EP4727350A2 - Vehicle belt mount harness system for an animal - Google Patents

Abstract

A harness system for securing an animal in a vehicle comprises a belt mount harness system for preventing and/or restraining movement of an animal. The belt mount harness system can be connected to one or more vehicle belts via belt lock-off members. The lock-off members are configured to connect to the vehicle belts. For example, when the vehicle belts are in a locked in position, a first lock-off member can connect to a first vehicle belt and a second lock-off member can connect to a second vehicle belt. The first vehicle belt can be for a first vehicle seat and the second vehicle belt can be for a second vehicle seat. The belt mount harness system can include a tether bar extending between the first and second lock-off members. The tether bar can connect to a tether that is connectable to an animal.

Description

VEHICLE BELT MOUNT HARNESS SYSTEM FOR AN ANIMAL

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/508,543, filed June 16, 2023, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/585,255, filed on September 26, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/561,016, filed March 4, 2024, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates generally to a harness system for securing an animal. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a harness system for securing an animal in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many people regard their pets as family members or companions. As such, pet owners often travel with their pets via automobile to vacation destinations, trips to the veterinarian, or around town. Various products have been developed for enhancing the pet and pet owner’s travel experience such as products for protecting a vehicle’s seats from pets and/or providing a more comfortable pet support surface.

[0004] For example, pet platforms are available that typically include a base that rests on a vehicle seat and provides a flat pet support surface. Some pet platforms extend beyond the front edge of the seat and include one or more load legs that provide additional stability and support to the pet platform. Pet hammocks are also available and typically include a three- sided structure that is positioned within the vehicle to protect the vehicle seats. A rear panel is typically draped over the second row seatback while a front panel is supported by the front seats. A base panel extending between the front and rear panels provides a pet support surface. Another product is a cushion that is positioned in the legroom area of the second row of a vehicle and essentially expands the size of a horizontal portion of the seat. While these products serve to protect the vehicle from damage, they do not adequately address pet safety in the event of a sudden change in vehicle speed or direction.

[0005] Pet transport cages or pet vests are available that cooperate with safety belts of a vehicle to prevent a pet from roaming within and/or escaping from a vehicle. However, these devices can be overly restricting and generally do not adequately secure a pet in the case of a sudden change in vehicle speed or direction. Additionally, it can be difficult to load an animal into a cage in a vehicle and/or cumbersome for some animals to wear pet vests. An improperly restrained pet is more likely to be injured and to injure occupants of a vehicle during a crash.

SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a harness system for securing an animal in a vehicle comprises a belt mount harness system for preventing and/or restraining movement of an animal. The belt mount harness system can be connected to one or more vehicle belts via belt lock-off members. The lock-off members are configured to connect to the vehicle belts. For example, when the vehicle belts are in a locked in position, a first lock-off member can connect to a first vehicle belt and a second lock-off member can connect to a second vehicle belt. The first vehicle belt can be for a first vehicle seat and the second vehicle belt can be for a second vehicle seat. The belt mount harness system can include a tether bar extending between the first and second lock-off members. The tether bar can connect to a tether that is connectable to an animal.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a belt mount harness system comprises a first connector, a second connector, and a tether bar extending between the first connector and the second connector, the first connector and the second connector being configured to connect to a first vehicle belt and a second vehicle belt, respectively. [0008] A tether can be attached to the tether bar, the tether being configured to attach to an animal. The first connector can be configured to connect to a first shoulder belt, and the second connector can be configured to connect to a second shoulder belt. The first connector can be configured to connect to both the first shoulder belt and a first lap belt, and the second connector can be configured to connect to both the second shoulder belt and a second lap belt. The tether bar can define a slider track configured to support a tether slide for movement between the first and second connectors. The first and second connectors can include a connector base and a belt lock-off adapted to engage a respective vehicle belt. Each belt lock-off can include a clamp supported by the connector base and movable from an open position to a closed position. The clamp can include a securing mechanism for securing the clamp in the closed position. The securing mechanism can include at least one of a latch member or a thumbscrew. At least one of the clamp or the connector body can include a tension flange adapted to remove slack from a respective belt when the clamp is in the closed position. The tether bar can be extendable such that a distance between the first connector and the second connector is adjustable. The tether bar can include first and second telescoping bar sections. Each of the first and second telescoping bar sections can include rail flanges configured to cooperate with respective slots in a tether slide, the tether slide can be supported for sliding movement along the tether bar. The tether slide can be engaged with a single one of the first or second telescoping bar sections during a portion of its sliding movement.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect, a harness for an animal comprises a first panel, a forward strap anchored to the first panel, the forward strap having first and second forward strap portions connectable by a forward buckle, and a rearward strap anchored to the first panel, the rearward strap having first and second rearward strap portions connectable by a rearward buckle. At least one of the forward buckle or the rearward buckle is a magnetic buckle comprising a first attachment portion with a first latching element, a second attachment portion with a second latching element, cooperating magnetic components configured to cause the first and second attachment portions to come into contact, automatically causing the first and second latching elements to positively engage.

