Pet travel carrier

Abstract

An animal containment system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment system includes a base configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat and an animal containment device configured to removably attach to the base. The base includes a first connector, and the animal containment device includes a second connector configured to removably attach to the first connector of the base. The animal containment system further includes a latch mechanism configured to retain the first connector and the second connector attached together. The animal containment system further includes a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

Description

Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WOPET TRAVEL CARRIERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63 / 736,672, filed December 20, 2024, and 63 / 930,951, filed December 4, 2025, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to animal containment systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to animal containment devices having separate animal containment devices and bases 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, many existing pet traveling carriers suffer from various deficiencies that can result in improperly restrained pets that are more likely to be injured and to injure vehicle occupants during a crash. For example, many pet traveling carriers often are insufficiently anchored to contain and protect a pet in the event of a car crash. In another example, some pet traveling carriers lack safety features that allow them to securely attach to a vehicle, and carriers that do attach to the vehicle often take up considerable room when not in use and can be difficult to install and remove. In yet another example, some pet traveling carriers lack safety7features relevant to crash performance when installed in a vehicle. In still another example, some pet traveling carriers utilize anchor points in the vehicle which are not rated for the weight of the carrier and therefore are likely to break upon impact. In still another example, some pet traveling carriers are not sized for airline carry-on travel and therefore cannot fit underneath a conventional airplane seat.SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects of this disclosure relate to animal containment systems, devices, and methodsAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO for securing an animal containment device, such as a crate for a cat or dog, to a base that is secured to a vehicle using Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (“LATCH"’; also referred to as “ISOFIX”) connectors and, in some aspects, seatbelt lockoffs and / or tensioners. In some aspects, the animal containment devices disclosed herein are sized for airline carry-on travel and therefore can fit underneath a conventional airplane seat.

[0005] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an animal containment system (e.g., pet travel carrier system, pet safety system) for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment system includes a base (e.g., ISOFIX base, LATCH base) configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat. The base includes at least one first connector. The animal containment system further includes an animal containment device configured to removably attach to the base. The animal containment device includes at least one second connector configured to removably attach to the at least one first connector of the base. The animal containment system further includes a latch mechanism (e.g., a lock mechanism) configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together. The animal containment system further includes a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an animal containment base configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat is disclosed. The animal containment base includes a receiving area configured to receive and removably attach to an animal containment device. The animal containment base further includes at least one first connector, and the animal containment device includes at least one second connector. The animal containment base further includes a latch mechanism configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together. The animal containment base further includes a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an animal containment device for use in a vehicle, the animal containment device includes at least one second connector for removably attaching to at least one first connector of a base configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat. The animal containment device further includes a latch mechanism configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together. The animal containment device further includes a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following description of the illustrative aspects and / or embodiments may be betterAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO 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.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system including an example animal containment device and base according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0010] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective and side view s of another example animal containment system including another example animal containment device and base according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view' of another example animal containment system including another example animal containment device and base according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and side views of other example animal containment systems including other example animal containment devices and bases according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 5 A and 5B are perspective and side views of another example animal containment system including another example animal containment device and base according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are perspective and side views of another example animal containment system including another example animal containment device and base according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are perspective and side views of another example animal containment system including another example animal containment device and base according to aspects of the disclosure.Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WODETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure sets forth various aspects of an animal containment system for a vehicle including an animal containment device for containing a pet. The animal containment system further includes a base having a receiving area for removably securing the animal containment device and one or more ISOFIX or LATCH connectors, for mounting / securing the base in a vehicle. As used herein, the terms “ISOFIX” refers ISOFIX systems as described in International Organization for Standardization (“ISO’’) Standard ISO 13216, titled “ISOFIX Child Seats for Cars,” and related publications. The upper-case term “LATCH” refers to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (“LATCH”) systems as described in United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“FMVSS”) No. 225 (codified at 49 C.F.R. § 571.225), titled “Child Restraint Anchorage Systems,” and related publications.

[0017] 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 examples, 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 described above with respect to one illustrated example, aspect, or embodiment can apply to all examples, aspects, and embodiments as described herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples, aspects, and 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, and / or embodiments include, while other examples, aspects, and / or embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more examples, aspects, and / or embodiments or that one or more examples, aspects, and / 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, and / or embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not excludeAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO 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 its exclusive 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. 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 fding the application.

[0019] 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. 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. The words “inward,” “outward,” “upper,” and “lower” refer to directions toward or away from, respectively, the geometric center of the component. 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 example, aspect, or embodiment from including two or more of the features. For instance, reference to a device having, comprising, including, or defining “one of a protrusion and a recess” does not foreclose the device from having both the protrusion and the recess.Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO

[0020] The examples, aspects, and embodiments disclosed herein 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 examples, aspects, and / or embodiments disclosed herein describe various animal containment systems (e.g. pet travel systems) and / or associated apparatuses for safely transporting animals (e.g., cats, dogs) in a vehicle as well as outside of the vehicle, such as in an airplane. In some aspects, the animal containment systems disclosed herein include an animal containment device (e.g.. pet travel carrier) that can be secured in a vehicle to securely hold and transport an animal in the vehicle. In some aspects, the animal containment systems disclosed herein further include a base having a receiving area for removably and securely mounting the animal containment device to the base and rigid ISOFIX connectors or any suitable LATCH connectors for removably and securely mounting the base to the lower anchor points of a vehicle seat. In some aspects, the ISOFIX connectors may be configured to extend outward for use in a vehicle and retract into a cavity of the base for storage. In some aspects, any of the animal containment systems disclosed herein may include a “rigid LATCH"’ assembly with LATCH connectors mounted by a substantially rigid structure such as one or more pivotable members. Examples of such rigid LATCH assemblies and structures are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 17 / 669,838, filed February 11, 2022, and which issued as U.S. Patent No. 11,618,353 on April 4, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. In other aspects, any of the animal containment systems disclosed herein may include a “soft LATCH” assembly with LATCH connectors mounted by a substantially flexible structure such as one or more straps.

