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

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of PCT Application No. PCT/US14/57022 titled: “Pet Carrier,” having a International Filing Date of Sep. 23, 2014, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/880,998 filed Sep. 23, 2013. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to pet carriers, and more specifically to a pet carrier to be supported by a pet owner&#39;s shoulders. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Backpack style pet carriers have been described in the past. U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,606 to Pickett describes a pouch with a drawstring opening and shoulder straps. U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,281 to Williams et al. describes a backpack-style animal carrier being of fabric and rigid frame construction. 
     While such devices are capable of transporting a pet, a number of issues remain. When carried in a pouch a pet will assume an awkward, unnatural and possibly unhealthy position, or simply slump in accordance with the shape of the carrier and go to sleep. Dog owners appreciate that their pets enjoy actively participating in travel whether by being walked or riding in a vehicle. One iconic image that comes to mind is a dog sticking its head out of a vehicle window to feel the sun and wind on its face. Accordingly, it is felt that past pet carriers do not adequately address the needs and sensitivities of the pet when accompanying their owner in various activities. 
     It would be desirable to provide a pet carrier that encourages a pet to maintain a forward facing aspect so that it is able to see what its owner sees. 
     It would be further desirable to provide a pet carrier that encourages a pet to sit or stand in an upright sure-footed position while being transported. 
     It would be still further desirable to provide a pet carrier having a structure with shock absorbing properties. 
     It would be particularly desirable to provide an easy means for maintaining the pet carrier in a clean state. 
     It would be especially desirable to provide a lightweight pet carrier that can accommodate a range of pet sizes and that is collapsible into a generally flat, low profile package. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A general embodiment of the present invention includes a pet carrier with a pocket and pocket opening configured to receive and house a pet, two sides and a bottom. The pocket has a resilient panel lining the pocket bottom or sewn into the pocket bottom that tensions the sides when the carrier. 
     In various embodiments, the resilient panel may be removable for cleaning; e.g., the resilient panel may replaceably slide into a sleeve sewn to or removably attached to the bottom of the pet carrier. 
     In various embodiments, the resilient panel may be embedded inside a padded or un-padded sleeve that may be removable from the pet carrier. 
     In various embodiments, a sleeve surrounding the resilient panel may be removable and launderable. 
     In various embodiments, the pet carrier sides may have reversibly configurable sides that adapt the pet carrier pocket to house a range of pet sizes. 
     In various embodiments, the pet carrier sides may possess a zip fastener, that when un-zipped permits the sides to expand in order to accommodate a range of pet sizes. 
     In various embodiments, the pet carrier may employ a pad or wedge adapted to fit between a human transporter and the bottom of the pet carrier to dispose the pet carrier in a forward tilting positions. 
     In various embodiments, the pet carrier my employ a pad or wedge adapted to fit between a human transporter and the bottom of the pet carrier for comfort. 
     In various embodiments, the resilient panel may be a sheet of flexible plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene of 3/32 inch or less in thickness that may be curled or flattened for storage with the carrier. Other panel materials and thicknesses will suggest themselves to those having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure. Whatever the panel material, the panel has memory and a bias for a flat state. When worn, the panel is constrained by portions the pocket fabric but because of bias, strains toward a flat disposition which causes the pocket sides to tauten somewhat like a drumhead. The carrier may be rolled up and an elastic cord placed around the transverse axis of the pocket for storage. The panel provides a substantially firm and level surface on which the pet stands or sits upright rather than slumping down and conforming to a soft flexible bottom. 
     The following is a non-exhaustive list of features and advantages of the present invention: 
     1. The resilient panel being constrained by the length of the pocket and sides of the pet carrier, produces a curvature at the bottom of the pet carrier that functions as a spring where gravity acts to keep pressure on the pet against the panel which permits interactive pivoting of the pet&#39;s stance from side to side in response to transporter motion.
 
2. Due to the non-slumping platform, the pet now has a stable platform that permits the pet to position itself for balance.
 
