Patent Publication Number: US-9901070-B2

Title: Apparatus, system, and method for secure and comfortable animal enclosure

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/131,756 entitled SECURE AND COMFORTABLE ANIMAL ENCLOSURE and filed on Mar. 11, 2015 for Victoria W. Romney, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to an animal enclosure and more particularly relates to a safe and convenient temporary enclosure for pets. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Pet ownership is a substantial feature of life in America and other countries throughout the world. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association [AVMA] 36.5% of American households own dogs, for a total of 69/926,000 dogs in 43,346,000 households. Yet people, including pet owners, are increasingly mobile, and may spend less time at home than ever. Adults work, often long hours, eat out, attend meetings, conventions, concerts, movies, amusement parks, and other entertainments, and travel for work and pleasure. Nevertheless, most stores, restaurants, theaters, bars, concert halls, conventions, amusement parks, and other venues admit only trained and registered service animals. And according to Angie&#39;s List dog owners can expect to pay from $240 to $550 per month for day care and boarding can range from $20.00 to $90.00 per night. Even then, not all of the services are satisfactory or safe for the pet and daycare or boarding facilities are typically not located sufficiently close to activity venues to be practical for brief errands. 
     Therefore, pet owners who need or desire to bring their animals on errands and outings too often leave the animal alone in the parked car. According to the AVMA hundreds of animals die of heat exhaustion in parked cars every year. On a 70-degree sunny day, the temperature inside a car can reach 104 degrees within half an hour. After an hour, it can climb to 113 degrees. Temperatures can increase 40 degrees within an hour, and partially opening the windows makes little difference. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when a car is parked in direct sunlight with outside temperatures of from 80 to 100 degrees the interior temperature can quickly reach between 130 and 172 degrees. 
     Michael Dix DVM, Medical Director, Best Friends Animal Society cautions pet owners, “Never leave your pet in a parked car when the outside temperature is above 70 degrees. Not even with the windows partway down, not even in the shade, not even for a quick errand. Dogs and cats can&#39;t sweat like humans, so they pant to lower their body temperature. If they&#39;re inside a car, recycling very hot air, panting gives no relief, and heat stroke can happen quickly”. Jules Benson, DVM, Medical Director, Pet Plan Pet Insurance adds that “Heat stroke can permanently damage a pet&#39;s health very rapidly. The change of only a few degrees to a dog&#39;s normal body temperature can quickly result in coma, organ dysfunction, permanent brain damage or even death”. Such a death involves suffering almost too harrowing to describe for a captive, helpless animal with no recourse for help and no avenue of escape. 
     Moreover, as of 2015 19 states (AZ, CA, DE, IL, ME, MD, MN, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, RI, SD, TN, VT, WA, and WV) have statutes specifically prohibiting leaving an animal confined in a vehicle. Various local ordinances exist as well. So in addition to endangering an animal&#39;s life or health, a pet owner may run afoul of the law by simply jumping out to run a quick errand while leaving the animal in the car. Yet many pet owners do not have the option of a fenced yard and doggie door combination. Professional dog walkers may be expensive or unreliable and many pet owners do not have family or friends willing and able to take on the task. So a working pet owner, or one taking a vacation or going to errands or outings during the day, often has no practical alternative to leaving the pet alone at home or in a hotel. Indoors the pet cannot relieve itself for hours, and additionally may be crated for safety and control where it can neither exercise nor relieve itself. Veterinarians advise against confining a dog without a chance to relieve itself for more than about four to six hours during the day. Small pets can sometimes be taught to use a potty pad in the house but this is impractical for larger pets. Furthermore, dogs are social animals that need human interaction and are ill adapted to spending long periods alone. 
     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method for an animal enclosure that can offer safe, humane, comfortable, convenient, and cost effective short-term animal care. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would allow pet owners the freedom to include pets in appropriate activities and leave them safely during other activities. With such an apparatus, system, and method pet owners could house pets close to the workplace or other venues and interact with the animal during lunch and other breaks during the day. Additionally, pet owners could travel with their pets using a combination of pet friendly lodging and acceptable short-term housing during meetings and activities. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the need for an animal enclosure that can offer safe, humane, comfortable, convenient, and cost effective short-term animal care. 
     Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
     An apparatus is presented herein for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure that comprises, in some embodiments, an end, a top, a side, a floor, and a point of access. In certain embodiments the enclosure also comprises a secure identification module that reads and processes a form of personal identification such as a credit card, a debit card, a bar code, a QT code, a driver&#39;s license, a smart card, a membership card, a PayPal identifier, a smartphone pay, a fob, a biometric and the like. Additionally the enclosure may comprise an animal identification module that reads and processes a form of animal identification such as a microchip, a brand, a biometric and the like and a payment module that reads and processes a payment method such as a credit card, a debit card, a bar code, a QT code, a driver&#39;s license, a smart card, a membership card, a PayPal identifier, a smartphone pay and the like. The enclosure sometimes also comprises a locking module that locks and/or releases in response to a signal originating in at least one of the secure identification module, the animal identification module and the payment module. 
     In certain embodiments the enclosure herein further comprises a soundproofing material such as noise cancelling technology, rigid foam, flexible foam, baffles, dead air space, or other sound suppressing material as known in the art. Sometimes the enclosure comprises a sensing module that senses at least one of temperature, odor, and moisture and/or an alert module that alerts an attendant that the enclosure needs attention. 
     In various embodiments the enclosure comprises a plurality of supports for a plurality of removable horizontal trays spaced at vertical intervals that are configured so that a first tray may be removed and a second tray inserted while an animal remains in the enclosure. The enclosure may comprise a climate control module that maintains the interior at a safe and comfortable temperature. The enclosure sometimes comprise an audio/visual module comprising an audio/visual receiving or broadcast module and/or an audio/visual capture and/or transmission module wherein the audio/visual module captures and transmits images from inside of the enclosure to a personal electronic device. In certain embodiments the enclosure herein comprises a decoration that includes a color, a design, and/or a holder configured to receive and retain a plaque, card, photograph, and/or other display. A brand, a store, a business, or other enterprise may optionally sponsor or provide the decoration. 
     Further provided herein is a structured array of a plurality of enclosures further comprising an interior open space wherein each enclosure comprises an outside-facing point of access that opens upon presentation of appropriate ID to receive or release an animal and an inside facing point of access that opens toward the interior open space. The aggregation sometimes comprises a roof, an attendant station, an attendant window, and/or a retain/display space. 
     The structured array of enclosures sometimes comprises a climate control module, an audio/visual receiving module, a media broadcast module, and/or an audiovisual transmission module. The structured array may be installed within or near a venue such as a shopping mall, an office complex, a municipal parking area, a restaurant a theater, a hospital, a medical office, a university, a meeting location, a convention, a carnival, or a dog show. In some embodiments the aggregation is incorporated into a municipal parking system. 
     A system for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure is also presented herein. In certain embodiments the system comprises a housing module comprising an animal enclosure or a plurality of animal enclosures in any configuration. The system also may comprise an access module that provides access to the housing module and that comprises a secure ID module, an animal ID module, a payment module, and a locking module. In various embodiments the system also comprises a communication module that provides inter-module communication and external bi-directional communication with communication networks and service providers and a database that stores identification information, registration information, animal health records, vendor and venue information, audio/visual information and other information relating to the system. As presented herein the system sometimes comprises a registration module that presents registration options and accepts identification, payment, preference, and other information relating to User or animal registration with the system and also a verification module that verifies secure identification information, animal information, service provider information, and the like. In various embodiments the system comprises a service module that accepts, transmits, and coordinates a User request for animal related services such as grooming, walking, training, and veterinary services and authorizes the access of an approved service provider to the relevant enclosure. The system may also comprise a billing module the calculates charges for use of the system based on cost schedules and at least one of special offers, merchant and other validations, and membership status and that bills the user, and a tracking module that tracks animal health records and other relevant information. 
     In some embodiments the communications module comprises a computer state machine that serves as the traffic manager over a set of modules to route process execution from the state of one module to other modules and wherein the state machine comprises at least one of a VLSI circuit, a gate array, a logic chip, a transistor, a programmable hardware device such as a field programmable gate array, programmable array logic, and a programmable logic device or the like and utilizes computer, telecommunications, cloud and digital security technologies. Any or all modules may have wireless and hardwire connectivity to the internet with an individual unique Internet Protocol address. 
     The system herein may further comprise an audio/visual module that transmits audio or visual content to the housing module, collects and transmits images from within the housing module to at least one of a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, or other personal receiving device, and/or posts content on at least one of a website and social media. In some embodiments the system herein also comprises a sensing and alert module that senses conditions within the housing module and alerts an attendant to a need for attention. 
     Also presented herein is a method for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure. In some embodiments the method comprises the steps of: provide a secure and comfortable animal enclosure comprising a secure ID module, an animal ID module, a locking module, and a payment module, provide a system for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure comprising a communication module, a database, a registration module, a verification module and a payment module, register a User with the system for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure, sense the User&#39;s identifying information, verify the User&#39;s identifying information, sense an animal&#39;s identifying information, verify the animal&#39;s identification information, retrieve the animal&#39;s health and/or vaccination information, link the animal&#39;s health and/or vaccination information to at least one of the animal&#39;s identification information and the User&#39;s identification information, release the locking module; admit the animal and reengage the locking module; verify the User&#39;s identification information, release the locking module to remove the animal, and bill the User. 