[0021] In some aspects, the animal containment systems disclosed herein may include, or be referred to alternatively as, pet carrier systems or other suitable systems. In some aspects, the animal containment systems disclosed herein may include an animal containment device and a base. In some aspects, as disclosed herein, the animal containment device may include, or be referred to alternatively as, a pet carrier, a pet travel carrier, a pet carrier device, a crate, a dog crate, a storage device, or another suitable device. In some aspects, as disclosed herein, the base may include, or be referred to alternatively as, an ISOFIX base, a LATCH base, or another suitable base. Those skilled in the art will understand that the animal containment device and base are configured to safely hold an animal during transportation of the animal in a moving vehicle and / or for transportation of the animal outside the vehicle, such as in the cabin of an airplane. In some aspects, as disclosed herein, the animal containment device can be configured to removably attach or mount to the base, and the base can be configured to cooperate with one or more vehicle anchor points (e.g., lower anchor points, upper tether points) or other securing members to position and secure the base within theAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO vehicle. In some aspects, the disclosure provides for alternative arrangements and geometries of the animal containment device and base as described in further detail below and in the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In some aspects, animal containment systems disclosed herein provide for an animal containment device and a separate base having ISOFIX lower anchor connectors and, in some aspects, a seatbelt lockoff mechanism, which are used to secure the animal containment device in the vehicle more securely and easily than traditional pet traveling carriers. In some aspects, the animal containment devices and bases disclosed herein can be formed of one or more materials that are durable and have the strength of heavy-duty7kennels with some of the flexibility and aesthetics of soft-sided crates. In some aspects, the animal containment devices and bases disclosed herein may further include one or more softgoods assemblies (e.g., fabric, mesh, foam padding, bedding, mattress, etc.).

[0023] In some aspects, the base of the animal containment systems disclosed herein may include features for affixing the system to a vehicle or other structure, such as the back seat of a vehicle, a bicycle rack, a stroller frame, or the like. In some aspects, the animal containment systems disclosed herein provide improved convenience for travel. For example, in some aspects, the base can be fixedly attached to a vehicle seat using ISOFIX or LATCH connectors and / or a seatbelt before the animal containment device is attached, and likewise the base may remain mounted in the vehicle while the animal containment device is removed from the base and moved to another location (e.g., an airplane, veterinarian’s office, etc ). In some aspects, the animal containment device is sized to fit underneath an airline seat when dismounted from the base. As a result, the animal containment systems, devices, and assemblies disclosed herein provide improved safety for both the animal in the animal containment device and the occupants in the vehicle as well as improved functionality7when traveling in vehicles and airplanes as well as when being carried by hand, bicycle, or stroller.

[0024] Although the disclosure may illustrate different 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 embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system 100 (e.g., pet travel carrier system, pet safety system) including an example animal containment device 110 and base 120 for use in a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 110 may be a portable, enclosed containment assembly or crate that includes a body defining an enclosure or cavity7having an interior within which an animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the example animal containment device 110 may include: aAtorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO lower section having a botom panel; and an upper section having one or more sidewall panels (e.g., as show n, including a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side) and a top panel having a handle 112. In some aspects, one or more portions of the upper section may include and / or be defined by soft goods (e.g., nylon fabric) and / or semi-rigid material (e.g., thermoformed fabric). In some aspects, the example animal containment device 110 may further include one or more doors, at least one of which may be openable.

[0026] In some aspects, as shown, the base 120 may include a receiving area 121A configured to receive and removably atach to the animal containment device 110. In some aspects, as shown the base 120 may have a substantially rectangular shape similar to the shape and dimensions of the animal containment device 110. In some aspects, the base 120 may include one or more ISOFIX or LATCH connectors disposed on the front w all 121B of the base 120 and configured to be affixed to one or more anchor points of a vehicle seat. For example, as shown, the base 120 may include a first ISOFIX connector 122 configured to be affixed to a first lower anchor point of the vehicle seat and a second ISOFIX connector 124 configured to be affixed to a second low er anchor point of the vehicle seat. In some aspects, each of the first ISOFIX connector 122 and the second ISOFIX connector 124 may have an extended use position (as shown in FIG. 1) and a retracted storage position (not showm). In some aspects, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector 122 and the second ISOFIX connector 124 is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity in the front w all 121B of the base 120 for storage, such that the ISOFIX connectors 122, 124 are stowable within the base 120 when not in use. For example, as shown, the first ISOFIX connector 122 may be a first pivotable rigid LATCH connector, and the second ISOFIX connector 124 may be a second pivotable rigid LATCH connector. In other aspects (not shown), the first ISOFIX connector 122 may be a first rigid LATCH connector, and the second ISOFIX connector 124 may be a second rigid LATCH connector. In some aspects, the animal containment system 100 may further include an ISOFIX or LATCH deployment mechanism configured to actuate the ISOFIX connectors 122, 124 to move between the extended use position (e.g., deployed position) and the retracted storage position (e.g., stowed position) in which the ISOFIX connectors 122, 124 are folded within the base 120. In some aspects, the ISOFIX or LATCH deployment mechanism may be provided on the base 120 or on the animal containment device 110. In some aspects, the animal containment system 100 may include an ISOFIX or LATCH release mechanism connected to one or more of the ISOFIX connectors 122, 124 to cause the ISOFIX connectors 122, 124 to move to a release position (e.g., opening, retracting a catch member, or the like) to disengage from a vehicle anchor point, allowing the animal containment system 100 to be moved. In some aspects, the ISOFIX or LATCH release mechanism may be provided on the base 120 or on the animalAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO containment device 110.

