 426b.

[0313] Figure 29-30 Tie guides 470 and 472 are shown connected to the frame structure 401. In one aspect, the tie guides 470 and 472 are connected to the top portion of the front member 402. The tie guides 470 and 472 can receive the tie 426 to align the tie 426 on the unit 400 and hold the tie 426 in place. The tie guides 470 and 472 can also help reduce the load on the front member 402 when outward forces are applied to the front of the unit 400, such as during a crash. Accordingly, each of the first tie 426a and the second tie 426b can extend from the base 405, around the front 482 of the enclosure material 406, through the tie guides 470 and 472, and connect to the tie disconnect 450. In some embodiments, first and second tethers 426a, 426b are integrally formed via a single length of webbing, such that a handle, such as handle 421, is formed, for example, by tether 426 adjacent to the top of unit 400. In other embodiments, the distal ends of tethers 426a, 426b may be connected via a tether disconnect 450.

[0314] Fig.28a -c and Fig.34a-b shows a tie-down disconnect 450 connected between a tie 426 and a vehicle seat 451. The tie-down disconnect 450 may include a first connector 452, a second connector 454, a first tie portion 456, and a second tie portion 458. The first connector 452 and the second connector 454 may be connected to the ends of the first tie portion 456. The first connector 452 and the second connector 454 may be detachably connected to respective first connectors 460 and second connectors 462 connected to the ends of the tie 426. The detachable connection between the tie-down disconnect 450 and the tie 426 allows a user to quickly disconnect the unit 400 from the vehicle seat 451. The first connector 452 and the second connector 454 of the tie-down disconnect 450 and the first connector 460 and the second connector 462 of the tie 426 may include, for example, buckles, side release latches, snap clamps, bolt snaps, shackles, or other types of connectors to quickly and securely attach the tie 426 to the tie-down disconnect 450.

[0315] View now Fig.36 and 37 , examples of connectors 452, 454 of a tie-down disconnect 450 are shown. Connectors 460, 462 of a tie 426 configured to be coupled to respective connectors 452, 454 are also shown. Connectors 452, 454 may include a housing 540, and one end of a first tie portion 456 of a tie-down connector 450 may be coupled thereto. A locking tongue 542 may be included adjacent to and protruding beyond an end 544 of the housing 540, such as opposite an end 546 that receives, for example, the first tie portion 456 of the tie-down connector 450. In one embodiment, an opening or recess 548 is formed in a portion of the locking tongue 542 that is external to the housing 540.

[0316] The connectors 460, 462 of the tie 426 may similarly include a housing 550 to which one end of the tie 426 is connected. In one embodiment, the housing 550 includes an opening 552 extending inwardly from an end 554 of the housing 550, for example, opposite the end receiving the tie 426. The opening 552 may be sized so that the locking tongue 542 may be inserted therein. For example, an engagement member 556 disposed within the housing 550 may be received within the opening 552 formed in the locking tongue 542 to couple the locking tongue 542 to the housing 550. The engagement member 556 may be resilient or may be operably coupled to a biasing member 558 so that the engagement member 556 may be movable to selectively engage the opening 552 of the locking tongue 542. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the engagement member 556 protrudes at an angle toward the area in which the locking tongue 542 is received. Accordingly, as the locking tongue 542 is inserted into the housing 550, the locking tongue 542 contacts the engagement member 556 and applies a force to the engagement member against its bias. Thus, the engagement member 556 is deflected away from the path of movement of the locking tongue 542, or away from the path of movement. Once the locking tongue 542 reaches a position where the opening 548 is aligned with the engagement member 556, the force resisting the bias of the engagement member 556 is removed. Thus, the engagement member 556 will be biased back to its original position, and the engagement between the engagement member 556 and the opening 548 will constrain the movement of the locking tongue 542 away from the connectors 460, 462.

[0317] Connector 460,462 may additionally include actuator 560, such as a button, which is, for example, operable to selectively resist the bias of engagement member 556, so that connector 452,454 is disconnected. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, actuator 560 can move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of latch tongue 542. This movement allows the latch interface to have a more compact configuration. However, embodiments in which actuator 560 can move in another way or direction (such as wherein the actuator is rotatable) are also within the scope of the utility model. The operator can operate actuator 560, which in turn moves engagement member 556 to disengage it from latch tongue 542. In this position, latch tongue 542 is freely movable, and therefore can be separated or disconnected from connector 460,462. It should be appreciated that the interfaces between connectors 452 , 454 and connectors 460 , 462 shown and described herein are intended as examples only and that any removably couplable interfaces are contemplated herein.

