Apparatus and methods for improving safety of a pet during travel

An apparatus for improving the safety of a pet during travel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body. The body includes a base, a wedge, and a back support. The wedge is positioned along the base. The wedge includes a top end elevated above the base and an inclined surface for supporting torso portions of the pet during travel. The back support is positioned along the base and configured to support a rear portion of the pet during travel. The apparatus may include a restraint system. The restraint system may include a harness which may engage with a portion of the base and may also engage with other portions of the pet. The apparatus may further include a strap assembly coupled to the base which may define at least one strap end for engaging with an anchor point of a vehicle.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods for the security and safety of a pet; and, more particularly, to a safety apparatus and methods for improving the safety of a pet during travel comprising at least a base, a wedge positioned along the base for cradling a torso of the pet, and a back support for supporting a rear portion of the pet.

BACKGROUND

Conventional apparatuses or systems for transportation of a pet may include pet car seats, pet safety seats, general pet carriers, and the like. However, it is believed that conventional systems are generally insufficient for maintaining a pet in place relative to a portion of a vehicle or otherwise, and that conventional systems fail to provide adequate safety and comfort to the pet during travel. For example, conventional dog car seats may merely involve strapping the dog to the seat of an automobile. Yet, as may be expected during travel, the dog may be subjected to random and unpredictable forces stemming from a crash or sudden movement of the automobile. Such unexpected forces may loosen the straps and pull the dog from the surface of the seat. In addition, such forces may be of sufficient strength to shift the position of the dog relative to the seat which may increase anxiety and negatively affect the comfort level of the dog during travel. More substantial movement of the dog relative to the seat may leave the dog flailing about and can result in injury.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure may take the form of an apparatus for improving the safety of a pet during travel, comprising an apparatus for safety of a pet during travel. The apparatus comprises a body defining a front side, a back side formed opposite the front side, a top side, a bottom side formed opposite the top side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side formed opposite the first lateral side. The body includes a base defined along the bottom side of the body, a wedge positioned along the base, the wedge defining a horizontal portion oriented along a first surface of the base, and an inclined portion extending from the horizontal portion to the front side of the body with the inclined portion terminating at a top end of the wedge defined at the top side of the body, the inclined portion defining an inclined surface. The body further includes a back support positioned at a back side of the body opposite the front side along the first surface of the base. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a restraint system oriented over the body.

Another implementation of the present disclosure may take the form of a method of making an apparatus for improving the safety of a pet during travel, comprising the steps of providing a base; positioning a wedge along a first portion of the base, the wedge defining a top end elevated above the base and an inclined surface between the top end and the base; positioning a back support along a second portion of the base behind the wedge; and providing a restraining system engageable to at least one attachment point of the base, wherein the inclined surface is configured to cradle a torso portion of the pet and the back support is configured to support a rear portion of the pet during the travel.

Yet another implementation of the present disclosure may take the form of an apparatus, comprising a body. The body comprises a base defined along a bottom side of the body, a wedge positioned along the base, the wedge including an inclined portion and a top end, the top end defined at a top side of the body opposite the bottom side, and a back support positioned along the base at a back side of the body behind the wedge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and methods for improving the safety of a pet during travel. An apparatus as described herein may include a body defining a base, a wedge, and back support oriented in an advantageous manner so as to assist with maintaining the pet in a fixed position (such as a sitting position) during travel. Specifically, the base of the body may be disposed on a surface of a vehicle, such as a car seat. The wedge may be oriented along a first portion of the base and may define a horizontal portion oriented along a first surface of the base, a top end defined along a front side of the body and elevated above the base, and an inclined portion defined between the horizontal portion and the top end. An inclined surface defined by the inclined portion and the top end may support a torso portion of the pet during travel. The back support may be positioned along a second portion of the base at a back side of the body behind the wedge. In some embodiments, the back support may be configured to receive and assist to hold in place a rear portion of the pet, such as the pet's back legs and haunches as e.g. the pet is oriented in a sitting position over the body.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a restraining system such as a harness. The harness may define a plurality of harness members configured to wrap around portions of the pet, at least one opening for receiving a torso and/or neck of the pet, and a first tightening component to tighten one or more of the harness members about the pet. The restraining system may further include a second tightening component for bringing the harness (and the pet) in closer proximity to the body of the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a strap assembly for coupling the body of the apparatus to a car seat or other surface. The strap assembly may include a strap positioned along a bottom surface of the body with the strap defining a first strap end and a second strap end. The strap assembly may further include at least one strap adjustment member such as a buckle coupled to the strap to adjust a length of the first strap end and/or the second strap end. The first strap end and the second strap end may be coupled to one or more anchor points of a vehicle as further described herein. Referring to the drawings, embodiments related to an apparatus100for improving the safety of a pet during travel are illustrated and generally indicated as apparatus100inFIGS. 1-20.

