Tether assembly for an animal in vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle tether assembly for an animal mountable in a vehicle using the vehicle's LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) Restraint System, ISOFIX anchors, or other suitable vehicle anchor point(s). The tether assembly generally includes four latch members that connect to respective vehicle anchor points across the second (or other) row of seating in a vehicle. The latch members are joined together by one or more connecting members. The one or more connecting members can include, for example, bars, straps or cables. A tether extends from the one or more connecting members or an intermediate component coupled to the one or more connecting members for attachment to an animal harness, vest or other device associated with the animal.

Description

TETHER ASSEMBLY FOR AN ANIMAL IN VEHICLECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 525,050, filed July 5, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 561,016, filed March 4, 2024 which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates generally to a tether assembly for securing an animal. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tether assembly for securing an animal in a vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many people regard their pets as family members or companions. As such, pet owners often travel with their pets via automobile to vacation destinations, trips to the veterinarian, or around town. Various products have been developed for enhancing the pet and pet owner’s travel experience such as products for protecting a vehicle’s seats from pets and / or providing a more comfortable pet support surface.

[0004] For example, pet platforms are available that typically include a base that rests on a vehicle seat and provides a flat pet support surface. Some pet platforms extend beyond the front edge of the seat and include one or more load legs that provide additional stability and support to the pet platform. Pet hammocks are also available and typically include a three- sided structure that is positioned within the vehicle to protect the vehicle seats. A rear panel is typically draped over the second row seatback while a front panel is supported by the front seats. A base panel extending between the front and rear panels provides a pet support surface.Another product is a cushion that is positioned in the legroom area of the second row of a vehicle and essentially expands the size of a horizontal portion of the seat. While these products serve to protect the vehicle from damage, they do not address pet safety in the event of a sudden change in vehicle speed or direction.

[0005] Pet transport cages or pet vests are available that cooperate with safety belts of a vehicle to prevent a pet from roaming within and / or escaping from a vehicle. However, these devices can be overly restricting and generally do not adequately secure a pet in the case of a sudden change in vehicle speed or direction. Additionally, it can be difficult to load an animal into a cage in a vehicle and / or cumbersome for some animals to wear pet vests. An improperly restrained pet is more likely to be injured and to injure occupants of a vehicle during a crash.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a tether assembly for securing an animal in a vehicle comprises a base member including an attachment structure for securing a tether, and at least four latch members coupled to the base member. The latch members are selectively attachable to anchor points of the vehicle to secure the tether assembly.

[0007] The assembly can include first and second latch subassemblies, the latch subassemblies each including two latch members supported on an intermediate member, wherein each latch subassembly is coupled to the base member. The latch subassemblies can be supported by the base member for movement towards and away from each other to change a spacing between the latch subassemblies. The base member can include a slot in which an intermediate member of at least one of the first or second latch subassemblies is received for sliding movement to change a spacing between the first and second latch subassemblies. The intermediate member of the at least one of the first or second latch subassemblies received inthe slot can include a flange. The base member can include an adjustable length base member, whereby changing a length of the adjustable length base member changes a spacing between the latch subassemblies. The adjustable length base member can include a telescoping bar. The attachment structure can include a tether bar extending from the base member. The tether bar can extend parallel to the base member along a majority of a length of the base member. The tether bar can be curved. An apex of the tether bar can be centered between respective ends of the tether bar. The latch members can extend in a first direction from the base member, and the tether bar can extend outwardly from the base bar in a second direction opposite the first direction. The at least four latch members can be pivotally coupled to the base member.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect, a method of securing an animal in a vehicle comprises positioning a tether assembly adjacent a seat of a vehicle, the tether assembly including a base member having an attachment structure for securing a tether, and at least four latch members coupled to the base member, attaching each of the at least four latch members to respective anchor point of the vehicle, and securing a tether to the attachment structure and the animal.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect, a tether assembly for securing an animal in a vehicle comprises a first latch subassembly having a first at least one latch member, a second latch subassembly having a second at least one latch member, and a tether member extending between the first latch subassembly and the second latch subassembly, the tether member being configured to support a tether thereon. The tether member can be extendable to adjust a length of the tether assembly to align the first and second at least one latch members with respective first and second anchor points of the vehicle to secure the tether assembly. The first at least one latch member can include two latch members.

