Pet accommodating device

Abstract

A pet receiving device includes a tubular member back pivotable relative to a base member bottom. The base member is connectable to an anchor point in the vehicle. The pet containing device comprises a base component and a back component, the base component and the back component are connected to conduct pivoting movement relative to each other between a folding position and a using position, the base component can be connected to an anchoring point in a vehicle, and when the base component is in the using position, the back component is connected to the anchoring point. The base member and the back member define at least a portion of an interior space for receiving a pet / animal. The pet containing device can further comprise a foldable barrier part attached to the base component, and when the foldable barrier part is located at the unfolding position, the foldable barrier part extends between the base component and the back component and at least partially defines an inner space used for containing a pet / animal. The pet containing device has the advantages of being capable of providing the smallest tubular frame structure, easy to install, light in structure, compact in folding size and the like.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 583,440, filed on September 18, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 508,714, filed on June 16, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 648,783, filed on May 17, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to pet containment systems. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a pet containment system for securely positioning a pet or animal in a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] Many people consider their pets as family members or companions. Thus, pet owners often drive with their pets to vacation destinations, to the veterinarian, or for a ride around town. Pet carriers or pet vests can be used in conjunction with vehicle seat belts to prevent pets from wandering within the vehicle and / or exiting the vehicle. However, these devices can be overly restrictive and generally do not adequately secure pets in the event of a sudden change in vehicle speed or direction. Additionally, loading an animal into a cage in a vehicle can be difficult and / or wearing a pet vest can be cumbersome for some animals. Pets that are improperly restrained during a collision are more likely to be injured and to injure vehicle occupants. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] According to one embodiment, a pet containment device includes a back member that pivots relative to the bottom of a base member to define an interior space capable of receiving a pet / animal. The base member can be connected to an anchor point in a vehicle, such as a vehicle's LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) restraint system, an ISOFIX anchor, or other suitable vehicle anchor point(s).

[0006] According to one aspect of the present utility model, a pet containment device includes a base member and a back member. The base member and the back member are coupled to pivot relative to each other between a stowed position and a use position. The base member can be connected to an anchor point in a vehicle, and the base member and the back member define at least part(s) of an interior space for receiving a pet / animal in the use position.

[0007] The base member may include a pivot sub-assembly, and the back member can be coupled to the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly may include at least one latch member for coupling to an anchor point in a vehicle. The latch member may be movable relative to the pivot sub-assembly. The pet containment device includes a collapsible barrier that can be attached to the base member and, when in the deployed position, extends between the base member and the back member and at least partially defines the interior space. The collapsible barrier can be secured to the back member. The collapsible barrier can move independently relative to the back member. The collapsible barrier may at least include a reinforcement pivotally attached to the pivot sub-assembly. The collapsible barrier may include a net. The collapsible barrier may include an attachment for securing to a vehicle anchor point. The back member may include an upper attachment for securing to a vehicle anchor point. The collapsible barrier includes a reinforcing member extending from the base member to the back member.

[0008] The pet containment device may further include a collapsible barrier that includes a pivot arm attached to the base member and, when in the deployed position, extends between the base member and the back member and at least partially defines the interior space, wherein the pivot sub-assembly includes a locking mechanism for securing the pivot arm in at least one of a stowed position or a deployed position. The locking mechanism may include a lock body located on the pivot sub-assembly that has at least one slot for receiving a pin of the pivot arm such that movement of the pivot arm is constrained by movement of the pin within the at least one slot of the lock body. The at least one slot may include an arcuate portion and at least one detent portion for locking the pivot arm in the deployed or stowed position. The pin may be biased to engage at least one detent portion of the slot. The at least one detent portion of the slot extends radially from the arcuate portion of the slot. The locking mechanism may further include an actuator operatively coupled to the pin for selectively aligning the pin with the arcuate portion of the slot to enable movement of the pivot arm. The actuator may be supported on the pivot arm. The base member and the back member may include cooperating features for securing the back member in at least one of a stowed position or a use position. The cooperating features may include a recess associated with one of the base member or the back member and a protrusion associated with the other of the base member or the member.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present utility model, a pet containment device includes: a base member; a back member; and a foldable barrier portion attached to the base member, which extends between the base member and the back member when in the deployed position and at least partially defines an internal space; the base member and the back member are coupled to pivot relative to each other between a stowed position and a use position; wherein the base member can be connected to an anchor point in a vehicle; and wherein when in the use position, the base member and the back member define at least a part of the internal space for receiving a pet / animal.

