APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING AN ANIMAL WITH A SEATBELT |
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申请号 | US13359013 | 申请日 | 2012-01-26 | 公开(公告)号 | US20130092100A1 | 公开(公告)日 | 2013-04-18 |
申请人 | Robert L. Davis; | 发明人 | Robert L. Davis; | ||||
摘要 | This invention generally relates to an animal or pet restraint apparatus for supporting an animal in a vehicle. The animal restraint apparatus adapted to engage with a vehicle seatbelt assembly having a waist strap portion and a shoulder strap portion. The apparatus is comprised of a flat tubular body having a tubular passage configured for releasably receiving the seatbelt assembly and a means for releasably engaging the back panel portion of the flat tubular body to the lower chest portion of a pet, avoiding the neck area. The present invention and its embodiments provide a means for safely and comfortably transporting a pet in a vehicle. | ||||||
权利要求 | What is claimed herein is: |
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说明书全文 | This application claims priority to provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61,547,417 filed in the name of Robert L. Davis of Rochester, N.Y. on Oct. 14, 2011. This application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This invention generally relates to an apparatus for supporting an animal in a vehicle. In a more specific aspect, this invention relates primarily to an animal support or restraint apparatus adapted to a motor vehicle type seatbelt assembly having a waist strap portion and a shoulder strap portion. Animal restraint harnesses for the purpose of restraining pets in motor vehicles are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,562 (to Giroux), U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,749 B1 (to Dorsey), and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0066146 A1 (to Singh), all describe motor vehicle pet restraints having seatbelt type connectors integrated as part of the harness assembly itself. Such seatbelt type connectors are typically heavy, clumsy, expensive devices that add to the shortcomings of such harnesses when incorporated thereon. Additionally, the control points in such restraints are linked to the integrated seatbelt type connectors. In such harnessing configurations, the control points tend to excessively wander, resulting in a compromised means for restraining a pet. Other examples described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,630 (to Luce), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,203 (to Scott et al.) describe harness assemblies that engage a pet's sensitive neck area, and lack substantially stable, large area, pet engagement members to maximize the distribution of stresses to less sensitive, non-neck pet areas. U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,540 (to Davis) describes a single, neck engaging, panel member relying on a mere loop for securely engaging a seatbelt assembly. Accordingly, in view of the foregoing deficiencies, there exists a clear motivation in the animal harnessing arts for new and useful improvements. An animal restraint apparatus adapted to impermanently receive a seatbelt having a waist strap portion and a shoulder strap portion. The apparatus comprises a flat tubular body having a pliable front panel and a pliable back panel, wherein each panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a front surface and a back surface. The top edge of the pliable front panel is fastened to top edge of pliable back panel, and the bottom edge of the pliable front panel is fastened to the bottom edge of the pliable back panel. The flat tubular body tubular possesses a passage having a first tubular opening defined by the first side edge of the pliable front panel and the first side edge of the pliable back panel and a second tubular opening defined by the second side edge of the pliable front panel and the second side edge of the pliable back panel. The generally tubular passage is configured for releasably receiving a modern-day seatbelt assembly. Additionally, the flat tubular body incorporates a means for releasably engaging the back surface of the pliable back panel of the flat tubular body to the lower chest portion of a pet. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an animal harnessing restraint or support apparatus that is compatible with existing seatbelt systems found in most modern-day motor vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, and the like. The restraint apparatus in combination with the existing seatbelt system provides a removable means for providing support to the animal donning the restraint apparatus. It is another object of the present invention to provide an animal restraint apparatus or device that precludes contact with the sensitive neck area of an animal or pet. Instead, the apparatus directs supporting engagement to the lower chest or sternum portion of the pet. It is yet another object directed to particular embodiments of the present invention to provide an animal restraint apparatus that is mountable in more than one orientation onto the pet, and can be adapted to a variety of seat locations in the motor vehicle. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that is durable, washable, reliable, and portable. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be easily mounted and operated by a single user. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that is generally tubular including an inner passage having substantial surface area to frictionally engage the portion of the seatbelt residing therein. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that is mounted onto a pet, utilizing an interactive support system that is capable of dynamically adjusting itself to incessant pet movements. Such interactive support systems include the use of elastic belts or straps, belt retractors, and the like. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a relatively simple device that is economical from the viewpoint of the manufacturer and consumer, is susceptible to low manufacturing costs with regard to labor and materials, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices for the consuming public, thereby making it economically available to the buying public. Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of this specification. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the conception regarded as the present invention. The present invention provides a user with a simple, cost-effective apparatus for securing a pet to a variety of vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, boats, and the like. The primary focus of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that functionally utilizes and exploits the seatbelt systems typically found in modern-day motor vehicles designed for human use. The animal support apparatus is primarily configured to receive and utilize the motor vehicle's existing seatbelt assemblies intended for humans. Such a configuration yields a device of reduced complexity, cost, weight, over the prior art devices having seatbelt fastener integrated therein. The installation and removal of the device of the present invention is simple and does not require any tools, complex fasteners or attachments. The present invention functions particularly well with typical modern seatbelt systems that are adjustably-retracting. One such system that is commonly used in modern seatbelt systems incorporates the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) feature, which immobily locks the seatbelt only during times of vehicle sudden deceleration. When the animal support apparatus of the present invention is attached to such a seatbelt system, a pet utilizing the device is afforded several advantages. The pet enjoys additional comfort due to the generous range of movement during a typical driving experience where the seatbelt is operating in an unlocked, adjustably-retracting condition; and is equipped with the restraining power of the modern seatbelt's Emergency Locking Retractor during times of sudden deceleration, where the seatbelt immobily locks. Additionally, certain animal support embodiments of the present invention include interactive support systems that are capable of actively accommodating the engagement characteristics of the pet support device pertaining to engagement of the device to the pet. Such an interactive support system includes a self-adjusting pet mounting strap that adapts to the pet's ever changing spatial orientation, breathing characteristics, and the like. The ensuing detailed description section makes reference to the annexed drawings. An enhanced understanding of the present invention will become evident when consideration is given to the detailed description thereof and objects other than the aforementioned become apparent. The invention will be described by reference to the specification and the annexed drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein: The drawings are not to scale, in fact, some aspects have been emphasized for a better illustration and understanding of the written description. The apparatus for supporting an animal in a vehicle discussed throughout this disclosure shall have equivalent nomenclature, including the device, the supporting apparatus, the apparatus, the present invention, or the invention. Additionally, the term “exemplary” shall possess a single meaning throughout this disclosure; wherein the sole definition pertains to serving as an example, instance, or illustration. The term actively accommodating is understood to include and define a pet support/holding means that continuously provides an engagement pressure directed towards the pet while allowing for length adjustments of the of holding straps, belts, or the like. Such actively accommodating attributes can be achieved by mechanical retractors, elastic materials, and the like. To help facilitate the understanding of this disclosure and the location of figures or drawings corresponding to discussion addressed part numbers, a systematic parts/features numbering convention has been employed. The first digit in three digit part numbers refers to the figure number where the part was first introduced, or is best depicted. Likewise, in four digit part numbers, the first two digits refer to the figure number where the part was first introduced, or is best depicted. Although this disclosure may at times deviate from this convention, it is the intention of this numbering convention to enable expeditious comprehension of the disclosure. 