Animal conveyor devices

Abstract

Provision of transportation equipment. [Solution] The disclosed animal transport device includes a bottom plate, side plates, and a retaining element, wherein the bottom plate provides an animal resting surface and includes at least one bottom plate opening located at a first position on the animal resting surface, and the side plates are connected to long sides of the bottom plate, such that, when viewed from the side of the animal transport device, the bottom plate and the side plates are connected to form an L-shaped structure, and the retaining element can form a closed, fixed structure. The retaining element includes at least one strap with a fastening buckle and at least one retaining strip, one end of which is fastened to the bottom plate at a second position on the animal resting surface, and at least one retaining strip extends to a surface of the bottom plate opposite the animal resting surface, one end of which extends out of the at least one bottom plate opening and is further connected to the strap with a fastening buckle to form a closed, fixed collar structure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to an animal transport device, and relates to a transport device that is installed in a vehicle for transporting animals or pets. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, many people have come to regard animals (hereinafter collectively referred to as "pets") as their family members or partners, and as a result, there has been growing interest in accompanying and caring for pets, including ensuring their safety in the car.

[0003] Currently, pet transport cages or pet vests that can be secured with the vehicle's seat belt to prevent pets from escaping from a moving vehicle are commercially available. However, how to prevent impacts or injuries to pets due to sudden changes in vehicle speed is an urgent issue for pet owners.

[0004] Additionally, crates or other types of carriers are used to transport animals in vehicles. However, many existing carriers suffer from various deficiencies. For example, some carriers are not strong enough to contain and protect animals, especially large animals, in the event of a vehicle collision. For another example, some carriers are difficult to transport, transport, or store outside of a vehicle. For yet another example, some carriers are difficult to attach to a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides an animal transport device for securing an animal wearing a wearable device, the animal transport device including a bottom plate, side plates, and at least one pair of straps with fastening buckles, the bottom plate providing an animal resting surface, the side plates connected to a first long side of the bottom plate, the bottom plate and the side plates connected to form an L-shaped structure when viewed from the side of the animal transport device, and one end of each of the at least one pair of straps with fastening buckles fixed to a first position or a second position on the animal resting surface of the bottom plate, and the other end of each strap with fastening buckles connected to the wearable device.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an animal transport device including a bottom plate, side plates, and a retaining element, wherein the bottom plate provides an animal loading surface and has at least one bottom plate opening located at a first position on the animal loading surface, and the side plate is connected to a first long side of the bottom plate, such that, when viewed from the side of the animal transport device, the bottom plate and the side plate are connected to form an L-shaped structure. The retaining element includes at least one strap with a fastening buckle and at least one retaining strip, one end of which is provided on the bottom plate at a second position on the animal loading surface, and at least one retaining strip extending to a surface of the bottom plate opposite the animal loading surface, one end of which extends through the at least one bottom plate opening and is connected to the strap with a fastening buckle to form a closed, fixed structure.

[0007] Based on the above configuration, here, the bottom plate has a first bottom plate opening and a second bottom plate opening located on the animal placing surface and separated from each other, the holding elements include a first strap with a fixing buckle and a second strap with a fixing buckle, and a first holding strip and a second holding strip, each of which has one end fixed to the animal placing surface of the bottom plate and separated from each other, and the first holding strip and the second holding strip extend on the surface of the bottom plate opposite the animal placing surface, each of which has one end extending from the first bottom plate opening and the second bottom plate opening and connected to the first strap with a fixing buckle and the second strap with a fixing buckle, respectively, to form a first closed holding structure and a second closed holding structure.

[0008] Based on the above configuration, the animal transport device further includes an adjustment device provided at the bottom of the bottom plate for adjusting the positions of the first bottom plate opening and the second bottom plate opening.

[0009] Based on the above configuration, the adjustment device is movably disposed in the central groove of the bottom plate, and adjusts the opening positions of the first bottom plate opening and the second bottom plate opening in the bottom plate by movement within the central groove.

[0010] Based on the above configuration, the first closed fixing structure and the second closed fixing structure are parallel to each other or intersect each other at a midpoint.

[0011] Based on the above configuration, the other end of the holding strip is connected to the positioning fitting and exposed outside the bottom plate and the side plate.

[0012] Based on the above configuration, here, the retaining element includes a first strap with a fixed buckle and a second strap with a fixed buckle, and a first retaining strip and a second retaining strip, at least one strap with a fixed buckle is connected to a corresponding free end of the at least one strap with a fixed buckle, and at least one fastener is connected to an end of the at least one retaining strip extending from the first bottom plate opening, and the retaining element forms the closed fixed structure by engagement between the strap with a fixed buckle and the fastener.

[0013] Based on the above configuration, the animal transport device further includes an animal head guard connected to the short side of the bottom plate.

[0014] Based on the above configuration, here, at least one of the animal head guard and the side plate is movably connected to the bottom plate.

[0015] Based on the above configuration, the animal transport device further includes a support member connected to a second long side of the bottom plate.

[0016] Based on the above configuration, the support member is a support side plate or a U-shaped support rod.

[0017] Based on the above configuration, at least one of the side plate, the animal head guard, and the U-shaped support rod is movably connected to the bottom plate. Based on the above configuration, at least one of the side plate and the U-shaped support rod is pivotally attached to the bottom plate.

[0018] Based on the above configuration, at least one of the side plate, the animal head guard, and the U-shaped support rod is detachably connected to the bottom plate. Based on the above configuration, at least one of the animal head guard, the support side plate, and the U-shaped support rod is insertably connected to the bottom plate.

[0019] Based on the above configuration, the animal transport device further includes a mounting structure located on the bottom plate, and the animal transport device is fixed to the rear seat of the vehicle via the mounting structure.

[0020] Based on the above configuration, wherein the mounting structure is an ISOFIX soft connection structure, an ISOFIX rigid connection frame, or a LATCH system.

[0021] Based on the above configuration, the animal transport device further includes an upper anchor assembly (Top Tether) for further securing the animal transport device to an anchor point on the rear seat of the vehicle, the upper anchor assembly including a first tether and a second tether, a length adjuster, a connecting tether, and a connecting hook, the first tether and the second tether having respective first and second ends, the length adjuster having its first end connected to the first ends of the first tether and the second tether, the connecting tether having its first end movably connected to the second end of the length adjuster to form an adjustable end, and the connecting hook being connected to the second end of the connecting tether. Based on the above configuration, the first tether and the second tether have their respective second ends connected to the side panel or the bottom panel, and the upper anchor assembly secures the animal transport device to the anchor point with the connecting hook.

[0022] Based on the above configuration, the animal transport device further includes a lateral connecting tether connected between the first tether and the second tether.

[0023] Based on the above configuration, the first tether and the second tether are hooked to the side plate by a fixing buckle connected to the second end of each tether.

[0024] Based on the above configuration, the first tether and the second tether are fixedly connected to the bottom plate at their respective second ends.

[0025] Based on the above configuration, the ISOFIX soft connection structure includes a Y-shaped webbing, a first connector, and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector are connected to a first end and a second end of the Y-shaped webbing, respectively, a third end of the Y-shaped webbing is connected to a positioning fitting, and the animal transport device is fixed to an ISOFIX fixing point of the vehicle rear seat by the first connector and the second connector, Based on the above configuration, the third end of the Y-shaped webbing is exposed outside the bottom plate and the side plate.

[0026] Based on the above configuration, here, the ISOFIX rigid connection frame includes a first connector and a second connector, and the first connector and the second connector are located at both ends of the ISOFIX rigid connection frame on the side closer to the rear seat of the vehicle and are fixed to the ISOFIX fixing points of the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0027] Based on the above configuration, here, a plurality of storage grooves are provided on the bottom of the base plate, and the storage grooves are formed to accommodate at least one of the mounting structure, the ISOFIX soft connection structure, the ISOFIX rigid connection frame, the LATCH system, the support member, the U-shaped support rod, and the animal head guard.

[0028] Based on the above configuration, the side plate includes a reinforcing frame, and the reinforcing frame has a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the side plate and is fitted into the side plate.

[0029] Based on the above configuration, the side plate now includes at least one guide member located on an outer surface of the side plate, the outer surface facing away from the animal placement surface.

[0030] Based on the above configuration, the side plate includes a U-shaped support tube connected to the bottom plate and a support cloth sleeved onto the U-shaped support tube. Based on the above configuration, the animal transport device further includes an animal head guard configured by connecting the support cloth to the side plate.

[0031] To further understand the features and technical contents of the present disclosure, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure, which are provided for reference and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1A-1C are perspective views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from different viewing directions. [Figure 2] 1A-1C are perspective views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from different viewing directions. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of an animal transport device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an animal transport device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating another method of securing the retaining strip in the animal transport device embodiment shown in FIG. 4 of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1A-1C are perspective views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from different viewing directions. [Figure 7] 1A-1C are perspective views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from different viewing directions. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an animal transport device. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of an animal transport device. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a front view of an animal transport device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an animal transport device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams illustrating different uses of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams illustrating different uses of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1A-1C are perspective views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each viewed from a different viewing direction. [Figure 15] 1A-1C are perspective views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each viewed from a different viewing direction. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an animal transport device. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a side view of an animal transport device. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a front view of an animal transport device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a front view of an animal transport device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an animal transport device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various uses of the animal transport device according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various uses of the animal transport device according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various uses of the animal transport device according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various uses of the animal transport device according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various uses of the animal transport device according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] 1A-1C are perspective views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each viewed from a different viewing direction. [Figure 27] 1A-1C are perspective views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each viewed from a different viewing direction. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an animal transport device. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is a side view of an animal transport device. [Figure 30] FIG. 1 is a front view of an animal transport device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an animal transport device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various uses of the animal transport device of the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various uses of the animal transport device of the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 34a] 1A and 1B are perspective and corresponding plan views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 34b] 1A and 1B are perspective and corresponding plan views of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an animal transport device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an animal transport device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37] 1 is a schematic bottom perspective view of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 38a] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the interior and bottom structure of a bottom plate in an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38b] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the interior and bottom structure of a bottom plate in an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 39a] 1 is a diagram illustrating a mounting belt structure in an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the installation of the mounting belt structure in the animal transport device. [Figure 39b] 1 is a diagram illustrating a mounting belt structure in an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the installation of the mounting belt structure in the animal transport device. [Figure 39c]1 is a diagram illustrating a mounting belt structure in an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the installation of the mounting belt structure in the animal transport device. [Figure 40a] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of an attachment belt structure and its length adjuster in an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 40b] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of an attachment belt structure and its length adjuster in an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 41] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a retracted state of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 42a] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view of an animal transport device and its main structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 42b] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view of an animal transport device and its main structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 42c] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view of an animal transport device and its main structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 43a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an animal containment unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 43b] FIG. 2 is a front view of the animal housing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 43c] FIG. 2 is a side view of the animal containment unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 43d] FIG. 2 is a top view of the animal housing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 44a] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the base structure of the animal containment unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 44b] FIG. 2 shows a base frame and latch bracket of the base structure of the animal containment unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 44c] FIG. 2 is a side view of the base structure of the animal containment unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 45a] FIG. 1 shows the base structure of the first embodiment with the latch bracket in a first position toward a first side of the animal containment unit. [Figure 45b]10A shows the front button of the base structure of the first embodiment extending through the front cavity in the front portion of the mold base. FIG. [Figure 45c] FIG. 1 illustrates the base structure of the first embodiment with the latch bracket in a first position and the latch extending from the rear cavity. [Figure 45d] FIG. 2 illustrates a first side actuator of the base structure of the first embodiment positioned within a first side cavity in a first side portion of a mold base. [Figure 45e] FIG. 10 shows the front button of the base structure of the first embodiment sliding in the front slot. [Figure 45f] FIG. 10 shows the base structure of the first embodiment with the latch bracket in a second position toward a second side of the unit. [Figure 45g] FIG. 10 illustrates the base structure of the first embodiment with the latch bracket in a second position and the latch retracted into the rear cavity. [Figure 46a] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the animal containment unit in the first embodiment in an unfolded state. [Figure 46b] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the animal housing unit in the first embodiment transitioning to a housed state. [Figure 46c] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the animal housing unit in the first embodiment in a housed state. [Figure 47a] 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment in which a front intermediate support member and a rear intermediate support member are connected via a slide actuator, and the slide actuator is in a first state. FIG. [Figure 47b] FIG. 2 is a side view of the slide actuator of the first embodiment in a first state. [Figure 47c] 1 is a side view of the slide actuator of the first embodiment in a second state, in which the front intermediate support member and the slide actuator are disconnected from the rear intermediate support member. FIG. [Figure 48a] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a storage material. [Figure 48b]FIG. 1 shows the outer layer of the containment material of the first embodiment with the animal containment unit in a deployed position. [Figure 48c] FIG. 1 shows the reinforcement layer of the containment material of the first embodiment with the animal containment unit in a deployed position. [Figure 48d] FIG. 1 shows the inner layer of the containment material of the first embodiment with the animal containment unit in a deployed position. [Figure 49] FIG. 2 shows a fixing belt and tether structure combined with a frame structure and base structure of the animal containment unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 1 shows an animal containment unit in a first embodiment mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 51a] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an animal containment unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 51b] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the animal containment unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 51c] FIG. 10 is a top view of the animal containment unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 52a] FIG. 52a shows the base structure of the second embodiment with sleeved top and bottom portions. [Figure 52b] FIG. 10 shows the bottom of the base structure of the second embodiment. [Figure 53a] FIG. 10 illustrates the latch system of the second exemplary embodiment without the base structure. [Figure 53b] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a latch system integrated into the bottom of the base structure with the latch pivot moved to an extended position on a first side of the animal containment unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 53c] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the latch system in a second embodiment, with the latch pivoting to a retracted position on a first side of the animal containment unit. [Figure 53d] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the latch system in a second embodiment, where the latch pivots to an extended position on a second side of the animal containment unit. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the animal housing unit according to the second embodiment changing from an unfolded state to a housed state. [Figure 55a] FIG. 10 shows a fixed belt and tether structure for an animal containment unit in a second embodiment, in combination with a frame structure and a base structure. [Figure 55b] FIG. 10 shows an animal containment unit in a second embodiment mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 55c] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the animal containment unit of the second embodiment being deflected by the force of a car collision. [Figure 56] FIG. 10 shows an animal containment unit in a second embodiment mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 57a] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an animal containment unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 57b] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the animal containment unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 shows an X-shaped bar of the frame structure of the animal containment unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 59a] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the unlatch actuator in the third embodiment. [Figure 59b] FIG. 10 shows the placement of the first unlatch actuator of the third embodiment. [Figure 59c] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second latch release actuator of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The technical concept and connotation of the present disclosure will be described in exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings below. In the drawings or descriptions, the same or similar parts use the same or corresponding element symbols. Furthermore, the drawings are drawn for ease of understanding, and the dimensions and shapes of each element in the drawings do not reflect the actual dimensions or proportions of the elements.

[0034] It should be noted that the following description of the accompanying drawings and embodiments does not mean to limit the scope of the present disclosure to a single embodiment. Other embodiments are possible by replacing some or all of the elements described or illustrated. Furthermore, when some elements of the disclosed embodiments can use some or all of known elements, in some cases, only the parts of such known elements necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, and detailed descriptions of other parts of these known elements will be omitted to avoid confusing the concepts and embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] The animal transport device according to the present disclosure includes a bottom portion providing an animal placement surface and at least one side portion connected to one side of the bottom portion, and one side portion may be movably or detachably connected to the bottom portion.

[0036] The animal transport device according to the present disclosure includes a containment structure for containing animals, and a band-like structure disposed across the exterior of the containment structure, which can be secured to the conveying tool by applying a force to the top of the containment structure, where the top of the containment structure can be the top of the containment structure itself or the top of one of its sides.

[0037] The animal transport device according to the present disclosure includes a bottom portion providing an animal placement surface, at least one side portion each connected to one side of the bottom portion, and a mounting structure provided on the bottom portion, the animal transport device being secured to a conveying tool by the mounting structure.

[0038] The animal transport device according to the present disclosure includes a bottom portion providing an animal placement surface, at least one side portion each connected to one side of the bottom portion, and a mounting structure that can be movably mounted on the bottom portion so that the position of the mounting structure relative to the bottom portion can be changed, and the animal transport device is fixed to a conveying tool by the mounting structure.

[0039] In this specification, the "transport tool" may be a vehicle seat or other tools such as a trunk of a vehicle or a cart. For convenience, the following description will be given taking the case where the "transport tool" is a vehicle seat as an example.

[0040] 1 to 3, an animal transport device 5100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically, with Figures 1 and 2 being perspective schematic views of the animal transport device 5100 from different viewing directions, and Figure 3 being a side schematic view of the animal transport device 5100.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the animal transport device 5100 of this embodiment is attached to a seat 512 in the rear of a vehicle, one side of which is adapted to abut against a seat backrest 514 of the rear seat of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the animal transport device 5100 includes a bottom plate 5110 and side plates 5120. Alternatively, the bottom of the animal transport device includes a bottom plate having at least one side including a side plate. Alternatively, the animal transport device may include a storage structure made up of the bottom plate and side plates. The bottom plate 5110 is generally rectangular, and its long side (second long side, bottom plate long side 5110A) abuts against the seat backrest 514 of the rear seat of the vehicle. In the animal transport device 5100 of this embodiment, the bottom plate 5110 provides an animal placement surface 5S for placing and securing an animal or pet (for example, but not limited to, a dog) to be transported in the vehicle. The side panel 5120 is connected to the other long side (i.e., the first long side away from the seat backrest 514) of the bottom panel 5110 (bottom panel long side 5110B), and the animal transport device 5100 in this embodiment is configured so that a generally vertical L-shaped structure between the side panel 5120 and the bottom panel 5110 is shown in a side view (i.e., in the direction of looking at the seat through the window).

[0042] As shown in the figure, the outer surface of the side plate 5120 (i.e., the surface of the side plate 5120 facing away from the rear seat backrest 514) is provided with a first guide member 5121 and a second guide member 5122 through which the seal belt of the vehicle rear seat passes and is fixed (further described below in other embodiments).

[0043] Please refer to the side view of Figure 3. In this embodiment, the animal transport device 5100 has a strap 5160 with a fixed buckle fixed to the surface of a bottom plate 5110 (i.e., the animal placing surface 5S shown in Figure 1), and the strap 5160 with a fixed buckle is fixedly connected to the bottom plate 5110 at one end (fixed end) and to a fixed buckle member 5162 at the other end (free end). Referring to Figure 1, the bottom plate 5110 has a bottom plate opening 5111 formed on its surface through which a retaining strip 5140 extending through the bottom plate 5110 to the interior or below the bottom plate 5110 can be passed. The bottom plate 5110 has a first opening 5113 and a second opening 5114 on the side near the connection point with the side plate 5120, which pass through corresponding bottom plate wall portions and communicate with the interior of the bottom plate, and a retaining strip 5140 and an attachment belt 5150, which extend below or inside the bottom plate 5110, respectively, pass between them, exposing their respective ends 5140A and 5150A (or called ``adjustment ends'') outside the outer surface of the side plate 5120 at the openings 5113 and 5114. In detail, in this embodiment, the retaining strip 5140 extends through the inside or below the bottom plate 5110, with one end (adjustable end 5140A) exposed outside the first opening 5113, and a user (e.g., an animal or pet owner or caregiver) can adjust the length or slack of the retaining strip 5140 by pulling the adjustable end 5140A of the retaining strip 5140, and fix the retaining strip 5140 in a locked position by the action of the positioning metal fitting 5170. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 5110, which makes it more convenient for a user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side. The other end (also referred to as the "engagement end") of the retaining strip 5140 extends through the base plate 5110 and out of the base plate opening 5111 in the base plate surface, this end connecting a fastener 5142, the structure and configuration of which correspond to and align with the securing buckle member 5162. The mutual engagement of the securing buckle member 5162 and the fastener 5142 secures the securing buckled strap 5160 and the retaining strip 5140 to form a closure collar on the base plate 5110 for restricting the position of the animal (described further below).

[0044] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the attachment belt 5150 of the animal transport device 5100 is made of a soft webbing material, and one end connects (e.g., by sewing) a first strap 5151 and a second strap 5152 to respective fixed points (not shown) fixed to the rear seat of a vehicle, and the free ends of the first strap 5151 and the second strap 5152 include a first connector 5153 and a second connector 5154, respectively. For example, in this embodiment, the soft mounting belt 5150 is an ISOFIX soft connection structure, the mounting belt 5150 extends inside or below the bottom plate 5110, one end (adjustable end 5150A) is exposed outside the second opening 5114, the first connector 5153 and the second connector 5154 connected to the free ends of the first strap 5151 and the second strap 5152 of the mounting belt 5150 are ISOFIX connectors, and the first connector 5153 and the second connector 5154 are respectively connected to ISOFIX fixing points (not shown) between the seat 512 and the seat backrest 514 provided in the rear seat of the vehicle, so that the animal transport device 5100 of this embodiment is securely attached to the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the bottom plate 5110 and the side plate 5120 may be made of, but not limited to, plastic, wood, metal, or any material having a certain hardness to provide support, including cushioning or foam material, such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) or expanded polystyrene (EPS), depending on requirements. Preferably, the bottom plate 5110 and the side plate 5120 may be made of a hard plastic material.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the mounting belt 5150 (including the first strap 5151 and the second strap 5152), the retaining strip 5140 and the strap with the fixing buckle 5160 can be made of seat belt webbing material to provide high-standard fixing strength and support.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the securing buckle member 5162 and the fastener 5142 may be any corresponding fastener / fastener combination known to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, such as, but not limited to, a bayonet, hook, tower button, quick lock, etc., and the material may be, for example, plastic or metal. For example, in this embodiment, the securing buckle member 5162 may be a female buckle, and the fastener 5142 may be a corresponding male buckle (or tongue) that mates with each other to connect the securing buckled strap 5160 and the retaining strip 5140.

[0048] As described above, the retaining strip 5140 extends inside or below the bottom plate 5110, and one end (adjustable end 5140A) thereof is exposed outside the first opening 5113 for adjustment. After the user adjusts the length or loosen the retaining strip 5140, the user can use the positioning fitting 5170 to fix the retaining strip 5140 in the locked position. The engaging end of the retaining strip 5140 is connected to the fastener 5142 and engages with the fixing buckle member 5162 on the animal placing surface 5S of the bottom plate 5110, thereby connecting with the fixing buckle strap 5160 to fix and restrict the animal or pet. In detail, the user can pull (pull down or pull up) the adjustment end 5140A of the retaining strip 5140 exposed outside the first opening 5113 according to the size of the animal or pet's body shape, adjusting the length of the retaining strip 5140 exposed in the first opening 5113 and thereby adjusting the slack of the retaining strip 5140 to fit the animal's or pet's body shape. After adjustment is complete, the retaining strip 5140 is secured with a strap 5170 with a fixing buckle, locking the retaining strip 5140 so that it cannot move freely. In this embodiment, the animal transport device 5100 has only a single retaining strip 5140 and a single retaining strip 5160 connected to each other to form a "single-belt" retaining structure (i.e., a closed, fixed structure).

[0049] According to this embodiment, the positioning clasp 5170 can be selected by a person skilled in the art from any existing belt length adjustment clasp made of any material, such as, but not limited to, an adjustment clasp, a length adjustment clasp, a buckle, a one-way adjustment clasp, a cam buckle, etc.

[0050] For example, in this embodiment, the positioning fitting 5170 may be selected to be a cam buckle (or commonly known in the art as an "A-lock") to allow a user to quickly and easily adjust the length and slack of the retention strip 5140. Similarly, according to this embodiment, the second opening 5124 may be provided with a similar or equivalent positioning fitting (not shown) to allow for length and slack adjustment and a fixed locking position for the attachment belt 5150.

[0051] Alternatively, the animal transport device of this embodiment is securely attached to the rear seat of a vehicle by a rigid connecting structure. Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a plan view of an animal transport device 5400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The animal transport device 5400 of this embodiment has a similar configuration to the above-described animal transport device 5100, and for the purpose of clarity and simplicity of explanation, only the differences between the two will be described below to avoid confusion between the concept and implementation of the present disclosure.

[0052] 4, an animal transport device 5400 of this embodiment includes a bottom plate 5410 whose long side 5410A abuts against a seat backrest 514 provided in a rear seat of a vehicle, and a side plate 5420 connected to the other long side 5410B of the bottom plate 5410 (i.e., the side away from the seat backrest 514 of the rear seat). In this embodiment, the animal transport device 5400 is connected to the rear seat of the vehicle by a connection frame (e.g., an ISOFIX connection frame) located inside or below the bottom plate 5410, instead of the soft attachment belt of the above embodiment. In detail, the connection frame is a U-shaped rigid frame consisting of a main frame 5451 and a connection frame 5452. A first connector 5453 and a second connector 5454 are provided at the rear end of the connection frame 5452 (i.e., both ends closer to the seat backrest 514), respectively, and are connected and fixed to the rear seat of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the first connector 5453 and the second connector 5454 are, for example, ISOFIX connectors, and are each connected to an ISOFIX fixing point (not shown) provided between the rear seat 512 of the vehicle and the seat backrest 514, thereby securely attaching the animal transport device 5400 of this embodiment to the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0053] As shown, in this embodiment, the animal transport device 5400 includes a first retaining strip 5440 and a second retaining strip 5444 connected to a first secure buckled strap 5460 and a second secure buckled strap 5464, respectively, which are secured to a base plate 5420 to form two closed collars, which are used as the animal retaining structures (i.e., the first closed securement structure and the second closed securement structure) in this embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the animal transport device 5400 has a first secure buckled strap 5460 and a second secure buckled strap 5464 fixed to the surface of a base plate 5410, and each of the first secure buckled strap 5460 and the second secure buckled strap 5464 is connected to the base plate 5410 at one end and to a respective secure buckle member (i.e., a first secure buckle member 5462 and a second secure buckle member 5466) at the other end. In this embodiment, the first retention strip 5440 and the second retention strip 5444 extend inside or below the bottom plate 5410, and one end of each (respective adjustable end) is exposed from a first opening and a second opening, respectively, on the side of the bottom plate 5410 near the connection point with the side plate 5420, and after adjusting the length, is fixed and locked in position via respective positioning fittings (not shown), and the other end (respective engaging end) of the first retention strip 5440 and the second retention strip 5444 extends from a first bottom plate opening 5411 and a second bottom plate opening 5412 on the bottom plate 5410, respectively, and respective fasteners (i.e., a first fastener 5442 and a second fastener 5446) are connected to this end. The fasteners 5442, 5446 correspond to the securing buckle members 5462, 5466, respectively, and the securing buckle member 5462 and the fastener 5442 engage with each other, and the securing buckle member 5466 and the fastener 5446 engage with each other, and the first securing buckle strap 5460 and the first retaining strip 5440, and the second securing buckle strap 5464 and the second retaining strip 5444 form respective closure collars on the base plate 5410 to confine the animal thereto.Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed to the bottom plate 5410 from the short side of the bottom plate 5410, making it more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0054] As shown in the figure, the first bottom plate opening 5411 and the second bottom plate opening 5412 in this embodiment are located near the long side 5410A on the bottom plate 5410, and the connection line between the position of the first bottom plate opening 5411 and the fixing point of the first fixed buckle strap 5460, and the connection line between the position of the second bottom plate opening 5412 and the fixing point of the second fixed buckle strap 5464 are parallel to the short side 5410C of the bottom plate 5410, thereby connecting the first and second fixed buckle straps and the first and second fixed buckle straps protruding from the first and second bottom plate openings, respectively, to form two parallel closure collars, thereby forming the ``double-belt and parallel'' retention structure of this embodiment (i.e., a first closed fixing structure and a second closed fixing structure).

[0055] Optionally, the first retaining strip 5440 and the second retaining strip 5444 may extend from the first bottom plate opening 5411 and the second bottom plate opening 5412, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5, and may be further connected to the second fastening buckle strap 5464 and the first fastening buckle strap 5460 to form two closed collars that cross each other, forming a "double-belt and crossing" animal retaining structure (i.e., a first closed fixed structure and a second closed fixed structure).

[0056] 6 to 9, an animal transport device 5600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. Here, FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective schematic views of the animal transport device 5600 as seen from different viewing directions, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the animal transport device 5600, and FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of the animal transport device 5600. The animal transport device 5600 of this embodiment has the same configuration and structure as the animal transport device 5100 described above, and is mounted on the rear seat 512 of a vehicle and comprises a bottom plate 5610 providing an animal placement surface 5S, a side plate 5620 connected to a long side 5610B of the bottom plate 5610, a first guide member 5621 and a second guide member 5622 formed on the outer surface of the side plate 5620, and a guide member 5623 formed on the side surface of the bottom plate 5610 near the connection point between the side plate 5620 and the bottom plate 5610. It includes a first opening 5613 and a second opening 5614, a strap 5660 with a fixed buckle fixed to the bottom plate 5610 and its fixed buckle member 5662, a retaining strip 5640 and its fastener 5642 extending inside or below the bottom plate 5620 and passing through the first opening 5613, an attachment belt 5650 extending inside or below the bottom plate 5610 and passing through the second opening 5614, and a positioning fitting 5670.