[0010] The first and second attachment portions can be configured to be manually disengaged. The second attachment portion can include first and second release members for manually disengaging the first and second latching elements. The first attachment portion can include a post having a latching surface, and the second attachment portion can include a latch member for releasably engaging the latching surface of the post. The latch member can include first and second latch arms biased towards each other. The first and second latch arms can include a chamfer such that as the post of the first attachment portion is advanced axially against the latch arms, the latch arms are urged away from each other. The first attachment portion can be rotatable relative to the second attachment portion when the first and second latching elements are positively engaged.

[0011 ] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not constrained to limitations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary belt mount harness system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 1. [0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 1 with an optional bed/protective layer.

[0015] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connector of the belt mount harness system of

FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6 in a closed position.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6 in an open position.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 1 adjusted to a first width.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 1 adjusted to a second width.

[0022] FIG. 11 is an enlarged portion of a tether bar of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken through the tether bar and tether slide at a first position.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken through the tether bar and tether slide at a second position.

[0025] FIG. 14 is an enlarged portion of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 1 with the tether slide in a first position.

[0026] FIG. 15 is an enlarged portion of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 1 with the tether slide in a second position.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another exemplary belt mount harness system in accordance with the present disclosure. [0028] FIG. 17 is perspective view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 16 with an optional bed/protective layer.

[0029] FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 16.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 16.

[0031 ] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of a connector of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 16.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 20 in a closed position.

[0033] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 20 in an open position.

[0034] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 16 adjusted to a first width.

[0035] FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 16 adjusted to a second width.

[0036] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken through a tether bar and tether slider of the belt mount harness system of FIG. 16.

[0037] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another exemplary belt mount harness secured to an animal in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a buckle of the harness of FIG. 26 prior to coupling.

[0039] FIG. 28 is a side view of the buckle of FIG. 27 in a coupled state.

[0040] FIG. 29 a rear view of the harness of FIG. 26.

[0041] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the buckle.

[0042] FIG. 31 is another perspective view of the buckle.

[0043] FIG. 32 is a plan view of the harness.

[0044] FIG. 33 is aa side view of the buckle prior to coupling.

[0045] FIG. 34 is a side view of the buckle after coupling. [0046] FIG. 35 is a top view of the buckle.

[0047] FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the buckle.

[0048] FIG. 37 is an exploded view of a first side of the buckle.

[0049] FIG. 38 is an exploded view of a second side of the buckle.

[0050] FIG. 39 is an overhead view of an attachment portion of the buckle with a housing portion thereof removed.

[0051] FIG. 40 is a perspective exploded view of the buckle.

[0052] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a tether with an attachment portion prior to coupling to the harness.

[0053] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the tether coupled to the harness.

[0054] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the harness secured to an animal and the animal secured in a pet containment device.

