Cargo area barrier assembly

Abstract

An animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment system includes a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle. The animal containment system further includes a load leg assembly coupled to the main impact panel. The load leg assembly includes a load leg extendable from the main impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle. The load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event. The animal containment system further includes a tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to the main impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle.

Description

Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOCARGO AREA BARRIER ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 719.491, filed on November 12. 2024, and 63 / 881,892. filed on September 15. 2025. which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to animal containment devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to various cargo area barrier assemblies and impact panels for securing an animal in a vehicle.BACKGROUND

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

[0004] Additionally, many existing pet traveling carriers suffer from various other deficiencies. For example, some pet transportation and containment devices lack safety features relevant to crash performance when installed in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. When a pet such as a dog rides in a vehicle without being contained or tethered, it is at risk of injuring itself and / or human passengers in the event of a crash.

[0005] When traveling with a pet, such as a dog, pet owners may opt to place their pet in the cargo space of the vehicle behind the passenger seats. While the pet owner may opt to simply place the pet in the cargo space without any containment, the pet owner instead may choose a car mat orAttomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WOpad, a containment device, or a barrier which covers the gap between the inside roof of the vehicle and rear seatback. One benefit of a car barrier is the protection of the rear seat occupants from an animal moving into their space in the event of a car crash. However, such devices do not necessarily protect the pet during a crash and may not be sufficiently anchored to withstand impact with the pet.SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects of this disclosure relate to animal containment systems having cargo area barrier assemblies for securing an animal in a vehicle. The cargo area barrier assemblies disclosed herein include one or more impact panels to provide protection for both the rear seat occupants and the animal located in the cargo area of the vehicle in the event of a crash. In some aspects, the cargo area barrier assemblies disclosed herein may further include a bottom mat or pad to protect the vehicle from pet dander and hair as well as to provide a soft surface for the animal to lay on.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect, an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment sy stem may include a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle. The animal containment system may further include a load leg assembly coupled to the main impact panel. The load leg assembly may include a load leg extendable from the main impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle. The load leg may be configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel during an impact event. The animal containment system may further include a tie-dow n anchor strap configured to be coupled to the main impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect, a cargo area barrier assembly for containing an animal in a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The cargo area barrier assembly may include a front impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area barrier assembly may further include a load leg assembly coupled to the front impact panel. The load leg assembly may include a load leg extendable from the front impact panel tow ard a surface of theAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOvehicle. The load leg may be configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the front impact panel during an impact event. The cargo area barrier assembly may further include a first side impact panel rotatably connected to a first side of the front impact panel and oriented facing a first side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle. The first side impact panel may be rotatably movable about a first vertical axis. The cargo area barrier assembly may further include a second side impact panel rotatably connected to a second side of the front impact panel and oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle. The second side impact panel may be rotatably movable about a second vertical axis.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect, a method of forming an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The method may include forming a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle. The method may further include forming a load leg assembly including a load leg. The method may further include mounting the load leg assembly to the main impact panel. The load leg may be extendable from the main impact panel tow ard a vehicle seatback of the vehicle. The load leg may be configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the vehicle seatback to the main impact panel during an impact event. The method may further include providing a tie-down anchor strap configured to be connected to the main impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect, a method of installing an animal containment system in a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The method may include disposing an animal containment barrier assembly in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment barrier assembly having (i) a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle and including a tie-down anchor strap connection structure and (ii) a load leg assembly coupled to the main impact panel and including a load leg extendable from the main impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle. The load leg may be configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel during an impact event. The method may further include attaching a first end of a tie-down anchor strap to the tie-down anchor strap connection structure ofAttomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WOthe animal containment barrier assembly. The method may further include attaching a second end of the tie-down anchor strap to a mounting structure of the vehicle. The method may further include extending the load leg to an extended configuration.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following description of the illustrative aspects and embodiments may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is understood that potential aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to those depicted. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike.

[0012] FIGS. 1 A, IB, and 1C are front, side, and back views of an example animal containment system according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0013] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are front views of an example animal containment system having side impact panels arranged at varying positions according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0014] FIGS. 3A, 3B. and 3C are perspective, side, and front views of an example animal containment system having a bottom mat and a load leg assembly according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example animal containment sy stem having a bottom mat attached to a main impact panel according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system having a bottom mat attached to side impact panels according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system having a bottom mat attached to main and side impact panels according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system having a bottom mat in a stowed configuration according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0019] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side view s of an example animal containment system having an extendable load leg according to some aspects of the disclosure;Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO

[0020] FIGS. 9A and 9B are side and back views of an example animal containment system having a rotatable load leg according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of an example animal containment system having a top barrier panel and a bottom mat attached to side impact panels according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0022] FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB are front and perspective views of an example animal containment system having a divider impact panel according to some aspects of the disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example vehicular animal containment environment including the example animal containment system of FIGS. 11A and 11B according to aspects of the disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an example method for manufacturing an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an example method for installing an animal containment system in a cargo area of a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present disclosure sets forth various aspects of an animal containment system for a vehicle including a cargo area barrier assembly for containing a pet. The animal containment system includes one or more impact panels, load legs, bottom mats, top barriers, and tie-down anchor straps for mounting and securing the cargo area barrier assembly in a vehicle.

