EP4739104A1

EP4739104A1 - Collapsible platform in vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP4739104A1
Application number: EP24836622.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Clyde S. Harmes; Patrick J. G. Bowers; Curtis M. Hartenstine; Joshua Ferguson
Original assignee: Jani International Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Jani International Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2023-07-05
Filing date: 2024-07-05
Publication date: 2026-05-13
Also published as: CN121443142A; TW202510725A; WO2025010410A1

Abstract

A pet platform for use in a vehicle. The pet platform is mountable in a vehicle using the vehicle's LATCH Restraint System, ISOFIX anchors, or other suitable vehicle anchor point(s). The pet platform includes a base and a front barrier extending upwardly from the base. The base is configured to rest at least partially on a seating surface of the vehicle such that the front barrier, the base and a surface of a seatback of the vehicle define a containment region in which the pet can be contained, or at least impeded from moving fore and aft. The front barrier of the pet platform according to the present disclosure is configured to collapse against the base for storage, yet is robust enough to resist the inertial forces of a pet having a weight of, for example 50lbs-100lbs, under a range of deceleration conditions that may arise during vehicle operation.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE PLATFORM IN VEHICLE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/525,049, filed July 5, 2023, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a platform for use in a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a platform having a support surface for 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 protecting a vehicle’s seats from pets and/or providing a more comfortable pet support surface. 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 rigid 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 the horizontal portion of the seat. While these products serve to protect the vehicle from damage, they do not address pet safety in the event of a sudden change in vehicle speed or direction. [0004] 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 are 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

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to a pet platform for use in a vehicle. The pet platform is mountable in a vehicle using the vehicle’s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) Restraint System, ISOFIX anchors, or other suitable vehicle anchor point(s). The pet platform includes a base and a front barrier extending upwardly from the base. The base is configured to rest at least partially on a seating surface of the vehicle such that the front barrier, the base and a surface of a seatback of the vehicle define a containment region in which the pet can be contained, or at least impeded from moving fore and aft. The front barrier of the pet platform according to the present disclosure is configured to collapse against the base for storage, yet is robust enough to resist the inertial forces of a pet having a weight of, for example 501bs- 1 OOlbs, under a range of deceleration conditions that may arise during vehicle operation. [0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a pet platform for a vehicle comprises a base, a first barrier extending from the base, and a plurality of rigid latch members supported by the base. The plurality of rigid latch members are selectively attachable to an anchor point of the vehicle to secure the pet platform and the first barrier is pivotably movable between a use position extending away from the base and a storage position proximate to the base. [0007] The pet platform can include at least one tether secured to the barrier, the at least one tether can be selectively attachable to an anchor point of the vehicle to secure the pet platform. The anchor point can be an isofix anchor point, and the rigid latch members can be isofix latch members. A hinge can be provided between the first barrier and the base. At least one of the plurality of rigid latch members can be movable relative to the base to change a distance between an adjacent rigid latch member. The pet platform can include a second barrier extending from the base. The first barrier can extend from a front portion of the base and the second barrier can extend from a rear portion of the base. The first and second barriers can be pivotally attached to the base for movement between a use position and a storage position. The plurality of rigid latch members can be supported on a rail, and the rail can extend along a majority of a length of the base. The plurality of rigid latch members can be pivotally secured to the base for movement between a use and a storage position. The first barrier can be convex relative to the base. The first barrier can include a barrier frame and webbing secured to the barrier frame. The plurality of rigid latch members can include at least four rigid latch members. The pet platform can include at least one H-frame secured to the base, and at least two of the plurality of rigid latch members can be supported on the H-fram. The H-frame can be movable relative to the base to adjust a position of the at least two rigid latch members.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect, a pet platform system comprises a first pet platform having a base, a first barrier extending from the base, and a plurality of rigid latch members supported by the base, wherein the plurality of rigid latch members are selectively attachable to an anchor point of the vehicle to secure the pet platform, and a second platform having a base, and a first barrier extending from the base, wherein the first and second platforms are selectively securable to each other.

[0009] The first and second pet platforms can include a frame, and the system can further include at least one connector for securing together the frames of the first and second pet platforms. The at least one connector can be selectively securable to at least one of the frames of the first and second pet platforms. The at least one connector can be pivotable with respect to at least one of the frames of the first and second pet platforms. At one of the first or second pet platforms can include a base panel. The base panel can be movable between a first position providing a pet support surface and a second position vertically delimiting a space between the base and the first barrier of the at least one of the first or second pet platforms. [0010] Additional embodiments are described below and in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary pet platform in a vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is a side view of the pet platform of Fig. 1.

[0014] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the pet platform of Fig. 1.

[0015] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the pet platform of Fig. 1.

