Animal containment device for an automobile

Abstract

An animal containment system for use in a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment device includes an animal containment device having a base and at least one wall extending from the base. The at least one wall includes a first locking bar attachment structure, and the animal containment system further includes a locking bar assembly configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure. The locking bar assembly is further configured to attach to a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device. In some aspects, the animal containment system further includes a top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, a load leg, a pivotable toggle assembly, and / or a pair of lockable wheels. In some aspects, the animal containment device may be collapsible for storage.

Description

Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOANIMAL CONTAINMENT DEVICE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 743.905, filed on January 10. 2025, 63 / 771,312. filed on March 13, 2025, 63 / 796,834, filed on April 29, 2025, 63 / 810,472, filed on May 22, 2025, and 63 / 955,473, filed on January 7, 2026, 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 animal containment devices for securing a pet or 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 traveling carriers lack safety7features and the ability7to securely attach them to a vehicle, and carriers that do attach to the vehicle often take up considerable room in the cargo area when not in use and can be difficult to install and remove. In another example, some pet traveling carriers are insufficiently anchored to contain and protect the animal in the event of a vehicle crash. In yet another example, some pet traveling carriers lack safety features relevant to crash performance when installed in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. In still another example, most pet traveling carriers are not crash tested and if they are, they utilize anchor points in the vehicle which are not rated for the weight of the carrier and therefore are likely to break upon impact.9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOSUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of this disclosure relate to animal containment systems, kits, devices, and methods for securing animal containment devices, such as crates for large dogs, in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. In some aspects, as disclosed herein, the disclosed animal containment systems, kits, devices, and methods may include any suitable combination of one or more load legs, wheels, locking bar assemblies, top multi-purpose accessories, and / or collapsible structures.

[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an animal containment system for use in the cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment system may include a first animal containment device having a base and at least one wall extending from the base. The at least one wall may include a first locking bar attachment structure. The animal containment device may further include a locking bar assembly configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure. The locking bar assembly may be further configured to attach to a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an animal containment kit is disclosed. The animal containment kit may include a first animal containment device, a second animal containment device, and a locking bar assembly. The first animal containment device may include a first base, at least one first wall extending from the first base, and a first locking bar attachment structure coupled to the at least one first wall. The second animal containment device may include a second base, at least one second wall extending from the second base, and a second locking bar attachment structure coupled to the at least one second wall. The locking bar assembly configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure and the second locking bar attachment structure to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an animal containment device for use in a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment device may include a base having a first portion and a second portion, a first sidewall extending from the first portion of the base, and a second sidewall extending from the second portion of the base. The animal containment device may include a load leg positioned proximate the first sidewall and extendable 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 animal containment device during an impact event. The animal containment device may include a pair of wheels positioned proximate the first sidewall.- 2 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WO

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an animal containment system for use in a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment system may include an animal containment device having a base, a plurality of sidewalls, and a top panel. The animal containment system may further include a top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory. The top energy-absorption assembly may be selectively attachable to the top panel. When the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy -absorption assembly may be configured to extend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a portion of the vehicle and reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an animal containment device for use in a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The animal containment device may include a load leg that is extendable toward a surface of the vehicle and 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 load leg may include a pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position. The load leg may further include a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a collapsible animal containment device for use in a cargo area of a vehicle is disclosed. The collapsible animal containment device may include a base panel, a top panel, and a plurality of sidew alls including a left sidewall panel, a right sidewall panel, a front sidewall panel, and a back sidewall panel. The collapsible animal containment device may have an extended configuration in which the plurality of sidewalls extend from the base panel and the top panel extends upwards away from the plurality of sidew alls and toward a ceiling of the vehicle. The collapsible animal containment device may further have a collapsed configuration in which the base panel, the front sidewall panel, the back sidewall panel, and the top panel are disposed between the left sidewall panel and the right sidewall panel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following description of the example aspects and / or embodiments may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is understood that potential examples, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to those depicted. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example animal containment system including an example animal containment device installed in a cargo area of a vehicle according to aspects of the- 3 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOdisclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E are perspective, side, rear, front, and bottom views, respectively, of another example animal containment system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective views of another example animal containment system including an example first animal containment device attached to an example second animal containment device by an example locking bar assembly according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C. and 4D are rear and top views of another example animal containment system including an example first animal containment device attached to an example second animal containment device by an example locking bar assembly according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are perspective and side views of the example locking bar assembly shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are perspective and bottom views of a portion of the example animal containment system shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D that illustrates the example locking bar assembly shown in FIGS. 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, and 5C being attached to the locking bar attachment structures of the first and second animal containment devices shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B. 4C, and 4D according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, and 7G are perspective, bottom, and side views of another example locking bar assembly according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of an example animal containment sy stem including an example telescopically-deployable load leg according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views of an example animal containment system including an example rotationally-deployable load leg according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 10A and 10B are side views of an example animal containment system including another example rotationally-deployable load leg having a center linkage assembly according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 11 A and 11B are perspective views of an example animal containment system including another example telescopically-and-telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 12A, 12B. 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F. and 12G are front and cross-sectional side views of another example animal containment system including another example telescopically-deployable load leg having an example pivotable toggle assembly according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D. 13E. 13F, and 13G are perspective and bottom views of- 4 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOanother example animal containment system including an example pair of wheels and example wheel lock mechanisms according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are side and bottom views of another example animal containment system including another example pair of wheels and example wheel lock mechanisms according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0027] FIGS. 15 A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E are bottom views of another example animal containment system including another example pair of wheels and example wheel lock mechanisms according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0028] FIGS. 16 A, 16B, and 16C are side and perspective views of another example animal containment system including an example wheel kit according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0029] FIGS. 17 A, 17B, 17C, and 17D are perspective and side views of another example animal containment system including another example animal containment device having another example top energy-absorption assembly formed as atop multi-purpose accessory that is removably attachable to the example animal containment device according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system including an example first collapsible animal containment device and an example second collapsible animal containment device installed in the rear cargo area of a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0031] FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D are perspective, front, and side views of another example animal containment system including another example collapsible animal containment device according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0032] FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, and 20F are side and perspective views of the example collapsible animal containment device show n in FIGS. 19 A, 19B, 19C, and 19D transitioning from a collapsed storage configuration to an extended use configuration according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0033] FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C are perspective and side views of another example animal containment system including another example collapsible animal containment device according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another example animal containment system for airline travel including another example animal containment device having an example pivotable door and example removable accessory panels attached thereto according to aspects of the disclosure.- 5 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WODETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure sets forth various aspects of an animal containment system for use in a vehicle including one or more animal containment devices for containing one or more pets in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 ‘"the7’ are intended to include the plural forms as w ell, 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 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 its exclusive sense) so- 6 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOthat 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 filing the application.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 example aspects and embodiments describe an animal containment system and / or associated apparatuses for safely transporting animals (e.g., dogs) in a vehicle cargo area. In some example aspects and / or embodiments, the- 7 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOanimal containment system features an animal containment device (e.g., crate) for holding the animal that can be secured in a cargo area of a vehicle to securely transport the animal in the vehicle.

[0040] In some aspects, the animal containment devices disclosed herein may include, or be referred to alternatively as, a pet carrier, a crate, a dog crate, a storage device, or another suitable device. Those skilled in the art will understand that the animal containment devices disclosed herein are configured to safely hold an animal during, for example, transportation of the animal in a moving vehicle and / or for transportation of the animal outside the vehicle. The animal containment devices disclosed herein can include or can be configured to cooperate with one or more load legs, wheels, locking bar assemblies, top multi-purpose accessories, and / or collapsible structures to position and secure the animal containment device within the vehicle. In some examples, aspects, and / or embodiments, the disclosure provides for alternative arrangements and geometries of the load legs, wheels, locking bar assemblies, top multi-purpose accessories, and / or collapsible structures to provide for improved safety, energy absorption, and / or ease of transformability and use.

[0041] In some example aspects and / or embodiments, the disclosure provides for various animal containment systems, kits, and devices which can be secured in the cargo space of a vehicle. 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. In some example aspects and / or embodiments, the disclosure provides for mechanisms (e.g., locking bar assemblies) which are used to mount two or more animal containment devices together in the cargo space more securely than traditional animal crates.

[0042] The animal containment systems, kits, and devices disclosed herein can provide crash safety of rear seat human occupants in a vehicle when an animal, such as a dog, is behind them in the animal containment device in the rear cargo area of the vehicle. The animal containment systems, kits, and devices disclosed herein can also provide crash safety for the dog in the rear cargo area. Additionally, the animal containment systems, kits, and devices disclosed herein can provide a substantially "universal" fit in many sport utility' vehicle (SUV) rear cargo areas. In some aspects, the animal containment devices disclosed herein can be formed of a material that is durable and has the strength of heavy-duty kennels with some of the flexibility and aesthetics of soft-sided crates.

[0043] During a typical crash with impact on the front or rear of the vehicle, when the animal containment device is located in the vehicle cargo area, the impact forces from the crash will tend to cause the animal containment device to move forward (e.g., toward the vehicle seats and occupants), upward toward the ceiling, and / or rotationally forward and up (e.g., sending the top of the animal containment device over the vehicle seatback). Accordingly, features of the present- 8 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOdisclosure aid in absorbing and / or counteracting such impact forces. In various example aspects and / or embodiments, the animal containment device may be 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 animal containment device in the cargo area, preventing the animal containment device from becoming a projectile and / or inducing harm to animal or human occupants. As such, the example aspects and / or embodiments disclosed herein provide crash safety of rear seat human occupants when an animal (e.g., a dog) or other cargo is behind them in the rear cargo area along with crash safety of the animal or cargo itself.

[0044] Although the disclosure may illustrate different examples, aspects, and embodiments, it is contemplated that features of individual examples, aspects, and / or embodiments may be combined or omitted. Therefore, the disclosure and claims are not intended to be limited to the illustrated examples, aspects, and / or embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example animal containment system 100 installed in a cargo area of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the cargo area of the vehicle includes a rear seat surface 2 of a rear vehicle seat 4 (e.g., the “vehicle seatback”), a floor 6, a ceiling 8, and at least one vehicle-mounted anchor, such as one or more load-bearing cargo area floor-mounted tie-down anchor points, cargo area sidewall-mounted tie-down anchor points, cargo area ceiling-mounted tie-down anchor points, rear door hinges, and / or exterior surfaces of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle frame, cargo rack, tailgate assembly).

[0046] The animal containment device 110 may be a portable, enclosed containment assembly or crate that includes a body 112 defining an enclosure having an interior within which an animal is receivable, the body 112 including a cavity 120. The animal containment device 110 may include a base and at least one wall extending from the base upwardly and partially defining the cavity 120. For example, the animal containment device 110 may have a bottom panel 113, top panel 114, front panel 117, rear panel 119, first side panel 116, and second side panel 118 (not shown).

[0047] As shown, the animal containment system 100 may comprise an animal containment device 110 having a body 112 defining a cavity 120 within which an animal is receivable. As shown, the body 112 has a top panel 114 oriented facing a ceiling portion of the cargo area of the vehicle, a first side panel 116 oriented facing a first side w all of the cargo area of the vehicle, a second side panel 118 (not shown) oriented facing a second side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle opposite the first side wall of the cargo area of the vehicle, a front panel 117 oriented facing a rear seat surface of a vehicle seat (e.g., a “front side” of the cargo area of the vehicle), and a rear panel 119 (e.g., an openable and closable panel having a pivoting bottom portion and a lockable top portion, as shown) oriented facing a rear wall or door of the cargo area of the vehicle (e.g.. a “rear side” of- 9 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOthe cargo area of the vehicle opposite the “front side” of the cargo area of the vehicle). In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment system 100 further includes a pair of wheels 141 (e.g., one or more wheel assemblies having lockable wheels) positioned proximate the front panel 117 (e.g., with a first wheel disposed toward the first side panel 116, and a second wheel disposed toward the second side panel 118). In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment system device 110 further includes one or more feet (e.g., mounted to or formed integrally with the bottom panel 113), such as foot structures 143, to support the animal containment device 210 on a surface such as the floor 6.