[0027] In some aspects, the animal containment device 110 and the base 120 may include one or more connectors for removably attaching the animal containment device 110 to the base 120. For example, in some aspects, the base 120 may include at least one first connector, and the animal containment device 110 may include at least one second connector configured to removably attach to the at least one first connector of the base 120. In some aspects the animal containment system 100 may further include a latch mechanism (e.g., a lock mechanism) configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together. In some aspects the animal containment system 100 may further include a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism (e.g., in response to being actuated by a user such as a pet owner or caregiver). In some aspects, the release mechanism may be provided on the base 120 or on the animal containment device 110.

[0028] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective and side views of an example animal containment system 200 including an example animal containment device 210 and base 220 for use in a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, as show n, the animal containment device 210 may include: a lower section having a bottom panel; and an upper section having one or more sidewall panels and a top panel having a handle 212; soft goods and / or semi-rigid material; and one or more openable doors.

[0029] In some aspects, as show n, the base 220 may include a receiving area 221A configured to receive and removably attach to the animal containment device 210. In some aspects, as shown the base 220 may include a first ISOFIX connector 222 (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a first lower anchor point of the vehicle seat and a second ISOFIX connector 224 (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a second lower anchor point of the vehicle seat. In some aspects, each of the first ISOFIX connector 222 and the second ISOFIX connector 224 may have an extended use position (as shown in FIG. 2A) and a retracted storage position (not shown). In some aspects, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector 222 and the second ISOFIX connector 224 is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity7in the front wall 22 IB of the base 220 for storage, such that the ISOFIX connectors 222, 224 are stowable within the base 220 when not in use. In some aspects, the animal containment system 200 may further include an ISOFIX or LATCH deployment mechanism provided on the base 220 or on the animal containment device 210 and configured to actuate the ISOFIX connectors 222, 224 to move between the extended use position and the retracted storage position. In some aspects, the animal containment system 200 may include an ISOFIX or LATCH release mechanism provided on theAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO base 220 or on the animal containment device 210 and connected to one or more of the ISOFIX connectors 222, 224 to cause the ISOFIX connectors 222, 224 to move to a release position (e.g., opening, retracting a catch member, or the like) to disengage from a vehicle anchor point, allowing the animal containment system 200 to be moved.

[0030] In some aspects, the animal containment device 210 and the base 220 may include one or more connectors for removably attaching the animal containment device 210 to the base 220. For example, in some aspects, the base 220 may include at least one first connector having one or more locking mechanisms 226 (e.g., having retractable hook mechanisms or the like), and the animal containment device 210 may include at least one second connector having one or more mounting bars 216 configured to removably attach to one or more locking mechanisms of the base 220, such as locking mechanisms 226a, 226b, 226c. and 226d (e.g.. retractable hook-based locking mechanisms, as shown). In some aspects the animal containment system 200 may further include a latch mechanism (e.g., a lock mechanism) configured to retain the one or more mounting bars 216 and the one or more locking mechanisms 226 attached together. In some aspects the animal containment system 200 may further include a release mechanism provided on the base 220 or on the animal containment device 210 and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism (e.g., in response to being actuated by a user).

[0031] FIG. 3 is a side view of an example animal containment system 300 including an example animal containment device 310 and base 320 for use in a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 310 may include: a lower section having a bottom panel; and an upper section having one or more sidewall panels and a top panel; soft goods and / or semi-rigid material; and one or more openable doors.

[0032] In some aspects, as shown, the base 320 may include a receiving area 321A configured to receive and removably attach to the animal containment device 310. In some aspects, as shown the base 320 may include a first ISOFIX connector 322 (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a first lower anchor point of the vehicle seat and a second ISOFIX connector 324 (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a second lower anchor point of the vehicle seat. In some aspects, each of the first ISOFIX connector 322 and the second ISOFIX connector 324 may have an extended use position (as shown in FIG. 3) and a retracted storage position (not shown). In some aspects, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector 322 and the second ISOFIX connector 324 is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity in the front wall 321B of the base 320 for storage, such that the ISOFIX connectors 322, 324 are stowable within the base 320 when not in use. In some aspects, the animal containment system 300 may further include anAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WOISOFIX or LATCH deployment mechanism provided on the base 320 or on the animal containment device 310 and configured to actuate the ISOFIX connectors 322, 324 to move between the extended use position and the retracted storage position. In some aspects, the animal containment system 300 may include an ISOFIX or LATCH release mechanism provided on the base 320 or on the animal containment device 310 and connected to one or more of the ISOFIX connectors 322, 324 to cause the ISOFIX connectors 322, 324 to move to a release position (e.g., opening, retracting a catch member, or the like) to disengage from a vehicle anchor point, allowing the animal containment system 300 to be moved.

