GB2614380A

GB2614380A - Pet carrier

Info

Publication number: GB2614380A
Application number: GB2215687.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Connelly Joanna
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-20
Filing date: 2020-07-20
Publication date: 2023-07-05
Also published as: GB202215687D0

Abstract

A pet carrier 10 with an enclosure 14 having one or more sensors for sensing an environmental condition within the enclosure or a condition of a pet being carried within the enclosure. There may be a transmitter and receiving for communicating between the sensor with a remote device. The remote device may be a smart phone, tablet, computer or the vehicle in which the carrier is mounted. The sensors may sense temperature, humidity, heart rate, respiration rate, acceleration, GPS or may include image sensors such as digital cameras. Other embodiments disclose pet carriers with a latch mechanism to releasably secure the pet enclosure to a base unit 12.

Description

PET CARRIER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to pet carriers for transporting animals in vehicles. The pet carrier is particularly suited for transporting pets such as cats and dogs Some embodiments of the invention may be suitable for carrying loads other than pets.

BACKGROUND

Pet carriers are used frequently for transporting household pets such as cats and dogs from one location to another, often in a vehicle. They generally take the form of an enclosure (e.g. a box or cage) with an interior space in which the animal can be accommodated. The enclosure typically has one or more doors providing access to the interior space through which the animal can be placed into and removed from the enclosure.

Traditional pct carriers do not tend to include any mechanism for securing the carrier in a vehicle. Often the carrier is simply placed on a vehicle seat or in the luggage space of a vehicle without any form of restraint. Alternatively, the user may seek use a vehicle scat belt to restrain the pet carrier or to otherwise restrain the carrier in the vehicle luggage space, for example with cords or bungies.

More recently, pet carriers have been proposed that are specifically adapted to be restrained by conventional vehicle seat belts, for example by including features that engage with the seat belt. Pet carriers adapted to be secured on a vehicle seat using child seat restraint anchors such as the -ISOM anchor system (known as LATCH in the US and by other names in other regions) have also been proposed.

For example, GB2549526 describes a dog restraint device for use in a motor vehicle that includes attachment points for connecting the device to an 1SOFIX system in the vehicle or to secure the device with a conventional scat belt.

US 2008/0173253 describes another example of a pet enclosure that can be secured in a vehicle seat. In this example, there is a base that is secured to the vehicle seat using the seat belt and a separate pet carrier that can be selectively locked to and released from the base using a -1 -latch mechanism on the base. The latch mechanism is operated by an actuator on the front of the base.

Whilst the known pet carriers that are adapted to be secured to a vehicle scat with a scat belt or a child seat anchor system are a significant improvement over traditional pet carriers, they can be awkward to use and it can be difficult for the user to satisfy themselves that the pet carrier has been correctly secured to the vehicle seat. There may also be concerns over how securely the known systems anchor the pct carrier in position, especially during a collision.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are generally aimed at providing a load carrier for a vehicle that can be easily and safely secured on a seat in a vehicle. Embodiments of the load carrier are adapted to be pet carriers and include a base that can be secured to the vehicle seat, for example with a child restraint anchor system (e.g. -ISOM), and a separate pet enclosure (or other pet carrying unit) that can be releasably secured to the base. Some embodiments advantageously have a configuration that lock the pet enclosure to the base at multiple, spaced apart points on the enclosure.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a pet carrier for a vehicle, the pet carrier comprising: a base unit configured to be secured to a scat in the vehicle; a pet enclosure mountable on the base unit and having an interior space for accommodating a pet; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the pet enclosure to the base unit; wherein the latch mechanism comprises multiple pairs of cooperating latch dements, one clement of each pair on the base unit and the other on the pct enclosure, that releasably secure the pet enclosure to the base unit, including at least one pair of cooperating latch elements that secure a bottom portion of the pet enclosure to the base and at least one other pair of cooperating latch elements that secure an upper portion of the pet enclosure to the base.

