Animal travel enclosure

Abstract

There is provided an animal travel enclosure, comprising: an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal; wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define one or more vacuities, each vacuity extending along at least part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure; and one or more locking bars, each locking bar extending along one or more of said vacuities that are defined together by the upper and lower portion so as to couple the upper portion and the lower portion together.

Description

[0001] ANIMAL TRAVEL ENCLOSURE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides an animal travel enclosure for the secure transport of animals. Typically, the animal travel endosure comprises two portions coupled together by locking bars, which secure the endosure and distribute the weight of the animal inside equally.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A variety of animal travel endosures exist for the housing and transportation of animals. These animal travel endosures may be designed for transport inside a vehide, such as a car or plane, so that the animal is securely contained during travel.

[0006] It is important to ensure that the animal is secure and safe during travel and cannot be tampered with or replaced. Further, when travelling in certain jurisdictions, it may be a requirement that the animal is inspected by a vet. It is then important to ensure that the animal that was inspected is the same animal in the endosure at the end of the journey, i.e. it has not been switched for another. It is additionally important to ensure that the animal is comfortable during the travel, with adequate space, food, water and air.

[0007] There are several animal travel endosures known in the art for the purpose of transporting animals. Commonly, a design featuring two halves is used, which allows the endosure to be disassembled for ease of deaning and storage. The two halves are typically joined together using nuts and bolts. However, the designs may fail under the weight of a large animal due to the coupling between the two halves being mechanically weaker than the halves themselves. Further, these known solutions fail to ensure the security of the animal during transport, as the potential disassembly of the endosure allows for any provided locking mechanism to be bypassed. There is therefore a need in the art for a multi-part animal travel enclosure which allows for secure storage of an animal whilst still allowing easy disassembly of the enclosure for cleaning and storage, and still maintaining good mechanical strength.

[0008] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided an animal travel enclosure, comprising: an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal; wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define one or more vacuities, each vacuity extending along at least part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure; and one or more locking bars, each locking bar extending along one or more of said vacuities that are defined together by the upper and lower portion so as to couple the upper portion and the lower portion together.

[0010] The use of locking bars that extend along the horizontal periphery of the enclosure to couple the upper and lower portions together allows for superior coupling as compared to the prior art. The weight of the enclosure and animal is distributed along the locking bars and thus spread around at least some of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure, rather than being concentrated at, for example, the location of each nut and bolt connector.

[0011] One of the upper portion and lower portion may be significantly larger or more concave than the other. Typically, however, the upper portion and the lower portion are similar in shape. They may be of a broadly concave shape, providing ample interior space for the housing of an animal without unduly increasing the exterior volume.

[0012] As indicated above, the upper portion and the lower portion together define one or more vacuities, into which the one or more locking bars are inserted. These vacuities are generally elongate along one direction, and may be generally shaped as tubes, for example, with the elongate direction extending along at least part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure. Each of the one or more vacuities into which each locking bar is inserted must be defined by the combination of both the upper portion and the lower portion, so that the locking bar couples the upper and lower portion together. This may comprise, for example, a sequence of channels or tubes, each channel or tube being defined respectively by the upper or lower portions, with each locking bar passing through at least one channel or tube defined by the upper portion and at least one channel or tube defined by the lower portion. Alternatively, this could comprise one channel or tube being partly defined by the upper portion and partly defined by the lower portion. More detailed examples will be provided below.

[0013] Preferably, the vacuities extend along at least 40% of the horizontal periphery of the of the enclosure, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, most preferably at least 75% of the horizontal periphery of the of the enclosure.

[0014] Typically, there are multiple locking bars which can be inserted or removed independently of each other into respective vacuities. Typically, each locking bar is formed of a rigid material, such as metal, preferably steel. Each locking bar may also feature a handle, which may be formed of a plastic, for example.

[0015] The locking bars may fill the vacuities into which they are inserted, to securely couple the upper and lower portion together. Typically, the locking bars will be held by both the upper portion and the lower portion when inserted into the vacuities such that the upper portion and lower portion cannot be separated without removing the locking bars. Removing all of the locking bars may be required to separate the two halves, or, alternatively, removing only some of the locking bars may be sufficient. For example, removing all but one locking bar may allow the upper portion to rotate relative to the lower portion about said remaining locking bar.

[0016] Optionally, the one or more vacuities are arranged along a junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together. Arranging the vacuities along the junction of the upper and lower portions reinforces the travel enclosure where it is most needed. The vacuities may extend along the full junction of the upper and lower portions or may extend only along some length of the junction. Typically, the vacuities will form separate, continuous channels into which locking bars can be easily inserted by the end user.

[0017] Optionally, each vacuity is elongate along a generally horizontal direction, such that each locking bar extends along a generally horizontal direction. This configuration allows for an even distribution of weight along the locking bars inserted in the vacuities. The use of horizontal bars means that the force due to gravity of the mass of the enclosure and the animal inside acts perpendicular to the bars. This ensures no unnecessary stresses on the enclosure. In other embodiments, each vacuity may extend along a direction within 45° of horizontal, preferably within 30° of horizontal, most preferably within 10° of horizontal.

[0018] Optionally, the upper portion and lower portion, together, define an enclosure having a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second opposing lateral side surfaces, a rear surface, and a front surface or front opening, and, further optionally, the one or more vacuities extend along at least part of the first and second opposing lateral side surfaces such that the one or more locking bars each extend along at least part of the first and second opposing lateral side surfaces. Preferably, the vacuities extend along substantially the entire horizontal length of the two lateral side surfaces, and preferably the vacuities extend along substantially the entire horizontal length of the rear surface. Providing vacuities along the lateral side surfaces provides a good distribution of weight over the locking bars. Additionally, locating the locking bars along the opposing lateral side surfaces allows for easy insertion and removal of the locking bars from the front and rear surfaces, where there may be located a respective opening.