[0318] The first tie portion 456 can be slidably connected to the second tie portion 458. The slidable connection between the first and second tie portions 456 and 458 allows the tie disconnect 450 to "self-center" when the tie disconnect 450 connects the unit 400 to the vehicle seat 451. For example, referring to Fig.28b and 28c When the tie-down link 450 is connected to the vehicle seat 451 along an axis offset from the central axis of the unit 400 , the slidable connection allows the first tie portion 456 to move to a position relative to the second tie portion 458 to maintain a taut connection between the first tie portion 456 and the tie 426 .

[0319] When the tie-down disconnect 450 is disconnected from the tie-down 426, the tie-down disconnect 450 can remain in the vehicle when the unit 400 is removed from the vehicle. During installation, the unit 400 can be placed on the vehicle seat 451, the latch 409 can be connected to the vehicle support structure, and the tie-down disconnect 450 can be connected to the tie-down 426. The tie-down disconnect 450 facilitates installation by not requiring the user to directly connect the tie-down 426 to the vehicle seat 451 each time the unit 400 is installed in the vehicle. In one aspect, when the first connector 460 and the second connector 462 on the end of the tie-down 426 are disconnected from the tie-down disconnect 450, the first connector 460 and the second connector 462 can be connected to corresponding connectors (not shown) on the enclosure material 406. The connection of the connectors 460 and 462 to the enclosure material 406 can prevent the tie-down from moving around during transportation outside the vehicle and can help prevent potential strangulation issues.

[0320] Fig.29 and 31 Step components 476 and 478 are shown positioned on base 405. Step components 476 and 478 may be formed as part of base 405 or may be connected and secured to base 405. Step components 476 and 478 may trim enclosure material 406 to form a first side and a second side of unit 400. Step components 476 and 478 may also hold side door flaps (not shown) of enclosure material 406 in place and provide support for the outer walls of base 405.

[0321] The term "about" is intended to encompass the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed.

[0322] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the utility model. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms. It will be further understood that the term "comprising" when used in this specification specifies the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0323] Although the present invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and that equivalents may be substituted for elements of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the basic scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode intended for carrying out the present invention, but that the present invention will include all embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A unit for enclosing an animal on a seat of a vehicle, characterized in that include: a base structure comprising a base, the base comprising a front portion and a rear portion; The framework structure includes: a front member coupled to the front portion of the base; a rear member coupled to the rear portion of the base; as well as a containment material extending at least partially around the frame structure; as well as A webbing structure comprising at least a first span and a second span of webbing, each of the spans including a first end coupled to a respective first anchor point defined by the base structure, the spans extending from the respective first anchor point around an exterior of the frame structure and around the front member to a respective second end of the span, the second end of each of the spans being configured to couple to a rigid connector on or near the seat of the vehicle so that the webbing extends along a desired path around the frame structure and is configured to restrain a pet enclosed within the unit.

2. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The front component includes a first end connected to the front portion of the base on a first side and a second end connected to the front portion of the base on a second side, the front component of the frame structure is shaped into a curve to partially define the front of the unit and partially define the top of the unit, and the rear component includes a first end connected to the rear portion of the base on the first side and a second end connected to the rear portion of the base on the second side, the rear component of the frame structure is shaped into a curve to partially define the rear of the unit and partially define the top of the unit, wherein the span extends along the top portion of the enclosure material covering the top of the unit to the second end connected to a second anchor point.

3. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The base structure further includes a base frame mounted to the base, and wherein the base frame includes a front member, and the first end of the span of webbing is coupled to the front member of the base frame inside the base.

4. The unit according to claim 3, characterized in that The first end of the span of webbing is sewn to the front member of the base frame.

5. The unit according to claim 3, characterized in that The enclosure material includes a front enclosure material that partially defines the front of the unit and is at least partially supported by the front component of the frame structure, the front portion of the enclosure material covers the front of the unit, the front portion of the enclosure material includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the unit further includes a top portion of the enclosure material that covers the top of the unit and is at least partially supported by the front component and the rear component of the frame structure.

6. The unit according to claim 5, characterized in that The span of webbing is woven through at least a portion of the front enclosure material such that a portion of the span is outside the outer surface of the front enclosure material and another portion of the span is inside the outer surface of the front enclosure material.

7. The unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The enclosure material includes at least two layers, and the span of webbing is woven through a first of the layers and not woven through a second of the layers.