[0010] Additional embodiments are described below and in the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle tether assembly for an animal installed in a vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle tether assembly of Fig. 1.

[0014] Figure 3 is a plan view of the vehicle tether assembly of Fig. 1.

[0015] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of another vehicle tether assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle tether assembly of Fig. 4.

[0017] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle tether assembly of Fig. 4 with portions thereof removed for to illustrative purposes.

[0018] Figure 7 is an enlarged portion of Fig. 5.

[0019] Figure 8 is a plan view of another exemplary vehicle tether assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9A is a perspective view of another exemplary vehicle tether assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9B is a perspective view of another exemplary vehicle tether assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9C is a perspective view of another exemplary vehicle tether assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 9D is a perspective view of another exemplary vehicle tether assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0001] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary belt mount harness secured to an animal in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0002] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a buckle of the harness of FIG. 10 prior to coupling.

[0003] FIG. 12 is a side view of the buckle of FIG. 11 in a coupled state.

[0004] FIG. 13 a rear view of the harness of FIG. 10.

[0005] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the buckle.

[0006] FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the buckle.

[0007] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the harness.

[0008] FIG. 17 is a side view of the buckle prior to coupling.

[0009] FIG. 18 is a side view of the buckle after coupling.

[0010] FIG. 19 is a top view of the buckle.

[0011] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the buckle.

[0012] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a first side of the buckle.

[0013] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a second side of the buckle.

[0014] FIG. 23 is an overhead view of an attachment portion of the buckle with a housing portion thereof removed.

[0015] FIG. 24 is a perspective exploded view of the buckle.

[0016] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a tether with an attachment portion prior to coupling to the harness.

[0017] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the tether coupled to the harness.

[0018] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the harness secured to an animal and the animal secured in a pet containment device.

[0019] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a harness used in connection with a tether bar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a pet containment device including a tether and an animal secured in the pet containment device with a tether secured to the harness.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "front," "rear," "upper" and "lower" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from the parts referenced in the drawings. A reference to a list of items that are cited as "at least one of a, b, or c" (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof. This terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0026] The present disclosure sets forth various aspects of a vehicle tether assembly for an animal. The tether assembly is mountable in a vehicle using the vehicle’s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) Restraint System, ISOFIX anchors, or other suitable vehicle anchor point(s). The tether assembly generally includes a plurality of latch members, for example, and without limitation, such as four latch members, that can be easily and quickly connected to respective vehicle anchor points across the second (or other) row of seating in a vehicle. The latch members are joined together by one or more connecting members. The one or more connecting members can include, for example, bars, straps or cables. A tether extends from the one or more connecting members or an intermediate component coupled to the one ormore connecting members for attachment to an animal harness, vest or other device associated with the animal. By utilizing four anchor points joined together by the one or more connecting elements, the tether assembly of the present disclosure distributes forces across the four anchor points and can resist at least some of the inertial forces of a pet having a weight of up to, for example 501bs- 1 OOlbs, under a range of deceleration conditions that may arise during vehicle operation.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 1, an example tether assembly in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 10. The tether assembly 10 is shown installed in an interior of a vehicle on a second row bench seat 14 for restraining a pet P. The tether assembly 10 is secured to the vehicle lower LATCH anchors 16 by a plurality of latch members 18 (also referred to as isofix connectors). In the illustrated example, the tether assembly 10 is shown being used in conjunction with a pet hammock 22, although this is not required. The pet hammock 22 generally includes three panels - a base panel 26 supported on the horizontal surface of the second row seat 14, a rear panel 30 covering a backrest 34 of the second row seat 14, and a front panel 38 extending from the base panel 26 and secured to the front row seats 42. The pet hammock 22 has openings for the latch members 18 to access the vehicle lower LATCH anchors. It will be appreciated that the tether assembly 10 can be installed in other locations (e.g., a third row seat, cargo area, etc.) by securing the latch members 18 to LATCH components or other anchor points.

