Load leg for an animal containment device

Abstract

An animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment system includes an animal containment device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable. The animal containment system further includes a load leg assembly coupled to the animal containment device and comprising a load leg extendable from the animal containment device toward a surface of the vehicle. The load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

Description

LOAD LEG FOR AN ANIMAL CONTAINMENT DEVICECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63 / 512,448, filed July 7, 2023; 63 / 512,670, filed July 10, 2023; 63 / 520,282, filed August 17, 2023; 63 / 586,908, filed September 29, 2023; 63 / 591,640, filed October 19, 2023; 63 / 605,254, filed December 1, 2023; 63 / 605,273, filed December 1, 2023; 63 / 607,371, filed December 7, 2023; 63 / 607,375, filed December 7, 2023; 63 / 607,382, filed December 7, 2023; 63 / 613,453, filed December 21, 2023; 63 / 568,211, filed March 21, 2024; 63 / 575,902, filed April 8, 2024; 63 / 631,007, filed April 8, 2024; 63 / 631,070, filed April 8, 2024; 63 / 648,750, filed May 17, 2024; 63 / 636,399, filed June 10, 2024; and 63 / 666,497, filed July 1, 2024; which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to animal containment devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to various load legs for an animal containment device for securing a pet or an animal in a vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many pet owners utilize a crate, cage, or other type of traveling carrier to transport animals in a vehicle, such as an automobile, airplane, train, bicycle, or the like. Pet traveling carriers are available that cooperate with safety belts or other anchor points of a vehicle to prevent a pet from roaming within and / or escaping from a vehicle. However, these carriers often do not adequately secure a pet in the case of a sudden change in vehicle speed or direction, and can be difficultto install in a vehicle. An improperly restrained pet is more likely to be injured and to injure occupants of a vehicle during a crash.

[0004] Additionally, many existing pet traveling carriers suffer from various other deficiencies. For example, some pet traveling carriers lack safety features and the ability to securely attach them to a vehicle, and carriers that do attach to the vehicle often take up considerable room in the cargo area when not in use and can be difficult to install and remove. In another example, some pet traveling carriers are insufficiently anchored to contain and protect the animal in the event of a vehicle crash. In yet another example, some pet traveling carriers lack safety features relevant to crash performance when installed in the rear cargo area of a vehicle.SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of this disclosure relate to load legs for an animal containment device for a vehicle. In accordance with one aspect, a storage system for a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The storage system may include a storage device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable. The storage system may further include a load leg coupled to the storage device and extendable from the body of the storage device toward a surface of the vehicle. The load leg may be configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the storage device during an impact event.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect, an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment system may include an animal containment device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable. The animal containment system may further include a loadleg assembly coupled to the animal containment device and comprising a load leg extendable from the animal containment device toward a surface of the vehicle. The load leg may be configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect, a method of forming an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The method may include forming an animal containment device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable. The method may further include forming a load leg assembly that includes a load leg. The method may further include mounting the load leg assembly to the animal containment device (e.g., within a base of the animal containment device). The load leg may be extendable from the animal containment device toward a surface of the vehicle. The load leg may be configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from a surface of a vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect, a storage system for a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The storage system may include a storage device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable. The storage system may further include a load leg coupled to the storage device and extendable from the body of the storage device toward a surface of the vehicle. The storage system may include a buffering mechanism configured to be activated in response to the load leg being compressed by impact forces transferred from the vehicle during an impact event, the buffering mechanism configured to reduce a magnitude of the impact force transferred from the vehicle to the storage device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following description of the illustrative embodiments may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is understood that potential embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to those depicted. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example animal containment system including an example load leg installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system including an example load leg in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the example animal containment system of FIG. 2 including the example load leg in an extended position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example animal containment system including an example buffering e mechanism for an example load leg according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of an example buffering mechanism for an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg ofan example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism of for an example load leg an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] FIGS. 10A and 10B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] FIGS. 11A and 11B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] FIGS. 12A and 12B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg ofan example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0022] FIGS. 13A and 13B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0023] FIGS. 14A and 14B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] FIGS. 15A and 15B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0025] FIGS. 16A and 16B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism for an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an animal containment system including an example load leg according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0027] FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective and partial cut-away views, respectively, of an example animal containment system including an example load leg in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0028] FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective and partial cut-away views, respectively, of the example animal containment system of FIGS. 18A and 18B including the example load leg in an extended position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 21 is a side view of the example load leg of FIG. 20 in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 22 is a side view of the example load leg of FIG. 20 in an extended position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 23 is a side view of an example animal containment system including another example load leg installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 24 is a side view of the example animal containment system of FIG. 23 following a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 25 is a side view of an example animal containment system including another example load leg installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 26 is a side view of the example animal containment system of FIG. 25 following a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0036] FIGS. 27A and 27B are side and top views, respectively, of another example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 28 is a side view of the example load leg of FIGS. 27A and 27B following a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 29 is a side view of another example load leg of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 30 is a side view of the example load leg of FIG. 29 following a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 31 is a side view of an example animal containment system including an example load leg in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 32 is a side view of the example animal containment system of FIG. 31 including the example load leg in an extended position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 33 is a side view of an example animal containment system including an example primary load leg in an extended position and an example secondary load leg in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 34 is a side view of the example animal containment system of FIG. 33 including the secondary load leg in a partially-deployed position during a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 35 is a side view of the example animal containment system of FIG. 33 including the secondary load leg in a deployed position following a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system including multiple example load legs according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0046] FIGS. 37A and 37B are perspective and side views, respectively of an example animal containment system including an example dock having an example load leg according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0047] FIGS. 38A and 38B are perspective and top views, respectively of an example animal containment system including another example dock having multiple example load legs according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0048] FIG. 39 is a flow chart of an example method for forming an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present disclosure sets forth various aspects of an animal containment system for a vehicle including a containment structure for containing a pet. The animal containment system includes one or more strap assemblies for mounting / securing the animal containment device in a vehicle.

[0050] It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples and embodiments shown in the figures are for example purposes only, and should not be construed limiting the disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates various embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above with the above-described examples and embodiments may be employed alone or in combination with any of the other examples and embodiments described above. It should further beappreciated that the various alternative examples and embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment can apply to all examples and embodiments as described herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0051] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate, as if the word “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range, and is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

[0052] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. For example,it will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” etc., when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0053] The example embodiments may be further understood with reference to the following description and the related appended drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The example embodiments describe an assembly and / or associated apparatuses for safely transporting animals (e.g., dogs) in a vehicle cargo area. In some embodiments, the assembly features an animal containment device (e.g., crate) for holding the animal that can be secured in a cargo area of a vehicle to securely transport the animal in the vehicle.

[0054] The animal containment device may include, or be referred to alternatively as, a crate, a dog crate, a storage device, or another suitable device. Those skilled in the art will understand that the animal containment device is configured to safely hold an animal during, for example, transportation of the animal in a moving vehicle and / or for transportation of the animal outside the vehicle. The animal containment device can include or can be configured to cooperate with one or more load legs and / or straps or other securing members to position and secure the animal containment device within the vehicle. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides for alternative locking mechanisms of theload leg, alternative geometries of the load leg, energy redirection techniques for improved safety, and / or various geometries used to strategically weaken portions of the load leg for energy absorption.

[0055] The animal containment system can provide crash safety of rear seat human occupants in a vehicle when an animal, such as a dog, is behind them in the animal containment device in the rear cargo area of the vehicle. The animal containment system can also provide crash safety for the dog in the rear cargo area. Additionally, the animal containment system can provide a "universal" fit in a majority of sport utility vehicle (SUV) rear cargo areas. The animal containment device can comprise a material that is durable and has the strength of heavy-duty kennels with some of the flexibility and aesthetics of soft-sided crates.

[0056] During a typical crash with impact on the front or rear of the vehicle, when the animal containment device is located in the vehicle cargo area, the impact forces from the crash will tend to cause the animal containment device to move forward (e.g., toward the vehicle seats and occupants), upward toward the ceiling, and / or rotationally forward and up (e.g., sending the top of the animal containment device over the vehicle seatback). Moreover, impact forces from crashes at other offset directions may cause the animal containment device to move in other directions or combinations thereof. Accordingly, features of the present disclosure aid in absorbing and / or counteracting such impact forces. In various embodiments, the animal containment device is part of an animal containment system that may include one or more features including, but not limited to, a mounting assembly, which positively retain and / or block the animal containment device in the cargo area, preventing the animal containment devicefrom becoming a projectile and / or inducing harm to animal or human occupants. As such, embodiments disclosed herein provide crash safety of rear seat human occupants when an animal (e.g., a dog) or other cargo is behind them in the rear cargo area along with crash safety of the animal or cargo itself.

[0057] In the following description, the terms “front” and “rear” are generally used with respect to a front and rear of a vehicle in which aspects of the present disclosure are used or intended to be used, unless otherwise stated. Thus, for example, a rear of an animal containment device is oriented toward a rear of vehicle or refers to a portion of the animal containment device intended to be orientated towards a rear of a vehicle.