With this arrangement, the pet enclosure is more securely fixed to the base unit and consequently more securely held on the car seat even during a collision. -2 -

In a second aspect, the invention provides a pet carrier for a vehicle, the pet carrier comprising: a base unit configured to be secured to a seat in the vehicle; a pet enclosure mountable on the base unit and having an interior space for accommodating a pet; a latch mechanism for releasably securing the pet enclosure to the base unit; and a user operable actuator for releasing the latch mechanism to permit the pet enclosure to be removed from the base unit; wherein the actuator is mounted on the base unit or on the pet enclosure adjacent an ID upper portion of the pet enclosure.

An actuator adjacent an upper portion of the pet enclosure will often be easier for the user to locate and operate than an actuator closer to the bottom of the pet carrier. However, pet carriers in accordance with embodiments of the invention can alternatively or additionally have a release actuator adjacent a bottom portion of the pet enclosure or, indeed, elsewhere.

IS in a third aspect, the invention provides a pet carrier for a vehicle, the pet carrier comprising: a base unit configured to be secured to a seat in the vehicle; a pet carrying unit mountable on the base unit and adapted to carry a pet; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the pet carrying unit to the base unit; wherein the base unit is adapted to connect to a child restraint anchor system incorporated in the vehicle seat in order to secure the base unit to the vehicle seat.

The pct carrying unit may be a pet enclosure having an interior space for accommodating the pet.

In this way, the base unit can be very securely attached to the vehicle seat without the pet enclosure (or other pet carrying unit) attached. The pet enclosure (or other pet carrying unit) can then be easily mounted and de-mounted from the base unit, which can remain in the vehicle whilst the pet is transported away from the vehicle in the pet enclosure, for example.

The anchor system may, for example, be an 1SOFIX system (or equivalent).

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a load carrier (e.g. a pet carrier) for a vehicle, the load carrier comprising: a base unit configured to be secured to a seat in the vehicle; -3 -a load carrying unit mountable on the base unit and adapted for carrying a load; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the load carrying unit to the base unit; wherein either the base unit or the load carrying unit or both the base unit and the load carrying unit comprise a visual indicator for indicating to a user when the load carrying unit has been correctly mounted on the base unit.

The load carrying unit may be a pet carrying unit, for example a pet enclosure having an interior space for accommodating the pet.

By providing a visual indicator in this manner, the user can be more sure that they have correctly secured their pet enclosure (or other load carrying unit) within their vehicle before they set off on a journey.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a load carrier (e.g. pet carrier) for a vehicle, the load carrier comprising: a base unit configured to be secured to a seat in the vehicle; a load carrying unit (e.g. a pet carrying unit, such as a pet enclosure) mountable on the base unit; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the load carrying unit to the base unit; wherein the base unit comprises: a base component having a bottom surface that, in use, sits on the car seat; a support component mounted on the base component and having a top surface configured to support the load carrying unit; and an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting an angle of the top surface of the support component relative to the bottom surface of the base component, thereby to adjust the angle at which the load carrying unit is supported relative to the scat By incorporating an angle adjustment mechanism in this way it becomes possible to adjust the upper surface of the support component to, for example, make it horizontal, compensating for car seats that typically slope down from front to back to a greater or lesser extent. This can contribute to the comfort of a pet and advantageously can provide a level carrying platform for other loads.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a pet carrier comprising a pet enclosure having 30 an interior space for accommodating a pet and one or more sensors for sensing an environmental condition within the pet enclosure or a condition of a pet being carried within the enclosure. -4 -

The sensors may, for example, sense temperature or humidity of the environment within the pet enclosure, the temperature of the pet or other physiological conditions of the pet, including for example heart rate and/or respiration rate. The sensors may also include one or more of an accelerometer (or accelerometers) to measure acceleration / deceleration (g-force'), geo-spatial positioning sensors (e.g. GPS). The sensors may also include one or more image sensors (e.g. digital cameras). in some embodiments, the sensor data can be stored in memory incorporated in the pet carrier. The pet carrier may also include a display for displaying the data or other information derived from the data. Additionally, or alternatively, the pet carrier may include a transmitter for transmitting the data to another device, for example to a smart phone (or ID other smart device, e.g. a smart watch), tablet device or computer (or other computer or processing device). The data may be transmitted to the car in which the pet carrier is installed. The pet carrier may also include a receiver for receiving data, e.g. control data or further inputs, from a remote device, for example from the car in which it is installed or from a smart phone (or other smart device, e.g. a smart watch), tablet device or computer (or other computer or processing device). The data transmission will fipically be wireless, for example 4G or 5G data transmission or, where transmission distances are short (for example between the pet carrier and the vehicle in which it is installed) Bluetooth may be used, for example.

