Patent Publication Number: US-2016242392-A1

Title: Pet transporter

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/102,964, filed Jan. 13, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to devices for assisting and transporting pets. Additional embodiments include methods of making and using such devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some domestic pets, such as dogs, have difficulty walking. For example a pet may have difficulty walking due to surgery, injury, fatigue, disease, arthritis, or old age. Such animals are often unable walk or exercise unless they are assisted. Existing devices designed to assist disabled animals to walk may provide little, if any, ability for the owner to guide and control the animal, or may not encourage or allow the pet to engage in significant exercise. Other devices that allow the pet owner to exert more guidance and control over the animal may have poor ergonomic design with respect to the pet owner. Such limitations may discourage use by both the pet owner and the animal. Lack of exercise may prevent effective healing or may exacerbate the health problems of the animal. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments, pet transporters include an elongated primary member having a proximal end and a distal end and a handle configured to be gripped by an animal handler. The handle is disposed at the proximal end of the primary member. At least one wheel is rotatably attached to the distal end of the primary member. A support harness is suspended from the primary member intermediate the proximal end and the distal end, the support harness configured to orient an animal beneath the primary member and in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the primary member, such that the animal&#39;s feet contact ground during use. 
     In some embodiments, pet transporters include a primary member extending between a carriage configured to move along a ground surface and a handle configured to be gripped by an animal handler. The primary member includes an arcuate portion extending upward and forward from the carriage to an uppermost location on the primary member, a generally vertical portion extending downward from the uppermost location on the primary member to a lower end of the generally vertical portion, and a generally horizontal portion extending forward from the lower end of the generally vertical portion to the handle. An animal support device is suspended from the arcuate portion of the primary member. 
     In some embodiments, pet transporters include a primary member extending between a carriage and a handle and a support harness suspended from the primary member at a location intermediate the carriage and the handle. The primary member and the support harness are configured such that an upward force applied to the handle results in an upward force at the support harness greater than one times the upward force applied to the handle as the primary member pivots at the carriage. 
     In some embodiments, methods of manufacturing a pet transporter include rotatably attaching at least one wheel at a distal end of a primary member comprising a handle at an opposite, proximal end, the handle being configured to be gripped by an animal handler, and coupling a support device to a portion of the primary member intermediate the proximal end and the distal end, the support device configured to orient an animal to a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to and underneath the primary member, such that the animal&#39;s feet contact ground during use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a pet transporter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of a carriage member of a pet transporter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of a carriage member of a pet transporter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of a carriage member of a pet transporter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a pet transporter according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular material, apparatus, system, or method, but are merely idealized representations, which are employed to describe example embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a pet transporter  100  of the present disclosure. The pet transporter  100  may include a primary member  102  having a proximal end  104 , which is proximate an animal handler  109  during use, and a distal end  106 , which is distant from the animal handler  109  during use. The proximal end  104  may include a handle  108  configured to be comfortably held in the hand of the animal handler  109 . The distal end  106  of the primary member  102  may be attached to a carriage portion  110  including at least one component that enables movement over ground, such as one or more rear wheels  112 . A support device  114  may be affixed to the primary member  102  and may be configured to support (i.e., bear at least a portion of the weight of) an animal such as a dog  118  such that the animal is oriented beneath and longitudinally parallel with a length of the primary member  102 . In some embodiments, a support strut  120  including one or more front wheels  113  may be attached to the primary member  102  at the proximal end  104  of the primary member  102 , such as proximate the handle  108 . The one or more front wheels  113  may be rotatable about a generally vertical axis to facilitate turning of the pet transporter  100 . 
