Travel crate

Abstract

A travel crate includes a first tray and a second tray with a wall connected between the first tray and the second tray. The trays and the wall define an interior space that can receive an animal. A structural frame is provided in the interior space. The crate is selectively manipulatable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration and includes at least one connectivity aspect in communication with a remote device to enable user monitoring of the crate via a user interface on the remote device. The at least one connectivity aspect may include video monitoring, two-way audio communication, temperature monitoring, location tracking, temperature adjustment aspects, and others.

Description

TRAVEL CRATEBACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to a travel crate, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a travel crate for animals that includes monitoring and tracking functionality, among other aspects.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Travel crates for the transport of animals are known. Common travel crates include either hard or soft walls, depending on the intended type of travel and the size of the animal. There are a number of deficiencies and disadvantages with known travel crates, and particularly for larger crates intended for use with air travel for dogs. When a larger dog travels by air, the dog is usually loaded in a hard walled crate and placed in a hold underneath the cabin of the aircraft because the crate is too large for the cabin. While the hold may be heated, there remain concerns with the overall comfort of the dog and whether the temperature is appropriate. Such concerns are pronounced if the crate is placed outside for prolonged periods before and after loading into the hold, in which case, the dog could be exposed to extreme weather conditions. Further, there have been reports of travel crates with animals inside that are misplaced by airport staff, which causes concern for the owner and poses substantial risk for the animal. Known travel crates also do not have any methods of monitoring or interacting with an animal during travel, and are often large, bulky, and difficult to maneuver before, during, and after travel.

[0003] As a result, it would be beneficial to have a travel crate that overcomes the above deficiencies and disadvantages with known travel crates.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to travel crates for animals, such as cats, dogs, and others. The travel crate includes trays, walls, and a structural frame that are selectively manipulatable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, an interior space of the crate is expanded to provide more space for the animal. In the collapsed configuration, the frame and walls arecollapsed and the trays are brought into contact. Various fasteners and the like can be used to secure the trays in the collapsed configuration with the walls and the structural frame stored inside the collapsed crate for ease of transport. A volume of the crate may be significantly reduced in the collapsed configuration to make the crate easier to transport when not in use.

[0005] The travel crate may further include monitoring and connectivity aspects, among other functionality described herein, to enable additional user interaction and peace of mind while traveling. For example, the travel crate may include a temperature sensor and / or temperature adjustment elements to monitor and change a temperature in an interior space of the travel crate in order to address concerns with an animal being too hot or too cold while traveling. Such functionality is particularly advantageous in situations where a plane may be delayed or an animal may be outside, prior to loading into a hold of the plane, for prolong periods in extreme weather. The crate may also alert a user if a temperature inside the crate is unsafe. Embodiments further include a camera in the crate to enable live video monitoring of the animal over various communication protocols via a user interface presented to a user. The camera and / or crate may also include a microphone / speaker to enable two-way communication over various communication protocols with the animal in the interior space of the crate via the user interface. A user can speak with the animal and / or listen to the interior space of the crate to ensure the wellbeing of the animal. The crate may also include a removable and rechargeable location tracking device to ensure the crate is not misplaced during travel.

[0006] Other embodiments and functionality are contemplated herein and will be described in additional detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following figures, which are for illustrative purposes only. The non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like labels refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The figures do not describe every aspect of the teachings disclosed herein and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0008] Figure l is a perspective view of an embodiment of a travel crate in an expanded configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A is a cut-away view of the travel crate of Figure 1 illustrating variations of a structural frame of the travel crate.

[0010] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 1 illustrating monitoring and connectivity aspects of the travel crate.

[0011] Figure 3 A is a perspective view of the travel crate of Figure 1 illustrating the crate in a collapsed configuration.

[0012] Figure 3B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the travel crate in a collapsed configuration.

[0013] Figure 4 is a system diagram of an embodiment of a controller capable of implementing at least some techniques described in the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 is an array of views of an embodiment of a travel crate according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the present disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the presently disclosed systems and methods readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the assistance of this disclosure.

[0016] Each of the features and teachings disclosed herein can be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide detection devices, systems, and methods. Representative examples utilizing many of these additional features and teachings, both separately and in combination, are described in further detail with reference to the attached figures. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Therefore, combinations of features disclosed in the detailed description may not be necessary to practice the teachings in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to describe particularly representative examples of the present teachings.

[0017] Moreover, the various features of the representative examples and the dependent claims may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings. It is also expressly noted that all value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter. It is also expressly noted that the dimensions and the shapes of thecomponents shown in the figures are designed to help understand how the present teachings are practiced, but are not intended to limit the dimensions and the shapes shown in the examples in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the dimensions and the shapes of the components shown in the figures are exactly to scale and intended to limit the dimensions and the shapes of the components.