[0033] In some aspects, the animal containment device 310 and the base 320 may include one or more connectors for removably attaching the animal containment device 310 to the base 320. For example, in some aspects, the base 320 may include at least one first connector having one or more mounting recesses 326. and the animal containment device 310 may include at least one second connector having one or more mounting protrusions 316 configured to be inserted into the one or more mounting recesses 326 of the base 320. In some aspects the animal containment system 300 may further include a latch mechanism (e.g., a lock mechanism) configured to retain the one or more mounting protrusions 316 and the one or more mounting recesses 326 attached together. In some aspects the animal containment system 300 may further include a release mechanism provided on the base 320 or on the animal containment device 310 and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism (e.g., in response to being actuated by a user).

[0034] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and side views of example animal containment systems 400 A and 400B, respectively, including example animal containment devices 410A and 410B, respectively, and animal containment bases 420A and 420B, respectively, for use in a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, as show n, the animal containment device 410A, 410B may include: a lower section having a bottom panel; and an upper section having one or more sidewall panels and a top panel; soft goods and / or semi-rigid material; and one or more openable doors.

[0035] In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment base 420A, 420B may include a receiving area 421 A configured to receive and removably attach to the animal containment device 410A, 410B. In some aspects, as shown the animal containment base 420A, 420B may include a first ISOFIX connector 422 (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a first lower anchor point of the vehicle seat and a second ISOFIX connector 424 (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a second lower anchor point of the vehicle seat. In some aspects, each of the first ISOFIX connector 422 and the second ISOFIX connector 424 may have an extended use positionAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO(as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) and a retracted storage position (not shown). In some aspects, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector 422 and the second ISOFIX connector 424 is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity in the front wall 42 IB of the animal containment base 420A, 420B for storage, such that the ISOFIX connectors 422, 424 are stowable within the animal containment base 420A, 420B when not in use. In some aspects, the animal containment system 400A, 400B may further include an ISOFIX or LATCH deployment mechanism provided on the animal containment base 420A. 420B or on the animal containment device 410A, 41 OB and configured to actuate the ISOFIX connectors 422, 424 to move between the extended use position and the retracted storage position. In some aspects, the animal containment system 400A, 400B may include an ISOFIX or LATCH release mechanism provided on the animal containment base 420A, 420B or on the animal containment device 410A, 41 OB and connected to one or more of the ISOFIX connectors 422, 424 to cause the ISOFIX connectors 422, 424 to move to a release position (e.g., opening, retracting a catch member, or the like) to disengage from a vehicle anchor point, allowing the animal containment system 400 A, 400B to be moved.

[0036] In some aspects, the animal containment device 410A, 41 OB and the animal containment base 420A, 420B may include one or more connectors for removably attaching the animal containment device 410A, 410B to the animal containment base 420 A, 420B. For example, in some aspects, the animal containment base 420 A, 420B may include at least one first connector having one or more mounting recesses 426, and the animal containment device 410A, 410B may include at least one second connector having one or more mounting protrusions 416 configured to be inserted into the one or more mounting recesses 426 of the animal containment base 420 A, 420B. In some aspects the animal containment system 400 A, 400B may further include a latch mechanism (e.g., a lock mechanism) configured to retain the one or more mounting protrusions 416 and the one or more mounting recesses 426 attached together. In some aspects the animal containment system 400A, 400B may further include a release mechanism provided on the animal containment base 420A, 420 or on the animal containment device 410A, 410B and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism (e.g., in response to being actuated by a user). For example, as shown in FIG. 4 A, the release mechanism may include a lock mechanism 428 (e.g., a rotatable or retractable hook mechanism, as shown) disposed on or affixed to the animal containment device 410A and a retaining mechanism 438 (e.g., a bar, rod. or flexible strap) disposed in or proximate to a recessed portion 427 of the animal containment base 420A, where the lock mechanism 428 is configured to selectively engage the retaining mechanism 438 to selectively release the latch mechanism as well as to further secure the animal containment device 410A to the animal containment base 420 A. In another example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the release mechanism may include a lock mechanism 429Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO(e.g., a rotatable or retractable hook mechanism, as shown) disposed on or affixed to the animal containment base 420B and a retaining mechanism 439 (e.g., a bar. rod, or flexible strap) disposed in or proximate to a recessed portion 417 of the animal containment device 410A, where the lock mechanism 429 is configured to selectively engage the retaining mechanism 439 to selectively release the latch mechanism as well as to further secure the animal containment device 410B to the animal containment base 420B.

[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective and side views of an example animal containment system 500 including an example animal containment device 510 and base 520 for use in a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 510 may include: a lower section having a bottom panel; and an upper section having one or more sidewall panels and a top panel having a handle 512; soft goods and / or semi-rigid material; and one or more openable doors.

