Pet Harness and Corresponding Dog Carrying Backpack That Can Be Stored and Carried By a Dog

A system for walking and carrying a pet can include a harness configured to be worn by the pet; a clip-on bag that is selectively attachable to and removable from the harness to be carried by the pet; and a pet carrying backpack configured to be stored within the clip-on bag to be carried by the pet. The pet carrying backpack includes a pet compartment configured to carry the pet.

BACKGROUND

Many people enjoy keeping pets for the companionship, help, and/or friendship that they provide. Pets, of course, require substantial time and care from their owners to ensure that they are well cared for. Sometimes, pet owners would like to travel, hike, or participate other activities which their pets are not capable of due to the pet's size, age, or various health issues. Many pet owners also prefer not to leave their pets in the care of friends or commercial pet care facilities while participating in such activities. Accordingly, such pet owners are need of a solution that allows them to participate in activities they find enjoyable while being able to bring along their pet companions that may not otherwise be capable of joining with them.

SUMMARY

According to one example, a pet carrying backpack includes a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a right-side panel, and a left-side panel connected together to form a bag with an open top. The open top includes a collar forming an opening which is configured to allow a head of an animal disposed within the bag to protrude therefrom. The collar can be adjustable to facilitate animals of different sizes, and to allow for easy loading and unloading of the animal.

The pet carrying backpack can further include shoulder straps disposed on and extending from the front panel, and paw holes disposed on a front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps and below the collar. The paw holes can accommodate paws or legs of the animal. A pet carrying platform can be disposed within the bag above the bottom panel and below the open top. The pet carrying platform can thus form a storage compartment below the pet carrying platform and a pet compartment above the pet carrying platform within the bag.

In another example, the pet carrying backpack can include at least one contouring strap that is configured to shape the bag. A vertical zipper can be disposed in the back panel. The zipper facilitates ingress and egress to and from the pet compartment. The contouring strap(s) can include at least one lumbar support strap that is disposed on the backpack to cross over the vertical zipper. The lumbar support strap(s) can extend across the rear panel and attach to the backpack at scams between the rear panel and the side panels.

In one example, the at least one contouring strap includes at least one adjustment strap disposed over at least one of the right-side panel and the left-side panel. The at least one adjustment strap can be oriented diagonally relative to a seam between the front panel and the right-side panel and/or the left-side panel. An angle of the diagonal orientation of the at least one adjustment strap can be between 25 degrees and 65 degrees.

In some examples, the pet carrying platform can be angled upwards from the front panel towards the rear panel. The angle of the pet carrying platform relative to a direction perpendicular to the front panel can be between 10 and 30 degrees.

In some examples, the pet carrying backpack includes waist straps. The waist straps can be connected to the bag adjacent to the storage compartment.

In some examples, there can be a set of pet carrying backpack where a first pet carrying platform of a first pet carrying backpack of the set is disposed at a first distance from a first bottom panel of the first pet carrying backpack and a second pet carrying platform of a second pet carrying backpack of the set is disposed at a second distance from a second bottom panel of the second pet carrying backpack, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

In another example, a pet carrying backpack includes a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a right-side panel, and a left-side panel connected together to form a bag with an open top. The open top includes a collar forming an opening which is configured to allow a head of an animal disposed within the bag to protrude therefrom. The collar can be adjustable.

The backpack further includes shoulder straps disposed on and extending from the front panel, and paw holes disposed on a front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps and below the collar. The paw holes accommodate paws or legs of the animal. A harness can also be included and is configured to be worn by the animal and to be removably connectable to the bag.

The harness can include a chest portion where the chest portion has an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism can be configured to attach to and detach from the front panel of the bag. In some instances, the attachment mechanism attaches to the front panel of the bag between the paw holes. The harness can also include storage bag clips configured to receive a storage bag to be worn by the animal.

In some examples, an I-shaped access zipper can be disposed on the back panel. The I-shaped access zipper provides ingress to and egress from the bag.

In another example, a pet carrying backpack includes a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a right-side panel, and a left-side panel connected together to form a bag with an open top. The open top includes a collar forming an opening which is configured to allow a head of an animal disposed within the bag to protrude therefrom. The collar can be adjustable. Shoulder straps can be disposed on and extending from the front panel, and paw holes can be disposed on a front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps and below the collar. The paw holes accommodate paws or legs of the animal.

The backpack can further include at least one pet pen portion disposed on one of the front panel and the rear panel. The pet pen portion is deployable to extend from a stored position to a deployed position to form at least a part of a pet pen.

