Pet containment device

Abstract

A pet containment device is disclosed that includes a tubular back member pivotable relative to a bottom of a base member. The base member is connectable to an anchor point in a vehicle. The pet containment device according to the present invention includes a base member and a back member coupled for pivotal movement relative to each other between a stowed position and a use position, the base member connectable to an anchor point in a vehicle, the base member and the back member defining at least a portion of an interior space for receiving a pet / animal when in the use position. The pet containment device of the present invention can also include 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 for receiving the pet / animal. The pet containment device of the present invention can provide the advantages of a minimal tubular frame structure, easy installation, lightweight structure, and a compact folded size.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the utility model patent application filed on June 17, 2024, with application number 202421380439.7 and utility model title "Pet Shelter".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 583,440, filed September 18, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 508,714, filed June 16, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 648,783, filed May 17, 2024, which are incorporated herein by reference as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0004] Several exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to pet shelter systems. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a pet shelter system for reliably housing pets or animals in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0005] Many people consider their pets family members or companions. Therefore, pet owners often take their pets on drives to vacation spots, veterinary appointments, or town drives. Pet carriers or vests can be used in conjunction with a vehicle's seatbelts to prevent pets from wandering around inside the vehicle and / or escaping. However, these devices can be overly restrictive and often fail to adequately secure pets in the event of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction. Furthermore, loading an animal into a carcass in a vehicle can be difficult, and / or wearing a vest can be cumbersome for some animals. Improperly restrained pets are more likely to injure and harm vehicle occupants during a collision. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to one embodiment, the pet housing includes a back member that pivots relative to the bottom of a base member to define an interior space capable of accommodating a pet / animal. The base member can be connected to an anchoring point in the vehicle, such as the vehicle's LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) restraint system, ISOFIX anchors, or other suitable vehicle anchoring points(s).

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pet housing 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 used 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 one portion of an interior space for accommodating a pet / animal in the used position. The base member may include at least one foldable leg that is movable between a stowed position and an extended position.

[0008] The base component may include at least one foldable leg that is movable between a folded position and an unfolded position.

[0009] The at least one foldable support leg can be configured to support the pet shelter on a surface. This surface may include at least one of a stroller, a car seat base, or a bicycle rack.

[0010] The at least one foldable leg comprises two foldable legs that are separated from each other.

[0011] The base member may include a pivot assembly, and the back member may be coupled to the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly may include at least one latching member for coupling to an anchor point in the vehicle. The latching member may be movable relative to the pivot assembly. The pet shelter includes a collapsible barrier that may be attached to the base member. When in the deployed position, this collapsible barrier extends between the base member and the back member, and at least partially defines the aforementioned internal space. The collapsible barrier may be secured to the back member. The collapsible barrier is movable independently relative to the back member. The base member includes the pivot assembly, and the collapsible barrier may include at least a reinforcing member pivotally attached to the pivot assembly. The collapsible barrier may include a net. The collapsible barrier may include attachments 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. The pet shelter may be combined with a stroller.

[0012] The pet containment device may further include a foldable barrier portion comprising a pivot arm attached to a base member. When in the extended position, the foldable barrier portion extends between the base member and a back member and at least partially defines the aforementioned internal space. The pivot assembly includes a locking mechanism for securing the pivot arm to at least one of a retracted or extended position. The locking mechanism may include a lock body located on the pivot assembly, having 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 in 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 extended or retracted position. The pin may be pressed to engage with at least one detent portion of the slot. The at least one detent portion of the slot may extend 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 a pivot arm. The base member and the back member may include cooperative features for securing the back member to at least one of a retracted position or a used position. These cooperative 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.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a pet housing includes: a base member; a back member; and a foldable barrier attached to the base member, which, when in an unfolded position, extends between the base member and the back member and at least partially defines an interior space; the base member and the back member are coupled to pivot relative to each other between a stowed position and a used position; wherein the base member can be connected to an anchor point in a vehicle; and wherein, when in the used position, the base member and the back member define at least a portion of the interior space for receiving a pet / animal.

[0014] The foldable barrier portion can be secured to the back member. The foldable barrier portion is movable independently of the back member. The foldable barrier portion includes at least one reinforcing member pivotally attached to a pivot assembly. The foldable barrier portion includes a mesh. The foldable barrier portion includes attachments for securing to a vehicle anchor point. The foldable barrier portion includes reinforcing members extending from the base member to the back member.