[0010] The foldable barrier portion can be fixed to the back member. The foldable barrier portion can move independently relative to the back member. The foldable barrier portion includes at least one reinforcement member pivotally attached to a pivot subassembly. The foldable barrier portion includes a net. The foldable barrier portion includes an attachment for fixing to a vehicle anchor point. The foldable barrier portion includes a strengthening member extending from the base member to the back member.

[0011] The beneficial effects of the present utility model are as follows: The pet containment device according to the present utility model has the advantages of a minimum tubular frame structure, easy installation, a lightweight structure, and a compact folding size. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following description should not be regarded as any form of limitation. Referring to the drawings, like elements are given like reference numerals:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pet containment device without soft goods according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a front view of the pet containment device;

[0015] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side view of the pet containment device;

[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pet containment device with soft goods Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a front view of the pet containment device;

[0018] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a side view of the pet containment device;

[0019] Figures 7A to 7D is Figure 1Side view of a pet containment device, showing multiple progressive stages between opening and closing the pet containment device;

[0020] Figure 8A is Figure 1 Perspective view of the pet containment device in a folded state;

[0021] Figure 8B is Figure 8A Side view of the pet containment device;

[0022] Figure 9A is Figure 1 Side view of the pet containment device, with some parts omitted to show plastic reinforcements;

[0023] Figure 9B is Figure 9A Partial detail view;

[0024] Figure 10 is a side view of a pet containment device installed in a vehicle and containing an animal Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figures 11A to 11D is a perspective view, front view, side view, and top view showing the pet containment device installed in a vehicle Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figures 12A to 12C is a perspective view, front view, and side view showing the pet containment device installed in a vehicle and containing an animal Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a pet containment device according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 13B is Figure 13A Side view of the pet containment device, showing a plastic base;

[0029] Figure 14 is a perspective view of another exemplary pet containment device in a closed position according to the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a pet containment device with an extended LATCH arm Figure 14 ;

[0031] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the pet containment device in an open position Figure 14 ;

[0032] Figure 17A pet containment device with a pivoting enclosure in a use position Figure 16 Perspective view of the pet containment device

[0033] Figure 18 Is in the first position Figure 14 Side view of the locking mechanism of the pet containment device

[0034] Figure 19 Is in the second position Figure 14 Side view of the locking mechanism of the pet containment device

[0035] Figure 20 Is in the third position Figure 14 Side view of the locking mechanism of the pet containment device

[0036] Figure 21 Perspective view of the actuator of the locking mechanism in a locked state

[0037] Figure 22 Perspective view of the actuator of the locking mechanism in an unlocked state

[0038] Figure 23 Is Figure 14 Perspective view of a part of the pet containment device, showing the retaining mechanism in the first position

[0039] Figure 24 Is Figure 14 Perspective view of a part of the pet containment device, showing the retaining mechanism in the second position

[0040] Figure 25 Perspective view of another exemplary pet containment device according to the present disclosure

[0041] Figure 26 Perspective view of another exemplary pet containment device according to the present disclosure

[0042] Figure 27 Side view of the pet containment device and the trolley according to the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 28 Is Figure 27 Perspective view of the trolley Detailed Description

[0044] The detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed devices and methods is presented by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings

[0045] Refer to Figures 1 to 9B And first refer to Figures 1 to 6, an example of a pet containment device according to the present disclosure is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 20. As shown, the pet containment device 20 has a bottom or base member 22 and a back member 24 for placement on the seat bottom and seat back in a vehicle, respectively. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the base member 22 and the back member 24 each generally include a substantially U-shaped tubular frame composed of one or more segments. A panel 28 is supported by a pivot sub-assembly 30 and / or the back member 24 for pivotal movement. In various embodiments, such a panel 28 may or may not be provided on either or both of the base member 22 and the back member 24. The panel 28 or portions thereof may be formed of a variety of different materials such as plastics, thermoformed fabrics, rigid plastics, soft plastics, etc. The base member 22, the back member 24, and / or the pivot sub-assembly 30 may include a rigid frame, such as the tubular frame described above, which may be formed of metal, metal wrapped in plastic, or the like.

[0046] Both the base member 22 and the back member 24 are capable of pivoting about a pivot axis 26 via a pivot sub-assembly 30 that joins the U-shaped tubular frames of the base member 22 and the back member 24. The U-shaped frame may be releasably or permanently secured to the pivot sub-assembly 30 via fasteners 31 such as screws, bolts, rivets, spring pins, etc. The pivot sub-assembly 30 allows the back member 24 to fold towards the base member 22. In this regard, the pet containment device 20 can be folded from Figure 7A the use position shown in Figure 7D to the folded position shown in Figure 7B and Figure 7C show the pet containment device 20 in an intermediate state between the use position and the folded position.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 to 6 , a pivot enclosure 50 (such as but not limited to a fabric member, net, grid, or panel) extends between the base member 22 and the back member 24. The pivot enclosure 50 provides a collapsible barrier for enclosing a pet. The peripheral portions of the pivot enclosure 50 are secured to the U-shaped frames of the base member 22 and the back member 24. In one example, the U-shaped frame is telescoped through a pocket or loop of the pivot enclosure 50. The pivot enclosure 50 may include one or more stiffeners 52 that are connected to the pivot sub-assembly 30 for pivotal movement. The stiffeners 52 may include a U-shaped structure (e.g., bows) configured to support the pivot enclosure 50 in an extended state. The stiffeners 52 are configured to fold with the pivot enclosure 50 when the pet containment device 20 is in the folded position.

[0048] The pivot enclosure 50 may include a plurality of panels, which in some embodiments may include a mesh panel 54 and / or a fabric panel 56. Longitudinal reinforcement strips 60 and transverse reinforcement strips 62 are arranged across the pivot enclosure 50 in a grille or net-like form. For example, the longitudinal reinforcement strips 60 may be arranged to intersect the transverse reinforcement strips 62 in a vertical, substantially vertical or angled arrangement. In some embodiments, the transverse reinforcement strips 62 may be omitted. Although two longitudinal reinforcement strips 60 are shown, one, two, three, four or more longitudinal reinforcement strips may be provided in various embodiments. It should be understood that both ends of the longitudinal reinforcement strips 60 are securely anchored to the structural elements of the device (such as the base member 22, the back member 24 and / or the frame elements). Generally, the reinforcement strips 60, 62 help to form a protective circle around the animal occupant, as Figure 10 shown in

[0049] When installed on a vehicle seat, the pivot enclosure 50, portions of the base member 22 and the back member 24, the panel 28 and / or the surface of the seat define an enclosed volume in which a pet can be housed. When the pivot enclosure 50 is in the Figures 4 to 6 deployed position shown, a pet can be accommodated within the device 20. These transverse reinforcement strips 60 may be generally aligned with the corresponding stiffeners 52. In this regard, the stiffeners 52 may be coupled to the corresponding transverse reinforcement strips 62. The stiffeners 52 may be formed of a relatively rigid material or a tough flexible material (such as plastic rods, nylon webbing, etc.) and may be sewn into the reinforcement strips 60 and / or 62 to provide a soft goods structure. In the illustrated embodiment, both the reinforcement strips 60, 62 intersect a single webbing strip anchored around the pivot point 64( Figure 9B ). This allows the soft goods to be folded together with the rest of the product.