[0038] In some aspects, as show n, the base 520 may include a receiving area 521A configured to receive and removably attach to the animal containment device 510. In some aspects, as shown the base 520 may include a first ISOFIX connector 522 (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a first lower anchor point of the vehicle seat and a second ISOFIX connector 524 (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a second lower anchor point of the vehicle seat. In some aspects, each of the first ISOFIX connector 522 and the second ISOFIX connector 524 may have an extended use position (as shown in FIG. 5B) and a retracted storage position (not shown). In some aspects, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector 522 and the second ISOFIX connector 524 is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity in the front side of the front wall 521B of the base 520 for storage, such that the ISOFIX connectors 522, 524 are stowable within the base 520 when not in use. In some aspects, the animal containment system 500 may further include an ISOFIX or LATCH deployment mechanism provided on the base 520 or on the animal containment device 510 and configured to actuate the ISOFIX connectors 522, 524 to move between the extended use position and the retracted storage position. In some aspects, the animal containment system 500 may include an ISOFIX or LATCH release mechanism provided on the base 520 or on the animal containment device 510 and connected to one or more of the ISOFIX connectors 522. 524 to cause the ISOFIX connectors 522, 524 to move to a release position (e g., opening, retracting a catch member, or the like) to disengage from a vehicle anchor point, allowing the animal containment system 500 to be moved.

[0039] In some aspects, the animal containment device 510 and the base 520 may include one or more connectors for removably attaching the animal containment device 510 to the base 520.Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WOFor example, in some aspects, the base 520 may include at least one first connector having a mounting lockoff arm 526 disposed on a rear side of the front wall 521B., and the animal containment device 510 may include at least one second connector having a mounting sleeve 516 (e.g., luggage sleeve, strap, loop, connecting panel, or the like) configured to be placed (e.g., slide) over the mounting lockoff arm 526 of the base 520. In some aspects the animal containment system 500 may further include a latch mechanism (e.g., a lock mechanism) configured to retain the mounting sleeve 516 and the mounting lockoff arm 526 attached together. For example, in some aspects, the mounting lockoff arm 526 may be configured to receive and clamp the mounting sleeve 516 for attaching the animal containment device 510 to the base 520. In some aspects the animal containment system 500 may further include a release mechanism provided on the base 520 or on the animal containment device 510 and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism (e.g., in response to being actuated by a user).

[0040] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are perspective and side views of an example animal containment base 620 for use in a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, as show n, the animal containment base 620 may include a receiving area 621 A configured to receive and removably attach to an animal containment device. In some aspects, as shown the animal containment base 620 may include a first ISOFIX connector 622 (e.g.. a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a first low er anchor point of the vehicle seat and a second ISOFIX connector 624 (not shown due to perspective view) (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a second low er anchor point of the vehicle seat. In some aspects, each of the first ISOFIX connector 622 and the second ISOFIX connector 624 may have an extended use position (as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6D, and 6E) and a retracted storage position (not shown). In some aspects, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector 622 and the second ISOFIX connector 624 is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity in the front side of the front wall 62 IB of the animal containment base 620 for storage, such that the ISOFIX connectors 622, 624 are stowable within the animal containment base 620 when not in use. In some aspects, the animal containment base 620 may further include, or be coupled to, an ISOFIX or LATCH deployment mechanism configured to actuate the ISOFIX connectors 622, 624 to move between the extended use position and the retracted storage position. In some aspects, the animal containment base 620 may include, or be coupled to, an ISOFIX or LATCH release mechanism connected to one or more of the ISOFIX connectors 622, 624 to cause the ISOFIX connectors 622, 624 to move to a release position (e.g., opening, retracting a catch member, or the like) to disengage from a vehicle anchor point, allowing the animal containment base 620 to be moved. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containmentAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO base 620 may include a lockoff arm 626 having a proximal end that is pivotably mounted to the rear side of the front wall 621B of the animal containment base 620 and a distal end that is releasably connected to the rear side of the front wall 621B of the animal containment base 620 (e.g.. as shown, by a releasable attachment of the latch mechanism 628 disposed on the lockoff arm 626 to the bar 662 disposed on the animal containment base 620).

[0041] In some aspects, the animal containment base 620 may include one or more connectors for removably attaching the animal containment device to the animal containment base 620. For example, in some aspects, the animal containment base 620 may include at least one first connector having the mounting lockoff arm 626 disposed on a rear side of the front wall 621B, and the animal containment device may include at least one second connector having a mounting sleeve (not shown) configured to be placed (e.g., slide) over the mounting lockoff arm 626 of the animal containment base 620. In some aspects the animal containment base 620 may further include, or be coupled to, a latch mechanism 628 (e.g., a lock mechanism having a retractable hook mechanism, as show n) configured to retain the mounting sleeve and the mounting lockoff arm 626 attached together. For example, in some aspects, the mounting lockoff arm 626 may be configured to receive and clamp the mounting sleeve for attaching the animal containment device to the animal containment base 620. In some aspects the animal containment base 620 may further include, or be coupled to, a release mechanism 630 configured to selectively release the latch mechanism 628 (e.g., in response to being actuated by a user). In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 6C, the release mechanism 630 may include a lockoff arm actuator 632 disposed on the lockoff arm 626 and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism 628 (e.g., in response to being actuated by a user). In other aspects (not shown), the lockoff arm actuator 632 may be disposed on another portion of the animal containment base 620.