[0015] The advantages of this invention are: the pet housing device according to this invention can provide a minimal tubular frame structure, easy installation, lightweight structure and compact folding size. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The following description should not be considered as a limitation of any kind. Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar elements are given similar designations:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a pet shelter without soft goods according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of a pet shelter;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Side view of a pet shelter;

[0020] Figure 4 It contains soft materials. Figure 1 A 3D diagram of a pet shelter;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Front view of a pet shelter;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Side view of a pet shelter;

[0023] Figures 7A to 7D yes Figure 1 A side view of the pet shelter, showing multiple progressive stages between opening and closing the pet shelter;

[0024] Figure 8A yes Figure 1 A 3D view of a pet shelter in its folded state;

[0025] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A Side view of a pet shelter;

[0026] Figure 9A yes Figure 1 A side view of a pet shelter, with some parts omitted to show the plastic reinforcements;

[0027] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A Partial detail image;

[0028] Figure 10 It is installed in a vehicle and contains animals. Figure 1 Side view of a pet shelter;

[0029] Figures 11A to 11D It displays the installation location in the vehicle. Figure 1 The corresponding perspective view, front view, side view and top view of the pet shelter;

[0030] Figures 12A to 12C It indicates that the device is installed in the vehicle and contains animals. Figure 1 The corresponding perspective view, front view, and side view of the pet shelter;

[0031] Figure 13A This is a perspective view of a pet shelter according to one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A A side view of a pet shelter, showing that it includes a plastic base;

[0033] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of another exemplary pet shelter in the closed position according to this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 15 It has a deployable LATCH arm. Figure 14 A 3D diagram of a pet shelter;

[0035] Figure 16 It is in the open position. Figure 14 A 3D diagram of a pet shelter;

[0036] Figure 17 It has a pivoting enclosure in the usage position. Figure 16 A 3D diagram of a pet shelter;

[0037] Figure 18 It is in the first position. Figure 14 Side view of the locking mechanism of a pet shelter;

[0038] Figure 19 It is in the second position. Figure 14 Side view of the locking mechanism of a pet shelter;

[0039] Figure 20 It is in the third position. Figure 14 Side view of the locking mechanism of a pet shelter;

[0040] Figure 21 This is a three-dimensional view of the actuator of the locking mechanism in the locked state;

[0041] Figure 22 This is a 3D view of the actuator of the lock mechanism in the unlocked state;

[0042] Figure 23 yes Figure 14 A 3D view of a portion of a pet shelter, showing the holding mechanism in the first position;

[0043] Figure 24 yes Figure 14 A 3D view of a portion of a pet shelter, showing the retaining mechanism in the second position;

[0044] Figure 25 This is a perspective view of another exemplary pet shelter according to the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of another exemplary pet shelter according to the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 27 This is a side view of the pet shelter and stroller disclosed herein; and

[0047] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A 3D view of a handcart. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods herein is presented by way of example, but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 9B And first refer to Figures 1 to 6 An example of a pet containment device according to this 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 mounting on the bottom and back of a seat in a vehicle, respectively. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the base member 22 and the back member 24 each generally comprise a generally U-shaped tubular frame consisting of one or more segments. A panel 28 is supported by a pivot assembly 30 and / or the back member 24 for pivoting movement. In various embodiments, such a panel 28 may be provided or not 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 plastic, thermoformed fabric, hard plastic, soft plastic, etc. The base member 22, the back member 24, and / or the pivot assembly 30 may comprise a rigid frame, such as the tubular frame described above, which may be formed of metal, metal encased in plastic, or the like.

[0050] Both the base member 22 and the back member 24 are pivotable about a pivot axis 26 via a pivot assembly 30 that connects the U-shaped tubular frames of the base member 22 and the back member 24. This U-shaped frame can be releasably or permanently secured to the pivot assembly 30 via fasteners 31 (such as screws, bolts, rivets, spring pins, etc.). The pivot assembly 30 allows the back member 24 to fold toward the base member 22. In this respect, the pet housing 20 can be... Figure 7A The location shown in the text is collapsed to Figure 7D The fold position is shown in the image. Figure 7B and Figure 7C The pet shelter 20 is shown in an intermediate state between the use position and the folded position.