[0018] Beginning with Figure 1, illustrated therein is one or more embodiments of a travel crate 100 or crate 100 in an expanded configuration that may correspond to a use configuration. The crate 100 includes a first or lower tray 102 and a second or upper tray 104. The first tray 102 may be a base and the second tray 104 may be a roof of the crate 100. The first and second trays 102, 104 define bottom and top end faces of the crate 100 in some embodiments and may be formed from a hard plastic material, such as rotomolded plastic, that is resistant to damage during travel. Other suitable materials can be selected for the trays 102, 104 in additional embodiments. The crate 100 further includes a plurality of walls 106 that extend between the trays 102, 104 and generally enclose the crate 100 to define an interior space within the crate 100 for housing an animal. The walls 106 may define respect side end faces (i.e., front, back, left, and right side end faces) of the crate 100 in the expanded configuration. The plurality of walls 106 may be implemented as sidewalls formed of a suitable material, such as fabric, mesh, and other like materials. Preferably, and as described further below, the walls 106 are collapsible to reduce an overall size of the crate 100 in a collapsed or storage configuration.

[0019] The plurality of walls 106 may include vents 108 implemented as a plurality of openings through the walls 106 that provide airflow to the interior space of the crate 100 for the benefit of the animal in the crate 100. In some embodiments, each wall 106 includes at least one vent 108. The number, size, and arrangement of the vents 108 may generally be selected according to various factors. Further, the plurality of vents 108 may be arranged in groups or otherwise grouped together to generally define a selected number of windows that allow a user to see inside the crate 100 to check on the animal. The crate 100 may also include flaps 107 that can selectively be open or closed to expose or conceal the interior of the crate 100. The flaps 107 are illustrated with dash lines to indicate they are an optional feature of the crate 100. The flaps 107 may be the same material as the walls 106 or a different material and may be manipulatable between the open and closed positions via a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, buttons or snaps, and other like removable coupling devices. Further, the flaps 107 may be integral with the walls 106 as a single, unitary component or may be a separate layer of fabric that is coupled to the walls 106. The flaps 107 can be closed to assist in reducingoverstimulation of pets in new and unfamiliar environments and / or prevent unwanted access to pets or opened to increase air flow and circulation to the crate 100 and to allow a user to look inside the crate 100 to check on the animal. A front wall 110 (or front end face 110) of the plurality of walls 106 of the crate 100 may include a door 112 that selectively provides access to the interior space of the crate 100. The door 112 may provide such selective access through a number of different arrangements, such as at least hinges, latches, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. Preferably, the door 112 is secured with a zipper or other collapsible fastener so that the front wall 110 is collapsible while also being secure to keep the animal inside the crate 100 during travel.

[0020] Figure 2A is a perspective cut-away view of the travel crate 100. As noted above, the crate 100 includes a hollow interior space 114 to receive an animal. The interior space 114 is bounded by the trays 102, 104 and the walls 106 in the expanded configuration to create an enclosed space for an animal that is selectively accessible by the door 112. The crate 100 is supported in the expanded configuration by a structural frame 116. The crate 100 is preferably collapsible such that the structural frame 116 is likewise preferably collapsible or otherwise capable of being reduced in size. The structural frame 116 is illustrated with dashed lines in the main image of Figure 2A to represent that there are a number of different configurations of frames 116 that may be suitable for selection and inclusion in the crate 100, including those not shown and described herein. A few representative, non-limiting examples of suitable frames 116 are included below the main image of Figure 2 A.

[0021] In a first non-limiting example, the structural frame 116 may include telescoping frame elements 118A that are securable to each other with brackets, fasteners, and the like to form the structural frame 116. The frame elements 118A include telescoping tubes or rods 120A selectively securable in an expanded or collapsed configuration by one or more pins 122 A. In the expanded configuration, the tubes 120 A can be locked into place by the pins 122 A. To manipulate the frame elements 118A to the collapsed configuration, the pin 120 can be removed or depressed and the tubes 120 A can collapse into themselves in a telescoping manner.