[0042] In some aspects, the lockoff arm 626 may have an extended mounting position (as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6E) for mounting the mounting sleeve of an animal containment device and / or vehicle belt 680 of a vehicle and a retracted use and storage position (as shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D) for securely clamping the mounting sleeve and / or vehicle belt 680. In some aspects, in the retracted use and storage position, the lockoff arm 626 is configured to be retracted into a cavity 660 in the rear side of the front wall 62 IB of the animal containment base 620, and the release mechanism 630 is configured to engage the bar 662 to secure the distal end of the lockoff arm 626 to the animal containment base 620. In some aspects, the lockoff arm actuator 632 may be configured to actuate the lockoff arm 626 to move between the retracted use and storage position and the extended mounting position. For example, in some aspects, actuation of the lockoff arm actuator 632 may cause the release mechanism 630 to move to a release position (e.g., opening,Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO retracting a catch member such as a hook member, or the like) to disengage from the bar 662, allowing the lockoff arm 626 to pivot. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 6E, the lockoff arm 626 of the animal containment base 620 may be configured to receive, clamp, and tension a vehicle belt 680, including a shoulder belt portion 682 and a lap belt portion 684 thereof.

[0043] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are perspective and side views of an example animal containment base 720 for use in a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment base 720 may include a receiving area 721A configured to receive and removably attach to an animal containment device. In some aspects, as shown the animal containment base 720 may include a first ISOFIX connector 722 (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a first low er anchor point of the vehicle seat and a second ISOFIX connector 724 (not shown due to perspective view-) (e.g., a rigid LATCH connector, a pivotable rigid LATCH connector) configured to be affixed to a second lower anchor point of the vehicle seat. In some aspects, each of the first ISOFIX connector 722 and the second ISOFIX connector 724 may have an extended use position (as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C) and a retracted storage position (not shown). In some aspects, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector 722 and the second ISOFIX connector 724 is configured to be retracted into a respective canty in the front side of the front wall 72 IB of the animal containment base 720 for storage, such that the ISOFIX connectors 722, 724 are stowable within the animal containment base 720 when not in use. In some aspects, the animal containment base 720 may further include, or be coupled to, an ISOFIX or LATCH deployment mechanism configured to actuate the ISOFIX connectors 722. 724 to move between the extended use position and the retracted storage position. In some aspects, the animal containment base 720 may include, or be coupled to, an ISOFIX or LATCH release mechanism connected to one or more of the ISOFIX connectors 722, 724 to cause the ISOFIX connectors 722, 724 to move to a release position (e.g., opening, retracting a catch member, or the like) to disengage from a vehicle anchor point, allowing the animal containment base 720 to be moved. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment base 720 may include a lockoff arm 726 having a proximal end that is pivotably mounted to the rear side of the front wall 721B of the animal containment base 720 and a distal end that is releasably connected to the rear side of the front wall 721B of the animal containment base 720 (e.g., as shown, by a releasable attachment of the latch mechanism 728 disposed on the lockoff arm 726 to the bar 762 disposed on the animal containment base 720). In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment base 720 further includes an integrated impact panel 721C disposed opposite the lockoff arm 726. In some aspects, the integrated impact panel 721C may be configured to reduce magnitude of an impact force (e.g., by absorbing and / or counteracting such impact force)Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO transferred from a portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event, such as a vehicle crash or rapid deceleration event (e.g., braking).

[0044] In some aspects, the animal containment base 720 may include one or more connectors for removably attaching the animal containment device to the animal containment base 720. For example, in some aspects, the animal containment base 720 may include at least one first connector having the mounting lockoff arm 726 disposed on a rear side of the front wall 721B, and the animal containment device may include at least one second connector having a mounting sleeve (not shown) configured to be placed over the mounting lockoff arm 726 of the animal containment base 720. In some aspects the animal containment base 720 may further include, or be coupled to, a latch mechanism 728 (e.g., a lock mechanism having a retractable hook mechanism, as shown) configured to retain the mounting sleeve and the mounting lockoff arm 726 attached together. For example, in some aspects, the mounting lockoff arm 726 may be configured to receive and clamp the mounting sleeve for attaching the animal containment device to the animal containment base 720. In some aspects the animal containment base 720 may further include, or be coupled to, a release mechanism 730 configured to selectively release the latch mechanism 728 (e.g., in response to being actuated by a user). In some aspects, as shown, the release mechanism 730 may include a lockoff arm actuator 732 disposed on the lockoff arm 726 and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism 728 (e.g., in response to being actuated by a user). In other aspects (not shown), the lockoff arm actuator 732 may be disposed on another portion of the animal containment base 720.

[0045] In some aspects, the lockoff arm 726 may have an extended mounting position (as shown in FIG. 7B) for mounting the mounting sleeve of an animal containment device and / or vehicle belt 780 of a vehicle and a retracted use and storage position (as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C) for securely clamping the mounting sleeve and / or vehicle belt 780. In some aspects, in the retracted use and storage position, the lockoff arm 726 is configured to be retracted into a cavity 760 in the rear side of the front wall 72 IB of the animal containment base 720, and the release mechanism 730 is configured to engage the bar 762 to secure the distal end of the lockoff arm 726 to the animal containment base 720. In some aspects, the lockoff arm actuator 732 may be configured to actuate the lockoff arm 726 to move between the retracted use and storage position and the extended mounting position. For example, in some aspects, actuation of the lockoff arm actuator 732 may cause the release mechanism 730 to move to a release position (e.g., opening, retracting a catch member such as a hook member, or the like) to disengage from the bar 762, allowing the lockoff arm 726 to pivot. In some aspects (not shown), the lockoff arm 726 of the animal containment base 720 may be configured to receive, clamp, and tension a vehicle belt, including a shoulder beltAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO portion and a lap belt portion thereof.