[0028] Turning to the exemplary embodiment disclosed in Figs. 2 and 3, the tether assembly 10 includes a plurality of latch subassemblies 60, such as and without limitation, two latch subassemblies 60. Each latch subassembly 60 may include a pair of latch members 18 supported on a crossbar 64. A tether bar 68 extends between and is secured to the crossbars 64 of each of the latch subassemblies 60 by a respective clamping bracket 72. The spacingbetween the latch members 18 of each latch subassembly 60 is fixed in this example and corresponds to a standard lower LATCH anchor spacing. However, the spacing between the latch subassemblies 60 is adjustable via the clamping brackets 72. Accordingly, the spacing of the latch subassemblies 60 can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of vehicles. Further, in some embodiments, the crossbars 64 can be rotated relative to the clamping brackets 72 to achieve a desired orientation of the latching members 18 and / or the latch members 18 can be pivotally secured to the crossbars 64.

[0029] The tether bar 68 generally defines an attachment structure to which a first end of a tether strap 76 is secured to the tether bar 68. A second end of the tether 76 is secured to a harness, vest, or other component 80 worn by the pet 16, such as harness 1200 shown in FIGS. 10-16. The tether 76 is movable along the tether bar 68 between the brackets 72. This allows an animal to roam across the second row while being restrained from movement fore and aft within the vehicle. In other embodiments, the tether 76 can be selectively fixed to the tether bar 68 to restrict a pet to a certain position within the second row seat.

[0030] The tether bar 68 can be curved and includes an apex A generally centered between the latch subassemblies 60. During rapid deceleration of the vehicle, tension applied to the tether 12 by the pet will tend to center the tether 12 along the tether bar 68 at the apex A. As such, the pet will be drawn towards a center of the interior of the vehicle away from the windows, pillars, or other structures of the vehicle.

[0031] Figs. 4-7 illustrate another exemplary tether assembly 110 in accordance with the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a plurality of latch subassemblies 114, such as and without limitation, two latch subassemblies 114, are supported by a base member 118. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch subassembly 114 includes a pair of latch members 122 supported on a crossbar 126. Each crossbar 126 includes a pair of latch member mounts 130extending therefrom. The latch members 122 can be pivotally secured to the latch member mounts 130 such that a desired orientation of the latch members 122 can be selected.

[0032] Each of the crossbars 126, which in this embodiment are generally rectangular flanges, are slidably received in a slot 134 of the base member 118. The base member 118 has a length configured to span across a majority of a second row seat. The position of each of the latch subassemblies 114 can be adjusted by sliding the latch subassemblies 114 within the slot 134 of the base member 118 to align each of the latch members 122 with a respective LATCH anchor of a vehicle. As noted, the orientation of each latch members 122 can also be adjusted. By adjusting the spacing of the latch subassemblies 114 and the orientation of the latch members 122, the tether assembly 110 can be adapted for installation in a wide range of vehicles.

[0033] A tether bar 140 is coupled to the base member 118 and generally defines an attachment structure for attaching a tether. The tether bar 140 extends along a majority of the base member 118 and is configured to receive a tether for securing a pet in a manner similar to the embodiment described in connection with Figs. 1-3. In this embodiment, the tether bar 140 has a lower profile and is designed to more closely follow the contour of the second row seat.

[0034] Either one of or both of the tether bar 140 and the base member 118 can be configured to fold, disassemble, collapse, or otherwise transition to a compact configuration for storage or transport. In one example, both of the tether bar 140 and the base member 118 can fold at an approximate midpoint along a length of the tether assembly 110, thereby reducing the length of the tether assembly 110 when the tether assembly 110 is not in use. In another example, the tether bar can be removed from the base member 118, and the base member 118 can be folded at an approximate midpoint of the length of the tether assembly 110. It will beappreciated that the tether bar 140 and the base member 118 can include multiple fold points at various locations along the length of the tether assembly 110 to facilitate storage or transport.