3. The bottom shape of the pet carrier produced by the constrained resilient panel which is biased to a seek a planar disposition, constrained in its expansion by the body of the pet carrier, but relatively unconstrained when curling, acts like a spring where the weight of the pet maintains the pet carrier bottom firm against the transporter&#39;s back and provides more control for the pet to adjust its body when being transported, and importantly, avoids shocks and jolts to the pet.
 
4. The plastic backing curvature creates a spring like shape were the weight of the pet keeps pressure directed toward the transporter and acts to decrease the distance between the transporter and the pet&#39;s centers of gravity. This increases the shared inertia between rider and pet.
 
5. The firm platform for the pet promotes alertness and participation.
 
     While in the particular embodiments depicted herein, the pocket is generally teardrop in shape with the resilient panel running the length of the entire pocket in order to shield the owner&#39;s back, it should be understood that other shape variations will suggest themselves to those having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, structures such as inside or outside pockets; e.g., a pouch for holding a water bottle, or a zippered pocket for keys or a cellphone can be introduced to or incorporated with the sides without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     In a first aspect in accordance with the present invention, a pet carrier includes a resilient panel which maintains along its transverse axis, a level; i.e., firm and non-slumping, floor on which a carried pet is able to comfortably stand or sit in an upright position. 
     In a second aspect combinable with any other aspect, a pet carrier includes a sewn in flexible panel which has a planar bias and is constrained by surrounding fabric to assume a curved shape along a longitudinal axis of a pocket which is sized and shaped to surround a transported pet. 
     In a third aspect combinable with any other aspect, a pet carrier assumes a ready-to-use shape; e.g., by “springing” into a usable shape, due to a planar bias of a constrained resilient panel housed by the pocket of the pet carrier. 
     In a fourth aspect combinable with any other aspect, a pet carrier possesses an expandable pocket adapted to house a pet and accommodate a range of pet sizes. 
     In yet another aspect combinable with any other aspect, a pet carrier includes a removable liner for laundering purposes. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures wherein the scale depicted is approximate. Exemplary implementations, embodiments and examples that follow are non-exhaustive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear facing perspective view of a first side of one embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear facing perspective view of a second side of one embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a back elevation of an embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 - 4  of ( FIG. 3 ); 
         FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    are diagrammatic views of one embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5 c  and 5 d    illustrate various panel configurations for embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a panel configuration of one embodiment of a pet carrier with an upper portion divided into multiple panels; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pet carrier having a flap for bridging the opening of a pet carrier; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pet carrier according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevation of the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 8 ); 
         FIG. 10  is a back elevation of one embodiment having opening  126  bridged by pet retention members  150 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 10 ) in a typical use setting; 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevation of the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 10 ) in a typical use setting; 
         FIG. 13  diagrammatically shows mass shifting of an object (m) accompanied by a flexing of a resilient panel  130  of the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a wedge  170  that can be used with the present invention in order to adjust the transport angle according to user preference; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the pet carrier showing side expansion join  125  closed by a zip fastener; 
         FIG. 16 a    is top plan view of a replaceable pad; 
         FIG. 16 b    is a cross-section taken along lines  16   b - 16   b  of ( FIG. 16 a   ); 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 - 4  of ( FIG. 3 ) showing a removable resilient panel  130   a;    
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the carrier showing the borders between the left and right sides  124  and front  123 , with a zip fastener defining a side expansion join  125  along the borders. 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged detail view of the call out ( 18 ) in ( FIG. 18 ) showing side expansion join  125  with teeth of the zip fastener ( 125   a ,  125   b ) un-coupled, the sides expanded and transverse dimensions of the carrier pocket increased. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference Listing 
     
         
           100  carrier 
           120  pocket 
           122  bottom 
           123  pet carrier front 
           124  sides 
           124   a  side band 
           125  side expansion join 
           125   a ,  125   b  zip fastener sides 
           126  opening 
           130  panel 
           130   a  removable panel 
           140  shoulder strap 
           142  lower strap 
           143  strap buckle 
           150  pet retention member 
           153   a ,  153   b  retention member fasteners 
           170  wedge 
           172  pad 
           180  pet aperture 
       