In this way, the sensors associated with the pet carrier can be, in effect, integrated into the electronics systems of the vehicle in which the pet carrier is installed. In some embodiments, for example, the sensor data from the pet carrier could be used to effect operation of the vehicle electronics, for instance to control the climate control settings or driving parameters (e.g. to stop to high acceleration) when the pet carrier is present in the vehicle.

In some embodiments, a sensor system of the pet carrier communicates with an app (or other controller) installed on a smart phone (or other smart device) or other computing device.

This can allow, for instance, as user of the app to see the output from the sensors. In some embodiments, the app is configured to trigger an alert on the user's device based on the sensor output, for instance when one or more of the sensed parameters are outside of an expected range (e.g. the temperature in the enclosure is too high).

In the various aspects of the invention, some embodiments may include a quick release mechanism that can be used to quickly release the pet enclosure (or pet carrying unit or load -5 -carrying unit) from the base unit. In this way, in an emergency, the pet enclosure (and any pet in it) can be rapidly removed from a vehicle, for example in an emergency situation.

In the various aspects of the invention, some embodiments include a pet enclosure that is adapted to provide enhanced protection for a pet carried within the enclosure. For example, the walls of the enclosure may be padded on their internal surfaces. The walls may also be shaped, for example avoiding sham angles, to reduce the risk of injury to a pet within the enclosure during normal transport as well as in a crash.

In the various aspects of the invention, some embodiments include a base unit that incorporates shock absorbing materials or mechanisms that act to reduce the force that is 10 transferred from the vehicle to the pet enclosure in the event of a crash or other sudden acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

The skilled person will appreciate that the features described and defined in connection with the aspects of the invention mid die embodiments thereof may be combined in any combination, regardless of whether the specific combination is expressly mentioned herein.

Thus, all such combinations are considered to be made available to the skilled person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE I shows a front isometric view of a pet carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, having a pet enclosure secured to a base unit; FIGURE 2 shows a rear isometric view of the pet carrier of fig. I; FIGURE 3 shows a front isometric view of the pet enclosure component of the pet carrier of fig 1; FIGURE 4 shows a rear isometric view of the pet enclosure component of the pet carrier of fig I; FIGURE 5 shows a front isometric view, of the base unit component of the pet carrier of fig. I FIGURE 6 shows a rear isometric view of the base unit component of the pet carrier of fig 1; FIGURE 7 shows the base unit with a top cover removed; -6 -FIGURE 8 shows a sectional view of a rear end portion of the base unit; FIGURE 9 illustrates the steps of one method of securing the pct enclosure to the base and subsequently releasing it: and FIGURE 10 illustrates the steps of another method of securing the pet enclosure to the base and subsequently releasing it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments are described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

it should be understood that terms such as "front", "back", left", "right", "top".

-bottom", -vertical", etc used herein define relative positions / orientations of parts of the pet carrier and do not necessarily define absolute positions / orientations.

Figs. 1 and 2 show one example of a pet carrier 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, in this case intended for transporting cats on a car seat. The carrier 10 includes a base unit 12 arid a pet enclosure 14. The base unit 12 is configured to be secured to the car seat and the pet enclosure 14 can be mounted on and releasably secured to the base unit 12. Notably, as explained in more detail below, not only is the bottom of the pet enclosure 14 secured to the base unit 12 but the top of the pet enclosure 14 can also be secured to the base unit 12 using a handle 16 of the pet enclosure 14. With this arrangement, the pet enclosure is more securely fixed to the base unit arid consequently more securely held on the car seat even during a collision.