[0048] In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 110 further includes one or more locking bar attachment structures each having one or more locking bar mounting portions, such as a first locking bar attachment structure having first locking bar mounting portions 126A, 126B mounted to or formed integrally with the first side panel 116, and a second locking bar attachment structure having second locking bar mounting portions (not shown) mounted to or formed integrally with the second side panel (not shown). In some aspects, the animal containment system 100 may further include a locking bar assembly (not shown) configured to attach (e.g., positively engage) to one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of the animal containment device 110 as well as one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of another animal containment device (not shown) to hold or otherwise secure (e.g., rigidly connect) the two animal containment devices in proximity to each other.

[0049] The animal containment system 100 further includes at least one tie-down strap assembly coupled to the animal containment device 110 and a load-bearing mounting structure of the vehicle, such as a rear door hinge (e.g., a hinge of the cargo hatch), cargo area side-wall-mounted anchor, cargo area floor-mounted anchor, or exterior surface of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle frame, cargo rack, tailgate assembly). Each tie-down strap assembly includes a tie-down strap having a first end attachable to a respective tie-down anchor assembly and a second end attachable to the load-bearing mounting structure of the vehicle. Each tie-down strap assembly further includes a first fastening mechanism (e.g., a carabiner assembly) fixedly attached to the first end of the tiedown strap and removably attachable to the tie-down anchor, and a second fastening mechanism (e.g.. another carabiner assembly) fixedly attached to the second end of the tie-down strap and removably attachable to the load-bearing mounting structure of the vehicle. For example, the animal containment system 100 may include one, two. three, four, five, six, or any other suitable number of tie-dow n strap assemblies coupled to the animal containment device 110 and one or more loadbearing mounting structures of the vehicle, such as: two top tie-down strap assemblies removably attached to two portions of the top panel 114, respectively, and two top tie-down anchor assemblies- 10 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WO(e.g., cargo area ceiling-mounted anchor points and / or rear door hinges), respectively; two left-side tie-down strap assemblies removably attached to two portions of the first side panel 116, respectively, and two first side tie-down anchor assemblies (e.g., left-side cargo area side-mounted anchor points and / or floor-mounted anchor points), respectively; and two right-side tie-down strap assemblies removably attached to two portions of the second side panel 118, respectively, and two second side tie-down anchor assemblies (e.g., right-side cargo area side-mounted anchor points and / or floor-mounted anchor points), respectively.

[0050] In some aspects, the animal containment system 100 further includes at least one load leg. For example, as shown, the animal containment system 100 includes a deployable load leg 140 coupled to the animal containment device 110 and extendable from the body 112 of the animal containment device to a rear seat surface 2 of the rear vehicle seat 4 of the vehicle. The deploy able load leg 140 may be may be installed or otherwise provide support against the rear seat surface 2 of the rear vehicle seat 4, which may also be referred to as the '‘vehicle seatback,” and configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the rear seat surface 2 to the animal containment device 110 during an impact event.

[0051] In some aspects, the deployable load leg 140 may be extendable away from the base of the animal containment device 110 toward a first portion or surface of the vehicle, such as the rear seat surface 2. As shown, the deployable load leg 140 may have a proximal portion 142 mounted to the body of the animal containment device 110 and a distal portion 144 configured to be in contact with the rear surface 4 of the vehicle seat 2. The deployable load leg 140 may be configured for movement between a retracted position (e.g., a “stored” position) with the distal portion 144 located proximate to or within the animal containment device 110 and an extended position (e.g., a “deployed” or “use” position) with the distal portion spaced away from the animal containment device. For example, the deploy able load leg 140 may be mounted on the front side of the animal containment device 110 toward the bottom side of the animal containment device 110, and this may reduce the amount of force transferred from the vehicle (e.g., through the rear surface 4 of the vehicle seat 2, or through the floor 6) to the animal containment device 110 during a crash. For example, the deploy able load leg 140 may be utilized to provide support against the rear surface 4 of the vehicle seat 2 near a bottom area of the vehicle seat 2 and relatively close to here the vehicle seat mounts to the vehicle body.

[0052] In some aspects, the animal containment system 100 further includes at least one top energy-absorption assembly, such as atop brace, top rack, top panel, and / or other structure coupled to or formed (e.g., integrally as a single piece) with the top panel 114. For example, as shown, the animal containment system 100 includes atop energy-absorption assembly 150 that is coupled (e.g.,- 11 - 9512893.2Atomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOremovably atached, fixedly atached) to the animal containment device 110. As shown, the top energy-absorption assembly 150 extends at least partially upwards away from the animal containment device 110 toward a second portion or surface of the vehicle, such as the ceiling 8 of the rear cargo area of the vehicle, as shown. The top energy-absorption assembly 150 is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device 110 during an impact event. In some aspects, the top energy -absorption assembly 150 may be formed as one or more top multi-purpose accessories (e.g., backpacks, bags, pouches, or the like), top braces, top racks, top panels, and / or other suitable structures, as described in greater detail below' with reference to FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D.

[0053] In some aspects, the top energy-absorption assembly 150 may extend or be extendable away from the animal containment device 110 toward a portion of the vehicle. As shown, the top energy-absorption assembly 150 may have a proximal portion 152 mounted to the body of the animal containment device 110 and a distal portion 154 configured to extend toward, and in some aspects to be in contact with, the ceiling 8. In some aspects, the hatch opening of the rear cargo area can be lower than the ceiling 8 in the rear cargo area of the vehicle, and the top energy -absorption assembly 150 may be retractable for insertion into and removal from the rear cargo area of the vehicle and extendable for installation and use in the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, in some aspects, and the top energy-absorption assembly 150 may be substantially flexible to compress to fit through the hatch opening and decompress once in the rear cargo area. Additionally, or alternatively, in some aspects, and the top energy-absorption assembly 150 may be configured to atach to the animal containment device 110 after the animal containment device 110 has been installed in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.

[0054] In some aspects, a user may place the animal containment system 100 on the floor 6 of the cargo area of the vehicle, behind the rear seat surface 2 and under the ceiling 8 of the vehicle. The position of the deploy able load leg 140 of the animal containment system 100 may be extended away from the front panel 117 at a distance so when the deployable load leg 140 contacts the rear seat surface 2 of the vehicle seat 4, substantially no other part of the animal containment device 110 is able to contact the vehicle seat 2. The top energy-absorption assembly 150 of the animal containment system 100 may extend from the top panel 114 at a distance so when the top energyabsorption assembly 150 contacts the ceiling 8 of the vehicle, substantially no other part of the animal containment device 110 is able to contact the ceiling 8. The deployable load leg 140 and top energy-absorption assembly 150 may w'ork in conjunction with the tie-down strap assemblies to ensure that the animal containment device 110 does not substantially contact the rear seat surface 2 and the ceiling 8, respectively. By adding energy-absorption structures as disclosed herein, the- 12 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOdeployable load leg 140, the top energy-absorption assembly 150, and / or the tie-down strap assemblies are configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact forces during a crash and thereby reduce the forces exerted upon the animal contained within the animal containment device 110, further reducing injury.

[0055] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E are perspective, side, rear, front, and bottom views, respectively, of an example animal containment system 200 including an example animal containment device 210 according to aspects of the disclosure. The animal containment device 210 includes a base and at least one wall extending from the base and at least partially defining an enclosure having an interior within which an animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the animal containment device 210 includes a bottom panel 213, top panel 214, front panel 217, rear panel 219, first side panel 216, and second side panel 218. As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the animal containment device 210 further includes a deploy able load leg 240 and a pair of wheels 241 A, 24 IB positioned proximate the front panel 217. As shown, the pair of wheels 241 A, 24 IB includes a first wheel 241 A disposed toward the first side panel 216 and a second wheel 24 IB disposed tow ard the second side panel 218. In some aspects, the pair of wheels 241 A, 241B may be included in one or more wheel assemblies having locking mechanisms configured to lock or unlock the pair of wheels 241 A, 241B.

[0056] In some aspects, the animal containment device 210 may include one or more feet (e.g., each having a smooth bottom surface, a substantially slip-resistant bottom surface such as a rubbertype surface or coating, or any other suitable bottom surface) to support the animal containment device 210 on a surface such as the ground. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2D. and 2E, the animal containment device 210 may include a first foot structure 243 A mounted to or formed integrally with a first portion of the bottom panel 213, a second foot structure 243B mounted to or formed integrally with a second portion of the bottom panel 213, a third foot structure 243C mounted to or formed integrally with a third portion of the bottom panel 213, and a fourth foot structure 243D mounted to or formed integrally with a fourth portion of the bottom panel 213, where each of the foot structures 243A, 243B, 243C, and 243D is configured (e.g., arranged, dimensioned) to support the animal containment device 210 on a respective portion of a surface such as the ground. In some embodiments, the rear panel 219 may include additional crash protection features to protect an animal occupant when the rear panel 219 is oriented forward in a vehicle. For example, the rear panel 219 may be relatively thicker than other panels and / or may include resilient or crushable features.

[0057] In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 210 further includes one or more locking bar attachment structures each having one or more locking bar mounting portions,- 13 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOsuch as a first locking bar attachment structure having first locking bar mounting portions 226A, 226B mounted to or formed integrally with the first side panel 216, and a second locking bar attachment structure having second locking bar mounting portions 228A, 228B mounted to or formed integrally with the second side panel 218. In some aspects, the animal containment system 200 may further include a locking bar assembly (not shown) configured to attach to one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of the animal containment device 210 as well as one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of another animal containment device (not shown) to hold or otherwise secure (e.g., rigidly connect) the two animal containment devices in proximity to each other.

[0058] FIGS. 3A, 3B, are 3C are perspective views of an example animal containment system 300 including an example first animal containment device 310 attached to an example second animal containment device 320 by an example locking bar assembly 330 according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the first animal containment device 310 includes afirst base 313, at least one first wall 318 extending from the first base 313, and a first locking bar attachment structure (e.g., having one or more first locking bar mounting portions; not shown due to perspective view) coupled to (e.g., mounted to, fixedly attached to, formed integrally with, etc.) the at least one first wall 318. As shown, the second animal containment device 320 includes a second base 323, at least one second wall 326 extending from the second base 323, and a second locking bar attachment structure (e.g., having one or more second locking bar mounting portions; not shown due to perspective view) coupled to (e.g.. mounted to, fixedly attached to, formed integrally with, etc.) the at least one second wall 326. As shown, the locking bar assembly 330 is configured to attach to the second locking bar attachment structure and the first locking bar attachment structure to hold the second animal containment device 320 in proximity to the first animal containment device 310. In some aspects, as shown, when the locking bar assembly 330 is attached to the first animal containment device 310 and the second animal containment device 320, the second animal containment device 320 is rigidly connected to the first animal containment device 310. As used herein, the term “rigidly connected” means that the first animal containment device 310 and the second animal containment device 320 substantially do not move relative to each other (e.g., a user pulling on one of the devices 310, 320 will move both devices 310, 320).

[0059] FIGS. 4A and 4C are rear views and FIGS. 4B and 4D are top views of an example animal containment system 400 including an example first animal containment device 410 attached to an example second animal containment device 510 by an example locking bar assembly 630 according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0060] As shown, the first animal containment device 410 includes a first base and at least one- 14 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOfirst wall extending from the first base and at least partially defining a first enclosure having a first interior within which a first animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the first animal containment device 410 includes a first bottom panel 413, first top panel 414, first front panel 417, first rear panel 419, first side panel 416, and second side panel 418. As shown, the first animal containment device 410 further includes one or more locking bar attachment structures each having one or more locking bar mounting portions, such as a first locking bar attachment structure having first locking bar mounting portions 426A, 426B coupled to the first side panel 416. and a second locking bar attachment structure having second locking bar mounting portions 428 A, 428B coupled to the second side panel 418. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4D, the first animal containment device 410 further includes a first deployable load leg 440 and a first pair of lockable wheels (not show n) positioned proximate the first front panel 417.