[0051] As in Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a pivot enclosure 50 (such as, but not limited to, a fabric component, net, mesh, or panel) extends between a base member 22 and a back member 24. The pivot enclosure 50 provides a foldable barrier for enclosing a pet. A peripheral portion of the pivot enclosure 50 is secured to a U-shaped frame of the base member 22 and the back member 24. In one example, the U-shaped frame is extended or retracted via a pocket or loop portion of the pivot enclosure 50. The pivot enclosure 50 may include one or more reinforcements 52 connected to the pivot assembly 30 for pivoting movement. The reinforcements 52 may include U-shaped structures (e.g., bows) configured to support the pivot enclosure 50 in its extended position. The reinforcements 52 are configured to fold together with the pivot enclosure 50 when the pet housing 20 is in the folded position.

[0052] The pivot enclosure 50 may include multiple panels, which in some embodiments may include mesh panels 54 and / or fabric panels 56. Longitudinal reinforcing strips 60 and transverse reinforcing strips 62 are arranged in a grid or mesh form across the pivot enclosure 50. For example, the longitudinal reinforcing strips 60 may be arranged to intersect the transverse reinforcing strips 62 in a vertical, substantially vertical, or angular manner. In some embodiments, the transverse reinforcing strips 62 may be omitted. Although two longitudinal reinforcing strips 60 are shown, one, two, three, four, or more longitudinal reinforcing strips may be provided in various embodiments. It should be understood that the ends of the longitudinal reinforcing strips 60 are securely anchored to structural elements of the device (e.g., base member 22, back member 24, and / or frame elements). Overall, the reinforcing strips 60, 62 contribute to forming a protective ring around the animal occupant, such as... Figure 10 As shown in the image.

[0053] When installed on a vehicle seat, portions of the pivot enclosure 50, base member 22, and backrest member 24, panel 28, and / or seat surface define an enclosed volume that can accommodate a pet. When the pivot enclosure 50 is in position... Figures 4 to 6When the pet is in the unfolded position shown, it can be housed in the device 20. These lateral reinforcing strips 60 can be generally aligned with corresponding reinforcements 52. At this point, these reinforcements 52 can be attached to the corresponding lateral reinforcing strips 62. The reinforcements 52 can be formed of a relatively rigid material or a strong, flexible material (e.g., plastic rods, nylon webbing, etc.) and can be sewn into the reinforcing strips 60 and / or 62 to provide a soft article structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing strips 60, 62 are both (e.g., fastened with grommets, pins, etc.) and surround the pivot point 64 ( Figure 9B The anchored single webbing strips intersect. This allows the aforementioned soft material to be folded together with the rest of the product.

[0054] See also Figure 9A and Figure 9B The lateral reinforcing strip 62 is connected to opposite sides of the pivot assembly 30 via fasteners and grommets at pivot point 64. In some embodiments, the pivot enclosure 50 is movable 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 maintained in various ways, such as by connection of the base member 22 to the back member 24 and / or the upper attachment 70 (by applying pressure in the pivot assembly) or similar methods.

[0055] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The pet shelter 20 is shown in a folded state or position, with the back member 24 folded parallel to or substantially parallel to the base member 22. For clarity, the pivot enclosure 50 and the reinforcement 52 are omitted in these figures. In one example, the pet shelter 20 may have a thickness of approximately 3 inches in the folded state. The panel 28 is configured to surround the pivot enclosure 50 in the folded state of the pet shelter 20, while providing a generally uniform support surface when the pet shelter is stowed and / or not in use (such as in the trunk of a vehicle). This results in a reduced footprint and ease of storage when the pet shelter 20 is folded.