As best seen in Fig. 3, the pet enclosure 14 has a main door 18 formed from top and back walls of the enclosure that can be opened to provide access to the interior space 20 in which a pet can be accommodated fin this example a cat). In this example, a side door 22 in one side wall of the enclosure 14 provides alternative access to the interior space 20. Both doors are secured shut with zip fasteners, although alternative types of fastener can also be used.

One or more walls of the enclosure 14 may include a mesh panel to provide ventilation and light to the interior space 20. Mesh panels may be included, for example in the side door 22, in the side wall opposite the side door, in the top wall and/or in the front or back walls. -7 -

The walls of the enclosure 14 may be padded to the inside, for example with a foam material, to help protect the pet if it is thrown against a wall of the enclosure 14.

The handle 16, which as noted above is used to help secure the pet enclosure 14 to die base unit 12, is attached at its opposite ends to side walls of the enclosure 14 with pivot joints that allow the handle to be swung from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position (as seen in figs. 1 and 2). in this latter position the handle 16 can be used to lift the pet enclosure away from the base unit 12 once released and for carrying the pet enclosure 14 when it is detached from the base unit 12. The pet enclosure 14 may additionally be provided with a shoulder strap (not shown), also for earning the pet enclosure 14 when it is detached from the base unit 12.

Figures 5 and 6 show the base unit 12 with the pet enclosure detached. As can be seen from these figures, the base unit has a horizontally extending bottom portion 30, which in use sits on the car seat, and a generally vertically extending back portion 32, which in use extends up in front of the car seat back. Attachment bars 34 for a child restraint anchor system (e.g. ISOFIX) extend rearwardly from the back of the bottom portion 30 of the base unit 12. These are configured to engage corresponding child restraint anchors incorporated in the car seat in a known manner. In other embodiments, the base may additionally or alternatively be adapted to be secured to the car seat using a seat belt.

An upper surface of the bottom portion 30 of the base unit 12 is shaped to receive the bottom of the pet enclosure 14. More specifically a shoulder 35 towards the front of the bottom portion 30, along with the lower end of the back portion 32, between them define a recess 38 in which the bottom of the pet enclosure sits. The shoulder 35 not only serves to locate the pet enclosure 14 but also help resist forward movement of the enclosure 14 once it is secured to the base 12, thus more securely holding the pet enclosure 14 in place on the base 12.

As best seen in fig. 7, the pet carrier 10 includes a latch mechanism for releasably securing the pet enclosure 14 to the base unit 12, in this example, there are four latch points between the bottom of the pet enclosure and the base unit, one towards each comer of the bottom of the enclosure 14. Engagement between the handle 16 of the enclosure 14 and the upper end of the back portion 32 of the base unit 12 provides a fifth latch point. In other embodiments more or fewer latch points may be used, although it will generally be preferable to have at least one latch point between the bottom of the enclosure 14 (or a lower front portion -8 -thereof) and the base unit and at least one latch point between the base unit and an upper portion of the enclosure 14 (e.g. at or near the top of the enclosure 14), as provided by the handle 16 in the illustrated example.

At each latch point the latch mechanism includes a pair of cooperating latch elements, one 36 on the base unit 12 and the other on the pet enclosure 14.

The latch dements of the bottom latch points comprise a laterally extending bar 40 within a recess in the bottom wall of the pet enclosure (see figs. 9 and 10) and pivotable latches 36 mounted in the bottom portion 30 of the base unit. The latches 36 have an open configuration and a closed configuration. The latches 36 are urged by a spring force towards the closed configuration. In the open configuration a hooked top end of the latch is retracted to allow the bar 40 to enter the be aligned with the latch 36 as the pet enclosure 14 is lowered onto the base unit 12. In the closed configuration, the hooked top end of the latch 36 latches around the top of the bar 40 to secure the bar 40 under the hooked end of the latch 36. The latches may have cam surfaces on their upper sides such that when the bars 40 are pushed against the top of the latches, the latches are forced open, allowing the bars 40 to be locked into the latches 36.