[0061] As shown, the second animal containment device 510 includes a second base and at least one second wall extending from the second base and at least partially defining a second enclosure having a second interior within which a second animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the second animal containment device 510 includes a second bottom panel 513, second top panel 514, second front panel 517, second rear panel 519, third side panel 516, and fourth side panel 518. As shown, the second animal containment device 510 further includes one or more locking bar attachment structures each having one or more locking bar mounting portions, such as a third locking bar attachment structure having third locking bar mounting portions 526 A, 526B coupled to the third side panel 516, and a fourth locking bar attachment structure having fourth locking bar mounting portions 528A, 528B coupled to the fourth side panel 518. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4D, the second animal containment device 510 further includes a second deployable load leg 540 and a second pair of lockable wheels (not shown) positioned proximate the second front panel 517.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the locking bar assembly 630 is configured to attach to the second locking bar attachment structure (e.g., as shown, to locking bar mounting portions 428A, 428B) of the first animal containment device 410 as well as to the third locking bar attachment structure (e.g., as shown, to locking bar mounting portions 526A, 526B) of the second animal containment device 510 to hold or otherwise secure the first animal containment device 410 in proximity to the second animal containment device 510. In some aspects, as shown, when the locking bar assembly 630 is attached to the first locking bar attachment structure (e.g., as shown, to locking bar mounting portions 428A, 428B) of the first animal containment device 410 and the second locking bar attachment structure (e.g., as shown, to locking bar mounting portions 526A, 526B) of the second animal containment device 510, the second animal containment device 510 is rigidly connected to the first animal containment device 410. As used herein, the term “rigidly- 15 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOconnected” means that the first animal containment device 410 and the second animal containment device 510 substantially do not move relative to each other (e.g., a user pulling on one of the devices 410, 510 will move both devices 410, 510).

[0063] FIG. 5A is a perspective view and FIGS. 5B and 5C are side views of the example locking bar assembly 630 shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the locking bar assembly 630 includes a rigid locking bar body 632 having a first end portion 633A and a second end portion 633B. As shown, the locking bar assembly 630 further includes a locking bar actuator 634, a first locking bar latch housing 635 having a first fixed latch structure 636A and a second fixed latch structure 638A, and a second locking bar latch housing 637 having a first deployable latch structure 636B and a second deployable latch structure 638B.

[0064] As shown, the locking bar actuator 634 is coupled to the first deployable latch structure 636B and the second deployable latch structure 638B such that: (i) when the locking bar actuator 634 is pressed (e.g., by a user) inward as shown in FIG. 5B, the deployable latch structures 636B, 638B are moved in a forward direction into a locked position configured to hold or otherwise secure (e.g., rigidly connect) the first animal containment device 410 in proximity to the second animal containment device 510 (e.g., such as when locking the locking bar assembly 630 after it has been installed); and (ii) when the locking bar actuator 634 is pulled (e.g., by a user) outward as shown in FIG. 5C, the deployable latch structures 636B, 638B are moved in a rearward direction into an unlocked position configured to release the first animal containment device 410 from the second animal containment device 510 (e.g., such as when installing or removing the locking bar assembly 630). It will be appreciated that the locking bar actuator 634 may be pressed and / or pulled via one-handed operation, providing relatively quick and easy installation of the locking bar assembly 630.

[0065] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective view s of a portion of the example animal containment system 400 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D that illustrates the example locking bar assembly 630 shown in FIGS. 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, and 5C being attached to the second locking bar mounting portions 428A, 428B of the second locking bar attachment structure coupled to the second side panel 418 of the first animal containment device 410 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6A, the locking bar actuator 634 is pulled outward such that the deployable latch structure 638B is in the retracted unlocked position. As further shown, the fixed latch structure 638A is inserted (e.g., rotatably or pivotably) into the opening defined by the locking bar mounting portion 428A. As further shown, the deployable latch structure 638B, which is in the retracted unlocked position, then is inserted into the opening defined by the locking bar mounting portion 428B.- 16 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WO

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6B, the locking bar actuator 634 is pushed inward such that the deploy able latch structure 638B is in the extended locked position. As a result, with the fixed latch structure 638 A inserted into the locking bar mounting portion 428 A, and with the deploy able latch structure 638B inserted into the locking bar mounting portion 428B and actuated into the extended locked position, the locking bar assembly 630 is configured to positively engage the first animal containment device 410.

[0068] FIGS. 6C and 6D are bottom views of a portion of the example animal containment system 400 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D that illustrates the example locking bar assembly 630 shown in FIGS. 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, and 5C being attached to (i) the second locking bar mounting portions 428A, 428B of the second locking bar attachment structure coupled to the second side panel 418 of the first animal containment device 410 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D and (ii) the third locking bar mounting portions 526A, 526B of the thrid locking bar attachment structure coupled to the third side panel 516 of the second animal containment device 510 shown in FIGS.4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6C, the locking bar actuator 634 is pulled outward such that each of the deployable latch structures 636B, 638B are in the retracted unlocked position. As further shown, the fixed latch structures 636A, 638A are inserted (e.g., rotatably or pivotably) into the opened structures defined by the locking bar mounting portions 526A, 428A, respectively. As further shown, the deployable latch structures 636B, 638B, which are in the retracted unlocked position, then are inserted into the opened structures defined by the locking bar mounting portions 526B, 428B, respectively.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6D, the locking bar actuator 634 is pushed inward such that each of the deployable latch structures 636B, 638B is in the extended locked position. As a result, with the fixed latch structures 636A, 638A inserted into the locking bar mounting portions 526 A, 428A, respectively, and with the deployable latch structures 636B, 638B inserted into the locking bar mounting portions 526B, 428B, respectively, and actuated into the extended locked position, the locking bar assembly 630 is configured to positively engage the first animal containment device 410 and the second animal containment device 510 to hold (e.g., rigidly connect) the first animal containment device 410 in proximity to the second animal containment device 510.

[0071] In some aspects, the locking bar assembly 630 can be installed sequentially by connecting the fixed latch structures 636A, 638A (e.g., with the rigid locking bar body 632 tilted at an angle) and then connecting the deployable latch structures 636B, 638B (e.g., while lowering the front of the rigid locking bar body 632 to be substantially horizontal). In one illustrative and nonlimiting example, the locking bar assembly 630 can be attached to the animal containment devices- 17 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WO410, 510 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4C, 4D, and 6D) by: (i) inserting the fixed latch structures 636A, 638 A into the opened structures of the locking bar mounting portions 526 A, 428 A, with the second end portion 633B positioned or elevated above the first end portion 633A such that the rigid locking bar body 632 is tilted at an angle; (ii) lowering the second end portion 633B and inserting the deployable latch structures 636B, 638B into the opened structures of the locking bar mounting portions 526B, 428B, with the locking bar actuator 634 pulled outward (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5C and 6C); and (iii) pressing the locking bar actuator 634 inward (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5B and 6D) to move the deploy able latch structures 636B, 638B into a locked position to rigidly connect the first animal containment device 410 in proximity to the second animal containment device 510.

[0072] FIG. 7A is a perspective view FIG. 7B is a side view; and FIGS. 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, and 7G are side views of an example locking bar assembly 730 according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the locking bar assembly 730 includes a rigid locking bar body 732 having a first end portion 733A and a second end portion 733B. As shown, the locking bar assembly 730 further includes a locking bar actuator 734 (e.g., a spring-biased actuator), a first locking bar latch housing 735 having a first fixed latch structure 736A and a second fixed latch structure 738A, and a second locking bar latch housing 737 having a first deployable latch structure 736B and a second deployable latch structure 738B.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 7E, the locking bar actuator 734 is coupled to the first deployable latch structure 736B and the second deployable latch structure 738B such that: (i) when the locking bar actuator 734 is pressed (e.g., by a user) upward as shown in FIGS. 7B, 7C, and 7G, the deployable latch structures 736B, 738B are moved in a forward direction into a retracted unlocked position configured to release a first animal containment device from a second animal containment device (e.g., such as when installing or removing the locking bar assembly 730); and (ii) when the locking bar actuator 734 is released and biased (e.g., by a spring) downw ard as shown in FIG. 7A and 7F, the deployable latch structures 736B. 738B are moved in a rearward direction into an extended locked position to hold or otherwise secure (e.g., rigidly connect) a first animal containment device in proximity to a second animal containment device (e.g., such as when locking the locking bar assembly 730 after it has been installed). For example, as shown in FIGS. 7F and 7G, a first portion of the locking bar actuator 734 is coupled to a first pivot mounting structure 764 (e.g.. a pin or rod about which a portion of the locking bar actuator 734 can pivot) of the rigid locking bar body 732. As further shown, a first portion of the deployable latch structures 736B, 738B is coupled to a second pivot mounting structure 766 (e.g., a pin or rod about which a portion of the deployable latch structures 736B, 738B can pivot). As further shown, a second portion of the locking bar actuator 734 is coupled to a second portion of the deployable latch structures 736B,- 18 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WO738B by a third pivot mounting structure 765.

[0074] In some aspects, the locking bar assembly 730 can be installed sequentially by connecting the fixed latch structures 736A, 738A (e.g., with the rigid locking bar body 732 tilted at an angle) and then connecting the deployable latch structures 736B, 738B (e.g., while lowering the front of the rigid locking bar body 732 to be substantially horizontal). In one illustrative and nonlimiting example, the locking bar assembly 730 can be attached to two animal containment devices by: (i) inserting the fixed latch structures 736A, 738A into the opened structures of the respective locking bar mounting portions positioned toward the front panels of the animal containment devices, with the second end portion 733B positioned or elevated above the first end portion 733A such that the rigid locking bar body 732 is tilted at an angle; (ii) lowering the second end portion 733B and inserting the deployable latch structures 736B, 738B into the opened structures of the respective locking bar mounting portions positioned towards the rear panels of the animal containment devices, with the locking bar actuator 734 pressed upward (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7E and 7G) and (iii) releasing the locking bar actuator 734 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7F) to move the deployable latch structures 736B, 738B into a locked position to rigidly connect the animal containment devices in proximity to each other.

[0075] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an example animal containment system 800 including an animal containment device 810 and an example telescopically-deployable load leg 840 in a retracted position according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the example animal containment system 800 of FIG. 8A having the example telescopically-deployable load leg 840 in an extended position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment device 810 includes a base 813, at least one wall 817 (e g., a front wall or panel), and a telescopically-deployable load leg 840 positioned proximate the at least one wall 817 and extendable tow ard a surface of a vehicle. In some aspects, the telescopically-deployable load leg 840 may be provided as one or more telescopically-deployable load legs, such as a first telescopically-deployable load leg disposed proximate the front-left comer of the animal containment device 810 and a second telescopically-deployable load leg disposed proximate the front-right comer of the animal containment device 810. In other aspects, the telescopically-deployable load leg 840 may extend across the substantial entirety (e.g., 100%, 90%. 80%, 70%, etc.) of the at least one wall 817.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the telescopically-deployable load leg 840 is configured to telescope between two positions: (i) a telescopically retracted or “stored” position as shown in FIG. 8A: and (ii) a telescopically extended, deployed, or “use” position as shown in FIG. 8B. The stored position is when the telescopically-deployable load leg 840 is retracted as illustrated in FIG.- 19 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WO8A, and the use position is when the telescopically-deployable load leg 840 is extended or otherwise deployed as illustrated in FIG. 8B. To transition from the stored position to the use position, the telescopically-deployable load leg 840 may be pulled out manually by a user (e.g., by applying a pulling force), such as when the animal containment system 800 is placed on the cargo area of the vehicle. In some aspects, when in the use position shown in FIG. 8B, the telescopically-deployable load leg 840 is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the animal containment device 810 during an impact event (e g., a vehicle crash, braking, or other rapid deceleration event).