The at least one pet pen portion can include a front pen portion disposed on the front panel and a rear pen portion disposed on the rear panel. The front pen portion can have a front pen release zipper which when unfastened allows the front pen portion to be deployed from the stored position to the deployed position, and the rear pen portion includes a rear pen release zipper which when unfastened allows the rear pen portion to be deployed from the stored position to the deployed position.

The rear panel can include at least one access zipper. The at least one access zipper can be disposed between the rear pen release zipper and a seam between the rear panel and at least one of the right-side panel and the left-side panel.

The at least one pet pen portion can include a mesh material allowing ventilation and visibility for the pet pen. The backpack can further include a base padding that has a bottom portion disposed in or adjacent to the bottom panel and at least one side portion being disposed in the at least one pet pen portion. The at least one side portion providing padding adjacent to the bottom portion when the at least one pet pen portion is in the deployed position.

According to another example of the present disclosure, a system for walking and carrying a pet is provided. The system can comprise a harness configured to be worn by the pet, a clip-on bag that is selectively attachable to and removable from the harness to be carried by the pet, and a pet carrying backpack configured to be stored within the clip-on bag to be carried by the pet. The pet carrying backpack can comprise a pet compartment configured to carry the pet.

In some examples, the harness can comprise an attachment mechanism configured to attach to and detach from a front panel of the pet carrying backpack. The attachment mechanism can be disposed on a chest portion of the harness.

In some examples, the system can comprise a pad configured to be disposed within the clip-on bag to pad the pet from the pet carrying backpack stored therein. The pad can also be configured to be disposed within the pet compartment to support the pet seated therein.

In some examples, the pet carrying backpack can comprise shoulder straps, an open top, and paw holes disposed on the backpack between the shoulder straps and the open top. The harness can a chest portion. The chest portion can comprise an attachment mechanism where the attachment mechanism can be configured to attach to and detach from a front panel of the pet carrying backpack. The attachment mechanism can attach to the front panel between the paw holes.

In one example, the pet carrying backpack can comprise a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a right-side panel, and a left-side panel connected together to form a bag with an open top. The open top can comprise a collar forming an opening which is configured to allow a head of the pet disposed within the bag to protrude therefrom. The collar can be adjustable. The backpack can further comprise shoulder straps disposed on and extending from the front panel, and paw holes disposed on a front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps and below the collar. The paw holes can be configured to accommodate paws or legs of the pet. The clip-on bag can be selectively attachable to and removable from the pet-carrying backpack.

In one example of the present disclosure, a method for walking and carrying a pet is provided. The method can include fitting a harness onto a pet, attaching a clip-on bag to the harness such that the pet carries the clip-on bag which is supported by the harness while the pet is walking, and removing a pet-carrying backpack from the clip-on bag, inserting the pet into the pet carrying backpack such that the pet is carried in the pet-carrying backpack.

In some examples, inserting the pet into the pet carrying backpack can further comprise attaching the harness to the pet carrying backpack via an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism can be disposed on a chest portion of the harness. A pad can be disposed in the clip-on bag to be adjacent to the pet when the clip-on bag is supported by the harness while the pet is walking. Inserting the pet into the pet carrying backpack can also comprise removing the pad from the clip-on bag and placing the pad into the pet-carrying backpack such that the pet sits on the pad while being carried in the pet-carrying backpack.

In some examples, the pet carrying backpack can comprise shoulder straps, an open top, and paw holes disposed on the backpack between the shoulder straps and the open top. Inserting the pet into the pet carrying backpack can further comprise leading paws or legs of the pet through the paw holes. The harness can comprise a chest portion and the chest portion can comprise an attachment mechanism. Inserting the pet into the pet carrying backpack can further comprise attaching the attachment mechanism to a front panel of the pet carrying backpack. The attachment mechanism can attach to the front panel between the paw holes.

In some examples, the method can further comprise removing the clip-on bag from the harness and attaching the clip-on bag to the pet-carrying backpack.

In another example of the present disclosure, a system for walking and carrying a pet can comprise a pet carrying backpack comprising a pet carrying compartment to carry a pet therein, and a harness configured to be worn by the pet. The harness can comprise an attachment mechanism operable to attach to and detach from the pet carrying compartment.

In some examples, the pet carrying backpack comprises shoulder straps, an open top, and paw holes disposed on the backpack between the shoulder straps and the open top, and the harness comprises a chest portion. The chest portion can comprise the attachment mechanism.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Front Facing, Pet Carrying Backpacks

FIG. 1shows a front perspective view of a front facing, pet carrying backpack according to one example of the present disclosure, andFIG. 2shows a rear perspective view of the pet carrying backpack ofFIG. 1. A pet carrying backpack100is formed from a front panel104, a rear panel102, two side panels103, and a bottom panel105.