[0055] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a harness used in connection with a tether bar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a pet containment device including a tether and an animal secured in the pet containment device with a tether secured to the harness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In FIGs. 1 and 2, an exemplary belt mount harness system in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 10. The belt mount harness system 10 is configured to be secured to respective seat belts 12 of a vehicle seat 14. The belt mount harness system 10 includes first and second connectors 16 and an adjustable width tether bar 18 extending therebetween. The adjustable width tether bar 18 includes first and second telescoping bar sections 20a and 20b capable of adjusting a spacing between the first and second connectors 16 to allow the belt mount harness system 10 to be used with seats of various widths. The connectors 16 are configured to rest on the seat 14 and securely engage the seat belts 12. A tether 22 is connected between the tether bar 18 and an animal 24. In some embodiments, the tether 22 can be adjusted vertically along the first and second connectors to accommodate different size animals.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the belt mount harness system 10 can include a bed or protective layer 26 for the animal to sit or lie on. In some embodiments, the bed or protective layer can include a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic and/or one or more layers of foam, fabric or other materials. In other embodiments, the bed or protective layer 26 can include one or more layers of fabric, plastic, and/or foam, for example. It will be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure can be used in connection with a wide variety of bed or protective layers 26 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] With additional reference to FIGs. 4-8, the connectors 16 each include a belt lock- off 32 for engaging a portion of a seat belt 14. In some embodiments, the belt lock-offs 32 can be configured to engage a shoulder belt portion 36 of a seat belt 14, a lap belt portion 40 of a seat belt 14, or both the shoulder belt portion 36 and the lap belt portion 40 as shown.

[0059] Each connector 16 can include a connector base 42 to which a respective telescoping bar section 20a/20b is secured. Each belt lock-off 32 can include a clamp 44 pivotally connected to the connector base 42 for movement between an unlocked position and a locked position, and a securing mechanism 46 for securing the clamp 44 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp 44 is supported on a pivot 48 at a first end and includes a latch member 52 at a second end. The latch member 52 is configured to engage a latch bar 56 of the connector base 42 when the clamp 44 is in the locked position to secure the clamp 44 in the closed position. Various securing mechanisms 46 can be used for securing the clamp 44 in the locked position without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The clamp 44 includes teeth 60 for securely gripping the seat belt 14. [0060] When the clamp 44 is in the open position, portions of the shoulder belt portion 36 and the lap belt portion 40 can be routed between the connector base 42 and the clamp 44. The clamp 44 can then be moved to the closed position and the latch member 52 engaged to secure the connector 16 to the seat belt 14. The connector base 42 includes a tension flange 64 that creates at least one fold in the seat belt 14 to reduce slack in the seat belt 14 when the clamp 44 is in the closed position. Other tension structures on the connector base 42 and/or clamp 44 can be provided to achieve a tightening effect upon securing the clamp 44 in the closed position. Typically, such tensioning structures force the belt into a circuitous path the take up slack in the belt.

[0061] Turning to FIGs. 9-10, the telescoping bar sections 20a and 20b are illustrated in two configurations, a narrow configuration shown in FIG. 9 and a wide configuration shown in FIG. 10. With additional reference to FIGs. 11-15, telescoping bar section 20b is shown telescopically received in telescoping bar section 20a. Typically, the telescoping bar sections 20a and 20b can be adjusted telescopically to position the connectors 16 at a width for use in any passenger vehicle ranging from, for example, a sub-compact vehicle to an SUV or full-size truck. It will be appreciated that the telescoping bar sections 20a and 20b can be infinitely adjustable between a maximum and minimum width.

[0062] Each telescoping bar section 20a and 20b includes a rail portion adapted to be engaged by a tether slide 68. In this regard, telescoping bar section 20a includes rail flanges 70a and 70b and telescoping bar section 20b includes rail flanges 72a and 72b. The rail flanges 70a/70b and 72a/72b are configured to be received in slots 76 of the tether slide 68. The tether slide 68 is configured to slide laterally along the bar sections 20a and 20b to allow an animal to move side-to-side in the vehicle seat. When the tether slide 68 is in an overlapped portion of the telescoping bar sections 20a and 20b, the tether slide 68 is engaged with the rail flanges 70a/70b and 72a/72b of both telescoping bar sections 20a and 20b. When the tether slide 68 is at a laterally outer position, the tether slide 68 may be engaged with only one or the other of the sets of rail flanges 70a/70b and 72a/72b of the telescoping bar sections 20a and 20b. In some embodiments, the tether slide 68 may be adjustably positioned horizontally along the bar sections 20a and 20b. In certain embodiments, the tether slide 68 is freely movable horizontally along the bar sections 20a and 20b to allow a pet some freedom of movement while retained in the vehicle seat.