[0022] Another possibility for the structural frame 116 are rotating or hinged frame elements, such as frame elements 118B and / or 118C. Beginning with the frame element 118B, the frame element 118B may include arms 120B rotatably connected to each other by a hinge 122B. Outer ends of the arms 120B may also be rotatably secured to other frame elements 118B and / or the crate 100 with hinges 122B. The hinges 122B may include a locking device such that the hinges 122B can be locked to hold the frame element 118B in the expanded configurationand unlocked to manipulate the frame element 118B to a collapsed configuration in which the frame element 118B lies flat with the arms 120B overlapping each other. Turning to frame element 118C, the frame element 118C may likewise include arms 120C and hinges 122C, except the frame element 118C is an “x frame” or “scissor frame” where the arms 120C are joined together in the middle of the respective arm 120C by one of the hinges 122C to form an “X” shape in the expanded configuration. Outer ends of the arms 120C are attached to opposite corners of a remainder of the structural frame 116 and / or opposite comers of the crate 100. The hinges 122C may likewise include locking and unlocking functionality to hold the frame element 118C in the expanded configuration and enable selective manipulation the frame element 118C to the collapsed configuration.

[0023] Yet a further option is frame element 118D, which includes tubes or rods 120D that are selectively secured to each other end to end and thus may be referred to as interlocking frame elements 118D. One of the tubes 120D is inserted a selected distance into a successive tube 120D and prevented from being further inserted by a stop or other structure. The tubes 120D may be joined together by a cord 122D to prevent the tubes 120D from separating from each other in the collapsed configuration, although the cord 122D is optional. The tubes 120D are held in the expanded configuration by the overall structural frame 116 and the weight of the crate 100. The tubes 120D can be removed from the other tubes 120D (i.e., disassembled by pulling the tubes 120D apart) to manipulate the frame element 118D to the collapsed configuration. The frame elements 118D may be secured to each other with brackets, fasteners, and the like to form the structural frame 116, or may be attached directly to the crate 100. For example, the crate 100 may include sleeves, pockets, brackets, fasteners, and the like for receiving ends of the frame elements 118D.

[0024] As will be appreciated from the above, a number of different arrangements and configurations of the structural frame 116 are suitable for inclusion in the crate 100. While such frame 116 is preferably collapsible to enable the functionality of the crate 100 described herein, the same is not necessarily required and the frame 116 could be permanently fixed in the crate 100 in the expanded configuration in some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the crate 100 along line A-A in Figure 1. The crate 100 may include a bed or pad 124 received in the first or lower tray 102 that is intended to provide a comfortable place for the animal to lay while in the crate 100. The bed 124 may be removable to facilitate cleaning, among other advantages. In some embodiments, the bed 124 and / or the crate 100 include one or more temperature sensors 126 that interfaces with acontroller 128 to provide monitoring of a temperature of the animal on the bed 124 and / or a temperature in the internal space 114 of the crate 100. While the temperature sensor 126 is illustrated as being within the bed 126, it is to be appreciated that the number, location, and arrangement of the one or more temperature sensors 126 may be selected. For example, the crate 100 may include only one temperature sensor 126 along any portion of the trays 102, 104 and / or walls 106, or only in the bed 124, and / or one or more temperature sensors 124 in multiple locations of the crate 100 and / or bed 126. Further, the crate 100 may include one or more temperature adjustment elements 130 between the bed 126 and the first tray 102, as shown in the detail view of Figure 2B. The temperature adjustment elements 130 may be heating elements, such as electrical resistors and others that receive instructions from the controller 128 to increase a temperature of the bed 124 and / or the crate 100 generally based on detected temperatures from the one or more temperature sensors 126. Alternatively, the temperature adjustment elements 130 may be cooling elements, such as tubes for flow of cooling fluid (i.e., air or water) to lower a temperature of the bed 124 and / or the crate 100. In some embodiments, the temperature adjustment elements include a combination of both heating and cooling elements described above, such as through the flow of hot or cool water or hot or cool air, among other suitable fluids. While the temperature adjustment elements 130 may preferably be below the bed 124 (i.e., between the bed 124 and the first tray 102), the temperature adjustment elements 130 may be selected for inclusion in the crate 100 at a different location, such as any location described above with reference to the one or more temperature sensors 126.

[0026] The crate 100 may further include a camera 132 mounted in a selected location in the crate 100, and preferably on the second tray 104 or roof 104 of the crate 100 such that a field of view of the camera 132 is directed toward the interior space 114 and the animal in the interior space 114. The camera 132 may be in communication with the controller 128 to enable monitoring (i.e., video) of the animal in the interior space 114 through a user interface, as further described below. In an embodiment, the crate 100 further includes a speaker / microphone 134 located at a selected location in the crate 100, and preferably in communication with the interior space 114. The speaker / microphone 134 may be in communication with the controller 128 to enable a user to speak to an animal in the interior space 114 and / or to hear sounds in the interior space 114. Still further, the controller 128 may be configured to cause the speaker / microphone 134 to emit an audible alarm or alert to indicate that the interior environment of the crate 100 is not suitable nor safe for an animal. The controller 128 may be further configured to cause the speaker / microphone 134 to emit sounds corresponding to a status or other characteristic of thecrate 100 (i.e., power ON and OFF, connectivity status or instructions, etc.) As a result, the speaker / microphone 134 preferably enables two-way communication with the interior space 114. In some aspects, the speaker / microphone 134 may be incorporated into the camera 132 as a single, integral, unitary device. Still further, the camera 132 may include the one or more temperature sensors 126 either with or without the speaker microphone 134 as a single, unitary, integral device. Alternatively, the speaker / microphone 134 may be separate from the camera 132. The speaker / microphone 134 may also be a single, integral, unitary device or separate devices (i.e., a separate speaker and separate microphone).