The front panel104comprises shoulder straps106attached to the front panel104to facilitate the carrying of the backpack100on a user's shoulders. In some examples, a sternum strap122can be provided on the shoulder straps106. On an upper portion of the front panel104above the shoulder straps106, paw holes124are provided. The paw holes124allow the pet riding in the backpack100to face forward, that is face in same direction as the user wearing the backpack100. In some examples, the paw holes124can be lined with a padded, elastic liner126that increases the comfort of the pet while the pet's paws extend through the paw holes124.

The side panels103can be at least partially formed from a mesh material114. The mesh material114allows air to ventilate into the interior of the backpack100to regulate the temperature of a pet riding therein. The side panels103can further comprise one or more pockets116. Here, the pockets116are also formed at least partially from a mesh material so as not to impede air flow through the mesh114of the side panel103. The side panels103can further comprise adjustment straps118which can be tightened and loosened to adjust the size of the interior of the backpack100to fit the pet riding therein. In one example, the adjustment strap118can be oriented diagonally with respect to the side panel103. For example, the adjustment strap118can be oriented at an angle between 25 degrees and 65 degrees relative to a vertical edge103aof the side panel103. More preferable, the angle of the adjustment strap118relative to the vertical edge103aof the side panel is between 35 and 55 degrees.

The rear panel102comprises an access zipper108that extends to the top of the backpack100. When the access zipper108is open, wide and unobstructed access to the inside of the backpack100is provided. This allows easy loading and unloading of a pet riding in the backpack100. Pet lumbar support straps109are provided and are attached to the rear panel102on both sides of the zipper108. These provide added safety by taking the weight of the pet off of the zipper108. The pet lumbar support straps109further provide lumbar support to the pet riding in the backpack100. The contour of the interior of the backpack100can also be adjusted via the pet lumbar support straps109.

In some examples, the lumbar support straps109are sewn to the rear panel102. In other examples, the lumbar support straps109can extend and be attached at a seam102abetween the rear panel102and the side panels103. This increases the surface coverage and stability provided by the lumbar support straps109.

A collar110is provided at the top of the backpack100above each of the front, rear, and side panels102,103,104. The collar110is adjustable by way of a collar adjustment strap112. This allows the backpack100to be fitted around the neck of the pet to prevent the pet from jumping out of the backpack100during use.

When a pet is loaded into the backpack100, the pet sits on the bottom panel105of the bag. The bottom panel105can be formed from a thick, padded material providing a sturdy and comfortable seat for the pet.

Other features of a front-facing, pet carrying backpack can also be provided. Such features are discussed in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/821,539 and in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/547,372, the contents each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Backpacks for Differently Sized Pets that are Waist-Strap Compatible

Front facing, pet-carrying backpacks are preferably provided in different sizes to accommodate differently sized pets. For a larger pet, the length, width, and height of the backpack are greater than a backpack design for a smaller pet. This is of course so that the pet fits comfortably within the backpack. For example, if the height of the backpack100is too long for a given pet, than the pet will not be able to sit on the bottom panel105of the backpack100with its paws through the paw holes134and its head above the collar112. Thus, the backpack for this pet must be sized small enough so that the pet can comfortably ride in the backpack.

Many users of backpacks prefer a backpack design with a waist strap. Especially in applications where a user will carry a backpack for an extended time, a waist strap allows the user to transfer a large portion of the weight of the backpack from the user's shoulders to the user's hips. This makes the backpack much easier to carry, especially if carrying a heavier load or wearing the backpack over an extended time.

However, if a user of a front facing, pet-carrying backpack has a smaller pet, the backpack is typically sized such that the bottom panel, such as bottom panel105of the backpack100, is located well above the user's waist. In this instance, a waist strap would not be compatible with the backpack100.

FIG. 3AandFIG. 3Bshow examples of front-facing pet carrying backpacks for differently sized pets that are waist-strap compatible.FIG. 3Cis a side cut-away view of the backpacks inFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B. As shown inFIG. 3A, a front-facing, pet carrying backpack300aincludes several similar features as the backpack100. For example, the backpack300aincludes a front panel302with an access zipper308aand pet lumbar support straps309. At the top of the backpack is a collar310with a collar adjustment strap312. The backpack300acan optionally have side pockets316.