[0056] In several embodiments, the pet containment device 20 includes a latch and a leash configured to engage with vehicle anchors and / or leash attachment point restraint systems such as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), ISOFIX anchors, or other suitable vehicle anchors(one or more). An upper attachment 70 associated with the back member 24 is provided for selective attachment to an upper anchoring member 74 (such as a leash strap) fixed to the vehicle. First and second lower anchoring members 72 (such as anchoring members) associated with the pivot assembly 30 are provided for attachment to the vehicle's lower anchors (such as LATCH anchors). The upper anchoring member 74 may be securely attached to the frame of the back member 24, while the lower anchoring members 72 may be securely attached to the frame of the base member 22 and / or a portion of the pivot assembly 30. The lower anchoring members 72 may typically be coupled together via a locking tube (not shown) that may be integrated with the pivot assembly 30. In other embodiments, the pet shelter 20 may alternatively or additionally include a seatbelt guide or passage (not shown) for receiving a worn vehicle seatbelt to securely attach the pet shelter to the vehicle. In any embodiment, various latches, straps, seatbelt guides, etc., including the upper attachment 70, lower fixing member 72, and upper fixing member 74, may be retractable or movable to a non-use position.

[0057] See also Figures 10 to 12C The pet-accommodating device shown is mounted on the vehicle seat 80. The lower securing member 72 can be secured to the vehicle's lower anchor L, while the upper attachment 70 can be attached to the upper securing member 74, thereby securing it between the vehicle's tether anchor point L and the backrest member 24. The tether route R shows the way the pivot enclosure 50 and reinforcing strips 60, 62 are integrated with the upper attachment 70 and the upper securing member 74. The tether route R begins at the pivot enclosure 50 and / or the reinforcing strips 60, 62 sewn around the rigid locking tube, extends along the base member 22 and around the front / top of the pivot enclosure 50 to the attachment 70 on the upper backrest member 24. A hook and loop or other releasable connecting member can be attached to the upper securing member 74, which is anchored to a vehicle anchor (such as the vehicle's LATCH tether anchor or other suitable anchor point). This creates a continuous support ring that is tied back to the vehicle's LATCH anchor point to ensure that the animal is held in the event of a collision or a sudden change in the vehicle's direction or speed.

[0058] In use, the pet containment device 20 is placed on the seating surface of the vehicle seat and secured to the LATCH anchor via the lower fixing member 72. The panel 28 is then pivoted upwards and arranged in an open configuration adjacent to the seat back. A dog or other animal can then be placed into the base member 22 of the pet containment device 20. The pivot enclosure 50 is then extended to a use position against the vehicle seat back by rotating the back member 24, and the upper fixing member 74 is secured to the upper attachment 70, thereby enclosing the pet within the pet containment device 20. In embodiments where the pivot enclosure 50 and the back member 24 move independently, the back member 24 can be moved to the use position before loading the animal, and then, after loading the animal, the pivot enclosure 50 is moved to the closed position and secured directly to the tether or indirectly to the tether via the back member 24.

[0059] By securing the pivot enclosure 50 to the deployed position using the upper fixing member 74, the product's safety and intuitive use are enhanced, and the animal is housed within a highly visible and breathable enclosure. All webbing reinforcements are naturally fastened back to the vehicle anchor point.

[0060] Now refer to Figures 13A to 13B The image shows a pet containment device 120. The pet containment device 120 includes a bottom 122 and a back 124 connected at a pivot assembly 130, and a pivot enclosure 150. In these embodiments, the bottom 122 may include a base 200 (e.g., formed of rigid plastic) to provide a support surface for the animal and may contain padding. The back 124 may include or be defined by a pivot tube. When mounted in a vehicle seat, the bottom 122 and back 124 can be secured in place, while the pivot tube can be configured to rotate freely until anchored via a tether strap.

[0061] It should be understood that the base 200 can be used as a pet bed or similar device outside the vehicle and / or without the pivot enclosure 150. In embodiments, similar to the pet housing 20, webbing or strips can extend along the bottom 122 around the device 120 to reach one or both of the vehicle latch anchors and leash anchors. In various embodiments, the webbing can extend outside the base 200, through the base 200, or inside the base 200.

[0062] The pivot enclosure 150 may include three panels corresponding to the front, left, and right sides. The pivot enclosure 150 may include one or more reinforcements (e.g., seat belt webbing, reinforcing bars, etc.) that generally extend between the bottom 122 and the back 124.

[0063] Embodiments of the disclosed device may include adjustable legs near the bottom 122 and / or base 200, such legs being designed to lift the rear of the device to compensate for an angled (sloping) seat bottom and to make the base of the device more horizontal when installed. Embodiments of the disclosed device may have a base extending forward beyond the seat bottom and may include deployable load legs to support the front of the device against the vehicle floor.