[0058] It should be further understood that reference to a "side" of the animal containment device is provided for ease of explanation, and that multiple different components of the animal containment device can define the exterior of the animal containment device and these exterior components are not necessarily orthogonal to the other "sides." Additionally, the terms "inside" and / or "interior" and / or "internal" may refer to features in a direction toward the center of the animal containment device, relative to a certain component of the animal containment device, and the terms "outside" and / or "exterior" and / or "external" may refer to features in a direction away from the center of the animal containment device, relative to a certain component of the animal containment device.

[0059] Although the disclosure may illustrate different embodiments, it is contemplated that aspects of individual embodiments may be combined or omitted. Therefore, the disclosure and claims are not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example animal containment system 100 for use in the cargo area of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment system 100 may comprise an animal containment device 110 and at least one load leg, such as load leg 140. The load leg 140 may be installed against the rear surface 4 of the vehicle seat 2, which may also be referred to as the “vehicle seatback.”

[0061] The animal containment device 110 may be a portable, enclosed containment assembly or crate that includes a body defining an enclosure having an interior within which an animal is receivable, the body including a cavity. The animal containment device 110 may include a base and at least one wall extending from the base upwardly and partially defining the cavity. For example, the animal containment device 110 may have a bottom side 112, top side 114, front side 116, rear side 118, left side 120, and right side (not shown).

[0062] The load leg 140 may be extendable away from the base of the animal containment device 110 toward a portion of the vehicle. The load leg 140 may have a proximal portion 142 mounted to the body of the animal containment device 110 and a distal portion 144 configured to be in contact with the rear surface 4 of the vehicle seat 2. The load leg 140 may be configured for movement between a retracted position (e.g., a “stored” position) with the distal portion 144 located proximate to or within the animal containment device 110 and an extended position (e.g., a “deployed” or “use” position) with the distal portion spaced away from the animal containment device. For example, the load leg 140 may be mounted on the front side 116 of the animal containment device 110 toward the bottom side 112 of the animal containment device 110, and this may reduce theamount of force transferred from the vehicle (e.g., through the rear surface 4 of the vehicle seat 2, or through the floor 6) to the animal containment device 110 during a crash. For example, the load leg 140 may be utilized to provide support against the rear surface 4 of the vehicle seat 2 near a bottom area of the vehicle seat 2 and relatively close to where the vehicle seat mounts to the vehicle body. By adding energy-absorption structures as disclosed herein, the load leg 140 may help absorb and / or dissipate impact forces during a crash and thereby reduce the force exerted upon the pet contained within the animal containment device 110, further reducing injury.

[0063] In some aspects, a user may place the animal containment system 100 on the floor 6 of the cargo area of the vehicle, behind the seat 2 and under the ceiling 8 of the vehicle. The position of the load leg 140 of the animal containment system 100 may be extended off the front side 116 at a distance so when the load leg 140 contacts the rear surface 4 of the vehicle seat 2, no other part of the animal containment device 110 is able to contact the vehicle seat 2. The load leg 140 may work in conjunction with the other connection straps (not shown) to ensure that the animal containment device 110 does not contact the vehicle seat 2, for example.

[0064] In some aspects, the animal containment system 100 may further include a buffering mechanism configured to reduce an impact transferred from the vehicle to the animal containment system 100 during an impact event. Various buffering mechanisms are described in further detail below. In various embodiments, buffering mechanisms may be incorporated at the proximal portion 144 of the load leg and may be mounted to the animal containment device, as shown in FIGS. 4— 16B and 31-32. In other embodiments, buffering mechanismsmay be integrated in the structure of the load leg beyond the proximal portion, as shown in FIGS 20-24 and 27A-32. In still other embodiments, buffering mechanisms may provide components separate from the load leg, as shown in FIGS. 25-26.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system 200 including an animal containment device 210 and an example load leg 240 in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the example animal containment system 200 of FIG. 2 including the example load leg 240 in an extended position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the load leg 240 telescopes between two positions: a retracted or “stored” position as shown in FIG. 2; and an extended, deployed, or “use” position as shown in FIG. 3. The use position is when the load leg 240 is deployed as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. The load leg 240 may be pulled out manually by a user (e.g., by applying a pulling force) when the animal containment system 200 is placed on the cargo area of the vehicle. Further, the stored position is when the load leg 240 is retracted as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example animal containment system 400 including an example animal containment device 410, an example load leg 440 mounted to the animal containment device 410, and an example buffering mechanism 460 coupled to the load leg 440 for energy dissipation, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 460 may have an elongated channel configured to receive a portion of the load leg 440. The buffering mechanism 460 may further comprise a translatingframe (or a receiver), and a locking mechanism (or an engaging member or a preimpact member) which, in some embodiments, may be a part of a receiver. For example, the receiver may be a pre-impact structure. In some embodiments, the load leg 440 may comprise a stationary frame, a translating frame, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may comprise structural members and an actuator. In some aspects, the low contact point of the load leg 440 with the vehicle seatback may substantially minimize the moment force on the vehicle seatback.

[0067] In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 4, the buffering mechanism 460 may include a receiver configured to contact a distal end 442 of the load leg 440. The buffering mechanism 460 may further include an elongated channel mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 410 and configured to receive the portion of the load leg 440 and to secure the receiver therein. In some aspects, the distal end 442 of the load leg 440 may be configured to reduce an amount of force transferred from the vehicle to the animal containment system during an impact event. In some aspects, as shown, the base 412 of the animal containment device 410 may have a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a longitudinal slot configured to store the load leg 440 along the first side and the second side. In some aspects, the longitudinal slot may further include the buffering mechanism 460. In some aspects, the load leg 440 is movable within the longitudinal slot of the base 412 of the animal containment device 410. In some aspects, the load leg 440 is movable along an axis between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0068] FIGS. 5A and 5B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of an example buffering mechanism 560 for an example load leg 540of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 560 may include a receiver 570 disposed within an elongated channel 580 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 510 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 540. The receiver 570 may have an engagement member 572 (e.g., a spitted up-and-down shape, such as tongs, also referred to as a partially-covered hollow cap end) and a longitudinal member 574. A fixed distal end 576 of the receiver 570 is located on a distal end 582 of the elongated channel 580. In some instances, the receiver 570 is configured to contact a portion of the load leg 540.

[0069] In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the receiver 570 may further include a longitudinal member 574 having a fixed distal end 576 to the distal end 582 of the elongated channel 580. For example, as shown, the longitudinal member 574 may include a hinge-coupled portion that includes a pair of hinge-coupled fingers. In some aspects, the receiver 570 may further include an engagement member 572 at a proximal end 578 of the longitudinal member 574 having an inner surface defining a groove configured to mate with the distal end of the load leg 540 during an impact event (e.g., vehicle crash). For example, as shown, the hinge-coupled portion of the longitudinal member 574 may be curved (e.g., “C”-shaped). In some aspects, as shown, the load leg 540 may have a spherical end 542 at the distal end of the load leg 540 and a rod 541 (also referred to as a “frame” or “stationary frame”) extending therefrom. A portion of the spherical end of the load leg 540 may be configured to move slidably into the groove of the engagement member 572 and become securely engaged within the groove during an impact event. In some instances, as shown, a diameter of the spherical end 542at the distal end of the load leg 540 may be greater than a diameter of the rod 541 of the load leg 540.

[0070] FIGS. 6A and 6B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 660 for an example load leg 640 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 660 may include a receiver 670 disposed within an elongated channel 680 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 610 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 640. The receiver 670 may include a longitudinal member 674 that has a plurality of connected chambers 672 including a fixed distal end 676 to the distal end 682 of the elongated channel 680. In some aspects, the receiver 670 may further include an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member 674 and having an open end member 678 formed at a proximal end of the plurality of connected chambers 672, where the open end member 678 is configured to mate with the distal end of the load leg 640 during an impact event. In some aspects, the load leg 640 may have a rounded tip 642 at the distal end of the load leg 640 and a rod 641 (also referred to as a “frame” or “stationary frame”) extending therefrom, and the rounded tip of the load leg 640 may be configured to move slidably into the open end of the longitudinal member 674 and become securely engaged within one or more of the plurality of connected chambers 672 during an impact event. In some instances, as shown, a diameter of the rounded tip 642 at the distal end of the load leg 640 may be greater than a diameter of the rod 641 of the load leg 640.

[0071] FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 760 of for an example load leg 740 an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 760 may include a receiver 770 disposed within an elongated channel 780 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 710 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 740. The receiver 770 may include a longitudinal member having a plurality of intersecting planar elements 772 disposed within an inner shell 784 of the elongated channel 780 from a distal end 782 of the elongated channel 780 of the buffering mechanism 760 to a mid-range portion of the elongated channel 780. In some aspects, the receiver 770 may further include an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and having a recess member 778 formed at a proximal end of the plurality of intersecting planar elements 772, where the recess member 778 is configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the load leg 740 during an impact event. For example, as shown, the load leg 740 may have a rounded tip 742 at a distal end, and the rounded tip 742 of the load leg 740 may be configured to move slidably into the elongated channel 780 and contact the plurality of intersecting planar elements 772 during an impact event.