The backpack300ais fitted with a waist strap324. The waist strap324can be similar to other bags with waist straps. For example, the waist strap324can have a pocket326configured to hold small items so that they are easily accessible to the user. The waist strap324is configured to strap around a user's waist to transfer the weight of the backpack300ato the user's hips.

The backpacks300aincludes the waist strap324while also being correctly sized for a particular sized pet. To achieve this, the backpack300aincludes a lower storage compartment329athat is separated from the rest of the interior of the backpack300a. The separation is created by the placement of the thick, padded seat331afor the pet on the inside of the backpack (seeFIG. 3C). The thick, padded seat331ais not placed at the bottom of the bag to define the bottom panel105as in the backpack100(FIGS. 1 and 2). The thick padded seat331ais disposed above the lower storage compartment329aand forms the separation of the lower storage compartment329afrom the rest of the interior of the backpack300awhich holds the pet being carried. A lower zipper330aprovides access to the lower storage compartment330a.

Through the placement of the thick, padded seat331a, the backpack300acan be sized for a particular sized pet while still being long enough so that the waist strap324comfortably extends around the user's waist. Using this arrangement, backpacks accommodating several different sizes of pets can be provided all while simultaneously remaining compatible with a waist strap324.

FIG. 3Bshows a backpack300b. The backpack300bis similar to backpack300aexcept that the backpack300bfits a smaller pet than the backpack300a. The backpack300balso includes a lower storage compartment329b. However, the lower storage compartment329bis larger than the lower storage compartment329a. The lower zipper330bproviding access to the lower storage compartment329bis disposed higher up on the backpack300b, and the access zipper308bis shorter. This is because the thick, padded seat331b(seeFIG. 3) is disposed higher in the backpack300b, accommodating a smaller pet than the backpack300a.

As shown inFIG. 3C, a thick padded seat331a,331b,331ccan be disposed at any desirable position in the backpack300. This changes the relative sizes of the interior for the pet and the lower storage compartment329a, allowing the backpack300to be sized to carry differently sized pets while still being compatible with the waist strap324.

Various modification can be made in the backpack300. For example, the backpack300can include an internal frame. The internal frame can also extend through the thick padded seat331a,331b.331cto provide extra rigidity and comfort to the pet and the user. In some examples, the lower storage compartment329a,329bcan be subdivided to include separate storage areas or pockets. In other examples, the placement of the lower zipper330a.330bon the bags300a300bcan be in the same position between the differently sized bags for design consistency.

Angled Pet Support Surface

It has been found the many users of backpacks prefer to wear backpacks too loose. This may be because users prefer the straps loose enough to be able to quickly put on and remove the straps with little effort. Regardless, wearing a backpack too loosely can result in problems when wearing a pet carrying backpack.

When wearing a pet carrying backpack too loosely, the weight of the pet causes the backpack to sag. This results in the back of backpack being lower than the front of the backpack. When the back of the backpack is lower than the front, the bottom of the backpack is not flat. Instead the bottom of the backpack is angled down such that the pet sitting on the bottom of the backpack is slanted away from the user. This causes the weight of the pet to shift against the back panel of the backpack, decreasing the comfort and sense of security of the pet.

FIG. 4Ashows a rear view of a front-facing, pet carrying backpack according to another example of the present disclosure, andFIG. 4Bshows a side view of the backpack ofFIG. 4A. A front-facing, pet-carrying backpack400is formed from a front panel404, a rear panel402, two side panels403, and a bottom panel440. In this example, the backpack construction is such that bottom panel440is angled upwards from the front panel404to the rear panel402as denoted by an angle α.

The angled bottom panel400ensures a comfortable and secure ride for a pet being carried in the backpack400. The pet can comfortably sit with its weight towards the front panel404of the backpack400even if a user wears the shoulder straps406of the backpack400too loosely. An optimal angle α of the bottom panel440can be around 20 degrees. Preferably the angle is between 5 degrees and 45 degrees, and more preferably between 10 and 30 degrees. It should also be noted that whileFIGS. 4A and 4Bshow the angled support surface built into the bottom panel400, the angled support surface can be applied to an internal pet support surface such as padded seats331a,331b, and331cshown above inFIG. 3C.

The backpack400includes an access zipper408. As shown inFIG. 4A, the access zipper408differs from the access zipper108in that the access zipper408runs along the side and bottom of the rear panel402of the backpack400. The access zipper408allows almost the entire front panel402to fold over and away from the backpack400. This allows unobstructed access to the interior of the backpack400. This “L-shaped” access zipper408facilitates easy loading and unloading of a pet to be carried in the backpack400.