     At least a portion of the primary member  102  may extend in a generally arcuate fashion from the distal end  106  to the proximal end  104 . For example, the primary member  102  may include one or more arcuate portions located between the distal end  106  and the proximal end  104 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the primary member  102  may include an arcuate portion  116  extending upward and longitudinally (i.e., along a length of the primary member  102  from the distal end  106  to the proximal end  104 ) forward from the carriage member  110 . The arcuate portion  116  may extend upward a distance sufficient to provide clearance for an animal, such as a dog  118 , to move its body and head about while standing or walking, and may extend longitudinally a distance sufficient to accommodate leg and body movement associated with the animal&#39;s natural stride. The arcuate portion  116  may include a substantially constant radius of curvature, or the radius of curvature of the arcuate portion  116  may vary along the length of the arcuate portion  116  between the distal end  106  and the proximal end  104 . For example, the radius of curvature of the arcuate portion  116  may have a first value proximate the distal end  106  and may increase gradually or stepwise to a second, greater value near the proximal end  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the arcuate portion  116  may terminate at a handle connection portion  122  of the primary member  102 . The handle connection portion  122  may extend downward from a topmost point  124  of the arcuate portion  116  a distance  126  that places the handle  108  at a height comfortable for use by the animal handler  109 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the handle connection portion  122  may be generally vertical. In other embodiments, the handle connection portion  122  may extend at an upward or downward angle, or extend generally horizontally between the topmost point  124  of the arcuate portion  116  and the handle  108 . The primary member  102  may be provided in different sizes or, as discussed in further detail below in connection with  FIG. 5 , portions of the primary member  102  may be adjustable to accommodate animals of different size and animal handlers of different heights. 
     The primary member  102  may be a single, unitary member or a member including more than one component coupled together. The primary member  102  may be made from, for example, a metal alloy, a polymer, or a composite material (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber composite). The primary member  102  may be formed with a cross-sectional shape such as, for example, a circle, a square, a rectangle, an oval, an I-beam, or other shapes. The shape and size of the cross-section of the primary member  102  may be chosen to provide a desired level of elastic deformation. For example, the primary member  102  may have a size, shape, and material that provides a high level of rigidity. Alternatively, the primary member  102  may be designed to have vibration-dampening characteristics, or to allow relatively large elastic deformations for a shock-absorbing effect. Additionally, the primary member  102  may include features such as a water bottle holder or a storage area for animal care items or the animal handler&#39;s personal items. 
     The support device  114  may be configured to provide support to (i.e., bear at least a portion of the weight of) an animal, such as the dog  118 , while allowing the animal&#39;s legs to extend normally and contact a ground surface. For example, the support device  114  may include a sling or harness  128  made from a flexible material, such as rubber or neoprene, or a woven textile, such as cotton, nylon, or polyester. The support device  114  may be configured to support the animal by surrounding and supporting the animal&#39;s torso and/or abdomen. In some embodiments, the harness  128  may include openings through which the animal&#39;s front and/or rear legs may pass. The harness  128  of the animal support device  114  may be configured to distribute the animal&#39;s weight evenly over a relatively large area, thus providing for the animal&#39;s comfort. 
     The harness  128  may be suspended from the primary member  102  by one or more members such as a flexible strap  130 . The harness  128  may be configured to orient the animal generally longitudinally parallel to the length of the primary member  102  and beneath the primary member  102 . The harness  128  may be detachably connected to the primary member  102  so that the animal can be quickly and easily removed from the pet transporter  100  with or without removing the animal from the harness  128 . For example, the straps  130  may be connected to the primary member  102  by one or more hook and loop fasteners, plastic or metal buckles, or similar devices. Similarly, the harness  128  may include snaps, buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, or other devices to enable the harness to be positioned and secured around the animal. 
     In some embodiments, the material of the harness  128  may be made to include ventilation openings, or may be woven as a mesh or loose weave to provide comfort to the animal in hot weather. In some embodiments, the material of the harness  128  may treated with a fire retardant, or may be made from a fire-resistant material. In other embodiments, such as those intended to be used near bodies of water, the harness  128  may include a flotation device or aid. In yet other embodiments, the harness  128  may be made from or include insulating material for cold weather use. 
     For animals incapable of walking, or when the animal handler  109  desires the animal to rest, the harness  128  may be replaced by a rigid platform or housing suspended from the primary member  102 . The animal may then be placed onto or into the platform or housing and transported by the animal handler  109 . 