[0027] The crate 100 may also include a removable plate or cover 136 in at least one of the first and / or second tray 102, 104 to selectively provide access to a recess or pocket 138. The recess or pocket 138 is designed to receive a rechargeable tracking device 140 to enable at least location tracking and / or position monitoring of the crate 100. In a non-limiting example, the rechargeable tracking device 140 may be a PEBBLEBEE® tracking device that enables location tracking with global range. Other suitable tracking devices 140 may also be selected. The rechargeable tracking device 140 interfaces with the controller 128 to provide tracking information to a user through a user interface, as described herein. The plate or cover 136 can be removed to selectively provide access to the tracking device 140 for charging, repair, or replacement. The crate 100 may also include more than one plate or cover 136 and associated pocket 138 for receiving multiple tracking devices 140 in the event of a malfunction of one of the tracking devices 140 during travel. In other instances, a tracking device may be integrated into the crate 100 and charging may be provided by a suitable external charging adapter.

[0028] Figure 3 A is a perspective view of the travel crate 100 illustrating the crate 100 in a collapsed configuration. With reference to Figure 3 A and continuing reference to Figure 2A, the structural frame 116 and the walls 106 are preferably collapsible to enable the trays 102, 104 to come into contact and be secured to each other in the collapsed configuration. More specifically, the structural frame 116 is dissembled or collapsed as described above with reference to Figure 2A, in which case, the second tray 104 can be moved toward the first tray 102 while folding, rolling, or otherwise storing the walls 106 inside the interior space 114 until the second tray 104 is in contact with the first tray 102. In an embodiment, the structural frame 116 may be stored inside the crate 100 (i.e., in the interior space 114) in the collapsed configuration of the frame 116 and the crate 116 for ease of transport. Once the second tray 104 is in contact with the first tray 102, the trays 102, 104 can be secured together with latches 142 orother fasteners to secure the second tray 104 to the first tray 102 and hold the crate 100 in the collapsed configuration.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3 A, in the collapsed configuration, the crate 100 has a significantly reduced size and volume relative to the expanded configuration. In an embodiment, a volume of the crate 100 in the collapsed configuration is less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, or less than 20% of the volume of the crate 100 in the expanded configuration. The reduction in size and volume in the collapsed configuration significantly improves ease of transport when the crate 100 is not in use. The crate 100 may also include one or more handles 144 coupled to either or both of the trays 102, 104 on selected sides of the trays 102, 104 to further facilitate transport of the crate 100 in the collapsed configuration. Thus, in the collapsed configuration, the crate 100 may be similar to a briefcase or carry bag and may have a size that is suitable for storage in an overhead bin or other common luggage storage areas.

[0030] The present disclosure also contemplates other fasteners for securing the crate 100 in the collapsed configuration. For example, in Figure 3B, the travel crate 100 includes a zipper 146 for selectively securing the trays 102, 104 to each other in the collapsed configuration. To manipulate the crate 100 to the expanded configuration, the above steps are reversed, namely, the latches 142 and / or zipper 146 are released, the second tray 104 is moved away from the first tray 102 to extend the walls 106, and the structural frame 116 is assembled to secure the crate 100 in the expanded configuration.

[0031] Figure 4 is a system diagram of an embodiment of the controller 128 that is capable of implementing at least some techniques described in the present disclosure. The controller 128 includes a processor 148, for example a microprocessor, digital signal processor, programmable gate array (PGA) or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller 128 includes one or more non-transitory storage mediums, for example memory 150. Memory may include one or more of read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), Flash memory, or other physical computer- or processor-readable storage media in communication with the processor 148. The non-transitory storage mediums 150 may store instructions and / or data used by the processor 148 and the controller 128 generally, for example an operating system (OS) and / or applications. The instructions as executed by the processor 148 may execute logic to perform the functionality of the various implementations or techniques of the devices and systems described herein.