[0035] Fig. 8 illustrates another exemplary tether assembly identified generally by reference numeral 210. In this embodiment, a plurality of latch subassemblies 214, such as and without limitation, two latch subassemblies 214, are coupled together by a telescoping tether bar 218 which is received over respective tether bar stubs 220 of each latch subassembly 214. The tether bar may include a tether 224 (e.g., a strap) for connecting to a pet harness. Each latch subassembly 214 is rotatable relative to the tether bar 218 and may include a pair of latch members 222 adapted to be secured to a vehicle anchor. It will be appreciated that each pair of latch subassemblies 214 can include a single latch member 222. In an aspect, the latch subassemblies 214 can include a different number of latch members 222 from one another. For example, a first latch subassembly 214 can include a single latch member 222 and a second latch subassembly 214 can include a pair of latch members 222.

[0036] Accordingly, the tether assembly 210 can be quickly and easily installed in a second row seat by attaching the latch members 222 of the first latch subassembly 214 to a first pair of vehicle anchors, adjusting the telescoping latch bar 218 to align the second latch subassembly 214 with a second pair of vehicle anchors, and attaching the latch members 222 of the second latch subassembly 214 to the vehicle anchors. If either one of the first and second latch subassemblies 214 include a single latch member 222, the single latch member 222 can be attached to a respective vehicle anchor, and the telescoping latch bar 218 can be extended / retracted to align the other of the first and second latch subassembly 214 with another respective vehicle anchor or anchors.

[0037] Each latch subassembly 214 can be selectively locked to the latch bar 218. For example, when the first and second latch subassemblies 214 are aligned with respective vehicleanchors, the latch subassemblies 214 can be locked to the latch bar 218. The lock between the latch subassemblies 214 and the latch bar 218 can include, for example, a pin and hole connection, a friction fit connection that can be tightened / loosened, or other selective lock mechanism to temporarily secure the latch subassemblies 214 to the latch bar 218. In an aspect, the latch subassemblies 214 can be completely removed from the latch bar 218 for storage or transport. In another aspect, the latch subassemblies 214 can be interchangeable with one another on the latch bar 218.

[0038] Turing to Figs. 9A-9D, additional exemplary tether assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated. It will be appreciated that each tether assembly may include four latch members for distributing a load applied to the tether across at least four vehicle anchors.

[0039] In Fig. 9A, an exemplary tether assembly is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 310. The tether assembly 310 may include four latch members 314 coupled to a tether hub 318 via connecting bars 320. Each of the latch members 314 is individually positionable and couplable to a lower LATCH anchor. A tether can be connected to the tether hub 318 for connection to the pet.

[0040] In Fig. 9B, another exemplary tether assembly is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 410. The tether assembly 410 may include two latch subassemblies 414. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch subassembly 414 has two latch members 418 couplable to respective lower LATCH anchors. The latch subassemblies 414 are coupled to a latch bar 420. A tether 424 extends from the latch bar 420 for connection to the pet.

[0041] In Fig. 9C, another exemplary tether assembly is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 510. The tether assembly 510 may include two latchsubassemblies 514. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch subassembly 514 has two latch members 518 couplable to respective lower LATCH anchors. The latch subassemblies 514 are coupled to a latch bar 520. A tether 524 extends from the tether latch bar 520 for connection to the pet. In this example, the latch bar 520 is arcuate and extends towards a front of a vehicle when installed therein. The configuration of the latch bar 520 can facilitate movement of the tether 524 toward a center of the latch bar 520 during a vehicle crash event. In an aspect, the tether latch bar 520 can comprise a strap. The strap can be tensioned during installation of the tether assembly 510 to the vehicle.

