US20060049227A1

US20060049227A1 - Small animal backpack

Info

Publication number: US20060049227A1
Application number: US10/936,836
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald Godshaw; Andrezj Redzisz
Original assignee: Travel Caddy Inc
Current assignee: Travel Caddy Inc
Priority date: 2004-09-09
Filing date: 2004-09-09
Publication date: 2006-03-09

Abstract

A carrying case for a small animal includes an open top case with shoulder straps connected to the back panel of the case for supporting the back panel and auxiliary straps attached to either the back panel or other shoulder straps to support the front panel of the case. The shoulder straps may cross one another in an embodiment designed for placement of the carrying case bag on the front or back side of a person. A single strap is utilized in combination with a belt for the embodiment which is placed upon a hip of a person. In each event, auxiliary straps support the front of the bag and generally triangular wing type elements are provided to facilitate maintaining the bag properly positioned on an individual.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a case for transport of small animals as a backpack or front pack. More particularly, the invention relates to a carrying case which is capable of protecting a small animal, such as a dog or cat, in a carrying case with a harness enabling the animal to be carried on the back side, the front side or the hip of an individual in a comfortable manner while providing ease of access to the animal in the carrying case.
Small dogs, cats and other animals often travel as companions with individuals. Maintaining custody and control of such small animals is often a challenging problem, especially when traveling through airports, train stations and the like. Further, small animals often accompany individuals on hiking or walking trips. On occasion, even though an animal is on a leash, the animal will be unable to maintain the appropriate pace and, thus, may need to be carried. Again, maintaining custody and control of the animal and providing for transport of the animal in situations where the animal cannot easily transport itself is often a challenging situation.
Various animal transport cases have been developed to facilitate carrying and transport of small pet animals. Typically, such cases comprise a bag constructed from a fabric with a handle on top of the bag and with vents in various sides of the bag and the top of the bag so that air may flow enabling the animal to comfortably breathe and observe the environment.
Thus, a need has developed for properly carrying small animals, such as a dog or cat. Such a means should be capable of being used without interfering with the ambulatory and carrying capability of an individual that is obliged to care for the animal while at the same time attempting to, perhaps, move other luggage items and personal items of their own. The present invention has, thus, been inspired, at least in part, by such considerations and provides a means for animal protection and care which avoids significant interference with the ability of a person to perform other tasks in addition to transporting and caring for the small animal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention comprises a bag or case which is designed to receive and carry a small animal. The bag includes a formed, back plate or back side or back panel which may comfortably fit against the back or lumbar region of an individual as well as the front, torso region of an individual. The panel or plate which rests against the front or back of an individual has a generally stiff, well defined configuration which is curved or acute so as to comfortably fit against the back or front of a person while further serving to maintain the integrity and shape of the bag or case in which the animal is housed. The construction further includes straps attached to the bag. The straps are preferably crossed and connect the top of the bag and/or the front of the bag to appropriately configured, projecting wings or side flaps extending from the opposite sides of the bag. A belt also connects to the wings. The crossed straps, extending from the left and right hand sides of the bag, are designed to be adjustable and fit over the right and left shoulders of the individual respectively and then connect to the right and left side wings respectively. The shoulder straps, which are attached to the bag, may be connected to the back side panel of the bag, but also importantly include auxiliary straps attached to the front side of the bag to support the front side and prevent the bag from sagging, particularly when the bag is occupied by an animal. The carrying case may be used so that the bag is on the front, generally over the stomach or torso region, of an individual, or on the back in the lower lumbar region. The bag itself includes a leash to facilitate retaining an animal within the bag. Auxiliary storage pockets are provided and a top cover, which may be vented, is also included.
An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises a bag or case which includes a formed back panel designed to fit on the hip of an individual. The case further includes auxiliary support straps connected from the back panel to the front side panel of the carrying case. This supports the front side panel and the bag to prevent it from sagging when worn by an individual. The hip mounted carrying case further includes a single shoulder strap connected from a side wing on side flap of the carrying case to the opposite side of the carrying case. A belt connects opposite side wings of the carrying case. By appropriately configuring the single strap, side wings and connecting belt, one can appropriately carry the case on either hip.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an animal carrying case or bag which may be supported on straps worn by an individual.
Another object of the invention is to provide a small animal carrying case comprised of a bag which is designed to house the animal and an array of straps with side wing members projecting from or attached to the bag to enable appropriate placement and maintenance of the bag on the front torso or back lumbar region of an individual.
Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive yet rugged carrying case for an animal which may be carried or supported on shoulder straps or alternatively may utilize a handle so that the bag may be carried as luggage.