[0016] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of another exemplary pet platform in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the pet platform of Fig. 5.

[0018] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary pet platform in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the pet platform of Fig. 7.

[0020] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary H-frame in accordance with the present disclosure. [0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a latch member of the H-frame of Fig 9.

[0022] Figure 11 is a top perspective view of another exemplary pet platform in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12 is an enlarged top perspective view of the pet platform of Fig. 11.

[0024] Figure 13 is a top perspective view of the pet platform of Fig. 11 in a collapsed state.

[0025] Figure 14 is an enlarged portion of Fig. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "front," "rear," "upper" and "lower" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and/or directions relative to a vehicle when installed on a vehicle seat in the manner disclosed. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from the parts referenced in the drawings. A reference to a list of items that are cited as "at least one of a, b, or c" (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof. This terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0027] The present disclosure sets forth various aspects of a pet platform for use in a vehicle. The pet platform is mountable in a vehicle using the vehicle’s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) Restraint System, ISOFIX anchors, or other suitable vehicle anchor point(s). The pet platform includes a base and a front barrier extending upwardly from the base. The base is configured to rest at least partially on a seating surface of the vehicle such that the front barrier, the base and a surface of a seatback of the vehicle define a containment region in which the pet can be contained, or at least impeded from moving fore and aft within the vehicle. The front barrier of the pet platform according to the present disclosure is configured to collapse against the base for storage, yet is robust enough to resist at least some of the inertial forces of a pet having a weight of, for example 151bs- 1 OOlbs, under a range of deceleration conditions that may arise during vehicle operation. Certain embodiments are configured to hold a pet weighing 50-100 lbs.

[0028] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, an example pet platform in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 10. The pet platform 10 is shown installed in an interior of a vehicle on a second row bench seat 14. The pet platform 10 is secured to the vehicle lower LATCH anchors 16 by a plurality of latch members 18, and to the vehicle upper LATCH tether anchor points 20 via tethers 22. It will be appreciated that the pet platform 10 can be installed in other locations (e.g., a third row seat, cargo area, etc.) by securing the latch members 18 and/or tethers 22 to other LATCH components or other anchor points. The latch members 18 may be mounted on flexible straps or may be incorporated with a rigid structure providing a fixed position relative to the platform 10. Examples of such rigid latch structures are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 17/669,838, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety and for all purposes.

[0029] With additional reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the pet platform 10 includes a base 30 and a front barrier 34 extending from a front portion of the base 30. The base 30 is generally rectangular and sized to correspond to a typical length and width of a vehicle bench seat. Accordingly, different size bases can be provided to match the typical size of seats in various classes of vehicles. An upper surface 38 of the base 30 defines a support surface for a pet. An upwardly extending lip 42 extends about a perimeter of the support surface 38.

[0030] The plurality of latch members 18 extend from the base 30 and are adapted to engage lower anchor points 16 of a vehicle’s LATCH system. In a typical LATCH system of a second row seat, one or more anchors 16 are associated with one or more seating positions (e.g., left outboard position, right outboard position, and/or middle position). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, four latch members 18 are provided on the base 30 for connecting to the respective anchors 16 of outboard seating positions. As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments the position of the latch members 18 can be adjusted laterally relative to the base 30 to allow the pet platform 10 to be installed in a variety of configurations and to fit in a variety vehicles.

[0031] The front barrier 34 in the illustrated example includes a front barrier frame 50 coupled to the base 30 at a front portion thereof, and a matrix of webbing 54 secured to the frame 50 and/or base 30 supporting a barrier panel 58. The barrier panel 58 can be fabric, plastic or any other suitable material. The frame 50 is generally an inverted u-shape and includes upwardly extending side support portions 62 and a cross support 66. The frame 50 can be of a one-piece unitary construction, or it can be comprised of multiple segments connected together. The side support portions 62 can be removably attached to the base 30 such that the front barrier 34 can be removed and oriented flat against the base 30 when not in use. Alternatively, the side support portions 62 can be hingedly attached to the base 30 such that the front barrier 34 can folded flat against the base 30 when not in use.

[0032] The side support portions 62 in the illustrated embodiment are arcuate (e.g., bowed outwardly towards the front). Accordingly, the front barrier 34 has a generally concave shape relative to the base. The concave shape maximizes a containment region 70 defined between the base 30, front barrier 34 and a seatback 74 of the vehicle seat 14. In addition, the concave shape tends to cradle the pet in the event of rapid deceleration of the vehicle.