[0057] In this embodiment, the attachment belt 5650 of the animal transport device 5600 is made of a flexible webbing material. As in the previous embodiment, one end of the attachment belt 5650 connects (e.g., by stitching) a first strap 5651 and a second strap 5652 to respective anchorage points (not shown) fixed to the rear seat of the vehicle, and the free ends of the first strap 5651 and the second strap 5652 include a first connector 5653 and a second connector 5654, respectively. For example, in this embodiment, the flexible attachment belt 5650 is an ISOFIX flexible connection structure. The ISOFIX soft connection structure includes a Y-shaped webbing, a first connector, and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector being connected to a first end and a second end of the Y-shaped webbing, respectively, the third end of the Y-shaped webbing being connected to a positioning fitting, and the animal transport device is fixed to an ISOFIX fixing point of the rear seat of the vehicle by the first connector and the second connector, wherein the third end of the Y-shaped webbing is exposed outside the bottom plate and the side plate.

[0058] In this embodiment, the attachment belt 5650 extends inside or below the bottom plate 5610 and has one end (adjustable end 5650A) exposed outside the second opening 5614, and a first connector 5653 and a second connector 5654 connected to the free ends of the first strap 5651 and the second strap 5652 of the attachment belt 5650 are ISOFIX connectors, and the first connector 5653 and the second connector 5654 are respectively connected to ISOFIX fixing points (not shown) between the seat 512 and the seat backrest 514 provided in the rear seat of the vehicle, so that the animal transport device 5600 of this embodiment is securely attached to the rear seat of the vehicle. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can also be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 5610, making it more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0059] This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that, as shown in the figure, the animal transport device 5600 further includes a second side panel 5630 connected to the long side 5610A of the bottom panel 5610 as a support side panel that abuts against the seat backrest 514 of the rear seat of the vehicle, thereby further supporting the animal transport device 5600 on the vehicle. In other words, as shown in FIG. 9 , the animal transport device 5600 of this embodiment has a U-shaped structure in which the distances between the side panels 5620, 5630 and the bottom panel 5610 are approximately perpendicular when viewed from the side. A first opening 5623 is formed near the midline of both sides of the animal transport device 5600 and penetrates the side wall portion of the bottom panel 5610. A strap 5660 with a fixing buckle is fixed to the bottom panel 5610 near the midline of both short sides and located near the side panels 5620 on the bottom panel 5610. The bottom plate opening 5611 is provided near the midline of both short sides of the bottom plate 5610 and in a position close to the side plate 5630. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the connection line between the bottom plate opening 5611 and the fastening point of the fastening buckle strap 5660 is parallel to the outline of the short sides of the bottom plate 5610.

[0060] As shown, the retaining strip 5640 extends into or below the bottom plate 5610, with both ends (the engagement end and the adjustment end 5640A) drilled and extending outside the bottom plate opening 5611 and the first opening 5613, respectively, and the fasteners 5642 of the retaining strip 5640 extending from the bottom plate opening 5611 can engage with the fastening buckle members 5662 of the fastening buckle strap 5660 to form a closure collar. In this embodiment, the fastening points of the fastening buckle strap 5660 and the positions of the bottom plate opening 5611 are located near the midline of both sides of the bottom plate 5610, so that the single closure collar formed by the connection of the fastening buckle strap 5660 and the retaining strip 5640 is located approximately in the abdomen of the animal, unlike the diagonally extending form of this embodiment described above (as will be further described below).

[0061] Referring to FIG. 10, a schematic front view of an animal transport device 51000 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, illustrating how the animal transport device 51000 in this embodiment is secured to the rear seat of a vehicle.

[0062] The animal transport device 51000 has, on its outer surface, a first opening 51013 and a second opening 51014 formed on the side of the bottom plate near the connection with the side plate, as described in connection with the above embodiment, for passing through the retaining strip 51040 and the attachment belt 51050 that extend through the bottom plate wall portion and into or below the bottom plate. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip 51040 can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate, making it more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side. In this embodiment, as shown, at least one guide member (guide member 51021 in this embodiment) is provided on the side plate 51020 of the animal transport device 51000. When installing the animal transport device 51000, in addition to the fastening method of the mounting belt 51050 or the connecting frame (not shown), the pulled-out vehicle rear seat seal belt 515 and the vehicle rear seat safety buckle belt 517 can be connected with an attachment extension belt 521, and the animal transport device 51000 can be further fastened to the rear seat. In detail, the extension belt 521 is a soft webbing structure made of belt material and includes an adjustment buckle 521A for adaptively adjusting the length of the extension belt 521, and has end fasteners 522 and 524 on both ends, which are engaged and connected to the seat belt fastener 516 of the rear seat seat belt 515 and the safety buckle belt fastener 518 of the rear seat safety buckle belt 517, respectively. As shown in the figure, the vehicle rear seat seat belt 515 generally consists of a shoulder belt 515A and an abdominal belt 515B, which are extended together and positioned through a guide member 51021 on a side plate 51020 after being pulled out, and are engaged with an end fastener 522 of the extension belt by a seat belt fastener 516, and the extension belt 521 is further connected to a rear seat safety buckle belt 517 and fixed thereto, and is engaged and connected to a rear seat safety buckle belt 518 by an end fastener 524 at the other end.In this embodiment, in addition to the mounting structure of the animal transport device 51000 itself (e.g., mounting belt or rigid connecting frame), the rear seat belt of the vehicle itself can be used to further secure the animal transport device 51000, and the rear seat belt can be positioned through a guide member on the side panel, thereby preventing the rear seat belt from moving on its own and affecting the mounting stability of the animal transport device 51000.

[0063] Optionally, the animal transport device of the present disclosure may be firmly attached to the rear seat of a vehicle by a rigid connection structure. Referring to Figure 11, a plan view of an animal transport device 51100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The animal transport device 51100 of this embodiment has a structure and composition similar to the animal transport devices 5100, 5400, and 5600 described above, including a bottom plate 51110, side plates 51120 and 51130, a strap with a fixed buckle 51160 and its fixed buckle member 51162, a strap with a fixed buckle 51140 (including an adjustable end 51140A) and its fastener 51142, etc., with the difference being that in this embodiment, the animal transport device 51100 is connected to the seat by a connection frame (e.g., an ISOFIX connection frame) located below the bottom plate 51110, instead of the soft mounting belt of this embodiment described above. In detail, the connection frame is a U-shaped rigid frame consisting of a main body frame 51151 and a connection frame 51152, and a first connector 51153 and a second connector 51154 are respectively provided at the rear end of the connection frame 51152 (i.e., the end close to the seat backrest 514) to connect and fix to the rear seat of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the first connector 51153 and the second connector 51154 are, for example, ISOFIX connectors, and are respectively connected to ISOFIX fixing points (not shown) provided between the rear seat 512 of the vehicle and the seat backrest 514, thereby securely attaching the animal transport device 51100 of this embodiment to the rear seat of the vehicle. Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 51110, which is more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0064] Reference is made to Figures 12 and 13, which schematically illustrate different uses of the animal transport device of the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 12, this embodiment relates to a U-shaped animal transport device 51200 with a single belt retaining structure, including a bottom plate 51210 and a first side plate 51220 and a second side plate (support side plate) 51230 connected to both long sides of the bottom plate 51210, respectively. Compared with the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, in this embodiment, the retaining strip 51240 extends to the inside or underside of the bottom plate 51210, with one end (adjustable end 51240A) exposed outside a first opening (not shown) for a user to adjust the length and tightness, and is fixed and locked in place by a positioning metal fitting (not shown) as described in the previous embodiment. Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 51210, which is more convenient for a user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from their care side. The other end (engagement end) of the retaining strip 51240 extends from the bottom plate opening 51211 of the bottom plate 51210 and engages with a fixed buckle member 51262 via a fastener 51242 connected to this end, thereby connecting the retaining strip 51240 and the strap with fixed buckle 51260 and restricting an animal or pet (e.g., not limited to a dog) 51200A placed on the animal placement surface 5S defined by the bottom plate 51210.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the fixing points of the fixing buckled straps 51260 and the positions of the bottom plate openings 51211 are near the midline of both sides of the bottom plate 51210, so that the formed single closure collar is positioned approximately on the abdomen of the animal 51200A. In particular, as shown in FIG. 12 , when the user tightens the retaining strip 51240 via the adjustable end 51240A, the retaining strip 51240 fits closely to the right flank position of the animal 51200A, and the retaining strip 51240 traverses the body of the animal 51200A, contacts and supports a portion of the body, and contacts the left flank of the animal. That is, as shown in the figure, the fastening effect of the strap with fixed buckle 51240 and its connection with the strap with fixed buckle 51260 can provide contact belt-like support for the animal 51200A from the right flank to the left flank, allowing the animal 51200A to be firmly supported on the base plate 51210 and preventing it from moving significantly or being subjected to severe impacts due to sudden changes in the speed of the moving vehicle. Particularly when the animal 51200A has a relatively large body shape, the holding strip 51240 and the strap with fixed buckle 51260 in this embodiment are connected to form this single-ring contact support for the animal, and the support and fixation effect it provides appears more stable and solid.

[0067] Optionally, the animal or pet owner can wear a wearable device (e.g., a pet vest) for the animal or pet, and the combination of both the retaining strips and straps with fastening buckles of the animal transport device of the present disclosure with the webbing or webbing collars at each location on the wearable device can provide further immobilization effect for the animal or pet in the moving vehicle.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 13 , the animal transport device 51300 of this embodiment is mainly composed of a bottom plate 51310 and side plates 51320 and 51330. After the animal transport device 51300 is fixed to the rear seat 512 of the vehicle and abutted against the seat backrest 514 to complete the installation, the retaining strip 51340 passes through the webbing collar on the central webbing 51395 of the pet vest 51390 worn by the animal 51300A (or can pass directly through the gap between the central webbing 51395 and the body of the animal 51300A), and then fastens to the fixing buckle member 5136 of the fixing buckle strap 51360 via the fastener 51342. 2, and the length and looseness of the retaining strip 51340 can be adjusted at the adjustable end 51340A, so that the animal 51300A positioned on the animal resting surface 5S can be provided with contact support from the right to left abdomen. In addition, in this embodiment, the retaining strip 51340 is perforated in the webbing collar or passes directly through the gap between the central webbing 51395 and the body of the animal 51300A, which further limits the vertical position of the body of the animal 51300A and prevents the animal 51300A from moving freely in the direction parallel to the rear seat and in the running direction (i.e., the direction parallel to the short side of the base plate). Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the base plate 51310, which makes it more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and looseness of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0069] 14 to 17, an animal transport device 51400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically, where Figures 14 and 15 are perspective schematic views of the animal transport device 51400 from different viewing directions, Figure 16 is a plan view of the animal transport device 51400, and Figure 17 is a side schematic view of the animal transport device 51400.

[0070] The animal transport device 51400 of this embodiment has a similar configuration and arrangement to the aforementioned animal transport device 5600, and includes a bottom plate 51410 attached to the rear seat 512 of the vehicle and providing an animal placement surface 5S, a side plate 51420 connected to the long side 51410B of the bottom plate 51410, a first guide member 51421 and a second guide member 51422 formed on the outer surface of the side plate 51420, a first opening 51413 and a second opening 51414, a strap 51460 with a fixed buckle fixed to the bottom plate 51410 and its fixed buckle member 51462, a strap 51440 with a fixed buckle extending below the bottom plate 51410 and its fastener 51442, an attachment belt 51450 (including an adjustable end 51450A) extending below the bottom plate 51410, and a positioning fitting 51470, etc. Similar to the animal transport device 5600, the animal transport device 51400 of this embodiment has a U-shaped structure when viewed from the side, with the space between the side plates 51420, 51430 and the bottom plate 51410 being approximately vertical, and the U-shaped structure of the animal transport device 51400 is advantageous for stable support in the rear seat of a vehicle.

[0071] In this embodiment, the attachment belt 51450 of the animal transport device 51400 is made of a flexible webbing material. As in the previous embodiment, one end of the attachment belt 51450 connects (e.g., by stitching) a first strap 51451 and a second strap 51452, and the free ends of the first strap 51451 and the second strap 51452 include a first connector 51453 and a second connector 51454, respectively, for attachment to anchor points (not shown in the drawings) in the rear seat of a vehicle. For example, in this embodiment, the soft mounting belt 51450 is an ISOFIX soft connection structure, the mounting belt 51450 extends inside or below the bottom plate 51410 and has one end (adjustment end 51450A) exposed outside the second opening 51414, the first connector 51453 and the second connector 51454 connected to the free ends of the first strap 51451 and the second strap 51452 of the mounting belt 51450 are ISOFIX connectors, and the first connector 51453 and the second connector 51454 are each connected to ISOFIX fixing points (not shown) provided between the seat 512 and the seat backrest 514 of the rear seat of the vehicle, so that the animal transport device 51400 of this embodiment is firmly attached to the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0072] The difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is that, as shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the bottom plate opening 51411 is formed at a position corresponding to the second opening 51414 of the bottom plate 51410 and is close to the side plate 51430. In other words, the connecting line between the bottom plate opening 51411 and the second opening 51414 is parallel to the short side of the bottom plate 51410. The fixing point of the strap with a fixing buckle 51460 and the fixing buckle member 51462 is located at a diagonally distal end of the bottom plate 51410 relative to the bottom plate opening 51411. The retaining strip 51440 extends inside or below the bottom plate 51410, and its adjustment end 51440A is exposed outside the second opening 51414 and can be fixed and locked by a positioning metal fitting 51470 to prevent it from being pulled freely. Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can also be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 51410, making it more convenient for a user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side. The engaging end of the retaining strip 51440 can extend from the bottom plate opening 51411 and be engaged and connected via its fastener 51442 with a fixed buckled strap 51460 and a retaining strip 51462 located at a diagonally distal end on the bottom plate 51410, thereby forming a closure collar extending diagonally on the animal placing surface 5S of the bottom plate 51410 (described further below).

[0073] Referring to FIG. 18, a front view of an animal transport device 51800 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown illustrating how the animal transport device 51800 in this embodiment is secured to the rear seat of a vehicle.

[0074] The first opening 51813 and the second opening 51814 of the animal transport device 51800 are formed on the side of the bottom plate at the connection point with the side plate 51820, and the attachment belt and the retaining strip, which extend inside or below the bottom plate, pass through and penetrate between them, exposing the adjustment end 51850A of the attachment belt and the adjustment end 51840A of the retaining strip outside the first opening 51813 and the second opening 51814, respectively, as described above. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the adjustment end of the retaining strip can also be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate, which is more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side. In this embodiment, as shown, at least one guide member (guide member 51821 in this embodiment) is provided on the side plate 51820 of the animal transport device 51800. When installing the animal transport device 51800, in addition to the fastening method of the mounting belt 51850 or the connecting frame (not shown), the pulled-out vehicle rear seat seal belt 515 and the vehicle rear seat safety buckle belt 517 can be connected with an attachment extension belt 531, and the animal transport device 51800 can be further fastened to the rear seat. In detail, the extension belt 531 has a soft webbing structure and includes an adjustment buckle 531A for adaptively adjusting the length of the extension belt 531, and end fasteners 532 and 534 are provided on both ends thereof, which are engaged and connected with the seat belt fastener 516 of the rear seat seat belt 515 and the safety buckle belt fastener 518 of the rear seat seat belt 517, respectively. As shown in the figure, the vehicle rear seat seat belt 515 generally comprises a shoulder belt 515A and a pelvic belt 515B, which are positioned by extending together through a guide member 51821 on a side plate 51820 after being pulled out, and are engaged with an end fastener 532 of an extension belt 531 via a seat belt fastener 516. The extension belt 531 is further connected to a rear seat safety buckle belt 517, and is engaged and connected to a rear seat safety buckle belt 518 by an end fastener 534 at the other end so as to be fixed thereto.In this embodiment, the extension belt 531 is an independent member, and is connected to the rear seat seat belt 515 and rear seat safety buckle belt 517 of the vehicle by engaging with the seat belt fastener 516 and the safety buckle belt fastener 518, respectively, via end fasteners 532, 534, but is not connected or fixed to the animal transport device 51800 (e.g., side panel 51820). In this embodiment, in addition to the mounting structure of the animal transport device 51800 itself (e.g., mounting belt or rigid connection frame), the extension belt is further connected to the rear seat seat belt and rear seat safety buckle belt, so that the animal transport device 51800 can be further fixed using the rear seat seat belt of the vehicle itself, and the rear seat seat belt can be positioned via a guide member on the side panel, thereby preventing the rear seat seat belt from moving arbitrarily and affecting the mounting stability of the animal transport device 51800.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 19, a front view of an animal transport device 51900 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates how the animal transport device 51900 in this embodiment is secured to the rear seat of a vehicle. The animal transport device 5100 of this embodiment has a structure and composition similar to that of the above-mentioned animal transport device 51800, including a side panel 51920, a first opening 51913 and a second opening 51914, the adjustable end 510A of the attachment belt and the adjustable end 51940A of the retaining strip extending from the first opening 51913 and the second opening 51914, respectively, while in this embodiment, the side panel 51920 is provided with a first guide member 51921 that positions the shoulder belt 515A and abdominal belt 515B of the rear seat seat belt 515 after they have been pulled out, and a second guide member 51922 that maintains a stable state without moving freely when the extension belt 541 is connected by engaging its both end fasteners 542, 544 with the seat belt fastener 516 and the safety buckle belt fastener 518, respectively. Similarly, the length of the extension belt 541 can be adjusted by an adjustment buckle (not shown) provided on the extension belt 541, as described in connection with the previous embodiment. Optionally, in one alternative embodiment, the adjustment end of the retaining strip can also be designed to be exposed to the bottom plate from the short side of the bottom plate, which is more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0076] In this embodiment, the width and space of the second guide member 51922 of the animal transport device 51900 are designed so that the extension belt 541 can be drilled therebetween, the end fasteners 542 of the extension belt 541 can be hooked to the outer edge of the second guide member 51922, and the extension belt 541 can be connected to the side plate 51920 of the animal transport device 51900. Optionally, in other embodiments, the extension belt can be directly fixed to the side plate of the animal transport device by methods such as, but not limited to, gluing, nailing, or plugging, so that the extension belt and the rear seat seat belt and rear seat safety buckle belt connected to both ends thereof can maintain high stability while the vehicle is moving.

[0077] Optionally, the animal transport device of the present disclosure may be firmly attached to the rear seat of a vehicle by a rigid connecting structure. Referring to Figure 20, a plan view of an animal transport device 52000 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The animal transport device 52000 of this embodiment has a similar structure and composition to the previously described animal transport device 51000, including a bottom plate 52010, side plates 52020 and 52030, a strap with a fastening buckle 52060 and its fastening buckle member 52062, a retaining strip 52040 and its fastener 52042, the position of the bottom plate opening 52011, and the fixing position of the strap with a fastening buckle 52060, etc. The difference is that in this embodiment, the animal transport device 52000 is connected to the seat by a connecting frame (e.g., an ISOFIX connecting frame) located below the bottom plate 52010, instead of the soft mounting belt of this embodiment. In detail, the connection frame is a U-shaped rigid frame consisting of a main body frame 52051 and a connection frame 52052, and a first connector 52053 and a second connector 52054 are respectively provided at the rear end of the connection frame 52052 (i.e., the end closest to the seat backrest 514) for connecting and fixing to the rear seat of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the first connector 52053 and the second connector 52054 can be, for example, ISOFIX connectors respectively connected to ISOFIX fixing points (not shown) provided between the rear seat 512 and the seat backrest 514 of the vehicle, thereby allowing the animal transport device 52000 of this embodiment to be securely attached to the rear seat of a vehicle. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 52010, which is more convenient for a user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0078] Reference is made to Figures 21 to 24, which schematically illustrate various uses of the animal transport device of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] In this embodiment, the animal owner can wear a wearable device (e.g., a pet vest) for the animal or pet, and the combination of the wearable device with both the straps with fastening buckles of the animal transport device of the present disclosure provides an additional immobilization effect for the animal or pet in the moving vehicle.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 21, in this embodiment, the fixing points of the bottom plate opening 52111 and the strap with a fixing buckle 52160 are provided at diagonal positions on the bottom plate 52110, so the strap with a fixing buckle 52140 extends in a direction parallel to the short side of the bottom plate 52110 below the bottom plate 52110, with one end (adjustable end 52140A) exposed to the outside of the second opening (not shown) and the side plate 52120 and fixed and locked by a positioning metal fitting (not shown), and the other end ( The retaining strip 52140 has a fixed buckle (an engagement end) extending from the bottom plate opening 52111 of the bottom plate 52110 and engaging with a fixed buckle member 52162 at a diagonally distal end located on the bottom plate 52110 via a fastener 52142 connected to this end, thereby connecting the retaining strip 52140 and the strap with fixed buckle 52160 to position the limits of an animal or pet (e.g., not limited to a dog) 52100A placed on the animal placing surface 5S defined by the bottom plate 52110. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 52110, making it more convenient for a user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0081] 21 , an animal owner can wear a wearable device (e.g., a pet vest) 52190 for their animal or pet. According to this embodiment, after the animal transport device 52100 is fixed to the rear seat 512 and placed against the seat backrest 514 to complete the installation, the retaining strip 52140 is passed through the annular member 52196 on the central webbing 52195 of the pet vest 52190 worn by the animal 52100A, and then engaged and connected to the fixing buckle member 52162 of the retaining strip 52160 located diagonally on the bottom plate 52100 by the fastener 52142. In this embodiment, the animal transport device 52100 can provide diagonal contact support to the animal 52100A positioned on the animal resting surface 5S from the right shoulder blade to the left abdomen, close to the hind legs, and can firmly support the animal 52100A on the animal resting surface 5S of the bottom plate 52110 without it moving significantly or being subjected to severe impacts due to sudden changes in the speed of the moving vehicle.In addition, by attaching a retaining strip 52140 to the ring member 52196 of the central webbing 52195, the animal 52100A's body can be further positioned vertically, preventing the animal 52100A from moving freely in a direction parallel to the rear seat and in the direction of travel (i.e., a direction parallel to the short side of the bottom plate).

[0082] 22 , the animal transport device 52200 of this embodiment has exactly the same configuration and arrangement as the previously described animal transport device 52100, and similarly mainly comprises a bottom plate 52210 and side plates 52220 and 52230, and the bottom plate opening 52211 is at the diagonally distal end opposite the fixing position of the strap with a fastening buckle 52260 and its fastening buckle member 52262 located on the bottom plate 52210. According to this embodiment, after the animal transport device 52200 is fixed to the rear seat 512 and abutted against the seat backrest 514 to complete installation, the retaining strip 52240 is passed through a webbing collar on the central webbing 52295 of the pet vest 52290 worn by the animal 52200A, and engaged and connected to the fastening buckle member 52262 of the strap with a fastening buckle 52260 located diagonally on the bottom plate 52200 via a fastener 52242. In this embodiment, the animal transport device 52200 can provide diagonal contact support to the animal 52200A positioned on the animal resting surface 5S from the right shoulder blade to the left abdomen, close to the hind legs, so that the animal 52200A is firmly supported on the animal resting surface 5S of the base plate 52210 without being significantly moved or subjected to violent impacts due to sudden changes in the speed of the moving vehicle, and the fixed buckle-equipped strap 52240 can be passed through the webbing collar of the central webbing 52295 to further restrict the body position of the animal 52200A in the vertical direction, preventing the animal 52200A from moving freely in the direction parallel to the rear seat and the traveling direction (i.e., the direction parallel to the short side of the base plate). Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the adjustable end of the holding strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the base plate 52210, making it more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the holding strip from the care side.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 23, the animal transport device 52300 of this embodiment has exactly the same configuration and arrangement as the previously described animal transport devices 52100 and 52200, and similarly is mainly composed of a bottom plate 52310 and side plates 52320 and 52330, with the bottom plate opening 52311 located at the diagonally distal end opposite the fixed position of the fixed buckle strap 52360 of the bottom plate 52310 and its fixed buckle member 52362. According to this embodiment, after the animal transport device 52300 is fixed to the rear seat 512 and placed against the seat backrest 514 to complete installation, the retaining strip 52340 is passed through the gap between the central webbing 52395 of the pet vest 52390 worn by the animal 52300A and the body of the animal 52300A, and is engaged and connected via fasteners 52342 to fastening buckle members 52362 of fastening buckle-equipped straps 52360 located diagonally on the bottom plate 52300. In this embodiment, the animal transport device 52300 can provide diagonal contact support to the animal 52300A positioned on the animal placing surface 5S from the right shoulder blade to the left abdomen, close to the hind legs, and can firmly support the animal 52300A on the animal placing surface 5S of the bottom plate 52310 without significant movement or severe impact due to a sudden change in the speed of the moving vehicle. In addition, the fixing belt 52340 passes through the gap between the central webbing 52395 and the body of the animal 52300A, i.e., can further limit the vertical position of the body of the animal 52300A, and can prevent the animal 52300A from moving freely in the direction parallel to the rear seat and the running direction (i.e., the direction parallel to the short side of the bottom plate). Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the holding strip can also be designed to be exposed to the bottom plate 52310 from the short side of the bottom plate 52310, which is more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the holding strip from the care side.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 24, the animal transport device 52400 of this embodiment has exactly the same configuration and arrangement as the previously described animal transport devices 52100 to 2300, and similarly mainly consists of a bottom plate 52410 and side plates 52420 and 52430, with the bottom plate opening 52411 located at the diagonally distal end opposite the fixed position of the fixed buckle strap 52460 of the bottom plate 52410 and its fixed buckle member 52462. According to this embodiment, after the animal transport device 52400 is fixed to the rear seat 512 and placed against the seat backrest 514 to complete installation, the retaining strip 52440 is passed through the gap between the left belly webbing 52494 of the pet vest 52490 worn by the animal 52400A and the body of the animal 52400A, the retaining strip 52440 is passed through the gap between the central webbing 52495 of the pet vest 52490 worn by the animal 52400A and the body of the animal 52400A, and then through the gap between the right shoulder (or scapula) webbing 52496 of the pet vest 52490 and the body of the animal 52400A, and is engaged and connected to the fixing buckle member 52462 of the diagonal fixing buckle strap 52460 located on the bottom plate 52400A via the fastener 52442. In this embodiment, the animal transport device 52400 can provide diagonal contact support to the animal 52400A positioned on the animal resting surface 5S from the right shoulder blade to the left abdomen near the hind legs, and can firmly support the animal 52400A on the animal resting surface 5S of the base plate 52410 without causing significant movement or severe impact due to a sudden change in the speed of the moving vehicle. In addition, the strap 52440 with a fixed buckle passes through the gap between the left abdomen webbing 52494 and the body of the animal 52400A, the gap between the central webbing 52495 and the body of the animal 52400A, and the gap between the right shoulder (or shoulder blade) webbing 52496 and the body of the animal 52400A, thereby further restricting the position of the animal 52400A in the vertical direction, and preventing the animal 52400A from moving freely in a direction parallel to the rear seat and in the direction of travel (i.e., parallel to the short side of the base plate).Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can also be designed to be exposed to the bottom plate 52410 from the short side of the bottom plate 52410, making it more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0085] Referring to Figures 25 to 28, which schematically show an animal transport device 52500 in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figures 25 and 26 are perspective schematic views of the animal transport device 52500 from different viewing directions, Figure 27 is a plan view of the animal transport device 52500, and Figure 28 is a side schematic view of the animal transport device 52500.

[0086] The animal transport device 52500 of this embodiment has a configuration and composition similar to the previously described animal transport devices 5600 and 51400, and includes a bottom plate 52510 that is attached to the rear seat 512 of the vehicle and provides an animal placement surface 5S, a support side plate 52530 connected to the long side 52510A of the bottom plate 52510, a side plate 52520 connected to the long side 52510B of the bottom plate 52510, a first guide member 525221 and a second guide member 525222 formed on the outer surface of the side plate 525200, a strap 52560 with a fixed buckle and its fixed buckle member 52562 fixed to the bottom plate 52510, a retaining strip 52540 and its fastener 52542 extending below the bottom plate 52510, an attachment belt 52550 extending below the bottom plate 52510, and positioning fittings 52570, etc. Similar to the animal transport devices 5600 and 1400, the animal transport device 52500 of this embodiment has a U-shaped structure in the side view direction, with the space between the side plates 52520 and 52530 and the bottom plate 52510 being approximately vertical, and the U-shaped structure of the animal transport device 52500 is advantageous for stable support in the rear seat of a vehicle.