[0019] Optionally, each vacuity is defined by one or more channels or conduits provided by the upper portion and the lower portion extending along at least part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure. Typically, each channel or conduit has a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to a direction along which the locking bars are inserted. Forming the vacuities as channels allows for easier insertion of the locking bars. Optionally, the one or more locking bars may comprise at least two locking bars, preferably at least four locking bars. The use of multiple locking bars improves the weight distribution as weight may be spread over multiple locking bars. The use of multiple locking bars arranged along one or more sides of the enclosure facilitates insertion of the locking bars by preventing each bar needing to be too long to extend along that side. The locking bars may be designed to be inserted from the same direction, or they may be insertable from different directions. The bars may protrude from the vacuities or may sit wholly inside the vacuities. There may be more than four locking bars, such as six locking bars. Generally, it is preferred that there are two locking bars for each side of the enclosure along which the locking bars extend. This allows the locking bars to be inserted from opposite ends of the respective side.

[0020] Optionally, the one or more vacuities comprises two groups of vacuities, wherein the groups of vacuities are arranged with the enclosure therebetween, and wherein at least one locking bar extends along each group of vacuities. Again, arranging the groups of vacuities in this way improves weight distribution across the locking bars. This arrangement also permits the presence of openings on the surfaces of the enclosure where the groups of vacuities are not present, which may be the front surface.

[0021] Optionally, the upper portion further comprises an upper interface region, and the lower portion further comprises a lower interface region, wherein the upper interface region and lower interface region are configured to interlock. The upper interface region may comprise all or part of the periphery of the upper portion. The lower interface region may comprise all or part of the periphery of the lower portion. The interlocking of the interface regions may ensure the upper portion and lower portion are correctly fitted together. The interlocking may further enable the easy formation and alignment of vacuities between the upper portion and the lower portion.

[0022] Optionally, the upper interface region and the lower interface region lie along part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure, preferably along one side surface of the enclosure, and engage to prevent separation of the upper portion and the lower portion. The engagement of the interface regions provides an increase in biosecurity due to the upper portion and lower portion being held together by the interlocking interface regions in addition to the locking bars. The interface regions may comprise interlocking tabs or teeth. The interface regions may comprise clips and dip sockets, or spokes and spoke sockets, or other symmetric or asymmetric connectors. Alternatively or in addition, the interface regions may be shaped in a complementary fashion such that they may be engaged and disengaged with each other.

[0023] In one particularly preferred arrangement, the upper interface region and the lower interface region comprise complementary parts of an interlocking hinge. The hinge may allow for the upper portion to be rotated about an axis of the hinge relative to the lower portion when the locking bars are removed. Further, a hinge may allow for easier opening of the endosure, with the partial separation of the upper portion and the lower portion elsewhere but the hinge. Further, an interlocking hinge formed of the interface regions may be not separable from the upper and lower portions via disassembly as opposed to a hinge or fastener externally attached to the upper and lower portions.

[0024] Optionally, the upper portion and the lower portion together define an opening into the enclosure, and the animal travel enclosure further comprises an openable door for selectively closing the opening into the enclosure. The door may allow for secure storage, insertion, and removal of an animal from the enclosure. The opening of the door may require separating the upper and lower portions, but typically may be openable without separating the upper and lower portions.

[0025] Optionally, the openable door is a grid or mesh door. A grid or mesh door may allow light into the endosure and / or improve air flow between the endosure and the exterior. A grid or mesh door may decrease the weight of the endosure, allowing for easier transportation. The density of the mesh or the spadng of the grid may be adjusted to be appropriate for different animals. For instance, the mesh may be dense enough that it ocdudes a large proportion of the light inddent on the door whilst still allowing good airflow. The door may be rigid or flexible. Optionally, the door further comprises one or more door spokes, wherein the door spokes extend from the edges of the door; and the animal travel enclosure further comprises one or more receptacles corresponding to the one or more door spokes, wherein the receptacles may form part of the upper portion or the lower portion; wherein the door spokes are held in place by the receptacles, and the door is held in place by the door spokes. Holding the door with spokes may allow for the door to be fully removed. The spokes may allow the door to hinge open on a side by freeing the spokes from the receptacles on a side. The receptacles may further comprise individual clasps or clips to secure the spokes.

[0026] Optionally, the door further comprises a lock selectively changeable from a locked to an unlocked configuration, wherein the lock comprises one or more door locking bars configured to lock the door in the locked configuration. The lock may improve the biosecurity of the kennel. The lock may allow the door to be secured fortransit. The lock may be configured to receive a sticker or seal to indicate tampering. The sticker or seal may be applied when the door is locked to evidence that the door has not been subsequently opened. The lock may be configured to allow a sticker or seal to cover the means for actuating the lock, which may be one or more buttons, sliders, levers, knobs, switches or clasps, which may be indented into the surface of the lock.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the door locking bars engages with at least one of the locking bars to prevent removal of said at least one locking bar from the corresponding one or more vacuities when the lock is in the locked configuration. This may increase the biosecurity of the enclosure by not allowing the door lock to be bypassed by disassembly of the enclosure. Preferably, the door locking bar engages with at least one of the locking bars along a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction along which the locking bar is inserted into and removed from the respective one or more vacuities. The door locking bar may engage with a receptacle on the locking bar. The door locking bars may engage with the locking bars via extrusion or extension into receptacles, or by holding, containing, or attaching to the locking bars. Optionally, the door locking bar may engage with more than one of the locking bars. The door locking bars may protrude from the door.

[0028] Optionally, at least one of the door locking bars engages with the upper portion in the locked configuration to lock the door. Engaging with the upper portion alternatively or in addition to engaging with the locking bars may provide additional biosecurity. The engagement with the upper portion may prevent removal of the door without disengaging the lock. The door locking bar may engage with a receptacle on the upper portion. The door locking bars may engage with the upper portion via extrusion or extension into receptacles or by the upper portion holding, containing, or attaching to the door locking bars.

[0029] Optionally, at least one of the door locking bars engages with the lower portion in the locked configuration to lock the door. Engaging with the lower portion alternatively or in addition to engaging with the locking bars may provide additional biosecurity. The engagement with the lower portion may prevent removal of the door without disengaging the lock. The door locking bar may engage with a receptacle on the lower portion. The door locking bars may engage with the lower portion via extrusion or extension into receptacles or by the lower portion holding, containing, or attaching to the door locking bars.

[0030] Optionally, the lock further comprises a mechanism for extending the door locking bars by rotation of the mechanism. Such a mechanism may provide a user- friendly way to engage and disengage the lock.