[0042] In Fig. 9D, another exemplary tether assembly is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 610. The tether assembly 610 may include two latch subassemblies 614. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch subassembly 614 has two latch members 618 couplable to respective lower LATCH anchors. The latch subassemblies 614 are coupled to a latch bar 620. A tether 624 extends from the latch bar 620 for connection to the pet. In this example, the latch bar 620 is arcuate and extends upwards from a seat of a vehicle when installed therein. In an aspect, the latch bar 620 can extend rearward from the seat toward a rear of the vehicle.

[0043] Turning to FIGs. 10-29, a pet harness 1200 in accordance with the present disclosure for use in connection with any of the tether assemblies of the present disclosure includes magnetic buckles for ease of dressing the harness to a pet. As will be described below, the harness also has a magnetic attachment for a leash, and a tether attachment for use with various other pet carriers, tether bars, etc. that include a tether.

[0044] In various embodiments, a harness includes of a webbing support system and a plurality of padded portions designed to fit pets. The webbing support system is able to be adjusted to fit a range of pets. At least one portion of the webbing support system is designedto attach to another portion of the webbing support system to facilitate attaching the harness to the pet. In one embodiment, a first attachment portion consists of a round post containing a magnet and a latching surface (e.g., a first latching element). A second attachment portion contains an opening to accept the post of the first attachment portion and a magnet that is oriented to attract the magnet in the first attachment portion. Furthermore, the opening of the second attachment portion contains a spring loaded latching system (e.g., second latching element) that engages the latching surface on the round post of the first attachment portion. This method of latching allows the first and second attachment portions to rotate relative to each other while maintaining a secure closure of the harness on the pet, which allows the harness to move freely with the pet while the pet is moving. The latching surface of the second attachment portion contains a manual release button to disengage the latch to remove the harness from the pet.

[0045] With reference to FIGs. 10-18, the example pet harness for use with a tether assembly in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated and identified by reference numeral 1200. The harness 1200 includes straps S or webbing having strap portions SP that can be releasably secured around the pet’s neck and abdomen with magnetic buckles 1204. The magnetic buckles include first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212 having cooperating ferromagnetic components for attracting the first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212 together. The first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212 are configured to releasably attach to each other to secure the straps about the animal and / or to secure a leach or tether thereto. The pet harness 1200 includes web support system 1214, a lower padded portion 1216 including first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212 and an upper padded portion 1220 includes first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212. A further first attachment portion 1208 is provided at an upper portion of the lower padded portion1216 for connection to a second attachment portion associated with a leash or tether, as described further below.

[0046] The first attachment portion 1208 includes a body 1316 having a round post 1320 supporting a magnetic component, such as a magnet in the area of Ml, and a latching surface 1324. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic component is overmolded and not visible. The second attachment portion 1212 includes a body 1326 having an opening 1328 for receiving the post 1320 of the first attachment portion 1208 and a second magnetic element, such as a magnet, in the region of M2. The second magnetic element in the illustrated embodiment is overmolded and not visible. The first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212 are configured to latch together when the magnetic elements are brought into close proximity. When latched together, the first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212 are restricted from separation, but still allow parts to pivot freely (about the illustrated axis Al) for optimal fit and movement of harness 1200.

[0047] The first attachment portion 1208 that is configured to cooperate with a second attachment portion 1212 of a leash or tether can be secured to a flexible member 1328 of the harness 1200. The leash or tether 1330 can extend and move at different angles due to selfadjustment features including rotation about the post of the first attachment portion 1208 (axis Al) and pivoting about proximal end of flexible member 1328 about axis A2.