8. The unit according to claim 3, characterized in that The span surrounds an outer surface of the front member of the base frame.

9. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The framework structure further comprises: A first intermediate component and a second intermediate component, each having a first end connected to the front component and a second end connected to the rear component, the first intermediate component and the second intermediate component are outside the outer surface of the enclosure material, and wherein the first span of the webbing extends along the first intermediate component across the outer surface of the enclosure material, and the second span of the webbing extends along the second intermediate component across the outer surface of the enclosure material.

10. The unit according to claim 9, characterized in that The first intermediate member and the second intermediate member of the frame structure each include a loop structure through which the span of webbing extends.

11. The unit according to claim 10, characterized in that The first and second middle parts of the frame structure each include a front middle part and a rear middle part that can be removed via a sliding actuator, and the sliding actuator can translate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the sliding actuator slides over the front middle part and is removed from the rear middle part, and in the second position, the sliding actuator slides over the rear middle part and attaches the front middle part and the rear middle part, and wherein when the sliding actuator translates, the ring structure of the sliding actuator slides over the span of the webbing.

12. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that Further including: a tie-down structure comprising at least two spans, each of the spans of the tie-down structure comprising a first end coupled to the rear member, the second ends of the spans being joined together at a joint, the tie-down structure further comprising an integral span extending from the first end at the joint to a second end on which a tie-down latch is adjustably positioned, Wherein the tie latch is configured to attach to the rigid connector on or near the seat of the vehicle.

13. The unit according to claim 12, characterized in that The first end of the span of the tie-down structure is adjacent to the second end of the span of webbing.

14. The unit according to claim 12, characterized in that The first end of the span of the tie-down structure is sewn around the rear component.

15. The unit according to claim 9, characterized in that The first end of the span of webbing is coupled to a rigid bracket at the rear portion of the base.

16. The unit according to claim 15, characterized in that The span extends from the first end within the interior of the base structure, wraps around a front portion of the base structure, and continues outside the outer surface of the front portion of the enclosure material covering the front of the unit.

17. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The rigid connector on or near the seat of the vehicle is a first rigid connector, and the unit further comprises: A latch is coupled to the frame structure, the latch being configured to couple the frame structure to a second rigid connector on or near the seat of the vehicle.

18. The unit according to claim 17, characterized in that The second rigid connector is spaced apart from the first rigid connector.

19. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The second ends of the first span and the second span of webbing are configured to be coupled directly to the rigid connector on or near the seat of the vehicle.

20. A unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle, characterized in that include: a base structure comprising a base, the base comprising a front portion and a rear portion; as well as A frame structure that transitions between an expanded state and a telescoping state, the frame structure comprising: a front member including a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the front member being rotatably coupled to the front portion of the base, the front member being shaped to partially define a front of the unit and partially define a top of the unit when the frame structure is in the deployed state, a rear member including a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the rear member being rotatably coupled to the rear portion of the base, the rear member being shaped to partially define a rear of the unit and partially define the top of the unit when the frame structure is in the deployed state, At least one intermediate component, which includes a first end rotatably connected to the front component or the rear component via a rotational joint, and a second end, wherein the second end is attached to a corresponding part of the frame structure when the frame structure is in the expanded state, so that a connection is formed between the front component and the rear component via the at least one intermediate component, and when the frame structure is to be transformed into the telescopic state, the front component and the rear component are rotated to a telescopic position, in which the at least one intermediate component is inside the front component or the rear component or flush with the front component or the rear component.

21. The unit according to claim 20, characterized in that When the frame structure is to be transferred to the telescoping state, the second end of the at least one intermediate component is detached from the corresponding portion of the frame structure.

22. The unit according to claim 20, characterized in that The at least one intermediate component comprises two intermediate components, each comprising a front intermediate component and a rear intermediate component that are detachable via a sliding actuator, the sliding actuator being translatable between a first position and a second position, in which the sliding actuator slides over the front intermediate component and is detached from the rear intermediate component, and in which the sliding actuator slides over the rear intermediate component and attaches the front intermediate component to the rear intermediate component.

23. The unit according to claim 22, characterized in that The slide actuator includes a first opening and a second opening for receiving a button extending away from an exterior of the front intermediate component, wherein in the first position the button is received in the first opening and in the second position the button is received in the second opening.

24. The unit according to claim 20, characterized in that Further including: a first front rotary actuator rotatably coupled to the front portion of the base on a first side; a second front rotary actuator rotatably coupled to the front portion of the base on a second side; a first rear rotary actuator rotatably coupled to the rear portion of the base on the first side; as well as A second rear rotary actuator is rotatably coupled to the rear portion of the base on the second side.