[0072] FIGS. 8A and 8B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 860 for an example load leg 840 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 860 may include a receiver 870 disposed within an elongated channel 880 mounted on a lower portion of the bodyof the animal containment device 810 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 840. The receiver 870 may further include a longitudinal member having a plurality of layers 872 of honeycomb structure in a horizontal plane, wherein the plurality of layers 872 of honeycomb structure in the horizontal plane is extending from a distal end 882 of the elongated channel 880 to a mid-range portion of the elongated channel 880. In some aspects, the receiver 870 may further include an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and having an engagement surface 878 formed at a proximal end of the plurality of layers 872 of honeycomb structure in the horizontal plane, where the engagement surface 878 is configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg 840 during an impact event. For example, as shown, the load leg 840 may have a flat tip 842 at a distal end, and the flat tip 842 of the load leg 840 may be configured to move slidably within the elongated channel 880 and contact the engagement surface 878 (e.g., at the proximal end of the plurality of layers 872 of honeycomb structure in the horizontal plane ) during an impact event.

[0073] FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 960 for an example load leg 940 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 960 may include a receiver 970 disposed within an elongated channel 980 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 910 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 940. The receiver 970 may further include a longitudinal member having a plurality of layers 972 of honeycomb structure in a vertical plane,wherein the plurality of layers 972 of honeycomb structure in the vertical plane is extending from a distal end 982 of the elongated channel 980 to a mid-range portion of the elongated channel 980. In some aspects, the receiver 970 may further include an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and having an engagement surface 978 formed at a proximal end of the plurality of layers 972 of honeycomb structure in the vertical plane, where the engagement surface 978 is configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg 940 during an impact event. For example, as shown, the load leg 940 may have a flat tip 942 at a distal end, and the flat tip 942 of the load leg 940 may be configured to move slidably within the elongated channel 980 and contact the engagement surface 978 (e.g., at the proximal end of the plurality of layers 972 of honeycomb structure in the vertical plane) during an impact event.

[0074] FIGS. 10A and 10B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 1060 for an example load leg 1040 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 1060 may include a receiver 1070 disposed within an elongated channel 1080 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 1010 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 1040. As shown, the receiver 1070 may further include a longitudinal member including an inner surface 1072 having a plurality of longitudinal apertures 1078 and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end 1082 of the elongated channel 1080. The receiver 1070 may further include a plurality of engagement members disposed across the inner surface 1072 of the longitudinal member and defined by the plurality of longitudinal apertures 1078,wherein at least one of the plurality of engagement members is configured to mate with at least one of a plurality of protrusions 1044 disposed on the distal end of the load leg 1040 during an impact event. For example, as shown, the load leg 1040 may include a flat tip 1042 disposed at the distal end of the load leg 1040, and the plurality of protrusions 1044 may be disposed along a circumference of the flat tip 1042, wherein a portion of the flat tip 1042 of the load leg 1040 is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel 1080 and each of the plurality of protrusions 1044 is configured to become securely engaged within a respective one of a subset of the plurality of longitudinal apertures 1078 defining a subset of proximal engagement members 1079 during an impact event.

[0075] FIGS. 11A and 11B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 1160 for an example load leg 1140 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 1160 may include a receiver 1170 disposed within an elongated channel 1180 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 1110 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 1140. As shown, the receiver 1170 may further include a longitudinal member including an inner surface 1172 having a plurality of longitudinal ridges 1178 and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end 1182 of the elongated channel 1180. The receiver 1170 may further include an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an open end member 1179 formed at a proximal end of the plurality of longitudinal ridges 1178 and configured to mate with a portion of the distal end of the load leg 1140 during the impact event.

[0076] For example, the load leg 1140 may include a flat tip 1142 disposed at the distal end of the load leg 1140, wherein a portion of the flat tip 1142 of the load leg 1140 is configured to move slidably into the open end member 1179 of the engagement member and become securely engaged within at least a proximal region of the plurality of longitudinal ridges 1178 during an impact event.

[0077] FIGS. 12A and 12B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 1260 for an example load leg 1240 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 1260 may include a receiver 1270 disposed within an elongated channel 1280 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 1210 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 1240. As shown, the receiver 1270 may further include a longitudinal member including an inner surface 1276 having a plurality of protrusions 1278 and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end 1282 of the elongated channel 1280. The receiver 1270 may further include a plurality of engagement members defined by the plurality of protrusions 1278 and configured to contact the distal end of the load leg 1240 during an impact event, wherein each of the plurality of engagement members comprises a respective subset of the plurality of protrusions 1278. For example, the load leg 1240 may include a flat tip 1242 disposed at the distal end of the load leg 1240, wherein a portion of the flat tip 1242 of the load leg 1240 is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel 1280 and become securely engaged by at least a proximal engagement member 1279 having a subset of the plurality of protrusions 1278 during the impact event.

[0078] FIGS. 13A and 13B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 1360 for an example load leg 1340 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 1360 may include a receiver 1370 disposed within an elongated channel 1380 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 1310 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 1340. As shown, the receiver 1370 may further include a longitudinal member including an inner surface 1372 having a plurality of annular ridges 1378 and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end 1382 of the elongated channel 1380. The receiver 1370 may further include a plurality of engagement members defined by the plurality of annular ridges 1378 and configured to contact the distal end of the load leg 1340 during an impact event, wherein each of the plurality of engagement members comprises a respective one of the plurality of annular ridges 1378. For example, the load leg 1340 may include a flat tip 1342 disposed at the distal end of the load leg 1340, wherein a portion of the flat tip 1342 of the load leg 1340 is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel 1380 and become securely engaged by at least a proximal engagement member 1379 having a proximal one of the plurality of annular ridges 1378 during the impact event.

[0079] FIGS. 14A and 14B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 1460 for an example load leg 1440 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 1460 may include a receiver 1470 disposed within an elongated channel 1480 mounted on a lower portion ofthe body of the animal containment device 1410 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 1440. As shown, the receiver 1470 may further include a longitudinal member including an outer surface 1472 having a plurality of indentations 1474 defining an inner surface 1476 having a plurality of protrusions 1478 and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end 1482 of the elongated channel 1480. The receiver 1470 may further include a plurality of engagement members defined by the plurality of protrusions 1478 and configured to contact the distal end of the load leg 1440 during an impact event, wherein each of the plurality of engagement members comprises a respective subset of the plurality of protrusions 1478. For example, the load leg 1440 may include a flat tip 1442 disposed at the distal end of the load leg 1440, wherein a portion of the flat tip 1442 of the load leg 1440 is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel 1480 and become securely engaged by at least a proximal engagement member 1479 having a subset of the plurality of protrusions 1478 during the impact event.

[0080] FIGS. 15A and 15B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 1560 for an example load leg 1540 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 1560 may include a receiver 1570 disposed within an elongated channel 1580 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 1510 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 1540. As shown, the receiver 1570 may further include a longitudinal member including an inner surface 1572 having a plurality of protrusions 1574 arranged in a spiral pattern and having a fixed distal endmounted to a distal end 1582 of the elongated channel 1580. The receiver 1570 may further include an engagement member defined by the plurality of protrusions 1574 and configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg 1540 during the impact event. For example, the load leg 1540 may include a flat tip 1542 disposed at the distal end of the load leg 1540, wherein a portion of the flat tip 1542 of the load leg 1540 is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel 1580 and become securely engaged by at least a subset of the plurality of protrusions 1574 during the impact event.

[0081] FIGS. 16A and 16B are partial cross-section and perspective views, respectively, of another example buffering mechanism 1660 for an example load leg 1640 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the buffering mechanism 1660 may include a receiver 1670 disposed within an elongated channel 1680 mounted on a lower portion of the body of the animal containment device 1610 and configured to accommodate a portion of the load leg 1640. As shown, the receiver 1670 may further include a longitudinal member including an inner friction surface 1672 having a first friction material and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end 1682 of the elongated channel 1680. The receiver 1670 may further include an engagement member defined by a proximal portion 1678 of the inner friction surface 1672 of the longitudinal member and configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg 1640 during an impact event. For example, the load leg 1640 may include a flat tip 1642 disposed at the distal end of the load leg 1640, the load leg 1640 further comprising an outer friction surface 1644 having a second friction material at the distal end region of the load leg 1640, wherein a portion of theouter friction surface 1644 of the load leg 1640 is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel 1680 and become securely engaged by at least the proximal portion 1678 of the inner friction surface 1672 of the longitudinal member during the impact event.

[0082] In some aspects, the first friction material may be substantially different from the second friction material. In other aspects, the first friction material may be substantially the same as the second friction material. As used herein, the term “friction material” may include materials configured to produce friction between solid surfaces in order to reduce or substantially eliminate motion (including, but not limited to, sliding) between the two surfaces. In some aspects, friction materials may include rubber, metal (including, but not limited to, metal alloys), brake linings, hook and loop fabrics (e.g., Velcro), heat-activated adhesives (e.g., activatable by heat generated by dynamic or kinetic friction), materials with patterned surfaces (e.g., knurled metal surfaces), any other suitable friction material, and any suitable combinations thereof. For example, the first friction material may be a hook fabric, and the second friction material may be a loop fabric configured to mate with the hook fabric and thereby form a hook and loop fastener. In another example, the first friction material may be a brake lining material, and the second friction material may be a metal material. In yet another example, both the first friction material and the second friction material may be rubber materials. In still another example, both the first friction material and the second friction material may be knurled metal materials.