     In certain embodiments the method further comprises the steps of: provide an audio/visual module and broadcast audiovisual content within the enclosure and/or transmit audiovisual content from within the enclosure to at least one of a personal electronic device and social media. The method sometimes also comprises provide a service module, identify a service request, verify a service provider&#39;s identification and give the service provider access to the enclosure. Sometimes the method herein further comprises provide and sensing module, sense conditions within the enclosure and alert an attendant. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic line drawing illustrating an embodiment of a point of access comprising a door in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial cutaway perspective line drawing illustrating an embodiment of an enclosure in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cutaway perspective line drawing illustrating an embodiment of an assembly of a plurality of enclosures in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic line drawing illustrating a cutaway top view of an embodiment of an array of assemblies of enclosures in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a point of access comprising a door  100  in accordance with the present invention. In the depicted embodiment the door  100  comprises an animal identification (“ID”) module  102 , a secure ID module  104 , a payment module  106 , a locking module  108 , a decoration  110 , a plaque holder  112  and a sound-proofing material  114 . In some embodiments the animal ID module  102  may be configured to recognize an animal&#39;s microchip and/or another form of non-transferrable animal identification including without limitation a biometric or brand. The secure ID module  104  may be configured to recognize, without limitation, a credit card, a debit card, a bar code, a QT code, a driver&#39;s license, a smart card, a membership card, a PayPal identifier, a smartphone pay, a fob, a biometric, or other information source. In certain embodiments the payment module is configured to accept one or more of a credit card, a debit card, a membership card, a validation, a PayPal code, a smartphone pay, cash, or other payment method. The locking module  108  sometimes comprises one or more of a code pad, a lock and keyhole assembly, a magnetic closure, a bolt and shaft, a solenoid, a mortise, a lever tumbler, or other module as known in the art. The animal ID module  102 , the secure ID module  104 , the payment module  106 , and the locking module  108  may be separate, combined in any configuration of modules, or combined in one module. 
     In various embodiments a first release of the locking module  108  is triggered by one or both of recognition of an animal ID by the animal ID module  102  or of a secure ID by the secure ID module  104 . In some embodiments the locking module releases upon receipt of a signal and/or engagement with a form of identification, a physical key, a fob, a code, or other trigger. In various embodiments the locking module  108  releases in response to a signal from the secure ID module  104 , the animal ID module  102 , or the payment module  106 . In some embodiments the first release of the locking module  108  and consequent opening of the door  100  allows insertion of an animal. The locking module  108  sometimes locks automatically upon closure of the door  100 . In various embodiments the locking module  108  may lock upon recognition of a physical key, a fob, a code, credit card, a signal from the secure ID module  104 , the animal ID module  102 , and/or the payment module  106 . 
     In some embodiments recognition of a credit card, a debit card, a bar code, a QT code, a driver&#39;s license, a smart card, a membership card, a validation, a PayPal code, a smartphone pay, a biometric or other information source by the secure ID module  104  and/or the locking module  108  and/or the payment module  106  triggers release of the locking module  108 , allowing removal of the animal. The recognition of a credit card, a debit card, a PayPal identifier, a membership card, a smartphone pay, or other payment method for removal of the animal sometimes triggers billing of the payment method holder. Recognition of a merchant or other validation may trigger collection from a validation provider. 
     The door  100  may be constructed of solid material including without limitation metal, plastic, fiberglass, or other rigid material and is sometimes perforated for ventilation. The door may comprise any appropriate material as known in the art and is sometimes colored or decorated. The decoration  110  sometimes comprises a custom decoration and/or name. In some embodiments plaque holder  112  is configured to receive and retain a plaque bearing the name of the animal or other inscription, a card, photograph or other display. 
     In various embodiments the door  100  may comprise discontinuous material such as a mesh of wire or other material. In certain embodiments the door  100  comprises soundproofing material  114  which may be integral to the door  100  or be applied to the inside or the outside of the door  100 . The soundproofing material  114  may be rigid foam, flexible foam, baffles, dead air space, noise cancelling technology, or other sound suppressing material as known in the art. 