[0031] It is generally a requirement on animal travel enclosures for a certain proportion of the area of the enclosure to be open to allow for light and air into the enclosure. This proportion required can vary depending on the animal being transported. While the upper and lower portions could be integrally formed with such openings, typically in the form of a grid window, this may mean that the animal travel enclosure is only suitable for one type of animal. Therefore, preferably, the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprises one or more removeable panels. Typically, the removable panels may allow for superior airflow and / or allowing light into the enclosure. Alternatively, the removable panels may not allow light or airflow into the endosure. The removable panels may allow the endosure to be configured to better meet the requirements of spedfic animals, e.g., some animals requiring the light to be ocduded from the endosure. Typically, the removable panels may be located on the sides, typically the lateral sides, of the upper and / or lower portion. The removable panels may be located on the top, bottom, front and / or back of the upper and / or lower portion. Typically, the animal travel endosure may comprise two or three removable panels. Alternatively, it may comprise four removable panels, six removable panels, eight removable panels or more removable panels.

[0032] Optionally, at least one of the removeable panels is a grid or mesh panel. Typically, the use of a mesh panel allows for superior airflow. The grid or mesh may be densely or sparsely spaced, where a dense mesh may significantly decrease the amount of light passing through the panel.

[0033] Optionally, each removable panel comprises a plurality of locating members; and the upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable comprises a corresponding plurality of locating member receptades configured to receive the locating members of the removable panel and thereby hold the removable panel in place. This may allow for insertion and removal of the panel.

[0034] Optionally, one or more of the locating member receptacles are located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together and are defined by both the upper portion and the lower portion together, such that said removable panel cannot be removed when the upper portion and lower portion are fitted together. For example, the locating members may be configured to be insertable into the locating member receptacles when the upper portion and the lower portion are separate, and when the upper portion and the lower portion are joined together, this may complete the locating member receptacles such that the locating members cannot be removed from the locating member receptacles. This may increase the biosecurity of the enclosure. This is because panels configured in this way may only be removed with the removal of the locking bars, which may be secured with a lock. This may improve biosecurity when compared to attaching removable panels in a different way, such was with external dips or fasteners. In one embodiment, the one or more locating member receptacles located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion each comprise an opening defined by the upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable, said opening allowing the corresponding locating member to slide a first distance through the opening when the upper portion and the lower portion are not fitted together, and wherein the other of the upper portion and the lower portion defines a surface for engaging the corresponding locating member so as to restrict the distance along which the locating member may slide through the opening when the upper portion and the lower portion are fitted together. This is one particularly preferred arrangement for preventing removal of the locating members from the locating member receptacles when the upper portion and the lower portion are joined together. However, other arrangements are foreseen.

[0035] Optionally, the upper portion comprises one or more stacking projections or recesses and wherein the lower portion comprises one or more complementary stacking projections or recesses such that two such animal travel enclosures may be securely stacked with engagement between the complementary stacking projections or recesses. This may allow for the safe and secure stacking of many such animal travel enclosures. This may be advantageous when transporting multiple animal travel enclosures.

[0036] Optionally, an inner surface of one or more of the stacking projections or recesses, i.e. on an inside surface of the enclosure, provides one or more of the locating member receptacles. This may allow for the provision of stacking projections whilst not making the enclosure larger.

[0037] Generally, animal travel enclosures are provided with a rigid carrying handle. The rigid handle is generally attached to integrally moulded features of the upper portion. A problem with this arrangement is that the integrally moulded features must either project into the enclosure, reducing headroom in the enclosure, or must project outward from the upper surface, increasing the height of the animal travel enclosure. Therefore, preferably, the animal travel enclosure further comprises a carrying strap. The carrying strap may be lightweight and flexible, for example formed of a fabric material. The carrying strap may allow for easy transportation of the enclosure without the above problems.

[0038] Optionally, the carrying strap is attached to the upper portion or the lower portion at a plurality of locations about the horizontal periphery of the enclosure. Preferably, the carrying strap is attached at least at four locations about the horizontal periphery of the enclosure, preferably generally at four comers of the enclosure, as viewed in a plan view. Attaching the strap in this way may means that no space is taken up on the top of the enclosure and also better distributes weight around the enclosure. This may also allow for the use of the top of the enclosure for storage of items, such as the relevant paperwork for transporting animals, which can be attached to a flat surface underneath the carrying strap, for example. Further, the strap may not require additional plastic moulding on the upper portion, which may reduce the space inside the enclosure.

[0039] Optionally, the carrying strap is attached at a plurality of locations along the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together, preferably at least at four locations along the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together. Attaching the strap in this way may distribute the weight of the upper and lower portions evenly along the strap, which may make the enclosure easier to carry.

[0040] Optionally, the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprise a plurality of strap dip receptacles, wherein the carrying strap further comprises a plurality of strap dips corresponding to the plurality of strap dip receptades, each strap clip having a through hole such that one or more of said locking bars may indude a portion that extends into the through hole to lock each strap dip in the corresponding strap clip receptacle. The portion of the locking bars that extends into the through hole may be a section of the locking bar that passes through the vacuities. Alternatively a separate portion may be provided, for example, a small bar parallel to the main portion of the locking bar, which extends into the through hole. Using the locking bars to secure the strap may further ensure the equal distribution of the enclosure’s weight. Further, the locking bars may be more resilient and allow for heavier animals to be transported with an equivalent strap versus alternatives such as plastic clips and fasteners.

[0041] One problem users of animal travel enclosures face when travelling is knowing whether their animal travel enclosure is compliant with the latest live animal regulations. Preferably, the animal travel enclosure further comprises a unique identifier on the upper portion or the lower portion, wherein preferably said unique identifier is a bar code, most preferably a QR code. A unique identifier provided on the animal travel enclosure may be associated with data indicative of various properties of the animal travel enclosure stored in a database, preferably stored in a remote server. Preferably, the data is accessible by a user by scanning the unique identifier with a user electronic device, such as a mobile phone, or otherwise entering the unique identifier into a user interface of the user electronic device. Preferably, entering the unique identifier via the user electronic device provides the user with the data indicative of various properties of the animal travel enclosure along with information as to the latest live animal regulations applicable to the animal travel enclosure by retrieving the data and information from the database.