Another object of the invention is to provide a small animal carrying case comprised of fabric materials with optional stiffening members included as part of the panels which comprise the bag.
Another object of the invention is to provide a small animal carrying case comprised of a case with a formed back panel having projecting side wings with a single shoulder strap connected from one side of the carrying case to one of the wings and a belt connecting the wings so as to facilitate positioning of the carrying case on the hip of an individual.
A further object of the invention is to provide a small animal carrying case which includes a single shoulder strap and a single adjustably connected to wings associated with a carrying case.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the detailed description which follows reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following Figures:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the carrying case of FIG. 1 as depicted from the back side thereof;
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the carrying case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the carrying case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an opposite side view from that of FIG. 4 of the case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an elevation of the back panel of the bag or case of the construction incorporated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the carrying case of the invention wherein the straps, belt and bag are all depicted in position for use;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the bag of FIG. 7 as employed by a person to carry a bag against their front torso;
FIG. 9 is an isometric view depicting the manner of use of the bag of FIG. 1 supported on the back lumbar region of an individual;
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the bag itself in which an animal is positioned as employed with the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is another view of the back side of the carrying case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the back side of the embodiment of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is an opposite side view of the embodiment of FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is a front side view of the embodiment of FIG. 12; and
FIG. 17 is an elevation of the back side of the carrying case of the embodiment of FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-11 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention wherein the small animal carrying case is designed especially for positioning against the front torso or back lumbar region of an individual. FIGS. 12-17 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention wherein the small animal carrying case is designed especially for placement upon the left or right hand hip of a person in a manner which facilitates comfort, yet support. There are many common elements with respect to the two embodiments as will be discussed hereinafter. In particular, some of the common elements include the utilization of at least one shoulder strap, the utilization of a belt strap, the utilization of a carrying case for housing of an animal, and the placement of wings or extensions of fabric from sides of the animal bag or case which facilitates appropriate positioning and support of the bag. Finally, a common element associated with the respective carrying cases is the utilization of auxiliary straps which support the front panel of the bag so that it will not collapse upon placement of an animal within the bag. This being said, reference is directed to FIGS. 1-11, which constitute a first embodiment of the invention.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, a bag 20 includes a back side panel 22, a front side panel 24, a first end panel 26, an opposite end or second side panel 28, and a bottom panel 34. The panels are joined or stitched together and, in the preferred embodiment, the back panel has a greater height dimension than the front panel 24. Additionally, the back panel may include a flap or cover 30 which is hinged to or constitutes an extension of the back panel 22. The flap 30 may include a mesh portion 32 to facilitate ventilation to the interior of the bag 20. In the preferred embodiment, the bag 20 has a generally parallelepiped configuration, though it is preferred that the back panel 22 be greater in height dimension than the front panel 24. Additionally, the other panels, including a bottom panel 34 may have any of a variety of configurations and shapes so as to provide an enclosure with an accessible top or an open top into which an animal may be placed or positioned.
The back panel 22 is preferably formed from a generally rigid material such as constructed by inserting a polyethylene or other plastic board into a fabric sleeve wherein the polyethylene has a pre-formed shape. That is, the back panel 22 has a convex curve so that when it fits against a body part, it will be comfortably rested thereon. Additionally, the back panel 22 includes a lower curved margin 36 as depicted in FIG. 6 which is in the form of a convex curve. The convex curve 36, again, is adjusted to facilitate comfort by the user of the carrying case.
The carrying case further includes a first or left-hand wing 38 as depicted in FIG. 4 and a second or right hand wing 40 as depicted in FIG. 4. The wings 38, 40 are connected respectively to a left hand margin 44 of the back panel or back side 22 and a right hand margin 46 as depicted in FIG. 6. Each of the wings 38, 40 has a generally triangular shape and may be formed from a padded material. The apex of each triangular wing 38, 40 projects outwardly or away from the back panel 22. The base of each of the triangular wings 38, 40 is attached to the back panel 22 or to the side margins defined by the back panel 22. Wings 38, 40 may also otherwise extend from the side panels to facilitate holding of the carrying case in position on the torso or lumbar region of an individual. The shape of the triangular wings 38, 40 thus becomes an important feature of the invention in that the wings 38, 40 facilitate proper alignment of the bag on an individual and also provide for comfort to the individual.