[0087] In this embodiment, the attachment belt 52550 of the animal transport device 52500 is made of a flexible webbing material. As in the previous embodiment, one end of the attachment belt 52550 connects (e.g., by stitching) a first strap 52551 and a second strap 52552, and the free ends of the first strap 52551 and the second strap 52552 include a first connector 52553 and a second connector 52554, respectively, for attachment and fastening to anchor points (not shown) in the rear seat of a vehicle. For example, in this embodiment, the soft mounting belt 52550 is an ISOFIX soft connection structure, the mounting belt 52550 extends inside or below the bottom plate 52510 and has one end (adjustment end 52550A) exposed outside the second opening 52514, the first connector 52553 and the second connector 52554 connected to the free ends of the first strap 52551 and the second strap 52552 of the mounting belt 52550 are ISOFIX connectors, and the first connector 52553 and the second connector 52554 are respectively connected to ISOFIX fixing points (not shown) provided between the seat 512 and the seat backrest 514 of the rear seat of the vehicle, thereby securely attaching the animal transport device 52500 of this embodiment to the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0088] The difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiments is that, as shown, the animal transport device 52500 of this embodiment has a "double belt parallel" holding structure, i.e., the bottom plate 52510 has a first bottom plate opening 52511 and a second bottom plate opening 52512 located near the side plate 52530 on the bottom plate 52510 and spaced a certain distance apart so that the engaging ends of the first holding strip 52540 and the second holding strip 52544 protrude, respectively. The animal transport device 52500 includes a first strap with a fastening buckle 52560 and a second strap with a fastening buckle 52564 that are fastened near the side plate 52520 of the bottom plate 52510 at positions corresponding to the first bottom plate opening 52511 and the second bottom plate opening 52512, respectively. In other words, the connection line between the first bottom plate opening 52511 and the fastening point of the first strap with a fastening buckle 52560, and the connection line between the second bottom plate opening 52512 and the fastening point of the second strap with a fastening buckle 52564 are both parallel to the short side direction of the bottom plate 52510. As a result, the first retaining strip 52540 and the second strap with a fastening buckle 52544 extend below the bottom plate 52510, with their respective engagement ends extending from the first bottom plate opening 52511 and the second bottom plate opening 52512 and engaging with the fastening buckle members 52562, 52566 of the first strap with a fastening buckle 52560 and the second strap with a fastening buckle 52564 with their respective fasteners 52542 and 52546 to form two closure collars that are parallel to each other. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed to the bottom plate 52510 from the short side of the bottom plate 52510, making it more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0089] As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the bottom plate 52510 has a first opening 52513, a second opening 52514, and a third opening 52515 on the side near the connection point with the side plate 52520, and a first retaining strip 52540, an attachment belt 52550, and a second retaining strip 52544 extending inside or below the bottom plate 52510 penetrate the wall of the bottom plate and are exposed outside the side of the animal transport device 52500, wherein the second opening 52514 is located between the first opening 52513 and the third opening 52515. The positions of the first opening 52513 and the third opening 52515 on the side panel 525200 correspond to the first bottom panel opening 52511 and the second bottom panel opening 52512, respectively, and the belt length of the second retaining strip 52544, which extends below the bottom panel 52510 and has opposite ends extending outside the first opening 52513 and the first bottom panel opening 52511, is parallel to the direction of either short side of the bottom panel 52510.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 29, a front view of an animal transport device 52900 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown illustrating how the animal transport device 52900 in this embodiment is secured to the back seat of a vehicle.

[0091] The animal transport device 52900 has a first opening 52913, a second opening 52914, and a third opening 52915 on the side of the bottom plate where the bottom plate is connected to the side plate 52920, which penetrate the wall of the bottom plate at corresponding locations, allowing the first retaining strip, the attachment belt, and the second retaining strip extending below the bottom plate to pass through and penetrate the side of the bottom plate, exposing their respective adjustment ends 52940A, 52950A, and 52944A, as described in connection with the same previously disclosed embodiment. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the adjustment ends of the retaining strips can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate, allowing a user or owner to conveniently adjust the length and tightness of the retaining strips from their care side. In this embodiment, as shown, at least one guide member (in this embodiment, guide member 52921) is provided on the side plate 52920 of the animal transport device 52900. When installing the animal transport device 52900, in addition to the fastening means of the mounting belt 52950 or the connecting frame (not shown in the drawings), an extension belt 551 can be used to connect the pulled-out vehicle rear seat safety belt 515 and the vehicle rear seat safety buckle belt strap 517 to further secure the animal transport device 53000 to the rear seat. In particular, the extension belt 551 has a soft webbing structure and includes an adjustment buckle 551A for adaptively adjusting the length of the extension belt 551. The extension belt 551 has end fasteners 552 and 554 at both ends to be connected to the seat belt fastener 516 of the rear seat seat belt 515 and the safety buckle belt fastener 518 of the rear seat safety buckle belt 517, respectively.As shown, the rear seat seat belt 515 generally comprises a shoulder belt 515A and an abdominal belt 515B, which, after being pulled out, are positioned together by extending through guide members 52921 on a side plate 52920 and are engaged and connected to end fasteners 552 of an extension belt 551 by a seat belt fastener 516, and the extension belt 551 is further connected at its other end by an end fastener 554 to a rear seat safety buckle belt fastener 518 and connected to and anchored to the rear seat seat belt 517. In this embodiment, in addition to the mounting structure of the animal transport device 52900 itself (e.g., mounting straps or a rigid connection frame), the rear seat belt of the vehicle itself may also be used to further secure the animal transport device 52900, and the rear seat belt may be positioned by the guide members of the side plate, thereby preventing the rear seat belt from moving randomly.

[0092] Optionally, the extension belt 551 may also be connected to the side plate 52920 of the animal transport device 52900 by a second guide member provided on the side plate 52920, as described in the previous embodiment, or may be glued, nailed, or plugged directly to the side plate 52920.

[0093] Optionally, the animal transport device of the present disclosure may be firmly attached to the rear seat of a vehicle by a rigid connecting structure. Referring to Figure 30, a plan view of an animal transport device 53000 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The animal transport device 53000 of this embodiment has a similar structure and composition to the previously described animal transport device 52500, including a bottom plate 53010, side plates 53020, 53030, straps with fastening buckles 53060, 53064 and their fastening buckle members 53066, 53066, retaining strips 53040, 53044 and their fasteners 53042, 53046, etc., with the difference being that in this embodiment, the animal transport device 53000 is connected to the seat by a connecting frame (e.g., an ISOFIX connecting frame) located below the bottom plate 53010, instead of the soft mounting belt of this embodiment. In detail, the connection frame is a U-shaped rigid frame consisting of a main body frame 53051 and a connection frame 53052, and a first connector 53053 and a second connector 53054 are respectively provided at the rear end of the connection frame 53052 (i.e., the end close to the seat backrest 514) to connect and fix to the rear seat of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the first connector 53053 and the second connector 53054 are, for example, ISOFIX connectors, and are respectively connected to ISOFIX fixing points (not shown) provided between the rear seat 512 and the seat backrest 514 of the vehicle, thereby securely attaching the animal transport device 53000 of this embodiment to the rear seat of the vehicle. Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 53010, which is more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0094] 31 and 32, various uses of the double belt animal transport device of the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure are shown schematically.

[0095] 31, the animal transport device 53100 has the same structure and composition as the above-described animal transport device 52500. In this embodiment, as described in connection with the above-described embodiment, a first retaining strip 53140 extends below the base plate 53110, with one end (adjustment end 53140A) exposed outside a first opening (not shown) and fixedly locked by a positioning fitting (not shown). The other end (engagement end) of the first retaining strip 53140 extends from the first base plate opening 53111 of the base plate 53110 and engages with a fixing buckle member 53162 via a fastener 53142 connected to this end, thereby connecting the first retaining strip 53140 and the first strap with a fixing buckle 53160 to form a first closure collar. Similarly, the second retaining strip 53144 extends below the bottom plate 53110, as described in relation to the above embodiment, with one end (adjustable end 53144A) exposed to the outside of the third opening (not shown) and fixedly locked by a positioning fitting (not shown). The other end (engagement end) of the second retaining strip 53144 extends from the second bottom plate opening 53112 of the bottom plate 53110 and engages with the strap with a fixed buckle 53166 via a fastener 53146 connected to this end, thereby connecting the second retaining strip 53144 and the second strap with a fixed buckle 53164 and forming a second closure collar. Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 53110, which is more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0096] As described above, the first bottom plate opening 53111 and the second bottom plate opening 53112 are spaced a certain distance from each other on the bottom plate 53110, and their positions correspond to the first opening and the third opening. That is, the connection line between the first bottom plate opening 53111 and the fastening point of the first strap with fastening buckle 53160, and the connection line between the second bottom plate opening 53112 and the fastening point of the second strap with fastening buckle 53144 are both parallel to the short side direction of the bottom plate 53110. As a result, the first retaining strip 53140 and the second retaining strip 53144 extend below the bottom plate 53110, with their respective engagement ends extending from the first bottom plate opening 53111 and the second bottom plate opening 53112, respectively, and their respective fasteners 53142 and 53146 engaging with the fastening buckle members 53162, 53166 of the first fastening buckled strap 53160 and the second fastening buckled strap 53164, thereby forming two parallel first and second closure collars for holding animals or pets (e.g., not limited to dogs) placed on the animal containment surface 5S defined by the bottom plate 53110.

[0097] In this embodiment, the fixing points of the base plate openings 53111, 53112 and the fixed buckle straps 53160, 53164 are designed so that after the first retaining strip 53140 and the second retaining strip 53144 extend from the first base plate opening 53111 and the second base plate opening 53112, i.e., extend parallel to and across the shoulders and hind legs of the animal 53100A, they are connected to the corresponding fixed buckle straps 53160, 53164, providing stable support to the shoulders and hind legs of the animal 53100A. In detail, as shown in FIG. 31, when the user tightens the first retaining strip 53140 and the second retaining strip 53144 via the adjustable ends 53140A and 53144A, respectively, the first retaining strip 53140 fits closely against the left shoulder of the animal 53100A, and the first retaining strip 53140 extends across the body of the animal 53100A, contacting and supporting the body portion and contacting the left shoulder of the animal, i.e., as shown in the figure, the connection between the retaining strip 53140 and the strap 53160 with the fixed buckle can provide contact belt-like support for the animal 53100A from the right shoulder to the left shoulder. Similarly, the second retaining strip 53144 is in close contact with the right hind leg of the animal 53100A, and the second retaining strip 53144 extends across the body of the animal 53100A, contacting and supporting a portion of the body, and contacting the left hind leg of the animal; i.e., the connection between the retaining strip 53144 and the strap with fixed buckle 53164 can provide contact strip-like support for the animal 53100A from the right hind leg to the left hind leg. The two parallel contact strip-like supports allow the animal 53100A to be firmly supported on the base plate 53110 without being subject to significant movement or severe impact due to sudden changes in the speed of the moving vehicle. In particular, when the animal 53100A has a relatively large body size, the retaining strip 53140 in this embodiment is connected to the strap with a fixed buckle 53160, and the retaining strip 53144 is connected to the strap with a fixed buckle 53164 to form this double-ring contact support for the animal, and the support and fixation effect provided appears to be relatively stable and strong.

[0098] Optionally, the first and second retaining strips of the double-belt animal transport device may extend from the first and second bottom plate openings, respectively, and be further connected to the second and first fixed buckled straps to form two closure collars that cross each other, as shown in Figure 32, thereby forming the "Double-Belt and Crossing" retaining structure of this embodiment.

[0099] Referring to Figure 32, the animal transport device 53200 has exactly the same structure and composition as the above-mentioned animal transport device 53100, including a bottom plate 53210, side plates 53220, 53230, bottom plate openings 53211, 53212, retaining strips 53240, 53244 and their corresponding fasteners (fasteners 53242, 53246), straps with fastening buckles 53260, 53264 and their corresponding fasteners (fastening buckle members 53262, 53266), and positioning fittings (not shown), etc. The difference between the two is that in this embodiment, the first retaining strip 53240 extends below the bottom plate 53210, and one end (adjustable end 53240A) is exposed outside the first opening (not shown) and is fixed and locked by the positioning fittings (not shown), which is similar to the relevant description of this embodiment above. The other end (engagement end) of the first retaining strip 53240 extends from the first bottom plate opening 53211 of the bottom plate 53210 and engages with the second strap with a fastening buckle 53266 via a fastener 53242 connected to this end, thereby connecting the first retaining strip 53240 and the second strap with a fastening buckle 53264 and forming a first closure collar extending diagonally around the bottom plate 53210. Similarly, the second retaining strip 53244 extends below the bottom plate 53210, as described in relation to the above embodiment, and one end (adjustment end 53244A) thereof is exposed outside the third opening (not shown) and is fixed by a positioning metal fitting (not shown). The other end (engagement end) of the second retaining strip 53244 extends from the second bottom plate opening 53212 of the bottom plate 53210 and engages with a fixing buckle member 53262 via a fastener 53246 connected to this end, connecting the second retaining strip 53244 and the first strap with fixed buckle 53260 to form a second closure collar extending in the other diagonal direction of the bottom plate 53210. Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustment end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 53210, which is more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0100] As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, when the user tightens the first retaining strip 53240 and the second retaining strip 53244 via the adjustable ends 53240A, 53244A, respectively, the first retaining strip 53240 fits closely to the right hind leg of the animal 53200A, and the first retaining strip 53240 extends diagonally across the body of the animal 53200A, contacting and supporting the body partially, and contacting the left shoulder of the animal; i.e., as shown in the figure, the connection between the first retaining strip 53240 and the second fixed buckled strap 53264 provides contacting diagonal band-like support from the right hind leg to the left shoulder of the animal 53200A. Similarly, the second retaining strip 53244 is closely formed with the right shoulder of the animal 53200A, and the second retaining strip 53244 extends diagonally across the body of the animal 53200A, contacting and supporting a portion of the body and forming contact with the left hind leg of the animal, i.e., the connection between the second retaining strip 53244 and the first fixed buckled strap 53260 provides a contactable diagonal band-like support for the animal 53200A from the right shoulder to the left hind leg. In this embodiment, the first retaining strip 53240 and the second retaining strip 53244 also form a crossing point at the center of the back of the animal 53200A. In this embodiment, the two mutually intersecting contact diagonal band supports formed by the retaining strips and the support located at the central intersection on the back of the animal 53200A allow the animal 53200A to be firmly supported on the base plate 53210 without being significantly moved or subjected to severe impacts due to sudden changes in the speed of the moving vehicle. In particular, when the animal 53200A has a relatively large body size, the retaining strip 53240 in this embodiment is connected to the strap 53264 with a fixed buckle, and the retaining strip 53244 is connected to the strap 53260 with a fixed buckle to form this cross-type contact support for the animal, and the support and fixation effect provided thereby appears relatively stable and strong.

[0101] Optionally, the animal or pet owner can wear a wearable device for the animal or pet, as shown in Figures 33A to 33C, and the combination of both the retaining strip and strap with a fixed buckle on the animal transport device of this embodiment with the webbing or webbing collar at each location on the wearable device can provide further immobilization effect for the animal or pet in the moving vehicle.

[0102] 33A to 33C, in this embodiment, the animal transport device 53300 has the same structure and composition as the above-described animal transport device 53200, and includes a bottom plate 53310, side plates 53320 and 53330, bottom plate openings 53311 and 53312, retaining strips 53340 and 53344 and their corresponding fasteners (fasteners 53342, 53346), straps with fastening buckles 53360 and 53364 and their corresponding fasteners (fastening buckle members 53362, 53366), positioning fittings (not shown), etc. Similarly, in this embodiment, as described in relation to the above-described embodiment, the first retaining strip 53340 extends below the bottom plate 53310, and one end (adjustable end 53340A) thereof is exposed outside the first opening (not shown) and is fixedly locked by the positioning fitting (not shown). The other end (engagement end) of the first retaining strip 53340 extends from the first bottom plate opening 53311 of the bottom plate 53310 and can be engaged with a second fixing buckle member 53366 via a fastener 53342 connected to this end, thereby connecting the first retaining strip 53340 to the second strap with fastening buckle 53364 and forming a first closure collar extending diagonally around the bottom plate 53310. Similarly, the second retaining strip 53344 extends below the bottom plate 53310, as described in relation to the above embodiment, and one end (adjustment end 53344A) thereof is exposed outside a third opening (not shown) and is fixed and locked by a positioning metal fitting (not shown). The other end (engagement end) of the second retaining strip 53344 extends from the second bottom plate opening 53312 of the bottom plate 53310 and can be engaged with a fixing buckle member 53362 via a fastener 53346 connected to this end, thereby connecting the second retaining strip 53344 to the first strap with fixed buckle 53360 and forming a second closure collar extending in the other diagonal direction of the bottom plate 53310. Optionally, in another embodiment, the adjustable end of the retaining strip can be designed to be exposed from the short side of the bottom plate 53310, which is more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retaining strip from the care side.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 33C , the pet vest 53390 includes a chest fastening sheet 53399 and a back fastening sheet 53399′ that are adjustably interconnected via corresponding straps, and the main structure of the pet vest 53390 is generally known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment, webbings, i.e., webbings 53391A, 53391B, 53392A, and 53392B, are further formed at positions corresponding to each strap, and the webbings and each strap form a closure belt collar. Similarly to the above description of this embodiment, the back fastening sheet 53399′ of the pet vest 53390 of this embodiment also has a central webbing 53395. When an animal or pet wears the pet vest 53390 of this embodiment, its head faces in the direction indicated by arrow H in FIG. 33C .

[0104] 33A and 33B, which are plan and side views, respectively, illustrate a situation in which the animal transport device 53300 of the above embodiment secures an animal wearing a pet vest 53390. The difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 32 is that in this embodiment, the first retaining strip 53340 extends from the first bottom plate opening 53311 and then extends along the front leg (e.g., the left front leg) of the animal 53300A, and the engagement end of the first retaining strip 53340 passes through a belt collar (e.g., a left shoulder tether collar) formed by the webbing 53391B and its corresponding strap of the pet vest 53390, and further passes through a belt collar (e.g., a left shoulder tether collar) formed by the central webbing 53395 and the back fixing sheet 53399′. After passing through the collar, the first retaining strip 53340 extends along the flank (e.g., the right flank) of the animal 53300A toward the bottom plate 53310 of the animal transport device 53300, and further engages with a second fixed buckled strap 53366 via a fastener 53342 connected to this end, thereby connecting the first retaining strip 53340 and the second fixed buckled strap 53364 to form a first closed collar that extends diagonally across the bottom plate 53310 and passes through the collar on the left shoulder of the pet vest 53390. Similarly, the second retaining strip 53344 extends from the second bottom plate opening 53312, then extends along the corresponding hind leg (e.g., the left hind leg) of the animal 53300A, and is connected to a collar formed by the engaging end central webbing 53395 of the second retaining strip 53344 and the back fixing sheet 53399′, i.e., extends head-wise along the body of the animal 53300A to the right shoulder, and is connected to a collar formed by the webbing 53391A of the pet vest 53390 and the corresponding strap. The second retaining strip 53344 extends through the webbing collar (e.g., the right shoulder webbing collar) toward the bottom plate 53310 of the animal transport device 53300 and engages with the first fixing buckle member 53362 via a fastener 53346 connected to this end, thereby connecting the second retaining strip 53344 and the first fixing buckle strap 53360 and forming a second closure collar that extends diagonally across the bottom plate 53310 and passes through the webbing collar ring on the right shoulder of the pet vest 53390.In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33B, the connection positions between the first and second straps with fastening buckles 53360 and 53364 and the corresponding second retaining strips 53340 and first retaining strips 53340 are located behind the left and right hind legs of the animal 53300A; however, in a variation of this embodiment (not shown), the connection positions can be positioned in front of the left and right hind legs of the animal 53300A by shifting the positions at which the first and second straps with fastening buckles 53360 and 53364 are fixed to the base plate 53310 depending on the size of the animal 53300A.

[0105] Compared to the above-mentioned embodiment, in this embodiment, a contact belt-like support is also formed by the intersection and connection of the retaining strips and the straps with fixed buckles, providing additional support at the central intersection on the back of the animal 53300A, so that the animal 53300A is firmly supported on the base plate 53310 and is not subjected to large movements or severe impacts due to sudden changes in the speed of the moving vehicle. In addition, the first retaining strip 53340 and the second retaining strip 53344 pass through the webbing collar formed by the central webbing 53395 and the back fixing sheet 53399' and cross each other within the collar, further preventing the fixing belt from easily moving during driving.

[0106] The detailed configuration of the animal transport device of the present disclosure will now be described with further reference to the following drawings.

[0107] 34a and 34b, which are schematic illustrations of an animal transport device 53400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Fig. 34a is a perspective schematic view of the animal transport device 53400, and Fig. 34b is a simplified plan view, illustrating the positional relationship between the bottom plate openings, the straps with fastening buckles, and the straps with fastening buckles on the bottom plate of the animal transport device 53400 in Fig. 34a.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the animal transporting device 53400 includes a bottom plate 53410 and side plates 53420, the bottom plate 53410 providing an animal placing surface 5S for placing an animal or pet to be transported in the vehicle, with its long side (second long side, bottom plate long side) 53410A abutting against the rear seat backrest (not shown) of the vehicle, and the side plate 53420 being connected to the other long side (i.e., the side away from the rear seat backrest) (first long side, bottom plate long side) 53410B of the bottom plate 53410, and the animal transporting device 53400 of this embodiment exhibits an L-shaped structure in a side view with the side plate 53420 and the bottom plate 53410 being approximately vertical. Optionally, the animal transport device 53400 can further include a head guard (i.e., animal head guard) 53480 connected to a short side (i.e., a first short side) of the bottom plate 53410 away from the rear window on the attachment side.

[0109] According to this embodiment, the side panels 53420 and the head guard 53480 may be made of plastic and have a fence-like structure to facilitate the user's care for or interaction with an animal or pet secured therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and optionally, the side panels and the head guard may be formed without a fence-like structure or may be formed by combining a frame and a mesh (e.g., mesh cloth).

[0110] As shown, the animal transport device 53400 of this embodiment provides a double-belt retention structure. Specifically, the bottom plate 53410 of the animal transport device 53400 includes a first bottom plate opening 53411 and a second bottom plate opening 53412 through which the first retention strip 53440 and the second retention strip 53444 extend, the first bottom plate opening 53411 being farther from the side where the bottom plate 53410 is connected to the side plate 53420 (the long side 53410B) than the second bottom plate opening 53411. In other words, the first bottom plate opening 53411 is located closer to the long side 53410A on the bottom plate 53410, and the second bottom plate opening 53412 is located closer to the long side 53410B on the bottom plate 53410. The animal transport device 53400 includes a first strap with a fixed buckle 53460 and a second strap with a fixed buckle 53464 fixed to a base plate 53410, wherein the first strap with a fixed buckle 53460 is provided on the base plate 53410 near a long side 53410A, and the second strap with a fixed buckle 53464 is provided on the base plate 53410 near a long side 53410B. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34b, there is a first distance D1 between the first bottom plate opening 53411 and the long side 53410A, and there is a second distance D2 between the first fastening buckle strap 53460 and the long side 53410A, and the first distance D1 is greater than the second distance D2. In other words, in this embodiment, the pitch G1 between the first bottom plate opening 53411 and the second bottom plate opening 53412 is smaller than the pitch G2 between the first fastening buckle strap 53460 and the second fastening buckle strap 53464, and the pitches G1 and G2 can be designed to accommodate the shoulder width and buttock width dimensions of the animal, respectively.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 34a, the engagement end of the first retaining strip 53440 extending below the bottom plate 53410 extends from the first bottom plate opening 53411 and engages with its fastener 53442 the fastening buckle member 53466 of the second strap with fastening buckle 53464 located diagonally on the bottom plate 53410, and the engagement end of the second retaining strip 53444 extending below the bottom plate 53410 extends from the second bottom plate opening 53412 and engages with its fastener 53446 the fastening buckle member 53462 of the first strap with fastening buckle 53460 located diagonally on the bottom plate 53410. As shown in the figure, the first retention strip 53440 and the second retention strip 53444 form an intersection P at a central position approximately corresponding to the bottom plate 53410 in the space defined by the bottom plate 53410, the side plate 53420, and the head guard 53480, thereby forming a "double belt crossing" retention structure. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the pitch G1 between the first bottom plate opening 53411 and the second bottom plate opening 53412 is smaller than the pitch G2 between the first strap with fastening buckle 53460 and the second strap with fastening buckle 53464, so the intersection P of the formed "double belt crossing" retention structure is located near the front shoulder of the moving object.

[0112] Optionally, the first retaining strip and the second retaining strip may be connected to a first fixed buckled strap and a second fixed buckled strap, respectively, to form two non-intersecting closed collars (not shown) on the bottom plate 53410, i.e., a "double belt longitudinal narrow front, wide rear" retaining structure, and as can be seen from FIG. 34a, in this retaining structure formed by the animal transport device 53400 of this embodiment, the first fixed buckled strap and the second fixed buckled strap are located on different sides of the animal's body (e.g., at the shoulder position of the body), and the extension direction of the first retaining strip and the second retaining strip is inclined in the height direction of the animal's body.

[0113] In this embodiment, the first and second retention strips 53440, 53444 are formed into a Y-shaped tape structure that extends to corresponding structures (described further below) below the bottom plate 53410, as shown in FIG. 34a, with their ends (adjustable ends) 53448 exposed outside the bottom plate 53410 from the short side of the bottom plate, and the retention strips can further be given a fixed length and slack by positioning fittings (not shown), as described in connection with the previous embodiment. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the adjustable ends of the retention strips can be designed to expose the bottom plate 53410 from the short side to which the head guard 53480 of the bottom plate 53410 is connected, which makes it more convenient for the user or owner to adjust the length and slack of the retention strips from the care side.

[0114] In this embodiment, the animal transport device 53400 is fixedly connected to ISOFIX fixing points (not shown) in the rear seat of the vehicle using a first connector 53453 and a second connector 53454 (e.g., ISOFIX connectors) that protrude outside the bottom plate 53410. Optionally, the animal transport device 53400 further includes a third connector 53456 and a connecting belt 53455, and the user can adjust the extension direction of the connecting belt 53455 according to actual needs (e.g., the position of the fixing point in the rear seat of the vehicle), and the third connector 53456 extends from the long side 53410A of the bottom plate 53410 to the bottom plate 53410, or from the short side 53480 to which the head guard 53480 is connected (as shown in FIG. 34A), or even from the intersection of the long side 53410A and the short side of the bottom plate to the bottom plate 53410, so that when the animal transport device 53400 is installed in the rear seat of the vehicle, it can be further fixed to a corresponding anchor point (not shown) in the rear seat of the vehicle as a third anchor point in addition to the two ISOFIX anchor points.

[0115] Optionally, the animal transport device 53400 may include a top anchor assembly (Top Tether) 53490. Alternatively, the band-like structure of the animal transport device may include a top anchor assembly. The structure mainly includes a first tether 53491, a second tether 53492, a length adjuster 53493, and a connecting tether 53494. One end of each of the first tether 53491 and the second tether 53492 is drilled inward through a through-hole (not shown) that passes from the outer surface of the side plate 53420 through the upper edge of the side plate 53420, and is secured to the side plate 53420 by abutting against the inward surface of the side plate 53420 with a securing buckle (for example, but not limited to, a straight buckle) (e.g., securing buckle 53492A) connected to each end. The other ends of the first tether 53491 and the second tether 53492 are fixedly connected to the same side of the length adjuster 53493. In this embodiment, one end of the connecting tether 53494 of the upper anchor assembly 53490 extends through the other side of the length adjuster 53493 to form an adjustable end 53494A, and a connecting hook 53495 is connected to the opposite end of the adjustable end 53494A of the connecting tether 53494, with a corresponding fixed point (not shown) fixed above the rear seat of the vehicle or extending beyond the seat to the rear bottom as a third anchor point.

[0116] In this embodiment, the lengths of the first tether 53491 and the second tether 53492 are fixed, but the user can pull the adjustment end 53494A that punches the length adjuster 53493 to adjust the length of the connecting tether 53494 to fit the fixation of the length adjuster 53493, and further adjust the overall belt length of the upper anchor assembly 53490 to accommodate the location of the fixation point. Optionally, in other embodiments, the length of the connecting tether 53494 may be fixed, and the user can adjust the lengths of the first tether 53491 and the second tether 53492 with the length adjuster 53493, thereby adjusting the overall belt length of the upper anchor assembly 53490 to accommodate the fixation point in the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0117] In this embodiment, the animal transport device 53400 can further include a support member connected to a second long side 53410A of the base plate 53410, the second long side 53410A opposing the first long side 53410B.

[0118] Here, the support member may be one of a support side plate or a U-shaped support bar 53488.

[0119] Here, one or more of the side plate 53420 and the support member may be movably connected to the bottom plate 53410.

[0120] Here, one or more of the side plates 53420 and the support members can be pivotally attached to the bottom plate 53410 .

[0121] Here, one or more of the side plate 53420 and the support member may be detachably connected to the bottom plate 53410.

[0122] Here, one or more of the supporting side plates and the U-shaped supporting rod 53488 may be connected to the bottom plate 53410 so as to be insertable therethrough.

[0123] Here, the side plate 53420 may be movably or detachably connected to the bottom plate 53410.

[0124] Here, the side plate 53420 may be pivotally connected to the bottom plate 53410 .