[0042] Preferably, the unique identifier is formed in the upper portion or the lower portion, preferably etched or engraved in the upper portion or the lower portion, most preferably laser etched in the upper portion or the lower portion. This provides the unique identifier in a non-transferable manner, such that the unique identifier cannot be applied to another animal travel enclosure.

[0043] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal travel enclosure, comprising: an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define an opening into the enclosure; one or more fastening members for fastening the upper portion and the lower portion together; an openable door for selectively closing the opening into the enclosure, wherein the door further comprises a lock selectively changeable from a locked to an unlocked configuration, wherein the lock comprises one or more door locking bars configured to lock the door in the locked configuration, wherein at least one of the door locking bars engages with at least one of the fastening members to prevent removal of the fastening member when the lock is in the locked configuration.

[0044] The engagement of the door locking bars with the fastening members may increase the biosecurity of the enclosure by not allowing the door lock to be bypassed by disassembly of the enclosure. The door locking bars may engage with the fastening members by extrusion or extension into receptacles located on the fastening members. Alternatively or in addition, the door locking bars may hold, contain or attach to, or be held, contained or attached to by the fastening members.

[0045] In contrast with the first aspect of the invention, this aspect is not limited to fastening members in the form of locking bars. Alternative fastening members may be used. For example, fastening members in the form of nuts and bolts may be provided with through holes extending perpendicular to the rotation axis of the nut. By passing door locking bar through such a through hole, a nut and bolt may be prevented from rotating in order to unfasten the upper and lower portions. It will be appreciated that this concept may be extended to other forms of fastening members by allowing the door locking bars to suitably restrain the fastening members.

[0046] In a particularly preferred example, the one or more door locking bars engage with at least one fastening member on each of at least two opposing sides of the openable door. Engaging with fastening members on opposing sides of the door prevents the lock mechanism from being bypassed by hinging or otherwise pivoting the upper portion or lower portion around a single fastening member to open the enclosure.

[0047] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal travel enclosure, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal; and a carrying strap, wherein the carrying strap is attached to the upper portion or the lower portion at a plurality of locations about the horizontal periphery of the endosure.

[0048] The provision of a carrying strap facilitates the transportation of the animal travel enclosure. With respect to a moulded handle or other rigid grips, a carrying strap takes up less space in the enclosure. Further, it may be attached to multiple areas of the animal travel enclosure to better spread the weight of the animal in the enclosure. The strap may be attached at two points to the animal travel enclosure, preferably being attached at four points. Additionally, the strap may be configured to be detachable from the enclosure, to save space when not being manually handled. This may make the enclosure easier to fit in a vehicle for transport.

[0049] It is desirable that the carrying strap is attached to the enclosure in such a way that best distributes the weight of the animal inside, as well as maximising the mechanical strength of the coupling between the strap and the enclosure. Therefore, it is preferable that the carrying strap is attached at a plurality of locations along a junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together.

[0050] Preferably, the carrying strap is attached at least at four different locations about the horizontal periphery of the enclosure. This aids in the distribution of weight around the strap, and provides secure coupling, reducing the force on any single connection between the carrying strap and the enclosure.

[0051] It is generally beneficial for a strap to be removable by the user, whilst providing a secure coupling to the enclosure and spreading the weight of the animal well. Therefore, in preferable examples, the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprise a plurality of strap clip receptacles, wherein the carrying strap further comprises a plurality of strap dips corresponding to the plurality of strap dip receptades, each strap dip having a through hole such that one or more locking bars may be provided that extend into the through hole to lock each strap dip in the corresponding strap dip receptade. The locking bars passing through the strap dips provides secure mechanical coupling of the strap to the endosure. Further, coupling to the locking bars provides effective distribution of the weight of the animal.

[0052] Optionally, the carrying strap is formed of a flexible material, such as a fabric. The carrying strap may comprise a fabric or doth material, or a chain-like structure or mesh comprised of a rigid material. In some examples, the strap may comprise multiple different materials. A flexible strap is easier to transport and attach to the endosure, as well as being more comfortable for the user.

[0053] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal travel enclosure, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal, wherein the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprises one or more removeable panels, wherein each removable panel comprises a plurality of locating members and wherein the upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable comprises a corresponding plurality of locating member receptacles configured to receive the locating members of the removable panel and thereby hold the removable panel in place, wherein one or more of the locating member receptacles are located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together and are defined by both the upper portion and the lower portion together, such that said removable panel cannot be removed when the upper portion and lower portion are fitted together.

[0054] The provision of one or more removable panels in the upper portion and / or lower portion provides several benefits as set out above. Typically, the removable panels may allow for superior airflow and / or allowing light into the endosure. Alternatively, the removable panels may not allow light or airflow into the endosure. The removable panels may allow the endosure to be configured to better meet the requirements of spedfic animals, e.g., some animals requiring the light to be ocduded from the endosure. The invention according to the present aspect provides the benefit that the removable panels cannot be removed from the animal travel endosure while the upper and lower portions are assembled together. This increases biosecurity and also prevents acddental removal of the panels. It will be appredated that the present aspect of the invention is not dependent on the locking bars of the first aspect, since any means of fastening the upper and lower portion together may be used.

[0055] Optionally, the one or more locating member receptacles located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion each comprise an opening defined by the upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable, said opening allowing the corresponding locating member to slide a first distance through the opening when the upper portion and the lower portion are not fitted together, and wherein the other of the upper portion and the lower portion defines a surface for engaging the corresponding locating member so as to restrict the distance along which the locating member may slide through the opening when the upper portion and the lower portion are fitted together. This secures the removable panels in the manner described above, as well as ensuring the panels are quick and easy to install correctly and remove.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the animal travel enclosures according to the second to fourth aspects may be provided with any of the preferred features described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

[0057] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an animal travel enclosure, the method comprising providing an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define one or more vacuities, each vacuity extending along at least part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure, and providing one or more locking bars, each locking bar being insertable so as to extend along one or more of said vacuities that are defined together by the upper and lower portion so as to couple the upper portion and the lower portion together.