100. exemplary pet mounting scenario 102. dog, pet, or animal 104. animal restraint apparatus 106. flat tubular body 108. back mounting strap (engages the back 204 portion of pet) 110. seatbelt assembly (affiliated with backseat 120) 112. latch plate (engages with latch portion of seatbelt system) 114. latch-portion of seatbelt system (lockingly accepts latch plate 112) 116. shoulder strap portion (of seatbelt assembly 110) 118. waist strap portion (of seatbelt assembly 110) 120. backseat (situated in an automobile type of motor vehicle) 200. dog, pet, or animal 202. lower chest portion 204. back 206. forelegs 208. hind legs 300. flat tubular body 302. first tubular opening (of flat tubular body) 304. second tubular opening (of flat tubular body) 306. top edge (of flat tubular body) 308. bottom edge (of flat tubular body) 400. tubular body assembly (exploded view) 402. pliable front panel 404. top edge (of pliable front panel 402) 406. bottom edge (of pliable front panel 402) 408. first side edge (of pliable front panel 402) 410. second side edge (of pliable front panel 402) 412. front surface (of pliable front panel 402) 414. back surface (of pliable front panel 402) 416. pliable back panel 418. top edge (of pliable back panel 416) 420. bottom edge (of pliable back panel 416) 422. first side edge (of pliable back panel 416) 424. second side edge (of pliable back panel 416) 426. front surface (of pliable back panel 416) 428. back surface (of pliable back panel 416) 500. animal restraint apparatus (with engaging seatbelt) 600. animal restraint apparatus (with flat tubular body fasteners) 602. first portion of fastener (for flat tubular body) 604. second portion of fastener (for flat tubular body) 700. animal restraint apparatus with hook and loop back strap assembly 706 702. flat tubular body 704. rigid ring (for accepting back strap assembly 706) 706. back mounting strap assembly with hook and loop fastener 708. first portion (hook and loop fastener)—affixed to distal portion of strap 710. second portion (hook and loop fastener)—affixed to proximate portion 800. animal restraint apparatus with a back strap assembly employing quick release connectors 802. flat tubular body 804. first portion of quick release connector 806. second portion of quick release connector 808. back strap assembly (including quick release connectors) 810. adjustment clip 900. animal restraint apparatus (with back strap assembly 906 employing strap retractor 908) 902. flat tubular body 904. strap locking means (buckle) 906. back strap assembly (employing strap retractor 908) 908. strap/belt retractor 910. strap/belt coil 1000. top view of animal restraint apparatus 900 (with sectional view of pet 102) With reference to the drawings of the present invention, several embodiments pertaining to the apparatus for supporting an animal with a seatbelt will be described. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. In this context, the apparatus for supporting an animal with a seatbelt or seatbelt assembly may be constructed from a variety of durable materials including materials derived from natural sources such as leather, cotton based textiles, and the like; as well as synthetic type materials—such as nylon, polyester; or any combination thereof. In preferred embodiments the device is constructed from washable, wear-resistant, type of materials or material combinations. It is understood that material considerations are largely dependent on a variety of factors, including: the desired properties or characteristics of the device dictated by pet attributes, the type of transport vehicle utilized, expected environmental conditions, device cost considerations, and the like. Seatbelt assembly 110 (as shown in Top edge 404 of pliable front panel 402 is integrated with or fastened to top edge 418 of pliable back panel 416, and bottom edge 406 of pliable front panel 402 is integrated with or fastened to bottom edge 420 of pliable back panel 416 thereby creating a tubular passage. The tubular passage is comprised of a first tubular opening 302 (shown in By way of example, but not limitation, pliable front panel 402 is substantially similar to pliable back panel 416 with regards to depicted surface area and geometry such that a passage or tunnel of sufficient depth is created to closely engage a seatbelt assembly 110 as shown in More specifically, depicted pliable front panel 402 possesses first side edge 408 and second side edge 410 that are both curvilinear. The curvilinear feature is presented by way of example, but not limitation. Advantages to curvilinear side edges include an aesthetically pleasing frontal design as well as facilitating the insertion of seatbelt assembly 110 as illustrated in Any combination of pliable front panel 402 and pliable back panel 416 can possess a composite or multilayer configuration. For example, pliable back panel 416 can be configured from a resilient padding material protected by a flexible outer covering. The resilient padding material can be selected from a variety of resilient, flexible foam type of material having sufficient thickness to serve as a shock absorber and facilitate handling. Exemplary resilient padding materials include: polyethylene foams, neoprene (polychloroprene) foams, rubber foams such as polyvinyl chloride nitrile butadiene, and the like. Such