As seen in fig. I (with reference also to figs. 9 and 10), the cooperating latch elements for the upper latch point, between the handle 16 and the top of the back portion 32 of the base unit 12 are provided by a central portion 42 of the handle 16 itself and a carabiner-type latch 44 on the base unit 12. The carabiner latch 44 includes a generally 'II shape channel 46 and a spring-loaded gate 48 that closes the top of the 'if. The carabiner gate 48 can be depressed (into the channel 46) to allow the handle 16 to be pushed into the channel 46 (this can be done by the user with their hand or simply by pushing the handle 16 against the gate 48). Once the gate 48 is released it then closes under spring force to once more close the top of the 'IT shape channel 46, trapping the handle 16 in the channel 46.

The latch mechanism can be released using an actuator mechanism 51 (seen in fig. 7) that is operated by a release lever 50 at the front of the base unit. in other embodiments, the actuator mechanism may be configured to be operated by opening the carabiner gate 48 (i.e. the gate 48 can act as the release lever for the latch mechanism). In some embodiments, the front release lever 50 can be omitted, with only the carabiner gate 48 being used to release the clamps 42 of the lower latches. In other embodiments, operation of the front release lever 50 can be arranged to release the damps 42 and to open the carabiner gate 48. Alternatively, the operation -9 -of the carabiner gate 48 can be independent of the operation of the damps 42. Some embodiments may have an actuator mechanism for the latches that, optionally, enables all of thc latches to be opened either with the front release lever 50 or with the carabiner gate 48 at the user's choice.

Fig. 5 also illustrates a latch indicator 52 on the front end of the base unit. This gives a visual indication to the user, for example with a chance in colour (e.g. from red to green), to show them that the latch mechanism has correctly engaged, properly securing the pet enclosure 14 to the base unit 12. The skilled person will appreciate that other suitable forms of visual or tactile indicator could be used for this function.

In the illustrated example, as best seen in fig. 8, the bottom portion 30 of the base unit 12 includes a base part 60 that sits on the car seat and an upper support part 62 that is mounted on and sits over the base part 60 (fig. 7 shows the base unit 12 with this upper support part 62 removed to reveal the base part 60). The pet enclosure 14 sits on the upper support part 62 In this example, the rear end 64 of the upper support part 62 can be raised and lowered relative to the base part 60 with a screw mechanism 66 that is operated by turning adjuster knob 68. This mechanism is used to adjust the angle of the top surface of the upper support part 62 relative to the base part 60 (and thus adjusts the angle of the pet enclosure 14 mounted on the base part 12).

As noted above, this may be desirable to ensure that the pet enclosure sits generally horizontally. A display may be incorporated in the upper support part 62 to show whether or not the support part is level; a spirit level may be used for this display, for example.

Any suitable materials may be used for the various components of the illustrated pet carrier. By way of example only, the majority of the base unit and pet enclosure can be moulded from polypropylene and the mechanical components of the latch mechanism and angle adjustment mechanism can be made from nylon and/or a metal alloy.

Fig. 9 illustrates one example of the steps for mounting the pet enclosure 14 on to the base unit 12 and subsequently releasing the pet enclosure. In step 1, with the base unit 12 secured to a car seat 54 (e.g. with TSOFTX fittings), the pet enclosure 14 is lowered onto the base unit 12. The latches 36 of the bottom latches engage the bars 40 in the base of the pet enclosure 14. The handle is then folded down and pushed through the carabincr gate 48 (step 2) to engage -10 -in the 'IT shape channel 46 and the gate 48 then springs back to the closed position, securing the pet enclosure 14 to the base unit (step 3).

To release the pet enclosure 14, the user applies downward pressure to the carabiner gate 48 (step 4) to push the gate 48 open. in this example, the gate 48 serves as a release lever for the clamps 42, which therefore move to their open configuration as the gate 48 is depressed (step 5). Whilst holding the gate 48 open with one hand, the user can then use their other hand to swing the handle 16 up (step 6) and lift the pet enclosure 14 away from the base unit 12 (step 7).

Fig. 10 illustrates another example of steps for mounting the pet enclosure 14 on to the base unit 12 and subsequently releasing the pet enclosure. In this example, the front release lever 50 is used. The pet enclosure 14 is locked into the base unit 12 following the same steps Ito 3 described above. To release the pet enclosure 14, however, rather than depress the carabiner gate 48, the user lifts the release lever 50 (stcp 4), which acts to release the latches 36 and open the carabiner gate 48 (step 5). As with the approach shown in fig. 5, the user can then use their other hand to swing the handle 16 up (step 6) and lift the pet enclosure 14 away from the base unit 12 (step 7).