[0064] Turn now Figures 14 to 24 This illustrates another pet housing 220. Pet housing 220 is similar to the pet housing described above, but includes additional features as described below. Pet housing 220 includes a bottom shell 222 and a top shell (back member) 224 connected to the bottom shell 222 via a pivot assembly 230, and a pivot enclosure 250 including a pivot arm 252. Although not shown, the pivot enclosure 250 may 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.

[0065] The top shell 224 includes a recess 254 into which a corresponding lach or ISOFIX arm 258 can be received. The arm 258 is pivotally attached to the top shell 224 and can... Figure 14 The collapsed position shown in the middle is the same as Figure 15 The arm 258 can be moved between the extended positions shown in the diagram to connect to the vehicle anchor point. In the retracted position, the arm 258 can be held in place by a magnet in the top housing 224 or by a retaining feature in the recess 254. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The pet shelter 220 is shown in a fully folded configuration for storage and / or transport. In the fully folded configuration, the pet shelter 220 can be installed under the vehicle seat or in another storage area.

[0066] exist Figure 16 For example, the top shell 224 is pivoted to an upright use position, which can be substantially parallel to the back of the vehicle seat. The pivot enclosure 250 remains in a closed or retracted position, allowing the animal to be placed on the bottom shell 222. Figure 17 In this configuration, the pivot enclosure 250 is moved to the open (use) position, at which point the mesh, fabric, or other material (not shown in this embodiment) together with the bottom shell 222 and the top shell 224 defines the pet enclosure. The pet containment device 220 includes a locking mechanism 260 for securing the pivot enclosure 250 in the closed (retrieved) or open (use) position.

[0067] See also Figures 18 to 21The locking mechanism 260 includes a lock body 264 on the pivot assembly 230. The lock body 264 includes a first groove 266 and a second groove 268 in which corresponding pins 270 and 272 are received. The pins 270 and 272 are supported to rotate together with the pivot enclosure 250. Each groove 266 and 268 has a central arcuate portion AP and a radially extending pawl portion DP. Figure 18 The image shows a locking mechanism 260, with the pivot enclosure 250 locked in the retracted position. In this position, pins 270 and 272 are received in the pawl portions DP of slots 266 and 268. When pins 270 and 272 are restrained in the pawl portions DP of slots 266 and 268, rotation of the pivot enclosure 250 is restricted.

[0068] In order to enable the pivot enclosure 250 from Figure 18 The retracted position moves, and the actuator on the pivot enclosure 250 is operably connected to pins 270 and 272 to radially shift pins 270 and 272 to a position consistent with the arcuate portions AP of slots 266 and 268. For example... Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the actuator includes the ability to be in a locked position ( Figure 21 ) and unlock location ( Figure 22 Button 280 rotates between the slots 266 and 268 via a cable or other linkage, such that when the button is rotated to the unlock position, pins 270 and 272 are radially displaced from the pawl portion DP of slots 266 and 268, releasing the pivot enclosure 250 for rotation between the retracted and used positions. Figure 19 The locking mechanism 260 is shown in the unlocked state, with the pivot enclosure 250 partially rotated toward 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 portion of slots 266, 268, and when the button 280 is actuated, it overcomes the bias and causes pins 270, 272 to radially displace to a position aligned with the arcuate portion AP of slots 266, 268.

[0069] exist Figure 23 and Figure 24 In this configuration, the bottom shell 222 and top shell 224 include interlocking features (e.g., pawls) for securing the pet housing 220 in a closed position and an open position. In this respect, the top shell 224 includes a first recess 280 and a second recess 282 adapted to receive a protrusion 286 of the bottom shell 222. Figure 22 In the middle, the pet housing unit 220 is in the closed position and the pawl 286 engages with the recess 280. Figure 23In the middle, the pet housing unit 220 is in the open position and the pawl 286 engages with the recess 282.

[0070] In some embodiments, foldable legs may be provided. For example, in Figure 25 and Figure 26 The pet shelter unit 320 shown includes foldable legs 340. For example, the foldable legs 340 can be used to support the pet shelter unit 320 on a stroller 360, as in... Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown in the figure. In other embodiments, the foldable support leg 340 can be used to support the pet housing unit 320 on other surfaces, such as car seat bases, bicycle racks, etc.