For example, a pet can be more comfortable being loaded into the backpack400without the user holding the pet and lifting the pet into the backpack. This can be done by laying the backpack400on a flat surface with the front panel404facing down. The access zipper408can be completely opened and the front panel402can be folded away from the backpack400. The pet can be led to sit or lie down in the interior of the backpack with the front panel402folded away. With the pet in position, the front panel can be put back into position by closing the access zipper408around the pet.

The backpack400further comprises pet lumbar support straps409. Similar to the support straps109, these straps are connected at both sides of the access zipper408to decrease the stress on the access zipper408and to correctly size the backpack400around the pet.

The “L-shaped” access zipper408provides other benefits. For example, with the vertical portion of the access zipper408being adjacent to one of the side panels403, the zipper does not rest against the pet's spine during use. This increases the comfort of the backpack400for the pet, allowing the pet to comfortably spend more time in the backpack400.

Adjustable Oval Paw Holes

FIG. 5shows an enlarged view of the top of a front panel of the pet carrying backpack shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B. As shown inFIG. 5, the front panel404of the backpack400comprises paw holes424. Unlike the paw holes124, the paw holes424are formed or cut out of the front panel404to be open and rounded, forming an oval or pointed-oval shape. This shape prevents the paw holes424from irritating the pet's forelegs. To provide further comfort, the paw holes are surrounded by padded, elastic liner426.

So that the backpack400can accommodate pets with differently sized forelegs, the paw holes424can be adjustable. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, a button450and corresponding button-hole525can be added to the front panel404of the backpack400to surround each paw hole424. If the user desires to make the paw hole424smaller, the user simply closes up the top part of the paw hole424by fastening the button450in the button hole452.

Of course, other fastener besides buttons can be used such as snapping fasteners, magnetic fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, etc. Further, more than one set of fasteners can be placed next to each paw hole424. The fasteners can be placed adjacent to the top of the paw hole424or the bottom of the paw hole424to adjust the size of the paw hole424.

Hood and Storage

FIG. 6A,FIG. 6B,FIG. 6C, andFIG. 6Dshow views of a front-facing, pet carrying backpack with a hood and hood storage, according to one example.FIG. 6Ashows a rear view of the backpack400. Here, the backpack400is fitted with a hood. The hood is stored in a hood storage compartment454on an upper portion of the rear panel402. The L-shaped zipper408provides adequate space for the placement of the hood storage compartment454on the rear panel402. A zipper456is provided to control access to the hood storage compartment454.

As shown inFIG. 6B, on a top portion of the front panel404there are two snap fasteners458. As will be described below, the snap fasteners458facilitate the placement of the hood over a pet during use.

FIG. 6Cshows a rear view of the backpack400with the hood460deployed. The hood460can be deployed out from the hood storage compartment454by opening the zipper456. The hood460can be permanently attached to the backpack400inside the hood storage compartment454, such as by stitching.

FIG. 6Dshows a front view of the backpack400. Here the hood460is shown in a deployed position. The hood460includes a front opening462through which a pet is able to see out while the hood460is in use. At the bottom of the opening462, two tabs464are provided that extend around the top of the front panel404. The tabs464include snap fasteners466that correspond to the snap fasteners458to attach the tabs464to the front panel404, holding the hood460in position. In this matter, shade or rain/snow protection can be provided to the pet riding in the backpack400.

While snap fasteners458and456are described and shown here, other fasteners can also be used, such as buttons, magnetic fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. Further in some examples, the hood460may not be permanently attached to the backpack400. Instead, the hood460can be fastened to the backpack400via fasteners or a zipper.

Harness

FIG. 7Ashows an interior of a front-facing, pet-carrying backpack, according to one example of the present disclosure. Here, the backpack400is shown with the zipper408unzipped and the rear panel402folded away from the backpack400revealing the interior of the backpack400. Between the paw holes424, a harness470is attached to the backpack400. More specifically, the harness470is attached such that the chest portion471of the harness470is placed between the arm holes424.

The harness470can be sewn into the design of the backpack400to be permanently attached, such as via seams476. In other examples, the harness470can be removable to be worn by the pet outside of the backpack400as well as in. When the harness470is removed, the harness470can be placed onto the pet prior to loading the pet into the backpack400. In one example of a removable harness470, the harness470can have a plastic turn fastener that extends through a hole in the front panel404of the backpack that twists to lock to the harness in place. However, this is just one example of a connection mechanism and other connection mechanisms can be used.