[0063] Turning to FIGs. 16-19, and initially to FIGs. 16 and 17, another exemplary belt mount harness system in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 110. The belt mount harness system 110 is configured to be secured to respective seat belts 112 of a vehicle seat 114. The belt mount harness system 110 includes first and second connectors 116 and an adjustable width tether bar 118 extending therebetween. The adjustable width tether bar 118 includes first and second telescoping bar sections 120a and 120b capable of adjusting a spacing between the first and second connectors 116 to allow the belt mount harness assembly 110 to be used with seats of various widths. In this embodiment, belt mount harness assembly 110 is functionally similar to the belt mount harness system 10, but the connectors 116 are configured to be suspended by the seat belts 112 and the belt lock-offs 132 are different. FIG. 17 illustrates the belt mount harness system 110 with an optional bed/protective layer 126.

[0064] With additional reference to FIGs. 20-25, the connectors 116 each include a belt lock-off 132 for engaging a portion of a seat belt 112. In this embodiment, the belt lock-offs 132 are configured to engage a shoulder belt portion 136 of a seat belt 112, as shown.

[0065] Each connector 116 includes a connector base 142 to which a respective telescoping bar section 120a/120b is secured. Each belt lock-off 132 includes a clamp 144 pivotally connected to the connector base 142 for movement between an unlocked position and a locked position, and a securing mechanism 146 for securing the clamp 144 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp 144 is supported on a pivot or hinge 148 at a first end. In the illustrated example shown in FIGs. 20-22, the securing mechanism 146 includes a thumbscrew 154 configured to be threaded into a bore 156 of the connector base 142 to secure the clamp 144 in the locked position. However, one of skill in the art would recognize that other securing mechanisms could be utilized without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0066] When the clamp 144 is in the open position, portions of the shoulder belt portion 136 can be routed between the connector base 142 and the clamp 144. The clamp 144 can then be moved to the closed position and the thumbscrew 154 tightened to secure the connector 116 to the seat belt 112. The connector base 142 includes tension slots 164 that cooperate with tension flanges 166 of the clamp 144 to create respective U-shape folds in the seat belt 112 when the clamp 144 is in the closed position to remove slack from the seat belt 112. It should be appreciated that the thumbscrew 154 can provide a mechanical advantage during tightening to help force the seat belt 112 into the tension slots 164 resulting in a tighter installation.

[0067] In FIGs. 22-25, the telescoping bar sections 120a and 120b are illustrated in two configurations, a narrow configuration shown in FIG. 22 and a wide configuration shown in FIG. 23. Typically, the telescoping bar sections 120a and 120b can be adjusted telescopically to position the connectors 116 at a width for use in any passenger vehicle ranging from, for example, a sub-compact vehicle to an SUV or full-size truck.

[0068] Each telescoping bar section 120a and 120b includes a rail portion adapted to be engaged by a tether slide 168. In this regard, telescoping bar section 120a includes rail flanges 170a and 170b and telescoping bar section 120b includes rail flanges 172a and 172b.

The rail flanges 170a/170b and 172a/172b are configured to be received in slots 176 of the tether slide 168. The tether slide 168 is configured to slide laterally along the bar sections 120a and 120b to allow an animal to move side-to-side in the vehicle seat. When the tether slide 168 is in an overlapped portion of the telescoping bar sections 120a and 120b, the tether slide 168 is engaged with the rail flanges 170a/170b and 172a/172b of both telescoping bar sections 120a and 120b. When the tether slide 168 is at a laterally outer position, the tether slide 168 may be engaged with only one or the other of the sets of rail flanges 170a/170b and 172a/172b of the telescoping bar sections 120a and 120b.