[0058] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an animal travel enclosure, the method comprising providing an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define an opening into the enclosure, providing one or more fastening members for fastening the upper portion and the lower portion together, and providing an openable door for selectively closing the opening into the enclosure, wherein the door further comprises a lock selectively changeable from a locked to an unlocked configuration, wherein the lock comprises one or more door locking bars configured to lock the door in the locked configuration, wherein at least one of the door locking bars engages with at least one of the fastening members to prevent removal of the fastening members when the lock is in the locked configuration.

[0059] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an animal travel enclosure, the method comprising providing an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal, and providing a carrying strap, and attaching the carrying strap to the upper portion or the lower portion at a plurality of locations about the horizontal periphery of the enclosure.

[0060] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an animal travel enclosure, the method comprising providing an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal, wherein the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprises one or more removeable panels, wherein each removable panel comprises a plurality of locating members, and wherein the upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable comprises a corresponding plurality of locating member receptacles configured to receive the locating members of the removable panel and thereby hold the removable panel in place, wherein one or more of the locating member receptacles are located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together and are defined by both the upper portion and the lower portion together, such that said removable panel cannot be removed when the upper portion and lower portion are fitted together. The methods according to the fifth to eight aspects of the invention correspond to methods of manufacturing the animal travel enclosures according to the first to fourth aspects. Accordingly, all of the above comments on advantages and preferred features apply equally to the present methods.

[0061] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0062] An example animal travel enclosure is described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0063] Figure 1 shows a schematic of an example animal travel enclosure without door or removable panels;

[0064] Figures 2a and 2b show a schematic of an example of the locking bars in an unlocked and locked state respectively;

[0065] Figure 3 shows a schematic of an example animal travel enclosure with door and removable panels;

[0066] Figure 4 shows a schematic of an example engagement of the door locking bars with the locking bars;

[0067] Figure 5 shows a schematic of an example of the upper and lower interface regions engaging;

[0068] Figures 6a and 6b show a schematic of an example of insertion of a mesh panel in an upper portion;

[0069] Figure 7 shows a schematic of an example of a removable panel held in place by the upper and lower portions;

[0070] Figures 8a and 8b show a schematic of an example of the engagement of the strap with the locking bars

[0071] Figure 9 shows a schematic of an example of an animal travel enclosure with indelible markings depicting a computer-readable code and

[0072] Figure 10 shows a schematic of a user electronic used to retrieve data of the animal travel enclosure using the computer-readable code. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] An example of an animal travel enclosure is generally illustrated at 1 in Figure 1. The animal travel enclosure comprises an upper portion 10 and a lower portion 20, fitted together to define an enclosure for housing an animal.

[0074] The upper and lower portions 10, 20 each define approximately half of the total volume of the animal travel enclosure. The upper and lower portions join together along a junction 15, which extends in a horizontal plane approximately in the centre of the vertical height of the animal travel enclosure. The upper and lower portions 10, 20 together define a large opening 16 through the front surface of the animal travel enclosure 1 , through which an animal may enter and leave the space defined inside the upper and lower portions 10, 20.

[0075] The upper portion and the lower portion are coupled together by four locking bars 3 with locking bar handles 32 accessible to the user. The locking bars comprise a main portion of the locking bar 30, which is an elongate bar made of steel, whilst the locking bar handles are made of plastic. In this example, the main portion of the locking bars 30 are inserted into the vacuities 40 (visible in Figures 2b and 4 in particular) from both the front and back of the enclosure, with the locking bar handles facing outwards, away from the enclosure. The locking bars are used to hold the upper and lower portions together, and equally distribute the weight of the enclosure and animal within along the junction of the upper and lower portions.

[0076] The upper portion further comprises one or more stacking projections 14, while the lower portion further comprises one or more complementary stacking recesses 24. In this example, these stacking projections are a moulded part of the plastic of the upper portion, whilst the recesses are a moulded part of the lower portion. These stacking projections and recesses are configured such that two animal travel enclosures may be securely stacked on top of each other, with the engagement of the stacking projections and recesses securely coupling the two. The stacking projections are moulded in such a way that they comprise a cavity for holding the panel spokes 14 of the removable panels 50, the function of which is shown in later Figures and discussed further below. The upper portion and the lower portion further comprise door spoke receptacles 62, for the purpose of holding door spokes (not shown in this Figure) captive. These are made of moulded plastic and protrude from the door perimeter 61.

[0077] Typically, the upper and / or lower portion will be configured to allow for door locking bars 66 (shown in Figures 3 and 4 and described further below) to engage with the locking bars 30. In this example, this requires the presence of a door locking bar through hole 68, to permit the door locking bar to pass through the upper and / or lower portions.

[0078] In Figure 2a, the animal travel enclosure is depicted with a locking bar 3 removed from the vacuities 40. The locking bar 3 comprises a main portion 30 attached to a locking bar handle 32, made of plastic. The locking bar handle is shaped to allow easy removal of the locking bar, with a locking bar handle finger scoop 33 provided to ease pulling the main portion of the bar out of the vacuities. The main portion of the locking bar is shaped to fit into the vacuities and generally has an elongate cylindrical profile. The locking bar 3 also comprises a strap locking bar portion 34, made of steel. The strap locking bar portion is provided by a shorter bar portion that extends parallel to the main portion 30 of the locking bar 3. As described later, the strap locking bar is used to securely fasten a removable strap to the enclosure.

[0079] The vacuities are formed by the shape of the upper portion 10 and lower portion 20 when fitted together, leaving a space into which the locking bar 3 can be inserted. As the vacuities are formed by a combination of the upper portion and the lower portion, the insertion of a locking bar into them couples the upper portion and the lower portion together. The vacuities take the shape of a long, cylindrical channel, into which the bar is inserted. The cylindrical channel comprises alternating sections defined by the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 20, which are brought into alignment along the junction 15 when the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 20 are placed together.