     In some embodiments, the pet transporter  100  may include a support strut  120  depending from the proximal end  104  of the primary member  102 . The support strut  120  may include one or more rotatable front wheels  113  attached thereto. Additionally, the one or more front wheels  113  may be rotatable about a generally vertical axis to facilitate turning the pet transporter without requiring the animal handler to lift the support strut  120  and associated front wheels  113  off the ground. In some embodiments, the front wheels  113  on the support strut  120  and/or the back wheels  112  may include a brake or lock to allow the animal handler to slow down or stop the pet transporter  100 . The height of the support strut  120  may be adjustable. For example, the support strut  120  may be affixed to the primary member  102  with a pivot, as shown in  FIG. 1 , so that the support strut  120  may be pivoted to position the primary member  102  at a different height. In addition, a pivoting support strut  120  may be configured for pivoting away from the ground to use the pet transporter  100  without the support strut  120 . Alternatively, the support strut  120  may be removably affixed to the primary member  102 , or may include a telescoping joint for height adjustment, as discussed in greater detail in connection with  FIG. 5  below. 
     The primary member  102  may form a lever device, with a fulcrum located at the axis of rotation of the rear wheels  112 , the load applied by the harness  128  suspended from an intermediate location on the primary member  102 , and the force applied by the animal handler  109  at the handle  108 . A mechanical advantage may be provided to the animal handler, i.e., the animal handler  109  may lift at least a portion of the weight of the animal by applying a lifting force at the handle  108  that is less than the weight of the animal. Alternatively, in embodiments including a support strut  120  the animal handler  109  may lift at least a portion of the weight of the animal by pressing down on the handle and using the axis of rotation of the front wheels  113  as a fulcrum. The mechanical advantage provided to the animal handler may be greater than 1:1, such as, for example, 2:1, 3:1, or more. The mechanical advantage may be varied by changing the location between the fulcrum (e.g., the carriage portion  110 , the support strut  120 ) and the handle  108  at which the harness  128  is suspended. The mechanical advantage increases as the harness  128  is positioned closer to the fulcrum. A higher mechanical advantage may allow a child or small adult to lead a relatively large or heavy animal with ease. 
     The animal handler  109  may vary the portion of the animal&#39;s weight supported by the harness  128  by varying a force applied to the handle  108 . For example, if the animal is capable of walking normally but tires easily, the animal handler  109  may initially provide little force on the handle  108 , allowing the harness strap  130  to slacken and the animal to walk normally. As the animal tires and requires more assistance, the animal handler  109  may increase force on the handle  108 , thus allowing the harness  128  to support at least a portion of the animal&#39;s weight. In some cases, such as where the animal is incapable of walking normally, or is capable of walking but because of excitement or distraction becomes uncontrollable, the animal handler  109  may apply a force sufficient to lift the animal&#39;s legs completely off the ground, thereby supporting the full weight of the animal by the harness  128 . In embodiments of the pet transporter  100  including a support strut  120 , the support strut may be adjustable to allow the animal handler to choose the portion of the animal&#39;s weight supported by the harness  128 . Thus, the support strut  120  may be adjusted to bear the portion of the animal&#39;s weight supported by the harness  128 , and the animal handler may simply lead the animal by directing the pet transporter  100  by the handle  108  without applying a force sufficient to lift at least a portion of the animal&#39;s weight. 
     The carriage portion  110  of the pet transporter  100  ( FIG. 1 ) may be configured to provide lateral stability to the pet transporter  100  and to facilitate movement along a ground surface. For example, referring now to  FIG. 2 , a carriage portion  200  may include an axle member  202  connected to a distal end  106  of a primary member  102 . The primary member  102  may be configured to attach to the axle member  202  at a center of the axle member  202 . The axle member  202  may extend laterally outward on either side of the primary member  102 , and may include at least one rear wheel  112  at each of first and second lateral ends  204  and  206 . Each of the rear wheels  112  may be rotatably connected to the axle member  202  with bearings such as plain, roller, or ball bearings. In some embodiments, each rear wheel  112  may include, for example, a solid or pneumatic rubber tire. The size, shape, and tread pattern of the tires may be chosen based on the terrain over which the pet transporter  100  is used. For example, relatively small, solid rubber tires may be appropriate for use on paved surfaces such as sidewalks, roads, and paved recreation trails. Relatively larger pneumatic tires may be more appropriate for rough or irregular surfaces such as dirt or gravel trails. In some embodiments, the carriage portion  200  may include skis or skates in place of wheels to facilitate cold-weather use atop snow and/or ice. 