[0033] The webbing 54 may include horizontal webs 78 and/or vertical webs 82. Upper portions of the vertical webs 82 form loops 86 to which the tethers 22 are attached. As noted above, the tethers 22 are configured to be secured to upper tether anchor points 20 of the LATCH system, or other anchor points of the vehicle. When installed to the vehicle seat 14, the base 30, the tethers 22 and latch members 46 form a nearly 360 degree load path around the containment region 70. For example, in some embodiments the load path can be enclosed around a vehicle seat back. One or more of the webs 78/82 may be formed of a relatively high- strength material relative to the remainder of the front barrier 34; in embodiments the webs 78/82 may be formed of Nylon straps load-rated to 500 lbs., 750 lbs., or more.

[0034] Turning to Figs. 5 and 6, another example pet platform is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 110. The pet platform 110 includes a base 130 and a front barrier 134 extending from a front portion of the base 130. The base 130 is generally rectangular and sized to correspond to a typical length and width of a vehicle bench seat. Accordingly, different size bases can be provided to match the typical size of seats in various classes of vehicles. An upper surface 138 of the base 130 defines a support surface for a pet. [0035] The front barrier 134 in the illustrated example includes a front barrier frame 150 coupled to the base 130 at a front portion thereof. Like the front barrier 34 shown in Figs. 1-4, the front barrier 134 includes a matrix of webbing secured to the frame 150 and/or base 130 supporting a barrier panel. However, the webbing and barrier panel has been omitted from Figs. 5 and 6 so that other aspects of the pet support 110 are visible. The frame 150 is generally an inverted u-shape and includes upwardly extending side support portions 154 and a cross support 158. The frame 150 can be of a one-piece unitary construction, or it can be comprised of multiple segments connected together. The side support portions 154 are pivotally attached to the base 130 such that the front barrier 134 can be folded flat against the base 130 when not in use.

[0036] The pet platform 110 includes a rear barrier 162. The rear barrier 162 includes a rear barrier frame 166 that is pivotally secured to the base 130 via hinges 168. The rear barrier frame 166 supports a rear barrier panel 170. The hinges 168 allow the rear barrier 162 to be folded flat against the base 130 for storage. The rear barrier 162 protects the vehicle seat from damage and/or soiling by the pet. [0037] A latch rail 172 extends from a rear side of the base 130 and supports a plurality of latch members 174 adapted to engage lower anchor points 16 of a vehicle’s LATCH system. In a typical LATCH system of a second row seat, two anchors are associated with each outboard seating position. Accordingly, four latch members 174 are supported on the latch rail 172 for connecting to the respective anchors. Each latch member 174 is slidable along the latch rail 172 for alignment with a respective LATCH anchor. In some embodiments, two adjacent latch members can be coupled together with a fixed distance therebetween (e.g., a standard spacing of LATCH anchors of a vehicle), and movable along the latch rail 172 as a pair. Accordingly, the pet platform 110 can be configured to be installed in a wide variety of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs, for example.

[0038] In Figs. 7 and 8, another example pet platform is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 210. The pet platform 210 in this embodiment is modular and comprised of three sections I, II and III connected together. In some embodiments, the pet platform 210 can include more than three sections. While the pet platform is illustrated with all three sections I, II, and III connected together, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible. For example, the pet platform can be configured with only end sections I and III, omitting center section II. In another configuration, sections I and II can be used and section III can be omitted.

[0039] Each of sections I, II and III includes a base 230 and a front barrier 234 extending from a front portion of the base 230. An upper surface 238 of the base 230 defines a support surface for a pet. The front barrier 234 in the illustrated example includes first and second front barrier supports 240 pivotally connected to the base 230 for movement between an upright position (as shown in Figs. 7 and 8), and a collapsed position. The upper surface may include recesses 239 that receive the barrier supports 240 in the collapsed position, such that in the collapsed position the front barrier 234 is nested within the base 230, providing a more compact envelope for storage or transport. A barrier panel 244 is secured between each support 240.

[0040] The base 230 supports a plurality of latch members 256 adapted to engage lower anchor points of a vehicle’s LATCH system. In a typical LATCH system of a second row seat, two anchors are associated with each outboard seating position. Accordingly, four latch members 256 are provided on the base 230 for connecting to the respective anchors.

[0041] With additional reference to Figures 9 and 10, the latch members 256 are supported by an H- frame 260. The H-frame 260 includes first and second tubes 264 supported by the base 230. The tubes 264 are connected together by a crossbar 268. A latch member 256 is secured to an end of each of the tubes 260. In the illustrated example, the latch members 256 are pivotally attached to the tubes 260 such that they can be rotated between a deployed position (shown) and a stowed position. In embodiments, a release mechanism (not shown) may be actuatable to release the latch members from their stowed position, examples of such a release actuator are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 17/669,838, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety and for all purposes. The H-frame 260 is slidable relative to the body to adjust haw far the latched extend from the body.