[0080] The animal travel enclosure further comprises a door 60 closing the opening 16 through the front surface of the animal travel enclosure. The door 60 comprises a mesh body 63 made of steel and a door spoke 65. The door spoke 65 is a fixed steel rod that extends vertically along a left side of the door. The opposing ends of the door spoke 65 are received in the door spoke receptacles 62 of the upper and lower portions 10, 20. The door spoke thus acts as a hinge about which the door may open and dose by rotating about the axis of the door spoke. The door further comprises a door lock 64 comprising mainly plastic and metal parts and door locking bars 66 made of steel, which are extended and retracted by the door lock 64. A first pair of the door locking bars are configured to engage with the upper portion 10 and lower portion 20 through the provision of door locking bar receptades 67. These receptades provide additional points of contact holding the door dosed when it is in the locked configuration. The door locking bars are held dose to the door not only by the lock mechanism, but also by door locking bar loops 69, integral to the structure of the mesh, which couple the door and the door locking bars together.

[0081] Additionally, another pair of the door locking bars 66 engage with the locking bars 3, preventing the removal of the locking bars when the door lock is in a locked configuration. More specifically, in this example, the door locking bars enter into a door locking bar receptacle 36 (shown in Figure 4) moulded into the handle 32. In this way, when the door lock is in a locked configuration the animal travel enclosure cannot be opened by the removal of the locking bars.

[0082] In Figure 2b, the same animal travel enclosure of Figure 2a is shown, but with the locking bar 3 inserted into the vacuities 40 to couple the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 20 together. The vacuities are arranged along the junction 15 of the upper portion and the lower portion, elongate along a generally horizontal direction, such that the locking bar extends along a generally horizontal direction. The locking bars and vacuities are arranged along opposing lateral side surfaces of the enclosure, i.e. on two of the four sides of the perimeter of the upper and lower portions. This arrangement of the locking bars allows for the secure coupling of the upper and lower portion whilst still leaving a front face of the enclosure free for the provision of a door 60. In Figure 3, an animal travel enclosure with door 60 and removable panels 50 is shown, with locking bars 30 inserted and door in a locked configuration, such that the enclosure is secure. The removable panels 50 comprise a steel mesh, with the spacing between the bars that make up the mesh appropriate for the transport of various animals. This is because the mesh lets through adequate light and breathable air. For some animals, it may be desirable for their safety and comfort that the mesh does not allow significant light to pass through.

[0083] Typically, the stacking projections 14 are configured to receive removable panel spokes 52, which act as locating members for the removable panels, such that the removable panel is held in place securely in the upper portion 10. The panel spokes are located at the top and bottom of the removable panel to secure it such that it cannot be rotated or removed when the upper and lower portions are fitted together. The removable panel is held in a large empty space moulded into the upper portion and acts as a window allowing light and air to pass through. In some other examples, the removable panels are held in place in the lower portion 20. The mechanism that prevents removal of the removable panel when the upper and lower portions are joined together will be discussed further below.

[0084] The animal travel enclosure shown in Figure 3 further comprises a strap 70. The strap is made of a flexible material, in this case a durable fabric. The strap is attached at a plurality of locations about the horizontal periphery of the animal travel enclosure, specifically at a plurality of locations along the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together. In particular, the strap is attached at four locations, with two attachment points on each of the two longer sides of the animal travel enclosure, with one attachment point on each longer side being at the front edge of the junction 15 and another attachment point at a rear edge of the junction.

[0085] This attachment is provided by the strap clips 72 being held in strap clip receptacles 74 along the junction 15. The strap clips are made of plastic, attached to the strap by passing the strap through an eyelet and stitching the strap back to itself to contain the clip. The strap dips are shaped such that they fit precisely into the strap clip receptacles, with a through hole to allow for a strap locking bar to pass through (described further below with respect to Figures 8a and 8b).

[0086] In Figure 4, engagement of a door locking bar 66 with a locking bar 3 is shown. The door locking bar is held captive by and engages with a door locking bar receptacle 36, moulded as a part of the plastic handle 32. The door locking bar receptacle is shaped such that removal of the locking bar from the enclosure is not possible when the door locking bar is held in the door locking bar receptacle. This means that the upper portion 10 and lower portion 20 of the animal travel enclosure cannot be separated when the door is locked, as they are coupled together by the locking bar which cannot be removed. Typically, the door locking bar will engage with a door locking bar receptacle which forms part of the locking bar handle 32, but in other examples the door locking bar receptacle may be located at any point on the locking bar. When the door is unlocked, the door locking bar disengages with the locking bar and the locking bars may be removed from the animal travel enclosure.

[0087] In Figure 5, engagement of the upper interface region 12 and the lower interface region 22 is shown. The engagement of the upper and lower interface regions prevents the separation of the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 20, as the upper and lower interface region comprise complementary parts of an interlocking hinge. These parts are made of moulded plastic and designed to fit tightly together to allow rotation about their centre. This allows the upper and lower portions to open along the hinge, when the door is unlocked and the locking bars removed, for easy access. It also facilitates alignment of the upper and lower portions when assembling the kennel.

[0088] In Figure 6a, insertion of a removable panel 50 into an inverted upper portion 10 is shown. The removable panel is inserted into the upper portion at an angle by inserting one end of the panel spokes 52 through holes 16 along the part of the junction 15 defined by the upper portion, leaving panel spokes 52 protruding from the upper portion. These panel spokes pass through panel through holes 16, which act to hold the removable panel in place. Since the lower portion 20 is not arranged against the upper portion, the panel spokes can extend freely through the through holes 16. This allows the panel to be pushed upwards (in the inverted arrangement of Figure 6a) far enough that the opposite end of the panel spokes 52 are now above the edge of the opening into which the panel is being inserted. From here, the panel may be rotated to bring the free end of the panel spokes inside the upper portion 10. Then, as seen in Figure 6b, the panel spokes on the other side of the removable panel are inserted into inside face of the upper stacking protrusions 14, which hold the removable panel captive. This leaves panel spokes protruding from the upper portion along the junction 15. When the upper portion and the lower portion are fitted together, the panel spokes extending through the through holes 16 are held captive by the lower portion, as described below in reference to Figure 7.