[0069] The belt mount harness assembly 110 is elevated above the seating surface of the seat 114. This leaves the intersection of the seating surface and seatback of the seat 114, a common place for an animal to sit or lay, free of obstructions.

[0070] Turning to FIGs. 26-45, a pet harness 200 in accordance with the present disclosure for use in connection with any of the tether assemblies of the present disclosure includes magnetic buckles for ease of dressing the harness to a pet. As will be described below, the harness also has a magnetic attachment for a leash, and a tether attachment for use with various other pet carriers, tether bars, etc. that include a tether.

[0071 ] In various embodiments, a harness includes of a webbing support system and a plurality of padded portions designed to fit pets. The webbing support system is able to be adjusted to fit a range of pets. At least one portion of the webbing support system is designed to attach to another portion of the webbing support system to facilitate attaching the harness to the pet. In one embodiment, a first attachment portion consists of a round post containing a magnet and a latching surface (e.g., a first latching element). A second attachment portion contains an opening to accept the post of the first attachment portion and a magnet that is oriented to attract the magnet in the first attachment portion. Furthermore, the opening of the second attachment portion contains a spring loaded latching system (e.g., second latching element) that engages the latching surface on the round post of the first attachment portion. This method of latching allows the first and second attachment portions to rotate relative to each other while maintaining a secure closure of the harness on the pet, which allows the harness to move freely with the pet while the pet is moving. The latching surface of the second attachment portion contains a manual release button to disengage the latch to remove the harness from the pet.

[0072] With reference to FIGs. 26-32, the example pet harness for use with a tether assembly in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated and identified by reference numeral 200. The harness 200 includes straps S or webbing having strap portions SP that can be releasably secured around the pet’s neck and abdomen with magnetic buckles 204. The magnetic buckles include first and second attachment portions 208 and 212 having cooperating ferromagnetic components for attracting the first and second attachment portions 208 and 212 together. The first and second attachment portions 208 and 212 are configured to releasably attach to each other to secure the straps about the animal and/or to secure a leach or tether thereto. The pet harness 200 includes web support system 214, a lower padded portion 216 including first and second attachment portions 208 and 212 and an upper padded portion 220 includes first and second attachment portions 208 and 212. A further first attachment portion 208 is provided at an upper portion of the lower padded portion 216 for connection to a second attachment portion associated with a leash or tether, as described further below.

[0073] The first attachment portion 208 includes a body 316 having a round post 320 supporting a magnetic component, such as a magnet in the area of M 1 , and a latching surface 324. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic component is overmolded and not visible. The second attachment portion 212 includes a body 326 having an opening 328 for receiving the post 320 of the first attachment portion 208 and a second magnetic element, such as a magnet, in the region of M2. The second magnetic element in the illustrated embodiment is overmolded and not visible. The first and second attachment portions 208 and 212 are configured to latch together when the magnetic elements are brought into close proximity. When latched together, the first and second attachment portions 208 and 212 are restricted from separation, but still allow parts to pivot freely (about the illustrated axis Al) for optimal fit and movement of harness 200.

[0074] The first attachment portion 208 that is configured to cooperate with a second attachment portion 212 of a leash or tether can be secured to a flexible member 328 of the harness 200. The leash or tether 330 can extend and move at different angles due to selfadjustment features including rotation about the post of the first attachment portion 208 (axis Al) and pivoting about proximal end of flexible member 328 about axis A2.