       FIG. 2  is partial cutaway perspective line drawing illustrating an embodiment of an enclosure in accordance with the present invention. In certain embodiments the enclosure  200  comprises a door  100 , an end  202 , a door  204 , a latching module  206 , a second end  208 , a top  210 , a side  212 , a tray  214 , a floor  216 , a water dispenser  218 , a litter area  220 , a play area  222 , soundproofing material  224 , a climate control unit  226 , a sensing module  228 , an audio/video module  230 , an audio/video broadcast module  232 , a tray support  234 , a tray slot  236 , a tray lock  238 , and a tray liner  240 . 
     The ends  204  and  208 , the doors  100  and  204 , the top  210  and the side  212  may be constructed of solid material with provisions for ventilation or of wire mesh or other open material. In some embodiments the enclosure  200  is collapsible, foldable, and/or easily disassembled for convenient transport and storage. In certain embodiments the tray  214  is removable. The water dispenser  218  is sometimes refillable from the outside, allowing an attendant to supply water without opening the door  204  or the door  100  of the enclosure  200 . The door may comprise a solid, perforated, mesh, soundproofing, or other material. The door  204  sometimes comprises a decoration  110 . In some embodiments the door  204  comprises a plaque holder  112  configured to receive and retain a plaque bearing the name of the animal or other inscription or a card, picture, photograph or other item. 
     The floor  216  may comprise a solid floor, a tray  214 , or a liquid permeable perforated panel or fine mesh with a tray  214  beneath. The tray  214  is sometimes removable. The tray may be disposable and/or carry a liner  240  which may be disposable. The tray  214  may slide on the tray supports  234  and be removed through the tray slot  236 . In some embodiments a tray lock  238  secures the tray  214  in place. In certain embodiments two or more sets of tray supports  234  are spaced from each other at vertical intervals in communication with multiple tray slots  236  to allow multiple trays to be inserted and removed. For example a first tray  214  may be in position on tray supports  234  when the animal is inserted. If the first tray  214  becomes soiled a second tray  214  may be inserted through a higher or lower tray slot  236  and the soiled first tray  214  removed. 
     In practice the new tray  214  may be partially inserted and the animal coaxed onto the new, higher tray  214  and then the insertion completed. Or the initial tray  214  may be positioned higher and the new tray  214  inserted below it. The liner  240  may cover all or part of the tray  214  and may comprise absorbent, moisture proof, odor proof, or other appropriate material. A tray  214  bearing a liner  240  may similarly be removed for liner  240  replacement. 
     In some embodiments the litter area  220  allows for an animal to relieve itself and the play area  222  allows room for the animal to comfortably move about. In certain embodiments the enclosure  200  is sized according to the animal&#39;s breed, weight, and height to allow the animal room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. In various embodiments the enclosure  200  is sized comfortably close to the dimensions of the animal so as to discourage the animal from relieving itself within the enclosure  200 . The enclosure  200  may comprise any appropriate material and may sometimes be colored or decorated. 
     The sensing module is sometimes a moisture module and may be a temperature module, an odor module or a motion module. In certain embodiments the sensing module  228  is a water level module. The sensing module may trigger an alert to an attendant for services such as refilling water, cleaning the cage, adjusting the temperature and the like. 
     The audio video broadcast module  232  is sometimes configured to broadcast images and/or voice, music, or other sound into the enclosure. The images and sound may comprise public content such a television or internet, or other electronic broadcasts and sometimes comprises individual transmissions from a personal electronic or other device. In certain embodiments the audio/video module  230  is configured to capture images from within the enclosure, which images it may store, record, or transmit and may comprise a microphone configured to sense and transmit sound from within the enclosure or the surrounding environment. Images and/or sound are sometimes transmitted in real time and sometimes stored for later scheduled transmission or viewing. In various embodiments the audio/visual module  230  output is transmitted to a receiving device such as, without limitation, a cell phone, a smart phone, a computer, a tablet, or other receiving device that may be in the possession of the User. 
     In some embodiments the soundproofing material  224  comprises rigid foam and may also comprise without limitation flexible foam, dead airspace, baffles, noise canceling technology or other soundproofing material known in the art. In various embodiments the climate control unit  226  comprises a fan, a fan in combination with water or ice, a dry ice enclosure, an electric heat pump, a compressor driven heat exchange cooling system, an electric heater, a gas heater, a solar powered heater or cooler, or other climate control system as known in the art. 
     In certain embodiments a User approaches the enclosure  200  from end  208  and triggers release of the locking module  108  by exposing the animal&#39;s microchip to the animal ID module  102 . In some embodiments recognition of a secure ID by the secure ID module  104  triggers release of the locking module  108  either alone or in combination with recognition of an animal ID by the animal ID module  102 . The User may then insert the animal and close the door  100 . In some embodiments recognition of a credit card, a debit card, a bar code, a QT code, a driver&#39;s license, a smart card, a membership card, a PayPal code, a smartphone pay, a biometric, or other information source triggers re-engagement of the locking module  108 . In some embodiments the User the employs a physical key, fob, or other keying device or enters a code to trigger re-engagement of the locking module. 