The harness470can be configured to have two upper attachment straps472and two lower attachment straps474. The upper attachment straps472extend over the neck/shoulders area of the pet and fasten together, such as using a buckle type fastener, snaps, pinch clip, hook and loop, or any other desirable fastener. The lower attachment straps474extend under the forelegs of the pet and around the torso area of the bet and fasten together.

FIGS. 7B, 7C, and 7Dshow another example of a harness compatible with a pet carrying backpack. Here, a harness770is shown having a chest portion771. The harness770is removable and includes a turn fastener775that extends through a corresponding aperture in a pet-carrying backpack. The harness770has an upper attachment loop772that extends over the neck/shoulder area of the pet. The loop772can be configured to be pulled over the head of the head of the pet, or it can include a fastener to releasably attach around the neck/shoulder area of the pet, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a buckle, a clip, etc.

The harness770further includes lower attachment portions774. A lower strap777is attached to one of the lower attachment portions774and is configured to extend around the back of the pet and attach to the other lower attachment portion774such as via a clip fastener778. A stability strap780can extend from the lower strap777to the upper attachment loop772.

In this example, the harness770is configured to accommodate a storage bag (not shown). In some instances, it can be desirable for a larger dog to carry a storage bag when the dog is not in the backpack. The harness770includes bag attachment clips779attached to both the upper attachment loop772and the lower attachment portion772. To provide further stability a loop781is provided on the stability strap780. The clips779and loop781attach to the storage bag to securely hold the storage bag relative to the harness770.

The removable or permanently attached harness470,770provides several advantages. When the pet wears the harness470,770in the backpack400, the pet cannot pull out of the backpack400if it is spooked, increasing the safety for the pet and the user. Further, the harness470,770helps to support the weight of the pet, taking weight off of the hind legs of the pet. This increases the comfort of the pet, and also increases the duration of the time that the pet can spend in the backpack400. The harness470,770also keeps the pet toward the front of the backpack400while the backpack400is worn by the user. This provides better balance and makes the backpack400easier to wear while carrying a pet.

FIG. 10shows another example of a pet harness that can be used with a pet-carrying backpack. A pet harness1070is similar to harnesses470,770in many ways and can be used by a pet independently or along with a pet carrying backpack, such as those examples described herein. The pet harness1070can comprise a chest portion1017that is configured to run along a pet's chest between its forelegs when the pet harness1070is worn by the pet.

At a front side of the harness1070, the harness1070can comprise an attachment mechanism in the form of an attachment ring1075. The attachment ring1075can be operable as an attachment point to which the harness can attach to an interior of a pet carrying backpack (such as those described herein). For example, a clip, such as a carabiner clip, disposed on an interior of a pet carrying backpack (such as on an inside of a front panel104of pet carrying backpack100, for example) can attach to the attachment ring1075. Such a clip can be disposed near a collar portion of the backpack between the paw holes (such as near collar110of the backpack100between paw holes124) to correctly position the pet within the backpack, for example to position the forelegs of the pets to align with the paw holes of the pet carrying backpack.

The harness1070can have an upper attachment loop1072. The upper attachment loop1072can extend over and around the neck/shoulder area of the pet. The loop1072can be configured to be pulled over the head of the head of the pet, or it can include a fastener to releasably attach around the neck/shoulder area of the pet, such as with a hook-and-loop fastener, a buckle, a clip, etc.

The harness1070can further include a lower attachment portion1074and a lower strap1077. The lower strap1077can be attached to the lower attachment portion1074and can extend around the back of the pet. The lower strap1077can attach to the lower attachment portion1074via a clip fastener1078. A stability strap1080can extend from the lower strap1077to the upper attachment loop1072and can run along a back of the pet when the harness1070is worn by the pet.

The harness1070can include various other features. For example, the harness1070can be configured to carry one or more accessories. In this example, the harness1070can comprise accessory attachment clips1079. The accessory attachment clips1079can allow accessories to be clipped to the harness, such as a clip-on bag, as described in more detail below. The harness1070can also comprise attachment rings1082. In this example, the attachment rings1082are disposed on both sides of the stability strap1080. The attachment rings1082can allow a user to attach a leach or other item to the harness1070. Loops1084can also be provided along the checks portion1071of the harness1084to facilitate other accessories or to secure the pet within a pet carrying backpack.