[0050] Additionally referring to Figure 9A and Figure 9B , the transverse reinforcement strips 62 are coupled to opposite sides of the pivot subassembly 30 by fasteners and grommets at the pivot point 64. In some embodiments, the pivot enclosure 50 is capable of moving independently of the back member 24. In these embodiments, the pivot enclosure 50 can be moved to a folded position (adjacent to the back member 24). This folded position can be held in various ways, such as by the connection of the base member 22 to the back member 24 and / or the upper attachment 70 (by applying pressure in the pivot subassembly) or similar means.

[0051] Figure 8A and Figure 8BShows the pet containment device 20 in a folded state or position, where the back member 24 is folded parallel or substantially parallel to the base member 22. For clarity, the pivot enclosure 50 and reinforcement 52 are omitted in these figures. In one example, the pet containment device 20 may have an approximate thickness of 3 inches in the folded state. The panel 28 is configured to enclose the pivot enclosure 50 in the folded state of the pet containment device 20 and provide a generally uniform support surface when the pet containment device is stowed and / or not in use (such as in the trunk of a vehicle). This allows for reduced footprint and easy storage when the pet containment device 20 is in the folded state.

[0052] In multiple embodiments, the pet containment device 20 includes latches and tethers configured to cooperate with vehicle anchor points and / or tether attachment restraint systems (such as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), ISOFIX anchor points, or other suitable vehicle anchor points). An upper attachment 70 associated with the back member 24 is provided for selectively attaching to an upper fixing member 74 fixed to the vehicle (such as a tether strap). First and second lower fixing members 72 (such as anchor members) associated with the pivot assembly 30 are provided for attaching to lower vehicle anchor points (such as LATCH anchor points). The upper fixing member 74 can be securely attached to the frame of the back member 24, and the lower fixing member 72 can be securely attached to the frame of the base member 22 and / or a portion of the pivot subassembly 30. The lower fixing members 72 can generally be joined together by a latch tube (not shown), which can be integrated with the pivot subassembly 30. In other embodiments, the pet containment device 20 may alternatively or additionally include a seatbelt guide or channel (not shown) for receiving a vehicle seatbelt passed through to securely attach the pet containment device to the vehicle. In any embodiment, various latches, tethers, seatbelt guides, etc., including the upper attachment 70, lower fixing member 72, and upper fixing member 74, can be retractable or movable to a non-use position.

[0053] Also refer to Figures 10 to 12C, the pet containment device shown is mounted on the vehicle seat 80. The lower fixing member 72 can be fixed to the vehicle's lower anchor L, and the upper attachment 70 can be attached to the upper fixing member 74 and thus fixed between the vehicle's tether anchor point L and the back member 24. The tether route R shows how the pivot enclosure 50 and the reinforcement strips 60, 62 are integrated with the upper attachment 70 and the upper fixing member 74. The tether route R starts from the pivot enclosure 50 and / or the reinforcement strips 60, 62 sewn around the rigid latch tube, extends along the base member 22 and around the front / top of the pivot enclosure 50 to the attachment 70 on the upper back member 24. A buckle or other releasable coupling member can be connected to the upper fixing member 74 anchored to the vehicle anchor (such as the vehicle's LATCH tether anchor or other suitable anchor point). This creates a continuous support loop that is tied back to the vehicle's LATCH anchor point to ensure the animal is held in place in case of a collision or sudden change in the vehicle's direction or speed.

[0054] In use, the pet containment device 20 is placed on the seating surface of the vehicle seat and fixed to the LATCH anchor by the lower fixing member 72. Then the panel 28 is pivoted upward and arranged in an open configuration adjacent to the seat back. Then, a dog or other animal can be loaded into the base member 22 of the pet containment device 20. Then, by rotating the back member 24, the pivot enclosure 50 is deployed to a use position against the vehicle seat back, and the upper fixing member 74 is fixed to the upper attachment 70, thereby enclosing the pet within the pet containment device 20. In an embodiment where the pivot enclosure 50 and the back member 24 move independently, before loading the animal, the back member 24 can be moved to the use position, and then after loading the animal, the pivot enclosure 50 is moved to the closed position and directly fixed to the tether or indirectly fixed to the tether via the back member 24.