[0027] It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples, aspects, and embodiments shown in the figures are for example purposes only, and should not be construed limiting the disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates various aspects and embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above with the above-described examples, aspects, and embodiments may be employed alone or in combination with any of the other examples, aspects, and embodiments described above. It should further be appreciated that the various alternative examples, aspects, and embodiments describedAttomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WOabove with respect to one illustrated example, aspect, or embodiment can apply to all examples, aspects, and embodiments as descnbed herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0028] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate, as if the word ‘‘about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range, and is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples, aspects, or embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could.” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples, aspects, or embodiments include, while other examples, aspects, or embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features (e.g., functionalities), elements (e.g., structures), and / or steps (e.g., acts) are in any way required for one or more examples, aspects, or embodiments or that one or more examples, aspects, or embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example, aspect, or embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. For example, it will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” etc., when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0030] The example aspects and embodiments may be further understood with reference to the following description and the related appended drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The example aspects and embodiments describe an assembly and / or associated apparatuses for safely transporting animals (e.g., dogs) in a vehicle cargo area.

[0031] The animal containment system provides for improved crash safety of rear seat human occupants and an animal, such as a large dog, when the animal is behind them in the the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Additionally, the animal containment system utilizes adjustable side impact panels to provide a "universal" fit in a majority of sport utility’ vehicle (SUV) rear cargo areas. The animal containment device can comprise a material that is durable and has the strength of heavy-duty impact barriers with some of the flexibility and aesthetics of soft-sided barriers.

[0032] During a typical crash with impact on the front or rear of the vehicle, when the barrier assembly and animal are located in the vehicle cargo area, the impact forces from the crash will tend to cause the barrier assembly to move forward (e.g., tow ard the vehicle seats and occupants), upward toward the ceiling, and / or rotationally forward and up (e.g., sending the top of the barrier assembly over the vehicle seatback). Accordingly, features of the present disclosure aid in absorbing and / or counteracting such impact forces. In various examples, aspects, and embodiments, the barrier assembly is part of an animal containment system that may include one or more features (including, but not limited to, a mounting assembly) that positively retain and / or block the barrier assembly in the cargo area, preventing the barrier assembly from becoming a projectile and / or inducing harm to animal or human occupants. As such, examples, aspects, and embodiments disclosed herein provide improved crash safety for rear seat human occupants when an animal (e.g., a dog) or other cargo is located behind them along with improved crash safety for the animal or cargo itself.Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WO

[0033] In the following description, the terms '‘front” and '‘rear” are generally used with respect to a front and rear of a vehicle in which aspects of the present disclosure are used or intended to be used, unless otherwise stated. Thus, for example, a rear of an animal containment device is oriented toward a rear of vehicle or refers to a portion of the animal containment device intended to be orientated towards a rear of a vehicle.

[0034] It should be further understood that reference to a "side" of the animal containment device is provided for ease of explanation, and that multiple different components of the animal containment device can define the exterior of the animal containment device and these exterior components are not necessarily orthogonal to the other "sides." Additionally, the terms "inside" and / or "interior" and / or "internal" may refer to features in a direction toward the center of the animal containment device, relative to a certain component of the animal containment device, and the terms "outside" and / or "exterior" and / or "external" may refer to features in a direction away from the center of the animal containment device, relative to a certain component of the animal containment device.

[0035] Although the disclosure may illustrate different examples, aspects, and embodiments, it is contemplated that aspects of individual embodiments may be combined or omitted. Therefore, the disclosure and claims are not intended to be limited to the illustrated examples, aspects, or embodiments.

[0036] FIGS. 1A, IB, and 1C are front, side, and back views, respectively, of an example animal containment system 100 configured to function as a cargo area barrier assembly for a rear cargo area of a vehicle according to some aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment system 100 includes a main impact panel 102 (e.g., a front impact panel) arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle. As shown, the animal containment system 100 further includes a first side impact panel 104 rotatably connected to a first side of the main impact panel 102 and oriented facing a first side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle. As shown, the animal containment systemAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO100 further includes a second side impact panel 106 rotatably connected to a second side of the main impact panel 102 and oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle.

[0037] In some aspects, the animal containment system 100 may further include one or more tie-down anchor straps (not shown) configured to be coupled to one or more portions of the main impact panel 102 and one or more mounting structures of the vehicle. The one or more mounting structures of the vehicle may include, for example, one or more hinges coupled to a door of the cargo area of the vehicle, floor-mounted anchors of the cargo area of the vehicle, ceiling-mounted anchors of the cargo area of the vehicle, side-wall-mounted anchors of the cargo area of the vehicle, lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) anchors, any other suitable mounting structures, and any combinations thereof.