     In various embodiments the User, upon return, presents a credit card, a debit card, a bar code, a QT code, a driver&#39;s license, a smart card, a membership card, a PayPal code, a smartphone pay, a biometric, or other information source or uses a code or physical key to release the locking module  108 . The User may then open the door  100  and remove the animal. The door  100  may remain open or automatically relock. Upon removal of the animal the sensing module  228  may transmit an alert that the enclosure  200  is vacant for cleaning and disinfecting. An attendant may then open the door  204 , the door  100 , if unlocked, or present appropriate ID to access the enclosure  200  for servicing, after which the locking module  108  may be reset manually or automatically for subsequent use. 
     In some embodiments a signal such as, for non limiting example, re-presentation of the same animal&#39;s microchip or the same credit card, other ID information, code or key, within a determined time period overrides the cleaning alert, allowing a User to remove the animal for a walk or play, and then reinsert the animal back into the same enclosure  200 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective line drawing depicting a partial end view of an embodiment of an assembly  300  of a plurality enclosures  200  each comprising a door  100 , an animal ID module  102 , a secure ID module  104 , a payment module  106 , a locking module  108 , an end  208 , a top  210 , a removable tray  214 , tray supports  234 , a tray slot  236 , soundproofing material  224  and a climate control unit  226 . The floor  216 , second end  202 , door  204 , and interior features as depicted in  FIG. 2  are obscured in this view but understood to be present in certain embodiments. The soundproofing material  224  may surround each enclosure  200 , or it may surround the assembly  300 . In areas where soundproofing is not necessary the soundproofing material  224  may be absent. The climate control unit  226  is sometimes present for each enclosure  200  and sometimes is sized and positioned to climate condition the assembly  300  of enclosures  200 . In areas, such as interior spaces where separate climate control is not necessary the climate control unit  226  may be absent. 
     The assembly  300  of enclosures  200  may be installed in or near a location such as an office complex, a shopping mall, a theater, a medical office, hospital, school or other venues in which employees or patrons need or desire a cost effective, safe, secure and comfortable temporary accommodation for a pet. Some, any, or all of the adjacent enterprises may choose to provide validations, analogous to parking validations, that the payment module  106  may be configured to accept. Venues sometimes provide free use of the system  500  to customers or clients. 
     In certain embodiments the assembly  300  of enclosures is colored or decorated, for example, to complement the colors, theme, style, or spirit of the venue. Such embodiments may enable the venue to encourage pet owners to make the animal part of the shopping or other experience and thus augment the attractiveness of the venue. 
     In some embodiments, for non-limiting example, assemblies  300  of enclosures  200  are installed for municipalities as adjuncts to a municipal parking system. In such embodiments payment may be linked to systems such as the municipality&#39;s parking payment system. Individual enclosures  200  and/or one or more assembly  300  of enclosures may be configured for portability and installed in conventions, meetings, carnivals, dog shows, and other permanent and temporary locations. The proximity to the locations of the User&#39;s work or activities could allow for convenience of drop off and pick up as well as periodic interaction with the pet such as walks or play time during lunch breaks etc. 
       FIG. 4  is a cutaway top view line drawing of an embodiment of a structured array  400  of enclosures  200  and assemblies of enclosures  300 . As depicted in this embodiment the structured array  400  comprises a media module  402  situated in an open space  404 , sound proofing material  224 , a climate control unit  226 , an attendant window  406 , an attendant door  408  with a locking module  412 , an audio/visual receiving and/or transmission module  410 , a roof  418 , an attendant station  420 , and a retail/display space  422 . The attendant door  408  sometimes comprises the attendant window  406 . In some embodiments the structured array  400  comprises a combination of enclosures  200  and assemblies  300  of enclosures arranged in any proportion or configuration. 
     The structured array  400  may comprise single enclosures  200 , assemblies of enclosures  300  and any combination of the two. The sound proofing material  224  may be arranged around the entire structured array  400 , around assemblies  300  of enclosures or around individual enclosures  200 . The climate control unit  226  may climate condition the entire structured array  400  or any combination of assemblies  300  of enclosures or single enclosures  200 . In mild climates or indoor or other locations not requiring climate control the climate control unit  226  may be absent. In areas not requiring sound proofing material  224  that feature may be absent. 