[0077] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an example animal containment system 900 including an animal containment device 910 and an example rotationally-deployable load leg 940 in a retracted position according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the example animal containment system 900 of FIG. 9A having the example rotationally-deployable load leg 940 in an extended position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment device 910 includes a base 913, at least one wall 917 (e.g., a front wall or panel), and a rotationally-deployable load leg 940 positioned proximate the at least one wall 917 and extendable toward a surface of a vehicle. In some aspects, the rotationally-deployable load leg 940 may be provided as one or more rotationally-deployable load legs, such as a first rotationally-deployable load leg disposed proximate the front-left comer of the animal containment device 910 and a second rotationally-deployable load leg disposed proximate the front-right comer of the animal containment device 910. In other aspects, the rotationally-deployable load leg 940 may extend across the substantial entirety (e.g., 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, etc.) of the at least one wall 917.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the rotationally-deployable load leg 940 is configured to rotate between two positions: (i) a rotationally retracted or “stored” position as shown in FIG.9A; and (ii) a rotationally extended, deployed, or “use” position as shown in FIG. 9B. The stored position is when the rotationally-deployable load leg 940 is retracted as illustrated in FIG. 9A. and the use position is when the rotationally-deployable load leg 940 is extended or otherwise deployed as illustrated in FIG. 9B. To transition from the stored position to the use position, the rotationally-deployable load leg 940 may be rotated outward manually by a user (e.g., by applying a rotational pulling force in a counterclockwise direction in the example view shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B), such as when the animal containment system 900 is placed on the cargo area of the vehicle. In some aspects, when in the use position shown in FIG. 9B, the rotationally-deployable load leg 940 is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the animal containment device 910 during an impact event (e.g., a vehicle crash, braking, or other rapid deceleration event).- 20 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WO

[0079] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an example animal containment system 1000 including an animal containment device 1010 and an example rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 in a retracted position according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the example animal containment system 1000 of FIG. 10A having the example rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 in an extended position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment device 1010 includes a base 1013, at least one wall 1017 (e.g., a front wall or panel), and a rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 positioned proximate the at least one wall 1017 and extendable toward a surface of a vehicle. As shown, the rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 includes a center linkage assembly 1042 to provide additional strength upon impact. As shown, the center linkage assembly 1042 includes a first end portion that is pivotably attached to the at least one wall 1017 and a second end portion pivotably attached to the rotationally-deployable load leg 1040. In some aspects, the rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 may be provided as one or more rotationally-deployable load legs, such as a first rotationally-deployable load leg and first center linkage assembly disposed proximate the front-left comer of the animal containment device 1010 and a second rotationally-deployable load leg and second center linkage assembly disposed proximate the front-right comer of the animal containment device 1010. In other aspects, the rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 may extend across the substantial entirety (e.g., 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, etc.) of the at least one wall 1017 and include one or more center linkage assemblies.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 is configured to rotate between two positions: (i) a rotationally retracted or "stored" position as shown in FIG. 10A; and (ii) a rotationally extended, deployed, or ”use’?position as shown in FIG. 10B. The stored position is when the rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 is retracted as illustrated in FIG. 10 A, and the use position is when the rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 is extended or otherwise deployed as illustrated in FIG. 10B. To transition from the stored position to the use position, the rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 may be rotated outward manually by a user (e.g., by applying a rotational pulling force in a counterclockwise direction in the example view shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B), such as when the animal containment system 1000 is placed on the cargo area of the vehicle. In some aspects, when in the use position shown in FIG. 10B, the rotationally-deployable load leg 1040 and the center linkage assembly 1042 are configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the animal containment device 1010 during an impact event (e g., a vehicle crash, braking, or other rapid deceleration event).

[0081] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an example animal containment system 1100 including an animal containment device 1110 and an example telescopically-and-rotationally-- 21 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOdeployable load leg 1140 in a retracted position according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 1 IB is a perspective view of the example animal containment system 1100 of FIG. 11 A having the example telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 in an extended position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment device 1110 includes a base 1113, at least one wall 1117 (e.g., a front wall or panel), and a telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 positioned proximate the at least one wall 1117 and extendable toward a surface of a vehicle. As shown, the telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 includes a rotational structure 1142 coupled to a telescoping structure 1144 to provide additional strength upon impact. As shown, the telescoping structure 1144 includes a first end portion that is telescopically (e.g., slidably) and pivotably (e.g., rotationally) attached to a first mounting assembly of the at least one wall 1117 and a second end portion pivotably attached to a first end portion of the rotational structure 1142. As shown, the rotational structure 1142 further includes a second end portion that is pivotably (e.g., rotationally) attached to a second mounting structure of the at least one wall 1117.

[0082] In some aspects, the telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 may be provided as one or more telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load legs, such as a first telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg disposed proximate the front-left comer of the animal containment device 1110 and a second telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg disposed proximate the front-right comer of the animal containment device 1110. In other aspects, the telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 may extend across the substantial enti rely (e.g., 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, etc.) of the at least one w-all 1117.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 1 IB, the telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 is configured to rotate between two positions: (i) a rotationally retracted or '‘stored” position as shown in FIG. 11 A; and (ii) a rotationally extended, deployed, or “use” position as shown in FIG. 1 IB. The stored position is when the telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 is retracted as illustrated in FIG. 11 A, and the use position is when the telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 is extended or otherwise deployed as illustrated in FIG. 1 IB. To transition from the stored position to the use position, the telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 may be rotated outward manually by a user (e.g., by applying a rotational pulling force in a counterclockwise direction in the example view shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B), such as when the animal containment system 1100 is placed on the cargo area of the vehicle. In some aspects, when in the use position shown in FIG. 1 IB, the telescopically-and-rotationally-deployable load leg 1140 is configured to reduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the surface of the vehicle to the animal containment device 1110 during an impact event (e.g., a vehicle crash, braking, or other rapid deceleration event).- 22 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WO

[0084] FIG. 12A is a front view and FIGS. 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, and 12G are cross-sectional side views of an example animal containment system 1200 including an example animal containment device 1210 and an example telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 having an example pivotable toggle assembly 1242 according to aspects of the disclosure. The animal containment device 1210 includes a base and at least one wall extending from the base and at least partially defining an enclosure having an interior within which an animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the animal containment device 1210 includes a bottom panel 1213, top panel 1214, front panel 1217, rear panel 1219, first side panel 1216, and second side panel 1218. In some aspects, the animal containment device 1210 may include one or more feet (e.g., each having a smooth bottom surface, a substantially slip-resistant bottom surface such as a rubber-type surface or coating, or any other suitable bottom surface) to support the animal containment device 1210 on a surface such as the ground. For example, as shown, the animal containment device 1210 may include a first foot structure 1293 A mounted to or formed integrally with a first portion of the bottom panel 1213, a second foot structure 1293B mounted to or formed integrally with a second portion of the bottom panel 1213, a third foot structure 1293C mounted to or formed integrally with a third portion of the bottom panel 1213, and a fourth foot structure (not shown) mounted to or formed integrally with a fourth portion of the bottom panel 1213, where each of the foot structures is configured to support the animal containment device 1210 on a respective portion of a surface such as the ground. In some aspects, the feet may be configured to rest on the ground, and the wheels may be configured to be positioned above the ground without contacting the ground when the feet are resting on the ground. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12G, when the foot structures 1293 A, 1293B are resting on the ground 26, the wheels 1241 A, 124 IB are positioned above the ground 26 and do not contact the ground 26. In some aspects, the wheels 1241 A, 1241B are configured to contact the ground 26 and roll along the ground 26 when the animal containment device 1210 is tilted, with the bottom of the rear panel 1219 positioned above the bottom of the front panel 1217. and with the foot structures 1293 A, 1293B positioned above the ground 26 and not contacting the ground 26.

[0085] As shown, the animal containment device 1210 further includes a telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 and a pivotable toggle assembly 1242 positioned proximate the front panel 1217. As shown, the pivotable toggle assembly 1242 includes a rigid pivotable toggle assembly¬ body 1243, a first end portion 1244A (e.g.. a user input end), a second end portion 1244B (e.g., a lock end), a pivotable mounting structure 1246, and a biasing spring 1247. As shown, the animal containment device 1210 includes a ramp structure 1254, a pocket structure 1256, and a locking slot structure 1258. As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the first end portion 1244A is configured to retain the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 in a retracted position by engaging the ramp- 23 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOstructure 1254. As shown in FIGS. 12F and 12G, the second end portion 1244B is configured to lock the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 in an extended position by engaging the locking slot structure 1258.

[0086] In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 1210 further includes a pair of wheels 1241A, 1241B positioned proximate the front panel 1217. As shown, the pair of wheels 1241A, 1241B includes a first wheel 1241 A disposed toward the first side panel 1216 and a second wheel 1241B disposed toward the second side panel 1218. In some aspects, the pair of wheels 1241A, 1241B may be included in one or more wheel assemblies having locking mechanisms configured to lock or unlock the pair of wheels 1241 A, 124 IB. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 1210 further includes one or more locking bar attachment structures each having one or more locking bar mounting portions, such as a first locking bar attachment structure having one or more first locking bar mounting portions 1226 mounted to or formed integrally with the first side panel 1216, and a second locking bar attachment structure having one or more second locking bar mounting portions 1228 mounted to or formed integrally with the second side panel 1218. In some aspects, the animal containment system 1200 may further include a locking bar assembly (not shown) configured to attach to one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of the animal containment device 1210 as well as one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of another animal containment device (not shown) to hold or otherwise secure (e.g., rigidly connect) the two animal containment devices in proximity' to each other.

[0087] FIGS. 12B, 12C. 12D, 12E, 12F. and 12Gare cross-sectional side views of the example animal containment system 1200 with a substantial portion of the first side panel 1216 removed as indicated by the cross-sectional line A- A’ shown in FIG. 12A.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 and the pivotable toggle assembly 1242 are illustrated in a retracted position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, in the retracted position, the biasing spring 1247 is configured to spring-bias the rigid pivotable toggle assembly body 1243 in a clockwise direction such that the first end portion 1244A engages the ramp structure 1254 of the animal containment device 1210 and the second end portion 1244B is disposed within a cavity defined by the pocket structure 1256 of the animal containment device 1210 to retain the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 in the extended position.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 12D and 12E, the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 and the pivotable toggle assembly 1242 are illustrated in a transitional state moving from the retracted position to an extended position according to aspects of the disclosure.- 24 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WO

[0090] As show n, when a user pulls the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 in an outward direction, the first end portion 1244A slides substantially downward along the ramp structure 1254 to rotate the rigid pivotable toggle assembly body 1243 in a counter-clockwise direction to move the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 12F and 12G, the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 and the pivotable toggle assembly 1242 are illustrated in an extended position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, in the extended position, the biasing spring 1247 is configured to spring-bias the rigid pivotable toggle assembly body 1243 in a clockwise direction such that the first end portion 1244A engages a portion of the exterior surface of the front panel 1217 of the animal containment device 1210 and the second end portion 1244B is disposed within the locking slot structure 1258 of the animal containment device 1210 to lock the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 in the extended position. In some aspects, a user may press down on the exposed first end portion 1244A to rotate the rigid pivotable toggle assembly body 1243 in a counter-clockw ise direction to move the telescopically-deployable load leg 1240 from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0092] FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of an example animal containment system 1300 including an example animal containment device 1310 and an example pair of wheels 1341 A, 1341B and example wheel lock mechanisms 1342A, 1342B (e.g., wheel lock assemblies) according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment device 1310 includes a base and at least one w all extending from the base and at least partially defining an enclosure having an interior within which an animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the animal containment device 1310 includes a bottom panel 1313A. a floor panel 1313B. top panel 1314, front panel 1317, rear panel 1319, first side panel 1316, and second side panel 1318. As shown, the animal containment device 1310 further includes a deployable load leg 1340 positioned (e.g., mounted, affixed, or otherwise disposed) proximate the floor panel 1313B and the front panel 1317. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 1310 further includes one or more locking bar attachment structures each having one or more locking bar mounting portions, such as a first locking bar attachment structure having one or more first locking bar mounting portions 1326A, 1326B mounted to or formed integrally with the first side panel 1316, and a second locking bar attachment structure having one or more second locking bar mounting portions (not shown due to perspective view) mounted to or formed integrally with the second side panel 1318. In some aspects, the animal containment system 1300 may further include a locking bar assembly (not shown) configured to attach to one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of the animal containment device 1310 as well as one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of another animal containment device (not shown) to hold or otherwise secure (e.g., rigidly connect) the two animal- 25 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOcontainment devices in proximity to each other.