[0083] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an animal containment system 1700 including an example load leg 1740 for use in the cargo area of a vehicle accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment system1700 may comprise an animal containment device 1710 and at least one load leg, such as load leg 1740. The load leg 1740 may be installed against the rear surface of a vehicle seat (not shown), which may also be referred to as the “vehicle seatback.” The animal containment device 1710 may be a portable, enclosed containment assembly or crate that includes a body defining an enclosure having an interior within which an animal is receivable (e.g., a cavity). In certain embodiment, the cavity of the animal containment device 1710 may be sized for dogs up to 75-80 lbs.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 17, the animal containment device 1710 may include a base 1711 and at least one wall extending from the base 1711 upwardly and partially defining the cavity. For example, the animal containment device 1710 may have a base 1711, bottom side 1712, top side 1714, front side 1716, rear side 1718 (e.g., the “door” side through which an animal can enter or exit the animal containment device 1710), left side 1720, and right side 1722. The load leg 1740 may be extendable away from the base 1711 of the animal containment device 1710 toward a portion of the vehicle. The load leg 1740 may have a distal portion mounted to the body of the animal containment device 1710 and a proximal portion configured to be in contact with the rear surface of the vehicle seat. The load leg 1740 may be configured for movement between a retracted position (e.g., a “stored” position) and, as shown in FIG. 17, an extended position (e.g., a “deployed” or “use” position). For example, the load leg 1740 may be mounted on the base 1711, on the front side of the animal containment device 1710 toward the bottom side 1712 of the animal containment device 1710, and this may reduce the amount of forcetransferred from the vehicle (e.g., through the rear surface of the vehicle seat, or through the floor of the vehicle) to the animal containment device 1710 during a crash. For example, the load leg 1740 may be utilized to provide support against the rear surface of the vehicle seat. By adding energy- absorption structures as disclosed herein, the load leg 1740 may help absorb impact forces during a crash and thereby reduce the force exerted upon the pet contained within the animal containment device 1710, further reducing injury.

[0085] In some embodiments, the animal containment system 1700 may include may include an impact protection component connected to the animal containment device 1710, such as a wedge dock or frame dock disposed forward of the animal containment device 1710, a docking station, a net barrier, one or more retention straps, and / or one or more load legs. The impact protection component may be installed in a vehicle to align with a seat back portion of the vehicle (e.g., the front of a cargo area of the vehicle). The impact protection component may be configured to positively engage with the animal containment device 1710, for example by a latch mechanism. The impact protection component is configured to aid in reducing or substantially minimizing the impact to an animal in the animal containment device 1710 during a vehicle collision by, for example, absorbing impact forces and / or redirecting impact forces away from the vehicle’s rear seatback. In some aspects, the impact protection component may include an energy-absorption assembly that includes, is coupled to, or is included in, the load leg 1740 of the animal containment system 1700 to reduce an impact transferred from the vehicle to the animal containment system 1700 during an impact event (e.g., a vehicle crash). Various impact protection components, energy-absorptionassemblies, and load legs are described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 20-38B, including alternative locking mechanisms of the load leg, alternative geometries of the load leg, energy redirection for improved safety, and alternative geometries used to strategically weaken portions of the load leg for energy absorption.

[0086] In some embodiments, the impact protection component connected to the animal containment device 1710 may include alternative embodiments for the load leg 1740. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented to reduce, absorb, or substantially dissipate impact forces on the load leg 1740 from a vehicle crash, reducing the amount of force transferred to the animal containment device 1710 itself. In some embodiments, the load leg 1740 may be configured to actuate a secondary protection component (e.g., an air bag, a top-side load leg) when crash forces are experienced.

[0087] To reduce the amount of impact transferred to the rear seats of the vehicle, the impact protection component may provide one or more modes of energy absorption in the event of a crash, including, but not limited to:

[0088] (1) A wedge dock or other impact protection component positioned forward of the animal containment device 1710 (e.g., between the front side 1716 of the animal containment device 1710 and the rear surface of the vehicle seatback).

[0089] (2) One or more retention straps, which may extend to anchor points within the vehicle cargo area and / or extend through the tailgate door jamb.- 31 -SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

[0090] (3) One or more load legs extending in various directions, such as forward toward a vehicle seatback, laterally toward the left and right sides of the cargo area, upward toward the vehicle ceiling (e.g., ceiling 8 shown in FIG. 1), and / or rearward toward the vehicle tailgate.

[0091] (4) An impact panel incorporated with at least the front panel on the front side 1716 of the animal containment device 1710. The impact panel may include one or more of: foam, air pockets, and / or crumple zones, and may reduce the forward-backward space available for an animal contained in the cavity of the animal containment device 1710. Additionally or alternatively, the front panel may have one or more features for improved strength relative to the other panels. For example, to increase strength, the front panel can include a wire meshing overtop of the front panel, manufactured within the front panel, or manufactured as part of the front panel. In some embodiments, the front panel may be a panel subassembly including an inner impact panel with intervening structure such as ribs, voids, foam, or the like.

[0092] FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective and partial cut-away views, respectively, of an example animal containment system 1800 including an example animal containment device 1810 and an example load leg 1840 in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective and partial cut-away views, respectively, of the example animal containment system 1800 of FIGS. 18A and 18B including the example load leg 1840 in an extended position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the load leg 1840 telescopes between two positions: a- 32 -SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)retracted or “stored” position as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B; and an extended, deployed, or “use” position as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. In some aspects, to transition the load leg 1840 from the stored position to the use position, the load leg 1840 may be pulled out manually by a user when the animal containment system 1800 is to be placed on the cargo area of the vehicle.

[0093] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an example load leg 2040 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure and having an example buffering mechanism 2060. FIG. 21 is a side view of the example load leg 2040 of FIG. 20 in a retracted or “stowed” position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 22 is a side view of the example load leg 2040 of FIG. 20 at a maximum travel in an extended, “deployed,” or “use” position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 20—22, the buffering mechanism 2060 includes a region 2042 (e.g., at a distal end of the outer tube 2044) having a deformable section of material (e.g., a plurality of longitudinal slots formed in the surface of the outer tube 2044 at its distal end, as shown). The load leg 2040 telescopes via an outer tube 2044, an inner tube 2046, and a spring- biased lock 2048. For example, as shown, the outer tube 2044 may include one or more channels 2045 (e.g., two L-shaped channels, as shown), and the spring-biased lock 2048 may include one or more protrusions (two protrusions 2049a, 2049b, as shown) configured to travel within the one or more channels of the outer tube 2044. In some aspects, the user may pull the inner tube 2046 of the load leg 2040 out from the body of the animal containment device. At the maximum travel of the inner tube 2046, the spring-biased lock 2048 is configured to rotate and secure the inner tube 2046 of the load leg 2040 in said position. Upon a crash, since the innertube 2046 cannot travel back into its stowed position, the force on the inner tube2046 will instead deform or crush the deformable section of material in the region 2042, thus absorbing energy.

[0094] FIG. 23 is a side view of an example animal containment system 2300 including another example load leg 2340 with an example buffering mechanism 2360 installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 24 is a side view of the example animal containment system 2300 of FIG. 23 including the example load leg 2340 in a rotated- downward position to absorb impact forces during a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment system 2300 may be disposed on the floor 2306 of the cargo space of the vehicle, and the load leg 2340 may provide the buffering mechanism 2360 as a downwardly-biased load leg that is installed against a rear surface 2304 of a vehicle seat 2302 and is configured to rotate downwards about an axis of rotation 2390 towards the floor 2306 of the cargo space during an impact event (e.g., vehicle crash, collision) to absorb at least a portion of the impact force. In some aspects, the load leg 2340 may be rigid or inflatable. Since the load leg 2340 is downwardly biased (e.g., by spring-bias, geometry, etc.), during an impact event, the impact force will cause the load leg 2340 to rotate downwards around an axis of rotation 2390 towards the floor 2306 of the cargo space and thus redirect energy in the event of the crash. In some aspects where the load leg 2340 includes a spring that downwardly-biases the load leg 2340 to form a downwardly-biased load leg, after the crash and after the load leg 2340 has rotated downwards, the spring can be locked in position (e.g., by a ratchet-like structure) to prevent springback.

[0095] FIG. 25 is a side view of an example animal containment system 2500 including another example load leg 2540 installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure with an example buffering mechanism 2560. FIG. 26 is a side view of the example animal containment system 2500 of FIG. 25 following a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment system 2500 may be disposed on the floor 2506 of the cargo space of the vehicle, and the load leg 2540 may include an extendable inner tube 2542 that is installed against a rear surface 2504 of a vehicle seat 2502 during use. The animal containment system 2500 may further include an outer tube 2544 connected to the inner tube 2542. The buffering mechanism 2560 may include a gas shock absorber 2546 connected to the outer tube 2544, an air tube 2548 connected to the gas shock absorber 2546, and an inflatable air bag 2550 connected to the air tube 2548.