Referring toFIG. 1, a first embodiment and exemplary implementation of the apparatus100is shown for improving the safety of a pet during travel or otherwise. The apparatus100includes a body102which may be positioned on a sitting portion105A of a seat104or chair of a vehicle as shown or positioned in a similar orientation throughout other portions of the vehicle. A pet101, which may include a dog, cat, or other animal may be oriented in the sitting position depicted such that the pet101is facing away from a back portion105B of the seat104. A restraining system106, as further described herein, may be engaged to the pet101to maintain the pet in the position shown relative to the body102of the apparatus100as further described herein. A strap assembly108may be implemented to couple the body102to anchor points of the seat104or other portions of the vehicle to maintain the body102in place relative to the seat104during travel, as further described herein. The implementation of the apparatus100shown is merely exemplary and it should be understood and appreciated that the body102of the apparatus100may be oriented to various different locations and/or positions within a vehicle while still providing the safety and comfort benefits further elaborated below.

Referring toFIGS. 2-9, the body102of the apparatus100is illustrated in a pre-implementation configuration. The body102may define a front side110, a back side112, a first lateral side114, and a second lateral side116. The body102may further define a top side118and a bottom side120. As shown, the body102may include a base122, a wedge124positioned on top of the base122, and a back support126positioned adjacent the wedge124along the base122. The body102is not limited to the components or the dimensions shown and it should be understood that like embodiments are contemplated.

As shown, the base122is generally defined along the bottom side120of the body102. The base122may be substantially planar or flat, to support the wedge124and the back support126as further described herein. In some embodiments, the base122may be manufactured using cloth, foam, plastic, wood, leather, neoprene, vinyl, suede, metal, or combinations of the same. In some embodiments, the base122is generally rectangular in shape as depicted; however, the base122may comprise other shapes (circular, square-shaped, triangular-shaped, etc.) so long as wedge124and the back support126may be oriented along the base122as described herein. As further shown, the base defines a first surface123A oriented towards the top side118of the body102, and a second surface123B oriented towards the bottom side120of the body102. The first surface123A may be at least partially planar or flat to accommodate the positioning of the wedge124and the back support126along a horizontal plane (not shown) defined by the base122as further described herein. In some embodiments, the second surface123B may also be at least partially planar or flat so that the base122may stably rest on a seat, floor, or other surface of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the base122includes various attachment points128such as the attachment point128A, the attachment point128B, and the attachment point128C. The attachment points128may be used to fasten components of the restraining system106to the base122as further described herein. In the embodiment shown, for example, the attachment point128A may be oriented along a third surface123C of the base122and along the front side110of the body102. The attachment point128B and the attachment point128C may be oriented along the first surface123A in parallel orientation relative to the base122as shown. The base122is not limited to the attachment points128shown and additional embodiments are contemplated which implement more or less of the attachment points128depending upon the embodiment or dimensions of the restraining system106utilized with the body102.