[0075] FIGs. 33-40 illustrate the components of the first and second attachment portions 208 and 212. The second attachment portion 212 includes a flexible latch 332 supported in a latch housing 334. The latch housing 334 is coupled to a buckle housing 335 and together the components define the body 326 of the second attachment portion 212. The latch housing 3334 and the buckle housing 335 can be joined with fasteners, or via a press-fit arrangement and/or snap fit features. The flexible latch 332 has latch arms 336a and 336b that are biased towards each other and adapted to engage the latching surface 324 of the post 320 of the first attachment portion 208. Chamfers 340 on the flexible latch 332 ease latching of the first and second attachment portions 208 and 212. In this regard, when the post 320 of the first attachment portion 208 is inserted into the second attachment portion 212, the chamfers 340 of the latch arms 336a and 336b tend to separate the latch arms 336a and 336b against the biasing force as the post 320 is advanced axially into the opening 328 until the latch arms 336a and 336b can engage the latching surface 324 of the post 320. The latch housing 334 of the second attachment portion 212 supports first and second latch release members 344 and 348. When the latch release members 344 and 348 are squeezed together in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 39, the latch release members 344 and 348 urge the latch arms 336a and 336b away from each other such that the post 320 can be axially withdrawn from the second attachment portion 212 thereby decoupling the first and second attachment portions 208 and 212. Release member 344 is configured to release latch arm 336b and release member 348 is configured to release latch arm 336a.

[0076] In use, it will be appreciated that the first attachment portion 208 can be brought into close proximity with the second attachment portion 212 such that the magnetic attraction between the respective components automatically draws the post 320 into position and engages the latch arms 336 with the latching surface 324. Thus, the magnetic buckles 204 of the present disclosure can generally be operated with a single hand of a user, leaving the other hand free to control or position the pet, for example.

[0077] By way of example, FIGs. 41-43 illustrate single-hand coupling of a first attachment portion 208 with a second attachment portion 212 of a tether 360 of a pet containment device 364.

[0078] FIG. 44 illustrates the harness 200 in use in connection a tether bar assembly 374, which may be secured to the vehicle ISOFIX or LATCH anchor points of a second row seat of a vehicle. The tether bar assembly 374 is shown installed in an interior of a vehicle on a second row bench seat for restraining a pet. The tether bar assembly 374 is secured to the vehicle lower LATCH anchors by a plurality of ISOFIX connectors (latch members). In the illustrated example, the tether bar assembly 374 may be used in conjunction with a pet hammock 376, although this is not required. The pet hammock generally includes three panels - a base panel supported on the horizontal surface of the second row seat, a rear panel covering a backrest of the second row seat, and a front panel extending from the base panel and secured to the front row seats. The pet hammock has openings for the latch members to access the vehicle lower LATCH anchors. It will be appreciated that the tether bar assembly 374 can be installed in other locations (e.g., a third row seat, cargo area, etc.) by securing the latch members to LATCH components or other anchor points. [0079] The example tether bar assembly of FIG. 44 includes a plurality of latch subassemblies, such as and without limitation, two latch subassemblies. Each latch subassembly in this embodiment includes a pair of latch members supported on a crossbar. A tether bar extends between and is secured to the crossbars of each of the latch subassemblies by a respective clamping bracket. The spacing between the latch members of each latch subassembly is fixed in this example and corresponds to a standard lower LATCH anchor spacing. However, the spacing between the latch subassemblies is adjustable via the clamping brackets. Accordingly, the spacing of the latch subassemblies can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of vehicles. Further, in some embodiments, the crossbars can be rotated relative to the clamping brackets to achieve a desired orientation of the latching members and/or the latch members can be pivotally secured to the crossbars.

[0080] FIG. 45 illustrates another pet containment device 380 which includes an adjustable tether 384 that can be used with the harness 200 of the present disclosure.

[0081 ] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A belt mount harness system, comprising: a first connector; second connector; and a tether bar extending between the first connector and the second connector, the first connector and the second connector being configured to connect to a first vehicle belt and a second vehicle belt, respectively.

2. The belt mount harness system of claim 1, further comprising a tether attached to the tether bar, the tether being configured to attach to an animal.

3. The belt mount harness system of claim 2, further comprising a harness for an animal attached to the tether.

4. The belt mount harness system of claim 3, wherein the harness system includes at least one buckle, wherein the buckle includes a magnetic buckle comprising: a first attachment portion with a first latching element fixed to the harness, a second attachment portion with a second latching element fixed to the tether, cooperating magnetic components configured to cause the first and second attachment portions to come into contact, automatically causing the first and second latching elements to positively engage thereby securing the tether to the harness.