[0046] 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 use in a vehicle, the animal containment system comprising: a base configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat, the base comprising at least one first connector; an animal containment device configured to removably attach to the base, the animal containment device comprising at least one second connector configured to removably attach to the at least one first connector; a latch mechanism configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together; and a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.2. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises: a first ISOFIX connector configured to be affixed to a first lower anchor point of the vehicle seat; and a second ISOFIX connector configured to be affixed to a second lower anchor point of the vehicle seat.3. The animal containment system of claim 2, wherein each of the first ISOFIX connector and the second ISOFIX connector has an extended use position and a retracted storage position, and wherein, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector and the second ISOFIX connector is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity of the base for storage.4. The animal containment system of claim 3, wherein the first ISOFIX connector is a first pivotable rigid LATCH connector, and wherein the second ISOFIX connector is a second pivotable rigid LATCH connector.5. The animal containment system of claim 2, wherein the first ISOFIX connector is a first rigid LATCH connector, and wherein the second ISOFIX connector is a second rigid LATCH connector.6. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a recess, and wherein the animal containment device comprises a protrusion configured to be inserted to the recess.7. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a lockoff arm, wherein the animal containment device comprises a strap, and wherein the lockoff arm isAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO configured to receive and clamp the strap for attaching the animal containment device to the base.8. The animal containment system of claim 1. wherein the base comprises a lockoff arm configured to receive and tension a vehicle belt.9. The animal containment system of claim 8, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lockoff arm actuator disposed on the lockoff arm and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.10. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more locking mechanisms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting bars, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more locking mechanisms and the one or more mounting bars attached together.11. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting recesses, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting protrusions, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting recesses and the one or more mounting protrusions attached together.12. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting lockoff arms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting sleeves, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting lockoff arms and the one or more mounting sleeves attached together.13. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lock mechanism disposed on the animal containment device and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.14. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lock mechanism disposed on the base and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.15. An animal containment base configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat, the animal containment base comprising a receiving area configured to receive and removably attach to an animal containment device; at least one first connector, the animal containment device comprising at least one second connector; a latch mechanism configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together; and a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.16. The animal containment base of claim 15, further comprising:Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO a first ISOFIX connector configured to be affixed to a first lower anchor point of the vehicle seat; and a second ISOFIX connector configured to be affixed to a second lower anchor point of the vehicle seat.17. The animal containment base of claim 16, wherein each of the first ISOFIX connector and the second ISOFIX connector has an extended use position and a retracted storage position, and wherein, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector and the second ISOFIX connector is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity of the animal containment base for storage.18. The animal containment base of claim 17, wherein the first ISOFIX connector is a first pivotable rigid LATCH connector, and wherein the second ISOFIX connector is a second pivotable rigid LATCH connector.19. The animal containment base of claim 16, wherein the first ISOFIX connector is a first rigid LATCH connector, and wherein the second ISOFIX connector is a second rigid LATCH connector.20. The animal containment base of claim 15. further comprising a recess, wherein the animal containment device comprises a protrusion configured to be inserted to the recess for attaching the animal containment device to the animal containment base.21. The animal containment base of claim 15, further comprising a lockoff arm, wherein the animal containment device comprises a strap, and wherein the lockoff arm is configured to receive and clamp the strap for attaching the animal containment device to the animal containment base.22. The animal containment base of claim 15, further comprising a lockoff arm configured to receive and tension a vehicle belt.23. The animal containment base of claim 22, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lockoff arm actuator disposed on the animal containment base and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.24. The animal containment base of claim 15, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more locking mechanisms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting bars, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more locking mechanisms and the one or more mounting bars attached together.25. The animal containment base of claim 15, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting recesses, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting protrusions, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one orAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO more mounting recesses and the one or more mounting protrusions attached together.26. The animal containment base of claim 15, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting lockoff arms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting sleeves, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting lockoff arms and the one or more mounting sleeves attached together.27. The animal containment base of claim 15, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lock mechanism disposed on the animal containment base and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.28. An animal containment device for use in a vehicle, the animal containment device comprising: at least one second connector for removably attaching to at least one first connector of a base configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat; a latch mechanism configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together; and a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.29. The animal containment device of claim 28, further comprising a protrusion configured to be inserted to a recess of the base for attaching the animal containment device to the base.30. The animal containment device of claim 28, further comprising a strap configured to be received and clamped by a lockoff arm of the base for attaching the animal containment device to the base.31. The animal containment device of claim 28, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more locking mechanisms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting bars, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more locking mechanisms and the one or more mounting bars attached together.32. The animal containment device of claim 28, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting recesses, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting protrusions, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting recesses and the one or more mounting protrusions attached together.33. The animal containment device of claim 28. wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting lockoff arms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting sleeves, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting lockoff arms and the one or more mounting sleeves attached together.34. The animal containment device of claim 28, wherein the release mechanismAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO comprises a lock mechanism disposed on the animal containment device and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

[0047] Although the disclosure may illustrate different 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 aspects and embodiments.

[0048] 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.