padding materials are available in a variety of thicknesses. A functional thickness range for use in pliable back panel 416 ranges from about ⅛ inches to about 2.0 inches, and a preferable thickness ranges from about ¼ inches to about ¾ inches. The flexible outer covering for protecting the resilient padding material can be selected from a variety of sheet type materials (e.g. fabrics, textiles, and the like). Exemplary materials include: leather, canvas, natural (e.g. cotton), polymeric (synthetic) textiles, or any combination thereof. Polymeric textiles are preferred due to their strength, washability, durability, among other desirable attributes. Said polymeric textiles include materials such as Nylon, Cordura, Polyester, the like, and combination blends thereof. As aforementioned, pliable front panel 402 can also be configured as composite having a multilayer anatomy. An exemplary configuration of a composite front panel 402 is comprised of a flexible overlayer covering a pliable stiffening material. The inner pliable stiffening material is configured to impart a predetermined amount of stiffness or structure to front panel 402, while concurrently permitting the panel to take on a bowed configuration, thereby providing a means for the panel to better conform to pet geometry, i.e. lower chest portion of a pet. The inner stiffening material can be configured from a variety of flexible sheet type materials such as ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), HDPE (High-density polyethylene), or the like. In order for the chosen inner stiffening material to simultaneously possess the proper balance between the support structure function (stiffness) and flexibility, a harmonization of determinant geometric sheet attributes and material properties is required. For example, both ABS and HDPE materials having an approximate thickness of 0.093 inches were tested as a front panel 402 stiffening material, both configurations resulted in front panels that were not pliable enough to provide the desired bowed configuration when engaging a pet. A front panel 402 stiffening material configured from HDPE having an approximate sheet thickness of 0.040 inches also proved too inflexible for the application. A successful embodiment was attained when using an inner stiffening material configured from ABS having the same approximate sheet thickness of 0.040 inches, wherein the preferred harmonization between supporting structure (stiffness) and flexibility was achieved. As those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which harmonization between material and structure attributes is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the present invention. A basic front panel 402 can be configured solely from an uncovered stiffening material, although a flexible outer covering that blankets the stiffening material yields a preferred front panel embodiment. The flexible outer covering can be selected from a variety of sheet type materials (e.g. fabrics, textiles, and the like). Exemplary materials include: leather, canvas, natural (e.g. cotton), polymeric (synthetic) textiles, or any combination thereof. Polymeric textiles are preferred due to their strength, washability, durability, among other desirable attributes. Said polymeric textiles include materials such as Nylon, Cordura, Polyester, the like, and combination blends thereof. The aforementioned fastening system comprises exemplary snap type mating fasteners 602 and 604, it is understood that the directed function can be accomplished by a variety of fastening systems. Fastening systems include, but not limited to: hook and loop, magnetic fasteners, buttons, and the like. More specifically, first portion 708 of the hook and loop fastening assembly is affixed to depicted distal portion of back mounting strap 706, and second portion 710 of hook and loop fastening assembly is affixed to the depicted proximate portion of strap assembly. Releasable fastening and strap length adjustment can be simultaneously accomplished when back mounting strap 706 assembly passes through rigid ring 704 and is folded back upon itself such that first portion 708 and second portion of hook and loop fastener are impermanently conjoined. An additional option for back strap assembly 706 includes a strap where at least a portion of the strap contains an elastic member to impart elastic properties. A back strap assembly 706 that includes elastic properties is able to provide a means for generating a substantially constant engagement pressure directed to the lower chest portion of the engaged pet. Such engagement pressure helps to maintain proper positioning of the device on the pet, especially when the pet is wiggling, twisting, or the like. An additional option for back strap assembly 808 includes a strap where at least a portion of the strap contains an elastic member to impart elastic properties. A back strap assembly 808 that includes elastic properties is able to provide a means for generating a substantially constant engagement pressure directed to the lower chest portion of the engaged pet. Such engagement pressure helps to maintain proper positioning of the device on the pet, especially when the pet is wiggling, twisting, or the like. It is understood that the back mounting strap 706 of Again referring to |