Pet carrier bag with a composite of inelastic flat and flexible linear structures for shape stabilization

Abstract

A pet carrier bag characterized by its shape stabilization achieved through surfaces of tear-resistant fabric combined with integrated, flexible linear reinforcements and a rigid base plate. Incorporated into the fabric are flexible, rod-shaped structural elements, some of which are reinforced with fabric to specifically increase stability and thus ensure spatial stability despite the lightweight materials.

Description

[0001] Pet carrier bag with a composite of inelastic flat and flexible linear structures for shape stabilization. Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to the field of transport containers for small pets weighing less than 10 kg, in particular transport bags approved for use in aircraft cabins. State of the art

[0003] Many airlines stipulate not only specific dimensions for pet carriers but also a maximum combined weight of usually 8 kg for both the animal and the carrier, in order for the animal to travel with its owner in the cabin instead of in the cargo hold. The invention addresses the problem that conventional pet carriers typically weigh between 1.2 and 2.1 kg, leaving less weight available for the animal itself. These carriers are made of heavy, often padded materials and are generally equipped with rigid reinforcement elements such as carbon fiber, plastic, or metal struts. While these provide structural stability, they also have several disadvantages: they increase the carrier's weight, limit its foldability, and can break, splinter, or puncture the fabric under stress, thus posing a potential risk of injury.

[0004] According to the regulations of many airlines, the pet carrier must be securely stowed under the seat in front for the entire flight. This is not possible with many carriers due to their rigid shape, as they are often taller than the required 20 to 23 cm and their height is not adjustable.

[0005] A commercially available bag (utility model DE 20 2019 003 085 U1 2019.10.17) consists of a padded base with high sides and a hood made of breathable mesh fabric. This mesh top offers the advantage of allowing large dogs to stand upright inside, but it lacks any reinforcement, meaning it can collapse at any time and restrict the dog's movement. This instability, along with the appearance of a dog bed with a mesh top, can lead to rejection at check-in by many airlines, as it does not comply with their regulations. According to the manufacturer, the weight of a lightweight version of this bag is approximately 900 g.

[0006] A similar bag (utility model DE 20 2021 002 792 U1 202.02.17) describes a rigid lower section with a slanted upper edge, complemented by a mesh upper section cut at a complementary angle. Here, too, the materials used, some with fur lining, result in a heavy bag and poor air circulation when the bag is stored under the front seat.

[0007] Another known bag (utility model CA000002270492A1) describes a foldable bag with side panels, each containing ventilation grilles. The materials used, such as metal and fabric, also result in a high weight, and the ventilation grilles are small.

[0008] In summary, it can be stated that comparable flight bags available on the market weigh at least approximately 900 g and, even with a relatively low weight, do not meet all the requirements of the airlines regarding animal welfare. Object of the invention

[0009] The goal is to provide a pet carrier bag that - manages without rigid reinforcement elements, - nevertheless ensures sufficient dimensional stability for safe and comfortable transport while simultaneously - meets the dimensional and safety requirements of most European airlines, such as ventilation under an aircraft seat, as well as - can be folded flat without having to remove and separately store any components. Solution to the task

[0010] The invention essentially solves this problem through an innovative combination of material and construction. Tear-resistant coated textiles are used to form the load-bearing surfaces of the bag. Sufficient air circulation is achieved through mesh zones in the central area of ​​all vertical walls. Tubular channels are incorporated or applied to the sides and top of the bag, containing flexible, rod-shaped structural elements made of flexible foam. These elements give the bag its shape through their elasticity and are flexible enough to allow the bag to be adjusted vertically by applying slight downward pressure, for example, to slide it under an airplane seat. A handle is attached to each of the two long sides of the bag.Between each handle, a reinforced crossbar is attached to the upper part of the bag. This stabilizes the bag's cuboid shape when lifted under load. A foam pad inserted into a compartment at the bottom of the bag ensures a flat base. This combination of textiles and structural elements allows for a reduction in weight compared to other bags on the market, while still enabling the entire bag to be folded. Advantages of the invention

[0011] The main advantage of the invention is the bag's low weight, which allows pet owners to bring animals into the cabin on most airlines, even those at the limit of the permitted weight. A lighter bag can also be advantageous for transport outside the aircraft, for example, for children or the elderly.

[0012] The mesh panels in the middle of the vertical walls ensure ventilation of the bag's interior even when the bag is pushed under the seat in front of it on an airplane.