[0125] For example, in this embodiment, the animal transport device 53400 can further include a support bar 53488 connected to the long side 53410A of the base plate 53410 and adapted to abut against the seat backrest of the rear seat of the vehicle when installed to further support the animal transport device 53400. Preferably, the support bar 53488 is a U-shaped support bar, both ends of which are inserted into corresponding holes (not shown) on the base plate 53410.

[0126] To facilitate the user's or owner's care and supervision of animals secured within the animal transport device 53400 while simultaneously achieving the desired effect of the animal transport device 53400 on the animals, in this embodiment, the height of the head guard 53480 is smaller than the height of the side panels 53420, and this height difference is designed to facilitate the care and interaction of animals while in operation. For example, in one specific example, the height of the side panels 53420 of the animal transport device 53400 can be, for example, between 5500 mm and 5550 mm, but is not limited thereto. The height of the head guard 53480 can be, for example, between 5200 mm and 5300 mm, but is not limited thereto. More specifically, the height of the side panels 53420 can be, for example, 5522 mm, and the height of the head guard 53480 can be, for example, between 5200 mm and 5300 mm. In this embodiment, a smaller head guard height is advantageous for the guardian to protect the animal, and a larger side panel height helps to provide a favorable immobilization effect for the animal, while at the same time preventing the animal from interfering with the front seat driver.

[0127] According to the present disclosure, the side panels, head guards, and support bars of the animal transport device are movably connected to corresponding sides of the bottom plate and can be removed from the bottom plate and stored separately when not in use, removed and stored within the bottom plate of the animal transport device, or folded and stored (as further described below).

[0128] 35 is a perspective view of an animal transport device 53500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The animal transport device 53500 according to this embodiment has a similar structure and composition to the previously described animal transport device 53400, and includes a bottom plate 53510, side plates 53520, a head guard 53580, a first connector 53553 and a second connector 53554, a third connector 53556 and its connecting belt 53555, a support rod 53588, an upper anchor assembly 53590 (including a first tether 53591, a second tether 53592, a strap with a fixing buckle 53592A, a length adjuster 53593, a connecting tether 53594, and a connecting hook 53595).

[0129] The difference between this embodiment and the previously described embodiment is that in this embodiment, the animal transport device 53500 has a double-belt parallel holding structure similar to the animal transport device 52600. Specifically, as shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the first bottom plate opening 53511 and the second bottom plate opening 53512 are located on the bottom plate 53510 near the long side 53510A and are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 53510. The first strap with a fastening buckle 53560 and the second strap with a fastening buckle 53564 are fixedly attached to the bottom plate 53510 near the long side 53510B and are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 53510. The connection line between the position of the first base plate opening 53511 and the fastening point of the first strap with a fastening buckle 53560, and the connection line between the position of the second base plate opening 53512 and the fastening point of the second strap with a fastening buckle 53564 are generally parallel to the short side of the base plate 53510. In this embodiment, the first retaining strip 53540 extends below the base plate 53510, with its engagement end extending from the first base plate opening 53511 and engaging with its fastener 53542 to connect to the fastening buckle member 53562 of the first strap with a fastening buckle 53560. The second retaining strip 53544 extends below the base plate 53510, with its engagement end extending from the second base plate opening 53512 and engaging with its fastener 53546 to connect to the fastening buckle member 53566 of the second strap with a fastening buckle 53564. In other words, the first retaining strip 53540 and the first strap with a fixed buckle 53560 are connected by the engagement of the fastener 53542 and the fixed buckle member 53562 to form a first closure collar, and the second retaining strip 53544 and the second strap with a fixed buckle 53564 are connected by the engagement of the fastener 53546 and the fixed buckle member 53566 to form a second closure collar, and the first closure collar and the second closure collar are approximately parallel to either short side of the bottom plate 53510, thereby forming the above-mentioned double-belt parallel retaining structure.As can be seen from FIG. 35, the animal is secured to the double-belt parallel retaining structure formed by the animal transport device 53500 of this embodiment, with the first retaining buckle member 53562 and the second retaining buckle member 53566 located on the same side of the animal's body, and the extension direction of the first retaining strip 53540 and the second retaining strip 53544 being transverse to the longitudinal direction of the animal's body.

[0130] 36 is a perspective view of an animal transport device 53600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The animal transport device 53600 according to this embodiment has a similar structure and composition to the previously described animal transport devices 53400 and 53500, and includes a bottom plate 53610, side plates 53620, a head guard 53680, a first connector 53653 and a second connector 53654, a third connector 53656 and its connecting belt 53655, a support rod 53688, an upper anchor assembly 53690 (including a first tether 53691, a second tether 53692, a strap with a fixing buckle 53692A, a length adjuster 53693, a connecting tether 53694, and a connecting hook 53695), etc.

[0131] The difference between this embodiment and the previously described embodiments is that in this embodiment, the animal transport device 53600 forms a retention structure that is different from the various closure collars previously described. Specifically, as shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the first base plate opening 53611 and the second base plate opening 53612 are located on a central longitudinal line of the base plate 53610 and are separated from each other. The first retention strip 53660 and the second retention strip 53664 extend from the first base plate opening 53611 and the second base plate opening 53612, respectively, and their exposed ends include the first end fastener 53662 and the second end fastener 53666, respectively. The other ends of the first retaining strip 53660 and the second retaining strip 53664 extend into or below the bottom plate 53610 and penetrate from one side of the bottom plate 53610 to form an adjustable end 53668, which can be further fixed in length and tightened by a positioning fitting (not shown), as described in connection with the previous embodiment. The animal transport device 53600 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for animals wearing a pet vest or the like, and the end fasteners 53662, 53666 can be used to engage with each collar at a corresponding position on the pet vest (e.g., a belt collar on an existing vest chest panel, a central webbing collar in this embodiment described above, a metal ring on the central webbing, etc.) to secure the animal on the animal carrying surface 5S. In this embodiment, the end fasteners 53662, 53666 can include, but are not limited to, hooks, kneaded buttons, bayonet buttons, locks, etc. Compared to the above embodiment, the animal transport device 53600 of this embodiment omits the retaining strips that extend in various directions and cross the animal's body, which can relatively reduce the tension and discomfort the animal experiences when secured to the vehicle.

[0132] 37A, there is shown a schematic diagram of an animal transport device 53700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The animal transport device 53700 of this embodiment has a similar structure and composition to the animal transport devices 53400 to 3600 described above, and includes a bottom plate 53710, side plates 53720, a first connector 53753 and a second connector 53754, a third connector 53756, a first bottom plate opening 53711 and a second bottom plate opening 53712, adjustment ends 53748 of the first and second retention strips and their positioning fittings 53770, etc.

[0133] In this embodiment, a support rod receiving groove 53718A corresponding to the shape of the support rod and an attachment belt receiving groove 53718B are formed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 53710 of the animal transport device 53700. The bottom plate 53710 is also formed with a first bottom plate opening 53711 and a second bottom plate opening 53712, through which the extending first and second retention strips extend and are exposed on the animal placement surface of the bottom plate 53710. The side plates 53720 of the animal transport device 53700 are provided with first and second guide members 53721 and 53722 for passing and positioning a vehicle rear seat seal belt (not shown) therebetween during installation to prevent the seat belt from swinging freely. Additionally, the side plate 53720 of the animal transport device 53700 of this embodiment is provided with a pair of tether guide members 53723, 53724 (described below) located near the upper side for passing and positioning the first tether 53791 and second tether 53792 of the upper anchor assembly 53790, respectively. In this embodiment, the periphery of the side plate 53720 can be fitted with, for example, a reinforcing frame 53728 having a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the side plate and having a reinforcing tube inserted into the side plate to further enhance the structural strength of the side plate 53720.

[0134] Also, as shown, the upper anchor assembly 53790 of this embodiment differs from the upper anchor assemblies of the above-described embodiments (e.g., upper anchor assembly 53490, upper anchor assembly 53590, upper anchor assembly 53690) in that, in this embodiment, the first tether 53791 and the second tether 53792 of the upper anchor assembly 53790 extend toward the side plate 53720 and are positioned there via tether guide members 53723 and 53724 located at positions closer to the upper side of the side plate 53720, and further extend along the side plate 53720 to respective openings 53719A and 53719B of the bottom plate 53710 connected to the side plate 53720, and are fixed and locked in position by positioning fittings (not shown), which can be, for example, a square buckle, an eye buckle, etc. When the upper anchor assembly 53790 is fixed to a corresponding fixed point (not shown) above the rear seat of the vehicle or at the bottom rear of the seat with the connecting belt 53794 and the connecting hook 53795, the first tether 53791 and the second tether 53792 having extension belts are limited in position by the fixed tether guide members 53723, 53724 on the side plate 53720, are fixed to the bottom plate 53710, and have contact with the side plate 53720 over the entire belt length, thereby providing stronger support for the animal transport device 53700.

[0135] 37B, an animal transport device 53700B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. The animal transport device 53700B of this embodiment has a similar structure and composition to the previously described animal transport device 53700, except that in this embodiment, the upper anchor assembly 53790B further includes a lateral connecting tether 53796B connected between the first tether 53791A and the second tether 53791B, and the tether tension provided by the lateral connecting tether 53796B can further provide a stable support effect to the side panel 53720B of the animal transport device 53700B. In this embodiment, the position where the lateral connecting tether 53796B is connected to the first tether 53791A and the second tether 53791B is approximately mid-length of the portion where the first tether 53791A and the second tether 53791B abut against the side plate 53720B, thereby causing the first tether 53791A, the second tether 53791B and the lateral connecting tether 53796B to form an H-shaped support structure on the side plate 53720B.

[0136] Reference is made to Figures 38a and 38b, which further schematically illustrate the interior and bottom structure of the base plate 53800 of an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] As shown in Figure 38a, in this embodiment, an ISOFIX rigid connection frame, which is a rigid frame formed by fitting a main frame 53851 and a connection frame 53852 together, is provided inside the bottom plate 53800 of the animal transport device, and a first connector 53853 and a second connector 53854 (e.g., ISOFIX connectors) are provided at the rear ends of the connection frame 53852 (i.e., both ends closer to the seat backrest), respectively, to connect to fixing points fixed to the rear seat of the vehicle (e.g., ISOFIX fixing points provided between the rear seat of the vehicle and the seat backrest), so that the animal transport device of this embodiment can be stably attached to the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0138] 38b, as shown in the figure, the bottom of the bottom plate 53800 of the animal transport device of this embodiment is formed with a plurality of corresponding recess structures mainly used to accommodate each component of the animal transport device of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, a central groove 53810 is opened in the overall central portion of the bottom plate 53800, an adjustment device 53811 is installed in the central groove 53810, and corresponding push buttons 53811A and 53811B are installed in two parallel openings on the adjustment device 53811, respectively. When the user presses both push buttons 53811A, 53811B against each other, the unlocking adjustment device 53811 is unlocked, releasing the position of the adjustment device 53811 and moving it parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 53800 within the central groove 53810, thereby adjusting the opening positions of the first and second bottom plate openings (not shown) of the bottom plate 53800 on the upper surface of the bottom plate 53800 (i.e., the animal placement surface), thereby adjusting the extension position of the retaining strip extending from the bottom plate opening to the animal placement surface. In detail, if the animal's body size is small, the user can press push buttons 53811A and 53811B on adjustment device 53811 to unlock adjustment device 53811, and then move adjustment device 53811 in the direction of the strap with fixed buckle (not shown), thereby reducing the distance from the extended position of the strap with fixed buckle to the fixed position of the strap with fixed buckle, thereby forming an animal holding structure that can accommodate small animals with short body lengths.

[0139] The bottom plate 53800 is further formed with a guide groove 53813 for adjusting the end of a retaining strip, extending to one side of the central groove 53810. In this embodiment, the longitudinal belt length of the strap with a fixed buckle having a Y-shaped structure extends into the guide groove 53813, and one end (adjustable end) of the strap passes through a positioning metal fitting 53870 provided at the downstream end of the guide groove 53813, thereby adjusting and fixing the belt length and belt slack. A support rod housing groove 53818A having a shape compatible with the removable support rod (e.g., support rods 53488, 3588, 53688, or support rod 53888 shown in FIG. 38a) is appropriately formed on the bottom side of the bottom plate 53800, away from the side plate (i.e., near the seat backrest of the rear seat of the vehicle). When the animal transport device in this embodiment is folded, the support rod 53888 can be removed from the bottom plate 53888 and folded into the support rod storage groove 53818A. Optionally, the support rod 53888 is also pivotally connected to the bottom plate 53800 so that when stored, the support rod 53888 is pivotally positioned within the support rod storage groove 53818A toward the bottom of the bottom plate 53800.

[0140] The bottom of the base plate is provided with a plurality of accommodation grooves formed to fit and accommodate the mounting structure, ISOFIX soft connection structure, ISOFIX rigid connection frame, LATCH system, support member, U-shaped support rod and animal head guard, respectively.

[0141] In one embodiment, a storage groove 53818B for a LATCH (Lower Anchors Tether for Children) system is appropriately formed on the bottom side of the bottom plate 53800 away from the side plates (i.e., closer to the seat backrest of the rear seat of the vehicle) to store, for example, the webbing and related components of a soft connection structure of the LATCH system or ISOFIX. The storage groove 53818B is provided with a belt length adjuster 53871 that allows the user to quickly and easily adjust the belt length of the soft connection structure.

[0142] As shown in Fig. 38a, the animal transport device has an ISOFIX rigid connection frame installed inside a bottom plate 53800 attached to a vehicle rear seat. For this reason, in this embodiment, an adjuster opening 53819C is opened on the bottom side of the bottom plate 53800 near the side plate (i.e., away from the seat backrest of the vehicle rear seat), and a connection frame lock release member 53872 is provided within the adjuster opening 53819C. In detail, as described in relation to each of the above embodiments, a user can move the connection frame 53852 of the ISOFIX rigid connection frame relative to the main frame 53851 by operating (e.g., pressing, squeezing, etc.) the connection frame lock release member 53872, and further move the first connector 53853 and the second connector 53854 to appropriate positions on the vehicle seat backrest to respectively connect the ISOFIX fixing points fixed between the vehicle rear seat and the seat backrest.

[0143] 39a to 39c, the attachment belt structure 53900 of the animal transport device and the arrangement path within the bottom plate 53910 of the animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described schematically. Here, Fig. 39a is a schematic perspective view of the attachment belt structure 53900 of the animal transport device in this embodiment, Fig. 39b is a schematic view of the internal structure of the bottom plate of the animal transport device in this embodiment, and Fig. 39c is a schematic view of the configuration of the attachment belt structure 53900 in the animal transport device.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 39a, the mounting belt structure 53900 is a Y-shaped structure and includes a first strap 53951, a second strap 53952, a first connector 53953 connected to the end of the first strap 53951, and a second connector 53954 connected to the end of the second strap 53952, and the other ends of the first strap 53951 and the second strap 53952 are connected (e.g., by sewing) to a connection point 53955 to form a single mounting belt 53950, and the free end of the mounting belt 53950 is adjusted and fixed via a positioning fitting 53972.

[0145] As described above, the mounting belt structure 53900 of this embodiment may be an ISOFIX soft connection structure, i.e., the mounting belt 53950, the first strap 53951, and the second strap 53952 are all soft webbing, and the first connector 53953 and the second connector 53954 of the first strap 53951 and the second strap 53952, respectively, are ISOFIX connectors, which are respectively connected to ISOFIX fixing points (not shown) provided between the rear seat of the vehicle and the seat backrest, so that the animal transport device of this embodiment can be securely attached to the rear seat of the vehicle. In order to prevent the ISOFIX connectors from accidentally coming loose from their fastening points, which could destabilize the animal transport device and pose a danger to the animals, the first connector 53953 and the second connector 53954 are provided with respective unlocking webbings 53953A and 53954A, and the user must consciously press the unlocking webbings 53953A and 53954A to pull out the first connector 53953 and the second connector 53954 so that the first connector 53953 and the second connector 53954 can be released from the ISOFIX fixing points.

[0146] 39b (the top surface of the bottom plate has been omitted for clarity) and 39c. As shown, the attachment belt structure 53900 is provided inside the bottom plate 53910 (located on a different plane from the central groove 53810 and the guide groove 53813 shown in FIG. 38), and the bottom plate 53910 is provided with a plurality of webbing guide rollers 53931 to 53936 that guide the first strap 53951 and the second strap 53952 so that they extend to a joining point 53955 and join together as a single attachment belt 53950. The single attachment belt 53950 has its adjustment end 53950A exposed to the outside of the bottom plate 53910 via a positioning metal fitting 53972, which is an attachment belt opening 53919C joined to the bottom plate 53910. After fixing the first connector 53953 and the second connector 53954 to the fixing points in the rear seat of the vehicle, the user can adjust the belt length and slack of the mounting belt 53950 (and its first strap 53951 and second strap 53952) by pulling the adjustment end 53950A of the mounting belt 53950, and then secure it with a positioning fitting (e.g., an "A-LOCK") 53972 to securely attach the animal transport device to the rear seat of the vehicle.

[0147] Referring to Figures 40a and 40b, a mounting belt structure 54000 and its length adjuster 54074 in an animal transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown schematically.

[0148] 40a, a second connector 54054 is connected to one end of a webbing 54052 of the mounting belt structure 54000, and the other end passes through one end of a length adjuster 54074 and then extends from a side opening of the length adjuster 54074 as an adjustable end 54052A, allowing a user to adjust the webbing 54052 by controlling the length adjuster 54074. The other end of the length adjuster 54074 is connected to the webbing 54051, and the end of the webbing 54051 is connected to a first connector 54053. As mentioned above, the first connector 54053 and the second connector 54054 may be ISOFIX connectors, and in order to prevent the first connector 54053 and the second connector 54054 from accidentally coming off from the fixing points and causing instability of the animal transport device or even endangering the animal, the first connector 54053 and the second connector 54054 are provided with respective unlocking webbings 54053A and 54054A, and the user can consciously press the unlocking webbings 54053A and 54054A to pull out the first connector 54053 and the second connector 54054 and release the first connector 54053 and the second connector 54054 from the ISOFIX fixing points.

[0149] 40b, an adjuster mounting groove 54018C for mounting and fixing a length adjuster 54074 is provided on the bottom of the bottom plate 54010 of the animal transport device of this embodiment, near the short side of the bottom plate of the attachment belt connector. As shown in the figure, after the length adjuster 54074 is fitted into the mounting groove 54018C, the adjustment end 54052A of the attachment belt structure 54000 and the side control portion 54074A of the length adjuster 54074 are exposed outside the bottom plate 54010. A user can unlock the webbing 54052 by, for example, pressing the side control portion 54074A from the right side of the figure, thereby expanding or contracting the webbing 54052 by that length and adjusting the extent to which the first connector 54053 and the second connector 54054 extend from the bottom plate 54010, thereby adjusting the attachment position of the animal transport device to the seat.

[0150] As described above, according to this embodiment, the side panels and head guards (if any) of the animal transport device are movably (or detachably) connected to the corresponding long and short sides of the bottom panel, respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41 , the side panels 54120 of the animal transport device 54100 are pivotally connected to the long sides 54110B of the bottom panel 54110. That is, the side panels 54120 are pivotable relative to the bottom panel 54110. When a user wants to store the animal transport device of this embodiment, for example, by pressing an unlock button provided on the pivot 581, the side panels 54120 can be pivoted to the bottom toward the bottom panel 54110 and stacked directly on the bottom panel 54110. In addition, in this embodiment, the head guard 54180 has multiple engagement structures on its bottom side that detachably engage with corresponding engagement holes on the short side of the bottom plate 54110, and when folding the animal transport device of this embodiment, the user can easily remove the head guard 54180 from the bottom plate 54110 and fold the head guard 54180 onto the side plate 54120, thereby effectively reducing the storage space required when the animal transport device of this embodiment is not in use.

[0151] Additionally, because the head guard 54180 is detachably connected to the bottom plate 54110, if the animal requires the owner's care or supervision while the vehicle is moving, the head guard 54180 can be removed at any time to care for or interact with the animal.

[0152] 42a to 42c, there is shown a schematic diagram of an animal transport device 54200 and its main structure in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The animal transport device 54200 of this embodiment has a base plate structure and composition similar to the animal transport device 53400 shown in Figures 34a and 34b or the animal transport device 53700 shown in Figure 37, and includes a base plate, straps with securing buckles, support rods, connectors, and an upper anchor assembly secured to the base plate.

[0153] The difference between the animal transport device 54200 and this embodiment described above is that in this embodiment, the side plates 54220 and head guard 54280 of the animal transport device 54200 are made of a soft structure rather than the hard plastic material of the previously described embodiment. In detail, the side plates 54220 of the animal transport device 54200 have a U-shaped support tube 54223 as the main body structure, covered with a support cloth 54224, and the head guard 54280 is similarly formed by connecting the support cloth to the short side of the bottom plate 54210 and the short side of the side plate 54220.

[0154] In this embodiment, the U-shaped support tube 54223 is connected to the bottom plate 54210 via a pivot 54225 so that the side plate 54220 of the animal transport device 54200 can pivot relative to the bottom plate 54210 via the pivot 54225, and when a user wishes to store the animal transport device 54200 of this embodiment, for example by pressing an unlock button provided on the pivot 54225, the U-shaped support tube 54223 of the side plate 54220 together with the support cloth 54224 pivots downward toward the bottom plate 54210 and is stacked directly on the bottom plate 54210. Alternatively, the user may remove the support cloth 54224 of the side plate 54220 before storage and stack only the U-shaped support tube 54223 on the bottom plate 54210.

[0155] In this embodiment, the side plate 54220 of the animal transport device 54200 is provided with a first guide member 54221 and a second guide member 54222 to prevent the seat belt from swinging freely and to allow a vehicle rear seat seal belt (not shown) to pass through and be positioned therebetween when the seat belt is fastened (see the above description of guide members 51821, 51921, 53721, and 53722). For example, in this embodiment, the first guide member 54221 and the second guide member 54222 are connected to both short sides of the side plate 54220 (by detachable fastener engagement, latching, or screw engagement, etc.) so that the vehicle rear seat belt can pass through and be positioned therebetween (specifically, the support cloth 54224 engages with both short sides of the covered U-shaped support tube 54223 to position the space therebetween). Optionally, in another embodiment, the side panel 54220 of the animal transport device 54200 may be provided with a pair of tether guide members 54227, 54228 near the upper side (e.g., by similarly engaging, locking, or engaging means) through which the first tether 54291 and second tether 54292 of the anchor assembly thereon pass and position themselves (as described above for the tether guide members 53723, 53724). That is, when the upper anchor assembly 54290 is fixed to a corresponding fixed point (not shown) above the rear seat of the vehicle or on the bottom rear of the seat with the connecting tether 54294 and the connecting hook 54295, the first tether 54291 and the second tether 54292 having extended belt lengths are limited in position by the fixed tether guide members 54227, 54228 on the side plate 54220, and the contact of the entire belt length fixed between the bottom plate 54210 and the side plate 54220 can provide stronger support for the animal transport device 54200.

[0156] In this embodiment, the head guard 54280 is also a support fabric, one side of which is engaged with or inserted into respective fixing trenches 54211, 54212, 54213 opened on the short side of the bottom plate 54210 by a plurality of engaging members or connecting plugs (not shown), and is connected to the bottom plate 54210 of the animal transport device 54200. The head guard 54280 is provided with a connecting member 54282 on the side connected to the side plate 54220, and the head guard 54280 is connected to the side plate 54220 via the connecting member 54282, and for example, the connecting member 54282 may not include an adhesive member (e.g., devil's felt) that provides the head guard 54282 for adhering to the side plate 54220.

[0157] In this embodiment, both the side panels 54220 and the head guard 54280 are made primarily of support fabric, which not only provides resilience but also significantly reduces the overall weight of the animal transport device 54200, making it easier to carry and transport. Furthermore, the support fabric 54224 of the side panels 54220 and the support fabric of the head guard 54280 may be, for example, mesh fabric or a fabric material that is visible to the outside, thereby allowing the user (animal owner or caregiver) to easily see that an animal is in the animal transport device 54200 from outside the head guard 54280, or facilitating the front seat driver or passenger to provide real-time care for an animal in the rear seat animal transport device 54200.

[0158] As described above, the animal transport device according to the present disclosure is constructed in an L-shaped or U-shaped structure, which is advantageous for use by large animals and pets compared to enclosed containment spaces formed by surrounding side walls. According to the present disclosure, the length of the animal transport device is, for example, between 70 and 100 centimeters, but is not limited thereto, and is advantageous for carrying, for example, medium to large dogs.

[0159] The animal transport device according to the present disclosure may also be, for example, an animal containment unit for use in a vehicle seat, which will be further described below using an animal containment unit for use in a vehicle seat as an example.

[0160] According to the present disclosure, exemplary animal containment units are designed to be strong enough to hold large animals, e.g., 50 pound (lbs.) animals, during a vehicle collision event while remaining flexible enough to cushion the animal.

[0161] In one aspect, the animal containment unit is reinforced with a restraint belt spanning its front and top to absorb forces exerted on the animal containment unit in the event of a vehicle crash, for example, when an animal inside is thrown into the interior of the animal containment unit. In another aspect, a latch system includes a plurality of latches rigidly attached to the base of the animal containment unit and is used to secure the bottom / rear of the animal containment unit to an anchor point within the vehicle (i.e., a rigid element of a second rigid connection connected to the frame of the vehicle), which anchor point is accessed, for example, through a gap in the vehicle seat. In yet another aspect, webbing at the top / rear of the animal containment unit is fastened, for example, to another anchor point within the vehicle (i.e., a rigid connection such as the rear of a vehicle seat). These features provide a continuous protective loop around the animal containment unit, for example, providing 360-degree support in the longitudinal (front-to-back) and lateral (top-to-bottom) planes.

[0162] In an animal transport device that includes a bottom and at least one side, the bottom can be formed by a base structure and the at least one side can be formed by a frame structure.

[0163] In an animal transport device including a containment structure and a zonal structure, the containment structure may be formed by a base structure and a frame structure.

[0164] In an animal transport device including a bottom, at least one side, and a mounting structure, the bottom and the at least one side may constitute a base structure, the bottom may be a base of the base structure, the at least one side may be a base frame of the base structure, and the mounting structure may include a latch bracket.

[0165] In an animal transport device comprising a bottom, at least one side, and a mounting structure, the bottom and the at least one side can constitute a base structure, the bottom can be a base of the base structure, and the mounting structure can include a latch system.

[0166] In an animal transport device comprising a bottom, at least one side, and a mounting structure, the bottom and the at least one side can constitute a base structure, the bottom can be a base of the base structure, the at least one side can be a base frame of the base structure, and the mounting structure can include a latch system.

[0167] In an animal transport device that includes a bottom and a mounting structure, the bottom may be the base of an animal containment unit, and the mounting structure includes a latch system.

[0168] In an animal transport device comprising a bottom, at least one side, and a mounting structure, the bottom and the at least one side can constitute a base structure, the bottom can be a base of the base structure, the at least one side can be a base frame of the base structure, and the mounting structure can include a latch system and an actuator.

[0169] Specifically, the animal containment units described herein essentially comprise a frame structure supported by a base structure. The frame structures of the first and second embodiments include front and rear members curved into a "U" shape, with their ends connected to the base structure and extending substantially perpendicular to the base structure and top portion formed therebetween. In the first embodiment, the frame structure further includes two intermediate support members (i.e., intermediate members) connecting the front and rear members. In the second embodiment, a wrench lever is used to connect the front and rear members. The frame structure supports containment material (e.g., soft objects) and defines the interior surface of the animal containment space and a portion of the exterior surface of the animal containment unit. In some embodiments, the containment material includes a layered outer layer, an intermediate reinforcing layer, and a removable inner waterproof layer, for example, for cleaning. In some embodiments, fastening belts can be woven into one or more containment materials to provide a safe, flexible surface capable of absorbing forces applied in a vehicle crash event.

[0170] The base structure used in the first and second embodiments includes a molded (e.g., molded from plastic) base and a latch system. The first example embodiment further includes a rigid base frame fabricated, for example, from steel. The latch system includes a plurality of rigid latches (e.g., two latches) that protrude or pivot from the bottom / rear of the base, and the latches can be rigidly coupled to anchor points within the vehicle to attach the animal containment unit to the vehicle. For example, the latches can be retracted into the base when the animal containment unit is to be removed, transported, or stored.

[0171] In one embodiment, the latch system includes a latch bracket coupled to the base frame that supports the latch and facilitates actuation of the latch. The latch bracket can be moved (e.g., slid) from a first side of the device to a second side of the device to allow the latch to be extended to different positions from the base / rear, allowing the animal containment unit to be mounted on either side of the rear vehicle seat, e.g., the driver's side or the passenger's side, allowing for a location within the vehicle seat that is accessible to the seat frame. Additionally, the latch bracket can be coupled to a button on the frame that can, for example, lock the latch into an extended position, return it to a retracted position, or release the latch to convert the latch into or out of the base. In another embodiment, the latch can pivot into and out of the rear of the base. As above, the latch can be locked or unlocked and moved to either side of the device, as described in more detail below.