[0093] As show n, the animal containment device 1310 further includes a pair of wheels 1341A, 1341B and wheel lock mechanisms 1342A, 1342B positioned proximate the floor panel 1313B and the front panel 1317. As shown, the pair of wheels 1341A, 1341B and wheel lock mechanisms 1342A, 1342B include a first wheel 1341A and a first wheel lock mechanism 1342A disposed toward the first side panel 1316 and a second wheel 1341B, and a second wheel lock mechanism 1342B disposed toward the second side panel 1318. In some aspects, wheel lock mechanisms 1342A, 1342B are configured to lock or unlock the pair of wheels 1341A, 1341B.

[0094] FIG. 13B is an exploded perspective view of the pair of wheels 1341A, 1341B, the wheel lock mechanisms 1342A, 1342B, and the floor panel 1313B according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13B, the wheel lock mechanisms 1342A, 1342B include a first wheel lock mechanism 1342A having a first wheel lock actuator 1343A and a first wheel lock pin 1344A configured to lock and unlock the rotatability of the first wheel 1341A. As further shown in FIG.13B, the wheel lock mechanisms 1342A, 1342B include a second wheel lock mechanism 1342B having a second wheel lock actuator 1343B and a second wheel lock pin 1344B configured to lock and unlock the rotatability of the second wheel 1341B.

[0095] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the first wheel 1341 A according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the first wheel 1341 A includes a plurality of opened structures 1345 A configured to receive the first wheel lock pin 1344A to lock the first wheel 1341A such that the first wheel 1341A cannot rotate. Similarly, the second wheel 1341B includes a plurality of opened structures 1345B configured to receive the second wheel lock pin 1344B to lock the second wheel 134 IB such that the second wheel 134 IB cannot rotate.

[0096] FIGS. 13D and 13E are bottom views of the animal containment system 1300 showing the pair of wheels 1341 A, 134 IB and wheel lock mechanisms 1342A, 1342B of the animal containment device 1310 in an unlocked position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13E, a user may slide the first wheel lock actuator 1343A away from the first wheel 1341A to remove the first wheel lock pin 1344A from one of the plurality' of opened structures 1345 A defined in the first wheel 1341A such that the first wheel 1341A is unlocked and able to rotate. Similarly, a user may slide the second wheel lock actuator 1343B away from the second wheel 134 IB to remove the second wheel lock pin 1344B from one of the plurality of opened structures 1345B defined in the second wheel 134 IB such that the second wheel 134 IB is unlocked and able to rotate.

[0097] FIGS. 13F and 13G are bottom view s of the animal containment system 1300 showing the pair of wheels 1341A, 1341B and wheel lock mechanisms 1342A, 1342B of the animal- 26 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOcontainment device 1310 in a locked position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13G, a user may slide the first wheel lock actuator 1343A toward the first wheel 1341A to insert the first wheel lock pin 1344A into one of the plurality of opened structures 1345 A defined in the first wheel 1341 A such that the wheel 1341 A is locked and unable to rotate. Similarly, a user may slide the second wheel lock actuator 1343B toward the second wheel 1341B to insert the second wheel lock pin 1344B into one of the plurality of opened structures 1345B defined in the second wheel 1341B such that the second wheel 1341B is locked and unable to rotate.

[0098] FIG. 14A is a side view of an example animal containment system 1400 including an example animal containment device 1410 and an example pair of wheels 1441A, 1441B and example wheel lock mechanisms 1442A, 1442B (e.g., wheel lock assemblies) according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment device 1410 includes a base and at least one wall extending from the base and at least partially defining an enclosure having an interior within which an animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the animal containment device 1410 includes a bottom panel 1413, top panel 1414, front panel 1417, rear panel 1419, first side panel 1416, and second side panel 1418. As shown, the animal containment device 1410 further includes a deployable load leg 1440 positioned proximate the front panel 1417. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 1410 further includes one or more locking bar attachment structures each having one or more locking bar mounting portions, such as a first locking bar attachment structure having one or more first locking bar mounting portions 1426A, 1426B mounted to or formed integrally with the first side panel 1416, and a second locking bar attachment structure having one or more second locking bar mounting portions (not shown due to side view) mounted to or formed integrally with the second side panel 1418. In some aspects, the animal containment system 1400 may further include a locking bar assembly (not show n) configured to attach to one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of the animal containment device 1410 as well as one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of another animal containment device (not shown) to hold or otherwise secure (e.g., rigidly connect) the two animal containment devices in proximity to each other.

[0099] As shown, the animal containment device 1410 further includes a pair of w heels 1441 A, 1441B and wheel lock mechanisms 1442A. 1442B positioned proximate the front panel 1417. As shown, the pair of wheels 1441A, 1441B and wheel lock mechanisms 1442A, 1442B include afirst wheel 1441 A and a first wheel lock mechanism 1442A disposed toward the first side panel 1416 and a second wheel 1441B, and a second wheel lock mechanism 1442B disposed toward the second side panel 1418. In some aspects, wheel lock mechanisms 1442A, 1442B are configured to lock or unlock the pair of wheels 1441A, 1441B.- 27 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WO

[0100] FIGS. 14B and 14C are cross-sectional bottom views of the example animal containment system 1400 with a substantial portion of the bottom panel 1413 removed as indicated by the cross-sectional line B-B ’ shown in FIG. 14A. As shown, the pair of wheels 1441 A, 144 IB and wheel lock mechanisms 1442A, 1442B of the animal containment device 1410 are in a locked position. As shown in FIG. 14C, a user may slide the first wheel lock actuator 1443A toward the first wheel 1441 A to insert the first wheel lock pin 1444A into one of the plurality of opened structures 1445 A defined in the first wheel 1441 A such that the wheel 1441 A is locked and unable to rotate. Similarly, a user may slide the second wheel lock actuator 1443B toward the second wheel 1441B to insert the second wheel lock pin 1444B into one of the plurality of opened structures 1445B defined in the second wheel 1441B such that the second wheel 1441B is locked and unable to rotate.

[0101] In some aspects, (not shown), a user may slide the first wheel lock actuator 1443A away from the first wheel 1441 A to remove the first wheel lock pin 1444 A from one of the plurality of opened structures 1445A defined in the first wheel 1441A such that the first wheel 1441A is unlocked and able to rotate. Similarly, in some aspects (not shown), a user may slide the second wheel lock actuator 1443B away from the second wheel 144 IB to remove the second wheel lock pin 1444B from one of the plurality of opened structures 1445B defined in the second wheel 1441B such that the second wheel 1441B is unlocked and able to rotate.

[0102] FIGS. 15 A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are bottom views of an example animal containment system 1500 including an example animal containment device 1510 and an example pair of wheels 1541A, 1541B and example wheel lock mechanisms 1542A, 1542B (e.g., wheel lock assemblies) according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment device 1510 includes a base and at least one wall extending from the base and at least partially defining an enclosure having an interior within which an animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the animal containment device 1510 includes a floor panel (hidden from view to improve the visibility of other structures), a bottom panel 1513, top panel (not shown due to bottom view), front panel 1517, rear panel 1519, first side panel 1516, and second side panel 1518. As shown, the animal containment device 1510 further includes a deployable load leg 1540 positioned proximate the front panel 1517. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 1510 further includes one or more locking bar attachment structures each having one or more locking bar mounting portions, such as a first locking bar attachment structure having one or more first locking bar mounting portions (not shown due to bottom view) mounted to or formed integrally with the first side panel 151 , and a second locking bar attachment structure having one or more second locking bar mounting portions (not shown due to bottom view-) mounted to or formed integrally with the second side panel 1518. In some aspects, the animal containment system 1500 may further include a locking bar assembly (not shown)- 28 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOconfigured to attach to one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of the animal containment device 1510 as well as one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of another animal containment device (not shown) to hold or otherwise secure (e.g., rigidly connect) the two animal containment devices in proximity to each other.

[0103] As shown, the animal containment device 1510 further includes a pair of wheels 1541 A, 154 IB and wheel lock mechanisms 1542A, 1542B positioned proximate the front panel 1517. As shown, the pair of wheels 1541A, 1541B and wheel lock mechanisms 1542A, 1542B include afirst wheel 1541A and a first wheel lock mechanism 1542A disposed toward the first side panel 1516 and a second wheel 1541B, and a second wheel lock mechanism 1542B disposed tow ard the second side panel 1518. In some aspects, wheel lock mechanisms 1542A, 1542B are configured to lock or unlock the pair of wheels 1541A, 1541B.

[0104] FIGS. 15 A and 15B are bottom views of the animal containment system 1500 showing the pair of wheels 1541A, 1541B and wheel lock mechanisms 1542A, 1542B of the animal containment device 1510 in an unlocked position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 15B, a user may slide the second wheel lock actuator 1543B away from the second wheel 1541B to remove the second wheel lock pin 1544B from one of the plurality of opened structures 1545B defined in the second wheel 1541B such that the second wheel 1541B is unlocked and able to rotate. Similarly, a user may slide the first wheel lock actuator away from the first wheel 1541 A to remove the first wheel lock pin from one of the plurality of opened structures defined in the first wheel 1541 A such that the first wheel 1541 A is unlocked and able to rotate.

[0105] FIGS. 15C, 15D, and 15E are bottom views of the animal containment system 1500 showing the pair of wheels 1541A, 1541B and wheel lock mechanisms 1542A, 1542B ofthe animal containment device 1510 in a locked position according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 15D and 15E, a user may slide the second wheel lock actuator 1543B toward the second wheel 154 IB to insert the second wheel lock pin 1544B into one of the plurality of opened structures 1545B defined in the second wheel 1541B such that the second wheel 1541B is locked and unable to rotate. Similarly, a user may slide the first wheel lock actuator toward the first wheel 1541 A to insert the first w heel lock pin into one of the plurality of opened structures defined in the first wheel 1541A such that the wheel 1541A is locked and unable to rotate.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 15B. 15D, and 15E, the second wheel lock actuator 1543B includes an unlocked detent 1552B, a locked detent 1554B, and a substantially flexible portion 1562B disposed between the two detents 1552B, 1554B. Each of the two detents 1552B, 1554B is configured to receive a second retainer structure 1560B disposed on the bottom panel 1513 to retain the second wheel lock mechanisms 1542B in the unlocked or locked position, respectively. For- 29 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOexample, when in the unlocked position shown in FIG. 15B, the unlocked detent 1552B engages the second retainer structure 1560B to retain the second wheel lock actuator 1543B and the second wheel lock pin 1544B of the second wheel lock mechanisms 1542B in the unlocked position. In another example, when in the locked position shown in FIG. 15D, the locked detent 1554B engages the second retainer structure 1560B to retain the second wheel lock actuator 1543B and the second w heel lock pin 1544B of the second wheel lock mechanisms 1542B in the locked position. Similarly the first wheel lock actuator may include an unlocked detent, a locked detent, and a substantially flexible portion disposed between the two detents, each of which may be configured to receive a first retainer structure disposed on the bottom panel 1513 to retain the first w heel lock mechanisms 1542A in the unlocked or locked position, respectively.