[0089] In Figure 7, an example of a fitted removable panel 50 is shown. The panel is held captive between the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 20, due to the insertion of the panel spokes 52 into both the upper stacking protrusions 14 of the upper portion and the removable panel receptacles 54 of the lower portion. In particular, this Figure shows that the lower portion 20 defines a surface that engages the panel spokes extending through the through hole 16. This prevents the panel from sliding downwards, which would be necessary to free the upper ends of the spokes 52 from the upper stacking protrusions 14. As the upper portion and the lower portion are fitted together, coupled by the engagement of the upper interface region 12 and the lower interface region 22, and further coupled with one or more locking bars 30, the removable panel is securely held. The removable panel cannot be removed whilst the upper and lower portions are fitted together — they must be separated before the panel can be removed. This means that the panel cannot be removed whilst the door is in the locked configuration, as the upper and lower portions cannot be separated when the door is locked.

[0090] In Figure 8a, partial attachment of a strap 70 to the animal travel enclosure 1 is shown. The strap is attached at the junction 15 of the upper and lower portions, at a plurality of places around the periphery of the animal travel enclosure. The strap is attached to the enclosure by the passing the strap locking bar portion 34 of the locking bar 3 through strap dip 72 attached to the strap, in Figure 8a, the locking bar 3 is shown as partially inserted and not securing the strap. The strap dip is inserted into the strap dip receptacle 74 and is in position for the locking bar to hold it in place when the locking bar is fully inserted into the vacuities 40.

[0091] In Figure 8b, the attachment of a strap 70 to the animal travel enclosure 1 is completed by insertion of the main portion 30 of the locking bar 3 into the vacuities 40. The strap locking bar 34 is now passing through the strap dip 72, securely coupling the strap to the endosure.

[0092] In Figure 9, a top-down view of an animal travel endosure is shown. The upper portion 10 is marked with a computer-readable code 80 in the form of a QR code and a unique identifier number 82. In other examples, the computer-readable code and unique identifier may be embossed, engraved or otherwise indelibly marked onto the upper portion. In this example, the computer-readable code and unique identifier are laser-etched into the upper portion 10. In this way, it is not possible to transfer the unique identifier to a different animal travel endosure. In still further examples, the computer-readable code may instead be placed on the lower portion 20, or on any other part of the animal travel endosure. The lower portion 20 may further comprise an additional computer-readable code and / or unique identifier, which may or may not be the same as the upper portion.

[0093] The unique identifier 82 allows the animal travel endosure to be unambiguously identified. During manufacture, the animal travel endosure is marked with the unique identifier allocated to that particular endosure, comprising a sequential numbering. The computer-readable code 80 may be scanned using a camera on a user electronic device or the unique identifier 82 may be entered into an application or website to allow the user to retrieve data assodated with their animal travel endosure 1..

[0094] Figure 10 shows a user electronic device 100 that has been used to access data assodated with the animal travel endosure 1. This function may be used to allow a user to see various information 110 assodated with their animal travel endosure, such as manufacture details, weight and dimensions of the animal travel enclosure, maximum pet weight (which may be based on latest animal travel regulations and recorded data of the animal travel enclosure). The information may also include an indication as to whether the enclosure is suitable for different animal types, which may again be based on the animal travel enclosure data and the latest animal travel regulations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An animal travel enclosure, comprising: an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal; wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define one or more vacuities, each vacuity extending along at least part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure; and one or more locking bars, each locking bar extending along one or more of said vacuities that are defined together by the upper and lower portion so as to couple the upper portion and the lower portion together.

2. The animal travel enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the one or more vacuities are arranged along a junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together.

3. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein each vacuity is elongate along a generally horizontal direction, such that each locking bar extends along a generally horizontal direction.

4. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion and lower portion, together, define an enclosure having a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second opposing lateral side surfaces, a rear surface, and a front surface or front opening, and wherein the one or more vacuities extend along at least part of the first and second opposing lateral side surfaces such that the one or more locking bars each extend along at least part of the first and second opposing lateral side surfaces.

5. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein each vacuity is defined by one or more channels or conduits provided by the upper portion and the lower portion extending along at least part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure.

6. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more locking bars comprises at least two locking bars, preferably at least four locking bars.

7. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more vacuities comprises two groups of vacuities, wherein the groups of vacuities are arranged with the enclosure therebetween, and wherein at least one locking bar extends along each group of vacuities.

8. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion further comprises an upper interface region, and the lower portion further comprises a lower interface region, wherein the upper interface region and lower interface region are configured to interlock.

9. The animal travel enclosure of claim 8, where the upper interface region and the lower interface region lie along part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure and engage to prevent separation of the upper portion and the lower portion.

10. The animal travel enclosure of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the upper interface region and the lower interface region comprise complementary parts of an interlocking hinge.

11. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define an opening into the enclosure, and further comprising an openable door for selectively closing the opening into the enclosure.

12. The animal travel enclosure of claim 11 , wherein the door is a grid or mesh door.

13. The animal travel enclosure of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein: the door further comprises one or more door spokes, wherein the door spokes extend from the edges of the door; andthe animal travel enclosure further comprises one or more receptacles corresponding to the one or more door spokes, wherein the receptacles may form part of the upper portion or the lower portion; wherein the door spokes are held in place by the receptacles, and the door is held in place by the door spokes.

14. The animal travel enclosure of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the door further comprises a lock selectively changeable from a locked to an unlocked configuration, wherein the lock comprises one or more door locking bars configured to lock the door in the locked configuration.

15. The animal travel enclosure of claim 14, wherein at least one of the door locking bars engages with at least one of the locking bars to prevent removal of said at least one locking bar from the corresponding one or more vacuities when the lock is in the locked configuration.

16. The animal travel enclosure of claim 14 or 15, wherein at least one of the door locking bars engages with the upper portion in the locked configuration to lock the door.

17. The animal travel enclosure of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein at least one of the door locking bars engages with the lower portion in the locked configuration to lock the door.

18. The animal travel enclosure of any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the lock further comprises a mechanism for extending the door locking bars by rotation of the mechanism.

19. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprises one or more removeable panels.

20. The animal travel enclosure of claim 19, wherein at least one of the removeable panels is a grid or mesh panel.

21. The animal travel enclosure of any of claims 19 to 20, wherein: each removable panel comprises a plurality of locating members; andthe upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable comprises a corresponding plurality of locating member receptacles configured to receive the locating members of the removable panel and thereby hold the removable panel in place.