[0038] In one example, as shown, the main impact panel 102 includes a first tie-down anchor strap connection structure 108 disposed at a first portion of the main impact panel 102 and a second tie-down anchor strap connection structure 110 disposed at a second portion of the main impact panel 102. In some aspects, a first end of a first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first tie-down anchor strap connection structure 108, and a second end of the first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first mounting structure of the vehicle. In some aspects, a third end of the second tie-down anchor strap may be removably attached to the second tie-down anchor strap connection structure 110, and a fourth end of the second tie-down anchor strap may be removably attached to the second mounting structure of the vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, a fifth end of a third tie-down anchor strap may be removably attached to the first tie-down anchor strap connection structure 108, the second tie-down anchor strap connection structure 110 may be arranged around one or more rear seatback headrest support structures and / or portions of a top barrier panel (e.g., top barrier panel 1030 shown in FIG. 10), and a sixth end of the third tie-down anchor strap may be removably attached to the second tie-down anchor strap connection structure 110.Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO

[0039] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are front views of the example animal containment system 100 having the side impact panels 104, 106 arranged at varying positions according to some aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the first side impact panel 104 is rotatably connected to a first side of the main impact panel 102 and rotatably movable about a first vertical axis VI. As shown, the second side impact panel 106 is rotatably connected to a second side of the main impact panel 102 and rotatably movable about a second vertical axis V2. As a result, each of the first side impact panel 104 and the second side impact panel 106 is rotatable relative to the main impact panel 102 to allow the cargo area barrier assembly provided by the example animal containment system 100 to fit into vehicles with varying rear cargo area widths (e.g., the user can extend the side impact panels 104, 106 for wider vehicle trunks or retract the side impact panels 104. 106 for narrower vehicle trunks).

[0040] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective, side, and front views, respectively of an example animal containment system 200 having a bottom mat 212 and a load leg assembly 214 according to some aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment system 200 includes a main impact panel 202 (e.g., a front impact panel) arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle, a first side impact panel 204 rotatably connected to a first side of the main impact panel 202 and oriented facing a first side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, a second side impact panel 206 rotatably connected to a second side of the main impact panel 202 and oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, a first tic-down anchor strap connection structure 208 disposed at a first portion of the main impact panel 202, and a second tie-down anchor strap connection structure 210 disposed at a second portion of the main impact panel 202. In some aspects, the animal containment system 200 may further include one or more tie-down anchor straps (not shown) configured to be removably attached to one or more portions of the main impact panel 202 (e.g., the first tie-down anchor strap connection structure 208, the second tie-down anchor strap connection structure 210) and one or more mounting structures of the vehicle (e.g., rear door hinges; ceiling, floor, side wall, and / or LATCH anchors; and / or other suitable structures).Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO

[0041] As shown, the animal containment system 200 further includes a bottom mat 212 to protect the rear cargo area of the vehicle from animal dander and hair as well as to provide a soft surface for the animal to lay on. In some aspects, the bottom mat 212 may be removably attached to the main impact panel 202 and / or the side impact panels 204, 206. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the bottom mat 212 may be removably attached to the main impact panel 202. and the example animal containment system 200 may include main mat connectors 420 and 422 (e.g., webbing with hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit connectors, buckles, etc.) for securing the bottom mat 212 to the main impact panel 202. In another example, as shown in FIG. 5. the bottom mat 212 may be removably attached to the side impact panels 204 and 206, and the example animal containment system 200 may include side mat connectors 524 and 526 (e.g., webbing with hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit connectors, buckles, etc.) for securing the bottom mat 212 to the side impact panels 204 and 206, respectively. In yet another example, as shown in FIG. 6, the bottom mat 212 may be removably attached to the main impact panel 202 and the side impact panels 204 and 206, and the example animal containment system 200 may include main mat connectors 620 and 622 (e.g., webbing with hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit connectors, buckles, etc.) for securing the bottom mat 212 to the main impact panel 202 and side mat connectors 624 and 626 (e.g., webbing with hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit connectors, buckles, etc.) for securing the bottom mat 212 to the side impact panels 204 and 206, respectively. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 7, the bottom mat 212 is configured to be rolled up and secured to the main impact panel 102 in a stowed configuration, and the example animal containment system 200 may include storage mat connectors 730 and 732 (e.g., webbing with hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit connectors, buckles, etc.) for securing the rolled-up bottom mat 212 to the main impact panel 202 in the stowed configuration. In some aspects, the bottom mat 212 is configured to be detached from the storage mat connectors 730 and 732 and unrolled to lay substantially flat on the floor of the rear cargo area of the vehicle in a deployed configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4-6). In some aspects, the bottomAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOmat 212 may be configured to overlay at least a portion of the main impact panel 202 in the deployed configuration.

[0042] Referring back to FIG. 3B, as shown, the animal containment system 200 further includes a load leg assembly 214 coupled to the main impact panel 202. As shown, the load leg assembly 214 includes a load leg 216 extendable from the main impact panel 202 toward a surface of the vehicle, such as a rear seatback surface. In some aspects, the load leg 216 is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel 202 and components coupled thereto during an impact event (e.g.. the distal end of the load leg 216 may contact the seatback to provide energy absorption for the animal containment system 200). In some aspects, the load leg assembly 214 and / or the load leg 216 may have one or more of the structures and functionalities described below with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A. and 9B.