[0107] In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 15E, the second wheel lock actuator 1543B may include a second spring 1570B configured to spring-bias the second wheel lock pin 1544B to allow the second wheel lock pin 1544B to slightly retract until the second wheel 1541B is rotated such that one of the plurality of opened structures 1545B defined in the second wheel 1541B aligns w ith the second wheel lock pin 1544B. It is to be understood that FIG. 15E shows the second wheel lock actuator 1543B in a semi-transparent manner to reveal the second wheel lock pin 1544B and the second spring 1570B for purposes of illustration. Similarly, the first wheel lock actuator may include a first spring configured to spring-bias the first w heel lock pin to allow- the first wheel lock pin to slightly retract until the first wheel 1541 A is rotated such that one of the plurality7of opened structures defined in the first wheel 1541A aligns with the first wheel lock pin.

[0108] FIG. 16A is a side view of an example animal containment system 1600 including an example animal containment device 1610 and an example wheel kit 1680 according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the animal containment device 1610 includes a base and at least one wall extending from the base and at least partially defining an enclosure having an interior w ithin which an animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the animal containment device 1610 includes a bottom panel 1613, top panel 1614, front panel 1617, rear panel 1619, first side panel 1616, and second side panel 1618. As shown, the animal containment device 1610 further includes a deployable load leg 1640 positioned proximate the front panel 1617. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 1610 further includes one or more locking bar attachment structures each having one or more locking bar mounting portions, such as a first locking bar attachment structure having one or more first locking bar mounting portions 1626A, 1626B mounted to or formed integrally with the first side panel 1616, and a second locking bar attachment structure having one or more second locking bar mounting portions (not shown due to side view) mounted to or formed integrally with the second side panel 1618. In some aspects, the animal containment- 30 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOsystem 1600 may further include a locking bar assembly (not show n) configured to attach to one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of the animal containment device 1610 as well as one of the one or more locking bar attachment structures of another animal containment device (not shown) to hold or otherwise secure (e.g., rigidly connect) the two animal containment devices in proximity to each other.

[0109] As shown, the animal containment device 1610 further includes a pair of wheels 1641 A, 1641B and wheel lock mechanisms 1642A, 1642B (e.g., wheel lock assemblies) positioned proximate the front panel 1617. As shown, the pair of wheels 1641A, 1641B and wheel lock mechanisms 1642A, 1642B include a first wheel 1641 A and a first wheel lock mechanism 1642A disposed toward the first side panel 1616 and a second wheel 1641B, and a second wheel lock mechanism 1642B disposed toward the second side panel 1618. In some aspects, wheel lock mechanisms 1642A. 1642B are configured to lock or unlock the pair of wheels 1641A, 1641B. In some aspects, each of the wheel lock mechanisms 1642A, 1642B may include a respective w heel lock actuator and wheel lock pin. In some aspects, a user may slide the respective wheel lock actuator toward the respective wheel 1641A, 1641B to insert the respective wheel lock pin into one of a plurality of opened structures defined in the respective wheel 1641A. 1641B such that the respective wheel 1641A, 1641B is locked and unable to rotate. In some aspects, a user may slide the respective wheel lock actuator away from the respective wheel 1641 A, 1641B to remove the respective wheel lock pin from one of the plurality of opened structures defined in the respective wheel 1641A, 1641B such that the respective wheel 1641A, 1641B is unlocked and able to rotate.

[0110] As shown, the wheel kit 1680 includes a handle 1684, an inner telescoping member 1683B, an outer telescoping member 1683 A, a quick-connection member 1682, and a pair of wheels 1681A, 1681B. As shown, the pair of w heels 1681A, 1681B are disposed on the bottom side of the quick-connection member 1682, the quick-connection member 1682 is pivotably mounted to a first end portion of the outer telescoping member 1683 A, a second end portion of the outer telescoping member 1683 A is telescopically mounted to a first end portion of the inner telescoping member 1683B, and a second end portion of the inner telescoping member 1683B is mounted to the handle 1684. As show n, the top side of the quick-connection member 1682 may be releasably attached to the bottom side of the bottom panel 1613 proximate the rear panel 1619.

[0111] In some aspects, the wheel kit 1680 is configured to transform between two positions: (i) an extended, deployed, or “use’’ position as shown in FIGS 16 A and 16B to provide for improved transportability of the animal containment device 1610 when attached to the animal containment device 1610: and (ii) a collapsed, retracted, or “stored’’ position as shown in FIG. 16C to provide for improved stowability of the wheel kit 1680 (e.g., for storage in luggage or on the top panel 1614- 31 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOof the animal containment device 1610) when removed from the animal containment device 1610, where the inner telescoping member 1683B is inserted into the outer telescoping member 1683 A, and the outer telescoping member 1683 A is pivotably rotated underneath the quick-connection member 1682.

[0112] FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D are perspective and side views of an example animal containment system 1700 including an example animal containment device 1710 having a top energy-absorption assembly 1750 formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, such as a top backpack accessory 1756 (e.g., an accessory bag), that is removably attachable to the animal containment device 1710, according to aspects of the disclosure. The animal containment device 1710 includes a base and at least one wall extending from the base and at least partially defining an enclosure having an interior within which an animal is receivable. For example, as shown, the animal containment device 1710 includes a bottom panel 1713, top panel 1714. front panel 1717. rear panel 1719, first side panel 1716, and second side panel 1718. In some aspects (not shown), the animal containment device 1710 further includes a deployable load leg and a pair of lockable wheels positioned proximate the front panel 1717. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 17A, the animal containment device 1710 further includes left-side locking bar mounting portions 1722C and 1722D disposed on first and second portions, respectively, of the second side panel 1718 of the animal containment device 1710, and right-side locking bar mounting portions (not shown) disposed on first and second portions, respectively, of the first side panel 1716 of the animal containment device 1710.

[0113] In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the animal containment device 1710 further includes a top energy-absorption assembly 1750 formed as a top backpack accessory 1756 (e.g., an accessory bag). In some aspects, the top backpack accessory 1756 may be formed of fabric, plastic, metal, and / or any other suitable material. For example, the top backpack accessory' 1756 may be formed of a suitably rigid or crushable material (e.g., thermoformed, plastic, or metal subframe with fabric softgoods, etc.) to function as a top brace. In some aspects, as shown, the top backpack accessory 1756 includes one or more locking mechanisms 1770 configured to engage with one or more mounting structures 1760 (e.g., posts or other suitable geometric structures) disposed on the top panel 1714 in a recessed portion 1715 of the top panel 1714. In some aspects, the recessed portion 1715 of the top panel 1714 is arranged and sized to receive a bottom portion of the top backpack accessory 1756 to reduce or substantially prevent movement of the top backpack accessory 1756 when attached to the animal containment device 1710.

[0114] In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 17C and 17D, the top backpack accessory 1756 may be removed from the animal containment device 1710 and attached to a backpack adapter 1780- 32 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOhaving shoulder straps 1782 and mounting structures 1784 (e.g., posts or other suitable geometric structures) configured to engage the one or more locking mechanisms 1770 of the top backpack accessory 1756 to form a backpack as shown in FIG. 17D. Additionally, or alternatively, in some aspects, one or more other multi-functional accessories (e.g., storage devices, bins, foam blocks, softgoods assemblies, etc.) may be attached to the one or more mounting structures 1760 of the animal containment device 1710 to provide top energy-absorption functionality. In some aspects, the one or more other multi-functional accessories may be removed from the animal containment device 1710 and attached to one or more other multi-functional accessory adapters, such as a harness adapter to clip the multi-functional accessory (e.g., bag) to a pet, a strap to convert the multi-functional accessory' to a crossbody or sling bag, or any other suitable component.

[0115] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an example animal containment system 1800 including an example first collapsible animal containment device 181 and an example second collapsible animal containment device 1820 installed in the rear cargo area of a vehicle according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0116] FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an example animal containment system 1900 including an example collapsible animal containment device 1910 in an extended configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 19B is a perspective view, FIG. 19C is a front view, and FIG. 19D is a side view of the example collapsible animal containment device 1910 in a collapsed configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the collapsible animal containment device 1910 includes a base panel 1913, a top panel 1914, and a plurality of sidewalls including a left sidewall panel 1916, a right sidewall panel 1918, a front sidewall panel 1917. and a back sidewall panel 1919 (e.g., openable to permit entry and exit of a pet). As shown, the front sidewall panel 1917 is pivotably attached, by a first hinge assembly 1927, to a first portion of the base panel 1913, and the back sidewall panel 1919 is pivotably attached, by a second hinge assembly 1929, to a second portion of the base panel 1913. In some aspects, the collapsible animal containment device 1910 may further include any combination of other elements, structures, aspects, and / or features disclosed herein, such as locking bar attachment structures, a locking bar assembly, a deployable load leg, a pivotable toggle assembly, wheels, a wheel kit, and / or a top energy-absorption assembly (e.g., formed as a top multi-purpose accessory such as a backpack).

[0117] As shown in FIG. 19A, the collapsible animal containment device 1910 has an extended configuration (e.g., for use) in which the plurality of sidewalls extend from the base panel 1913 and the top panel 1914 extends upwards away from the plurality' of sidewalls and toward a ceiling of the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 19B, 19C, and 19D, the collapsible animal containment device 1910 further has a collapsed configuration (e.g., for shipment and / or storage) in which the base panel- 33 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WO1913, the front sidewall panel 1917, the back sidewall panel 1919, and the top panel 1914 are disposed between the left sidewall panel 1916 and the right sidewall panel 1918, with the front sidewall panel 1917 and the back sidewall panel 1919 rotated inward and oriented substantially parallel to the base panel 1913.

[0118] FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C are side views and FIGS. 20D, 20E, and 20F are perspective views of the example collapsible animal containment device 1910 transitioning from a collapsed storage configuration (e.g.. shown in FIGS. 20A, 19B, 19C. and 19D) to an extended use configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 20F and 19A) during the assembly of the collapsible animal containment device 1910 according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 20A, the front sidewall panel 1917 and the back sidewall panel 1919 rotated inward and oriented substantially parallel to the base panel 1913. As shown in FIG. 20B, the front sidewall panel 1917 is rotated outward about the first hinge assembly 1927 such that the front sidewall panel 1917 extends upward and away from the base panel 1913. As shown in FIG. 20C, the back sidewall panel 1919 is rotated outward about the second hinge assembly 1929 such that the back sidewall panel 1919 extends upward and away from the base panel 1913. As shown in FIG. 20D, the right sidewall panel 1918 is attached to the base panel 1913. the front sidewall panel 1917, and the back sidewall panel 1919. As shown in FIG. 20E, the left sidewall panel 1916 is attached to the base panel 1913, the front sidewall panel 1917, and the back sidewall panel 1919. As shown in FIG. 20F, the top panel 1914 is attached to the left sidewall panel 1916, the right sidewall panel 1918, the front sidewall panel 1917, and the back sidewall panel 1919 to provide the extended configuration of the collapsible animal containment device 1910. In some aspects, these acts may be performed in reverse order to transition the collapsible animal containment device 1910 from the extended use configuration shown in FIGS. 20F and 19A to the collapsed storage configuration shown in FIGS. 20A, 19B, 19C, and 19D. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19D, the panels (e.g., one or more of base panel 1913, top panel 1914, left sidewall panel 1916, front sidewall panel 1917. right sidewall panel 1918, back sidewall panel 1919) include frame elements at the perimeter comers thereof that connect together to form a continuous rigid perimeter frame when the collapsible animal containment device 1910 is assembled (as shown in FIG. 19A).