[0096] In some embodiments, the buffering mechanism 2560 is configured to actuate the air bag 2550 when receiving a predetermined crash force, and the air bag 2550 is configured to extend into the interior space of the animal containment device 2510 when actuated. In some aspects, as shown, the air bag 2550 may be a hydraulically-driven air bag. In other aspects (not shown), the load leg 2540 may include the gas shock absorber 2546 without an air bag. Although the air bag 2550 is shown as being disposed in the top-front corner of the interior cavity of the animal containment device 2510, the air bag 2550 may be located elsewhere inside or outside the animal containment device 2510. In some embodiments, the animal containment system 2500 may include multiple air bags positioned at multiple locations inside and / or outside the animal containment device 2510. For example,the air bag 2550 could be disposed on the top side of the animal containment device2510 such that during impact the air bag 2550 deploys and helps prevent rotation of the animal containment device 2510. Alternatively, the air bag 2550 could be disposed on the front side of the animal containment device 2510 such that upon impact, the air bag 2550 deploys and cushions the animal containment device 2510 and also helps prevent rotation of the animal containment device 2510.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 26, upon impact, the animal containment system 2500 may be forced into the rear surface 2504 of the vehicle seat 2502 the inner tube 2542 of the load leg 2540 may be forced inwards (into a retracted position) to compress the gas shock absorber 2546, and the compression of the gas shock absorber 2546 may force air to travel through the air tube 2548 into the air bag 2550, causing the air bag 2550 to become inflated and expand within the interior space of the animal containment device 2510. In this manner, the air bag 2550 does not require an explosive to deploy.

[0098] FIGS. 27A and 27B are side and top views, respectively, of another example load leg 2740 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure and having an example buffering mechanism 2760. FIG. 28 is a side view of the example load leg 2740 of FIGS. 27A and 27B following a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the load leg 2740 includes telescoping tubes with the buffering mechanism 2760 providing a locking mechanism designed to shear during an impact event (e.g., crash) to absorb and / or dissipate energy. As shown, the load leg 2740 includes an inner tube 2742, an outer tube 2744, and a locking mechanism having a catch 2746, a locking mechanism interface 2748, and one or more weakened features 2750. For example, the one ormore weakened features 2750 may include a plurality of slots, recesses, or other geometry formed in a surface of the outer tube 2744 (e.g., between each locking position) to reduce or otherwise weaken the structural integrity of that portion of the outer tube 2744; the locking mechanism interface 2748 may include a portion of the surface of the outer tube 2744 defining an opening and disposed adjacent to the plurality of slots; and the catch 2746 may be disposed on a surface of the inner tube 2742 and configured to be positioned within the locking mechanism interface 2748. Additionally or alternatively (not shown), the one or more weakened features 2750 could be included on a surface of the inner tube 2742, or a plurality of weakened features could be included on both the inner tube 2742 and the outer tube 2744.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 28, upon impact, the impact forces will travel from the load leg 2740 towards the center of the animal containment device. By doing so, the inner tube 2742 of the load leg 2740 may be forced inwards (into a retracted position) into the outer tube 2744, and the catch 2746 disposed on the inner tube 2742 may tear (e.g., shear) through the one or more weakened features 2750 of the outer tube 2744, thereby absorbing and / or dissipating energy. As a result, the impact forces cause the locking mechanism to shear through the outer tube 2744 at the location of the one or more weakened features 2750.

[0100] FIG. 29 is a side view of another example load leg 2940 of an example animal containment system according to an embodiment of the disclosure with an example buffering mechanism 2960. FIG. 30 is a side view of the example load leg 2940 of FIG. 29 following a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the load leg 2940 includes an outer tube 2944 mounted in an animalcontainment device 2910. The load leg 2940 further includes an inner tube 2942 which extends outwards from the animal containment device 2910 to interact with the seatback and has the buffering mechanism 2960 provided as a crumple zone 2950 that includes one or more weakened features 2951 disposed along a surface of the inner tube 2942. The one or more weakened features 2951 may be non-linear cuts (e.g., “s-shaped” or “zig-zag- shaped” punch outs) through a surface of the inner tube 2942, or recesses in the surface of the inner tube 2942, and may alternatively be of any suitable geometry including straight lines. Upon a crash, the impact force exerted upon the inner tube 2942 of the load leg 2940 will transfer from the seatback towards the center of the animal containment device 2910. The force will collapse the one or more weakened features in the crumple zone 2950 of the inner tube 2942, thus absorbing energy.

[0101] As show in FIG. 30, upon impact, an impact force is exerted on the inner tube 2942 of the load leg 2940 in the direction shown, thus forcing the inner tube 2942 to crush at the location of crumple zone 2950 having the one or more weakened features and, as shown, causing the length of the crumple zone 2950 to decrease, thereby absorbing energy. In some aspects, the one or more weakened features in the crumple zone 2950 are configured to collapse inward upon impact.

[0102] FIG. 31 is a side view of an example animal containment system 3100 including an example animal containment device 3110 and an example load leg 3140 in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 32 is a side view of the example animal containment system 3100 of FIG. 31 including the example load leg 3140 in an extended position according to an embodiment of the disclosure and with an example buffering mechanism 3160. As shown, the loadleg 3140 is connected to one or more straps 3142 (e.g., webbing) for manual deployment of the load leg 3140. The one or more straps 3142 may be located at the front side (e.g., near the vehicle seatback, as shown), top side, or rear side (e.g., near the vehicle tailgate door) of the animal containment device 3110. When the user pulls the one or more straps 3142, the load leg 3140 is pushed out of the animal containment device 3110 and into the deployed position. In some embodiments, if the one or more straps 3142 are located at the front or top of the animal containment device 3110, one or more pulleys may be disposed within the animal containment device 3110 to route the one or more straps 3142 such that pulling on a strap rearward toward the user causes the load leg 3140 to extend forward away from the user.

[0103] Optionally, the one or more straps 3142 may pass through one or more cam buckles 3144 mounted in the animal containment device 3110. Optionally, each of the one or more straps 3142 may pass through a respective one of the one or more cam buckles 3144 and may include webbing having a buffering mechanism 3160 provided as a tear zone 3146 of the webbing that includes one or more tear stiches. The tear stitches may be a portion of a strap looped over itself, and are configured to rip apart under a predetermined load to absorb or substantially dissipate crash energy. After the load leg 3140 is deployed, the one or more cam buckles 3144 may grab on the one or more straps 3142 to hold the one or more straps 3142 in place and prevent the load leg 3140 from retracting. In the event of a crash, the impact force will be placed on the webbing of each of the one or more straps 3142 between the respective one of the one or more cam buckles 3144 and the load leg 3140. Upon impact, the tear stitches will rip apart under apredetermined load to absorb at least a portion of the impact energy. For example, the one or more straps 3142 may include webbing having one or more tear stitches configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming torn during the impact event.

[0104] FIG. 33 is a side view of an example animal containment system 3300 including an example animal containment device 3310, an example primary load leg 3340 in an extended position, and an example secondary load leg 3350 in a retracted position according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 34 is a side view of the example animal containment system 3300 of FIG. 33 including the primary load leg 3340 in a retracted position and the secondary load leg 3350 in a partially-deployed position during a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 35 is a side view of the example animal containment system of FIG. 33 including the secondary load leg 3350 in a deployed position following a crash according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment system 3300 may include a plurality of load legs, such as a primary load leg 3340 located at a front side of the base of the animal containment device 3310 and configured to be installed facing the vehicle seatback, and a secondary load leg 3350 located at a top side of the animal containment device 3310 and configured to deploy during an impact event (e.g., crash). In some aspects, as shown, when the animal containment device 3310 is forced into the vehicle seatback, an impact force is applied to the primary load leg 3340 to force the primary load leg 3340 to move inwards, thus deploying (e.g., extending outwards) the secondary load leg 3350 located at the top side of the animal containment device 3310.

[0105] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system3600 including an example animal containment device 3610 and multiple example load legs extending in different directions and / or from different locations of the animal containment device 3610 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment system 3600 may include a first load leg 3640 extending at a first angle from a front-right corner of the base of the animal containment device 3610, a second load leg 3642 extending at a second angle from a front-left corner of the base of the animal containment device 3610, a third load leg 3660 extending from a rear side of the base of the animal containment device 3610, and a fourth load leg 3650 extending from a top side of the base of the animal containment device 3610.

[0106] In some aspects, the first load leg 3640 and the second load leg 3642 may be configured to be installed facing the vehicle seatback, the third load leg 3660 may be configured to be installed against (or towards) the vehicle tailgate, and the fourth load leg 3650 may be configured to deploy during an impact event (e.g., crash). In some aspects, as shown, when the animal containment device 3610 is forced into the vehicle seatback, an impact force is applied to the first load leg 3640 and the second load leg 3642 to force the first load leg 3640 and the second load leg 3642 to move inwards, thus deploying (e.g., extending outwards) the fourth load leg 3650 towards the vehicle ceiling.

[0107] FIGS. 37A and 37B are perspective and side views, respectively of an example animal containment system 3700 including an example animal containment device 3710 mounted on an example dock 3750 having an example load leg 3740 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some aspects, anyof the impact protection components, energy- absorption assemblies, buffering mechanisms, or combinations thereof of the present disclosure may be mounted to the dock 3750. As shown, the dock 3750 may be a docking tray configured to remain in the vehicle for receiving and securely engaging the animal containment device 3710.