25. The unit according to claim 24, characterized in that After the at least one intermediate component is brought into the telescoping position, the first front rotary actuator and the second front rotary actuator are rotated to a stowed position in which the front component is within or flush with the base structure or the rear component, and the first rear rotary actuator and the second rear rotary actuator are rotated to cause the rear component to be within or flush with the base structure or the front component.

26. The unit according to claim 24, characterized in that The first and second rear rotary actuators are positioned higher relative to the base than the first and second front rotary actuators such that the rear component is flush on top of the front component when the frame structure is in the telescoping state.

27. The unit according to claim 24, characterized in that The first front rotary actuator and the second front rotary actuator can be locked in a first position and a second position, wherein the first position, the front part of the frame structure extends perpendicular to the base, and the second position, the front part extends parallel to the base, and wherein the first rear rotary actuator and the second rear rotary actuator can be locked in a first position and a second position, wherein the first position, the rear part of the frame structure extends perpendicular to the base, and the second position, the rear part extends parallel to the base.

28. The unit of claim 20, wherein: The at least one intermediate component is detachable from the front component or the rear component while remaining attached to the other of the front component or the rear component such that the at least one intermediate component is rotatable with the rotational joint.

29. The unit according to claim 28, characterized in that The at least one intermediate component is detachable from the front component or the rear component via a release actuator mounted to the at least one intermediate component.

30. The unit according to claim 29, characterized in that The release actuator withdraws at least one pin extending away from the at least one intermediate component from a corresponding notch in the front component or the rear component.

31. A unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle, characterized in that include: a base structure comprising a base and a base frame, the base frame comprising a front member and a rear member mounted to the base; as well as A latch bracket is movably coupled to the base frame, the latch bracket containing a latch configured to rigidly couple to an anchor point of the unit to within the vehicle.

32. The unit according to claim 31, characterized in that The latch bracket is slidably connected to the front part of the base frame via a front guide, the front guide extending from the front part of the latch bracket connected to the front part of the base frame, and the latch bracket is slidably connected to the rear part of the base frame via a rear guide, the rear guide extending from the rear part of the latch bracket connected to the rear part of the base frame.

33. The unit according to claim 31, characterized in that The latch bracket is translatable relative to the base in a direction parallel to the front member and the rear member.

34. The unit of claim 31, wherein: The base includes a front portion and a rear portion, the front component is arranged at the front portion, and the rear component is arranged at the rear portion, the unit further comprising: a first side actuator coupled to the base structure and accessible from an exterior of the unit to lock the latch bracket in a first position such that the latch extends out of the rear portion of the base on a first side; and a second side actuator coupled to the base structure and accessible from the exterior of the unit to lock the latch bracket in a second position such that the latch extends out of the rear portion of the base on a second side, The latch bracket can be released from the first side actuator or the second side actuator by pulling the first side actuator or the second side actuator relative to the base structure.

35. The unit according to claim 34, characterized in that The first side actuator and the second side actuator include features for receiving corresponding shaped features of the latch bracket to lock the latch bracket.

36. The unit of claim 31, wherein: The latch is transitionable to an extended position extending out of the rear portion of the base frame or to a retracted position retracted into the rear portion of the base frame.

37. The unit according to claim 36, characterized in that The latch is telescopic.

38. A unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle, characterized in that include: a base structure comprising a base including a rear cutout portion; as well as a latch system mounted in the rear cutout portion of the base and accessible from the bottom of the unit, the latch system comprising a bar extending across the rear cutout portion and secured to the base, the latch system further comprising a plurality of latches slidably and rotatably coupled to the bar for rigidly coupling the unit to an anchor point within the vehicle, wherein the latches are coupled to one another such that a desired distance between the latches is maintained, the latch system further comprising a bracket around the bar for preventing the latches from sliding when the latches are adjacent to the bracket, wherein the latch is positionable along the bar in a first position on a first side of the unit, or in a second position along the bar on a second side of the unit.

39. The unit according to claim 38, characterized in that The latch is transitionable from a retracted position, in which the latch is withdrawn into the base, to an extended position, in which the latch is pivoted about the bar and extends out from the base.

40. The unit according to claim 39, characterized in that Further including: a latch release actuator connected to the protrusion and configured to translate the protrusion, wherein at least one latch includes a slot for receiving the protrusion, the latch release actuator being configured such that when the latch release actuator is actuated, the protrusion translates, causing the latch to release from an anchor point to which the latch is attached.