[0055] Fixing the pivot enclosure 50 to the deployed position using the upper fixing member 74 promotes the safe and intuitive use of the product, and the animal is accommodated in a highly visible and breathable enclosure. All webbing reinforcements are naturally tied back to the vehicle anchor point.

[0056] Now refer to Figures 13A to 13B, which shows a pet containment device 120. The pet containment device 120 includes a bottom 122 and a back 124 connected at a pivot subassembly 130, and a pivot enclosure 150. In these embodiments, the bottom 122 can include a base 200 (e.g., formed of rigid plastic) to provide a support surface for the animal and can contain bedding. The back 124 can include or be defined by a pivot tube. When installed in a vehicle seat, the bottom 122 and the back 124 can be fixed in place while the pivot tube can be configured to rotate freely until anchored via a lacing strap.

[0057] It should be understood that the base 200 can be used as a pet bed or the like outside of the vehicle and / or without the pivot enclosure 150. In an embodiment, similar to the pet containment device 20, a webbing or strap can extend along the bottom 122 around the device 120 to reach one or both of the vehicle LATCH anchors and the lacing anchors. In various embodiments, the webbing can extend outside of the base 200, through the base 200, or inside the base 200.

[0058] The portions of the pivot enclosure 150 can include three panels corresponding to the front side, left side, and right side. The pivot enclosure 150 can include one or more reinforcements (e.g., seatbelt webbing, reinforcing bars, etc.) that generally extend between the bottom 122 and the back 124.

[0059] Embodiments of the disclosed device can include adjustable feet near the bottom 122 and / or the base 200, which are designed to lift the rear of the device to compensate for an angled (tilted) seat bottom and to make the base of the device closer to horizontal when installed. Embodiments of the disclosed device can have a base that extends forward beyond the seat bottom and can include deployable load legs to support the front of the device against the vehicle floor.

[0060] Now turning to Figures 14 to 24 , which shows another pet containment device 220. The pet containment device 220 is similar to the pet containment device described above but includes additional features as described below. The pet containment device 220 includes a bottom shell 222 and a top shell (back member) 224 connected to the bottom shell 222 by a pivot subassembly 230, and a pivot enclosure 250 that includes a pivot arm 252. Although not shown, the pivot enclosure 250 can include a mesh, fabric, and / or other material fixed to the bottom shell 222 and the pivot arm 252 to accommodate a pet when the pivot enclosure is deployed.

[0061] The top shell 224 includes a recess 254 into which corresponding LATCH or ISOFIX arms 258 can be received. The arms 258 are pivotally attached to the top shell 224 and can be inFigure 14 between the stowed position shown in Figure 15 and the deployed position shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15 show the pet containment device 220 in a fully folded configuration for storage and / or transportation. In the fully folded configuration, the pet containment device 220 can be mounted under a vehicle seat or in another storage area.

[0062] In Figure 16 for example, the top shell 224 is pivoted to an upright use position that can be generally parallel to the seat back of a vehicle seat. The pivot enclosure 250 remains in a closed or stowed position so that an animal can be placed on the bottom shell 222. In Figure 17 the pivot enclosure 250 is moved to an open (use) position where a net, fabric or other material (not shown in this embodiment) together with the bottom shell 222 and the top shell 224 defines a pet enclosure. The pet containment device 220 includes a locking mechanism 260 for securing the pivot enclosure 250 in a closed (stowed) or open (use) position.

[0063] Referring additionally to Figures 18 to 21 the locking mechanism 260 includes a lock body 264 on the pivot subassembly 230. The lock body 264 includes a first slot 266 and a second slot 268 in which respective pins 270, 272 are received. The pins 270, 272 are supported to rotate with the pivot enclosure 250. Each of the slots 266, 268 has a central arcuate portion AP and a radially extending detent portion DP. In Figure 18 the locking mechanism 260 is shown and the pivot enclosure 250 is locked in the stowed position. In this position, the pins 270, 272 are received in the detent portions DP of the slots 266, 268. When the pins 270, 272 are constrained in the detent portions DP of the slots 266 and 268, rotation of the pivot enclosure 250 is restricted.