[0013] The bag can be folded completely flat without having to remove any components. This significantly reduces the risk of injury and simplifies handling. Description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the bag from the long side, with a cubic base. The top, with a small overhang on the long sides (1), and the lower sections of the side walls are made of a tear-resistant fabric. Between these is a light- and air-permeable mesh fabric (2). At least one end can be opened for entry and exit, preferably with a double zipper (3). A sturdy base plate (4) is located on the underside. Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a supporting structure made of linear structural elements (5) for spatial stabilization. Example of implementation

[0014] The pet carrier bag comprises a basic cubic shell made of tear-resistant flexible wall elements, preferably made of polypropylene, with light- and air-permeable ventilation areas, for example made of mesh or grid fabric, for example on the vertical side surfaces.

[0015] The basic spatial shape is reinforced by linear elements, for example made of foam, which are flexible and integrated into the cover. This elastically deformable construction allows a pet to turn around or lie down sideways even in the closed bag, despite some airlines requiring a bag width of only 20 cm. Furthermore, the bag can be flattened and slid under the seat in front of it on an airplane, and it springs back into shape when pulled out. Ventilation is still ensured under the seat.

[0016] The bag has at least one side opening with an opening mechanism, preferably a double zipper.

[0017] A loop attached to the front of the bag in the bottom area allows it to be easily pulled out from under the seat.

[0018] Inside, a washable cushion ensures the pet's comfort. When not in use, this cushion can be rolled up and conveniently stored in a cover designed to hold a neck pillow.

[0019] The bag has side handles for transport and optionally the possibility of attaching a shoulder strap.

[0020] The carrier is available in various sizes, depending on the size of the animal and airline regulations. Furthermore, all fabric materials come in a range of colors and patterns. The manufacturer's and brand's markings can be applied to the exterior. Integrated lighting behind the mesh fabric ensures good visibility of the pet inside the carrier.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 explained. It shows: Fig. 1. The exterior view with surfaces made of fabric and mesh, Fig. 2 the arrangement of the flexible-elastic rod-shaped structural elements that constitute the flexible spatial stabilization structure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2019 003 085 U1

[0005] DE 20 2021 002 792 U1

[0006] CA 000002270492A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Pet carrier bag, characterized by The bag's shape stabilization is achieved through surfaces made of tear-resistant fabric combined with integrated, flexible linear reinforcements and a rigid base plate. Incorporated into the fabric are flexible, rod-shaped structural elements, some of which are reinforced with fabric to specifically increase stability and thus ensure spatial stability despite the lightweight materials. [2] Transport bag according to claim 1, characterized by that the side and top surfaces consist of tear-resistant fabric and air-permeable material, for example mesh or lattice fabric, and that the areas on the walls on the one hand and the ceiling on the other hand are connected vertically or diagonally across the air-permeable fabric by means of tear-resistant textile structures at least six points distributed over the horizontal circumference of the bag. [3] Transport bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that to form the supporting structure of the bag, tubular channels are sewn or stitched into the side and top surfaces, into which reinforced flexible rod-shaped structural elements, for example made of plastic, are inserted, and a rigid plate, for example made of hard foam, forms the bottom of the bag. [4] Transport bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that reinforced cross braces in the upper part of the bag ensure that the cuboid basic shape is maintained by the forces acting on it when lifting it in the loaded state, by absorbing the deforming forces caused by the weight load and maintaining the distance between the support attachment points. [5] Transport bag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that due to the flexible stabilizing elements, it can be completely stowed under an aircraft seat while maintaining ventilation of the interior of the bag from several sides. [6] Transport bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one side of the bag, preferably in the middle, has a device, for example a loop made of tear-resistant material, which makes it easier to pull the bag out from under a seat, for example an airplane seat, and that one or more sides have an open or closable slip pocket, for example by means of Velcro or a zipper. [7] Transport bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it can be folded flat, for example to a height of 6 cm, without having to remove individual components, by opening the side zippers and laying the side walls on the bottom of the bag and folding the long side panels over them. [8] Transport bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the interior fittings include a blanket which is stored and carried in a textile cover, preferably in the form of a neck support pillow, which is attached to the straps of the transport bag by means of a device. [9] Transport bag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bag can assume any geometric shape in the base, top and side views. [10] Transport bag according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that it is equipped with lighting for better visibility, which is incorporated into the mesh areas of the bag and illuminates the interior of the bag.

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