    
     Definitions 
     In the following description, the term “carrier” refers to carriers worn on the back which are adapted to transport a pet such as a small or medium sized dog or cat. The term “longitudinal axis” when used herein, means the axis defined by line  4 ′- 4 ′ of ( FIG. 3 ). The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 through 18 , a generally teardrop shaped pet carrier  100  includes sewn construction with sides  124 , a front side  123 , a back facing side with a top opening  126 , a pocket  120  and bottom  122 . Adhered to, fastened to or sewn to the bottom is a resilient panel  130 , the bounds of which relative to front and back sides of the pet carrier, are indicated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  by a dashed line. The pet carrier has sides  124  that stretch and become taut when the resilient panel  130  is in a relaxed position; i.e., not folded or rolled for storage purposes because the resilient panel  130  has a planar bias and is constrained from assuming a planar shape by the bounds of the carrier pocket  120  bounded by the sides  124 , top opening  126  and bottom  122 . The resilient panel  130  may possess a fabric cover which is attachable to the inside bottom of the pocket by hook and loop fasteners or other non-permanent fastener. The resilient panel may slide into a sleeve formed in the carrier bottom. The resilient panel may be entirely removable, and itself possess a removable launderable cover which may be padded. Side bands  124   a  at the upper edges of sides  124  are preferably made of an elasticized fabric that constrain resilient panel  130  to a generally J-shaped or C-shaped profile when the resilient panel is attached to the bottom  122 , while still permitting the pocket to flex with the resilient panel when the pet is transported. An elastic cord, not shown, can be sewn into bands  124   a  corresponding to the top left and bottom left corners and the top right and bottom right corners of the panel to maintain a curved shape while permitting flexing. 
     The resilient panel  130  may be one piece or multiple adjoining sections. The panel may be bent or scored transversely. In any case, the lower portion of the panel provides a stable transversely level, and non-slumping floor on which a pet may stand or sit. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , and  FIGS. 7-14  a resilient panel  130  is depicted in a relaxed state wherein the panel has assumed a J-shape due to the constraining material of the carrier. Because panel  130  is flexible, the carrier can be stored by placing straps  140  into opening  126  and further bending or rolling along the bend shown at the bottom of the figure. In cases where the resilient panel is removable, the otherwise soft construction of the pet carrier permits collapse and easy storage, e.g., placement in a draw string bag. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , while pet carrier bottom  122  is unobstructed so as to provide a even surface against a transporter&#39;s back. It is possible that a pad, mat or roll can be placed between the pet carrier bottom and a transporter&#39;s back for cushioning purposes or to tilt/elevate the carrier (see  FIG. 14 ). 
       FIG. 3  shows top opening  126  of pet carrier  100  bounded by sides  124 , and bottom  122  which forms a main cavity or pocket  120  which can be any depth or width to accommodate various sizes of pets. While pet retention members  150  are depicted in the preferred embodiment as straps similar to shoulder straps  140 , a retention member can be for example, a flap with a slit or aperture that permits a pet to pass its head through. It should be also noted that aperture  180  bounded by straps or flap retention member is shaped and sized such that a pet may escape if needed, for example, in cases where the pet owner stumbles or falls from his or her bicycle. The pet carrier may be equipped with an attachment point (not shown) for a pet collar or leash. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 ′- 4 ′ of ( FIG. 3 ) that shows panel  130  disposed between an inside bottom surface and outer surface of the pet carrier, and side  124  that adjoins the upper and lower portions of the panel. A semi-rigid plastic panel sewn between the materials covering of the pet carrier can be a ballistic nylon, polyester webbing, Kevlar or another resilient and durable material.  FIG. 17  shows a cross-section of the body of the pet carrier also taken along lines  4 ′- 4 ′ of ( FIG. 3 ), depicting a removable resilient panel  130   a  attachable to the inside bottom the pet carrier. The inside bottom of the pet carrier can be adapted to receive a removable absorbent and launderable liner which may serve as a cover for the removable resilient panel, or be a separate element. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show respectively, pet carrier  100  mounted to the back of a standing transporter, and the carrier mounted to the back of a cyclist. In either case, the curve of bottom  122  provides a floor that encourages the pet to stand or sit in a forward facing position. In this way the pet can experience the sights along with its human transporter. 