[0032] The controller 128 may further include a user interface 152 that may include a display, for instance a touch panel display. The touch panel display (e.g., LCD or LED withtouch sensitive overlay) may provide both an input and an output interface. The touch panel display may present a graphical user interface, with various user selectable icons, menus, check boxes, dialog boxes, and other components and elements selectable by the end user to set operational states or conditions of the travel crate 100. The user interface 152 may also include one or more auditory transducers, for example one or more speakers and / or microphones. Such may allow audible alert notifications or signals to be provided to a user. Such may additionally, or alternatively, allow a user to provide audible commands or instructions. The user interface 152 may include additional components and / or different components than those illustrated or described, and / or may omit some components.

[0033] The controller 128 may also include a communication component 154 that facilitates communication between the controller 128 and the devices described herein. For example, the communication component 154 may include one or more communications modules or components which facilitate communications with various components of one or more external devices, such as a personal computing device, mobile device, server, and aspects of the travel crate 100 described herein. The communication component 154 may provide wireless or wired communications to the one or more external devices and may include wireless receivers, wireless transmitters and / or wireless transceivers to provide wireless signal paths to the various remote components or systems of the one or more paired devices. The communication component 154 may, for example, include transmitters, receivers, and / or transceivers enabling short range (e.g., via Bluetooth®, BLE (“Bluetooth® low energy”), near field communication (NFC), or radio frequency identification (RFID) components and protocols) or longer range wireless communications (e.g., over a wireless LAN, Low-Power-Wide- Area Network (LPWAN), satellite, or cellular network) and may include one or more modems or one or more Ethernet or other types of communications cards or components for doing so. The communication component 154 may include one or more bridges or routers suitable to handle network traffic including switched packet type communications protocols (TCP / IP), Ethernet or other networking protocols.

[0034] In an embodiment, the controller 128 is a mobile device (i.e., smart phone, tablet, etc.) of a user that is in communication with aspects of the travel crate 100. The controller 128 may instead be a remote computing device in communication with a mobile device of a user over one or more servers or network communication protocols in some embodiments. The controller 128 is in communication with the temperature sensors 126, temperature adjustment elements 130, camera 132, microphone / speaker 134, and / or tracking device 140 of the travel crate 100.The memory 150 stores instruction that, when executed by the processor 148, cause the devices above to activate, collect, and transmit data to the controller 128 via the communication component 154. The data is then represented to a user on the user interface 152. For example, the user may select a button or actuator on the user interface 152 to activate the camera 132, in which case, the processor 148 executes instructions stored in memory 150 to activate the camera 132. The camera 132 transmits data (i.e., video) the controller 128 via the communication component 154 for display on the user interface 152. Other techniques described herein may function similarly, such as at least the microphone / speaker 134 and / or temperature adjustment elements 130 and / or tracking device 140.

[0035] In an embodiment, certain techniques are continuously performed rather than performed in response to selection by a user. For example, when the controller 128 is activated (i.e., user interface 152 is displayed to a user), the temperature sensors 126 may continuously collect and transmit real-time temperature data without a further input by the user for display on the user interface 152. The temperature may also be provided at the request of the user in some embodiments, similar to the technique described above. The controller 128 may also provide alerts to a user, such as through the user interface 152, if certain threshold values are exceeded. For example, if the detected temperature in the interior space 114 of the crate 100 is determined by the temperature sensors 126 to be above a predetermined threshold, such as 85 degrees F in a non-limiting example, the controller 128 may issue an audible or haptic alert to the user via the user interface 152. In some embodiments, the camera 132 is also equipped with motion sensors and the controller 128 will provide an alert of motion in the interior space 114 via the user interface 152.

[0036] Still further, certain techniques described above may be automated. For example, if the temperature is detected to be above the predetermined threshold temperature, the controller 128 may automatically execute instructions stored in memory 150 via processor 148 to activate the temperature adjustment elements to provide cooling (or heating, if the temperature is below a predetermined threshold). Many other configurations are possible.

[0037] The controller 128 may also be in communication with various external devices 156, such as other mobile devices, remote computing devices, networks, and the like. The present disclosure also contemplates additional sensors and external devices that may not be described in detail above, such as at least oxygen sensors to ensure adequate oxygen in the interior space 114, air quality sensors and / or contaminant or toxin sensors (i.e., chemical sensors) that measure air quality in the interior space 114 and ensure an absence of potentially harmfulchemicals and toxins in the air provided to the interior space 114, heart rate or heart beat sensors for the animal, humidity sensors, lights or light arrays, accelerometers to determine if the crate 100 undergoes harmful motion, heat sensors, decibel level sensors, air quality sensors, and the like. Overall, the sensors described herein preferably monitor and determine environmental conditions inside the crate 100 with the controller 128 operable to trigger or issue alerts, via the sensors and other devices described herein, when environmental conditions inside the crate 100 exceed preselected thresholds corresponding to a safe or unsafe environment for an animal.