FIG. 11Ashows a pet wearing a pet harness and carrying a clip-on bag, andFIG. 11Bshows a pet being carried within a pet carrying backpack. In some instances, a pet owner desired to bring a pet on a walk, hike, or other similar outing. However, a distance of the outing might be beyond the physical abilities of the pet, such as due to age or other physical condition. In this instance, the pet owner can utilize one or more of the examples of a pet carrying backpack as described herein. However, both the pet and the owner may still desire that the pet walks or runs at least during part of the outing. In this instance, the pet owner desires an ability to carry the pet during one or more parts of the outing.

The harness1070can facilitate a pet being able to walk for a portion of an outing and being able to be carried by an owner for a portion of an outing. As mentioned above, the harness1070can be configured to carry one or more accessories. In this example, the accessory attachment clips1079are used to selectively and releasably attach a clip-on bag1150to the harness1070. The clip-on bag1150can comprise an opening1152to access an inner compartment of the clip-on bag1150. The clip-on bag1150can comprise straps1154and clips1156that selectively and releasably attach to the accessory attachment clips1079of the harness1070.

The clip-on bag1150can be sized to pack a pet carrying backpack1110therein. In this manner, the pet, such as the dog D shown inFIG. 11A, can carry the pet carrying backpack1100during the portion of the outing that the pet walks. When the pet becomes tired, or when any other condition dictates that the pet should be carried, the pet carrying backpack1100can be removed from the clip-on bag1150, and the pet, such as the dog D, can be placed into the pet-carrying backpack1100to be carried by the user as shown inFIG. 11B. The combination of the harness1070and the pet carrying backpack1100can be considered a system for walking and carrying a pet.

The pet carrying backpack1100can be similar to other backpack described herein. The pet carrying backpack1100is constructed of thin, lightweight, and strong materials that can be easily compressed into the clip-on bag1070while also having sufficient strength to safely carry a pet in a pet carrying compartment formed in the pet carrying backpack1100. When the pet is placed in the pet-carrying backpack1100, the clip-on bag1150is configured to be selectively and releasably attached adjacent to the back panel1102of the backpack1100.

The pet carrying backpack1100and the clip-on bag1150are sized to each accommodate a pad1142(seeFIGS. 11A and 11B). When the pet is placed into the pet carrying backpack1100, the pad is disposed on the interior of the pet carrying backpack1100adjacent to the bottom panel1140of the pet carrying backpack1100. In other backpacks where there is a storage compartment below a pet carrying compartment such as in backpack300described above, the pad is placed at a bottom of the pet carrying compartment. The pad1140is sized to securely fit into the backpack1100, such as to extend to both ventilation ports1114on each side of the backpack1100. In this manner, the pad can provide structure to the pet carrying backpack that is otherwise collapsible to fit within the clip-on bag. This supports the pet securely and comfortably within the pet carrying backpack1100.

When the pet is carrying the pet-carrying backpack1100in the clip-on bag1150, the pad1142is sized to fit securely into the clip-on bag adjacent to a front panel1160of the clip-on bag. The pad1142thus can protect the pet from being poked by pads, straps, and/or zippers on the backpack1100while it is stored in the clip-on bag1150and carried by the pet.

Convertible Pen

When pet owners transport pets by carrying them, such as by using a pet-carrying backpack100,300,400described herein, they may find that they need to contain the pet at a destination. For example, after carrying a pet to a restaurant, airport, or other public place, it may be best that the pet remained confined to a certain area to avoid spooking the pet or to prevent the pet from contacting people in the area who may have pet allergies from the pet. On the other hand, portable pet pens have been used by pet owners to contain pets in public places, but such pens may be hard to carry with the pet riding therein.

FIG. 8A,FIG. 8B,FIG. 8C, andFIG. 8Dshow examples of a front-facing pet carrying backpack that is convertible to a travel pet pen, according to one example. As shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, a front-facing, pet-carrying backpack800comprises a front panel804, a rear panel802, and side panels803. Shoulder straps806are attached to the front panel804to allow the user to wear the backpack800on his/her back (not shown inFIG. 8Aso that other features can more easily be shown. SeeFIG. 8C). Paw holes824are disposed above the shoulder straps806on the front panel804. When a pet sits in the backpack800, the pet's paws can extend through the paw holes824.

The backpack800comprises a collar810on the top of the backpack800. The collar810extends around the pet's neck during use and is adjusted by the collar strap812. In this example, two access zippers808are disposed on the rear panel802. When the access zippers808are unzipped, the rear panel802can be folded downwards and away from the backpack800so that a pet can walk to and lie down in the interior of the backpack800, such as by lying down and resting against the interior side of the front panel804, for loading.