[0108] FIGS. 38A and 38B are perspective and top views, respectively of an example animal containment system including another example dock having multiple example load legs according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, each of the multiple load legs may be an extendable load leg, such as load leg 3740, configured to contact an interior portion of the vehicle (e.g., seatback, side panel, tailgate, ceiling, etc.).

[0109] FIG. 39 is a flow chart of an example method for forming an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure. It is noted that one or more steps may be combined, that certain steps may be omitted, and that the steps may be performed in any preferred order as desired.

[0110] At step 3902, the method 1200 includes forming an animal containment device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable.

[0111] At step 3904, the method 1200 includes forming a load leg assembly comprising a load leg. In some aspects, the forming of the load leg assembly at step 3904 may further include forming an energy-absorbing structure at a proximal end of the load leg (e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1— 16B and / or FIGS. 17— 38B). In some aspects, the energy-absorbing structure may be configured to reduce the magnitude of the impact force by absorbing a portion of the impactforce. In some aspects, the energy-absorbing structure may be a telescoping energy- absorbing structure.

[0112] In one example, the load leg may be a first load leg, and the forming of the load leg assembly at step 3904 may further include forming a second load leg configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the first load leg. In another example, the load leg is a first load leg, and the forming of the load leg assembly at step 3904 may further include forming a strap assembly connected to the load leg and actuatable to extend the load leg to a deployed position. In some aspects, the strap assembly may include a webbing, a buckle, and a tear stitch disposed on the webbing, and the load leg assembly may be configured to transfer the impact force from the load leg to the tear stitch during the impact event. Optionally, in yet another example, the method 1200 may further include forming an air bag assembly comprising an air bag, mounting the air bag assembly to the animal containment device, and connecting the air bag to the load leg. In some aspects, the air bag may be configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the load leg.

[0113] At step 3906, the method 1200 includes mounting the load leg assembly to the animal containment device. In some aspects, the load leg is extendable from the animal containment device toward a surface of the vehicle. In some aspects, the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from a surface of a vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

[0114] Although the disclosure may illustrate different embodiments, it is contemplated that aspects of individual embodiments may be combined oromited. Therefore, the disclosure and claims are not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0115] While certain examples have been described, these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0116] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the disclosure thereof. It should further be appreciated that structural features and methods associated with one of the embodiments can be incorporated into other embodiments. In other words, one or more of the buffering mechanisms disclosed herein may be incorporated for one or more load legs of an animal containment system. Moreover, an animal containment system may have multiple load legs having the same or different buffering mechanisms, or only a subset of the load legs having one or more buffering mechanisms. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but rather modifications are also covered within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0117] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an example embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

[0118] It should be understood that the steps of the example methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely examples. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0119] Although the elements in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

[0120] The words “inward,” “outward,” “upper,” and “lower” refer to directions toward or away from, respectively, the geometric center of the component.

[0121] It will be understood that reference herein to “a” or “one” to describe a feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additional features or multiples of the feature. For instance, reference to a device having, comprising, including, or defining “one” of a feature does not preclude the device from having, comprising, including, or defining more than one of the feature, as long as the device has, comprises, includes, or defines at least one of the feature. Similarly, reference herein to “one of’ a plurality of features does not foreclose the embodiment from including two or more of the features. For instance, reference to a device having, comprising, including, or defining “one of a protrusion and a recess” does not foreclose the device from having both the protrusion and the recess.