[0172] In yet another aspect, the animal containment unit can be converted between an unfolded state and a stowed state. In one embodiment, the intermediate support member can include two members (a front intermediate support member and a rear intermediate support member) that provide rigid support between the front and rear members of the frame structure and can be attached to define the top of the animal containment unit in the unfolded state. The front and rear members of the intermediate support member are detachable from each other via a slide actuator, with the front intermediate support member rotatable relative to the front member to a position flush with the front member, and the rear intermediate support member rotatable relative to the rear member to a position flush with the rear member. The front member (and the front intermediate support member) can be rotated (stored) toward the base structure via a front rotation actuator and positioned flush with the base structure, or positioned within the base structure, in which case the rear member (and the rear intermediate support member) can be rotated (stored) toward the base structure via a rear rotation actuator and positioned flush with the front member.

[0173] In one embodiment, the slide actuator includes a catheter that is slidable between a front member and a rear member, said catheter being lockable in a first position or a second position, where in the first position the catheter extends toward the opposing member, allowing the opposing member to be freely retracted, and in the second position the catheter is retracted from the opposing member, allowing the opposing member to be released and free to close. In another embodiment, a wrench lever is detachable from one or both of the front and / or rear members, after which the front and rear members are engageable toward the base structure.

[0174] It should be noted that the first animal containment unit in the first embodiment, the second animal containment unit in the second embodiment, and the third animal containment unit in the third embodiment are described herein and illustrated in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the various features described for the animal containment units in the first and second embodiments can be interchanged or implemented in any suitable manner in other designs of animal containment units, as described in detail below, and that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations described in the first, second, and third embodiments and depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0175] It should also be understood that the animal containment units described herein are generally hexagonal and will be described with reference to a front, a rear, a first side (e.g., relative to the left side in a front view), a second side (e.g., relative to the right side in a front view), a bottom, and a top. When the animal containment unit is mounted to a vehicle, the front of the animal containment unit faces the front of the vehicle, the rear of the animal containment unit faces the rear of the vehicle, etc. However, for ease of description, the "sides" of the animal containment unit referred to are used, and it should be understood that multiple different components of the animal containment unit define the exterior of the animal containment unit. For example, the "front" of the animal containment unit may include multiple members, including a front member of a frame structure, a front portion containing material, a front portion of a foundation structure, etc. Furthermore, the terms "inside" and / or "interior" and / or "inside" can refer to features in a direction toward the center of the animal containment unit relative to a given part of the animal containment unit, and the terms "outside" and / or "exterior" and / or "outside" can refer to features in a direction away from the center of the animal containment unit relative to a given part of the animal containment unit.

[0176] First embodiment

[0177] Figures 43a to 43d show views of an animal containment unit 6100 in a first embodiment. The animal containment unit 6100 is generally hexagonal and will be described with reference to a front, a rear, a first side (e.g., relative to the left side of the front view), a second side (e.g., relative to the right side of the front view), a bottom, and a top. These sides are shown in Figures 43a to 43d, and these indications are omitted in subsequent figures. Figure 43a is a perspective view of the animal containment unit 6100. Figure 43b is a front view of the animal containment unit 6100. Figure 43c shows a side view of the animal containment unit 6100, and Figure 43d shows a top view of the animal containment unit 6100.

[0178] Frame structure

[0179] The animal containment unit 6100 includes a frame structure 6101 coupled to and supported by a base structure 6120, as described further below with reference to Figures 44a through 44c. The animal containment unit 6100 includes containment material 6160 (e.g., soft items) that forms the exterior of the animal containment unit 6100, as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 48a through 48d. The animal containment unit 6100 further includes a restraint belt and tether structure 6180 for providing animal control in the event of a vehicle collision, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 49. Figure 49 shows the frame structure 6101 and the restraint belt and tether structure 6180 in more detail with the containment material 6160 removed.

[0180] The frame structure 6101 includes a front member 6102, a rear member 6103, and intermediate support members 6104 (first intermediate support member 6104a and second intermediate support member 6104b) that connect the front member 6102 and the rear member 6103 when the animal containment unit 6100 is in the deployed state, and are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 46a to 46c. The front member 6102 is curved in a "U"-like shape, and its first end 6114 and second end 6115 are connected to the base structure 6120 via front rotation actuators 6154a, 6154b (i.e., first front rotation actuator and second front rotation actuator). The rear member 6103, like the front member 6102, is formed in a "U"-like shape, with its first end 6116 and second end 6117 connected to the base structure 6120 via rear rotational actuators 6156a, 6156b (i.e., a first rear rotational actuator and a second rear rotational actuator). Note that in this example, the rear member 6103 is slightly shorter than the front member 6102 and is assembled to the base structure 6120 at a slightly higher position than the front member 6102 to house the animal containment unit 6100 and define a rear cavity 6128 in the base structure 6120 for latch extension and retraction, as described in more detail below.

[0181] The front member 6102 extends from a first end 6114 toward the top of the animal containment unit 6100, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the second side to cross the top of the animal containment unit 6100, and bends approximately 90 degrees toward the bottom of the animal containment unit 6100 to reach a second end 6115. The rear member 6103 extends from a first end 6116 toward the top of the animal containment unit 6100, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the second side to cross the top of the animal containment unit 6100, and bends approximately 90 degrees toward the bottom of the animal containment unit 6100 to reach a second end 6117. The front member 6102 in this embodiment comprises a single member extending from the first end 6114 to the second end 6115. Alternatively, the front member can include multiple members (e.g., having different curvatures to define the curvature of the front member 6102) that are joined together during assembly of the animal containment unit 6100. Similarly, the rear member 6103 can include a single member, or can include multiple members (e.g., having different curvatures to define the curvature of the rear member 6103) that are joined together during assembly.

[0182] In this example, the intermediate support member 6104 comprises two members, for example, a front intermediate support member 6105 (a first front intermediate support member 6105a of the first intermediate support member 6104a and a second front intermediate support member 6105b of the second intermediate support member 6104b) and a rear intermediate support member 6106 (a first rear intermediate support member 6106a of the first intermediate support member 6104a and a second rear intermediate support member 6106b of the second intermediate support member 6104b), which can be coupled and / or separated through operation of respective slide actuators 6107 (a first slide actuator 6107a of the first intermediate support member and a second intermediate support member 6104b), as further described below with reference to Figures 46a to 46c. The front intermediate support member 6105 is connected to the front member 6102 at a corresponding front rotary joint 6112 (a first front rotary joint 6112a of the front member 6102 and a second front rotary joint 6112b of the front member), and the rear intermediate support member 6106 is connected to the rear member 6103 at a corresponding rear member 6113 (a first front rotary joint 6112a of the front member 6102 and a second front rotary joint 6112b of the front member).

[0183] It should be noted that in this example, the front intermediate support member 6105 and the rear intermediate support member 6106 are not detachable from their respective rotary joints 6112, 6113, and storability of the animal containment unit 6100 is provided via an actuator 6107 for separating the front intermediate support member 6105 and the rear intermediate support member 6106. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate support member may include multiple individual pieces that are not separable into a front intermediate support member and a rear intermediate support member, and storability of the animal containment unit 6100 may be more convenient via mechanisms for removing the intermediate support members from the rotary joints and separating them from the front member and / or the rear member, as will be described in more detail below.

[0184] In this embodiment, when combined with the multiple intermediate support members 6104, for example, when the animal containment unit 6100 is in a deployed state for transporting an animal in a vehicle, the intermediate support members 6104 rigidly extend from the front swivel joint 6112 of the front member 6102 to the rear swivel joint 6113 of the rear member 6102. The front swivel joint 6112 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the front member 6102 so as to face the intermediate support member 6104 rearward, where the intermediate support member 6104 is received in the rear swivel joint 6113, which is also oriented generally perpendicular to the rear member 6103 and faces forward. When the intermediate support members 6104 are separated (the front intermediate support member 6105 is decoupled from the rear intermediate support member 6106 via the actuation member 6107) to collapse the animal containment unit 6100, the front rotary joint 6112 can be rotated 90 degrees and oriented toward the bottom of the animal containment unit 6100 so that the front intermediate support member 6105 is flush with the front member 6102. The rear rotary joint 6113 can be rotated 90 degrees and positioned toward the bottom of the animal containment unit 6100 so that the rear intermediate support member 6106 is flush with the rear member 6103.

[0185] The front rotary actuator 6154 can then be rotated 90 degrees to face rearward so that the front intermediate support member 6105 and the front member 6102 are housed within or flush with the base structure 6120, as described below with reference to Figures 46a to 46c, and at this time the rear rotary actuator 6156 can be rotated 90 degrees to face front so that the rear intermediate support member 6106 and the rear member 6103 are flush with the housed front member 6102, as described below with reference to Figures 46a to 46c. As described above, the rear member 6103 is slightly shorter than the front member 6102, and the rear rotation actuator 6156 rises relative to the front rotation actuator 6154, so that when the animal containment unit 6100 is stored, the rear member 6103 and / or rear intermediate support member 6106 is in close contact with and / or positioned within the stored front member 6102 and / or front intermediate support member 6105, as shown, for example, in FIG. 43c.

[0186] The front rotation actuator 6154 and the rear rotation actuator 6156 can be locked in any of the above positions, for example, so that the front member 6102 extends toward the top of the animal containment unit 6100 and confines the front surface of the animal containment unit 6100, and the rear member 6103 extends toward the top of the animal containment unit 6100 and confines the rear surface of the animal containment unit 6100 (deployed state), or so that the front member 6102 extends toward the rear of the animal containment unit 6100 and the rear member 6103 extends toward the front of the animal containment unit 6100 (stored state). In this manner, the frame structure 6101 can be locked in the deployed state to provide a rigid frame that defines the interior / exterior of the animal containment unit 6100, and the frame structure 6101 can be locked in the stor- ed state to facilitate transport and / or storage of the animal containment unit 6100.

[0187] 48a-48d, a frame structure 6101 supports containment material 6160 that defines the exterior and interior surfaces of the animal containment unit 6100, including containment material 6160 for a front 6165, a first side 6168, a second side 6169, a top 6172, and a rear 6173 of the animal containment unit 6100. Some or all members of the frame structure 6101 may include an extrusion channel 6118, as shown in FIG. 48a, which may be formed to extend along the length of the member for receiving a plastic rod member 6164 extending through one end of the containment material 6160. The plastic rod member 6164 of the containment material 6160 may slide or engage with the extrusion channel 6118 to attach the containment material 6160 to a member of the frame structure 6101, as will be further described below with reference to FIGS. 48a-48d. In this example, only the front member 6102 and the rear member 6103 include extrusion channels 6118, and the intermediate support member 6104 does not directly support the containment material 6160, for example, for the first side 6168, the second side 6169, or the top 6172. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate support member 6104 can also include extrusion channels 6118 to support the containment material 6160.

[0188] 44b and 49, the frame structure 6101 further supports a retaining tie-down belt (webbing) and tether structure 6180 including a tie-down belt 6181 (i.e., a retaining strap structure) having a first end secured to the front member 6134 of the base frame 6133, extending up the front of the animal containment unit 6100, encircling the front member 6102 of the frame structure 6101, and traversing the top of the animal containment unit 6100 until a second end is secured to the rear member 6103 of the frame structure 6101. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the tie-down belt 6181 is formed from a material similar to that used to form seat belts and is adapted to withstand the forces exerted on a retaining strip when a pet is thrown against the retaining strip in a vehicle accident.

[0189] The anchoring belt 6181 includes two cross belts 6181a and 6181b (i.e., a first anchoring belt cross belt and a second anchoring belt cross belt) that extend from a front attachment point 6182 on the front member 6134 of the base frame 6133 toward the top of the animal containment unit 6100, wrap around the exterior of the front member 6102 at a wrap point 6184, and then extend toward the rear of the animal containment unit 6100 to a rear attachment point 6186 on the rear member 6103. The anchoring belt 6181 has attachment points at the bottom-front and top-rear of the animal containment unit 6100, providing a force containment structure that extends across the front and top of the animal containment unit 6100, as described above. The frame structure 6101 further supports a tether 6188 (i.e., tether structure), the first end of which (including the two cross belts) is secured to the rear member 6103 of the frame structure 6101 at multiple locations (e.g., rear attachment points 6186) similar to the locations at which the anchoring belt 6181 is secured to the rear member 6103. The tether 6188 in this embodiment extends from the top / rear portion of the animal containment unit 6100 and is attached to an anchor structure within the vehicle, such as the vehicle frame structure at the rear portion of the vehicle seat, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 50. It should be noted that the anchoring belt 6181 can be connected directly to the tether 6188, such that one end of the anchoring belt 6181 and tether 6188 combination is secured to the base frame 6133 and the other end is attachable to an anchor structure within the vehicle.

[0190] The frame structure 6101 can be formed from a suitable rigid material, such as extruded metal tubing (e.g., aluminum). The aluminum tubing provides a rigid frame structure 6101 such that the animal containment unit 6100 is rigid and sufficiently rigid yet flexible to deform to absorb animal impact forces and reduce animal impact. The actuator 6107 can comprise a metal tube shaped similarly to the frame structure, but with internal dimensions slightly larger than the external dimensions of the intermediate support member 6104, such that the intermediate support member 6104 (the rear end of the front intermediate support member 6105 and the front end of the rear intermediate support member 6106) can be slidably received therein, and the actuator 6107 is slidable to engage and / or disengage (e.g., couple or separate) the front support member 6105 and the intermediate support member 6106, as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 47a-47c.

[0191] base structure

[0192] Figures 44a to 44c show the base structure 6120 of the animal containment unit 6100 in the first embodiment. The base structure 6120 includes a base 6121 and a base frame 6133 attached to the base 6121. The latch bracket 6140 is slidably connected to the base frame 6133. Figure 44a shows the base structure 6120 in more detail and illustrates the base 6121. Figure 44b shows the latch bracket 6140 and base frame 6133 of the base structure 6120. Figure 44c shows a side view of the base structure 6120.

[0193] The base 6121 may be molded, for example, from plastic. The base 6121 includes a bottom 6122 and a frame (not to be confused with the base frame 6133 described below), which includes a front portion 6123, side portions 6124 (a first side portion 6124a and a second side portion 6124b), and a rear portion 6125. The front portion 6123, side portions 6124, and rear portion 6125 are molded with internal passages for receiving corresponding components of the base frame 6133 and attaching the base frame 6133 to the base 6121. The front corners of the base 6121 (on the front portion 6123 near the intersection of the front portion 6123 with the first side portion 6124a, and on the front portion 6123 near the intersection of the front portion 6123 with the second side portion 6124b) have corresponding front grooves 6126 (first front groove 6126a and second front groove 6126b), which extend toward the top of the animal containment unit 6100 and are used to house and connect to the front rotation actuator 6154, as described in more detail with reference to Figures 47a to 47c. Similarly, the rear corners of the base 6121 (on the rear portion 6125 near the intersection of the rear portion 6125 with the first side portion 6124a, and on the rear portion 6125 near the intersection of the rear portion 6125 with the second side portion 6124b) have corresponding rear grooves 6127 (first rear groove 6127a and second rear groove 6127b), which extend toward the top of the animal containment unit 6100 and are used to accommodate the rear rotation actuator 6156 and connect it in parallel to the rear rotation actuator 6156.

[0194] The internal passageway formed in the rear section 6125 of the base 6121 (for assembling the base frame 6133, rear member 6136 to the base 6121) is elevated relative to the passageways formed in the front section 6123 and side sections 6124, as shown in detail in Figure 44c. In the rear section 6125, below the passageway for the base frame 6133 is a rear cavity 6128 through which the latch 6150 of the latch bracket 6140 can extend, as described further below.

[0195] The base 6121 further includes a first slot 6129a formed therein and a second slot 6129b formed therein, the first slot 6129a extending from one side to the other (left to right) across the bottom 6122 and the second slot 6129b extending from one side to the other (left to right) across the bottom 6122. The first slot 6129a is closer to the rear of the animal containment unit 6100 than the second slot 6129b. The first and second slots 6129 facilitate movement of the latch bracket 6140 from one side to the other, as described further below.

[0196] As shown in detail in FIG. 44b, the base frame 6133 includes a front member 6134, two side members 6135 (a first side member 6135a and a second side member 6135b), and a rear member 6136. In this embodiment, the front member 6134, side members 6135, and rear member 6136 are formed from metal, such as steel. In this example, these members are formed from rectangular steel sections and welded at the connections between the members. The rear member 6136 is elevated relative to the front member 6134 and side members 6135. The rear member 6136 is coupled to the first side member 6135a and the second side member 6135b via corresponding holders 6137a, 6137b, which can be formed from, for example, curved metal sheets. The front member 6134, side members 6135, and rear member 6136 of this embodiment include through holes for attaching the base frame 6133 to the base 6121. In some embodiments, only the front member 6134 and side members 6135 include through holes. In this example, the members of the base frame 6133 are formed from square steel stock of the same dimensions. However, in other embodiments, corresponding members of the base frame 6133 may have different cross-sectional dimensions; for example, the rear member 6136 of the base frame 6133 may be formed from taller steel stock than the front member 6134 and side members 6135.

[0197] The base frame 6133 provides a structure for the animal containment unit 6100 that is configured to withstand large forces applied to the animal containment unit 6100, for example, if the vehicle to which it is mounted is crashed. As will be explained in more detail below, the base frame 6133 provides a rigid structure with a rigid latch 6150 attached to the rear and a securing belt 6181 attached to the front. The securing belt 6181 wraps around the front and top and wraps around the rear to effectively provide a complete protective ring around the animal containment unit 6100, and a strap 6188 extends from the rear to an anchor point within the vehicle (in some embodiments, behind the vehicle seat).

[0198] The latch bracket 6140 includes a front member 6141 connected to the front member 6134 of the base frame 6133 via two front guide members 6142 that are slidably connected to the front member 6134. The latch bracket 6140 further includes two side members 6143 (a first side member 6143a and a second side member 6143b) that extend from a first end on the inner surface of the front member 6141 to a second end toward the rear of the latch bracket 6140. Each side member 6143 of the latch bracket 6140 has a rear guide member 6144 secured thereto (secured to the top of the side member 6143) for coupling the side member 6143 to a rear member 6136 of the base frame 6133 (which is elevated relative to the base frame 6133 and the remainder of the latch bracket 6140). A first rear guide member 6144a on the first side member 6143a and a second rear guide member 6144b on the second side member 6143b are slidably connected to the rear member 6136. The front guide member 6142 and the rear guide member 6144 allow the latch bracket 6140 to translate toward and / or away from the first and / or second sides (e.g., left to right) of the animal containment unit 6100 along the front and rear members 6134 and 6136 (in a direction parallel to the front and rear members 6134 and 6136). The front guide member 6142 in this embodiment can be formed, for example, from square steel stock having internal dimensions slightly larger than the external dimensions of the front member 6134, and the rear guide member 6144 can be formed from square steel stock having internal dimensions slightly larger than the external dimensions of the rear member 6136. In this example, the members of the base frame 6133 and the members of the latch bracket 6140 are formed from square steel stock of the same dimensions, and the front guide member 6142 and rear guide member 6144 are the same size. The front guide member 6142 and rear guide member 6144 and the corresponding front member 6134 and rear member 6136 can comprise stock steel having other configurations (e.g., rectangular, cylindrical, or other configurations).

[0199] The two side members 6143 are connected to two corresponding inner members 6145 (first inner member 6145a and second inner member 6145b) via two inner guide members 6146 (first inner guide member 6146a and second inner guide member 6146b) slidably connected to the inner member 6145. The inner guide members 6146 allow the inner members 6145 to move (slide) toward and / or away from the front and / or rear of the animal containment unit 6100 relative to the side members 6143. The first inner member 6145a is coupled to the outside of the first side member 6143a (relative to the center of the latch bracket 6140), and the second inner member 6145b is coupled to the outside of the second side member 6143b (relative to the center of the latch bracket 6140).

[0200] A first end of a rod-shaped member 6148 is secured to the first inner member 6145a, extends through a slot 6147 in the side member 6143, and its second end is secured to the second inner member 6145b. Both side members 6143 have a slot 6147 extending therethrough (relative to the left to right direction) and further extend through rear portions of the side members 6143 (e.g., the first slot 6147a extends through the first side member 6143a and the second slot 6147b extends through the second side member 6143b) toward the rear of the latch bracket 6140. A slide member 6149 is suspended from the rod-shaped member 6148. 44a, when the animal containment unit 6100 is assembled and the latch 6150 is retracted into the rear cavity 6128, the slide member 6149 is received in and slidable within the first slot 6129a on the bottom 6122 of the mold base 6121 as the latch bracket 6140 translates from one side to the other to reposition the latch 6150. As the latch 6150 extends from the rear of the animal containment unit 6100, the slide member 6149 is guided out of the first slot 6129a. As shown in FIG. 44c, the inner guide member 6146 connecting the inner member 6145 of the latch bracket to the side member 6143 is slidable from one side to the other within the second slot 6129b.

[0201] A corresponding latch 6150 is fixed to each rear end of the two inner members 6145 (the first latch 6150a is fixed to the first inner member 6145a, and the second latch 6150b is fixed to the second inner member 6145b). Each latch 6150 has a latch end 6151 designed to engage a rigid member of a support structure in the vehicle, such as a steel frame connected within a seat, as further described below with reference to FIG. 50. The latches can extend or retract into the rear cavity 6128 of the rear portion 6125 of the mold base 6121.

[0202] 45a to 45g, the front button 6153 can be secured or coupled to the latch bracket 6140 via a front slot 6131 formed in the front portion 6123 of the mold base 6121. In this example, the front button 6153 is attached directly to a front guide member 6142 secured to the front member 6141 of the latch bracket 6140, and slidably connected to the front member 6134 of the base frame 6133. The front button 6153 is connected to a latch 6150 such that operation of the front button can lock or unlock the latch 6150, which can be locked or converted to an extended position (extending to the rear of the vehicle-mounted animal containment unit 6100) or retracted to a retracted position (retracted into the rear cavity 6128 of the rear 6125 of the mold base 6121).

[0203] Additionally, two side actuators 6152 (a first side actuator 6152a on the first side portion 6124a of the base 6121 and a second side actuator 6152b on the second side portion 6124b of the base 6121) can be connected to or disengaged from the latch bracket 6140 to lock the latch bracket 6140 to the first or second side of the animal containment unit 6100. The side actuators 6152 can be pushed in to lock the latch bracket 6140 or pushed out to release the latch bracket 6140. Once the latch 6150 and / or latch bracket 6140 are unlocked (via the front button 6153 or the side actuators 6152), a user can manually move the latch or latch bracket to a desired position, for example, by removing an internal removable spacer 6175 covering the base structure 6120 to access the latch bracket 6140. In an alternative embodiment, the latch 6150 may be connected to a biasing member that biases the latch 6150 to the extended position such that pressing the front button 6153 switches the latch 6150 from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0204] Actuating latch and repositioning latch bracket

[0205] As described above, the latch 6150 of the animal containment unit 6100 is secured to an inner member 6145 that is slidably connected to a side member 6143. The inner member 6145 can be released from the side member 6143 and slid toward and / or away from the rear and / or front of the animal containment unit 6100. The front button 6153 is secured to a front guide member 6142 through a front slot 6131 in the mold base 6121 (the front guide member 6142 is secured to the front member 6141 of the latch bracket 6140 and slidably connected to the front member 6134 of the base frame 6133). The front button 6153 in this embodiment is spring loaded (provided in a cavity 6130 with a spring) and when pressed can either lock the inner member 6145 to prevent forward / rear translation, or release the inner member 6145 to allow forward / rear translation, for example, to extend the latch 6150 from the rear of the animal containment unit 6100 or to retract the latch 6150 to the rear of the animal containment unit 6100.

[0206] The front button 6153 can then be pressed again to lock the inner member 6145, locking the latch 6150, for example, in the extended position. The front button 6153 can be pressed to lock the latch 6150 in either the extended or retracted position, and to release the latch 6150 from either the extended or retracted position. The inner member 6145 can be locked to the side member 6143 using any suitable mechanism. For example, the front button 6153 can be connected to a cable that is connected to a pin that extends from the side member 6143 toward the inner member 6145. The pins are received in respective holes in the inner member 6145 to lock the inner member 6145 relative to the side member 6143, thus locking the latch 6150 in either the extended or retracted position. One skilled in the art will recognize that other mechanisms can be used to lock / unlock the inner member 6145.

[0207] In this example, actuation of the front button 6153 locks / unlocks the latch 6150. However, in alternative embodiments, the front button 6153 can be configured to automatically extend and / or retract the latch 6150 without manual user intervention. In alternative embodiments, the latch 6150 can be connected to a biasing member that biases it towards the extended position, such that pressing the front button 6153 switches the latch 6150 from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0208] The latch bracket 6140 can be locked or unlocked as a whole against movement from one side to the other, independent of the above-described mechanisms for locking and / or unlocking the latch 6150 to move back and forth. As described above, the latch bracket 6140 can be positioned toward a first side of the animal containment unit 6100 or toward a second side of the animal containment unit 6100. When the latch bracket 6140 is positioned toward the first side of the animal containment unit 6100, the latch bracket 6140 can be locked into place using a first side actuator 6152a positioned in a side cavity 6132 of the mold base 6121. The first side actuator 6152a can have, for example, an inner member that connects to the inner guide member 6146a of the latch bracket 6140 when the inner guide member 6146a is pressed into the first side actuator 6152a. The latch bracket 6140 can be released by pulling out the first side actuator 6152a, disengaging the latch bracket 6140 from the first side actuator 6152a.

[0209] The latch bracket 6140 is slidable to a second side of the animal containment unit 6100 via a slide member 6149 in the first slot 6129a and an inner guide member 6146 in the second slot 6129b. Once the latch bracket 6140 is positioned toward the second side of the animal containment unit 6100, the latch bracket 6140 can be locked into place using a second side actuator 6152b located in a side cavity 6132b of the mold base 6121, the second side actuator 6152b having an internal member that connects to the inner guide member 6146b when the inner guide member 6146b of the latch bracket 6140 is pressed into the first side actuator 6152b. It should be understood that either side actuator 6152a, 6152b can be actuated to release the latch bracket 6140. For example, regardless of whether the latch bracket 6140 is located on the first side or the second side of the animal containment unit 6100, by actuating either side actuator 6152a, 6152b, the latch bracket 6140 can be released so that the latch bracket 6140 can be converted to the other side of the first side and second side of the animal containment unit 6100.

[0210] Figures 45a through 45g illustrate repositioning the latch 6150 of the animal containment unit 6100 in the first embodiment by actuating the latch 6150 and actuating the latch bracket 6140. Figure 45a shows the base structure 6120 with the latch bracket 6140 in a first position toward a first side of the animal containment unit 6100. The latches 6150a, 6150b are retracted into the rear cavity 6128 of the rear portion 6125 of the base 6121. In this example, the latches 6150a, 6150b are locked in the retracted position.

[0211] FIG. 45b shows a front button 6153 connected to the latch bracket 6140 for pressing the front button 6153 to release the latch 6150. The latch 6150 can be slid (e.g., manually) out of the rear cavity 6128 to a desired length of extension. FIG. 45c shows the base structure 6120 with the latch bracket 6140 in a first position and the latch 6150 extending from the rear cavity 6128. The front button 6153 can be pressed a second time to lock the latch 6150 in the extended position. Alternatively, after the latch 6150 is converted from the retracted position to the extended position, the latch 6150 can automatically lock in the extended position. To release the latch 6150, the front button 6153 can be actuated, and the latch can return from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0212] Figure 45d shows the first side actuator 6152a located in the first side cavity 6132a of the first side portion 6124a of the mold base 6121. The first side actuator 6152a can be pulled out to release the latch bracket 6140 from the first side. The latch bracket 6140 can then translate toward the second side. As the latch bracket 6140 moves, the front button 6153 slides within the front slot 6131, as shown in Figure 45e.

[0213] Figure 45f shows the base structure 6120 with the latch bracket 6140 in a second position toward a second side of the animal containment unit 6100. When the latch bracket 6140 is guided to the second position, the latch bracket 6140 can be locked to the second side actuator 6152b. If desired, a user can retract the latch 6150 into the rear cavity 6128 by pressing the front button 6153, releasing the latch 6150. Figure 45g shows the base structure 6120 with the latch bracket 6140 in the second position and the latch 6150 retracted into the rear cavity 6128. The front button 6153 can be pressed a second time to lock the latch 6150 in the retracted position.

[0214] Deploying / storing animal containment units

[0215] The animal containment unit 6100 in this embodiment can be converted between an unfolded state and a stowed state. The actuator 6107 on the middle support member 6104 of the frame structure 6101 and the front and rear rotational actuators 6154 and 6156 can be used to lock the animal containment unit 6100 into one of the two states. In the unfolded state, the frame structure 6101 provides a rigid frame that supports the containment material 6160 and the securing belt and tether structure 6180 and defines multiple aspects of the interior and exterior of the animal containment unit 6100. In the stowed state, the frame structure 6101, the containment material 6160, and the securing belt and tether structure 6180 fold into or are flush with the base structure 6120, providing a slim profile and ease of portability.