41. The unit of claim 39, wherein: The bracket prevents the latch from sliding along the bar when the latch is in the extended position, and the bracket does not prevent the latch from sliding along the bar when the latch is in the retracted position.

42. The unit of claim 39, wherein: The latch is lockable in the retracted position in the base.

43. The unit according to claim 42, characterized in that Further including: A latch unlocking actuator in the base structure is connected to the protrusion and is configured to translate the protrusion, wherein a first latch in the latch includes a groove for receiving the protrusion, and the latch unlocking actuator is configured so that when the latch unlocking actuator is actuated, the protrusion translates so that the first latch is released from the retracted position and freely transitions to the extended position.

44. The unit of claim 39, wherein: The latch is lockable in the extended position in the base.

45. The unit of claim 44, characterized in that Further including: a latch unlocking actuator in the base structure connected to the pin and configured to translate the pin, wherein A first of the latches includes a hole for receiving the pin, and the latch unlock actuator is configured such that when the latch unlock actuator is actuated, a protrusion translates so that the first latch is released from the extended position and freely transitions into the retracted position.

46. ​​A unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle, characterized in that include: a base structure comprising a base and a base frame, the base comprising a front portion and a rear portion, and the base frame comprising a front member mounted to the front portion of the base and a rear member mounted to the rear portion of the base; a latch system coupled to the front member and the rear member of the base frame, the latch system comprising a plurality of latches configured to releasably couple the unit to anchor points within the vehicle, the latches mounted to respective intermediate members slidably coupled to respective side members of the latch system such that the latches are transitionable between an extended position in which the latches extend out of the rear portion and a retracted position in which the latches are retracted into the rear portion; as well as an actuator coupled to the latch system and accessible from the exterior of the unit for locking the intermediate member relative to the side members so that the latch is locked in the extended position or the retracted position, the actuator being operable to unlock the intermediate member relative to the side members so that the latch can transition between the extended position and the retracted position.

47. The unit according to claim 46, characterized in that The actuator is mounted to a front member via the front portion of the base.

48. The unit of claim 47, wherein: The latch system is translatable within the base in a direction parallel to the front component of the base frame, wherein a slot is formed in the front portion of the base so that the actuator can translate along with the latch system.

49. A unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle, characterized in that include: a base structure comprising a base, the base comprising a rear portion; as well as a latch system mounted in the rear portion of the base, the latch system comprising a bar secured to the base, the latch system further comprising latches rotatably coupled to the bar for rigidly coupling the unit to an anchor point within the vehicle, wherein the latches are coupled to one another so that a distance between the latches is maintained, The latch can be moved from an extended position outside the base to a retracted position inside the base by rotating the latch about the rod.

50. The unit of claim 49, wherein: The latch system further includes a bracket around the bar to prevent the latch from sliding when the latch is adjacent to the bracket.

51. The unit of claim 49, wherein: The latch is lockable in the retracted position in the base via a lock accessible on the bottom of the base.

52. A unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle, characterized in that include: a base comprising an anterior portion and an opposing posterior portion; as well as a latching system coupled to the base, the latching system comprising: a plurality of latches configured to releasably couple the unit to an anchor point within the vehicle, the latches being movable to the base such that the latches are transitionable between an extended position in which the latches extend out of the rear portion and a retracted position in which the latches are withdrawn into the rear portion; as well as An actuator is coupled to the base and accessible from an exterior of the unit, the actuator being configured to release the latch from the anchor point within the vehicle.

53. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The actuator is configured to release each of the plurality of latches simultaneously.

54. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The latch system includes a latch bracket to which the plurality of latches are connected, wherein the latch bracket is translatable within the base in a direction parallel to the front portion and the rear portion of the base from a first position on a first side of the unit to a second position on a second side of the unit, and wherein the actuator is configured to release the latches when the latch bracket is in either of the first position and the second position.

55. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The unit comprises a body panel defining an inflated shape of the exterior of the unit.

56. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The latch system includes an auxiliary latch release mechanism including an actuator on the latch including an attachment / release indicator, and an indicator window on the latch.

57. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The unit includes a lead-in for securing the latch in a connected position to connect the unit to a support structure of the vehicle.

58. The unit of claim 57, wherein: The introducer includes an angled surface such that as the latch is rotated to the connected position, contact between the latch and the angled surface causes the introducer to translate toward an unlocked position.

59. The unit of claim 58, wherein: When the latch is in the connected position, the introducer translates toward a locked position.