       FIG. 5 a    in a diagrammatic view, shows a carrier in a un-collapsed state suitable for carrying a pet, and in  FIG. 5 b   , the carrier in the process of forced collapse in in the direction of the arrow, in preparation for storage. Transverse vertices of the panel may include living hinges, or the panel may be scored so that it assumes more readily a desired profile.  FIGS. 5 c  and 5 d    show other panel configurations that are collapsible.  FIG. 6  depicts a teardrop shaped carrier wherein upper portion of a resilient panel is divided into sections which are placed or sandwiched between the materials of the carrier. 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment having a retention member  150  in the form of a flap with an aperture or slit  180  to permit a pet&#39;s head to pass therethrough. Such a flap may be connected along any side of the carrier, and secured by fasteners such as hook and loop strips ( 153   a ,  153   b ), snaps or buttons at its free end. 
     Typically, the carrier is worn by the pet owner as shown in  FIG. 11  similar to a backpack when walking or riding (see  FIG. 12 ).  FIG. 10  shows pet retention straps  150  and pet aperture  180 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a typical forward mass shift of a carried body (m). The position of the panel  130  curve to frame (F) changes as the mass shifts, in this case, forward and down from the first to second frames. The tendency of the bottom of the panel to follow the pet&#39;s mass by flexing up and down as the pet&#39;s body moves up and down, maintains a stable and shock absorbing platform for the pet when subjected to the acceleration and deceleration of transport. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , an optional wedge  170  is depicted for placement between the forward facing surface of the carrier and a pet transporter&#39;s back to adjust the angle of the carrier for a particular mode of transport; e.g.; hiking, biking, boating, jogging and running among others, according to user preference and pet comfort. Preferably, the wedge is constructed of a closed cell foam, but can be produced by forming a three-sided channel of a flexible plastic. The wedge can be removably affixed to the bottom of the carrier by hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or other fastening means as would suggest itself to those having skill in the art and access to this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15, 16   a  and  16   b , the pet carrier may have expandable width pockets to accommodate a size range of pets. The carrier sides are expanded by means of zippered joins that when in a closed position retain an accordion fold of material between the zip fastener which corresponds to the borders between the sides and front of the carrier, and, which accordingly, permits the sides to expand when the zip fastener is un-coupled, therefore increasing the pocket width. While in the particular embodiment shown, the joins are reversibly sealable by a zip fastener, other suitable fasteners providing desired expansion and contraction of the pocket sides will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and having access to this disclosure. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  show respectively, a perspective view of the carrier showing the borders between the left and right sides  124  and front  123 , with a zip fastener defining a side expansion join  125  along the borders, and, an enlarged detail view of call out ( 19 ) in ( FIG. 18 ) showing side expansion join  125  with teeth of the zip fastener ( 125   a ,  125   b ) uncoupled, the sides expanded and transverse dimensions of the carrier pocket increased. Depending on the width of the fabric or other pliant material in the expansion join between the zip fastener sides ( 125   a ,  125   b ), the overall width increase of the pocket when both sides are expanded is typically between 1 and 4 inches. 
     Construction materials of the pet carrier can be any sufficiently lightweight fabric, synthetic material or leather. While in the preferred embodiment, the straps are adjusted by buckles, other strap adjustment means suggesting themselves to persons having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure can be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Shoulder straps and pet retention members may be attached the the carrier body at any suitable position and by any fastening method for adequate support and reinforcement as would be appreciated by those having skill in the art. While panel  130  is shown in the preferred embodiment as a rectangular panel that is curved by biasing caused by the surrounding material/fabric, other panel shapes such as rounded corner rectangles and ellipses are contemplated and can be used together or separately in either unitary form, conjoined, adjacent or abutting each other within the present invention. In any case, when the panel of is curved, it is the intent and design of the present invention that a substantially level foothold relative to a transverse axis be maintained for the carried pet so pet fatigue is minimized and slumping discouraged. 
     It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. Exemplary features and objects of the embodiments described herein can be combined or not combined with one another. Accordingly, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.