[0216] Figures 46a to 46c show the animal containment unit 6100 in the first embodiment switching from the unfolded state to the stored state. Figure 46a shows the animal containment unit 6100 in the unfolded state. Figure 46b shows the animal containment unit 6100 transitioning to the stored state. Figure 46c shows the animal containment unit 6100 in the stored state.

[0217] In the deployed state, the animal containment unit 6100 is configured such that the intermediate support member 6104 is joined to form a rigid connection between the front member 6102 and the rear member 6103. To disengage the intermediate support member 6104, the actuators 6107 (first slide actuator 6107a on the first intermediate support member 6104a and second slide actuator 6107b on the second intermediate support member 6104b) slide toward the front member 6102 to expose the rear intermediate support member 6106. Figures 47a through 47c show that the actuators 6107 on the intermediate support members 6104 switch from a first position engaging the rear intermediate support member 6106 to a second position disengaging the rear intermediate support member 6106 to allow containment of the animal containment unit 6100. Figure 47a is a perspective view of the actuator 6107 in a first state, connected to the front intermediate support member 6105 and the rear intermediate support member 6106 via the actuator 6107. Figure 47b shows a side view of the actuator 6107 in the first state. Figure 47c shows a side view of the actuator 6107 in a second state, in which the connections between the front intermediate support member 6105, the actuator 6107, and the rear intermediate support member 6106 are disconnected.

[0218] The actuator 6107 includes a duct with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate support member 6104 so that the actuator 6107 slides on the front intermediate support member 6105 and the rear intermediate support member 6106. The actuator 6107 in this embodiment is connected to the front intermediate support member 6105 at two different locations above the front intermediate support member 6105. The front intermediate support member 6105 has a spring-loaded button 6108 attached to its side, and each sliding actuator 6107 has two openings 6109, e.g., front opening 6109a and rear opening 6109b, through which the button 6108 can protrude (e.g., engage / flip). When the button 6108 engages the front opening 6109a, the actuator 6107 extends from the front intermediate support member 6105 toward the rear of the animal containment unit 6100. The distance between the front intermediate support member 6105 and the rear intermediate support member 6106 allows the front of the rear intermediate support member 6106 to slide into the duct of the actuator 6107 when the actuator 6107 extends rearward from the rear end of the front intermediate support member 6105, thereby providing a rigid connection with the rigid structure of the frame structure 6101 when the animal containment unit 6100 is deployed.

[0219] To disengage the actuator 6107 and the rear intermediate support member 6106, the button 6108 can be pressed, causing the actuator 6107 to slide forward, and the button 6108 can engage with the rear opening 6109b of the actuator 6107. Due to the position of the button 6108 relative to the rear opening 6109b of the actuator 6107, in this position the rear intermediate support member 6106 is not covered by the duct of the actuator 6107, and the front intermediate support member 6105 and the rear intermediate support member 6106 are disengaged. This allows the front intermediate support member 6105 and the rear intermediate support member 6106 to fold toward their respective sides. As previously described, the front intermediate support member 6105 is connected to the front member 6102 at the front rotary joint 6112, and the rear intermediate support member 6106 is connected to the rear member 6103 at the rear rotary joint 6113. Once the intermediate support member 6104 is disengaged via the actuator 6107, the user can rotate each member freely to its respective side by rotating the rotary joints 6112, 6113. Note that the fixed belt 6181 can extend through a passage 6111 formed by the plastic ring 6110 of the actuator.

[0220] As previously described, the front member 6102 of the frame structure 6101 is coupled to the base structure 6120 via the front rotational actuator 6154, and the rear member 6103 of the frame structure 6101 is coupled to the base structure 6120 via the rear rotational actuator 6156. The front rotational actuator 6154 and the rear rotational actuator 6156 include spring-loaded buttons that can be depressed to rotate the actuators 6154, 6156. When the buttons on the two front rotational actuators 6154 are depressed, the front rotational actuator 6154 is released to rotate towards the base of the animal containment unit 6100. When the buttons on the two rear rotational actuators 6156 are depressed, the rear rotational actuator 6156 is released to rotate towards the base of the animal containment unit 6100. The buttons can be released to lock the rotational actuators 6154, 6156 and the members of the frame structure 6101 coupled to the rotational actuators 6154, 6156 in place.

[0221] Figure 46a shows the animal containment unit 6100 in an unfolded state. The front rotation actuator 6154 is locked to the front member 6102 (e.g., in its longitudinal plane) which is positioned perpendicular to the base 6121. The rear rotation actuator 6156 is locked to the rear member which is positioned perpendicular to the base 6121. The front intermediate support member 6105 is joined to the rear intermediate support member 6106 via the actuator 6107.

[0222] 46b shows the animal containment unit 6100 converted to a stowed state. The slide actuator 6107 has disengaged the front intermediate support member 6105 and the rear intermediate support member 6106. The front intermediate support member 6105 has rotated downward so that the front intermediate support member 6105 (e.g., its longitudinal plane) is parallel to the front member 6102. The rear intermediate support member 6106 has rotated downward so that the rear intermediate support member 6106 (e.g., its longitudinal plane) is parallel to the rear member 6103. The front member 6102 rotates toward the base and is stowed first, and the rear member 6103 rotates toward the base along with the front member 6102 and is stowed next.

[0223] As previously mentioned, the shape of the base 6121 is designed so that the front groove 6126 for the front rotary actuator 6154 is positioned closer to the bottom 6122 than the rear groove 6127 for the rear rotary actuator 6156. In this way, when the front member 6102 and attached front intermediate support member 6105 are rotated toward the bottom 6122, they rotate 90 degrees from their original positions and lie partially or completely across the top of the latch bracket 6140 within the base 6121. When the rear member 6103 and attached rear intermediate support member 6106 are rotated toward the bottom 6122, they rotate 90 degrees from their original positions and can lie across the top of the front member 6102.

[0224] 46c shows the animal containment unit 6100 in a stowed state. The animal containment unit 6100 can be locked into a stowed state for easy storage, transport, carrying, etc.

[0225] material

[0226] As described above, the frame structure 6101 supports containment material 6160 (e.g., soft articles) that defines the exterior surfaces of the animal containment unit 6100 and the interior surfaces that define the space for containing animals inside the animal containment unit 6100. The containment material can have several layer materials. In this example, the containment material includes an overlying outer layer, an intermediate reinforcing layer, and an interior waterproof layer that can be removed, for example, for cleaning.

[0227] FIGS. 48a through 48d illustrate the containment material 6160 of the animal containment unit 6100. FIG. 48a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the containment material 6160. As shown in FIG. 48a, the containment material 6160 generally includes an outer layer 6161, a reinforcing layer 6162, and an inner layer 6163. The outer layer 6161 may be, for example, a heavy-duty material, while the reinforcing layer 6162 is a relatively soft material, such as foam, used to protect animals from contact with vehicles and metal frames. The inner layer 6163 may be, for example, a heavy-duty waterproof fabric. The inner layer 6163 may be removable for cleaning. Note that additional layers may be provided. FIG. 48b illustrates the outer layer 6161 of the containment material 6160 when the animal containment unit 6100 is in an unfolded state. FIG. 48c illustrates the reinforcing layer 6162 of the containment material 6160 when the animal containment unit 6100 is unfolded. FIG. 48d shows the inner layer 6163 of the containment material 6160 with the animal containment unit 6100 in a deployed state.

[0228] The containment material 6160 further includes a plastic rod 6164 that extends through one side of the containment material 6160. Some of the containment material may include a plastic rod 6164 for attaching the containment material 6160 to the base structure 6120. As mentioned above, some or all of the members of the frame structure 6101 may define extrusion channels 6118, as shown in FIG. 48a, that extend along the length of the members for receiving plastic rods 6164 that extend through the containment material 6160. The plastic rods 6164 may slide or engage with the extrusion channels 6118 to attach the containment material 6160 to those members.

[0229] The containment material 6160 and frame structure 6101 can be designed in various ways, for example, so that the containment material 6160 on the first side, top, and second side has plastic rod-like members 6164 with extrusion channels 6118 connected to the front member 6102 and rear member 6103. In another example, the containment material 6160 for each side (top, first side, second side, front, back) may be several individual members supported on members of the frame structure 6101 via individual extrusion channels 6118. In this example, only the front member 6102 and rear member 6103 include extrusion channels 6118, and the intermediate support member 6104 does not directly support the containment material 6160 for, for example, the first side 6168, the second side 6169, or the top 6172. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate support member 6104 can also include extrusion channels 6118 for supporting the containment material 6160.

[0230] The containment material 6160 for the animal containment unit 6100 includes a front portion 6165, a first side 6168, a second side 6169, a top portion 6172, and a rear portion 6173. The front portion 6165 includes a window 6166 to allow air flow in and out of the animal containment unit 6100. The front portion 6165 further includes slots 6167 (e.g., a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot) for weaving a securing belt 6181 into the front portion 6165, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 49 . Both the first side 6168 and the second side 6169 can include zipper doors 6170 for accessing the interior of the animal containment unit 6100, for example, to insert or remove animals. In another example, only the first side 6168 or the second side 6169 has a zipper door 6170. The first side 6168 and / or the second side 6169 and / or the rear portion 6173 may have a window 6171 similar to the window 6166 in the front portion 6165 .

[0231] In this example, the fastening belts 6181 only intersect (e.g., are interwoven with) the slots 6167 in the outer layer 6161 (e.g., are not interwoven with the middle or inner layer 6162). In other embodiments, the fastening belts 6181 are interwoven with additional layers. Additionally, the animal containment unit 6100 includes an internal spacer 6174 on the base that can be removed to provide access to the latch bracket 6140.

[0232] Fixation belts and tethers

[0233] As described above, the animal containment unit 6100 is reinforced by the anchorage belt and tether structure 6180, which provides additional reinforcement to the animal containment unit 6100 when the animal containment unit 6100 is mounted to a vehicle. The anchorage belt 6181 extends across the front and top of the animal containment unit 6100 to absorb forces applied to the animal containment unit 6100 and transfer those forces to the frame of the vehicle, thereby restraining the animal in the event of a vehicle collision (e.g., if the animal inside is thrown into the interior of the animal containment unit 6100). In use, the tethers 6188 on the top / rear of the animal containment unit 6100 fasten to one or more anchor points on the vehicle (e.g., the rear of the vehicle seat). These features, combined with latches rigidly mounted to the base of the animal containment unit 6100 and a rigid base frame, provide a continuous protective ring surrounding the animal containment unit 6100 (e.g., 6360-degree support).

[0234] 49 shows the anchoring belt and tether structure 6180 of the animal containment unit 6100 for assembling the frame structure 6101 and the base structure 6120. The anchoring belt 6181 includes two cross belts (e.g., first cross belt 6181a and second cross belt 6181b) that extend from a front attachment point 6182 (first front attachment point 6182a and second front attachment point 6182b, i.e., first fixed point) on the front member 6134 of the base frame 6133 to a rear attachment point 6185 (first rear attachment point 6185a and second rear attachment point 6185b, i.e., second fixed point) on the rear member 6103. Each of the first cross belt 6181a and the second cross belt 6181b includes a front portion 6183 that knits a front portion 6165 that passes through at least one layer to contain the containment material 6160. A first end of the front portion 6183 is attached to the front member 6134 of the base frame 6133 and extends into a first portion of the front portion 6165 and outside the front portion 6165 at a first slot, whereby the fixed belt continues to a second slot and extends into a second portion of the front portion 6165 to a third slot, where the remaining portion of the cross belt of the fixed belt 6181 extends outside the containment material 6160.

[0235] The fixed belt 6181 wraps around the top of the front member 6102 at a wrap point 6184. The fixed belt 6181 continues to the top portion, routing through the passage 6111 of the actuator 6107 on the intermediate support member 6104 to the rear attachment point 6185 on the rear member 6103. In one aspect, the fixed belt 6181 can continue along the top portion without routing through the passage 6111 of the actuator 6107.

[0236] The tether 6188 includes two cross belts 6189 that surround the rear member 6103 and are sewn together at a first end (e.g., rear attachment point 6185 of the fixed belt 6181). The two cross belts 6189 are guided together to an attachment point 6190. The end of the tether 6188's anchor point within the vehicle continues from the attachment point 6190 to a rear cross belt 6191 having a connector 6192. In one embodiment, one ends of the two cross belts 6189 of the tether 6188 are directly connected to the corresponding cross belts 6181a, 6181b, and the other ends of the two cross belts 6189 of the tether 6188 are guided together to the attachment point 6190.

[0237] In some vehicles, the rear-facing side of the rear seat may have an anchor location for the tether 6188. In other vehicles, the anchor location may be located elsewhere within the vehicle.

[0238] 50 is a diagram of the animal containment unit 6100 in the first embodiment installed in a vehicle. As shown, the latch 6150 is connected at its latch end 6151 to the steel frame of the automobile. The connector 6192 (i.e., the tether latch) at the end of the tether 6188 is wrapped from the rear member 6103 of the frame structure 6101 to an anchor point in the seat backrest. This forms a complete protective ring that runs from the latch 6150, through the base frame 6133, through the securing belt 6181, and finally through the tether 6188 at the anchor attached to the seat backrest.

[0239] Second embodiment

[0240] Figures 51a-51c show views of an animal containment unit 6200 in a second embodiment. Like the animal containment unit 6100 described above, the animal containment unit 6200 is generally hexagonal (although other configurations that can provide the necessary space to contain an animal can be used) and will be described with reference to a front, a back, a first side (e.g., the left side relative to the front view), a second side (e.g., the right side relative to the front view), a bottom, and a top. These sides are shown in Figure 51a and are omitted from subsequent figures. Figure 51a is a perspective view of the animal containment unit 6200. Figure 51b shows an exploded view of the animal containment unit 6200. Figure 51c shows a top view of the animal containment unit 6200.

[0241] Frame structure

[0242] The animal containment unit 6200 includes a frame structure 6201 coupled to and supported via a base structure 6224, as described below with reference to Figures 52a-52b. The animal containment unit 6200 includes containment material 6250 (e.g., soft goods) forming the exterior of the animal containment unit 6200, which may be similar to the containment material 6160 described with reference to the first embodiment. The animal containment unit 6200 further includes a restraint belt and tether structure 6270 (not shown in Figures 51a-51c) for controlling the force of the animal in the event of a vehicle collision, as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 55a-55c, and is similar to the restraint belt and tether structure 6280 of the first embodiment.

[0243] The frame structure 6201 includes a front member 6202, a rear member 6203, and a wrench lever 6204 that connects the front member 6202 and the rear member 6203 when the animal containment unit 6200 is deployed, and is described in more detail below with reference to Figure 54. The front member 6202 is bent into a general "U" shape and is coupled to a base structure 6224 at two locations, a first end 6210 and a second end 6211, via front rotation actuators 6220a, 6220b. The rear member 6203, like the front member 6202, is also formed in a shape that approximates a "U" and is coupled to the base structure 6224 at two locations, a first end 6212 and a second end 6213, via rear rotation actuators 6221a, 6221b. The shapes of the front member 6202 and the rear member 6203 may be similar to the shapes of the front member 6102 and the rear member 6103 of the first embodiment.

[0244] The front member 6202 extends from a first end 6210 toward the top of the animal containment unit 6200, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the second side, crosses the top of the animal containment unit 6200, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the bottom of the animal containment unit 6200, and terminates at a second end 6211. The rear member 6203 extends from a first end 6212 toward the top of the animal containment unit 6200, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the second side, crosses the top of the animal containment unit 6200, bends approximately 90 degrees toward the bottom of the animal containment unit 6200, and terminates at a second end 6213. Both the front member 6202 and the rear member 6203 can comprise one single item or can comprise multiple parts that are joined during assembly.

[0245] The wrench lever 6204 includes a front intermediate support member 6205, a rear intermediate support member 6207, and a central intermediate support member 6209. The front intermediate support member 6205 is curved in a generally "U" shape and is connected to the front member 6202 at two locations, a first end 6206a and a second end 6206b, via front rotary joints 6216a and 6216b. The rear member 6203, like the front member 6202, is also formed in a roughly "U" shape and is connected to the base structure 6224 at two locations, a first end 6212 and a second end 6213, via rear rotary actuators 6221a and 6221b. As with the first embodiment described above, the rear member 6203 is slightly shorter than the front member 6202 and is attached to the base structure 6224 at a slightly higher position than the front member 6202 to facilitate accommodation of the animal containment unit 6200.

[0246] The wrench lever 6204 of this embodiment cannot be separated into multiple members, and in contrast to the above-described intermediate support member 6104 of the first embodiment, here the intermediate support member 6104 can be separated into a front intermediate support member 6105 and a rear intermediate support member 6106 via an actuator 6107 to fold the frame structure 6101. In contrast, the wrench lever 6204 may be detached from one or two of the front member 6202 and / or the rear member 6203 to fold the frame structure 6201. The first end 6206a and the second end 6206b of the front intermediate support member 6205 of the wrench lever 6204 can clamp the front rotary joints 6216a, 6216b by thrust force, and can release the front rotary joints 6216a, 6216b by tension force. Similarly, the first end 6208 and second end 6208b of the rear intermediate support member 6207 of the wrench lever 6204 can apply a thrust force to clamp the rear rotary joints 6217a, 6217b, and can apply a pull force to release the rear rotary joints 6217a, 6217b. To collapse the animal containment unit 6200, the wrench lever 6204 can be detached from one or two of the front member 6202 and / or rear member 6203 of the frame structure 6201, as described in more detail below.

[0247] 51a-51b, a frame structure 6201 supports containment materials 6250, which define the exterior and interior surfaces of the animal containment unit 6200 and include a front 6251, a first side 6252, a second side 6253, a top 6254, and a rear 6255 for the animal containment unit 6200. A portion of the containment material 6250 can be enclosed on the outside of the frame structure 6201, while another portion of the containment material 6250 can be within the frame structure 6201. In this example, the containment material 6250 wraps around the exterior of the front member 6202 and the rear member 6203, while the wrench lever 6204 is on the top 6254 of the animal containment unit 6200, outside of the containment material 6250. This allows the wrench lever 6204 to additionally be used as a handle for transporting the animal containment unit 6200 in the deployed state.

[0248] 55a-55b, the frame structure 6201 further supports a fastening belt and tether structure 6270, which includes a fastening belt 6271 having a first end fixed to the base structure 6224, extending upwardly along the front portion of the animal containment unit 6200, surrounding the front member 6202 of the frame structure 6201, and extending across the top of the animal containment unit 6200 to a second end fixed to the rear member 6203 of the frame structure 6201, as will be described in more detail below.

[0249] As with the first embodiment, the frame structure 6201 may be formed from an extruded metal tube (e.g., an aluminum tube) that provides the frame structure 6201 such that the animal containment unit 6200 is rigid yet flexible enough to absorb animal impact forces and reduce impact on the animals, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 55c.

[0250] base structure

[0251] Figures 52a-52b show a base structure 6224 of an animal containment unit 6200 in a second embodiment. The base structure 6224 includes a top portion 6225 and a bottom portion 6234, which slide into and interlock with the bottom portion 6234. Figure 52a shows the base structure 6224 with the interlocking top portion 6225 and bottom portion 6234. Figure 52b shows the bottom portion 6234 of the base structure 6224.

[0252] The top portion 6225 and the bottom portion 6234 can be molded from, for example, plastic. The top portion 6225 includes a bottom portion 6226 and a frame, which includes a front portion 6227, side portions 6228 (first side portion 6228a and second side portion 6228b), and a rear portion 6229. The front corners of the top portion 6225 (the front portion 6227 near the intersection of the front portion 6227 with the first side portion 6228a, and the front portion 6227 near the intersection of the front portion 6227 with the second side portion 6228b) include corresponding front grooves 6230 (first front groove 6230a and second front groove 6230b) that extend through the top portion 6225 to receive and couple the front rotation actuator 6220. Similarly, at the rear corners of the top portion 6225 (the rear portion 6229 near the intersection of the rear portion 6229 with the first side portion 6228a, and the rear portion 6229 near the intersection of the rear portion 6229 with the second side portion 6228b), are corresponding rear grooves 6231 (first rear groove 6231a and second rear groove 6231b) that extend through the top portion 6225 to receive and couple the rear rotation actuator 6217. As with the first embodiment, the rear grooves 6231 are elevated relative to the front grooves 6230, as shown in Figures 51b and 52a.

[0253] The bottom portion 6234 includes a bottom 6235 and a frame, which includes a front portion 6236, side portions 6237 (first side portion 6237a and second side portion 6237b), and a rear portion 6238. The rear portion 6238 includes a cutout portion 6239 in the rear portion 6238 and bottom 6235 that accommodates a second embodiment latch system 6240, as further described below with reference to Figures 53a-53d. The bottom portion 6234 further includes a latch 6246 for the latch system 6240 in a groove in the bottom 6235.

[0254] Latch System

[0255] The second embodiment latch system 6240 includes a pivoting rigid latch. The latch may include a sliding retractable rigid latch as described above in the first example embodiment. The latch system 6240 is located on the bottom of the animal containment unit 6200 and is accessible from the exterior of the animal containment unit 6200 by a user to translate (pivot) the latch 6242 into / out of the base structure 6224 and / or slide the latch 6242 from a position on a first side of the animal containment unit 6200 to a second position on a second side of the animal containment unit 6200.

[0256] Figures 53a through 53d show the latch system 6240 of the animal containment unit 6200 in the second embodiment. Figure 53a shows the latch system 6240 without the base structure 6224. Figure 53b is a bottom view of the latch system 6240 incorporated into the bottom 6234 of the base structure 6224, where the latch 6242 is pivoted to an extended position on a first side of the animal containment unit 6200. Figure 53c is a bottom view of the latch system 6240 with the latch 6242 pivoted to a retracted position on a first side of the animal containment unit 6200. Figure 53d shows a bottom view of the latch system 6240 with the latch 6242 pivoted to an extended position on a second side of the animal containment unit 6200.

[0257] The latch system 6240 includes a rod-like member 6241 that mounts the rear portion 6238 of the bottom portion 6234 within a bottom notch 6239. Two rigid latches 6242 (e.g., a first latch 6242a and a second latch 6242b) are slidably and rotatably connected to the rod-like member 6241 such that the latches 6242 are slidable along the length of the rod-like member 6241. The first latch 6242 and the second latch 6242b are connected via a rigid member therebetween such that a fixed distance is maintained between the first latch 6242a and the second latch 6242b. The latch 6242 has a latch end 6243 for connecting to an anchor point within the vehicle (e.g., a steel frame structure).

[0258] The latch system 6240 further includes two brackets 6244 (a first bracket 6244a and a second bracket 6244b) secured around the rod-shaped member 6241. The brackets 6244 prevent lateral movement of the latch 6242 when the latch 6242 is pivoted from the extended position. The brackets 6244 further include connection features 6245 for coupling a securing belt 6271 to the bottom portion 6234, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 55a-13c.

[0259] As shown in the bottom views of FIGS. 53b through 53d, the latch system 6240 further includes a lock 6246 for locking and / or unlocking the latch 6242. In FIG. 53b, the latch 6242 is unlocked and positioned on the second side of the animal containment unit 6200. In FIG. 53c, the latch 6242 is pivoted into a bottom notch 6239 in the rear portion 6238 of the bottom 6234 of the base structure 6224. The latch 6242 is coupled to the lock 6246 and can be locked in a retracted position. Alternatively, the latch 6242 can remain unlocked and slide to the first side of the animal containment unit 6200. In FIG. 53d, the latch is pivoted from the bottom notch 6239 on the first side of the animal containment unit 6200.

[0260] Expand / Collapse

[0261] Similar to the first embodiment, the animal containment unit 6200 can be converted between an unfolded state and a stowed state. In the unfolded state, the frame structure 6201 provides a rigid frame for supporting the containment material 6250 and the securing belt and tether structure 6270, and defines certain aspects of the interior / rear of the animal containment unit 6200. In the stowed state, the frame structure 6201, containment material 6250, and securing belt and tether structure 6270 are folded into or flush with the base structure 6120 to provide a flexible configuration for easy portability.

[0262] When the animal containment unit 6200 is in a deployed state for transporting an animal within a vehicle, the wrench lever 6204 rigidly extends from the front swivel joint 6216 on the front member 6202 to the rear swivel joint 6217 on the rear member 6202. The front swivel joint 6216 is oriented perpendicular to the front member 6202 so that the front intermediate support member 6205 points rearward. The rear intermediate support member 6207 is received in the forward-facing rear swivel joint 6217, which is oriented perpendicular to the rear member 6203. When the ends 6206a, 6206b of the front intermediate support member 6205 or the ends 6208a, 6208b of the rear intermediate support member 6207 are separated from the rotary joints 6216, 6217, for example to accommodate the animal containment unit 6200, the front rotary joint 6216 is rotatable 90 degrees and oriented toward the bottom of the animal containment unit 6200, and / or the rear rotary joint 6217 is rotatable 90 degrees and oriented toward the bottom of the animal containment unit 6200. If the wrench lever 6204 remains connected, rotation of the rotary joint 6217 guides the wrench lever 6204 into or flush with the connected member (e.g., the front member 6202 or the rear member 6203). Optionally, the wrench lever 6204 may be separated from both the front member 6202 and the rear member 6203 and removed entirely.

[0263] The front rotation actuator 6220 is rotatable 90 degrees and oriented toward the rear so that the front member 6202 is housed in or flush with the base structure 6224, and the rear rotation actuator 6221 is rotatable and oriented toward the front so that the rear member 6203 is flush with the housed front member 6202. As described above, the rear member 6203 is slightly shorter than the front member 6202, and the rear rotation actuator 6221 rises relative to the front rotation actuator 6220, so that when the animal containment unit 6200 is housed, the rear member 6203 is in close contact with and / or positioned within the housed front member 6202. The front rotary actuator 6220 and the rear rotary actuator 6221 can be locked in any of the above positions, for example, with the front member 6202 extending toward the top of the animal containment unit 6200 and oriented to define the front surface of the animal containment unit 6200, and the rear member 6203 extending toward the top of the animal containment unit 6200 and oriented to define the rear surface of the animal containment unit 6200 (deployed state), or with the front member 6202 extending toward the rear of the animal containment unit 6200 and the rear member 6203 extending toward the front of the animal containment unit 6200 (storage state). Thus, the frame structure 6201 can be locked in the deployed state to provide a rigid frame that defines the interior / exterior of the animal containment unit 6200, and the frame structure 6201 can be locked in the storage state for easy transport and / or storage of the animal containment unit 6200.

[0264] 54 illustrates the transition of the animal containment unit 6200 in the second embodiment from the deployed state to the stowed state. At 6260, the animal containment unit 6200 is in the deployed state. The wrench lever 6204 is connected to the front member 6202 and the rear member 6203, which form a rigid connection therebetween. To disengage the wrench lever 6204, the end 6206 of the front intermediate support member 6205 of the wrench lever 6204 disengages from the front member 6202. Optionally, the end 6208 of the rear intermediate support member 6207 can disengage from the rear member 6203. At 6261, the front member 6202 folds toward the base structure 6224 via the front rotational actuator 6220. At 6262, the front member 6202 is stored flush with the base structure 6224, and at 6263, the wrench lever 6204 folds towards the rear member 6203 via the rear rotary joint 6217. At 6264, the wrench lever 6204 folds underneath the rear member 6203. Finally, at 6265, the rear member 6203 folds towards the base structure 6224 via the rear rotary actuator 6221. At 6266, the rear member 6203 is stored flush with the base structure 6224.

[0265] Fixation belt and tether

[0266] The animal containment unit 6200 is reinforced by the anchoring belts 6271 and tether structure 6270, which provide additional reinforcement to the animal containment unit 6200 when the animal containment unit 6200 is mounted to a vehicle. The anchoring belts 6271 extend across the bottom, front, and top of the animal containment unit 6200 to absorb forces that may be exerted on the animal containment unit 6200 in a vehicle collision (e.g., if an animal inside is thrown into the interior of the animal containment unit 6200). Tethers 6280 at the top / rear of the animal containment unit 6200 are configured to fasten to anchor points within the vehicle. One skilled in the art will understand that any known connector for coupling to vehicle anchor points can be used for any of the connections described with respect to the exemplary embodiment. These features combine with latches 6242 rigidly attached to the base structure 6224 of the animal containment unit 6200 to provide a continuous protective ring that surrounds the animal containment unit 6200 (e.g., 6360 degree support). Optionally, in any embodiment described herein, the protective ring can surround the back of the seat to which the animal containment unit 6200 is attached, extending 6270 degrees to provide protection in the event the animal is thrown backwards.