[0064] To move the pivot enclosure 250 from the Figure 18 stowed position, an actuator on the pivot enclosure 250 is operatively coupled to the pins 270, 272 to radially displace the pins 270, 272 to a position aligned with the arcuate portions AP of the slots 266 and 268. As shown in Figure 21 and Figure 22 the actuator includes a member that can be moved between a locked position ( Figure 21 ) and an unlocked position ( Figure 22) a button 280 that rotates between them. The button 280 is coupled to pins 266, 268 by a cable or other linkage (linkage, connecting rod mechanism) such that when the button is rotated to the unlocked position, pins 270, 272 are radially moved out of the pawl portions DP of the slots 266, 268, releasing the pivot enclosure 250 to rotate between the stowed position and the use position. Figure 19 shows the lock mechanism 260 in the unlocked state, where the pivot enclosure 250 is partially rotated towards the use position. As the pivot enclosure 250 rotates to the use position, pins 170, 172 engage the pawl portion DP to lock the pivot enclosure 250 in the open state. It should be understood that pins 270, 272 are biased in one direction to engage the pawl portions of the slots 266, 268, and the button 280, when actuated, overcomes the bias to radially displace pins 270, 272 to a position aligned with the arcuate portions AP of the slots 266, 268.

[0065] In Figure 23 and Figure 24 the bottom shell 222 and the top shell 224 include interlocking features (such as pawls) for fixing the pet containment device 220 in the closed and open positions. In this regard, the top shell 224 includes a first recess 280 and a second recess 282 that are adapted to receive the raised portion 286 of the bottom shell 222. In Figure 22 the pet containment unit 220 is in the closed position and the pawl 286 engages the recess 280. In Figure 23 the pet containment unit 220 is in the open position and the pawl 286 engages the recess 282.

[0066] In some embodiments, collapsible legs may be provided. For example, the pet containment unit 320 shown in Figure 25 and Figure 26 includes collapsible legs 340. For example, the collapsible legs 340 can be used to support the pet containment unit 320 on a trolley 360, as shown in Figure 27 and Figure 28 In other embodiments, the collapsible legs 340 can be used to support the pet containment unit 320 on other surfaces, such as a car seat base, a bicycle carrier, etc.

[0067] Embodiments of the pet containment device of the present disclosure may provide one or more features, such as:

[0068] In one embodiment, the pet containment device is designed to accommodate animals weighing up to approximately 30 lb (pounds). In such an embodiment, the pet containment device is sized to approximately occupy one seat of a vehicle. As a non-limiting example, the pet containment device can have a length of approximately 20 - 30 inches, a width of approximately 10 - 20 inches, and a height of approximately 12 - 32 inches. In one embodiment, the pet containment device can have a length of approximately 23 - 27 inches, a width of approximately 13 - 17 inches, and a height of approximately 20 - 24 inches.

[0069] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provide several benefits for the convenient and safe use, storage, transportation, shipment, and manufacture of vehicles. For example, embodiments of the pet containment device can provide a minimal tubular frame structure, easy installation, a lightweight structure, a compact folded size, and the like.

[0070] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with a measurement of a particular quantity based on the available equipment at the time of filing the application.

[0071] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, expressly state the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof.

[0072] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pet shelter, characterized in that: The pet containment device comprises: a base member; and back member; wherein the base member and the back member are coupled for pivotal movement relative to each other between a stowed position and a use position; wherein the base member is connectable to an anchor point in a vehicle; and Wherein, when in the use position, the base member and the back member define at least a portion of an interior space for receiving a pet / animal.

2. The pet containment device according to claim 1, wherein: The base member includes a pivoting rotor assembly, and the back member is coupled to the pivoting rotor assembly.