     The axle member  202  may have a width  208  that may be fixed or adjustable. For example, the axle member  202  may include one or more telescoping joints, as described below in connection with  FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, each rear wheel  112  may be provided with a brake to slow down or stop movement of the pet transporter  100  ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the brake may be operated by a control device located at the handle  108  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In some embodiments, the carriage portion may include a member with a laterally central portion coupled to the primary member  102  and lateral ends configured to couple to an axle member. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , a carriage portion  300  may include a generally U-shaped member  308 . The U-shaped member  308  may include a laterally central portion  314  coupled to the primary member  102 . The U-shaped member  308  may also include lateral ends  310  and  312  coupled to lateral ends  304  and  306  of an axle member  302 . 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a carriage portion  400  may include a generally V-shaped member  402  configured to support stub axles  404  extending in cantilever fashion from lateral ends  406  and  408  of the generally V-shaped member  400 . 
     Thus, the carriage portion  110 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  may include a member of any shape that provides a laterally central portion to affix the primary member  102  and lateral ends to support the axle member  202 ,  302  or, alternatively, to support stub axles  404 . 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, the carriage portion  110 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  may include a suspension system, such as a spring and damper suspension, to reduce the vibration and shock felt by the animal and the animal handler  109  ( FIG. 1 ) as the pet transporter  100  ( FIG. 1 ) travels along rough or irregular ground. In other embodiments, a suspension system may include elastomeric components that function as a spring and/or damper. 
     In some embodiments, the primary member  102  may include both rectilinear segments and arcuate segments as it extends forward and generally upward from the distal end  106  to the proximal end  104  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , a pet transporter  500  may include a primary member  502  that includes a generally vertical segment  504  extending upward from the carriage portion  110 , a generally horizontal segment  506  extending longitudinally from the generally vertical segment  504  to a head portion  508 , and an additional horizontal segment  510  extending forward from the head portion  508  to a handle  108 . The head portion  508  may be configured to provide space for an animal, such as a dog  118  ( FIG. 1 ), to move its head about while standing or walking. For example, the head portion  508  may be configured substantially as a semicircle or a semi-ellipse, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Alternatively, the head portion  508  may be configured as a portion of a square, rectangle, or any other shape that provides space for an animal. The respective dimensions of the vertical segment  504  and the horizontal segments  506  and  510  may be chosen to provide an animal with sufficient room to walk or run, and to place the handle  108  at a height comfortable for the animal handler  109  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In some embodiments, the primary member  502  and support strut  520  may be made adjustable to accommodate animals of different size and animal handlers  109  ( FIG. 1 ) of different heights. For example, the primary member  502  may include multiple components connected at one or more telescoping joints  512 , with corresponding locking collars  514  disposed at each of the one or more telescoping joints  512 . The locking collars  514  may be loosened by, for example, loosening a set screw or threaded ring, to enable the telescoping joint to be adjusted to the desired position. The locking collars  514  may then be retightened to fix the position of the telescoping joints  512 . In other embodiments, the telescoping joints  512  may be fixed at various positions using other mechanisms, such as using one or more spring buttons and corresponding holes through the primary member  502 . Thus, the height and/or length of the pet transporter  100  may be adjusted based on a range of animal sizes, animal types, and animal handler heights. Additionally, the components of the pet transporter  500  may be disassembled at the telescoping joints  512  or at other locations to enable the pet transporter  500  to be easily stored or moved when not in use. 
     While the examples herein have referred to an animal such as a dog, it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that such a device may be useful for transporting, rehabilitating, or assisting many different types of animals by altering or adjusting the dimensions of the device. For example, the pet transporter may be configured to transport animals such as, for example only and without limitation, dogs, cats, rodents, small livestock, zoo animals, or any other animal capable of walking. 
     While certain illustrative embodiments have been described in connection with the figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to those embodiments explicitly shown and described herein. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the embodiments described herein may be made to produce embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, such as those hereinafter claimed, including legal equivalents. In addition, features from one disclosed embodiment may be combined with features of another disclosed embodiment while still being within the scope of this disclosure, as contemplated by the inventor.