5. The belt mount harness system of claim 4, wherein the first and second attachment portions are configured to be manually disengaged.

6. The belt mount harness system of claim 5, wherein the second attachment portion includes first and second release members for manually disengaging the first and second latching elements.

7. The belt mount harness system of claim 4, wherein the harness further includes: a first panel; a forward strap anchored to the first panel, the forward strap having first and second forward strap portions connectable by a forward buckle; and a rearward strap anchored to the first panel, the rearward strap having first and second rearward strap portions connectable by a rearward buckle.

8. The belt mount harness system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the forward buckle or the rearward buckle includes a magnetic buckle comprising: a first attachment portion with a first latching element, a second attachment portion with a second latching element, cooperating magnetic components configured to cause the first and second attachment portions to come into contact, automatically causing the first and second latching elements to positively engage.

9. The belt mount harness system of claim 1, wherein the first connector is configured to connect to a first shoulder belt, and the second connector is configured to connect to a second shoulder belt.

10. The belt mount harness system of claim 9, wherein the first connector is configured to connect to both the first shoulder belt and a first lap belt, and wherein the second connector is configured to connect to both the second shoulder belt and a second lap belt.

11. The belt mount harness system of claim 1 , wherein the tether bar defines a slider track configured to support a tether slide for movement between the first and second connectors.

12. The belt mount harness system of claim 1, wherein the first and second connectors include a connector base and a belt lock-off adapted to engage a respective vehicle belt.

13. The belt mount harness system of claim 12, wherein each belt lock-off includes a clamp supported by the connector base and movable from an open position to a closed position.

14. The belt mount harness system of claim 13, wherein the clamp includes a securing mechanism for securing the clamp in the closed position.

15. The belt mount harness system of claim 14, wherein the securing mechanism includes at least one of a latch member or a thumbscrew.

16. The belt mount harness system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the clamp or the connector base includes a tension flange adapted to remove slack from a respective belt when the clamp is in the closed position.

17. The belt mount harness system of claim 1, wherein the tether bar is extendable such that a distance between the first connector and the second connector is adjustable.

18. The belt mount harness system of claim 17, wherein the tether bar includes first and second telescoping bar sections.

19. The belt mount harness system of claim 18, wherein each of the first and second telescoping bar sections include rail flanges configured to cooperate with respective slots in a tether slide, whereby the tether slide is supported for sliding movement along the tether bar.

20. The belt mount harness system of claim 19, wherein the tether slide is engaged with a single one of the first or second telescoping bar section during a portion of its sliding movement.

21. A harness for an animal comprising: a first panel; a forward strap anchored to the first panel, the forward strap having first and second forward strap portions connectable by a forward buckle; and a rearward strap anchored to the first panel, the rearward strap having first and second rearward strap portions connectable by a rearward buckle, wherein at least one of the forward buckle or the rearward buckle is a magnetic buckle comprising: a first attachment portion with a first latching element, a second attachment portion with a second latching element, and cooperating magnetic components configured to cause the first and second attachment portions to come into contact, automatically causing the first and second latching elements to positively engage.

22. The harness of claim 21, wherein the first and second attachment portions are configured to be manually disengaged.

23. The harness of claim 22, wherein the second attachment portion includes first and second release members for manually disengaging the first and second latching elements.

24. The harness of claim 23, wherein the first attachment portion includes a post having a latching surface, and the second attachment portion includes a latch member for releasably engaging the latching surface of the post.

25. The harness of claim 24, wherein the latch member includes first and second latch arms biased towards each other.

26. The harness of claim 25, wherein the first and second latch arms include a chamfer such that as the post of the first attachment portion is advanced axially against the latch arms, the latch arms are urged away from each other.

27. The harness of claim 21, wherein the first attachment portion is rotatable relative to the second attachment portion when the first and second latching elements are positively engaged.