The attachment points128may define permanent or semi-permanent/non-permanent joints between the base122and portions of the restraining system106or other components. For example, in some embodiments as described herein, portions of the restraining system106may be permanently mechanically joined to the base122at one or more of the attachment points128, such as the attachment points128B and128C, using adhesive, nails, rivets, brazing, bolts, machine screws, cementing, welding, crimping, or other like methods and materials. In other embodiments, one or more of the attachment points128may define semi-permanent joints which may facilitate the temporary or semi-permanent attachment of the base122to portions of the restraining system106. For example, the attachment point128A may define a semi-permanent joint between the base122and a portion of the restraining system106using e.g. a general buckle, a snap-fit buckle, a side release buckle, a blimp buckle, a clasp, a belt buckle, Velcro, a hook-eye component, a button, a back closure, a belt hook, a snap, and the like.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9, and illustrated in greater detail inFIGS. 4-6, the wedge124of the body102may be positioned along the first surface123A of the base122and generally defined along a first portion130of the base122, a predetermined distance from the back side112of the body102. The wedge124may also be generally centered between the first lateral side114and the second lateral side116of the body102. The wedge124may define a horizontal portion134oriented along the first surface123A of the base122. As shown, the horizontal portion134may extend along the base122and may generally terminate at the front side110of the body102. In some embodiments, the horizontal portion134of the wedge124generally rests on the first surface123A of the base122, although intermediate components are contemplated in like embodiments. The horizontal portion134may define a generally flat horizontal surface134A defined along the first surface123A of the base122. The wedge124may further define a first end135A positioned a predetermined distance from the back side112of the body102, and a second end135B defined along the front side110of the body102, such that the first end135A and the second end135B of the wedge124collectively define the horizontal portion134of the wedge124.

The wedge124may further define an inclined portion136. The inclined portion136may generally be defined between a third end135C of the wedge124and the first end135A of the wedge124, such that the inclined portion136extends from the first end135A to an elevated position at the third end135C generally along the front side110of the body102. The inclined portion136may define an inclined surface137between the third end135C and the first end135A of the wedge124for supporting a first portion of the pet101, such as a torso portion. As shown inFIG. 5, the third end135C may be elevated a predetermined height (H) above the base122and the second end135B, such that the inclined surface137slopes downwardly from the third end135C to the first end135A. To describe from the perspective of the first end135A, the inclined portion136may be angled slightly and extend along a generally constant gradient from the first end135A in an upwards direction towards the top side118of the body102, terminating along the third end135C. As such, a predetermined acute angle (not shown) is defined between the intersection of the horizontal portion134and the inclined portion136by virtue of the orientations of the first end135A and the third end135C respectively. In some embodiments, the inclined portion136may terminate at the front side110of the body102, e.g., at the third end135C. In some embodiments, the third end135C may define a dimple or other contouring to accommodate the upper chest and/or breastbone of the pet101. The third end135C may otherwise be referred to as a top end of the wedge124.

The inclined surface137of the inclined portion136is configured to support or otherwise accommodate a general torso portion of the pet101. Similarly, the third end135C of the inclined portion136is configured to support or otherwise accommodate a breastbone or upper chest area of the pet101. Specifically, in some embodiments, the height of the third end135C relative to the horizontal portion134, designated H, and a length of the wedge124defined by the first portion130, may both be predetermined and specially formed to accommodate the specific dimensions associated with the pet101(e.g. length of the pet's torso and height from the pet's feet to its breastbone in a sitting position) so that when the pet101is positioned over the wedge124and the base122, the pet101naturally rests its breastbone or upper chest portion along the third end135C, and torso portions of the pet101naturally rest along the inclined surface137when the pet101is oriented in the position indicated inFIG. 1. Orienting the pet101in this manner using the novel inclined portion136of the wedge124and the elevated third end135C described provides numerous advantages. For example, the inclined surface137provides a comfortable and stabilizing support surface which the pet101may lean or rest upon as opposed to standing upright by itself during travel. In addition, because the pet's breastbone or upper chest is generally a more rigid, stronger body part compared with other body parts of the pet101, positioning the third end135C along such portions of the pet101provides a safety contact point between the pet101and the apparatus100, similar to the manner in which a shoulder safety belt is intended to wrap around the stronger upper chest portions of a human, or the manner by which a safety bar of a roller coaster is intended to contact the upper chest portions of a human. Conventional travel devices for pets lack such stabilization and comfort advantages.