[0119] FIG. 21A is a perspective view of an example animal containment system 2100 including an example collapsible animal containment device 2110 in an extended configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 21 B is a perspective view and FIG. 21 C is a side view of the example collapsible animal containment device 2110 in a collapsed configuration according to aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the collapsible animal containment device 2110 includes a base panel 2113. a top panel 2114, and a plurality of sidewalls including a left sidewall panel 2116,- 34 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOa right sidewall panel 2118, a front sidewall panel 2117, and a back sidewall panel 2119 (e.g., openable to permit entry and exit of a pet). As shown, the front sidewall panel 2117 is pivotably attached, by a first hinge assembly 2127, to a first portion of the base panel 2113. and the back sidewall panel 2119 is pivotably attached, by a second hinge assembly 2129, to a second portion of the base panel 2113. In some aspects, the collapsible animal containment device 2110 may further include any combination of other elements, structures, aspects, and / or features disclosed herein, such as locking bar attachment structures, a locking bar assembly, a deployable load leg, a pivotable toggle assembly, wheels, a wheel kit, and / or a top energy -absorption assembly (e.g., formed as a top multi-purpose accessory' such as a backpack).

[0120] As shown in FIG. 21 A, the collapsible animal containment device 2110 has an extended configuration (e.g., for use) in which the plurality of sidewalls extend from the base panel 2113 and the top panel 2114 extends upwards away from the plurality of sidewalls and toward a ceiling of the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, the collapsible animal containment device 2110 further has a collapsed configuration (e.g., for shipment and / or storage) in which the base panel 2113, the front sidew all panel 2117, the back sidewall panel 2119, and the left sidewall panel 2116 are disposed between the top panel 2114 and the right sidewall panel 2118, with the front sidewall panel 2117 and the back sidewall panel 2119 rotated inward and oriented substantially parallel to the base panel 2113.

[0121] FIG. 22 shows an example animal containment system 2200 including an example animal containment device 2210 having an example door 2280 and example removable accessory panels 2256 and 2258 attached thereto according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 2210 includes a bottom panel 2213, top panel 2214, front panel 2217, rear panel 2219, first side panel 2216, and second side panel 2218. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 2210 further includes a first locking bar attachment structure having first locking bar mounting portions 2226A, 2226B mounted to or formed integrally with the first side panel 2216, and a second locking bar attachment structure having second locking bar mounting portions (not shown due to drawing view; e.g., substantially similar to locking bar mounting portions 2226 A, 2226B) mounted to or formed integrally with the second side panel 2218. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 2210 further includes a door 2280 attached to, or included in, the rear panel 2219 and arranged to open and close by pivoting about a pivot axis Pl relative to the rear panel 2219. In some aspects, as shown, the animal containment device 2210 further includes one or more hinge devices 2281 (e.g., one or more gas struts, spring-loaded hinges, hydraulic hinges, or the like) and a door release actuator 2282 that, in response to being actuated (e.g.. pressed in an upward direction) by a user when the door 2280 is closed, is- 35 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOarranged to permit the door 2280 to pivot in an upward direction about the pivot axis Pl to open the door 2280.

[0122] In some aspects, as show n, the animal containment device 2210 further includes a first removable accessory panel 2256 configured to attach to the first side panel 2216 in an overlapping arrangement, and a second removable accessory panel 2258 configured to attach to the second side panel 2218 in an overlapping arrangement. In some aspects, as shown, the first side panel 2216 includes first recessed mounting structures (not shown due to drawing view; e.g., substantially similar to recessed mounting structures 2238A, 2238B), and the first removable accessory panel 2256 includes first movable latch mechanisms 2276 A and 2276B configured to selectively engage the first recessed mounting structures, respectively, of the first side panel 2216. In some aspects, the removable accessory panel 2256 may further include first hook mechanisms (not shown due to drawing view; e.g., substantially similar to hook mechanisms 2279A. 2279B) configured to engage portions of the first side panel 2216 (e.g., underside portions of the bottom tubular member of the first side panel 2216). In some aspects, as shown, the second side panel 2218 includes second recessed mounting structures 2238A and 2238B, and the second removable accessory panel 2258 includes second movable latch mechanisms 2278A and 2278B configured to selectively engage the second recessed mounting structures 2238A and 2238B, respectively, of the second side panel 2218. In some aspects, as shown the removable accessory panel 2258 further includes second hook mechanisms 2279A and 2279B configured to engage portions of the second side panel 2218 (e.g., underside portions of the bottom tubular member of the second side panel 2218, as shown).

[0123] 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 cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment system comprising:a first animal containment device comprisinga base, andat least one wall extending from the base and comprising a first locking bar attachment structure; anda locking bar assembly configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure,wherein the locking bar assembly is further configured to attach to a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.2. The animal containment system of claim 1, further comprising the second animal- 36 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOcontainment device.3. The animal containment system of claim 1, the first animal containment device further comprising a top panel, and the animal containment system further comprising:a top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, the top energy-absorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel,wherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a portion of the vehicle, andreduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.4. The animal containment system of claim 3, wherein the top multi-purpose accessors’ comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.5. The animal containment system of claim 1, the first animal containment device further comprising a load leg positioned proximate the at least one wall and extendable 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 first animal containment device during an impact event.6. The animal containment system of claim 5, the load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the at least one wall, the pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.7. The animal containment system of claim 1, the first animal containment device further comprising a pair of wheels positioned proximate the at least one wall.8. The animal containment system of claim 1, the at least one wall comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall.9. The animal containment system of claim 1, the at least one wall comprising a first wall and a second wall, the first wall being longer than the second wall, the first wall comprising the first locking bar attachment structure, and the animal containment system further comprising a door pivotably mounted to the second wall.10. An animal containment kit comprising:a first animal containment device comprising- 37 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOa first base,at least one first wall extending from the first base, and a first locking bar attachment structure coupled to the at least one first wall; a second animal containment device comprisinga second base,at least one second wall extending from the second base, anda second locking bar attachment structure coupled to the at least one second wall; anda locking bar assembly configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure and the second locking bar attachment structure to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.11. The animal containment kit of claim 10. the first animal containment device further comprising a top panel, and the animal containment kit further comprising:a top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, the top energy-absorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel,wherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a portion of a vehicle, andreduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.12. The animal containment kit of claim 11, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory' bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.13. The animal containment kit of claim 10, the first animal containment device further comprising a first load leg positioned proximate the at least one first wall and extendable toward a first surface of a vehicle, wherein the first load leg is configured to reduce a first magnitude of a first impact force transferred from the first surface of the vehicle to the first animal containment device during an impact event, andthe second animal containment device further comprising a second load leg positioned proximate the at least one second wall and extendable toward a second surface of the vehicle, wherein the second load leg is configured to reduce a second magnitude of a second impact force transferred from the second surface of the vehicle to the second animal containment device- 38 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOduring the impact event.14. The animal containment kit of claim 13, the first load leg comprising a first pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the at least one first wall, the first pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to lock the first load leg in a first retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the first load leg in a first extended position, andthe second load leg comprising a second pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the at least one second wall, the second pivotable toggle assembly having a third end configured to lock the second load leg in a second retracted position; and a fourth end configured to lock the second load leg in a second extended position.15. The animal containment kit of claim 10, the first animal containment device further comprising a first pair of wheels positioned proximate the at least one first wall, and the second animal containment device further comprising a second pair of wheels positioned proximate the at least one second wall.16. The animal containment kit of claim 10, the at least one first wall comprising a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel.17. The animal containment kit of claim 10, wherein, when the locking bar assembly is attached to the first locking bar attachment structure and the second locking bar attachment structure, the second animal containment device is rigidly connected to the first animal containment device.18. An animal containment device for use in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment device comprising:a base having a first portion and a second portion;a first sidewall extending from the first portion of the base;a second sidewall extending from the second portion of the base;a load leg positioned proximate the first sidewall and extendable 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 animal containment device during an impact event; and a pair of wheels positioned proximate the first sidew all.19. The animal containment device of claim 18, wherein the base has a substantially rectangular shape, and a first length of the first sidewall that extends from the first portion of the base is shorter than a second length of the second sidewall that extends from the second portion of the base.20. The animal containment device of claim 18, wherein the magnitude of the impact force is a first magnitude of a first impact force, the animal containment device further comprising:- 39 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOa top panel; anda top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, the top energy-absorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel,wherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a ceiling portion of the vehicle, andreduce a second magnitude of a second impact force transferred from the ceiling portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during the impact event.21. The animal containment device of claim 20, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory' comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory’ bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.22. The animal containment device of claim 18, the load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the first sidewall, the pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.23. The animal containment device of claim 18, wherein the animal containment device is a first animal containment device, the second sidew all comprising a first locking bar attachment structure configured to be attached to a locking bar assembly, wherein the locking bar assembly is configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure of the first animal containment device and a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.24. The animal containment device of claim 18, the base further having a third portion, and animal containment device further comprising a third sidewall extending from the third portion of the base.25. An animal containment system for use in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment system comprising:an animal containment device comprisinga base,a plurality of sidew alls, anda top panel; anda top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, the top energy-absorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel,- 40 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOwherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a portion of the vehicle, andreduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.26. The animal containment system of claim 25, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.27. The animal containment system of claim 25, the animal containment device further comprising a load leg positioned proximate one of the plurality of sidewalls and extendable 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 animal containment device during an impact event.28. The animal containment system of claim 27, the load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the one of the plurality of sidewalls, the pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.29. The animal containment system of claim 25, the animal containment device further comprising a pair of wheels positioned proximate one of the plurality of sidewalls.30. The animal containment system of claim 25. wherein the animal containment device is a first animal containment device, the first animal containment device further comprises a first locking bar attachment structure, and the animal containment system further comprises a locking bar assembly configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure, wherein the locking bar assembly is further configured to attach to a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.31. The animal containment system of claim 25, the plurality of sidewalls comprising a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a third sidewall.32. An animal containment device for use in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment device comprising a load leg that is extendable toward a surface of the vehicle and 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 load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly having- 41 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOa first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.33. The animal containment device of claim 32. wherein the pivotable toggle assembly is disposed proximate a sidewall of the animal containment device, the animal containment device further comprising a pair of wheels disposed proximate the sidewall.34. The animal containment device of claim 32, wherein the magnitude of the impact force is a first magnitude of a first impact force, the animal containment device further comprising a base, at least one sidewall, a top panel, and a top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, the top energy-absorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel, wherein, when the top energy -absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a ceiling portion of the vehicle, andreduce a second magnitude of a second impact force transferred from the ceiling portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during the impact event.35. The animal containment device of claim 34, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory' bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.36. The animal containment device of claim 32, further comprising a pair of wheels.37. The animal containment device of claim 32, wherein the animal containment device is a first animal containment device, further comprising a first locking bar attachment structure configured to be attached to a locking bar assembly, wherein the locking bar assembly is configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure of the first animal containment device and a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.38. The animal containment device of claim 32, further comprising:a base, andat least one wall extending from the base, the at least one wall comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall.39. A collapsible animal containment device for use in a cargo area of a vehicle, the collapsible animal containment device comprising:a base panel;- 42 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOa plurality of sidewalls comprising a left sidewall panel, a right sidewall panel, a front sidewall panel, and a back sidewall panel; anda top panel,the collapsible animal containment device havingan extended configuration in which the plurality of sidewalls extend from the base panel and the top panel extends upwards away from the plurality of sidewalls and toward a ceiling of the vehicle, anda collapsed configuration in which the base panel, the front sidewall panel, the back sidewall panel, and the top panel are disposed between the left sidewall panel and the right sidewall panel.40. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 39, wherein the front sidewall panel is pivotably attached to a first portion of the base panel, and wherein the back sidewall panel is pivotably attached to a second portion of the base panel.41. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 39, further comprising a load leg positioned proximate the front sidewall panel and extendable 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 collapsible animal containment device during an impact event.42. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 41, the load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the front sidewall panel, the pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.43. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 41, wherein the magnitude of the impact force is a first magnitude of a first impact force, the animal containment device further comprising a top energy -absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, the top energy-absorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel, wherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a ceiling portion of the vehicle, andreduce a second magnitude of a second impact force transferred from the ceiling portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during the impact event.44. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 43, wherein the top multipurpose accessory comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory' bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory bag is selectively- 43 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOattachable to a backpack adapter.45. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 39, further comprising a pair of wheels positioned proximate the front sidewall panel.46. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 39, wherein the collapsible animal containment device is a first collapsible animal containment device, wherein at least one of the left sidewall panel and the right sidewall panel comprises a first locking bar attachment structure configured to be attached to a locking bar assembly, wherein the locking bar assembly is configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure of the first collapsible animal containment device and a second locking bar attachment structure of a second collapsible animal containment device to hold the second collapsible animal containment device in proximity to the first collapsible animal containment device.