[0043] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of an example animal containment system 800 having an example load leg assembly 814 with an extendable load leg 816 according to some aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the example animal containment system 800 includes a main impact panel 802 having an elongated channel 820 configured to receive a proximal end of the extendable load leg 816, and the extendable load leg 816 is slidably movable within the elongated channel 820 along a longitudinal axis LI between a retracted position and an extended position. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 8 A, the distal end of the extendable load leg 816 slightly protrudes from the main impact panel 802 in the retracted position. In other aspects (not shown), the distal end of the extendable load leg 816 may be fully stowed in the main impact panel 802 in the retracted position. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 8B, the distal end of the extendable load leg 816 may be pulled outwards from the main impact panel 802 in the extended position. As such, the extendable load leg 816 is extendable by pulling the extendable load leg 81 away from the main impact panel 802 for installing the example animal containment system 800 in the rear cargo area of the vehicle and retractable by pushing the extendable load leg 816 into the main impact panel 802 for collapsing the example animal containment system 800 fortransport and / or storage. In some aspects, as shownAtorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOin FIG. 8B, the extendable load leg 816 may be a telescoping extendable load leg having an outer tube 817 slidably movable within the elongated channel 820 and an inner tube 818 slidably movable within the outer tube 817 to provide for improved adjustability of the distal end of the extendable load leg 816 in the extended position and improved compactness of the extendable load leg 816 in the retracted position.

[0044] FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views of an example animal containment system 900 having an example load leg assembly 914 with a rotatable load leg 916 according to some aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the example animal containment system 900 includes a main impact panel 902 having a recess 920 configured to receive the rotatable load leg 916 in a stowed position, and the rotatable load leg 916 is rotatably movable about a transverse axis T1 between the stowed position (shown in FIG. 9A) and an extended position (shown in FIG. 9B). As such, the rotatable load leg 916 is extendable by rotating the rotatable load leg 916 downwards from the main impact panel 902 for installing the example animal containment system 900 in the rear cargo area of the vehicle and retractable by rotating the rotatable load leg 916 upwards into the main impact panel 902 for collapsing the example animal containment system 900 for transport and / or storage. In some aspects (not shown), the rotatable load leg 916 may be a telescoping rotatable load leg having an outer tube with a proximal end that is pivotably connected to the main impact panel 902 within the recess 920, and an inner tube slidably movable within the outer tube to provide for improved adjustability7of the distal end of the rotatable load leg 916 in the extended position and improved compactness of the rotatable load leg 916 in the retracted position.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view7of an example animal containment system 1000 having a botom mat 1012 and atop barrier panel 1030 according to some aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the example animal containment system 1000 includes a main impact panel 1002 (e.g., a front impact panel) arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle, a first side impact panel 1004 rotatably connected to a first side of the main impact panel 1002 and oriented facing a first side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, and a second side impact panel 1006 rotatablyAtorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOconnected to a second side of the main impact panel 1002 and oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle. As shown, the main impact panel 1002 has a first tie-down anchor strap connection structure 1008, a first tie-dow n anchor strap 1018 coupled to the first tie-down anchor strap connection structure 1008. a second tie-down anchor strap connection structure 1010, and a second tie-down anchor strap 1020 coupled to the second tie-down anchor strap connection structure 1010. In some aspects (not shown), the tie-down anchor straps 1018, 1020 may be coupled to one or more mounting structures of the vehicle.

[0046] As shown, the example animal containment system 1000 further includes a bottom mat 1012 to protect the rear cargo area of the vehicle from animal dander and hair as well as to provide a soft surface for the animal to lay on. In some aspects, the bottom mat 1012 may be removably attached to the main impact panel 1002 and / or the side impact panels 1004, 1006. In some aspects, as shown, the bottom mat 1012 is configured to overlay (e.g., cover) both the main impact panel 1002 and the floor of the rear cargo area of the vehicle in the deployed configuration.

[0047] As shown, the example animal containment system 1000 further includes a top barrier panel 1030 coupled to the main impact panel 1002 and extending vertically (e g., upwards in height) above the main impact panel 1002. In some aspects (not shown), the top barrier panel 1030 may further include top barrier side panels configured to extend rotatably outwards from the top barrier panel 1030.

[0048] FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB are front and perspective views, respectively, of an example animal containment system 1100 having a removably -attachable divider impact panel 1140 according to some aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the example animal containment system 1100 includes a main impact panel 1102 (e.g., a front impact panel) arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle, a first side impact panel 1104 rotatably connected to a first side of the main impact panel 1102 and oriented facing a first side wal I of the cargo area of the vehicle, and a second side impact panel 1106 rotatably connected to a second side of the main impact panel 1102 and oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle. As shown, the main impact panel 1102 has aAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOfirst tie-down anchor strap connection structure 1108 and a second tie-down anchor strap connection structure 1110.