[0267] 55a shows the anchor belt and tether structure 6270 of the animal containment unit 6200 incorporating the frame structure 6201 and base structure 6224 for the second embodiment. The anchor belt 6271 includes a first cross belt 6271a and a second cross belt 6271b that extend from rear bracket attachment points 6272 (first rear bracket attachment point 6272a and second rear bracket attachment point 6272b) in the latch system 6240 of the base structure 6224 to the rear frame attachment point 6278 on the wrench lever 6204 or the rear member 6203 of the frame structure 6201. Each cross belt 6271a, 6271b includes a bottom portion 6273 that surrounds the bottom portion 6226 of the top portion 6225 and extends through the bottom portion 6234 of the base structure 6224. The fastening belt 6271 continues to a wrap 6274 where the fastening belt 6271 wraps around the top portion 6225 of the base structure 6224 and continues to a front portion 6275 .

[0268] The fastener belt 6271 then wraps around 6276 around the front member 6202 of the frame structure 6201. The fastener belt 6271 continues to a top portion 6277, and the cross belts 6271 a, 6271 b are coupled to a rear frame attachment point 6278 that may be located on the wrench lever 6204 or the rear member 6203. In one aspect, the rear bracket attachment point 6272 may be defined by a bracket 6244 of the latch system 6240. The bracket 6244 may be rigidly secured to the base structure 6224 such that when the latch 6242 is connected to an anchor structure within the vehicle, a rigid continuous ring extends from the anchor structure within the vehicle to one end of the fastener belt 6271.

[0269] Frame structure 6201 further supports tether 6280 that is secured to wrench lever 6204 or rear member 6203. Tether 6280 extends from the top / rear of animal containment unit 6200 and can be attached to an anchor structure within the vehicle, such as the back of a seat. In one embodiment, one end of tether 6280 can be connected directly to anchor belt 6271, and the other end of tether 6280 can be configured to be attached to an anchor structure in the vehicle.

[0270] Figure 55b shows a view of the animal containment unit 6200 in the second embodiment mounted to a vehicle. As shown, the latch end 6243 of the latch 6242 is connected to the steel frame of the vehicle. The connector 6281 at the end of the tether 6280 wraps from the rear member 6203 of the frame structure 6201 to an anchor point in the seat backrest. This creates a complete protective ring that runs from the latch 6242, through the securing belt 6271, and finally through the tether 6280 at the anchor attached to the seat backrest.

[0271] FIG. 55c shows the animal containment unit 6200 deforming due to the force of a vehicle collision. One skilled in the art will recognize that the deformation of the animal containment unit 6200 is substantially similar to the deformation of the animal containment unit 6100 when subjected to a similar force. As shown in FIG. 55c, in an initial state, a side view of the animal containment unit 6200 shows a substantially rectangular cross-section, with the frame structure 6201 and securing belt 6271 extending along a substantially similar path on the front and top surfaces of the animal containment unit 6200. Upon impact, the animal is thrown forward, striking the securing belt 6271 and pushing the securing belt 6271 forward off the frame structure 6201. At the same time, as the securing belt 6271 moves forward beyond the front of the frame structure 6201 (i.e., where the stretch of the securing belt is minimal), the securing belt 6271 pushes the front of the frame structure 6201 rearward, while the base is held in the same position as when coupled to the anchor point. Thus, in this position, the top of the frame structure 6201 is further back and slightly lower, but the sides of the frame structure 6201 have rotated (counterclockwise in this view) to accommodate the movement of the top of the frame structure 6201.

[0272] 56 shows the animal containment unit 6200 being attached to a vehicle. At 6285, the animal containment unit 6200 is stowed so that it fits through the vehicle door. At 6286, the latch is pivoted to an extended position and attached to the steel frame of the vehicle. At 6287, the animal containment unit 6200 is deployed. At 6288, the animal containment unit 6200 is fully deployed.

[0273] Third embodiment

[0274] Figures 57a-57b show views of a third embodiment of an animal containment unit 6300. Like the second embodiment of the animal containment unit 6200 described above, the third embodiment of the animal containment unit 6300 is generally hexagonal (although any other configuration that provides the desired space for containing animals can be used) and will be described with reference to a front, a back, a first side (e.g., the left side relative to the front view), a second side (e.g., the right side relative to the front view), a bottom, and a top. These sides are shown in Figures 57a-57b and are omitted from subsequent figures.

[0275] The animal containment unit 6300 of the third embodiment has several features similar to the animal containment unit 6200 described in the second embodiment, including some aspects of the frame structure, base structure, latch system, containment material, and securement belt and tether structure. However, the animal containment unit 6300 of the third embodiment includes several actuator mechanisms that are different from the second embodiment, which are described in detail below. Note that the containment material and securement belt and tether structure of the third embodiment are arranged similarly to the second embodiment and are not shown in Figures 57a-57b. Figure 57a shows a perspective view of the animal containment unit 6300. Figure 57b shows a bottom view of the animal containment unit 6300.

[0276] The animal containment unit 6300 includes a frame structure 6301 coupled to and supported via a base structure 6320. The frame structure 6301 includes a front member 6302, a rear member 6303, and an X-shaped rod 6304, which connects the front member 6302 and the rear member 6303 when the animal containment unit 6300 is in an unfolded state, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 58. The front member 6302 and the rear member 6303 of the third embodiment are designed with a similar shape to the front member 6202 and the rear member 6203 of the second embodiment. In this example, the front member 6302 further includes a groove (e.g., slot) for receiving a pin 6310 of the X-shaped rod 6304 to attach the X-shaped rod 6304 to the front member 6302, as described below.

[0277] The X-shaped rod 6304 includes a front portion 6305, a middle portion 6306, and a rear portion 6307. The front portion 6305 in this embodiment is attached to the front member 6302 of the frame structure and extends towards the rear / middle in two lengths, joined at the middle portion 6306, and extends from the middle portion 6306 in two lengths to the rear portion 6307, which is attached to the rear member 6303 of the frame structure 6301, forming a shape similar to an "X."

[0278] Similar to the wrench lever 6204 of the animal containment unit 6200 in the second embodiment, the X-shaped rod 6304 can be detachable from one or both of the front member 6302 and / or rear member 6303. In this example, the X-shaped rod 6304 and the front member 6302 are detachable. The X-shaped rod 6304 is detachable from the front member 6302 via an X-shaped rod release actuator 6309.

[0279] 58 shows the X-shaped rod 6304 of the frame structure 6301 of the animal containment unit 6300 in the third embodiment. The X-shaped rod 6304 includes two pins 6308 (one pin 6308 located at the front-facing end of each length of the front portion 6305 of the X-shaped rod 6304) that are translatable (e.g., extendable and retractable) relative to the front portion 6305 of the X-shaped rod 6304. The pins 6308 are connected to an X-shaped rod release actuator 6309 via corresponding cables that extend through the front portion 6305. The X-shaped rod release actuator 6309 includes a plunger that a user can push into and / or pull back from the middle portion 6306 of the X-shaped rod 6304. To attach the X-shaped rod 6304 to the front member 6302, the X-shaped rod release actuator 6309 retracts from the middle member 6306, pushing the cable outward (towards the front member 6302) so that it can enter the groove in the front member 6302. To release the X-shaped rod 6304 from the front member 6302, the X-shaped rod release actuator 6309 presses into the middle member 6306, pulling the cable inward (away from the front member 6302) and retracting the pin 6308 from the groove in the front member 6302. Once the X-shaped rod 6304 is released, the animal containment unit 6300 can be folded downward into a stowed state, similar to the animal containment unit 6200 in the second embodiment.

[0280] The animal containment unit 6300 further includes a base structure 6320, which is similar to the base structure 6224 of the second embodiment. The base structure 6320 of the third exemplary embodiment includes a top portion and a bottom portion that may be molded, for example, from plastic, and fitted together. A cutout that accommodates the latch system 6330 of the third embodiment is located at the rear of the bottom portion.

[0281] The latch system 6330 of the third embodiment includes a pivoting rigid latch 6332 slidably mounted on a rod 6331 including two brackets 6336 secured around the rod 6331, similar to the latch system 6240 of the animal containment unit 6200 of the second embodiment. The latch 6332 is slidable along the rod 6331 between a first position on a first side of the animal containment unit 6300 and a second position on a second side of the animal containment unit 6300. The latch 6332 includes a latch end 6333 configured for attachment to an anchor point in a vehicle in a known manner. The third embodiment latch system 6330 includes a latch release actuator 6340 for releasing the latch 6332 and the vehicle anchor point, a first unlatch actuator 6342 for allowing the latch 6332 to rotate to an extended position (e.g., a use position), and a second unlatch actuator 6344 for rotating the latch 6332 to a retracted position (e.g., a stored position).

[0282] Figures 59a to 59c show a latch system 6330 at the bottom of an animal containment unit 6300 in a third embodiment, including an unlatch actuator 6340, a first unlatch actuator 6342, and a second unlatch actuator 6344. Figure 59a shows the configuration of the unlatch actuator 6340. Figure 59b shows the placement of the first unlatch actuator 6342. Figure 59c shows the placement of the second unlatch actuator 6344.

[0283] 59a, the unlatch actuator 6340 is connected to three actuator protrusions 6341 adjacent the rod 6331, which are located along the base structure 6320 at locations from which the latch 6332 can extend, e.g., adjacent the bracket 6336. The actuator protrusions 6341 in this embodiment are connected to the latch release actuator 6340, e.g., via cables, such that the actuator latch release actuator 6340 (e.g., the latch release actuator 6340 pulling toward the front of the animal containment unit 6300) translates the actuator protrusion 6341 toward the front of the animal containment unit 6300 such that the actuator protrusion 6341 translates toward the front of the animal containment unit 6300.

[0284] Each latch 6332 includes one or more actuator slots 6334 that can couple to an actuator protrusion 6341 when the latch 6332 is in the extended position. For example, when the latch 6332 is in a first position on a first side of the device, the first side actuator protrusion 6341 is received in the actuator slot 6334 of the first side latch 6332 and the middle actuator protrusion 6341 is received in the actuator slot 6334 of the middle latch 6332, and when the latch 6332 is in a second position on a second side of the device, the second side actuator protrusion 6341 is received in the actuator slot 6334 of the second side latch 6332 and the middle actuator protrusion 6341 is received in the actuator slot 6334 of the middle latch 6332. When the actuator latch releases the actuator 6340, movement of the actuator protrusion 6341 within the actuator slot 6334 releases the latch 6332 (e.g., its latch end 6333) from an anchor point within the vehicle. Thus, when the latch 6332 is in any position (eg, the first position or the second position), the latch release actuator 6340 can release the latch 6332.

[0285] 59b, the first latch release actuator 6342 is connected to a protrusion 6343 that can connect to any latch 6332 (e.g., its latch end 6333) to hold the latch 6332 in a retracted (stored) position. By operating (e.g., sliding or pulling) the first latch release actuator 6342, the protrusion 6343 is retracted, releasing the latch 6332, allowing the latch 6332 to freely rotate to a deployed (use) position.

[0286] As shown in FIG. 59c, the second unlatch actuator 6344 is connected to a pin 6345 that can be received in one of the pin-receiving holes 6335 of the latch 6332 when the latch 6332 is in the extended (use) position. When the pin 6345 is received in the pin-receiving hole 6335, the latch 6332 is locked in the extended position. Because both latches 6332 include a pin receiver 6335, only one pin 6345 is required to lock the latch 6332. The second unlatch actuator 6344 is free to rotate the latch 6332, and can be actuated (e.g., slid or pulled) to, for example, translate the latch 6332 to a retracted position and retract the pin 6345 from the pin-receiving hole 6335 of the latch 6332.

[0287] Thus, the present disclosure can include the following schemes:

[0288] Item 1. An animal containment unit for a vehicle seat includes a base structure, a frame structure, and a fastening belt structure; the base structure includes a base, the base including a front portion and a rear portion; The frame structure includes a front member, a rear member, and a containment material; a front member connected to a front portion of the base; a rear member connected to a rear portion of the base; a containment material extending at least partially around the framework; The fixed belt structure includes at least a first fixed belt cross belt and a second fixed belt cross belt, each of the cross belts including a first end connected to a corresponding first anchor point defined by the base structure, the cross belts extending from the corresponding first anchor point around the exterior of the frame structure and wrapping around the front member to a corresponding second end of the cross belt, the second end of each of the cross belts being connected to a seat or a rigid connection nearby the vehicle, and the fixed belts extending along a desired path around the frame structure, the desired path being configured to restrain a pet contained in the animal containment unit.

[0289] Item 2. The animal containment unit according to Item 1, wherein the front member includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the front member is connected to the front portion of the base on a first side, and the second end of the front member is connected to the front portion of the base on a second side, the front member of the frame structure is curved so as to partially limit the front of the animal containment unit and the top of the animal containment unit, and the rear member includes a first end and a second end, a first end connected to the rear portion of the base on the first side, a second end of the rear member connected to the rear portion of the base on the second side, the rear member of the frame structure curved to partially restrain the rear of the animal containment unit and the top of the animal containment unit, the cross belt extending along the top portion of the containment material to a second end connected to a second anchor point, and the top portion of the containment material covering the top of the animal containment unit.

[0290] Item 3. The animal containment unit according to Item 1, wherein the base structure further includes a base frame attached to the base, the base frame including a front member, and a first end of the fixed belt cross belt is connected to the front member of the base frame inside the base.

[0291] Item 4. The animal containment unit according to item 3, wherein a first end of the fixing belt cross belt is sewn to the front member of the base frame.

[0292] Item 5. The animal containment unit according to Item 3, wherein the containment material includes a front containment material, the front containment material partially restricts the front of the animal containment unit and is supported at least partially via the front member of the frame structure, the front portion of the containment material covers the front of the animal containment unit, the front portion of the containment material includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, the animal containment unit further includes a top portion of the containment material, the top portion of the containment material covers the top of the animal containment unit and is supported at least partially via the front and rear members of the frame structure.

[0293] Item 6. The animal containment unit according to Item 5, wherein the fixed belt cross belt is knitted through at least a portion of the front containment material, whereby a portion of the cross belt is outside the outer surface of the front containment material and another portion of the cross belt is inside the outer surface of the front containment material.

[0294] Item 7. The animal containment unit of item 6, wherein the containment material includes at least two layers, and the fixed belt cross belt is knitted through a first layer of the layers but not through a second layer of the layers.

[0295] Item 8. The animal containment unit according to item 3, wherein the cross belt is wrapped around the outer surface of the front member of the base frame.

[0296] Item 9. The animal containment unit according to item 1, wherein the frame structure further includes a first intermediate member and a second intermediate member; The first intermediate member and the second intermediate member each include a first end connected to the front member and a second end connected to the rear member, and the first intermediate member and the second intermediate member are located outside the outer surface of the storage material, wherein the first fixed belt cross belt extends along the first intermediate member across the outer surface of the storage material, and the second fixed belt cross belt extends along the second intermediate member across the outer surface of the storage material.

[0297] Item 10. The animal containment unit according to item 9, wherein the intermediate member of the frame structure includes a ring-shaped structure through which the fixed belt cross belt extends.

[0298] Item 11. The animal containment unit according to Item 10, wherein the intermediate member of the frame structure includes a front intermediate member and a rear intermediate member that are detached via a slide actuator, and the slide actuator can translate between a first position and a second position, and at the first position, the slide actuator slides onto the front intermediate member and detaches from the rear intermediate member, and at the second position, the slide actuator slides onto the rear intermediate member and attaches the front intermediate member and the rear intermediate member, and when the slide actuator translates, the ring-shaped structure of the actuator slides onto the fixed belt cross belt.

[0299] Item 12. The animal containment unit according to Item 1, further comprising a tether structure, the tether structure includes at least two cross belts, the cross belts of the tether structure including first ends connected to the rear member and second ends of the cross belts joined at a joint, the tether structure further including a single cross belt extending from the first end to the second end of the joint, and a tether latch adjustably positionable at the second end of the cross belt; The tether latch is configured to be attached to a rigid connection at or near the seat of the vehicle.

[0300] Item 13. The animal containment unit according to item 12, wherein a first end of the cross belt of the tether structure is adjacent to a second end of the fixed belt cross belt.

[0301] Item 14. The animal containment unit according to item 12, wherein a first end of the cross belt of the tether structure is sewn around the rear member.

[0302] Item 15. The animal containment unit of item 9, wherein a first end of the fixed belt cross belt is connected to a rigid bracket at a rear portion of the base.

[0303] Item 16. The animal containment unit of Item 15, wherein the cross belt extends from the first end into the base structure, wraps around a front portion of the base structure, and further extends to the exterior of the outer surface of the front portion of the containment material, and the front portion of the containment material covers the front of the animal containment unit.

[0304] Item 17. In the animal containment unit according to Item 1, the rigid connection portion disposed on or near the seat of the vehicle is a first rigid connection portion, and the animal containment unit further includes a latch; A latch is connected to the frame structure and configured to connect the frame structure to a second rigid connection at or near the vehicle seat.

[0305] Item 18. The animal containment unit according to Item 17, wherein the second rigid connection and the first rigid connection are spaced apart.

[0306] Item 19. The animal containment unit according to item 1, wherein the second ends of the first fixation belt cross belt and the second fixation belt cross belt are directly connected to a seat or a rigid connection nearby the vehicle.

[0307] Item 20. An animal containment unit for containing an animal in a vehicle seat includes a base structure and a frame structure; the base structure includes a base, the base including a front portion and a rear portion; the frame structure converts between an unfolded state and a folded state, the frame structure including a front member, a rear member, and at least one intermediate support member; a front member including a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the front member being rotatably connected to a front portion of the base, the shape of the front member being configured to partially restrain a front of the animal containment unit and a top of the animal containment unit when the framework is in the deployed state; a rear member including a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the rear member being rotatably connected to a rear portion of the base, the shape of the rear member being configured to partially restrain a rear portion of the animal containment unit and a top portion of the animal containment unit when the framework is in the deployed state; The frame structure includes at least one intermediate member having a first end and a second end, the first end being rotatably connected to the front member or the rear member via a rotary joint, and when the frame structure is in the deployed state, the second end of the at least one intermediate support member is attached to a corresponding portion of the frame structure to form a connection between the front member and the rear member via the at least one intermediate support member, and when the frame structure is transformed to the stowed state, the second end of the at least one intermediate support member is detached from the corresponding portion of the frame structure, the front member is disconnected from the rear member, and the rotary joint is rotated to a stowed position, and in the stowed position, the at least one intermediate support member is located within or flush with the front member or the rear member.

[0308] Item 21. The animal containment unit according to item 20, wherein the frame structure includes two intermediate members, each of the intermediate support members including a front intermediate support member and a rear intermediate support member that are detached via a slide actuator, the slide actuator being convertible between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the slide actuator slides onto the front intermediate support member to detach it from the rear intermediate support member, and in the second position, the slide actuator slides onto the rear intermediate support member to attach it to the rear intermediate support member.

[0309] Item 22. The animal containment unit according to Item 21, wherein the slide actuator includes a first opening and a second opening and is used to accommodate a button extending outside the front intermediate member, and in the first position, the button is accommodated within the first opening, and in the second position, the button is accommodated within the second opening.

[0310] Item 23. The animal containment unit according to item 20, further comprising a first front rotation actuator, a second front rotation actuator, a first rear rotation actuator, and a second rear rotation actuator; a first front rotary actuator rotatably connected to a front portion of the base on a first side; a second front rotary actuator rotatably connected to the front portion of the base on a second side; a first rear rotation actuator rotatably connected to a rear portion of the base on a first side; A second rear rotary actuator is rotatably connected to the rear portion of the base on a second side.

[0311] Item 24. The animal containment unit according to Item 23, wherein when the at least one intermediate member is guided to the storage position, the first front rotational actuator and the second front rotational actuator rotate to a folded position, in which the front member is located within the base structure, or is flush with the base structure, or is flush with the rear member, and the first rear rotational actuator and the second rear rotational actuator guide the rear member into the base structure, or is flush with the base structure, or rotates to be flush with the front member.

[0312] Item 25. The animal containment unit of item 23, wherein the first rear rotational actuator and the second rear rotational actuator are positioned higher relative to the base than the first front rotational actuator and the second front rotational actuator, such that the rear member is flush with the top of the front member when the frame structure is in the stowed state.

[0313] Item 26. The animal containment unit of Item 23, wherein the first front rotational actuator and the second front rotational actuator are capable of being locked in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, a front member of the frame structure extends perpendicular to the base and in the second position, the front member extends parallel to the base, and the first rear rotational actuator and the second rear rotational actuator are capable of being locked in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, a rear member of the frame structure extends perpendicular to the base and in the second position, the rear member extends parallel to the base.

[0314] Item 27. The animal containment unit according to Item 20, wherein the at least one intermediate member can be detached from one of the front member or the rear member and attached to the other of the front member or the rear member, thereby allowing the at least one intermediate member to rotate via a rotary joint.

[0315] Item 28. The animal containment unit of item 27, wherein the at least one intermediate member is detachable from one of the front member or the rear member via a release actuator attached to the at least one intermediate member.

[0316] Item 29. The animal containment unit of item 28, wherein the release actuator is capable of retracting at least one pin extending from the at least one middle member from a corresponding groove in the front member or the rear member.

[0317] Item 30. An animal containment unit for containing an animal in a vehicle seat includes a base structure and a latch bracket; the base structure includes a base and a base frame, the base including a front portion and a rear portion, the base frame including a front member attached to the front portion of the base and a rear member attached to the rear portion of the base; A latch bracket is slidably connected to the front and rear members of the base frame and is translatable within the base in a direction parallel to the front and rear members from a first position on a first side of the animal containment unit to a second position on a second side of the animal containment unit, the latch bracket including a latch configured to rigidly connect the animal containment unit to an anchor point within the vehicle.

[0318] Item 31. The animal containment unit of item 30, wherein the latch bracket is slidably connected to a front member of the base frame via a front guide member, the front guide member extending from the front member of the latch bracket connected to the front member of the base frame, and the latch bracket is slidably connected to a rear member of the base frame via a rear guide member, the rear guide member extending from the rear member of the latch bracket connected to the rear member of the base frame.

[0319] Item 32. The animal containment unit according to Item 30, further comprising a first side actuator and a second side actuator; a first side actuator connected to the base structure and accessible from the exterior of the animal containment unit for locking the latch bracket in the first position such that the latch extends a rear portion of the base on the first side; a second side actuator connected to the base structure and accessible from the exterior of the animal containment unit for locking the latch bracket in the second position such that the latch extends a rear portion of the base on the second side; Here, the latch bracket pulls the first side actuator or the second side actuator relative to the base structure and releases the first side actuator or the second side actuator.

[0320] Item 33. The animal containment unit of item 32, wherein the first side actuator and the second side actuator have features that receive shape features of the latch bracket to lock the latch bracket.

[0321] Item 34. The animal containment unit according to Item 30, wherein the latch is convertible to extend from an extended position on the rear portion of the base frame or retract to a retracted position on the rear portion of the base frame.

[0322] Item 35. The animal containment unit of item 34, wherein the latch is extendable.

[0323] Item 36. An animal containment unit for a vehicle seat includes a base structure and a latch system; the base structure includes a base, the base including a rear cutout portion; a latch system attached to the rear cutout portion of the base and accessible from the bottom of the animal containment unit, the latch system including a rod-shaped member extending across the rear cutout portion and secured to the base; the latch system further including a plurality of latches slidably and rotatably connected to the rod-shaped member, thereby rigidly connecting the animal containment unit to anchor points within the vehicle, the plurality of latches connected to one another to maintain a desired distance between the latches; and the latch system further including a plurality of brackets surrounding the rod-shaped member, preventing the latches from sliding when the latches are adjacent to the brackets. Here, the latch can be positioned at a first position along the rod on a first side of the animal containment unit or at a second position along the rod on a second side of the animal containment unit.

[0324] Item 37. The animal containment unit of item 36, wherein the latch is convertible from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the latch is retracted back into the base, and in the extended position the latch pivots around the rod-shaped member and extends from the base.

[0325] Item 38. The animal containment unit of item 37, further comprising a latch release actuator; A latch release actuator is connected to the protrusion and configured to translate the protrusion, wherein at least one latch includes a slot for receiving the protrusion, and wherein the latch release actuator causes the protrusion to translate when the latch release actuator is actuated, releasing the latch from the anchor point to which it is attached.

[0326] Item 39. The animal containment unit of Item 37, wherein when the latch is in the extended position, the bracket prevents the latch from sliding along the rod-shaped member, and when the latch is in the retracted position, the bracket does not prevent the latch from sliding along the rod-shaped member.

[0327] Item 40. The animal containment unit according to item 8 or item 37, wherein the latch is capable of locking in the retracted position on the base.

[0328] Item 41. The animal containment unit according to Item 40, further comprising a latch lock release actuator; A latch unlock actuator is connected to a protrusion on the base structure and configured to translate the protrusion, wherein a first latch in the latch includes a slot for receiving the protrusion, and the latch unlock actuator causes the protrusion to translate when the latch unlock actuator is actuated, releasing the first latch from the retracted position and allowing it to freely rotate to the extended position.

[0329] Item 42. The animal containment unit of Item 37, wherein the latch is capable of locking in the extended position on the base.

[0330] Item 43. The animal containment unit according to Item 42, further comprising a latch lock release actuator; A latch unlock actuator is connected to a pin in the base structure and configured to translate the pin, wherein a first latch in the latch includes a hole for receiving the pin, and the latch unlock actuator causes the protrusion to translate, releasing the first latch from the extended position and allowing it to freely rotate to the retracted position when the latch unlock actuator is actuated.

[0331] Item 44. An animal containment unit for a vehicle seat includes a base structure, a latch system, and an actuator; the base structure includes a base and a base frame, the base including a front portion and a rear portion, the base frame including a front member attached to the front portion of the base and a rear member attached to the rear portion of the base; a latch system connected to the front and rear members of the base frame, the latch system including a plurality of latches that releasably connect the animal containment unit to anchor points within the vehicle, the latches attached to corresponding inner members that are slidably connected to corresponding side members of the latch system, whereby the latches toggle between an extended position and a retracted position, where in the extended position the latches extend from the rear section and in the retracted position the latches are retracted from the rear section; An actuator is connected to the latch system and is approached from outside the animal containment unit to lock the inner member relative to the side member, thereby locking the latch in the extended or retracted position, and the actuator is operated to unlock the inner member relative to the side member, thereby switching the latch between the extended and retracted positions.

[0332] Item 45. The animal containment unit of item 44, wherein the actuator is attached to the front member via the front portion of the base.

[0333] Item 46. The animal containment unit of item 45, wherein the latch system is translatable within the base in a direction parallel to a front member of the base frame, and wherein a slot is formed in the front portion of the base so that the actuator translates with the latch system.

[0334] Item 47. An animal containment unit for a vehicle seat includes a base structure and a latch system; the base structure includes a base, the base including a rear portion; a latch system attached to a rear portion of the base, the latch system including a rod-shaped member fixed to the base, the latch system further including a plurality of latches rotatably connected to the rod-shaped member and rigidly connecting the animal containment unit to anchor points within the vehicle, the plurality of latches being connected to one another to maintain a distance between the latches; The latch then rotates around the rod, switching the latch from an extended position outside the base to a retracted position within the base.

[0335] Item 48. The animal containment unit according to item 47, wherein the latch system further includes a bracket surrounding the rod-shaped member, the bracket preventing the latch from sliding when the latch is in proximity to the bracket.

[0336] Item 49. The animal containment unit of item 47, wherein the latch can be locked in the retracted position in the base via a lock adjacent the bottom of the base.

[0337] Item 50. An animal containment unit for a vehicle seat includes a base and a latch system; the base includes a front portion and an opposing rear portion; a latch system connected to the base, the latch system including a plurality of latches and an actuator; a plurality of latches releasably connect the animal containment unit to anchor points within the vehicle, and movement of the latches to the base causes the latches to toggle between an extended position in which the latches extend the rear section and a retracted position in which the latches retract into the rear section; An actuator is connected to the base and accessible from the exterior of the animal containment unit, the actuator configured to release the latch at an anchor point on the vehicle.

[0338] Item 51. The animal containment unit of item 50, wherein the actuator is configured to release each of the plurality of latches.

[0339] Item 52. The animal containment unit of item 50, wherein the latch system includes a latch bracket, the plurality of latches are connected to the latch bracket, and wherein the latch bracket is translatable within the base in a direction parallel to the front and rear portions of the base from a first position on a first side of the animal containment unit to a second position on a second side of the animal containment unit, and wherein the actuator is configured to release the latch when the latch bracket is in one of the first position and the second position.

[0340] It should be noted that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and structures described in this disclosure are exemplary descriptions, and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or structures originate from a specific application or are based on an application using the teachings of this disclosure. The foregoing embodiments are presented primarily in an exemplary manner, and it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the concepts and embodiments of the present disclosure may differ from the specific descriptions and methods of protection of the claims. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each individual feature, element, product, material, assembly, and / or method described above.