In the illustrated examples, the release lever 50 (as well as the carabiner gate 48) are sprung towards the position in which the latches are closed. This has the advantage that the latch mechanism defaults to the locked position in which the pet enclosure 14 is secured to the base unit 12.

However, with this arrangement the user must hold the release lever 50 (or carabiner latch 48) in the release position whilst lifting the pet enclosure 14 away from the base unit 12 to disengage it from the latches. In other embodiments, the carabiner gate 48 and/or the release lever 50 can have a 'push-push mechanism, whereby the carabiner gate 48 (and/or release lever 50) latches in the open position when pushed (or pulled) to its end range of motion, requiring a further push to release the gate 48 (or lever 50) to disengage this latch and allow the gate 48 (or lever 50) to return to the closed position under spring force This would allow one-handed operation.

The skilled person will understand that various modifications and additions can be made to the examples described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present 30 invention.

-11 -

Claims

CLAIMS: A pet carrier comprising a pet enclosure having an interior space for accommodating a pet and one or more sensors for sensing an environmental condition within the pet enclosure or a condition of a pet being carried within the enclosure.
A carrier according to claim I, comprising a transmitter for transmitting sensor signals from the one or more sensors to a remote device.
3. A carrier according to 1 or claim 2, comprising a receiver for receiving signals from a remote device 4 A carrier according to claim 2 or claim 3 herein the remote device is the vehicle in which the carrier is mounted. IsA carrier according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the remote device is a smart phone, smart watch, other smart device, a tablet device or a computer.6 A pet carrier for a vehicle, the pet carrier comprising: a base unit configured to be secured to a seat in the vehicle; a pet enclosure mountable on the base unit and having an interior space for accommodating a pet; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the pet enclosure to the base unit; wherein the latch mechanism comprises multiple pairs of cooperating latch elements, one element of each pair on the base unit and the other on the pet enclosure, that releasably secure the pet enclosure to the base unit, including at least one pair of cooperating latch elements that secure a bottom portion of the pet enclosure to the base and at least one other pair of cooperating latch elements that secure an upper portion of the pet enclosure to the base.7 A pet carrier for a vehicle, the pet carrier comprising: a base unit configured to be secured to a seat in the vehicle; a pet enclosure mountable on the base unit and having an interior space for accommodating a pet; a latch mechanism for releasably securing the pet enclosure to the base unit, and a user operable actuator for releasing the latch mechanism to permit the pet enclosure to be removed from the base unit; wherein the actuator is mounted on the base unit or on the pet enclosure adjacent an upper portion of the pet enclosure.8. A pet carrier for a vehicle, the pet carrier comprising: ID a base unit configured to be secured to a seat in the vehicle; a pet carrying unit mountable on the base unit and adapted to carry a pet; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the pet carrying unit to the base unit; wherein the base unit is adapted to connect to a child restraint anchor system incorporated in the vehicle seat in order to secure the base unit to the vehicle seat.9. A load carrier for a vehicle, the load carrier comprising: a base unit configured to be secured to a seat in the vehicle; a load carrying mountable on the base unit and adapted for carrying a load; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the load carrying unit to the base unit; wherein either the base unit or the load carrying unit or both the base unit and the load carrying unit comprise a visual indicator for indicating to a user when the load carrying unit has been correctly mounted on the base unit.ID, A pet carrier according to claim 7 or claim 8, where the pet carrying unit is a pet enclosure, or a load carrier according to claim 9 where the load carrier is a pet carrier and the load carrying unit is a pet enclosure, wherein the latch mechanism comprises multiple pairs of cooperating latch elements, one element of each pair on the base unit and the other on the pet enclosure, that releasably secure the pet enclosure to the base unit, including at least one pair of cooperating latch elements that secure a bottom portion of the pet enclosure to the base and at least one other pair of cooperating latch elements that secure an upper portion of the pet enclosure to the base.A pet carrier according to claim 6 or claim 10, wherein the pet enclosure comprises a handle that is piyotable between a generally horizontal orientation and a generally