22. The animal travel enclosure of claim 21, wherein one or more of the locating member receptacles are located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together and are defined by both the upper portion and the lower portion together, such that said removable panel cannot be removed when the upper portion and lower portion are fitted together.

23. The animal travel enclosure of claim 22, wherein the one or more locating member receptacles located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion each comprise an opening defined by the upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable, said opening allowing the corresponding locating member to slide a first distance through the opening when the upper portion and the lower portion are not fitted together, and wherein the other of the upper portion and the lower portion defines a surface for engaging the corresponding locating member so as to restrict the distance along which the locating member may slide through the opening when the upper portion and the lower portion are fitted together.

24. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion comprises one or more stacking projections or recesses and wherein the lower portion comprises one or more complementary stacking projections or recesses such that two such animal travel enclosures may be securely stacked with engagement between the complementary stacking projections or recesses.

25. The animal travel enclosure of claim 24 when dependent on any of claims 21 to 23, wherein an inner surface of one or more of the stacking projections or recesses provides one or more of the locating member receptacles.

26. The animal travel enclosure of any preceding claim, further comprising a carrying strap.

27. The animal travel endosure of daim 26, wherein the carrying strap is attached to the upper portion or the lower portion at a plurality of locations about the horizontal periphery of the endosure.

28. The animal travel endosure of daim 27, wherein the carrying strap is attached at a plurality of locations along the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together.

29. The animal travel enclosure of any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprise a plurality of strap clip receptacles, wherein the carrying strap further comprises a plurality of strap clips corresponding to the plurality of strap clip receptacles, each strap dip having a through hole such that one or more of said locking bars may include a portion that extends into the through hole to lock each strap dip in the corresponding strap dip receptade.

30. The animal travel endosure of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a unique identifier on the upper portion or the lower portion, wherein preferably said unique identifier is a bar code, most preferably a QR code.

31. The animal travel endosure of daim 30, wherein the unique identifier is formed in the upper portion or the lower portion, preferably etched or engraved in the upper portion or the lower portion, most preferably laser etched in the upper portion or the lower portion.

32. An animal travel enclosure, comprising: an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define an opening into the enclosure; one or more fastening members for fastening the upper portion and the lower portion together; an openable door for selectively closing the opening into the enclosure, wherein the door further comprises a lock selectively changeable from a locked to an unlocked configuration, wherein the lock comprises one or more door lockingbars configured to lock the door in the locked configuration, wherein at least one of the door locking bars engages with at least one of the fastening members to prevent removal of the fastening member when the lock is in the locked configuration.

33. The animal travel enclosure of claim 32, wherein the one or more door locking bars engage with at least one fastening member on each of at least two opposing sides of the openable door.

34. An animal travel enclosure, comprising: an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal; and a carrying strap, wherein the carrying strap is attached to the upper portion or the lower portion at a plurality of locations about the horizontal periphery of the enclosure.

35. The animal travel endosure of daim 34, wherein the carrying strap is attached at a plurality of locations along a junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together.

36. The animal travel enclosure of claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the carrying strap is attached at least at four different locations about the horizontal periphery of the enclosure.

37. The animal travel enclosure of any of claims 34 to 36, wherein the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprise a plurality of strap clip receptacles, wherein the carrying strap further comprises a plurality of strap clips corresponding to the plurality of strap clip receptacles, each strap dip having a through hole such that one or more locking bars may be provided that extend into the through hole to lock each strap clip in the corresponding strap clip receptade.

38. The animal travel enclosure of any of claims 34 to 37, wherein the carrying strap is formed of a flexible material, such as a fabric.

39. An animal travel enclosure, comprising:an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal; wherein the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprises one or more removeable panels, wherein each removable panel comprises a plurality of locating members; and wherein the upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable comprises a corresponding plurality of locating member receptacles configured to receive the locating members of the removable panel and thereby hold the removable panel in place, wherein one or more of the locating member receptacles are located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together and are defined by both the upper portion and the lower portion together, such that said removable panel cannot be removed when the upper portion and lower portion are fitted together.

40. The animal travel enclosure of claim 39, wherein the one or more locating member receptacles located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion each comprise an opening defined by the upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable, said opening allowing the corresponding locating member to slide a first distance through the opening when the upper portion and the lower portion are not fitted together, and wherein the other of the upper portion and the lower portion defines a surface for engaging the corresponding locating member so as to restrict the distance along which the locating member may slide through the opening when the upper portion and the lower portion are fitted together.

41. A method of manufacturing an animal travel enclosure, the method comprising: providing an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal; wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define one or more vacuities, each vacuity extending along at least part of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure; andproviding one or more locking bars, each locking bar being insertable so as to extend along one or more of said vacuities that are defined together by the upper and lower portion so as to couple the upper portion and the lower portion together.

42. A method of manufacturing an animal travel enclosure, the method comprising: providing an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion together define an opening into the enclosure; providing one or more fastening members for fastening the upper portion and the lower portion together; and providing an openable door for selectively closing the opening into the enclosure, wherein the door further comprises a lock selectively changeable from a locked to an unlocked configuration, wherein the lock comprises one or more door locking bars configured to lock the door in the locked configuration, wherein at least one of the door locking bars engages with at least one of the fastening members to prevent removal of the fastening members when the lock is in the locked configuration.

43. A method of manufacturing an animal travel enclosure, the method comprising: providing an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal; and providing a carrying strap, and attaching the carrying strap to the upper portion or the lower portion at a plurality of locations about the horizontal periphery of the enclosure.

44. A method of manufacturing an animal travel enclosure, the method comprising:providing an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are configured to fit together to define an enclosure for housing an animal; wherein the upper portion and / or the lower portion further comprises one or more removeable panels, wherein each removable panel comprises a plurality of locating members; and wherein the upper portion or lower portion from which said panel is removable comprises a corresponding plurality of locating member receptacles configured to receive the locating members of the removable panel and thereby hold the removable panel in place, wherein one or more of the locating member receptacles are located at the junction of the upper portion and the lower portion when fitted together and are defined by both the upper portion and the lower portion together, such that said removable panel cannot be removed when the upper portion and lower portion are fitted together.

Images