Abstract:
A pet carrier for facilitating interactive experiences between a pet and pet owner includes including a pocket with an opening, two sides and a bottom adapted to partially surround a pet. The pocket has a resilient panel lining the bottom or sewn into the bottom that tensions the sides when the carrier is worn and a pet is placed in the pocket, and which provides a firm footing for the pet when transported by the pet owner.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a National Stage Application of PCT U.S. Ser. No. 14/57022 titled “Pet Carrier” filed Sep. 23, 2014 which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/880,998 filed Sep. 23, 2013 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to pet carriers, and more specifically to a pet carrier to be supported by a pet owner&#39;s shoulders. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Backpack style pet carriers have been described in the past. U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,606 to Pickett describes a pouch with a drawstring opening and shoulder straps. U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,281 to Williams et al. describes a backpack-style animal carrier being of fabric and rigid frame construction. 
         [0004]    While the aforementioned devices are capable of facilitating pet transport, a number of issues remain. When carried in a pouch a pet will assume an awkward, unnatural and possibly unhealthy position, or simply slump in accordance with the shape of the carrier and go to sleep. Dog owners appreciate that their pets enjoy actively participating in travel whether by being walked or riding in a vehicle. One iconic image that comes to mind is a dog sticking its head out of a vehicle window to feel the sun and wind on its face. Accordingly, it is felt that past pet carriers do not adequately address the needs and sensitivities of the pet when accompanying their owner in various activities. 
         [0005]    It would be desirable to provide a pet carrier that encourages a pet to maintain a forward facing aspect so that it is able to see what its owner sees. 
         [0006]    It would be further desirable to provide a pet carrier that encourages a pet to sit or stand in an upright sure-footed position while being transported. 
         [0007]    It would be particularly desirable to provide a pet carrier having a structure with shock absorbing properties. 
         [0008]    Along with the foregoing desirable features, it would be especially desirable to provide a lightweight pet carrier that can be collapsed into a generally flat, low profile package. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is a pet carrier including a pocket with an opening, two sides and a bottom. An otherwise soft-construction pocket has a resilient panel lining the bottom or sewn into the bottom that tensions the sides when the carrier is worn and a pet is placed in the pocket. While the resilient panel of a preferred embodiment is preferably a sheet of flexible plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene of 3/32 inch or less in thickness that may be curled or flattened for storage with the carrier, other panel materials and thicknesses will suggest themselves to those having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure. Whatever the panel material, the panel has memory and a bias for a flat state. When worn, the panel is constrained by portions the pocket fabric but because of bias, strains toward a flat disposition which causes the pocket sides to tauten somewhat like a drumhead. The carrier may be rolled up and an elastic cord placed around the transverse axis of the pocket for storage. The panel provides a substantially firm and level surface on which the pet stands or sits upright rather than slumping down and conforming to a soft flexible bottom. A non-exhaustive list of advantages of the invention are as follows: 
         [0000]    1. The plastic backing curvature creates a spring like shape where gravity acts to keep pressure on the pet&#39;s back allowing for interactive pivoting for the pet on the platform now provided by this design
 
2. Due to the flat platform bottom the pet now has a platform in which to directly control the dog&#39;s inertia
 
3. The plastic backing curvature creates a spring like shape where gravity acts to keep the plastic backing firm against the human&#39;s back and thus creating more control for the pet.
 
4. The plastic backing curvature creates a spring like shape were gravity acts to keep pressure on the pet&#39;s back towards the rider and constantly acts to decrease the distance between the rider and the pet&#39;s centers of gravity. This increases the shared inertia between rider and pet.
 
5. The firm platform for the pet promotes alertness and participation.
 
         [0010]    While in the embodiment depicted herein, the pocket is generally teardrop in shape with the panel running the length of the entire pocket in order to shield the owner&#39;s back, it should be understood that other shape variations will suggest themselves to those having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, structures such as inside or outside pockets; e.g., a pouch for holding a water bottle, or a zippered pocket for keys or a cellphone can be introduced to or incorporated with the sides without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0011]    In one aspect of the present invention, a pet carrier includes a resilient floor which maintains along a transverse axis of the pocket, a straight surface on which a carried pet is able to stand or sit in an upright position. 
         [0012]    In another aspect of the present invention, a pet carrier includes a sewn in flexible panel which has a planar bias and is constrained by surrounding fabric to assume a curved shape along a longitudinal axis of a pocket which is sized and shaped to surround a transported pet. 
         [0013]    In another aspect of the present invention, a pet carrier assumes a ready-to-use shape due to a planar bias of an embedded resilient panel. 
         [0014]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures wherein the scale depicted is approximate. Exemplary implementations, embodiments and examples that follow are non-exhaustive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a rear facing perspective view of a right side of one embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a rear facing perspective view of a left side of one embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a rearward view of an embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 - 4  of ( FIG. 3 ); 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    are diagrammatic views of one embodiment of a pet carrier, wherein the front of the carrier is shown in an unfolded and collapsing state; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5 c  and 5 d    illustrate various panel configurations of embodiments described herein; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  illustrates a panel configuration of one embodiment of a pet carrier having multiple panels or a divided panel; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a rear facing perspective view of a left side of one embodiment of a pet carrier having a flap for bridging the opening of a pet carrier; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  depicts a rear facing side of an embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a front facing view of an embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  depicts a side of an embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention having an opening  126  bridged by pet retention members  150 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention in a typical use setting; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention in a typical use setting; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  diagrammatically shows mass shifting of an object (m) accompanied by a flexing of a resilient panel  130  of the preferred embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  depicts a wedge  170  that can be used with the present invention in order to adjust the transport angle according to user preference. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Reference listing:
     100  carrier     120  pocket     122  bottom     124  sides     126  opening     128  upper band     130  panel     140  shoulder strap     142  lower strap     143  strap buckle     150  pet retention member     153   a,    153   b  retention member fasteners     170  wedge     180  pet aperture   
 