[0049] As shown, the example animal containment system 1100 further includes a divider impact panel 1140 coupled to the main impact panel 1102 and disposed transversely between the first side impact panel 1104 and the second side impact panel 1106. In some aspects, the main impact panel 1102 may have one or more divider impact panel receiving structures for removably attaching the divider impact panel 1140 to the main impact panel 1102. such as a divider impact panel receiving structure disposed proximate the transverse center of the main impact panel 1102 (as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B) and one or more divider impact panel receiving structures disposed at off-center locations to provide for improved adjustability of the divider impact panel 1140.

[0050] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example vehicular animal containment environment 1200 including the example animal containment system 1100 secured in a cargo area of a vehicle using tie-down anchor straps 1230, 1232 A, and 1232B according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some aspects, each of tie-down anchor straps 1230, 1232A, and 1232B has a first end attachable to one or more of the tie-down anchor strap connection structures 1108, 1110 of the animal containment system 1100 and a second end attachable to the load-bearing mounting structure of the vehicle. For example, as show n, the top tie-dow n anchor strap 1230 has a first end attachable to the tie-down anchor strap connection structure 1110 of the animal containment system 1100, and a second end removably attachable to an overhead vehicular anchor point, such as a vehicle cargo area hinge 1206C coupled to a door of the cargo area of the vehicle. In another example, as shown, each of the side tie-down anchor straps 1232A, 1232B has a first end attachable to a respective tie-down anchor strap connection structure 1108, 1110 of the animal containment system 1100, and a second end removably attachable to a respective floor-mounted or side-mounted vehicular anchor point, such as a respective one of the side-mounted anchors 1206 A and 1206B disposed on the side walls of the cargo area of the vehicle.Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO

[0051] As shown, the tie-down anchor strap 1230 is tied around the vehicle cargo area hinge 1206C. In some aspects, because the tie-down strap 1230 creates a gap in the vehicle seal along the trunk, a gasket 1280 may be disposed around the tie-down strap 1230 to substantially prevent water intrusion into the vehicle (e.g., water trickling down the tie-down strap into the rear cargo area of the vehicle). In some aspects, as shown, the gasket 1280 is disposed around a portion of the tiedown strap 1230 proximate the second end of the tie-down strap 1230 (e.g., a user may place the gasket at the doorjamb between the hinge and the weatherproofing strip (“weatherstrip”) or seal affixed to the vehicle). The gasket 1280 may be formed of a material comprising at least one of a rubber, a foam, and a silicone. In some aspects, the gasket 1280 may be over-molded on the tiedown strap 1230 or be provided as a secondary’ component such that the gasket 1280 may freely move along the tie-down strap 1230 so that a user may position it on the vehicle where appropriate.

[0052] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an example method 1300 for forming an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure. It is noted that one or more steps may be combined, that certain steps may be omitted, and that the steps may be performed in any preferred order as desired.

[0053] At step 1302, the method 1300 includes forming a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle (e g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1-12). At step 1304, the method 1300 includes forming a load leg assembly comprising a load leg (e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1-12). At step 1306, the method 1300 includes mounting the load leg assembly to the main impact panel, where the load leg is extendable from the main impact panel toward a vehicle seatback of the vehicle, and w here the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the vehicle seatback to the main impact panel during an impact event (e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1-12). At step 1308, the method 1300 includes providing a tie-down anchor strap configured to be connected to the main impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle (e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1-12).Atorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO

[0054] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an example method 1400 for installing an animal containment system in a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising according to aspects of the disclosure. It is noted that one or more steps may be combined, that certain steps may be omited, and that the steps may be performed in any preferred order as desired.

[0055] At step 1402, the method 1400 includes disposing an animal containment barrier assembly in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment barrier assembly having: (i) a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle, the main impact panel comprising a tie-down anchor strap connection structure; and (ii) a load leg assembly coupled to the main impact panel, the load leg assembly including a load leg extendable from the main impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle, where the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel during an impact event (e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1-13). At step 1404, the method 1400 includes ataching a first end of a tie-down anchor strap to the tie-down anchor strap connection structure of the animal containment barrier assembly (e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1-13). At step 1406, the method 1400 includes ataching a second end of the tie-dow n anchor strap to a mounting structure of the vehicle (e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1-13). At step 1408, the method 1400 includes extending the load leg to an extended configuration (e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1-13).