[0071] Embodiments of the pet shelter disclosed herein may provide one or more features, such as:

[0072] In one embodiment, the pet shelter is designed to accommodate an animal weighing approximately 30 lbs. In this embodiment, the pet shelter is designed to occupy approximately one seat in a vehicle. As a non-limiting example, the pet shelter may 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 shelter may have a length of approximately 23-27 inches, a width of approximately 13-17 inches, and a height of approximately 20-24 inches.

[0073] In summary, the embodiments of this disclosure offer several benefits for the convenient and safe use, storage, transportation, loading, and manufacture of vehicles. For example, embodiments of pet shelters can provide a minimal tubular frame structure, ease of installation, lightweight construction, and compact folding dimensions.

[0074] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurements of a specific quantity of equipment available at the time of application submission.

[0075] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. It will also be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification explicitly state the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0076] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and equivalent substitutions of elements may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out this disclosure, but rather that this disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pet containment arrangement, characterized by, The pet shelter includes: Base components; and Back component; The base member and the back member are connected to pivot relative to each other between a stowed position and a used position; The base component can be connected to an anchor point in the vehicle; Wherein, when in the usage position, the base member and the back member define at least a portion of an interior space for accommodating a pet / animal; and The base component includes at least one foldable leg, which can move between a folded position and an unfolded position.

2. The pet containment apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The at least one foldable leg is configured to support the pet shelter on a surface.

3. The pet containment apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The surface includes at least one of a trolley, a car seat base, and a bicycle rack.

4. The pet containment apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The at least one foldable leg comprises two foldable legs that are separated from each other.

5. The pet containment apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The base member includes a pivot assembly, and the back member is coupled to the pivot assembly.

6. The pet containment apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The pivot assembly includes at least one latching member for connection to an anchor point in the vehicle.

7. The pet containment apparatus of claim 6, wherein The latching member is movable relative to the base member.

8. The pet containment apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The pet containment device also includes a foldable barrier attached to the base member, which, when in the unfolded position, extends between the base member and the back member and at least partially defines the interior space.

9. The pet containment apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The foldable barrier is fixed to the back member.

10. The pet containment apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The foldable barrier section is capable of moving independently relative to the back member.

11. The pet containment apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The base component includes a pivot assembly, and the foldable barrier includes at least one reinforcement member that is pivotally attached to the pivot assembly.

12. The pet containment apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The foldable barrier includes a mesh.

13. The pet containment apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The foldable barrier includes attachments for securing it to a vehicle anchor point.

14. The pet shelter according to claim 8, characterized in that, The foldable barrier includes a reinforcing member extending from the base member to the back member.

15. The pet containment apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The pet containment device further includes a foldable barrier portion comprising a pivot arm attached to the base member, the foldable barrier portion extending between the base member and the back member when in the unfolded position and at least partially defining the interior space, wherein the pivot assembly includes a locking mechanism for securing the pivot arm in at least one of a stowed or unfolded position.

16. The pet containment apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The locking mechanism includes a lock body located on the pivot assembly, the lock body having at least one slot for receiving a pin of the pivot arm, whereby the movement of the pivot arm is constrained by the movement of the pin in the at least one slot of the lock body.

17. The pet containment apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The at least one slot includes an arcuate portion and at least one pawl portion for locking the pivot arm in an extended or retracted position.

18. The pet containment apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The pin is biased to engage at least one pawl portion of the groove.

19. The pet containment apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The at least one pawl portion of the groove extends radially from the arcuate portion of the groove.

20. The pet containment apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The locking mechanism further includes an actuator operatively coupled to the pin for selectively aligning the pin with the arcuate portion of the groove, thereby allowing movement of the pivot arm.

21. The pet containment apparatus of claim 20, wherein, The actuator is supported on the pivot arm.

22. The pet containment apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The back member includes an upper attachment for securing to a vehicle anchor point.

23. The pet containment apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The base member and the back member include cooperative features for securing the back member in at least one of the stowed position or the used position.

24. The pet containment apparatus of claim 23, wherein, The cooperative feature includes 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 back member.

25. The pet containment apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The pet shelter is combined with a stroller.

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