[0048] FIGs. 17-24 illustrate the components of the first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212. The second attachment portion 1212 includes a flexible latch 1332 supported in a latch housing 1334. The latch housing 1334 is coupled to a buckle housing 1335 and together the components define the body 1326 of the second attachment portion 1212. The latch housing 1334 and the buckle housing 1335 can be joined with fasteners, or via a press-fit arrangement and / or snap fit features. The flexible latch 1332 has latch arms 1336a and 1336bthat are biased towards each other and adapted to engage the latching surface 1324 of the post 1320 of the first attachment portion 1208. Chamfers 1340 on the flexible latch 1332 ease latching of the first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212. In this regard, when the post 1320 of the first attachment portion 1208 is inserted into the second attachment portion 1212, the chamfers 1340 of the latch arms 1336a and 1336b tend to separate the latch arms 1336a and 1336b against the biasing force as the post 1320 is advanced axially into the opening 1328 until the latch arms 1336a and 1336b can engage the latching surface 1324 of the post 1320. The latch housing 1334 of the second attachment portion 1212 supports first and second latch release members 1344 and 1348. When the latch release members 1344 and 1348 are squeezed together in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 23, the latch release members 1344 and 1348 urge the latch arms 1336a and 1336b away from each other such that the post 1320 can be axially withdrawn from the second attachment portion 1212 thereby decoupling the first and second attachment portions 1208 and 1212. Release member 1344 is configured to release latch arm 1336b and release member 1348 is configured to release latch arm 1336a.

[0049] In use, it will be appreciated that the first attachment portion 1208 can be brought into close proximity with the second attachment portion 1212 such that the magnetic attraction between the respective components automatically draws the post 1320 into position and engages the latch arms 1336 with the latching surface 1324. Thus, the magnetic buckles 1204 of the present disclosure can generally be operated with a single hand of a user, leaving the other hand free to control or position the pet, for example.

[0050] By way of example, FIGs. 25-27 illustrate single-hand coupling of a first attachment portion 1208 with a second attachment portion 1212 of a tether 1360 of a pet containment device 1364.

[0051] FIG. 28 illustrates the harness 1200 in use in connection a tether bar assembly 1374, which may be secured to the vehicle ISOFIX or LATCH anchor points of a second row seat of a vehicle. The tether bar assembly 1374 is shown installed in an interior of a vehicle on a second row bench seat for restraining a pet. The tether bar assembly 1374 is secured to the vehicle lower LATCH anchors by a plurality of ISOFIX connectors (latch members). In the illustrated example, the tether bar assembly 1374 may be used in conjunction with a pet hammock 1376, although this is not required. The pet hammock generally includes three panels - a base panel supported on the horizontal surface of the second row seat, a rear panel covering a backrest of the second row seat, and a front panel extending from the base panel and secured to the front row seats. The pet hammock has openings for the latch members to access the vehicle lower LATCH anchors. It will be appreciated that the tether bar assembly 1374 can be installed in other locations (e.g., a third row seat, cargo area, etc.) by securing the latch members to LATCH components or other anchor points.

[0052] The example tether bar assembly of FIG. 28 includes a plurality of latch subassemblies, such as and without limitation, two latch subassemblies. Each latch subassembly in this embodiment includes a pair of latch members supported on a crossbar. A tether bar extends between and is secured to the crossbars of each of the latch subassemblies by a respective clamping bracket. The spacing between the latch members of each latch subassembly is fixed in this example and corresponds to a standard lower LATCH anchor spacing. However, the spacing between the latch subassemblies is adjustable via the clamping brackets. Accordingly, the spacing of the latch subassemblies can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of vehicles. Further, in some embodiments, the crossbars can be rotated relative to the clamping brackets to achieve a desired orientation of the latching members and / or the latch members can be pivotally secured to the crossbars.

[0053] FIG. 29 illustrates another pet containment device 1380 which includes an adjustable tether 1384 that can be used with the harness 1200 of the present disclosure.

[0054] The example embodiments disclosed herein may be considered to have a “rigid latch” in that the isofix connectors (such as latch members 18 / 122 / 222 / 314 / 418 / 518 / 618) are not mounted by a flexible structure (e.g., a strap) but instead are mounted on a fixed structure (e.g. a bar which the connectors are pivotably mounted to). Therefore, when the rigid latch members are deployed, the members extend a fixed distance from the device. In this manner, when installed in a vehicle and connected to isofix anchor points, any relative movement between the carrier and the vehicle seat are minimized or eliminated. Other example embodiments of any of the pet carriers disclosed herein may alternatively have a “soft" latch, i.e., isofix connectors mounted by a flexible structure such as one or more straps, which may be adjustably tightened by a user for a secure fit in the vehicle.