As shown, the wedge124may further define a vertical portion140. The vertical portion140may be defined along the front side110of the body102between the third end135C and the second end135B. In some embodiments, the vertical portion140extends orthogonally from the horizontal portion134along the front side110of the body102. In some embodiments, the vertical portion140is generally contiguous with the inclined portion136and the horizontal portion134as shown, such that the wedge124at least partially (or entirely) covers the first portion130of the base122. The wedge124may further define a first side support142A adjacent the vertical portion140, and a second side support142B defined opposite the first side support142A. The first side support142A and the second side support142B may extend laterally relative to the vertical portion140and may contour or otherwise provide additional comfort to the front legs of the pet101. Additional such comfort features are contemplated and depicted.

Referring specifically toFIG. 9, in some embodiments, the wedge124may include a recess150defined along the inclined portion136as shown. The recess150may be arcuate, i.e., the recess150may include curved or bowed surfaces to compliment and support the curvature of the stomach or other torso portions of the pet101. In this embodiment, the wedge124may define a first edge152A and a second edge152B along opposing sides of the recess150. When a torso portion of the pet101is rested or otherwise in contact against the inclined portion136, the torso portion may be cradled between the first edge152A and the second edge152B and rest at least partially within the recess150which may provide additional stability of the pet101relative to the body102and otherwise increase the comfort of the pet101.

As described and indicated herein, the wedge124may generally define a general three-dimensional (3-D) triangle-shape; however, the wedge124is not limited to this particular shape so long as the wedge124includes an inclined portion136as described for supporting the torso or like portions of the pet101. Similar to the base122, the wedge124may be formed or manufactured using cloth, foam, plastic, wood, leather, neoprene, vinyl, suede, metal, or combinations of the same. In some embodiments, the wedge124may generally define a pillow, and be made up of a cloth bag containing feathers, gel, foam, or include a plastic or rubber inflatable material.

In some embodiments, the wedge124may be removable from the base122. In such embodiments, the wedge124may be temporarily fastened to the base122in the orientation described using e.g. Velcro straps, clips, or other like fastening components implemented along the horizontal portion134to temporarily position the wedge124relative to the base122as described herein. As such, for example, a first wedge defining a set of first dimensions may be mounted to the base122to accommodate a first pet having a first size, and the first wedge may later be removed and replaced with a second wedge defining a different set of dimensions or generally defining a different size than the first wedge to accommodate a second pet of a different size than the first pet. In other embodiments, the wedge124may be manufactured together with the base122and the body102as a single unit. Specifically, for example, the wedge124and other parts of the body102may be formed using 3-D printing or similar methods, and the apparatus100may be customized for accommodating particular sized pets as further described herein.

In some embodiments, the vertical portion140of the wedge124may comprise e.g. a support member (not shown) extending from a predetermined point along the inclined portion136to the horizontal portion134to stabilize the third end135C in a fixed position above the base122. In some embodiments, the vertical portion140may be sufficient to maintain the third end135C in the fixed position shown such that the wedge124may be devoid of a bottom side and/or may not include at least part of the horizontal portion134(i.e., the wedge124may define an opening (not shown) along the first surface123A of the base122). The vertical portion140may be in communication and flush with the third surface123C of the base122as shown.