vertical orientation, in the horizontal orientation the handle serving as a latch element of the latch mechanism to engage with a cooperating latch element on the base unit to secure the upper portion of the pet enclosure to the base, and in the vertical orientation the handle extending about a top wall of the pet enclosure, whereby it can be used to carry thc pet enclosure.12. A pet carrier according to claim 11, wherein the cooperating latch element on the base unit is a carabiner type latch element having a generally U shape channel in which a portion of the handle can be received and a carabiner gate that in a first, closed position closes the top end of the channel to secure the handle in the channel and in a second, open position permits the handle to move into and out of the channel.A pet carrier according to claim 6 or any one of claim 10 to 12, wherein the at least one pair of cooperating latch elements that secure a bottom portion of the pet enclosure to the base comprise a bar on the bottom of the pet enclosure and a clamp on the base unit, the clamp having an open configuration, in which the bar can engage with the clamp, and a closed configuration in which the bar is secured in the clamp.A pet carrier or load carrier according to claim 6 or claim 8, where the pet carrying unit is a pet enclosure, comprising a user operable actuator for releasing the latch mechanism to permit the pet enclosure to be removed from the base unit, wherein the actuator is mounted on the base unit or on the pet enclosure adjacent an upper portion of the pet enclosure.A pet carrier according to claim 7 or claim 14, wherein the actuator is a carabiner gate of a carabiner-type latch element on the base unit that cooperates with a latch element on the pet enclosure to secure an upper portion of the pet enclosure to the base.A pet carrier according to claim 7, claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising a second user operable actuator for releasing the latch mechanism to permit the pet enclosure to be 13. 14. 15. 16.removed from the base unit, wherein the actuator is mounted on the base unit or on the pet enclosure adjacent a lower portion of the pet enclosure.17, A pet carrier or load carrier according to any one of claims 6, 7 and 9, wherein the base unit is adapted to connect to a child restraint anchor system incorporated in the vehicle seat in order to secure the base unit to the vehicle seat.18. A pet carrier according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein either the base unit or the pet enclosure/pet carrier or both the based unit and the pet enclosure/pot carrier comprise a ID visual indicator for indicating to a user when the pet enclosure/pet carrier has been correctly mounted on the base unit.19. A pet carrier or load carrier according to any one of claims 6 to 18, wherein an upwardly facing surface on a bottom portion of the base unit is shaped to receive the bottom of the pet enclosure/pet carrying unit/load carrying unit, said surface having shoulders towards the front and rear of the bottom portion that define a recess in which the bottom of the pct enclosure/pet carrying unit/load carrying unit sits.20. A pet carrier according to any one of claims 6 to 19, wherein the base unit has a horizontally extending bottom portion, which in use sits on the car seat, and a generally vertically extending back portion, which in use extends up in front of the car seat back.21. A pet carrier or load carrier according to any one of claims 6 to 20 wherein the base unit comprises: a base component having a bottom surface that, in use, sits on the car seat; a support component mounted on the base component and having a top surface configured to support the load carrying unit/pet carrying unit/pet enclosure; and an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting an angle of the top surface of the support component relative to the bottom surface of the base component, thereby to adjust the angle at which the load carrying unit/ pet carrying unit/pet enclosure is supportcd relative to the scat.22. A load carrier for a vehicle, the load carrier comprising: a base unit configured to be secured to a seat in the vehicle; a load carrying unit mountable on the base unit; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the load carrying unit to the base unit; wherein the base unit comprises: a base component having a bottom surface that, in use, sits on the car seat; a support component mounted on the base component and having a top surface configured to support the load carrying unit; and an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting an angle of the top surface of the support component relative to the bottom surface of the base component, thereby to adjust the angle at which the load carrying unit is supported relative to the seat.23. A load carrier according to claim 22, wherein the load carrying unit is a pet carrying unit on which or within which a pet can be secured.24. A load carrier according to claim 23, wherein the pet carrying unit is a pet enclosure.