[0055] 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.

[0056] It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the disclosed embodiments are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein.

[0057] 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:

1. A tether assembly for securing an animal in a vehicle comprising: a base member including an attachment structure for securing a tether; at least four latch members coupled to the base member; wherein the latch members are selectively attachable to anchor points of the vehicle to secure the tether assembly.

2. The tether assembly according to claim 1, further comprising first and second latch subassemblies, the latch subassemblies each including two latch members supported on an intermediate member, wherein each latch subassembly is coupled to the base member.

3. The tether assembly according to claim 2, wherein the latch subassemblies are supported by the base member for movement towards and away from each other to change a spacing between the latch subassemblies.

4. The tether assembly according to claim 3, wherein the base member includes a slot in which an intermediate member of at least one of the first or second latch subassemblies is received for sliding movement to change a spacing between the first and second latch subassemblies.

5. The tether assembly according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate member of the at least one of the first or second latch subassemblies received in the slot comprises a flange.

6. The tether assembly according to claim 3, wherein the base member includes an adjustable length base member, whereby changing a length of the adjustable length base member changes a spacing between the latch subassemblies.

7. The tether assembly according to claim 6, wherein the adjustable length base member includes a telescoping bar.

8. The tether assembly according to claim 1, wherein the attachment structure includes a tether bar extending from the base member.

9. The tether assembly according to claim 8, wherein the tether bar extends parallel to the base member along a majority of a length of the base member.

10. The tether assembly according to claim 9, wherein the tether bar is curved.

11. The tether assembly according to claim 10, wherein an apex of the tether bar is centered between respective ends of the tether bar.

12. The tether assembly according to claim 11, wherein the latch members extend in a first direction from the base member, and wherein the tether bar extends outwardly from the base bar in a second direction opposite the first direction.

13. The tether assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least four latch members are pivotally coupled to the base member.

14. The tether assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a tether attached to the tether bar, the tether being configured to attach to an animal.

15. The tether assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a harness for an animal attached to the tether.

16. The tether assembly according to claim 15, wherein the harness includes at least one buckle, wherein the buckle includes a magnetic buckle comprising: a first attachment portion with a first latching element fixed to the harness, a second attachment portion with a second latching element fixed to the tether, cooperating magnetic components configured to cause the first and second attachment portions to come into contact, automatically causing the first and second latching elements to positively engage thereby securing the tether to the harness.

17. The tether assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first and second attachment portions are configured to be manually disengaged.

18. The tether assembly according to claim 17, wherein the second attachment portion includes first and second release members for manually disengaging the first and second latching elements.

19. The tether assembly according to claim 17, wherein the harness further includes: a first panel;a forward strap anchored to the first panel, the forward strap having first and second forward strap portions connectable by a forward buckle; and a rearward strap anchored to the first panel, the rearward strap having first and second rearward strap portions connectable by a rearward buckle.

20. The tether assembly according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the forward buckle or the rearward buckle includes a magnetic buckle comprising: a first attachment portion with a first latching element, a second attachment portion with a second latching element, cooperating magnetic components configured to cause the first and second attachment portions to come into contact, automatically causing the first and second latching elements to positively engage.

21. A method of securing an animal in a vehicle comprising: positioning a tether assembly adjacent a seat of a vehicle, the tether assembly including a base member having an attachment structure for securing a tether, and at least four latch members coupled to the base member; attaching each of the at least four latch members to respective anchor point of the vehicle; and securing a tether to the attachment structure and the animal.

22. A tether assembly for securing an animal in a vehicle, the tether assembly comprising: a first latch subassembly having a first at least one latch member; a second latch subassembly having a second at least one latch member; anda tether member extending between the first latch subassembly and the second latch subassembly, the tether member being configured to support a tether thereon, wherein the tether member is extendable to adjust a length of the tether assembly to align the first and second at least one latch members with respective first and second anchor points of the vehicle to secure the tether assembly.

23. The tether assembly according to claim 22, wherein the first at least one latch member comprises two latch members.

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