[0122] The above-described baby swing may be implemented in various configurations and operated with various methods, including:1. A storage system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising: a storage device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable; and a load leg coupled to the storage device and extendable from the body of the storage device toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the storage device during an impact event.2. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a buffering mechanism configured to reduce the magnitude of the impact force, the buffering mechanism comprising: an elongated channel mounted on a lower portion of the body of the storage device and configured to receive a distal end of the load leg; and a receiver disposed within the elongated channel and having a proximal endconfigured to contact the distal end of the load leg, wherein the load leg is slidably movable within the elongated channel along an axis between a retracted position and an extended position.3. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a hinge-coupled portion having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an inner surface defining a groove configured to mate with a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.4. The storage system of claim 3, wherein the hinge-coupled portion is curved.5. The storage system of claim 3, the load leg comprising a spherical end disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the spherical end is configured to move slidably into the groove of the engagement member and become securely engaged within the groove during the impact event.6. The storage system of claim 5, the load leg further comprising a rod extending from the spherical end, wherein a diameter of the spherical end is greater than a diameter of the rod.7. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of connected chambers having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an open end member formed at a proximal end of the plurality of connected chambers andconfigured to mate with a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.8. The storage system of claim 7, the load leg comprising a rounded tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the rounded tip is configured to move slidably into the open end member of the engagement member and become securely engaged within one of the plurality of connected chambers during the impact event.9. The storage system of claim 8, the load leg further comprising a rod extending from the rounded tip, wherein a diameter of the rounded tip is greater than a diameter of the rod.10. The storage system of claim 2, the elongated channel further comprising an inner shell, and the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of intersecting planar elements disposed within the inner shell of the elongated channel at a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising a recess member formed at a proximal end of the plurality of intersecting planar elements and configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.11. The storage system of claim 10, the load leg comprising a rounded tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the rounded tip is configured to move slidably into the recess member of the engagement member and contact at least one of the plurality of intersecting planar elements during the impact event.12. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of layers of honeycomb structure in a horizontal plane extending from a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an engagement surface formed at a proximal end of the plurality of layers of honeycomb structure in the horizontal plane and configured to contact with the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.13. The storage system of claim 12, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and contact the engagement surface during the impact event.14. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of layers of honeycomb structure in a vertical plane extending from a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an engagement surface formed at a proximal end of the plurality of layers of honeycomb structure in the vertical plane and configured to contact with the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.15. The storage system of claim 14, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and contact the engagement surface during the impact event.16. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising an inner surface defining a plurality of apertures and havinga fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and a plurality of engagement members disposed across the inner surface of the longitudinal member and defined by the plurality of apertures, wherein at least one of the plurality of engagement members is configured to mate with at least one of a plurality of protrusions disposed on the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.17. The storage system of claim 16, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, the plurality of protrusions being disposed along a circumference of the flat tip, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged within at least one of the plurality of engagement members during the impact event.18. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of longitudinal ridges and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an open end member formed at a proximal end of the plurality of longitudinal ridges and configured to mate with a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.19. The storage system of claim 18, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably into the open end member of the engagement member and become securely engaged within at least a proximal region of the plurality of longitudinal ridges during the impact event.20. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and a plurality of engagement members defined by the plurality of protrusions and configured to contact the distal end of the load leg during the impact event, wherein each of the plurality of engagement members comprises a respective subset of the plurality of protrusions.21. The storage system of claim 20, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged between the respective subset of the plurality of protrusions of at least one of the plurality of engagement members during the impact event.22. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of annular ridges and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and a plurality of engagement members defined by the plurality of annular ridges and configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.23. The storage system of claim 22, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged within at least one of the plurality of engagement members during the impact event.24. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising an outer surface having a plurality of indentations definingan inner surface having a plurality of protrusions and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and a plurality of engagement members defined by the plurality of protrusions and configured to contact the distal end of the load leg during the impact event, wherein each of the plurality of engagement members comprises a respective subset of the plurality of protrusions.25. The storage system of claim 24, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged between the respective subset of the plurality of protrusions of at least one of the plurality of engagement members during the impact event.26. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions arranged in a spiral pattern and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member defined by the plurality of protrusions and configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.27. The storage system of claim 26, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged by at least a subset of the plurality of protrusions during the impact event.28. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising an inner friction surface having a first friction material and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and anengagement member defined by a proximal portion of the inner friction surface of the longitudinal member and configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.29. The storage system of claim 28, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, the load leg further comprising an outer friction surface having a second friction material at a distal end region of the load leg, wherein a portion of the outer friction surface of the load leg is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged by at least the proximal portion of the inner friction surface of the longitudinal member during the impact event.30. The storage system of claim 29, wherein the first friction material is substantially different from the second friction material.31. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising an energyabsorption assembly configured to reduce the magnitude of the impact force.32. The storage system of claim 31, the energy- absorption assembly comprising a deformable section of material disposed on a surface of the load leg, wherein the deformable section of material is configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming deformed during the impact event.33. The storage system of claim 32, the load leg comprising an outer tube, an inner tube, and a spring-biased lock disposed at a distal end of the inner tube, wherein the deformable section of material is disposed at a distal end of the outer tube.34. The storage system of claim 33, the outer tube comprising one or more channels, the spring-biased lock comprising one or more protrusions at thedistal end of the inner tube, wherein each of the one or more protrusions is configured to be disposed within a respective one of the one or more channels.35. The storage system of claim 31, the energy- absorption assembly comprising a spring configured to downwardly-bias the load leg to form a downwardly-biased load leg, wherein the downwardly-biased load leg is configured to redirect at least a portion of the impact force by rotating downward about an axis of rotation toward a floor of the vehicle during the impact event.36. The storage system of claim 35, the energy- absorption assembly further comprising a ratchet-like structure configured to lock the spring in position and prevent a springback after the downwardly-biased load leg has rotated downward after the impact event.37. The storage system of claim 31, the energy- absorption assembly comprising an air bag configured to expand into the cavity of the storage device when actuated, wherein the load leg is configured to actuate the air bag during the impact event in response to a receipt of a predetermined impact force.38. The storage system of claim 37, wherein the air bag is a hydraulically-driven air bag.39. The storage system of claim 31, the energy- absorption assembly comprising a gas shock absorber connected to the load leg and configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force from the load leg during the impact event.40. The storage system of claim 31, the energy- absorption assembly comprising one or more weakened features disposed on a surface of the load leg, wherein the one or more weakened features are configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming sheared during the impact event.41. The storage system of claim 40, the load leg comprising an outer tube, an inner tube, and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising: a catch disposed on a surface of the inner tube; a locking mechanism interface disposed in the surface of the outer tube, wherein the catch is configured to move slidably within the locking mechanism interface; and the one or more weakened features, wherein the one or more weakened features are formed in a surface of the outer tube adjacent to a distal end of the locking mechanism interface, wherein the catch is configured to shear through the one or more weakened features during the impact event in response to a receipt of a predetermined impact force, and wherein the one or more weakened features are configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming sheared by the catch during the impact event.42. The storage system of claim 41, the one or more weakened features comprising one or more slots formed in the surface of the outer tube adjacent to the distal end of the locking mechanism interface.43. The storage system of claim 31, the energy- absorption assembly comprising a crumple zone having one or more weakened features disposed along a surface of the load leg, wherein the one or more weakened features in the crumple zone are configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming collapsed during the impact event, and wherein after the impact event a length of the crumple zone is reduced.44. The storage system of claim 43, the load leg comprising an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the one or more weakened features of the crumple zone comprise one or more cuts through a surface of the inner tube.45. The storage system of claim 31, the energy- absorption assembly comprising a strap connected to the load leg, wherein the load leg is movably slidable to the extended position in response to an application of a pulling force on the strap.46. The storage system of claim 45, the strap comprising webbing having one or more tear stitches configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming torn during the impact event.47. The storage system of claim 31, wherein the load leg is a first load leg, the energy-absorption assembly comprising a second load leg at a top side of the storage device and configured to deploy when actuated, wherein the first load leg is configured to actuate the second load leg during the impact event in response to a receipt of a predetermined impact force.48. The storage system of claim 31, the energy- absorption assembly comprising multiple load legs comprising the load leg.49. The storage system of claim 48, wherein the load leg is a first load leg extending at a first angle from a first portion of the storage device, the multiple load legs further comprising: a second load leg extending at a second angle from a second portion of the storage device; a third load leg extending from a third portion of the storage device; and a fourth load leg extending from a top side of the storage device.50. The storage system of claim 49, wherein the fourth load leg is configured to deploy when actuated, and wherein one or more of the first load leg, the second load leg, or the third load leg is configured to actuate the fourth loadleg during the impact event in response to a receipt of a predetermined impact force.51. The storage system of claim 31, the energy- absorption assembly comprising a dock comprising the load leg, wherein the dock is configured to receive the storage device.52. The storage system of claim 51, the dock comprising multiple load legs comprising the load leg.53. An animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising: an animal containment device; and a load leg assembly coupled to the animal containment device and comprising a load leg extendable from the animal containment device toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.54. The animal containment system of claim 53, the load leg assembly further comprising an energy- absorbing structure at a proximal end of the load leg, wherein the energy-absorbing structure is configured to reduce the magnitude of the impact force by absorbing a portion of the impact force.55. The animal containment system of claim 54, wherein the energyabsorbing structure is a telescoping energy-absorbing structure.56. The animal containment system of claim 53, the animal containment system further comprising an air bag assembly comprising an air bag connected to the load leg and configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the load leg.57. The animal containment system of claim 53, wherein the load leg is a first load leg, the load leg assembly further comprising a second load leg configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the first load leg.58. The animal containment system of claim 53, the load leg assembly further comprising a strap assembly connected to the load leg and actuatable to extend the load leg to a deployed position.59. The animal containment system of claim 58, the strap assembly comprising a webbing, a buckle, and a tear stitch disposed on the webbing, the load leg assembly configured to transfer the impact force from the load leg to the tear stitch.60. A method of forming an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising: forming an animal containment device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable; forming a load leg assembly comprising a load leg; and mounting the load leg assembly to the animal containment device, wherein the load leg is extendable from the animal containment device toward a surface of the vehicle, and wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from a surface of a vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.61. The method of claim 60, the forming the load leg assembly further comprising forming an energy- absorbing structure at a proximal end of the load leg, wherein the energy-absorbing structure is configured to reduce the magnitude of the impact force by absorbing a portion of the impact force.62. The method of claim 61, wherein the energy-absorbing structure is a telescoping energy-absorbing structure.63. The method of claim 60, further comprising: forming an air bag assembly comprising an air bag; mounting the air bag assembly to the animal containment device; and connecting the air bag to the load leg, wherein the air bag is configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the load leg.64. The method of claim 60, wherein the load leg is a first load leg, the forming the load leg assembly further comprising forming a second load leg configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the first load leg.65. The method of claim 60, the forming the load leg assembly further comprising forming a strap assembly connected to the load leg and actuatable to extend the load leg to a deployed position.66. The method of claim 65, the strap assembly comprising a webbing, a buckle, and a tear stitch disposed on the webbing, the load leg assembly configured to transfer the impact force from the load leg to the tear stitch.67. A storage system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising: a storage device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable; a load leg coupled to the storage device and extendable from the body of the storage device toward a surface of the vehicle; and a buffering mechanism configured to be activated in response to the load leg being compressed by impact forces transferred from the vehicle during an impact event, the buffering mechanism configured to reduce a magnitude of the impact force transferred from the vehicle to the storage device.68. The storage system of claim 67, wherein the buffering mechanism is located at a proximal end of the load leg.69. The storage system of claim 67, wherein the buffering mechanism is integrated within the load leg.70. The storage system of claim 67, wherein the buffering mechanism is configured to actuate an airbag into the storage device.

[0123] Having thus described the present embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the disclosure, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein.

[0124] It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and / or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A storage system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising: a storage device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable; and a load leg coupled to the storage device and extendable from the body of the storage device toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the storage device during an impact event.

2. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a buffering mechanism configured to reduce the magnitude of the impact force, the buffering mechanism comprising: an elongated channel mounted on a lower portion of the body of the storage device and configured to receive a distal end of the load leg; and a receiver disposed within the elongated channel and having a proximal end configured to contact the distal end of the load leg, wherein the load leg is slidably movable within the elongated channel along an axis between a retracted position and an extended position.

3. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a hinge-coupled portion having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; andan engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an inner surface defining a groove configured to mate with a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

4. The storage system of claim 3, wherein the hinge-coupled portion is curved.

5. The storage system of claim 3, the load leg comprising a spherical end disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the spherical end is configured to move slidably into the groove of the engagement member and become securely engaged within the groove during the impact event.

6. The storage system of claim 5, the load leg further comprising a rod extending from the spherical end, wherein a diameter of the spherical end is greater than a diameter of the rod.

7. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of connected chambers having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an open end member formed at a proximal end of the plurality of connected chambers and configured to mate with a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

8. The storage system of claim 7, the load leg comprising a rounded tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the rounded tip is configured to move slidably into the open end member of the engagement member and become securely engaged within one of the plurality of connected chambers during the impact event.

9. The storage system of claim 8, the load leg further comprising a rod extending from the rounded tip, wherein a diameter of the rounded tip is greater than a diameter of the rod.

10. The storage system of claim 2, the elongated channel further comprising an inner shell, and the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of intersecting planar elements disposed within the inner shell of the elongated channel at a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising a recess member formed at a proximal end of the plurality of intersecting planar elements and configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

11. The storage system of claim 10, the load leg comprising a rounded tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the rounded tip is configured to move slidably into the recess member of the engagement memberand contact at least one of the plurality of intersecting planar elements during the impact event.

12. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of layers of honeycomb structure in a horizontal plane extending from a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an engagement surface formed at a proximal end of the plurality of layers of honeycomb structure in the horizontal plane and configured to contact with the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

13. The storage system of claim 12, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and contact the engagement surface during the impact event.

14. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of layers of honeycomb structure in a vertical plane extending from a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an engagement surface formed at a proximal end of theplurality of layers of honeycomb structure in the vertical plane and configured to contact with the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

15. The storage system of claim 14, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and contact the engagement surface during the impact event.

16. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising an inner surface defining a plurality of apertures and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and a plurality of engagement members disposed across the inner surface of the longitudinal member and defined by the plurality of apertures, wherein at least one of the plurality of engagement members is configured to mate with at least one of a plurality of protrusions disposed on the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

17. The storage system of claim 16, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, the plurality of protrusions being disposed along a circumference of the flat tip, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged within at least one of the plurality of engagement members during the impact event.

18. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of longitudinal ridges and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member disposed at a proximal end of the longitudinal member and comprising an open end member formed at a proximal end of the plurality of longitudinal ridges and configured to mate with a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

19. The storage system of claim 18, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably into the open end member of the engagement member and become securely engaged within at least a proximal region of the plurality of longitudinal ridges during the impact event.

20. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and a plurality of engagement members defined by the plurality of protrusions and configured to contact the distal end of the load leg during the impact event, wherein each of the plurality of engagement members comprises a respective subset of the plurality of protrusions.

21. The storage system of claim 20, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged between the respective subset of the plurality of protrusions of at least one of the plurality of engagement members during the impact event.

22. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a plurality of annular ridges and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and a plurality of engagement members defined by the plurality of annular ridges and configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

23. The storage system of claim 22, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged within at least one of the plurality of engagement members during the impact event.

24. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising an outer surface having a plurality of indentations defining an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and a plurality of engagement members defined by the plurality of protrusions and configured to contact the distal end of the load leg during the impact event,wherein each of the plurality of engagement members comprises a respective subset of the plurality of protrusions.

25. The storage system of claim 24, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged between the respective subset of the plurality of protrusions of at least one of the plurality of engagement members during the impact event.

26. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising: a longitudinal member comprising an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions arranged in a spiral pattern and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member defined by the plurality of protrusions and configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

27. The storage system of claim 26, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, wherein a portion of the flat tip is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged by at least a subset of the plurality of protrusions during the impact event.

28. The storage system of claim 2, the receiver comprising:a longitudinal member comprising an inner friction surface having a first friction material and having a fixed distal end mounted to a distal end of the elongated channel; and an engagement member defined by a proximal portion of the inner friction surface of the longitudinal member and configured to contact a portion of the distal end of the load leg during the impact event.

29. The storage system of claim 28, the load leg comprising a flat tip disposed at the distal end of the load leg, the load leg further comprising an outer friction surface having a second friction material at a distal end region of the load leg, wherein a portion of the outer friction surface of the load leg is configured to move slidably within the elongated channel and become securely engaged by at least the proximal portion of the inner friction surface of the longitudinal member during the impact event.

30. The storage system of claim 29, wherein the first friction material is substantially different from the second friction material.

31. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising an energy-absorption assembly configured to reduce the magnitude of the impact force.

32. The storage system of claim 31, the energy-absorption assembly comprising a deformable section of material disposed on a surface of the load leg, wherein thedeformable section of material is configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming deformed during the impact event.

33. The storage system of claim 32, the load leg comprising an outer tube, an inner tube, and a spring-biased lock disposed at a distal end of the inner tube, wherein the deformable section of material is disposed at a distal end of the outer tube.

34. The storage system of claim 33, the outer tube comprising one or more channels, the spring-biased lock comprising one or more protrusions at the distal end of the inner tube, wherein each of the one or more protrusions is configured to be disposed within a respective one of the one or more channels.

35. The storage system of claim 31, the energy-absorption assembly comprising a spring configured to downwardly-bias the load leg to form a downwardly-biased load leg, wherein the downwardly-biased load leg is configured to redirect at least a portion of the impact force by rotating downward about an axis of rotation toward a floor of the vehicle during the impact event.

36. The storage system of claim 35, the energy-absorption assembly further comprising a ratchet-like structure configured to lock the spring in position and prevent a springback after the downwardly-biased load leg has rotated downward after the impact event.

37. The storage system of claim 31, the energy-absorption assembly comprising an air bag configured to expand into the cavity of the storage device when actuated, wherein the load leg is configured to actuate the air bag during the impact event in response to a receipt of a predetermined impact force.

38. The storage system of claim 37, wherein the air bag is a hydraulically- driven air bag.

39. The storage system of claim 31, the energy-absorption assembly comprising a gas shock absorber connected to the load leg and configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force from the load leg during the impact event.

40. The storage system of claim 31, the energy-absorption assembly comprising one or more weakened features disposed on a surface of the load leg, wherein the one or more weakened features are configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming sheared during the impact event.

41. The storage system of claim 40, the load leg comprising an outer tube, an inner tube, and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising: a catch disposed on a surface of the inner tube; a locking mechanism interface disposed in the surface of the outer tube, wherein the catch is configured to move slidably within the locking mechanism interface; andthe one or more weakened features, wherein the one or more weakened features are formed in a surface of the outer tube adjacent to a distal end of the locking mechanism interface, wherein the catch is configured to shear through the one or more weakened features during the impact event in response to a receipt of a predetermined impact force, and wherein the one or more weakened features are configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming sheared by the catch during the impact event.

42. The storage system of claim 41, the one or more weakened features comprising one or more slots formed in the surface of the outer tube adjacent to the distal end of the locking mechanism interface.

43. The storage system of claim 31, the energy-absorption assembly comprising a crumple zone having one or more weakened features disposed along a surface of the load leg, wherein the one or more weakened features in the crumple zone are configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming collapsed during the impact event, and wherein after the impact event a length of the crumple zone is reduced.

44. The storage system of claim 43, the load leg comprising an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the one or more weakened features of the crumple zone comprise one or more cuts through a surface of the inner tube.

45. The storage system of claim 31, the energy-absorption assembly comprising a strap connected to the load leg, wherein the load leg is movably slidable to the extended position in response to an application of a pulling force on the strap.

46. The storage system of claim 45, the strap comprising webbing having one or more tear stitches configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact force by becoming torn during the impact event.

47. The storage system of claim 31, wherein the load leg is a first load leg, the energy-absorption assembly comprising a second load leg at a top side of the storage device and configured to deploy when actuated, wherein the first load leg is configured to actuate the second load leg during the impact event in response to a receipt of a predetermined impact force.

48. The storage system of claim 31, the energy-absorption assembly comprising multiple load legs comprising the load leg.

49. The storage system of claim 48, wherein the load leg is a first load leg extending at a first angle from a first portion of the storage device, the multiple load legs further comprising: a second load leg extending at a second angle from a second portion of the storage device; a third load leg extending from a third portion of the storage device; anda fourth load leg extending from a top side of the storage device.

50. The storage system of claim 49, wherein the fourth load leg is configured to deploy when actuated, and wherein one or more of the first load leg, the second load leg, or the third load leg is configured to actuate the fourth load leg during the impact event in response to a receipt of a predetermined impact force.

51. The storage system of claim 31, the energy-absorption assembly comprising a dock comprising the load leg, wherein the dock is configured to receive the storage device.

52. The storage system of claim 51, the dock comprising multiple load legs comprising the load leg.

53. An animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising: an animal containment device; and a load leg assembly coupled to the animal containment device and comprising a load leg extendable from the animal containment device toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

54. The animal containment system of claim 53, the load leg assembly further comprising an energy-absorbing structure at a proximal end of the load leg, wherein the energy-absorbing structure is configured to reduce the magnitude of the impact force by absorbing a portion of the impact force.

55. The animal containment system of claim 54, wherein the energy-absorbing structure is a telescoping energy-absorbing structure.

56. The animal containment system of claim 53, the animal containment system further comprising an air bag assembly comprising an air bag connected to the load leg and configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the load leg.

57. The animal containment system of claim 53, wherein the load leg is a first load leg, the load leg assembly further comprising a second load leg configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the first load leg.

58. The animal containment system of claim 53, the load leg assembly further comprising a strap assembly connected to the load leg and actuatable to extend the load leg to a deployed position.

59. The animal containment system of claim 58, the strap assembly comprising a webbing, a buckle, and a tear stitch disposed on the webbing, the load legassembly configured to transfer the impact force from the load leg to the tear stitch.

60. A method of forming an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising: forming an animal containment device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable; forming a load leg assembly comprising a load leg; and mounting the load leg assembly to the animal containment device, wherein the load leg is extendable from the animal containment device toward a surface of the vehicle, and wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from a surface of a vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

61. The method of claim 60, the forming the load leg assembly further comprising forming an energy- absorbing structure at a proximal end of the load leg, wherein the energy-absorbing structure is configured to reduce the magnitude of the impact force by absorbing a portion of the impact force.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the energy-absorbing structure is a telescoping energy-absorbing structure.

63. The method of claim 60, further comprising:forming an air bag assembly comprising an air bag; mounting the air bag assembly to the animal containment device; and connecting the air bag to the load leg, wherein the air bag is configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the load leg.

64. The method of claim 60, wherein the load leg is a first load leg, the forming the load leg assembly further comprising forming a second load leg configured to actuate when the impact force is delivered to the first load leg.

65. The method of claim 60, the forming the load leg assembly further comprising forming a strap assembly connected to the load leg and actuatable to extend the load leg to a deployed position.

66. The method of claim 65, the strap assembly comprising a webbing, a buckle, and a tear stitch disposed on the webbing, the load leg assembly configured to transfer the impact force from the load leg to the tear stitch.

67. A storage system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising: a storage device having a body defining a cavity within which an animal is receivable; a load leg coupled to the storage device and extendable from the body of the storage device toward a surface of the vehicle; anda buffering mechanism configured to be activated in response to the load leg being compressed by impact forces transferred from the vehicle during an impact event, the buffering mechanism configured to reduce a magnitude of the impact force transferred from the vehicle to the storage device.

68. The storage system of claim 67, wherein the buffering mechanism is located at a proximal end of the load leg.

69. The storage system of claim 67, wherein the buffering mechanism is integrated within the load leg.

70. The storage system of claim 67, wherein the buffering mechanism is configured to actuate an airbag into the storage device.

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