[0056] The above-described example embodiments may be implemented in various configurations and operated with various methods which are listed below':1. An animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising:a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle;a load leg assembly coupled to the main impact panel, the load leg assembly comprising a load leg extendable from the main impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel during an impact event; andAtorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOa tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to the main impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle.2. The animal containment system of claim 1, further comprising:a first side impact panel rotatably connected to a first side of the main impact panel and oriented facing a first side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, wherein the first side impact panel is rotatably movable about a first vertical axis; anda second side impact panel rotatably connected to a second side of the main impact panel and oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, wherein the second side impact panel is rotatably movable about a second vertical axis.3. The animal containment system of claim 2, further comprising a divider impact panel coupled to the main impact panel and disposed transversely between the first side impact panel and the second side impact panel.4. The animal containment system of claim 1, further comprising a top barrier panel coupled to the main impact panel and extending vertically above the main impact panel.5. The animal containment sy stem of claim 1, further comprising a botom mat. 6. The animal containment system of claim 5, wherein the botom mat is removably atached to the main impact panel.7. The animal containment system of claim 6, wherein the botom mat is configured to be rolled up and secured to the main impact panel in a stowed configuration.8. The animal containment system of claim 5, the animal containment system further comprising one or more side impact panels, wherein the botom mat is removably atached to the one or more side impact panels.9. The animal containment system of claim 6, wherein the botom mat is further removably atached to the main impact panel.10. The animal containment system of claim 5, wherein the botom mat is configured to overlay at least a portion of the main impact panel.Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WO11. The animal containment system of claim 1, the main impact panel comprising an elongated channel configured to receive a proximal end of the load leg, wherein the load leg is slidably movable within the elongated channel along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position.12. The animal containment system of claim 11, wherein the load leg is a telescoping load leg comprising:an outer tube slidably movable within the elongated channel; andan inner tube slidably movable within the outer tube.13. The animal containment system of claim 1, the main impact panel comprising a recess configured to receive the load leg in a stowed position, wherein the load leg is rotatably movable about a transverse axis between the stowed position and an extended position.14. The animal containment system of claim 1, the main impact panel comprising a tiedown anchor strap connection structure, wherein a first end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a second end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the mounting structure of the vehicle.15. The animal containment system of claim 14, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a hinge coupled to a door of the cargo area of the vehicle, and wherein the second end of the tic-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the hinge.16. The animal containment system of claim 14, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a floor-mounted anchor of the cargo area of the vehicle, and wherein the second end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the floor-mounted anchor.17. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the tie-down anchor strap is a first tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to a first portion of the main impact panel, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle is a first mounting structure of the vehicle, the animal containment system further comprising a second tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to a second portion of the main impact panel and a second mounting structure of the vehicle.Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WO18. The animal containment system of claim 17, the main impact panel comprising: a first tie-down anchor strap connection structure disposed at the first portion of the main impact panel, wherein a first end of the first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a second end of the first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first mounting structure of the vehicle; anda second tie-down anchor strap connection structure disposed at the second portion of the main impact panel, wherein a third end of the second tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the second tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a fourth end of the second tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the second mounting structure of the vehicle.19. An cargo area barrier assembly for containing an animal in a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising:a front impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle;a load leg assembly coupled to the front impact panel, the load leg assembly comprising a load leg extendable from the front impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the front impact panel during an impact event;a first side impact panel rotatably connected to a first side of the front impact panel and oriented facing a first side w all of the cargo area of the vehicle, w herein the first side impact panel is rotatably movable about a first vertical axis; anda second side impact panel rotatably connected to a second side of the front impact panel and oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, wherein the second side impact panel is rotatably movable about a second vertical axis.20. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, further comprising a divider impact panel coupled to the front impact panel and disposed transversely between the first side impact panel and the second side impact panel.21. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, further comprising a top barrier panelAtorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOcoupled to the front impact panel and extending vertically above the front impact panel.22. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, further comprising a bottom mat. 23. The cargo area barn er assembly of claim 22, wherein the botom mat is removably atached to one or more of the front impact panel, the first side impact panel, and the second side impact panel.24. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 23, wherein the botom mat is configured to be rolled up and secured to the front impact panel in a stowed configuration.25. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 22, wherein the botom mat is configured to overlay at least a portion of the front impact panel.26. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, the front impact panel comprising an elongated channel configured to receive a proximal end of the load leg, wherein the load leg is slidably movable within the elongated channel along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position.27. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 26, wherein the load leg is a telescoping load leg comprising:an outer tube slidably movable within the elongated channel; andan inner tube slidably movable within the outer tube.28. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, the front impact panel comprising a recess configured to receive the load leg in a stowed position, wherein the load leg is rotatably movable about a transverse axis between the stowed position and an extended position.29. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, further comprising a lie-dow n anchor strap configured to be coupled to the front impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle.30. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 29, the front impact panel comprising a tiedown anchor strap connection structure, wherein a first end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably atachable to the tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a second end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably atachable to the mounting structure of the vehicle.Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WO31. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 30, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a hinge coupled to a door of the cargo area of the vehicle, and wherein the second end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the hinge.32. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 30, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a floor-mounted anchor of the cargo area of the vehicle, and wherein the second end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the floor-mounted anchor.33. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 29, wherein the tie-down anchor strap is a first tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to a first portion of the front impact panel, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle is a first mounting structure of the vehicle, the cargo area barrier assembly further comprising a second tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to a second portion of the front impact panel and a second mounting structure of the vehicle.34. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 33, the front impact panel comprising: a first tie-down anchor strap connection structure disposed at the first portion of the front impact panel, wherein a first end of the first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a second end of the first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first mounting structure of the vehicle; anda second tie-down anchor strap connection structure disposed at the second portion of the front impact panel, wherein a third end of the second tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the second tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a fourth end of the second tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the second mounting structure of the vehicle.35. A method of forming an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising:forming a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle; forming a load leg assembly comprising a load leg;mounting the load leg assembly to the main impact panel, wherein the load leg is extendable from the main impact panel toward a vehicle seatback of the vehicle, wherein the load leg isAtorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOconfigured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the vehicle seatback to the main impact panel during an impact event; andproviding a tie-down anchor strap configured to be connected to the main impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle.36. A method of installing an animal containment system in a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising:disposing an animal containment barrier assembly in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment barrier assembly havinga main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle, the main impact panel comprising a tie-down anchor strap connection structure, anda load leg assembly coupled to the main impact panel, the load leg assembly comprising a load leg extendable from the main impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel during an impact event;ataching a first end of a tie-down anchor strap to the tie-down anchor strap connection structure of the animal containment barrier assembly;ataching a second end of the tie-down anchor strap to a mounting structure of the vehicle; andextending the load leg to an extended configuration.37. The method of claim 36, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a hinge coupled to a door of the cargo area of the vehicle, the ataching the second end of the tiedown anchor strap assembly to the mounting structure of the vehicle comprising removably ataching the second end of the tie-down anchor strap to the hinge.Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WO38. The method of claim 36, the extending the load leg comprising extending a distal end of the load leg in a direction away from the main impact panel toward a rear seat surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the rear seat surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel during an impact event.