[0038] In an embodiment, the external devices 156 include at least a light or light array that is visible from an exterior of the crate 100 (whether positioned inside the crate 100 or on an external surface of the crate 100) to provide an alert and indicate to a user that the interior environment of the crate 100 is not suitable or safe for an animal. The controller 128 may store instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor 148, cause the lights to flash, strobe, or remain constantly in an ON condition, among other options, as a warning signal to users of the interior condition of the crate 100. The lights may also be always ON, with the controller 128 further configured to change a color of the light based on the condition in the crate 100 and / or of the status of the crate 100 generally. For example, the controller 128 may initiate, via the light(s) and / or processor 148, the emission of white light to indicate crate 100 has been powered ON, emission of green light to indicate that interior environment is determined to be safe by the controller 128 and associated sensors, and emission of red light to indicate that the interior environment is not safe. The light and / or light array may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), microLEDs, organic light-emitting diodes, or any other light device.

[0039] In an embodiment, the controller 128 is associated with the crate 100 and in communication with a user’s mobile device. Alerts issued by the controller 128 via the devices and functions described herein may be communicated, preferably wirelessly, to the user’s mobile device via a corresponding mobile application software installed on the device, via text or message alerts, and / or via phone notifications, electronic mail, telephone call, and others. Such communications may be delivered from the controller 128 to the user’s mobile device over a WiFi network or the controller 128 and the mobile device may be isolated in an ecosystem that does not rely on Wi-Fi via Bluetooth or other proximity-based communication protocols, including those described herein and others.

[0040] It is to be further appreciated that the crates 100 described herein can be manufactured in various sizes and may be useful for traveling with different types of animalsdepending on the size of the crate 100. The techniques disclosed herein can also be applied outside of the crate or travel crate context to other technologies.

[0041] Figure 5 is an array of views of an embodiment of a travel crate 200 according to the present disclosure. The crate 200 may be similar to the crate 100, except as otherwise noted. Thus, repetitive description is omitted. The crate 200 may include sidewalls 202 that have internal frame elements or another construction that enables folding of the sidewall 202 in an accordion manner. Such an arrangement increases support and rigidity in the expanded configuration, while still allowing the sidewalls to collapse into minimal space in the collapsed configuration. Further, the crate 200 may include a telescoping handle 204 that is selectively manipulatable by a user between an extended position to assist with pushing or pulling the crate 200 and a collapsed position to reduce space. The crate 200 may also include one or more fixed handles 206 that assist with lifting and / or otherwise manipulating the crate 200. The fixed handles 206 may be coupled to an upper or lower tray or support of the crate 200, such as shown in Figure 5.

[0042] The crate 200 may also include castors and / or wheels 208. The castors 208 may be permanently affixed to the crate 200 flush with the crate 200 or extending from the crate 200, be retractable castors that fit flush with the crate 200 in a locked or retracted position and can be unlocked and / or popped out and / or extended by a mechanical mechanism actuated by the user, or may be removable castors that selectively add rolling functionality. Where the castors 208 are removable castors, they may be attached by any one of a number of different fasteners and fastening devices, systems, and methods. In an embodiment, the crate 200 includes a removable cap or door that exposes attachment points where the castors 208 may be removably installed on the crate 200. Further, the castors 208 may be located at any one, or all, of four corners and / or sides of the crate 200.

[0043] When the crate 200 is in the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration, the castors 208 enable rolling mobility with the assistance of the telescoping handle 204 and / or fixed handle 206. In an embodiment, in the expanded configuration, the castors 208 are positioned at all four comers of the crate 200 and the castors 208 and associated attachments are designed to withstand the weight of an animal while mobile. For example, the castors 208 and associated attachments, such as the coupling devices for attaching the castors 208 to the crate 200, may be designed to withstand or support at least 100 pounds, at least 150 pounds, at least 200 pounds or more of weight. The castors 208 may also be made of adampening material in whole or in part or have a dampening system, such as shocks and the like, to absorb excessive vibration during use that may negatively impact an animal in the crate.