[0049] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the aspects and embodiments described above without departing from the disclosure thereof. It should further be appreciated that structural features and methods associated with one of the aspects and / or embodiments can be incorporated into other aspects and / or embodiments. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects and embodiments disclosed, but rather modifications are also covered within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0050] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an example aspect or embodiment, 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 aspect and / or embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all aspects and embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

[0051] 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.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An animal containment system for use in a vehicle, the animal containment system comprising: a base configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat, the base comprising at least one first connector; an animal containment device configured to removably attach to the base, the animal containment device comprising at least one second connector configured to removably attach to the at least one first connector; a latch mechanism configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together; and a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

2. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises: a first ISOFIX connector configured to be affixed to a first lower anchor point of the vehicle seat; and a second ISOFIX connector configured to be affixed to a second lower anchor point of the vehicle seat.

3. The animal containment system of claim 2, wherein each of the first ISOFIX connector and the second ISOFIX connector has an extended use position and a retracted storage position, and wherein, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector and the second ISOFIX connector is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity of the base for storage.

4. The animal containment system of claim 3, wherein the first ISOFIX connector is a first pivotable rigid LATCH connector, and wherein the second ISOFIX connector is a second pivotable rigid LATCH connector.

5. The animal containment system of claim 2, wherein the first ISOFIX connector is a first rigid LATCH connector, and wherein the second ISOFIX connector is a second rigid LATCH connector.

6. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a recess, andAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO wherein the animal containment device comprises a protrusion configured to be inserted to the recess.

7. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a lockoff arm, wherein the animal containment device comprises a strap, and wherein the lockoff arm is configured to receive and clamp the strap for attaching the animal containment device to the base.

8. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a lockoff arm configured to receive and tension a vehicle belt.

9. The animal containment system of claim 8, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lockoff arm actuator disposed on the lockoff arm and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

10. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more locking mechanisms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting bars, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more locking mechanisms and the one or more mounting bars attached together.

11. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting recesses, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting protrusions, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting recesses and the one or more mounting protrusions attached together.

12. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting lockoff arms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting sleeves, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting lockoff arms and the one or more mounting sleeves attached together.

13. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lock mechanism disposed on the animal containment device and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

14. The animal containment system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises aAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO lock mechanism disposed on the base and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

15. An animal containment base configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat, the animal containment base comprising a receiving area configured to receive and removably attach to an animal containment device; at least one first connector, the animal containment device comprising at least one second connector; a latch mechanism configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together; and a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

16. The animal containment base of claim 15, further comprising: a first ISOFIX connector configured to be affixed to a first lower anchor point of the vehicle seat; and a second ISOFIX connector configured to be affixed to a second lower anchor point of the vehicle seat.

17. The animal containment base of claim 16, wherein each of the first ISOFIX connector and the second ISOFIX connector has an extended use position and a retracted storage position, and wherein, in the retracted storage position, each of the first ISOFIX connector and the second ISOFIX connector is configured to be retracted into a respective cavity of the animal containment base for storage.

18. The animal containment base of claim 17. wherein the first ISOFIX connector is a first pivotable rigid LATCH connector, and wherein the second ISOFIX connector is a second pivotable rigid LATCH connector.

19. The animal containment base of claim 16, wherein the first ISOFIX connector is a first rigid LATCH connector, and wherein the second ISOFIX connector is a second rigid LATCH connector.

20. The animal containment base of claim 15, further comprising a recess, wherein the animal containment device comprises a protrusion configured to be inserted to the recess forAttorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO attaching the animal containment device to the animal containment base.

21. The animal containment base of claim 15, further comprising a lockoff arm. wherein the animal containment device comprises a strap, and wherein the lockoff arm is configured to receive and clamp the strap for attaching the animal containment device to the animal containment base.

22. The animal containment base of claim 15. further comprising a lockoff arm configured to receive and tension a vehicle belt.

23. The animal containment base of claim 22, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lockoff arm actuator disposed on the animal containment base and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

24. The animal containment base of claim 15, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more locking mechanisms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting bars, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more locking mechanisms and the one or more mounting bars attached together.

25. The animal containment base of claim 15, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting recesses, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting protrusions, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting recesses and the one or more mounting protrusions attached together.

26. The animal containment base of claim 15, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting lockoff arms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting sleeves, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting lockoff arms and the one or more mounting sleeves attached together.

27. The animal containment base of claim 15, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lock mechanism disposed on the animal containment base and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

28. An animal containment device for use in a vehicle, the animal containment device comprising:Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT017WO at least one second connector for removably attaching to at least one first connector of a base configured to be affixed to a vehicle seat; a latch mechanism configured to retain the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector attached together; and a release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

29. The animal containment device of claim 28, further comprising a protrusion configured to be inserted to a recess of the base for attaching the animal containment device to the base.

30. The animal containment device of claim 28, further comprising a strap configured to be received and clamped by a lockoff arm of the base for attaching the animal containment device to the base.

31. The animal containment device of claim 28, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more locking mechanisms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting bars, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more locking mechanisms and the one or more mounting bars attached together.

32. The animal containment device of claim 28, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting recesses, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting protrusions, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting recesses and the one or more mounting protrusions attached together.

33. The animal containment device of claim 28, wherein the at least one first connector comprises one or more mounting lockoff arms, wherein the at least one second connector comprises one or more mounting sleeves, and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to retain the one or more mounting lockoff arms and the one or more mounting sleeves attached together.

34. The animal containment device of claim 28. wherein the release mechanism comprises a lock mechanism disposed on the animal containment device and configured to selectively release the latch mechanism.

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