       Definitions 
       [0045]    In the following description, the term “carrier” refers to carriers worn on the back which are used to transport a pet such as a small or medium sized dog or cat. The term “longitudinal axis” when used herein, means the axis defined by line  4 ′- 4 ′ of ( FIG. 3 ). The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
         [0046]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 through 14 , a generally teardrop shaped pet carrier  100  includes a sewn construction with sides  124 , a top opening  126  and a bottom  122 . Adhered to or sewn into the bottom is a flexible panel  130  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  as a dashed line. The carrier has sides that stretch and become taut when the panel is in a relaxed position; i.e., not folded or rolled for storage purposes. Top bands  128  are preferably made of an elasticized fabric that constrain panel  130  to a generally J-shaped or C-shaped profile. Whatever the top band material, an elastic cord, not shown, can be placed within bands  128  tying the top left and bottom left corners and the top right and bottom right corners of the panel to maintain a curved shape while permitting the panel to spring and flex slightly when the pet is transported while jogging or riding a bicycle. 
         [0047]    The panel may be one piece or a divided panel. The panel may be bent or scored transversely. 
         [0048]    Carrier  100  is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , and  FIGS. 7-14  having a panel in a relaxed state wherein the panel has assumed a J-shape due to the constraining material of the carrier. Because panel  130  is flexible, the carrier can be stored by placing straps  140  into opening  126  and further bending along the bend shown at the bottom of the figure. 
         [0049]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , while bottom  122  is unobstructed so as to provide a even surface against a transporter&#39;s back. It is possible that a pad, mat or roll can be placed between the bottom and a transporter&#39;s back for cushioning purposes or to tilt/elevate the carrier (see  FIG. 14 ). 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  shows top opening  126  of carrier  100  bounded by sides  124 , and bottom  122  which forms a main cavity which can be any depth or size to accommodate various sizes of pets. While pet retention members  150  are depicted in the preferred embodiment as straps similar to shoulder straps  140 , retention members can be for example, a flap with an aperture that permits a pet to pass its head through. It should be also noted that aperture  180  formed by straps or flap retention member is shaped and sized such that a pet may escape if needed, for example, in cases where the pet owner stumbles or falls from his or her bicycle. 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 ′- 4 ′ of ( FIG. 3 ) that shows panel  130  disposed between outer and inner surfaces of the carrier, and side  124  that connects the upper and lower portions of the panel. Typically, a semi-rigid plastic panel is sewn between the materials covering of the carrier which can be a ballistic nylon, polyester webbing, Kevlar or another durable material. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 4 and 5  depict typical uses of the carrier of the present invention, and show respectively, carrier  100  mounted to the back of a standing transporter, and the carrier mounted to the back of a bicyclist. In either case, the curve of bottom  122  provides a floor that encourages the pet to stand or sit in a forward facing position. In this way the pet can experience the sights along with its human transporter. 
         [0053]      FIG. 5 a    in a diagrammatic view shows a carrier when in a uncollapsed state suitable for carrying a pet, and in  FIG. 5 b   , the carrier in the process of forced collapse in preparation for storing the carrier. Vertices of the panel may be living hinges, or the panel may be scored so that it assumes more readily the desired profile.  FIGS. 5 c  and 5 d    show other panel configurations that are collapsible.  FIG. 6  depicts a teardrop shaped carrier wherein the panel is divided into sections which are placed or sandwiched between the materials of the carrier. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  shows an embodiment having a retention member  150  in the form of a flap with an aperture or slit  180  therein to permit a pet&#39;s head to pass therethrough. Such a flap may be connected along any side of the carrier, and secured by fasteners such as hook and loop strips ( 153   a,    153   b ) at its free end. 
         [0055]    Typically, the carrier is worn by the pet owner as shown in  FIG. 11  similar to a backpack when walking or riding (see  FIG. 12 ). 
         [0056]      FIG. 13  shows a typical forward mass shift of a carried body (m). The position of the panel  130  curve to frame (F) changes as the mass shifts, in this case, forward and down from the first to second frames. The tendency of the bottom of the panel to follow the pet&#39;s mass maintains a stable platform for the pet when subjected to the acceleration and deceleration of transport. 
         [0057]    The outer materials of the carrier can be any sufficiently lightweight fabric, synthetic material or leather. While in the preferred embodiment, the straps are adjusted by buckles, other strap adjustment means suggesting themselves to persons having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure can be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While panel  130  is shown in the preferred embodiment as a rectangular panel that is curved by biasing caused by the surrounding material/fabric, other panel shapes such as rounded corner rectangles and ellipses are contemplated and can be used together or separately in either unitary form, conjoined, adjacent or abutting each other within the present invention. In any case, when the panel of is curved, it is the intent and design of the present invention that a substantially level foothold relative to a horizontal axis be maintained for the carried pet so pet fatigue is minimized and slumping discouraged. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , the present invention includes an optional wedge  170  for placement between the forward facing surface of the carrier and a pet transporter&#39;s back as shown to adjust the angle of the carrier for a particular mode of transport; e.g.; hiking, biking, boating, jogging and running among others, according to user preference and pet comfort. Preferably, the wedge is constructed of a closed cell foam, but can be produced by forming a three-sided channel of a flexible plastic. The wedge can be removably affixed to the bottom of the carrier by hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or other fastening means as would suggest itself to those having skill in the art and access to this disclosure. 
         [0059]    It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. Exemplary features and objects of the embodiments described herein can be combined or not combined with one another. Accordingly, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.