[0341] Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, elements, products, materials, assemblies, and / or methods is within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, provided that such features, elements, products, materials, assemblies, and / or methods are not inconsistent with one another. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and structural configurations of each element of the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The use of numerical ranges does not exclude equivalents outside the range that fulfill the same function in the same way to produce the same results. [Explanation of symbols]

[0342] 512 seats 514 Seat backrest 515 Rear seat seat belt 515A Shoulder belt 515B Abdominal Belt 516 Seatbelt Fastener 517 Rear seat safety buckle belt 518 Safety Buckle Belt Fastener 521 Extension Belt 521A Adjustment Buckle 522, 524 End fasteners 531 Extension Belt 531A Adjustment Buckle 532, 534 End fasteners 541 Extension Belt 542, 544 End fasteners 551 Extension Belt 551A Adjustment Buckle 552, 554 End fasteners 581 Pivot 5100 Animal transport equipment 5110 Bottom plate 5110A, 5110B long side 5111 Bottom plate opening 5113, 5114 Aperture 5120 Side panel 5121, 5122 Guide members 5140 Retaining Strip 5140A Adjustment end 5142 zipper 5150 Mounting Belt 5150A adjustment end 5151, 5152 straps 5153, 5154 Connectors 5160 Strap with fixed buckle 5162 Fixed buckle member 5170 Positioning bracket 5400 Animal transport equipment 5410 Bottom plate 5410A, 5410B long side 5410C short side 5411, 5412 Bottom plate opening 5420 Side panel 5440, 5444 Retaining Strips 5442, 5446 Zipper 5451 Main frame 5452 Connection Frame 5453, 5454 Connectors 5460, 5464 Strap with fixed buckle 5462, 5466 Fixed buckle members 5600 Animal transport equipment 5610 Bottom plate 5610A, 5610B long side 5611 Bottom plate opening 5613, 5614 Aperture 5620 Side panel 5621, 5622 Guide members 5630 Side panel 5640 Retaining Strip 5640A adjustment end 5642 zipper 5650 Mounting Belt 5650A adjustment end 5651, 5652 straps 5653, 5654 Connectors 5660 Strap with fixed buckle 5662 Fixed buckle member 5670 Positioning bracket 51000 Animal transport equipment 51013, 51014 Aperture 51020 Side panel 51021 Guide member 51040 Retaining Strip 51050 Mounting belt 51100 Animal transport equipment 51110 Bottom plate 51120 Side panel 51130 Side panel 51140 Retaining Strips 51140A Adjustment end 51142 Zipper 51151 Main frame 51152 Connection Frame 51153, 51154 Connectors 51160 Strap with fixed buckle 51162 Fixed buckle member 51200 Animal transport equipment 51200A Animal 51210 Bottom plate 51211 Bottom plate opening 51220 Side panel 51230 Side panel 51240 Retaining Strips 51240A Adjustment end 51242 zipper 51260 Strap with fixed buckle 51262 Fixed buckle member 51300 Animal transport equipment 51300A Animal 51310 Bottom plate 51320 Side panel 51330 Side panel 51340 Retaining Strips 51340A Adjustment end 51342 Zipper 51360 Strap with fixed buckle 51362 Fixed buckle member 51390 Pet Vest 51395 Central webbing 51400 Animal transport equipment 51410 Bottom plate 51411 Bottom plate opening 51413, 51414 Aperture 51420 Side panel 51421, 51422 Guide members 51430 Side panel 51440 Retaining Strip 51440A Adjustment end 51442 zipper 51450 Mounting belt 51450A Adjustment end 51451, 51452 Straps 51453, 51454 Connectors 51460 Strap with fixed buckle 51462 Fixed buckle member 51470 Positioning bracket 51800 Animal transport equipment 51813, 51814 Aperture 51820 Side panel 51821 Guide member 51840A Adjustment end 51850A Adjustment end 51900 Animal transport equipment 51913, 51914 Aperture 51920 Side panel 51921, 51922 Guide members 51940A Adjustment end 51950A Adjustment end 52000 Animal transport equipment 52010 Bottom plate 52011 Bottom plate opening 52020 Side panel 52030 Side panel 52040 Retaining Strip 52042 Zipper 52051 Main frame 52052 Connection Frame 52053, 52054 Connectors 52060 Strap with fixed buckle 52062 Fixed buckle member 52100 Animal transport equipment 52100A Animal 52110 Bottom plate 52111 Bottom plate opening 52120 Side panel 52140 Retaining Strips 52140A Adjustment end 52142 zipper 52160 Strap with fixed buckle 52162 Fixed buckle member 52190 Pet Vest 52195 Central webbing 52196 Annular member 52200 Animal Transport Equipment 52200A Animals 52210 Bottom plate 52211 Bottom plate opening 52220 Side panel 52240 Retaining Strips 52240A Adjustment end 52242 zipper 52260 Strap with fixed buckle 52262 Fixed buckle member 52290 Pet Vest 52295 Central Webbing 52300 Animal transport equipment 52300A Animal 52310 Bottom plate 52311 Bottom plate opening 52320 Side panel 52340 Retaining Strips 52340A Adjustment end 52342 zipper 52360 Strap with fixed buckle 52362 Fixed buckle member 52390 Pet Vest 52395 Central webbing 52400 Animal transport equipment 52400A Animal 52410 Bottom plate 52411 Bottom plate opening 52420 Side panel 52440 Retaining Strip 52440A Adjustment end 52442 zipper 52460 Strap with fixed buckle 52462 Fixed buckle member 52490 Pet Vest 52494 Left side belly webbing 52495 Central webbing 52496 Right shoulder webbing 52500 Animal transport equipment 52510 Bottom plate 52510A, 52510B long side 52511, 52512 Bottom plate opening 52513, 52514, 52515 aperture 52520 Side panel 52521, 52522 Guide members 52530 Side panel 52540, 52544 Retaining Strips 52540A, 52544A adjustment end 52542, 52546 Zipper 52550 Mounting belt 52550A Adjustment end 52551, 52552 Strap 52553, 52554 Connectors 52560, 52564 Strap with fixed buckle 52562, 52566 Fixed buckle members 52570 Positioning bracket 52900 Animal transport equipment 52913, 52914, 52915 Aperture 52920 Side panel 52921 Guide material 52940A, 52944A adjustment end 52950A Adjustment end 53000 Animal transport equipment 53010 Bottom plate 53020 Side panel 53030 Side panel 53040, 53044 Retaining Strips 53040A, 53044A adjustment end 53042, 53046 Zipper 53051 Main frame 53052 Connection Frame 53053, 53054 Connectors 53060, 53064 Strap with fixed buckle 53062, 53066 Fixed buckle members 53100 Animal transport equipment 53100A Animals 53110 Bottom plate 53111, 53112 Bottom plate opening 53120 Side panel 53130 Side panel 53140, 53144 Retaining Strips 53140A, 53144A Adjustment end 53142, 53146 Zipper 53160, 53164 Strap with fixed buckle 53162, 53166 Fixed buckle members 53200 Animal transport equipment 53200A Animal 53210 Bottom plate 53211, 53212 Bottom plate opening 53220 Side panel 53230 Side panel 53240, 53244 Retaining Strips 53240A, 53244A adjustment end 53242, 53246 Zipper 53260, 53264 Straps with fixed buckles 53262, 53266 Fixed buckle members 53300 Animal transport equipment 53300A Animal 53310 Bottom plate 53311, 53312 Bottom plate opening 53320 Side panel 53330 Side panel 53340, 53344 Retaining Strips 53340A, 53344A Adjustment end 53342, 53346 Zipper 53360, 53364 Strap with fixed buckle 53362, 53366 Fixed buckle members 53390 Pet Vest 53391A, 53391B Webbing 53392A, 53392B Webbing 53395 Central webbing 53399 Chest fixing sheet 53399' Fixed back seat 53400 Animal transport equipment 53410 Bottom plate 53410A, 53410B long side 53411, 53412 Bottom plate opening 53420 Side panel 53440, 53444 Retaining Strips 53442, 53446 Zipper 53448 Adjustment end 53453, 53454, 53456 Connectors 53455 Connecting Belt 53460, 53464 Strap with fixed buckle 53462, 53466 Fixed buckle members 53480 Head Guard 53488 Support rod 53490 Upper Anchor Assembly 53491, 53492 Tether 53492A Fixed Buckle 53493 Length adjuster 53494 Connection Tether 53494A Adjustment end 53495 Connection Hook 53500 Animal transport equipment 53510 Bottom plate 53510A, 53510B long side 53511, 53512 Bottom plate opening 53520 Side panel 53540, 53544 Retaining Strips 53542, 53546 Zipper 53553, 53554, 53556 Connectors 53555 Connecting Belt 53560, 53564 Strap with fixed buckle 53562, 53566 Fixed buckle members 53580 Head Guard 53588 Support rod 53590 Upper Anchor Assembly 53591, 53592 Tether 53592A Strap with Fixed Buckle 53593 Length adjuster 53594 Connection Tether 53594A Adjustment end 53595 Connection Hook 53600 Animal transport equipment 53610 Bottom plate 53610A, 53610B long side 53611, 53612 Bottom plate opening 53620 Side panel 53653, 53654, 53656 Connectors 53655 Connecting Belt 53660, 53664 Retaining Strips 53662, 53666 End Fasteners 53668 Adjustment end 53680 Head Guard 53688 Support rod 53690 Upper Anchor Assembly 53691, 53692 Tether 53692A Strap with Fixed Buckle 53693 Length adjuster 53694 Connection Tether 53694A Adjustment end 53695 Connection Hook 53700, 53700B Animal Transport Equipment 53710 Bottom plate 53711, 53712 Bottom plate opening 53718A Support rod storage groove 53718B Mounting belt storage groove 53719A, 53719B Aperture 53720, 53720B side plate 53721, 53722 Guide members 53723, 53724 Guide member 53728 Reinforcement Frame 53748 Adjustment end 53753, 53754, 53756 Connectors 53770 Positioning bracket 53790, 53790B Upper Anchor Assembly 53791, 53792 Tether 53791B, 53792B Tether 53793 Length adjuster 53794 Connection Tether 53795 Connection Hook 53796B Lateral Connecting Tether 53800 Bottom plate 53810 Central groove 53811 Adjustment device 53811A, 53811B Push Button 53813 Guide groove 53818A Support rod storage groove 53818B Storage groove 53819C Regulator opening 53851 Main frame 53852 Connection Frame 53853, 53854 Connectors 53870 Positioning bracket 53872 Connecting frame lock release member 53888 Support rod 53900 Mounting belt structure 53910 Bottom plate 53919C Mounting Belt Opening 53931~53936 Webbing guide rollers 53950 Mounting Belt 53950A Adjustment end 53951, 53952 Straps 53953, 53954 Connectors 53953A, 53954A Unlocking Webbing 53955 Joint 53972 Positioning bracket 54000 Mounting belt structure 54010 Bottom plate 54018C Mounting groove 54051, 54052 Webbing 54052A Adjustment end 54053, 54054 Connectors 54053A, 54054A Unlocking Webbing 54074 Length adjuster 54074A Side Control Unit 54100 Animal transport equipment 54110 Bottom plate 54110A, 54110B long side 54120 Side panel 54180 Head Guard 54180A Engagement structure 54200 Animal transport equipment 54210 Bottom plate 54211, 54212, 54213 Fixed trench 54220 Side panel 54221, 54222 Guide members 54224 Support cloth 54225 Pivot 54227, 54228 Guide member 54280 Head Guard 54282 Connection material 54290 Upper Anchor Assembly 54291, 54292 Tether 54293 Length adjuster 54294 Connection Tether 54295 Connection Hook 5S Animal Support Surface D1, D2 distance G1, G2 pitch

Claims

1. An animal transport device for securing an animal wearing a wearable device, comprising: The animal transport device includes a bottom plate, a side plate, and at least one pair of straps with secure buckles; the base plate provides an animal resting surface; the side panel is connected to a first long side of the bottom panel, and when viewed from a side of the animal transport device, the bottom panel and the side panel are connected to form an L-shaped structure; the at least one pair of straps with fixed buckles, one end of each strap with fixed buckles being fixed to a first position or a second position on the animal placement surface of the base plate, and the other end being connected to the wearable device; An animal transport device characterized by:

2. 1. An animal transport device comprising: the animal transport device includes a bottom plate, a side plate, and a retaining element; the base plate provides an animal mounting surface and has at least one base plate opening located at a first position on the animal mounting surface; the side panel is connected to a first long side of the bottom panel, and when viewed from a side of the animal transport device, the bottom panel and the side panel are connected to form an L-shaped structure; The retaining element includes at least one strap with a fastening buckle and at least one retaining strip; the at least one strap with a fixed buckle has one end fixed to a second position on the animal placement surface of the base plate; the at least one retaining strip extends on a surface of the base plate opposite the animal placement surface, and one end thereof extends from the at least one base plate opening and can be connected to the securing buckled strap to form a closed, fixed structure; An animal transport device characterized by:

3. the bottom plate has a first bottom plate opening and a second bottom plate opening located on the animal placement surface and separated from each other; the retaining element includes a first strap with a fastening buckle and a second strap with a fastening buckle, and a first retaining strip and a second retaining strip; The first strap with a fixing buckle and the second strap with a fixing buckle have one end each fixed to the animal placement surface of the bottom plate and are separated from each other; The first and second holding strips extend on a surface of the base plate opposite the animal placement surface, and one end of each of the first and second holding strips extends from the first and second base plate openings, respectively, and is further connected to the first and second straps with fastening buckles, respectively, to form a first and second closed and fixed structure.

3. The animal transport device of claim 2.

4. The first closed and fixed structures are parallel to each other or intersect each other at a midpoint.

4. The animal transport device of claim 3.

5. The bottom plate further includes an adjustment device provided at a bottom portion of the bottom plate for adjusting the positions of the first bottom plate opening and the second bottom plate opening.

4. The animal transport device of claim 3.

6. The adjustment device is movably provided in a central groove of the bottom plate, and can adjust the opening positions of the first bottom plate opening and the bottom plate opening on the bottom plate by moving within the central groove.

6. The animal transport device of claim 5.

7. The other end of the retaining strip is connected to a positioning fitting and exposed outside the bottom plate and the side plate.

3. The animal transport device of claim 2.

8. the retaining element includes at least one securing buckle member and at least one fastener; the at least one fixed buckle member is connected to a corresponding free end of the at least one fixed buckle strap; the at least one fastener is connected to an end of the at least one retention strip that extends from the first base plate opening; The retaining element forms the closed, secured structure by engagement of the securing buckle strap and the fastener.

3. The animal transport device of claim 2.

9. further comprising an animal head guard connected to the first short side of the base plate.

3. An animal transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. At least one of the animal head guard and the side panels is movably connected to the bottom panel.

10. The animal transport device of claim 9.

11. a support member connected to a second long side of the bottom plate opposite the first long side; 3. An animal transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The support member is a support side plate or a U-shaped support rod.

12. The animal transport device of claim 11.

13. At least one of the side panels and the support member is movably connected to the bottom panel.

13. The animal transport device of claim 12.

14. At least one of the side plates and the support member is pivotally attached to the bottom plate.

14. The animal transport device of claim 13.

15. At least one of the side plates and the support member is detachably connected to the bottom plate.

13. The animal transport device of claim 12.

16. At least one of the support side plates and the U-shaped support rod is connectable to the bottom plate.

16. The animal transport device of claim 15.

17. The side plates are movably or detachably connected to the bottom plate.

3. An animal transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

18. The side panels are pivotally connected to the bottom panel.

18. The animal transport device of claim 17.

19. and a mounting structure located on the bottom plate, the animal transport device being secured to a rear seat of a vehicle via the mounting structure.

3. An animal transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

20. The mounting structure is an ISOFIX soft connection structure, an ISOFIX rigid connection frame, or a LATCH system; 20. The animal transport device of claim 19.

21. an upper anchor assembly for further securing the animal transport device to an anchor point in the rear seat of the vehicle; the upper anchor assembly includes a first tether, a second tether, a length adjuster, a connecting tether, and a connecting hook; the first tether and the second tether have respective first and second ends; a first end of the length adjuster connected to the first ends of the first tether and the second tether; the connecting tether has a first end movably connected to a second end of the length adjuster to form an adjustable end; the connecting hook is connected to a second end of the connecting tether; The first tether and the second tether have second ends connected to the side plate or the bottom plate, respectively; the upper anchor assembly secures the animal transport device to the anchor point with the connecting hook; 21. The animal transport device of claim 20.

22. further comprising a lateral connecting tether connected between the first tether and the second tether.

22. The animal transport device of claim 21.

23. The first tether and the second tether are fastened to the side panel by fastening buckles connected to the second ends of the tethers.

22. The animal transport device of claim 21.

24. the first tether and the second tether are fixedly connected to the base plate at their respective second ends; 22. The animal transport device of claim 21.

25. the ISOFIX soft connection structure includes a Y-shaped webbing, a first connector, and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector being connected to a first end and a second end of the Y-shaped webbing, respectively, and a third end of the Y-shaped webbing being connected to a positioning fitting, and the animal transport device is fixed to an ISOFIX fixing point of the rear seat of the vehicle by the first connector and the second connector.

21. The animal transport device of claim 20.

26. a third end of the Y-shaped webbing exposed to the outside of the bottom plate and the side plate; 26. The animal transport device of claim 25.

27. The ISOFIX rigid connection frame includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector being located at both ends of the ISOFIX rigid connection frame on the side closer to the rear seat of the vehicle and being fixed to the ISOFIX fixing points of the rear seat of the vehicle.

21. The animal transport device of claim 20.

28. A plurality of storage grooves are provided on the bottom of the base plate, and the storage grooves are configured to accommodate at least one of the mounting structure, the ISOFIX soft connection structure, the ISOFIX rigid connection frame, the LATCH system, the support member, the U-shaped support rod, and the animal head guard.

21. The animal transport device of claim 20.

29. The side plate includes a reinforcing frame, the reinforcing frame having a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the side plate and fitted into the side plate.

3. An animal transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

30. the side panel includes at least one guide member located on an outer surface of the side panel, the outer surface facing away from the animal resting surface; 3. An animal transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

31. The side plate includes a U-shaped support tube connected to the bottom plate, and a support fabric sleeved onto the U-shaped support tube.

3. An animal transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

32. The animal head guard further includes a support fabric connected to the side panel.

32. The animal transport device of claim 31.

33. 1. An animal transport device comprising: the animal transport device includes a bottom and at least one side; the bottom portion provides an animal resting surface; The at least one side portion is connected to one side of the bottom portion, and one side portion is movably or detachably connected to the bottom portion. An animal transport device characterized by:

34. the animal transport device is an animal containment unit for a seat in a vehicle; the bottom is formed by a base structure, the base structure including a base having a front portion and a rear portion; the at least one side is formed by a frame structure, the frame structure being switchable between an extended state and a stowed state; the frame structure includes a front member, a rear member, and at least one intermediate support member; the front member includes a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the front member being rotatably connected to a front portion of the base, and the shape of the front member is configured to partially restrain a front of the animal containment unit and a top of the animal containment unit when the framework is in the deployed state; the rear member includes a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end of the rear member are rotatably connected to a rear portion of the base, and the shape of the rear member is configured to partially restrain a rear of the animal containment unit and a top of the animal containment unit when the framework is in the deployed state; the at least one intermediate support member includes a first end and a second end, the first end being rotatably connected to the front member or the rear member via a rotary joint, the second end of the at least one intermediate support member being attached to a corresponding portion of the frame structure to form a connection between the front member and the rear member via the at least one intermediate support member when the frame structure is in the deployed state, the second end of the at least one intermediate support member being detached from the corresponding portion of the frame structure such that the front member disconnects from the rear member and the rotary joint is rotated to a stowed position when the frame structure is transformed to the stowed state, the at least one intermediate support member being located within or flush with the front member or the rear member; 34. The animal transport device of claim 33.

35. The frame structure includes two intermediate support members, each of which includes a front intermediate support member and a rear intermediate support member that are detached via a slide actuator, the slide actuator being convertible between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the slide actuator slides onto the front intermediate support member to detach it from the rear intermediate support member, and in the second position, the slide actuator slides onto the rear intermediate support member to attach it to the rear intermediate support member.

35. The animal transport device of claim 34.

36. the slide actuator includes a first opening and a second opening for receiving a button extending out of the front intermediate support member, and in the first position, the button is received within the first opening, and in the second position, the button is received within the second opening; 36. The animal transport device of claim 35.

37. a first front rotary actuator, a second front rotary actuator, a first rear rotary actuator, and a second rear rotary actuator; the first front rotary actuator is rotatably connected to a front portion of the base on a first side; the second front rotary actuator is rotatably connected to a front portion of the base on a second side; the first rear rotary actuator is rotatably connected to a rear portion of the base on a first side; the second rear rotary actuator is rotatably connected to a rear portion of the base on a second side; 35. The animal transport device of claim 34.

38. When the at least one intermediate support member is guided to the storage position, the first front rotary actuator and the second front rotary actuator are rotated to a folded position, in which the front member is located within the base structure, or is flush with the base structure, or is flush with the rear member, and the first rear rotary actuator and the second rear rotary actuator are rotated to guide the rear member into the base structure, or is flush with the base structure, or is flush with the front member.

38. The animal transport device of claim 37.

39. the first rear rotary actuator and the second rear rotary actuator are positioned higher relative to the base than the first front rotary actuator and the second front rotary actuator, such that the rear member is flush with the top of the front member when the frame structure is in the stowed state; 38. The animal transport device of claim 37.

40. the first front rotary actuator and the second front rotary actuator are lockable in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position a front member of the frame structure extends perpendicular to the base and in the second position the front member extends parallel to the base; and the first rear rotary actuator and the second rear rotary actuator are lockable in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position a rear member of the frame structure extends perpendicular to the base and in the second position the rear member extends parallel to the base.

38. The animal transport device of claim 37.

41. the at least one intermediate support member is detachable from one of the front member or the rear member for rotation via a rotary joint and capable of remaining attached to the other of the front member or the rear member; 35. The animal transport device of claim 34.

42. the at least one intermediate support member is detached from one of the front member or the rear member via a release actuator attached to the at least one intermediate support member; 42. The animal transport device of claim 41.

43. the release actuator is capable of retracting at least one pin extending from the at least one intermediate support member from a corresponding groove in the front member or the rear member; 43. The animal transport device of claim 42.

44. the bottom portion includes a bottom plate; the at least one side portion includes a side panel, the side panel being connected to a first long side of the bottom panel, and the bottom panel and the side panel being connected to form an L-shaped structure when viewed from a side of the animal transport device.

34. The animal transport device of claim 33.

45. the at least one side portion further includes an animal head guard, the animal head guard connected to a first short side of the bottom portion, and at least one of the animal head guard and the side panel being movably connected to the bottom panel.

45. The animal transport device of claim 44.

46. the at least one side portion further includes a support member connected to a second long side of the base plate opposite the first long side.

45. The animal transport device of claim 44.

47. The support member is a support side plate or a U-shaped support rod.

47. The animal transport device of claim 46.

48. An animal transport device comprising a containment structure and a strip structure, the housing structure is used to house animals; The band-shaped structure applies a force to an upper portion of the receiving structure across the exterior of the receiving structure, thereby fixing the receiving structure to the carrier tool. An animal transport device characterized by:

49. the animal transport device is an animal containment unit for a seat in a vehicle; the housing structure is formed from a base structure and a frame structure; the base structure includes a base including a front portion and a rear portion; the frame structure includes a front member, a rear member, and a containment material; the front member is connected to a front portion of the base; the rear member is connected to a rear portion of the base; the containment material extends at least partially around the framework; The band-like structure includes a fixed belt structure, the fixed belt structure including at least a first fixed belt cross belt and a second fixed belt cross belt, each of the cross belts including a first end, the first end connected to a corresponding first anchor point defined by the base structure, the cross belts extending from the corresponding first anchor point around the exterior of the frame structure and wrapping around the front member to a corresponding second end of the cross belt, the second end of each of the cross belts being connected to a rigid connection on or near a seat of the vehicle such that the fixed belt extends around the frame structure along a desired path, the desired path being configured to restrain a pet contained in the animal containment unit.

49. The animal transport device of claim 48.

50. the front member has a first end and a second end, the first end of the front member is connected to a front portion of the base on a first side and the second end of the front member is connected to the front portion of the base on a second side, the front member of the frame structure is curved to partially confine the front of the animal containment unit and the top of the animal containment unit, the rear member has a first end and a second end, the first end of the rear member is connected to the rear portion of the base on the first side and the second end of the rear member is connected to the rear portion of the base on the second side, the rear member of the frame structure is curved to partially confine the rear of the animal containment unit and the top of the animal containment unit, the cross belt extends along the top portion of the containment material to a second end connected to a second anchor point, and the top portion of the containment material covers the top of the animal containment unit.

50. The animal transport device of claim 49.

51. The base structure further includes a base frame attached to the base, the base frame including a front member, and a first end of the fixed belt cross belt connected to the front member of the base frame inside the base.

50. The animal transport device of claim 49.

52. a first end of the fixed belt cross belt sewn to the front member of the base frame; 52. The animal transport device of claim 51.

53. the containment material includes a front containment material, the front containment material partially restricting a front of the animal containment unit and supported at least partially via a front member of the frame structure, the front portion of the containment material covering the front of the animal containment unit, the front portion of the containment material including an exterior surface and an interior surface, the animal containment unit further including a top portion of the containment material, the top portion of the containment material covering the top of the animal containment unit and supported at least partially via the front and rear members of the frame structure; 52. The animal transport device of claim 51.

54. The fixed belt cross belt is knitted through at least a portion of the front receiving material so that a portion of the cross belt is outside the outer surface of the front receiving material and another portion of the cross belt is inside the outer surface of the front receiving material; 54. The animal transport device of claim 53.

55. The cross belt is wrapped around the outer surface of the front member of the base frame.

52. The animal transport device of claim 51.

56. The frame structure further includes a first intermediate support member and a second intermediate support member, each of which has a first end connected to the front member and a second end connected to the rear member, the first intermediate support member and the second intermediate support member being located outside the outer surface of the storage material, the first fixed belt cross belt extending across the outer surface of the storage material along the first intermediate support member, and the second fixed belt cross belt extending across the outer surface of the storage material along the second intermediate support member.

50. The animal transport device of claim 49.

57. The intermediate support member of the frame structure includes an annular structure through which the fixed belt cross belt extends.

57. The animal transport device of claim 56.

58. The intermediate support members of the frame structure include a front intermediate support member and a rear intermediate support member that can be removed via a slide actuator, and the slide actuator can translate between a first position and a second position, and in the first position, the slide actuator slides onto the front intermediate support member and removes it from the rear intermediate support member, and in the second position, the slide actuator slides onto the rear intermediate support member and attaches the front intermediate support member and the rear intermediate support member, and when the slide actuator translates, a ring-shaped structure of the actuator slides onto the fixed belt cross belt.

58. The animal transport device of claim 57.

59. Further, the tether structure is included. the tether structure includes at least two cross belts, the cross belts of the tether structure including first ends connected to the rear member and second ends of the cross belts joined at a joint, the tether structure further including a single cross belt extending from the first end to the second end of the joint, and a tether latch adjustably positionable at the second end of the cross belt; the tether latch is configured to be attached to a rigid connection at or near a seat of the vehicle; 50. The animal transport device of claim 49.

60. a first end of the tether structure cross belt adjacent to a second end of the fixed belt cross belt; 60. The animal transport device of claim 59.

61. a first end of the fixed belt cross-belt connected to a rigid bracket at a rear portion of the base; 57. The animal transport device of claim 56.

62. the cross belt extends from the first end into the base structure, wraps around a front portion of the base structure, and extends outwardly from an exterior surface of the front portion of the containment material, the front portion of the containment material covering the front of the animal containment unit; 62. The animal transport device of claim 61.

63. the rigid connection located on or near the vehicle seat is a first rigid connection, and the animal containment unit further includes a latch; the latch is connected to the frame structure and configured to connect the frame structure to a second rigid connection at or near a seat of the vehicle.

50. The animal transport device of claim 49.

64. the second rigid connection portion and the first rigid connection portion are separated.

64. The animal transport device of claim 63.

65. The second ends of the first and second fixing belt cross belts are directly connected to a rigid connection on or near a seat of the vehicle.

50. The animal transport device of claim 49.

66. The storage structure includes a bottom plate and a side plate; the base plate provides an animal resting surface; the side panel is connected to a first long side of the bottom panel, and when viewed from a side of the animal transport device, the bottom panel and the side panel are connected to form an L-shaped structure; the strap-like structure includes an upper anchor assembly for securing the animal transport device to an anchor point in the rear seat of a vehicle; the upper anchor assembly includes a first tether, a second tether, a length adjuster, a connecting tether, and a connecting hook; the first tether and the second tether have respective first and second ends; a first end of the length adjuster connected to a first end of each of the first tether and the second tether; the connecting tether has a first end movably connected to a second end of the length adjuster to form an adjustable end; the connecting hook is connected to a second end of the connecting tether; The first tether and the second tether have second ends connected to the side plate or the bottom plate, respectively; the upper anchor assembly secures the animal transport device to the anchor point with the connecting hook; 49. The animal transport device of claim 48.

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