     The media broadcast module  402  may comprise one or a plurality of units and may be visible from all or any part of the structured array  400  of enclosures. In various embodiments the camera and microphone  410  comprises one or a plurality of units to allow viewing and sound of all of any part of the structured array  400  of enclosures. 
     In certain embodiments a User approaches the structured array  400  from the outside, and triggers release of the locking module  108 , opens the door  100 , inserts the animal, closes the door  100  and engages the locking module  108  as described for  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments door  204  faces inward. Door  204  may comprise discontinuous material such as a mesh or perforated solid material, allowing the animals to see into the open space and allowing the attendant to see and communicate with the animals. In various embodiments the attendant supplies water and any authorized treats from the outside and thus need not handle the animals. 
     In the depicted embodiment the structured array  400  of enclosures is installed in a parking lot. A sensing bar  414  is configured to alert an attendant to the approach of a vehicle and a vehicle bar  416  may be activated by the attendant from inside the structured array  400 . In the depicted embodiment a parking lot attendant may also serve as the enclosure attendant, optimizing the individual&#39;s time and providing a more comfortable and interesting environment than the typical small, monotonous, and often hot or chilly parking attendant box. 
     In various embodiments the structured array  400  of enclosures  200  may be installed in a shopping mall, an office complex, convenient to municipal parking, a restaurant, a theater, a hospital, a medical office, a university, an amusement park, at meetings, conventions, carnivals, dog shows, or in any area where patrons or employees would need or desire a cost effective, safe, secure and comfortable temporary accommodation for an animal. Municipalities and other venues may offer Users cost-free use of enclosures  200 , assemblies of enclosures  300 , or structured arrays  400  of enclosures  200  within a specific radius or transferrable use for a set period of time, analogously to public transportation fare free zones and transfer tickets. 
     Users of the various configurations might visit, walk, or play with the conveniently located animal during the course of a workday or other activities, benefitting the safety, comfort, and socialization of the pet and the health, enjoyment, and peace of mind of the User. The User may gain access to the pet for feeding, play, or removal as described for  FIG. 2 . 
     In some embodiments the structured array  400  is configured, colored, and decorated to reflect the coloring, spirit, and theme of the surrounding venue. The structured array  400  may be configured to offer retail space for pet supplies, boutique items and other merchandise and/or space for advertising. A structured array  400  may be independently provided or sponsored by a particular brand, store, or other enterprise. The combination of convenient, safe, and comfortable pet housing, an attractive ambiance, available services, and retail offerings may make the structured array  400  a destination for Users seeking services and supplies for their animals and social interaction with other pet owners. As such, the structured array  400  may become a significant draw for the surrounding venue. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram depicting an embodiment of a system  500  for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure. As depicted, the system  500  comprises an access module  508 , a communication module  510 , a verification module  512 , a registration module  514 , a service module  516 , a database  518 , an outside record repository  520 , a housing module  522 , a billing module  524 , an audio/visual module  526 , an audio/visual receiving device  528 , a climate control module  530 , a sensing and alert module  532 , a tracking module  534 , and an attendant  536 . As depicted the access module  508  comprises a door  100 , an animal ID module  102 , a secure ID module  104 , a payment module  106 , a locking and release module  108 . In certain embodiments the housing module  522  comprises at least one of an enclosure  200 , an assembly  300  of enclosures  200  and an array  400  of enclosures  200  or of assemblies  300  in any combination. The enclosure  200  sometimes comprises one of more of a climate control unit  226 , a sensing module  228 , an audio/visual module  230  and an audio/visual broadcast module  232 . 
     In certain embodiments the registration module  514  sends registration information through the communication module  510  to the database  518  for storage, retrieval, and tracking. The tracking module  534  may scan the database  518  to verify current vaccination. If, for example, the rabies vaccination has expired for a registered animal, the tracking module  534  might alert the communication module  510 , which would contact the appropriate outside record repository  520 , in this case the animal&#39;s veterinary office. The tracking module  534  could also instruct the locking module  108  to shut down access for that animal&#39;s microchip or other identification. The tracking module  534  may periodically query the outside record repository  520  and upon receiving notice of the updated vaccination could alert the database  518 . The tracking module  534  may then instruct the locking module to allow access for the animal&#39;s microchip or other identification. In some embodiments the tracking module  534  communicates with the locking module  108  through the communication module  510 . In this manner Users may have confidence that their pets are exposed only to healthy animals whose vaccinations are up to date. 