60. The unit of claim 59, wherein: The introducer is biased toward the locked position.

61. The unit of claim 59, wherein: The unit includes a position release actuator for transitioning the introducer from the locked position to the unlocked position to rotate the latch away from the connected position.

62. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The latch is angled relative to the base to level the unit on a seat of a vehicle.

63. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The frame structure of the unit includes an X-shaped bar, and the X-shaped bar has a release actuator attached to the front part or the rear part, and the release actuator includes a pin that can be slidably received in a corresponding hole on the end of the part of the X-shaped bar to lock the X-shaped bar relative to the front part or the rear part.

64. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The unit includes a fold lock for attaching the base to the enclosure material when the unit is in the telescoping state.

65. The unit of claim 64, wherein: The fold lock includes a protrusion that connects with a corresponding notch or recess on the base.

66. The unit of claim 64, wherein: The fold lock includes a notch that connects with a corresponding protrusion on the base.

67. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The unit includes a handle.

68. The unit of claim 67, wherein: The handle extends through first and second openings defined by the base and into the interior of the base.

69. The unit of claim 68, wherein: An end of the handle within the base connects with a corresponding boss on the interior of the base to secure the handle to the base.

70. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The unit includes feet on the base to enable the unit to stand upright.

71. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The unit includes a frame structure and a containment material extending at least partially around the frame structure, wherein the containment material can be removed from the unit by disconnecting the top portion of the base from the bottom portion, disconnecting the containment material from the top portion and the frame structure, and sliding the containment material away from the frame structure.

72. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The unit includes a tie-down link including a first connector connected to an end of a first tie-down portion slidably connected to a second tie-down portion and a second connector.

73. The unit of claim 72, wherein: The slidable connection between the first tie portion and the second tie portion allows the first tie portion to move relative to the second tie portion to a position to maintain a taut connection between the first tie portion and the tie.

74. The unit of claim 72, wherein: The tie down disconnect is capable of remaining in the vehicle when the unit is removed from the vehicle.

75. The unit of claim 52, wherein: The unit includes a frame structure and a tie-down guide connected to the frame structure for receiving the tie-down to align the tie-down on the unit.

76. The unit of claim 71, wherein: The unit includes a stepped feature on the base to trim the enclosure material to form a first side and a second side of the unit.

77. A unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle, characterized in that include: Base structure; a frame structure coupled to the base; an enclosure material extending at least partially around the frame structure, the base structure, the frame structure and the enclosure material cooperating to define an enclosed area of ​​the unit; an opening formed in the enclosure material to provide access to the enclosed area; as well as An impact absorbing pad is removably mountable to the unit adjacent the opening.

78. The unit of claim 77, wherein: The impact absorbing pad is removably connectable to a door, the impact absorbing pad being movable with the door relative to the opening.

79. The unit of claim 78, wherein: The door is integrally formed with the enclosure material.

80. The unit of claim 77, wherein: The impact absorbing pad can be removably connected to the surrounding material proximate the opening.

81. The unit of claim 77, wherein: Further included is a door movable relative to the enclosure material to selectively seal the opening.

82. The unit according to claim 81, characterized in that The door is movable relative to the impact absorbing pad.

83. The unit of claim 77, wherein: The impact absorbing pad is formed of a foam material.

84. The unit of claim 77, wherein: The impact absorbing pad is removably mountable to the single-cell hook and loop fastener.

85. The unit of claim 77, wherein: The impact absorbing pad may be removably mounted to the unit via magnets.

86. The unit of claim 77, wherein: The impact absorbing pad may be removably mounted to the unit via buckles.

87. A unit for enclosing an animal on a seat in a vehicle, characterized in that include: Base structure; a frame structure coupled to the base; an enclosure material extending at least partially around the frame structure, the base structure, the frame structure and the enclosure material cooperating to define an enclosed area of ​​the unit; an opening formed in the enclosure material to provide access to the enclosed area; as well as A safety net is removably mountable to the unit in an arrangement overlapping the opening.

88. The unit of claim 87, wherein: The safety net further comprises a plurality of lengths of webbing arranged to block the opening.

89. The unit of claim 87, wherein: The safety net is removably connectable to the unit via at least one quick disconnect mechanism.

90. The unit of claim 89, wherein: The at least one quick connect mechanism includes a connector attached to the unit and a buckle disposed at an end of the safety net.

91. The unit of claim 90, wherein: The connector is rigidly attached to the frame structure.

92. The unit of claim 90, wherein: The connector is rigidly attached to the base structure.

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