[0044] It will be appreciated that computing systems and devices disclosed herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The systems and / or devices may instead each include multiple interacting computing systems or devices, and may be connected to other devices that are not specifically illustrated, including via Bluetooth communication or other direct communication, through one or more networks such as the Internet, via the Web, or via one or more private networks (e.g., mobile communication networks, etc.). More generally, a device or other computing system may comprise any combination of hardware that may interact and perform the described types of functionality, optionally when programmed or otherwise configured with particular software instructions and / or data structures, including without limitation desktop or other computers e.g., tablets, slates, etc.), database servers, network storage devices and other network devices, smart phones and other cell phones, consumer electronics, wearable devices, biometric monitoring devices, Internet appliances, and various other consumer products that include appropriate communication capabilities. In addition, the functionality provided by the systems disclosed herein may in some embodiments be distributed in various modules. Similarly, in some embodiments, some of the disclosed functionality may not be provided and / or other additional functionality may be available. In addition, in certain implementations various functionality of the system may be provided by third-party partners of an operator of the system. For example, data collected by the system may be provided to a third party for analysis and / or metric generation.

[0045] It will also be appreciated that, while various items are described as being stored in memory or on storage while being used, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of the software modules and / or systems may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computing systems via inter-computer communication. Thus, in some embodiments, some or all of the described techniques may be performed by hardware means that include one or more processors and / or memory and / or storage when configured by one or more software programs and / or data structures, such as by execution of software instructions of the one or more software programs and / or by storage of such software instructions and / or data structures. Furthermore, in some embodiments, some or all of the systems and / or modules may be implemented or providedin other manners, such as by consisting of one or more means that are implemented at least partially in firmware and / or hardware (e.g., rather than as a means implemented in whole or in part by software instructions that configure a particular CPU or other processor), including, but not limited to, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), standard integrated circuits, controllers (e.g., by executing appropriate instructions, and including microcontrollers and / or embedded controllers), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc. Some or all of the modules, systems and data structures may also be stored (e.g., as software instructions or structured data) on a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as a hard disk or flash drive or other non-volatile storage device, volatile or non-volatile memory (e.g., RAM or flash RAM), a network storage device, or a portable media article (e.g., a DVD disk, a CD disk, an optical disk, a flash memory device, etc.) to be read by an appropriate drive or via an appropriate connection. The systems, modules and data structures may also in some embodiments be transmitted via generated data signals (e.g., as part of a carrier wave or other analog or digital propagated signal) on a variety of computer-readable transmission mediums, including wireless-based and wired / cable-based mediums, and may take a variety of forms (e.g., as part of a single or multiplexed analog signal, or as multiple discrete digital packets or frames). Such computer program products may also take other forms in other embodiments. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced with other computer system configurations.

[0046] In the above description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures associated with detection systems, devices, and methods have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptions of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Certain words and phrases used in the specification are set forth as follows. As used throughout this document, including the claims, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless indicated otherwise. Any of the features and elements described herein may be singular, e.g., a die may refer to one die. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with,have, have a property of, or the like. Other definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this disclosure.

[0048] The use of ordinals such as first, second, third, etc., does not necessarily imply a ranked sense of order, but rather may only distinguish between multiple instances of an act or a similar structure or material.

[0049] Throughout the specification, claims, and drawings, the following terms take the meaning explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “herein” refers to the specification, claims, and drawings associated with the current application. The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” and other derivatives thereof refer to one or more features, structures, functions, limitations, or characteristics of the present disclosure, and are not limited to the same or different embodiments unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the phrases “A or B, or both” or “A or B or C, or any combination thereof,” and lists with additional elements are similarly treated. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional features, functions, aspects, or limitations not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include singular and plural references.

[0050] Generally, unless otherwise indicated, the materials for making the invention and / or its components may be selected from appropriate materials such as composite materials, ceramics, plastics, metal, polymers, thermoplastics, elastomers, plastic compounds, and the like and may include one or more additives, such as light blocking additives or others to reduce transparency or translucence.

[0051] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature and formula to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It should be apparent to those of skill in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments and its practical application, thereby enabling others of skill in the art to utilize the disclosed embodiments, and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and those of skill in the art recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

[0052] The terms “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” and other like derivatives are used only for discussion purposes based on the orientation of the components in the Figures of the present disclosure. These terms are not limiting with respect to the possible orientations explicitly disclosed, implicitly disclosed, or inherently disclosed in the present disclosure and unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, any of the aspects of the embodiments of the disclosure can be arranged in any orientation.

[0053] As used herein, the term “substantially” is construed to include an ordinary error range or manufacturing tolerance due to slight differences and variations in manufacturing. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, relative terms such as “approximately,” “substantially,” and other derivatives, when used to describe a value, amount, quantity, or dimension, generally refer to a value, amount, quantity, or dimension that is within plus or minus 5% of the stated value, amount, quantity, or dimension. It is to be further understood that any specific dimensions of components or features provided herein are for illustrative purposes only with reference to the various embodiments described herein, and as such, it is expressly contemplated in the present disclosure to include dimensions that are more or less than the dimensions stated, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of a disclosed embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 518,405, filed August 9, 2023, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device, comprising: a crate, including: a first tray; a second tray; a wall connected between the first tray and the second tray; an interior space between the first tray, the second tray, and the wall; and a structural frame in the interior space, the structural frame coupleable to the first tray and second tray, wherein the crate is selectively manipulatable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and wherein the crate includes at least one connectivity aspect in communication with a remote device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one connectivity aspect includes a camera configured to enable real time video monitoring of the interior space via a user interface on the remote device.

3. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connectivity aspect includes a speaker configured to enable voice communication with the interior space via a user interface on the remote device.

4. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connectivity aspect includes a microphone configured to enable audio monitoring of the interior space via a user interface on the remote device.

5. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connectivity aspect includes a temperature sensor configured to enable temperature monitoring of the interior space via a user interface on the remote device.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the at least one connectivity aspect further includes one or more temperature adjustment elements configured to adjust a temperature of the interior space.

7. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connectivity aspect includes a speaker configured to issue an audible alert in response to a determination that an interior environment of the crate exceeds a safety threshold for an animal.

8. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connectivity aspect includes a location tracking device configured to enable location monitoring and tracking of the crate via a user interface on the remote device.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the location tracking device is removable, or rechargeable, or both.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first tray and the second tray includes a pocket structured to receive the location tracking device and a door coupled to the at least one of the first tray and the second tray to selectively provide access to the pocket.

11. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the crate further includes a bed or pad received in one of the first tray and the second tray.

12. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the crate further includes a door through at least a portion of the wall to selectively provide access to the interior space.

13. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wall of the crate further includes at least one vent to provide airflow to the interior space.

14. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first tray and the second tray are a hard, rigid material and the wall is a flexible material to facilitate manipulation between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration.

15. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first tray and the second tray includes a handle to assist with carrying the crate in at least the collapsed configuration.

16. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of the crate in the collapsed configuration is at least 50% less than a volume of the crate in the expanded configuration.

17. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the crate further includes a controller including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, assist with implementing the at least one connectivity aspect with the remote device.

18. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the remote device is a mobile device.

19. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the structural frame includes frame elements, the frame elements being at least one of telescoping frame elements, rotatable frame elements, and interlocking frame elements selectively manipulatable between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration.

20. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wall and the structural frame are stored inside the crate in the collapsed configuration.

21. A device, comprising: a crate having an interior space, the crate selectively manipulatable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the interior space has a reduced volume in the collapsed configuration relative to the expanded configuration, wherein the crate includes at least one connectivity aspect in communication with a remote device, and wherein the at least one connectivity aspect is at least one of: a camera configured to enable real time video monitoring of the interior space via a user interface on the remote device; a speaker configured to enable voice communication with the interior space via the user interfaceor to issue an audible alert in response to a determination that the interior space exceeds a safety threshold for an animal; a microphone configured to enable audio monitoring of the interior space via the user interface; a speaker and microphone combination configured to enable two- way communication with the interior space via the user interface; a temperature sensor configured to enable temperature monitoring of the interior space via the user interface; one or more temperature adjustment elements configured to adjust a temperature of the interior space; a location tracking device configured to enable locating monitoring and tracking of the crate via the user interface; a decibel level sensor configured to issue an alert in response to a decibel level in the interior space exceeding a selected threshold; and an air quality sensor configured to issue an alert in response to air quality in the interior space exceed a selected threshold.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the crate includes a first rigid tray and a second rigid tray and sidewalls extending between the first rigid tray and the second rigid tray.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the first rigid tray and second rigid tray are configured to maintain their shape in the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration, and wherein the sidewalls are configured to collapse and extend between the collapsed configuration and expanded configuration, respectively.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the sidewalls are configured to collapse in an accordion manner.

25. The device of claim 23, wherein the sidewalls include collapsible frame elements.

26. The device of claim 21, wherein the crate includes a retractable handle or a fixed handle, or both.

27. The device of claim 21, wherein the crate further includes wheels to enable rolling movement of the crate in the collapsed configuration or the expanded configuration.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein the wheels enable rolling movement in both the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration.

29. The device of claim 27, wherein the wheels are at least one of fixed wheels, retractable or extendable wheels, and removable wheels.

30. The device of claim 27, wherein the wheels are flush with an outer surface of the crate.

31. The device of claim 27, wherein the wheels extend from an outer surface of the crate.

32. The device of claim 21, wherein the crate includes a plurality of air vents configured to allow air to enter and flow through the interior space.

33. The device of claim 32, wherein the crate further includes flaps that are manipulatable to selectively cover or uncover the plurality of air vents.

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