[0124] While certain examples, aspects, and embodiments have been described, these examples, aspects, and embodiments 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, structure, element, component, step, module, or block is necessary' or indispensable. Indeed, the improved systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the systems, devices, and methods 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 example aspects and / or embodiments disclosed herein.

[0125] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of the present disclosure that changes may be made to the examples, aspects, and / or embodiments described above without departing from the disclosure thereof. It should further be appreciated that structural features and methods associated with one of the examples, aspects, and / or embodiments can be incorporated into other examples, aspects, and / or embodiments. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples, aspects, and embodiments disclosed, but rather modifications are also covered within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0126] 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- 44 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOembodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for cartying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all aspects and embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

[0127] 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.- 45 - 9512893.2

Claims

Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An animal containment system for use in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment system comprising:a first animal containment device comprisinga base, andat least one wall extending from the base and comprising a first locking bar attachment structure; anda locking bar assembly configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure, wherein the locking bar assembly is further configured to attach to a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.

2. The animal containment system of claim 1, further comprising the second animal containment device.

3. The animal containment system of claim 1, the first animal containment device further comprising a top panel, and the animal containment system further comprising:atop energy-absorption assembly formed as atop multi-purpose accessory, the top energy -absorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel,wherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a portion of the vehicle, andreduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

4. The animal containment system of claim 3, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory' comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory' bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.

5. The animal containment system of claim 1, the first animal containment device further - 46 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOcomprising a load leg positioned proximate the at least one wall and extendable 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 first animal containment device during an impact event.

6. The animal containment system of claim 5, the load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the at least one wall, the pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.

7. The animal containment system of claim 1, the first animal containment device further comprising a pair of wheels positioned proximate the at least one wall.

8. The animal containment system of claim 1, the at least one wall comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall.

9. The animal containment system of claim 1, the at least one wall comprising a first wall and a second wall, the first wall being longer than the second wall, the first wall comprising the first locking bar attachment structure, and the animal containment system further comprising a door pivotably mounted to the second wall.

10. An animal containment kit comprising:a first animal containment device comprisinga first base,at least one first wall extending from the first base, anda first locking bar attachment structure coupled to the at least one first wall;a second animal containment device comprisinga second base,at least one second wall extending from the second base, anda second locking bar attachment structure coupled to the at least one second wall; anda locking bar assembly configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure and the second locking bar attachment structure to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.- 47 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WO11. The animal containment kit of claim 10, the first animal containment device further comprising a top panel, and the animal containment kit further comprising:a top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, the top energyabsorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel,wherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a portion of a vehicle, andreduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

12. The animal containment kit of claim 11, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory’ bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.

13. The animal containment kit of claim 10. the first animal containment device further comprising a first load leg positioned proximate the at least one first wall and extendable toward a first surface of a vehicle, wherein the first load leg is configured to reduce a first magnitude of a first impact force transferred from the first surface of the vehicle to the first animal containment device during an impact event, andthe second animal containment device further comprising a second load leg positioned proximate the at least one second wall and extendable toward a second surface of the vehicle, wherein the second load leg is configured to reduce a second magnitude of a second impact force transferred from the second surface of the vehicle to the second animal containment device during the impact event.

14. The animal containment kit of claim 13, the first load leg comprising a first pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the at least one first wall, the first pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to lock the first load leg in a first retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the first load leg in a first extended position, andthe second load leg comprising a second pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the at least one second wall, the second pivotable toggle assembly having a third end configured to lock the second load leg in a second retracted position; and a fourth end configured to lock the second load leg in a second extended position.- 48 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WO15. The animal containment kit of claim 10, the first animal containment device further comprising a first pair of wheels positioned proximate the at least one first wall, and the second animal containment device further comprising a second pair of wheels positioned proximate the at least one second wall.

16. The animal containment kit of claim 10, the at least one first wall comprising a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel.

17. The animal containment kit of claim 10, wherein, when the locking bar assembly is attached to the first locking bar attachment structure and the second locking bar attachment structure, the second animal containment device is rigidly connected to the first animal containment device.

18. An animal containment device for use in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment device comprising:a base having a first portion and a second portion;a first sidewall extending from the first portion of the base;a second sidewall extending from the second portion of the base;a load leg positioned proximate the first sidewall and extendable 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 animal containment device during an impact event; and a pair of wheels positioned proximate the first sidewall.

19. The animal containment device of claim 18, wherein the base has a substantially rectangular shape, and a first length of the first sidewall that extends from the first portion of the base is shorter than a second length of the second sidewall that extends from the second portion of the base.

20. The animal containment device of claim 18, wherein the magnitude of the impact force is a first magnitude of a first impact force, the animal containment device further comprising:a top panel; andatop energy-absorption assembly formed as atop multi-purpose accessory, the top energyabsorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel,wherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured to- 49 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a ceiling portion of the vehicle, andreduce a second magnitude of a second impact force transferred from the ceiling portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during the impact event.

21. The animal containment device of claim 20, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory’ bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.

22. The animal containment device of claim 18, the load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the first sidewall, the pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.

23. The animal containment device of claim 18, wherein the animal containment device is a first animal containment device, the second sidewall compnsing a first locking bar attachment structure configured to be attached to a locking bar assembly, wherein the locking bar assembly is configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure of the first animal containment device and a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.

24. The animal containment device of claim 18, the base further having a third portion, and animal containment device further comprising a third sidewall extending from the third portion of the base.

25. An animal containment system for use in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment system comprising:an animal containment device comprisinga base,a plurality of sidewalls, anda top panel; anda top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, the top energyabsorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel,- 50 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOwherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a portion of the vehicle, andreduce a magnitude of an impact force transferred from the portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during an impact event.

26. The animal containment system of claim 25, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.

27. The animal containment system of claim 25, the animal containment device further comprising a load leg positioned proximate one of the plurality of sidewalls and extendable 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 animal containment device during an impact event.

28. The animal containment system of claim 27, the load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the one of the plurality of sidewalls, the pivotable toggle assembly having a first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.

29. The animal containment system of claim 25, the animal containment device further comprising a pair of wheels positioned proximate one of the plurality of sidewalls.

30. The animal containment system of claim 25, wherein the animal containment device is a first animal containment device, the first animal containment device further comprises a first locking bar attachment structure, and the animal containment system further comprises a locking bar assembly configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure, wherein the locking bar assembly is further configured to attach to a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.

31. The animal containment system of claim 25. the plurality of sidewalls comprising a first- 51 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOsidewall, a second sidewall, and a third sidewall.

32. An animal containment device for use in a cargo area of a vehicle, the animal containment device comprising a load leg that is extendable toward a surface of the vehicle and 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 load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly havinga first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, anda second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.

33. The animal containment device of claim 32, wherein the pivotable toggle assembly is disposed proximate a sidewall of the animal containment device, the animal containment device further comprising a pair of wheels disposed proximate the sidewall.

34. The animal containment device of claim 32, wherein the magnitude of the impact force is a first magnitude of a first impact force, the animal containment device further comprising a base, at least one sidewall, atop panel, and atop energy-absorption assembly formed as atop multi-purpose accessory, the top energy-absorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel, wherein, when the top energy-absorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energyabsorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a ceiling portion of the vehicle, andreduce a second magnitude of a second impact force transferred from the ceiling portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during the impact event.

35. The animal containment device of claim 34, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory' bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.

36. The animal containment device of claim 32, further comprising a pair of wheels.

37. The animal containment device of claim 32, wherein the animal containment device is a first animal containment device, further comprising a first locking bar attachment structure- 52 - 9512893.2Attorney Docket No. JANI-PT018WOconfigured to be attached to a locking bar assembly, wherein the locking bar assembly is configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure of the first animal containment device and a second locking bar attachment structure of a second animal containment device to hold the second animal containment device in proximity to the first animal containment device.

38. The animal containment device of claim 32, further comprising:a base, andat least one wall extending from the base, the at least one wall comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall.

39. A collapsible animal containment device for use in a cargo area of a vehicle, the collapsible animal containment device comprising:a base panel;a plurality of sidewalls comprising a left sidewall panel, a right sidewall panel, a front sidewall panel, and a back sidewall panel; anda top panel,the collapsible animal containment device havingan extended configuration in which the plurality of sidewalls extend from the base panel and the top panel extends upwards away from the plurality of sidewalls and toward a ceiling of the vehicle, anda collapsed configuration in which the base panel, the front sidewall panel, the back sidewall panel, and the top panel are disposed between the left sidewall panel and the right sidewall panel.

40. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 39, wherein the front sidewall panel is pivotably attached to a first portion of the base panel, and wherein the back sidewall panel is pivotably attached to a second portion of the base panel.

41. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 39, further comprising a load leg positioned proximate the front sidewall panel and extendable 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 collapsible animal containment device during an impact event.

42. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 41, the load leg comprising a pivotable toggle assembly disposed proximate the front sidewall panel, the pivotable toggle assembly having- 53 - 9512893.2Attomey Docket No. JANI-PT018WOa first end configured to retain the load leg in a retracted position, and a second end configured to lock the load leg in an extended position.

43. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 41 , wherein the magnitude of the impact force is a first magnitude of a first impact force, the animal containment device further comprising a top energy-absorption assembly formed as a top multi-purpose accessory, the top energyabsorption assembly being selectively attachable to the top panel, wherein, when the top energyabsorption assembly is attached to the top panel, the top energy-absorption assembly is configured toextend at least partially upwards above the top panel toward a ceiling portion of the vehicle, andreduce a second magnitude of a second impact force transferred from the ceiling portion of the vehicle to the animal containment device during the impact event.

44. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 43, wherein the top multi-purpose accessory comprises an accessory bag, wherein the accessory bag is selectively attachable to the top panel, and wherein, when not attached to the top panel, the accessory bag is selectively attachable to a backpack adapter.

45. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 39, further comprising a pair of wheels positioned proximate the front sidewall panel.

46. The collapsible animal containment device of claim 39, wherein the collapsible animal containment device is a first collapsible animal containment device, wherein at least one of the left sidewall panel and the right sidewall panel comprises a first locking bar attachment structure configured to be attached to a locking bar assembly, wherein the locking bar assembly is configured to attach to the first locking bar attachment structure of the first collapsible animal containment device and a second locking bar attachment structure of a second collapsible animal containment device to hold the second collapsible animal containment device in proximity to the first collapsible animal containment device.- 54 - 9512893.2

Images