3. The pet containment device according to claim 2, wherein: The pivot rotor assembly includes at least one latch member for coupling with an anchor point in a vehicle.

4. The pet containment device according to claim 3, wherein: The latch member is movable relative to the base member.

5. The pet containment device according to claim 1, wherein: The pet containment device also includes a foldable barrier portion attached to the base member, the foldable barrier portion extending between the base member and the back member when in a deployed position and at least partially defining the interior space.

6. The pet accommodation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The foldable barrier portion is secured to the back member.

7. The pet containment device according to claim 5, wherein: The foldable barrier portion is independently movable relative to the back member.

8. The pet containment device according to claim 5, wherein: The base member includes a pivoting rotor assembly and the foldable barrier portion includes at least one reinforcement pivotally attached to the pivoting rotor assembly.

9. The pet accommodation device according to claim 5, wherein: The foldable barrier portion includes a mesh.

10. The pet containment device according to claim 5, wherein: The foldable barrier portion includes an attachment for securing to a vehicle anchor point.

11. The pet containment device according to claim 5, wherein: The foldable barrier portion includes a reinforcement member extending from the base member to the back member.

12. The pet containment device according to claim 2, wherein: The pet containment device also includes a foldable barrier portion including a pivot arm attached to the base member, the foldable barrier portion extending between the base member and the back member when in a deployed position and at least partially defining the interior space, wherein the pivot arm assembly includes a lock mechanism for securing the pivot arm in at least one of the stowed position or the deployed position.

13. The pet containment device according to claim 12, wherein: The lock mechanism includes a lock body located on the pivot rotor assembly, the lock body having at least one slot for receiving a pin of the pivot arm, whereby movement of the pivot arm is constrained by movement of the pin in the at least one slot of the lock body.

14. The pet containment device according to claim 13, wherein: The at least one slot includes an arcuate portion and at least one detent portion for locking the pivot arm in the deployed or stowed position.

15. The pet containment device according to claim 14, wherein: The pin is biased to engage the at least one detent portion of the slot.

16. The pet containment device according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one detent portion of the slot extends in a radial direction from the arcuate portion of the slot.

17. The pet containment device according to claim 16, wherein: The lock mechanism also includes an actuator operably coupled to the pin for selectively aligning the pin with the arcuate portion of the slot to permit movement of the pivot arm.

18. The pet containment device according to claim 17, wherein: The actuator is supported on the pivot arm.

19. The pet containment device according to claim 1, wherein: The back member includes an upper attachment for securing to a vehicle anchor point.

20. The pet containment device according to claim 1, wherein: The base member and the back member include cooperating features for securing the back member in at least one of the stowed position or the use position.

21. The pet containment device according to claim 20, wherein: The cooperating features include a recessed portion associated with one of the base member or the back member and a raised portion associated with the other of the base member or the back member.

22. A pet shelter, characterized in that: The pet containment device comprises: base member; a back member; and a foldable barrier portion attached to the base member, the foldable barrier portion extending between the base member and the back member when in a deployed position and at least partially defining an interior space; wherein the base member and the back member are coupled for pivotal movement relative to each other between a stowed position and a use position; wherein the base member is connectable to an anchor point in a vehicle; and When in the use position, the base member and the back member define at least a portion of the interior space for receiving a pet / animal.

23. The pet containment device according to claim 22, wherein: The foldable barrier portion is secured to the back member.

24. The pet containment device according to claim 22, wherein: The foldable barrier portion is independently movable relative to the back member.

25. The pet containment device according to claim 22, wherein: The foldable barrier portion includes at least one reinforcement member pivotally attached to a pivoting rotor assembly.

26. The pet containment device according to claim 22, wherein: The foldable barrier portion includes a mesh.

27. The pet containment device according to claim 22, wherein: The foldable barrier portion includes an attachment for securing to a vehicle anchor point.

28. The pet containment device according to claim 22, wherein: The foldable barrier portion includes a reinforcement member extending from the base member to the back member.

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