The backpack800can include other accessories such as pockets. For example, several rear pockets can be disposed on the rear panel802of the backpack800to provide flexible storage options to the user. The pockets can be sewn onto the rear panel802or can be attached in any suitable manner. The pockets can include zippers to close the pockets or other fastening mechanisms.

As shown inFIG. 8C, the side panels803can comprise side storage pockets817for added storage. The side panels803can be formed from a mesh material to allow ventilation into the interior of the bag to help regulate a pet's temperature. In some examples, the side panel can also include a fabric cover over the mesh with a vent access zipper to selectively open and close the side panel803to expose the mesh lining. When the zipper is open, air can flow through the lining to cool a pet riding therein. Adjustment straps818are also provided along the side panel803as shown to adjust the interior space of the backpack800to accommodate differently sized pets.

Returning toFIGS. 8A and 8B, the backpack800further comprises a front pen release zipper881disposed on the front panel804of the backpack800and a rear pen release zipper880disposed on the rear panel of the backpack800. The front pen release zipper881extends from the bottom of the backpack800near one side panel803towards the top of the backpack800under the shoulder straps806and down the other side. The front pen release zipper881can extend to any desirable height on the front panel804based on the size of the convertible pet pen desired. Similarly, the rear pen release zipper880extends from the bottom of the backpack800near one side panel803towards the top of the backpack800to under the collar810and down the other side. The rear pen release zipper881can extend to any desirable height on the rear panel802based on the size of the convertible pet pen desired. The rear pen release zipper880is disposed on the rear panel802just inside the two access zippers808as shown inFIG. 8B.

The front and rear pen release zippers880,881are configured to release a pet pen. As shown inFIG. 8D, when the front pen release zipper881is unzipped, at least a portion of the front panel804folds away from the side panels803deploying a front pen portion882of the pet pen. The front pen portion882can be formed from a mesh material that allows the pet to see out and provides ventilation to the front pen portion882while being sufficiently strong to retain the pet within the front pen portion882of the pet pen. The structure of the front pen portion882can be formed by flexible poles884, such as those used in lightweight tents. The flexible poles884are placed in the front pen portion882at periodic intervals to form the supporting structure of the front portion882of the pet pen. For example, sleeves can be formed in the material of the front pen portion882of the pet pen in which the poles884are inserted.

The front panel804can be formed to include or accommodate a thick, padded material such that when the front pen portion882is deployed and the front panel804rests on a flat surface, the front panel804provides a comfortable surface for the pet to be on. The inside of the front panel804can comprise a coating, such as a polyurethane coating to provide a waterproof barrier.

When the rear pen release zipper880is unzipped, at least a portion of the rear panel802folds away from the side panels803deploying a rear pen portion883of the pet pen. The rear pen portion883can be formed from a mesh material that allows the pet to see out and provides ventilation to the rear pen portion883while being sufficiently strong to retain the pet within the front portion882of the pet pen. The structure of the rear pen portion883can be formed by flexible poles885, such as those used in lightweight tents. The flexible poles885are placed in the rear pen portion883at periodic intervals to form the supporting structure of the rear pen portion883of the pet pen. For example, sleeves can be formed in the material of the rear pen portion883of the pet pen in which the poles885are inserted.

The rear panel802can be formed to include or accommodate a thick, padded material such that when the rear pen portion883is deployed and the rear panel802rests on a flat surface, the rear panel802provides a comfortable surface for the pet to be on. The inside of the rear panel802can comprise a coating, such as a polyurethane coating to provide a waterproof barrier.

FIG. 9shows a base padding for a convertible pet backpack and pen, according to one example of the present disclosure. A base padding990can include a bottom portion992, a first side portion994, and a second side portion996. The base padding990can be formed from any suitable material to provide support and padding for a pet. The base padding990is configured to be disposed in the bottom panel805, front panel802, and rear panel804of the backpack800(seeFIGS. 8A-8D). When the front and rear pen portions882,883of the pet pen are deployed, the side panels994,996fold down flat adjacent to the bottom panel992to form a comfortable pad on which a pet can rest. The size and shape of the panels992,994,996can vary based on the size and shape of the bottom panel805of the backpack800and the portions of the front and rear panels802,804which deploy as the pet pen.

The backpack800provides several benefits to the user. The user can carry a pet similar to backpacks100,300,400while also providing a safe comfortable enclosure for the pet upon arrival to a destination. The pet pen keeps the pet safe and secure while allowing the user to remove the backpack800so that the user does not have to constantly wear the carrier. Further, the pet can securely remain in the pet carrier at the destination while having the freedom to rest comfortably in a sitting or lying down position within the deployed pet pen.