Continuing withFIG. 9, one embodiment of the back support126may be formed or otherwise positioned along the back side112of the body102and along the base122behind the wedge124. The back support126may define a back wall160extending in a vertical direction orthogonally from the base122along the back side112of the body102, a first sidewall162A oriented adjacent the back wall160, and a second sidewall162B oriented opposite the first sidewall162A. The back wall160, the first sidewall162A, and the second sidewall162B of the back support126may collectively define a pocket164. The rear portions of the pet101, such as the rear legs and haunches, may be disposed within the pocket164such that the rear portions abut surfaces of the back wall160, the first sidewall162A, and the second sidewall162B. In this manner, the back support126advantageously maintains the rear portions of the pet101in a fixed position relative to the base122during travel. In other embodiments, the back support126may be devoid of the first sidewall162A and/or the second sidewall162B (and the pocket164) and may just include the back wall160, such that the rear portion of the pet101simply rests along or is otherwise stabilized by the back wall160. In other embodiments, the back wall160may define a general semi-circle shape (not shown), to define the pocket164described, without the first sidewall162A and/or the second sidewall162B shown. As such, the back support126may comprise a sole piece or component positioned along the base122.

Referring toFIGS. 10-15, one embodiment of the restraining system106is illustrated which may be implemented in order to maintain the pet101in a relatively stationary position relative to the body102. In the embodiment shown, the restraining system106may include a harness170. The harness170may define a plurality of harness members172and a plurality of attachment points174which may be coupled to respective attachment points128of the base122or other components of the apparatus100. The harness170may further define a neck portion176, and a torso portion178in communication with the neck portion176as shown. The neck portion176may define an opening180for receiving the neck of the pet101, and the torso portion178may define an opening182for receiving the torso portion178of the pet101.

More specifically, in some embodiments, the neck portion176of the harness170may include a harness member172A and a harness member172B collectively defining an attachment point174A configured to engage with the attachment point128A of the base122. The attachment point174A may define an adjustment component184A, such as a strap adjuster, to shorten or lengthen the harness member172A and the harness member172B and bring the neck portion176in closer proximity to the base122when the base122is coupled to the harness170. Similarly, the torso portion178of the harness170may include a harness member172C defining an attachment point174B for joining the harness member172C to the attachment point128B of the base122. The attachment point174B may define an adjustment component184B, such as a strap adjuster, to shorten or lengthen the harness member172C and bring the torso portion178in closer proximity to the inclined surface137and the base122. As shown in e.g.FIG. 11, the attachment point174A compliments and engages with the attachment point128A, and the attachment point174B compliments and engages with the attachment point128B. In some embodiments, the torso portion178of the harness170may further include a harness member172D defining an attachment point174C for joining the harness member172D to the attachment point128C of the base122. In some embodiments, the attachment points128A-128C of the base122and the attachment points174A-174C of the harness170may comprise male-female portions of a respective buckle or other fastening component to temporarily adjoin the harness170to the base122.

In some embodiments, the attachment point174C defined by the harness member172D may be pre-engaged or otherwise permanently joined to the attachment point128C (not shown). As described herein, the components of the restraining system106may be permanently or non-permanently joined to portions of the base122. So, for example, in this embodiment the attachment point174C may be permanently joined to the attachment point128C to reduce the likelihood of misplacing the harness170and otherwise increase the efficiency of engaging the harness170to the pet101and the base122as described herein.

As shown inFIGS. 11-15, the pet101may be oriented in a sitting position over the body102. In a sitting position as described herein, the rear portions of the pet101may be received and secured within the pocket164defined by the back support126, the torso portions of the pet101may rest along the inclined surface137of the wedge124, and the breastbone and/or upper chest area of the pet101may be oriented along the third end135C of the wedge124. Before or after orienting the pet101in this sitting position shown, the harness170may be engaged to the pet101by wrapping the torso portion178around the pet101, and mechanically joining the attachment point174B with the attachment point128B, and mechanically joining the attachment point174C with the attachment point128C, thereby engaging the torso portion178to the pet101, and forming the opening182along the torso portion178. In addition, the neck portion176may be engaged to the pet101and the base122by sliding the neck of the pet101through the opening180of the neck portion176of the harness170, and then mechanically joining the attachment point174A with the attachment point128A. As described, at least some of the attachment points174A,174B, and174C, and the attachment points128A,128B, and128C may define non-permanent joints between the base122and the harness170; i.e., the attachment points174A,174B, and174C may subsequently be disengaged from the attachment points128A,128B, and128C as needed to release the pet101.