     The registration module  514  may request certain User information such as, without limitation, a payment method, secure ID information, and animal information such as, without limitation, microchip, health/vaccination and veterinary contact information. The verification module  512  may access the database  518  and/or outside sources through the communication module  510  and compare data to verify that the User identification information presented is consistent with stored or otherwise known User identification information. The verification module  512  sometimes verifies pet identification and records in a similar fashion and may also verify payment, service provider, service request and other information. The registration module  514  may link animal vaccination, health, or other information to a preferred form of the secure ID, including without limitation a credit card, a debit card, a PayPal account, a smartphone pay, a driver&#39;s license, a state ID card, and a special membership card issued by the system  500 . 
     The system  500  may make various registration options available to the User. For non-limiting example, the User may register for general availability-based use of an enclosure  200  in a housing module  522  at one or more locations in various cities, states, and nations. A User may also register for regular use of either of any available enclosure  200  in a housing module  522  at selected dates and times or for exclusive use of a specific enclosure  200  in a specific housing module  522 . In certain embodiments upgraded registration includes various member benefits and may have a specific title. In case of exclusive use the User may select a decoration  110 , including without limitation the name of the animal on door  100  and/or door  200 . The User sometimes receives or a custom plaque for insertion into the plaque holder  112  or can bring a suitably configured item of the User&#39;s choice. Such registration may allow the User to furnish the specific enclosure  200  with the pet&#39;s toys, bedding, blankets, food or water dishes, or favorite treats. In that instance, the User&#39;s animal may form a home-like or den-like attachment to the enclosure  200 —the animal&#39;s own condo in the city, so to speak. 
     In some embodiments the system  500  issues a specific membership card that the User may present a specific or any secure ID module  104 , payment module  106 , and locking release module  108  to trigger opening and/or locking of the door  100 , payment, and other services. In some embodiments expected frequent use would motivate the User to opt for the upgraded registration. 
     In various embodiments a User may also register for special services, which may be offered as part of upgraded registration. Service providers such as, without limitation, pet groomers, dog walkers, animal trainers, and veterinarians may apply to register and approved providers may be included in the database  518 . Thus User&#39;s may request, for non-liming example, periodic pet grooming from, perhaps, a mobile grooming unit, the services of a dog walker, a trainer, or an electronic veterinary visit. In such instances the service module  516  schedules a service. In some embodiments the User enters a request for a specific provider. Outside service providers may offer special arrangements or prices to Users of the System  500 , particularly since the close proximity of a number of animals to serve is convenient and time efficient for the service provider. The availability of outside services may add an additional dimension of enjoyment to Users and their pets, combining the advantages of pet housing with a pet spa. 
     In certain embodiments a User accesses the communication module  510  through an electronic or other device. The communication module  510  may provide any or all of inter-module communication and external bi-directional communication with the internet and service providers. In certain embodiments the communication module  510  comprises a state machine that may serve as the traffic manager over a set of modules to route process execution from the state of one module to other modules. In various embodiments the state machine comprises one of more of a VLSI circuit, a gate array, a logic chip, a transistor, a programmable hardware device such as a field programmable gate array, programmable array logic, and a programmable logic device or the like. The communications module  510  may utilize computer, telecommunications, cloud and digital security technologies. 
     In some embodiments any module herein engages in Inter-module communication and comprises at least one of wireless communication channels and hardwire connectivity to the internet with its own unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. In this context any module may be a Thing, uniquely addressed and controlled in the Internet of Things by the communications module  510  apparatus. 
     In certain embodiments communication consists of digital and/or audio/video commands coordinated and directed by the communications module  510 . The communication module  510  interfaces with the database  518  to access stored data in support of various registration, verification, service, billing, tracking, climate control, sensing and alert, and audio/visual functions. The communication module  510  sometimes comprises an application directed to a smartphone, tablet, or other device that enables the User and/or authorized others to register, reserve an enclosure  200 , request specialized services, monitor the animal and perform other functions remotely. 
     The communications module  510  sometimes controls a set of modules that may comprise one or more lockers and serves as the communicator for a locker to the external, non-local internet or cloud service providers. In this context service providers comprise at least one of a provider of pet-related activities such as, but not limited to, veterinary or grooming services, training services, computer cloud computer services, and ISPs (internet service providers). 
     The system  500  may publish a website or other remote display means which may be configured to allow registration, reservations and other functions and may display schedules, offers, pictures, audiovisual and video content, advertising and other content. In some embodiments the system  500  has a presence on social media. The communication module  510  in combination with at least the audio/visual module  526  may post promotions, pictures, videos, text, and other content to social media sites such as, without limitation, Facebook, Instagram, Pintrest, YouTube, and Twitter. 