[0057] While certain examples have been described, these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0058] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the disclosure thereof. It should further be appreciated that structural features and methods associated with one of the embodiments can be incorporated into other embodiments. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but rather modifications are also covered within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0059] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an example embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claimsAtorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO

[0060] It should be understood that the steps of the example methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely examples. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] Although the elements in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

[0062] The words ‘“inward,” “outward.” “upper.” and “lower” refer to directions toward or away from, respectively, the geometric center of the component.

[0063] It will be understood that reference herein to “a” or “one” to describe a feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additional features or multiples of the feature. For instance, reference to a device having, comprising, including, or defining “one” of a feature does not preclude the device from having, comprising, including, or defining more than one of the feature, as long as the device has, comprises, includes, or defines at least one of the feature. Similarly, reference herein to “one of’ a plurality of features does not foreclose the embodiment from including two or more of the features. For instance, reference to a device having, comprising, including, or defining “one of a channel and a recess” does not foreclose the device from having both the channel and the recess.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising:a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle;a load leg assembly coupled to the main impact panel, the load leg assembly comprising a load leg extendable from the main impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel during an impact event; anda tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to the main impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle.

2. The animal containment system of claim 1, further comprising:a first side impact panel rotatably connected to a first side of the main impact panel and oriented facing a first side w all of the cargo area of the vehicle, wherein the first side impact panel is rotatably movable about a first vertical axis; anda second side impact panel rotatably connected to a second side of the main impact panel and oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, wherein the second side impact panel is rotatably movable about a second vertical axis.

3. The animal containment system of claim 2, further comprising a divider impact panel coupled to the main impact panel and disposed transversely between the first side impact panel and the second side impact panel.

4. The animal containment system of claim 1, further comprising a top barrier panel coupled to the main impact panel and extending vertically above the main impact panel.Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO5. The animal containment system of claim 1, further comprising a bottom mat.

6. The animal containment system of claim 5. wherein the bottom mat is removably attached to the main impact panel.

7. The animal containment system of claim 6, wherein the bottom mat is configured to be rolled up and secured to the main impact panel in a stowed configuration.

8. The animal containment system of claim 5. the animal containment system further comprising one or more side impact panels, wherein the bottom mat is removably attached to the one or more side impact panels.

9. The animal containment system of claim 6, wherein the bottom mat is further removably attached to the main impact panel.

10. The animal containment sy stem of claim 5, wherein the bottom mat is configured to overlay at least a portion of the main impact panel.

11. The animal containment system of claim 1, the main impact panel comprising an elongated channel configured to receive a proximal end of the load leg, wherein the load leg is slidably movable within the elongated channel along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position.

12. The animal containment system of claim 11, wherein the load leg is a telescoping load leg comprising:Atorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOan outer tube slidably movable within the elongated channel; andan inner tube slidably movable within the outer tube.

13. The animal containment system of claim 1, the main impact panel comprising a recess configured to receive the load leg in a stowed position, wherein the load leg is rotatably movable about a transverse axis between the stowed position and an extended position.

14. The animal containment system of claim 1. the main impact panel comprising a tie-down anchor strap connection structure, wherein a first end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably atachable to the tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a second end of the tiedown anchor strap is removably attachable to the mounting structure of the vehicle.

15. The animal containment system of claim 14, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a hinge coupled to a door of the cargo area of the vehicle, and wherein the second end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the hinge.

16. The animal containment system of claim 14, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a floor-mounted anchor of the cargo area of the vehicle, and wherein the second end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the floor-mounted anchor.

17. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the tie-down anchor strap is a first tiedown anchor strap configured to be coupled to a first portion of the main impact panel, w herein the mounting structure of the vehicle is a first mounting structure of the vehicle, the animal containment system further comprising a second tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to a second portion of the main impact panel and a second mounting structure of the vehicle.Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WO18. The animal containment system of claim 17, the main impact panel comprising:a first tie-down anchor strap connection structure disposed at the first portion of the main impact panel, wherein a first end of the first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a second end of the first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first mounting structure of the vehicle; anda second tie-down anchor strap connection structure disposed at the second portion of the main impact panel, wherein a third end of the second tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the second tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a fourth end of the second tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the second mounting structure of the vehicle.

19. An cargo area barrier assembly for containing an animal in a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising:a front impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle;a load leg assembly coupled to the front impact panel, the load leg assembly comprising a load leg extendable from the front impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the front impact panel during an impact event;a first side impact panel rotatably connected to a first side of the front impact panel and oriented facing a first side w all of the cargo area of the vehicle, w herein the first side impact panel is rotatably movable about a first vertical axis; anda second side impact panel rotatably connected to a second side of the front impact panel and oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, wherein the second side impact panel is rotatably movable about a second vertical axis.

20. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, further comprising a divider impact panel coupled to the front impact panel and disposed transversely between the first side impact panel andAttomey Docket No. JANI-PT014WOthe second side impact panel.

21. The cargo area barner assembly of claim 19, further comprising a top barn er panel coupled to the front impact panel and extending vertically above the front impact panel.

22. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, further comprising a bottom mat.

23. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 22, wherein the bottom mat is removably attached to one or more of the front impact panel, the first side impact panel, and the second side impact panel.

24. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 23, wherein the bottom mat is configured to be rolled up and secured to the front impact panel in a stowed configuration.

25. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 22, wherein the bottom mat is configured to overlay at least a portion of the front impact panel.

26. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, the front impact panel comprising an elongated channel configured to receive a proximal end of the load leg, wherein the load leg is slidably movable within the elongated channel along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position.

27. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 26, wherein the load leg is a telescoping load leg comprising:an outer tube slidably movable within the elongated channel; andan inner tube slidably movable within the outer tube.Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO28. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, the front impact panel comprising a recess configured to receive the load leg in a stowed position, wherein the load leg is rotatably movable about a transverse axis between the stowed position and an extended position.

29. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 19, further comprising a tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to the front impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle.

30. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 29, the front impact panel comprising a tie-down anchor strap connection structure, wherein a first end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a second end of the tiedown anchor strap is removably attachable to the mounting structure of the vehicle.

31. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 30, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a hinge coupled to a door of the cargo area of the vehicle, and wherein the second end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the hinge.

32. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 30, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a floor-mounted anchor of the cargo area of the vehicle, and wherein the second end of the tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the floor-mounted anchor.

33. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 29, wherein the tie-down anchor strap is a first tiedown anchor strap configured to be coupled to a first portion of the front impact panel, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle is a first mounting structure of the vehicle, the cargo area barrier assembly further comprising a second tie-down anchor strap configured to be coupled to a second portion of the front impact panel and a second mounting structure of the vehicle.Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WO34. The cargo area barrier assembly of claim 33, the front impact panel comprising:a first tie-down anchor strap connection structure disposed at the first portion of the front impact panel, wherein a first end of the first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a second end of the first tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the first mounting structure of the vehicle; anda second tie-down anchor strap connection structure disposed at the second portion of the front impact panel, wherein a third end of the second tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the second tie-down anchor strap connection structure, and wherein a fourth end of the second tie-down anchor strap is removably attachable to the second mounting structure of the vehicle.

35. A method of forming an animal containment system for a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising:forming a main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle; forming a load leg assembly comprising a load leg;mounting the load leg assembly to the main impact panel, wherein the load leg is extendable from the main impact panel toward a vehicle seatback of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the vehicle seatback to the main impact panel during an impact event; andproviding a tie-dow n anchor strap configured to be connected to the main impact panel and a mounting structure of the vehicle.

36. A method of installing an animal containment system in a cargo area of a vehicle, comprising:disposing an animal containment barrier assembly in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment barrier assembly havingAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT014WOa main impact panel arranged to extend across a rear cargo area of a vehicle, the main impact panel comprising a tie-down anchor strap connection structure, anda load leg assembly coupled to the main impact panel, the load leg assembly comprising a load leg extendable from the main impact panel toward a surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel during an impact event:attaching a first end of a tie-down anchor strap to the tie-down anchor strap connection structure of the animal containment barrier assembly;attaching a second end of the tie-down anchor strap to a mounting structure of the vehicle; andextending the load leg to an extended configuration.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the mounting structure of the vehicle comprises a hinge coupled to a door of the cargo area of the vehicle, the attaching the second end of the tie-down anchor strap assembly to the mounting structure of the vehicle comprising removably attaching the second end of the tie-down anchor strap to the hinge.

38. The method of claim 36, the extending the load leg comprising extending a distal end of the load leg in a direction away from the main impact panel toward a rear seat surface of the vehicle, wherein the load leg is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the rear seat surface of the vehicle to the main impact panel during an impact event.

Images