[0042] Referring now to Figures 11-14, another exemplary pet platform is illustrated and identified generally by reference numeral 310. The pet platform 310 is modular and includes two sections I and II connected together. The sections I and II are sized in a 60-40 split. It will be appreciated that the sections I and II can be used together (as shown) or disconnected and used individually. When used together, a plurality of connectors 314 (see Figs. 12 and 14) are used to secure the sections I and II together.

[0043] The sections I and II each include a base 330 and collapsible front and rear barriers 334 and 338. The base 330 includes a frame 342 and a base panel 346 pivotally secured to the frame 334 for movement between a first, flat generally horizontal orientation providing a pet support surface and a second, generally vertical orientation (shown). In the vertical orientation, the base panel 342 of each section I and II serves as a divider to partition or delimit the pet platform 310 into multiple compartments. This can be useful, for example, when hauling tools, groceries, or other items when the pet carrier 310 is not being used to transport a pet

[0044] The connectors 314 are adapted to selectively attach (e.g., snap onto) adjacent portions of the frames 342 of each section I and II. Accordingly, the connectors 314 may be disconnected from one or more of the frames 342 to allow the pet platform 310 to disassemble for storage/transport or for individual use of frame sections. The connectors 314 may be pivotally connected to one or more of the frames 342, acting as a hinge to allow the frames 342 to pivot and collapse relative to each other.

[0045] The pet platform 330 does not include latch members. However, latch members can be provided to secure the pet platform 310 to LATCH anchors in a manner similar to any of the previous embodiments.

[0046] Having thus described the present embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the disclosure, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. For example, any of the pet platforms 30/130/230/330 disclosed herein may have additional features to aid installation or pet comfort, such as: an extendable recline foot (not shown) from the bottom of the platform to the vehicle seat to position the platform closer to horizontal, a load leg (not shown) from the front of the platform to the vehicle floor, mattresses or padding for pet comfort, or the like.

[0047] It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. [0048] The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A pet platform for a vehicle comprising: a base; a first barrier extending from the base; and a plurality of rigid latch members supported by the base; wherein the plurality of rigid latch members are selectively attachable to an anchor point of the vehicle to secure the pet platform; and wherein the first barrier is pivotably movable between a use position extending away from the base and a storage position proximate to the base.

2. The pet platform according to claim 1, further comprising at least one tether secured to the barrier, wherein the at least one tether is selectively attachable to an anchor point of the vehicle to secure the pet platform.

3. The pet platform according to claim 1, wherein the anchor point is an isofix anchor point, and wherein the rigid latch members are isofix latch members.

4. The pet platform according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge connecting the first barrier to the base.

5. The pet platform according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of rigid latch members is movable relative to the base to change a distance between an adjacent rigid latch member.

6. The pet platform according to claim 1, further comprising a second barrier extending from the base.

7. The pet platform according to claim 6, wherein the first barrier extends from a front portion of the base and the second barrier extends from a rear portion of the base.

8. The pet platform according to claim 7, wherein the first and second barriers are pivotally attached to the base for movement between a use position and a storage position.

9. The pet platform according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rigid latch members are supported on a rail, wherein the rail extends along a majority of a length of the base.

10. The pet platform according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rigid latch members are pivotally secured to the base for movement between a use and a storage position.

11. The pet platform according to claim 1 , wherein the first barrier is convex relative to the base.

12. The pet platform according to claim 1, wherein the first barrier includes a barrier frame and webbing secured to the barrier frame.

13. The pet platform according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rigid latch members includes at least four rigid latch members.

14. The pet platform according to claim 1, further comprising at least one H-frame secured to the base, wherein at least two of the plurality of rigid latch members are supported on the H- frame, and wherein the H-frame is movable relative to the base to adjust a position of the at least two rigid latch members.

15. A pet platform system comprising: a first pet platform having: a base; a first barrier extending from the base; and a plurality of rigid latch members supported by the base; wherein the plurality of rigid latch members are selectively attachable to an anchor point of the vehicle to secure the pet platform; and a second platform having: a base; and a first barrier extending from the base; wherein the first and second platforms are selectively securable to each other.

16. The pet platform system of claim 15, wherein each of the first and second pet platforms include a frame, and further comprising at least one connector for securing together the frames of the first and second pet platforms.

17. The pet platform system of claim 16, wherein the at least one connector is selectively securable to at least one of the frames of the first and second pet platforms.

18. The pet platform system of claim 16, wherein the at least one connector is pivotable with respect to at least one of the frames of the first and second pet platforms.

19. The pet platform system of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first or second pet platforms includes a base panel.

20. The pet platform system of claim 19, wherein the base panel is movable from first position providing a pet support surface and a second position vertically delimiting a space between the base and the first barrier of the at least one of the first or second pet platforms.