     The attendant  536  may be an employee of the system  500  and may be full time or part time at a specific housing module  522  or may rotate between various locations. In some embodiments an employee of an associated building, store, mall, or other enterprise functions as the attendant  530 . Due to the automated features of the system  500  the attendant  536  need not consume time with paperwork. Furthermore, the electronic tracking and access management may eliminate human error and random exceptions. 
     In some embodiments the audio/visual module  526  collects and transmits audiovisual information to the User and/or authorized others through a designated audio/visual device  528  or other device. The audiovisual information is sometimes transmitted in real time, sometimes periodically, and sometimes on demand. In certain embodiments the audio/visual module  526  utilizes the internet. As a result of this feature Users may view, hear, monitor and communicate with their pets remotely, diminishing the pet&#39;s sense of isolation and adding to the User&#39;s peace of mind. 
     In various embodiments the climate control module  226  monitors temperature and other conditions within the housing module  522  and communicates with the climate control module  530  to maintain a safe and comfortable environment within the housing module  522 . In certain embodiments the sensing and alert module  532  monitors conditions within the housing module  522 , including without limitation odors and indications of animal distress and alerts the attendant  530  including through a specified electronic device. The attendant  530 , who in some embodiments may attend more than one housing module  522 , or do building maintenance, parking lot attendance, or other work, is then on notice to respond to the alarm. 
     When the User removes the animal the payment module  106  may alert the billing module  524  to trigger billing to the User&#39;s credit card, debit card, PayPal account, system membership card, smartphone pay, or other payment system. In some embodiments the billing module  524  calculates billing rates based on enclosure  200  size, length of stay, discounts or special offers, incentives for frequent release and return of the animal, and other factors. 
     In certain embodiments the system  500  comprises a retail/display space  422  in which pet supplies boutique items or other merchandise may be offered for sale or various items displayed. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic flow chart diagram depicting an embodiment of a method for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure. As depicted the method comprises the steps of: start  601 , provide  602  a secure and comfortable animal enclosure, provide  604  a system for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure, register  606  a User with the system for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure, sense  608  a User&#39;s identifying information, verify  610  the User&#39;s identifying information, sense  612  an animal&#39;s identifying information, verify  614  the animal&#39;s identification information, retrieve  616  the animal&#39;s health and/or vaccination information, link  618  the animal&#39;s health and/or vaccination information to the animal&#39;s identification information and/or the User&#39;s identification information, query  620  if the animal is properly registered, if YES release the locking module, if NO query  622  if there is a registration override, if NO exclude the animal, if YES, release  626  the locking module, admit  628  the animal, reengage  630  the locking module, sense  633  conditions, alert  634  the attendant, service  637  the enclosure, identify  635  a service request, sense/verify  636  service provider information, admit  639  the service provider, reengage  630 , the locking mechanism, transmit  632  audio/visual to the User, sense  640  the User&#39;s identification information, verify  642  the User&#39;s identification information, query  645  if the animal is readmitted, if YES reengage  630  the locking module, if NO bill  646  the User, clean  648  the used enclosure, and reset  650  the locking module and END  652 . 
     In certain embodiments a No to the registration query  620  may be triggered by, for example, a lapsed health record or expired vaccination and may also be triggered by non-registered User information. A YES to the query of a registration override may result when an animal enclosure may be accessed by cash, credit card, or other payment method without reference to specific information such as User identification, animal identification, animal health records and the like. In such a case a cautionary notice may be posted. 
     In some embodiments billing  646  is directly to a credit card, debit card, PayPal account, smartphone pay, membership card, or other payment method used for access, or could be billed to a different card, collected in cash, or billed to the User. Payment is sometimes by validation provided by a merchant, municipality or other entity. The cost for the animal&#39;s stay may be a fixed rate per hour, or may escalate after a given period in order to encourage Users to limit stays to a humane time period. In certain embodiments the rate may be reduced upon removal of an animal for a walk or play and reinsertion, to encourage Users to allow animals an opportunity to exercise and relieve themselves during the stay. 
     A certain maximum uninterrupted stay duration could be established, after which the rate may become progressively higher. The registration contract may specify consequences of failure to timely collect an animal, which might include delivery of the animal to the local Humane Society and an accompanying charge. Depending upon the nature of the animal and skill of the relevant attendant, emergency provision, including appropriate liability clauses, may be made allowing an attendant to assist an animal in the case of emergency or unavoidable User delay. Such provisions may be helpful to a User and avoid animal neglect or suffering. 
     In some embodiments of the method herein the step register  606  the User comprises a pet club membership conferring benefits such as enclosure reservations, special, rates, and specific services. In certain embodiments a User can request services such as grooming, training, or walking for the animal. Approved service providers may be registered and may offer special rates or other incentives. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.