Referring toFIG. 16, one embodiment of the strap assembly108is illustrated for engaging the body102of the apparatus100to an attachment point of a vehicle. As shown herein, the strap assembly108may be oriented generally along the bottom side120of the body102, and coupled to the second surface123B of the base122. In some embodiments, the strap assembly108may include a strap190, defining a first strap end190A, and a second strap end190B. The strap assembly108may further include a loop member191which may comprise a strip of metal or plastic attached to the second surface123B of the base122, which generally defines the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B. The loop member191may be configured to be bowed slightly away from the base122along its center and may define a loop aperture193, through which the strap190may be threaded to position the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B in the manner shown. Securing members195A and195B may maintain respective ends of the loop member191in a fixed position along the second surface123B of the base122of the body102.

In some embodiments, the first strap end190A may comprise a first buckle192A which may be implemented to shorten or lengthen the length of the first strap end190A relative to the loop member191. Similarly, the second strap end190B may comprise a second buckle192B which may be implemented to shorten or lengthen the length of the second strap end190B relative to the loop member191. Adjusting the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B may be advantageous for adjusting the position of the body102relative to a seat of a car, as further described herein. In addition, the first strap end190A may include a retaining clip194A, and the second strap end may include a retaining clip194B. The retaining clips194A and194B may be temporarily latched, connected or otherwise temporarily joined to anchor points of a vehicle, such as anchor points commonly used for connection to a car seat for an infant, as described herein. In some embodiments, the strap assembly108may only include a sole buckle, such as the buckle192A.

FIG. 17illustrates different configurations of the strap assembly108including a first configuration202, a second configuration204, a third configuration206, and a fourth configuration208for temporarily joining the strap assembly108to various anchor points of a vehicle. For each configuration, at least one of the retaining clips194A and194B of the strap assembly108may be temporarily joined to at least one of a plurality of possible anchor points210A-2100of a vehicle as desired. Specifically, for example, in the first configuration202, the retaining clips194A and194B of the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B may be engaged to the anchor point210A which may be positioned between the sitting portion105A and the back portion105B of a seat104. In the second configuration204, the retaining clips194A and194B of the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B may be engaged to the anchor point210B which may be positioned along a roof of a vehicle as shown above the seat104. In the third configuration206, the retaining clips194A and194B of the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B may be engaged to the anchor point210C which may be positioned along a back portion of the vehicle behind the seat104. In the fourth configuration208, the retaining clips194A and194B of the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B may be engaged to the anchor point210D which may be positioned along a back side of the back portion105B of the seat104. Each of the anchor points210A-2100may include rings or loops, and the first and/or second strap ends190A and190B may be temporarily coupled to any one of the anchor points210A-210B by engaging the retaining clips194A and194B to the loops/rings of the anchor points210A-2100. In some embodiments, each of the anchor points210A-210B may include a pair of loops or rings for engaging respectively with the retaining clips194A and194B of the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B.

FIGS. 18A-18Billustrate greater detail regarding the positioning of the apparatus100relative to the seat104; and particularly, illustrate greater detail of the strap assembly108in the first configuration202engaging the retaining clips194A and194B of the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B to the anchor point210A, which may include adjustment of the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B. As shown, the body102of the apparatus100may be positioned along the sitting portion105A such that the second surface123B of the base122generally rests along the sitting portion105A and the back support126abuts the back portion105B of the seat104. As indicated, in the first configuration202, the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B may be threaded between the sitting portion105A and the back portion105B of the seat104and oriented towards the anchor point210A. Thereafter, the retaining clips194A and194B of the first strap end190A and the second strap end190B may be latched or otherwise connected to loops/rings of the anchor point210A to temporarily join the strap assembly108to the anchor point210A. The first strap end190A or the second strap end190B may further be adjusted. For example, decreasing the length of the first strap end190A using the first buckle192A may bring the body102in closer proximity to the back portion105B.

As additionally shown, a pet101, such as a dog, may be placed in a sitting position shown over the body102, and the restraining system106may be engaged to the pet101and the body102as described herein. With the restraining system106securely maintaining the position of the pet101in a stationary position relative to the body102, and the strap assembly108securely maintaining the fixed position of the body102relative to the seat104, the apparatus100is well-suited for transport of the pet101as the apparatus100significantly reduces the movement of the pet101during transport. In addition, the inclined surface137of the wedge124provides enhanced stability and comfort to the pet101.

FIGS. 19-20illustrate different embodiments of an apparatus for improving the safety of a pet101during travel. Referring toFIG. 19, an apparatus300is shown for improving the safety of a pet101during travel, similar to the apparatus100. Like the apparatus100, the apparatus300shown may include a body302which may be positioned along the sitting portion105A of the seat104or chair of a vehicle or positioned in a similar orientation throughout other portions of the vehicle. The apparatus300may include a restraining system (not shown) similar to the restraining system106, to maintain a pet101in the position shown relative to the body302of the apparatus300. The apparatus300may further include a strap assembly (not shown) similar to the strap assembly108to couple the body302to anchor points (not shown) of the seat104or other portions of a vehicle to maintain the body302in place relative to the seat104during travel. Similar to the body102, the body302may further include a base322and a back support326. The body302may include a wedge324defining an inclined portion336, a horizontal portion334, and a vertical portion340similar in configuration to the wedge124of the body102described herein.

In addition however, as shown, the apparatus300may include a belt loop309which may be positioned along the vertical portion340of the wedge324. The belt loop309is configured to receive a seat belt311which may be drawn from one side of the body302, and through the belt loop309as the belt311is engaged to a belt buckle (not shown) along an opposite side of the body302. The belt loop309, by receiving the seat belt311, may provide additional stability of the body302during travel. It should be understood that in some embodiments the body102of the apparatus100may also include the belt loop309. In other embodiments, a groove (not shown), which may be substantially rectangular in shape, may be defined along the lower portion of the vertical portion340along the base322, which may receive the seat belt311as it is drawn across the body302. Other like embodiments for receiving the seat belt311are contemplated.

Referring toFIG. 20, an apparatus400is shown for improving the safety of a pet during travel, similar to the apparatus100. Like the apparatus100, the apparatus400shown may include a body402which may be positioned along the sitting portion105A of the seat104or chair of a vehicle or otherwise positioned in a similar orientation throughout other portions of the vehicle. The apparatus400may include a restraining system406similar to the restraining system106, to maintain a pet101in the position shown relative to the body402of the apparatus400. The apparatus400may further include a strap assembly (not shown) similar to the strap assembly108to couple the body402to anchor points (not shown) of the seat104or other portions of a vehicle to maintain the body402in place relative to the seat104during travel. Similar to the body102, the body402may further include a base422and a back support426. The body402may include a wedge424defining an inclined portion, a horizontal portion, and a vertical portion (not shown) similar to the wedge124of the body102described herein.

In the embodiment shown however, the restraining system406may comprise a flap409or other rectangular or elongated member wrapped over the pet101, as opposed to the harness170of the apparatus100. The flap409may be attached to different respective portions of the body102using temporary joining mechanisms such as clips, buckles, or even Velcro. In some embodiments, the flap409may comprise cloth, plastic, or the like similar to the harness170. The flap409may further comprise various apertures (not shown) to provide breathability and additional comfort to the pet101. The flap409may be wrapped over the body102and the pet101to and from a first lateral side414and a second lateral side416of the body402. The flap409may be elongated, or otherwise vary with respect to width and length so long as the flap409at least partially wraps over the pet101and the body402.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages should be understood by the foregoing description, and it should be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.