A first or right hand shoulder strap 50 connects to the top side of the back panel 22 and crosses a second or left hand carrying strap 52 which is also connected to the top side of the back panel 22. The straps 50, 52 include overlapping auxiliary straps 54, 56 respectively which permit slidable adjustment of the main straps 50, 52 with respect to each other in terms of their crossed relationship. The right hand strap 50 crosses the left hand strap 52 and is connected to the left wing 38. Conversely, the left hand strap 52 crosses the right hand strap 50 and connects to the right hand wing 40. The straps 50, 52 connect to the respective apex 39, 41 of the respective wings 38, 40. Adjustability of the crossed straps 50, 52 effects accommodation to the physiological shape and size of an individual. The cross straps 50, 52 are thus, effectively, self-adjusting to accommodate the carriage of the case, balance of the case and comfort in the position of the case.
Also connected to the wings 38, 40 is a belt member comprised of a first belt strap 60 connected to wing 38 with a buckle section 62 so that it can be joined to a buckle section 64 of a second belt strap 66. The second belt strap 66 is connected to the apex 41 of the wing 40. Thus, the belt strap 60 which is connected to apex 39 of wing 38 along with the distal end of the right hand strap 50 provides for connection of the wing 40. Each of the straps or belt sections 60, 66 as well as the shoulder straps 50, 52 are adjustable in length, again to accommodate the user of the carrying case construction.
A carry handle 33 is attached to the carrying case, preferable as depicted in FIG. 1, to the top of the back panel 22.
Another important feature of the invention is the utilization of auxiliary straps, such as auxiliary strap 70 associated with the right hand shoulder strap 50 and auxiliary strap 72 associated with the left hand shoulder strap 52. The auxiliary strap 70 connects from the shoulder strap 50, and more particularly from a connection point 71 which is above the back panel forwardly to the front panel 24. In the embodiment depicted, the auxiliary strap 70 connects to a closure strap 73 which attaches via a buckle 74 to a buckle element on a strap 76 sewn to the front panel 24. Thus, the auxiliary strap 70 serves to support the front panel 24 and the contents of the bag 20.
In similar fashion, the auxiliary strap 72 connects to a connection point 78 on the left hand shoulder strap above the back panel 22 to the forward buckle element 80 associated with connection strap 82 on the flap 30. Again, the function of the auxiliary strap 72 is to support the front panel 24 and the bottom panel 34 and thus preclude an animal in the carrying case from undesirably being tilted or causing the bag to sag.
The carrying case includes some additional features including, as depicted in FIGS. 1-11, a leash construction 90 which includes an adjustable latch element 92 for attachment about the neck, for example of a small animal like a dog. Further, auxiliary pouches, such as pouch 94, may be included and incorporated on the end panels, such as end panel 26. Auxiliary pouches may be included on the other end or side panels or the front panel. In the second embodiment of the invention, for example as depicted in FIG. 12, an auxiliary pouch is included on the front panel and an expandable pocket is included on one of the end panels as described hereinafter.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the manner of the use of the first embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 8, the carrying case is positioned so that the left and right hand shoulder straps pass over the right and left hand shoulders of an individual so that the carrying case is positioned against the stomach or forward front torso of an individual. In FIG. 9, the carrying case is placed against the back lumbar section of an individual. Again, the shoulder strap described as the right shoulder strap passes over the right shoulder of the individual and the left shoulder strap passes over the left shoulder of the individual. The straps are joined to the wings 38, 40 as previously described. The belt comprised of the two belt straps 60, 64 is also closed so that the carrying case is appropriately supported on the back side of an individual. Importantly, the auxiliary straps 70, 72 are provided to prevent the bag from undesirably sagging.
Referring to FIGS. 12-17, there is set forth a second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment of the invention is a bag construction especially useful for supporting a bag on either hip of an individual. With this construction, a bag 120 includes a back panel 122, a front panel 124, a left hand side panel 126 and a right hand side panel 128 in combination with a bottom panel 130 to form an open top enclosure. A small animal may be housed in the bag 120. A mesh pocket 132 may be incorporated, for example, on an end panel 128. A front pouch 134 may be provided on the front panel 124. The back panel 122 is preferably made from a stiff material as contrasted to the other panels which are made from a fabric material which is more flexible. However, all of the panels may include stiffening material in order to facilitate maintenance of the shape of the case construction and, in particular, the bag.
As shown in the figures, the back panel 122 is physically of greater height dimension than the front panel 124. This enables the utilization of auxiliary straps 140, 142 connected from the top margin 144 of the back panel 122 to the front panel 124 by means of adjustable straps 140, 142. Buckles therefore 146, 148 are provided to effect the connection of straps 140, 142 to the front panel 124. A carry strap 148 is provided attached to the top margin 144 of the back panel 122 to facilitate carrying of the bag construction 120. The bag construction 120 includes attached thereto a first or right hand wing 150 and a second or left hand wing 152. As with the first embodiment of the invention, the wings 150, 152 are generally triangular in shape with an apex 151, 153, respectively. The triangular wings 150, 152 each include a base element or section 155, 157, respectively, attached to the back side of the rear or back panel 122. A shoulder strap 160 extends from generally the midpoint of the upper margin of the back panel 122. Thus, shoulder strap 160 extends from margin 144 and is designed for attachment to the right hand wing 150 by means of a buckle 162. The shoulder strap 160 as well as a belt strap 170 thus both attach to the right hand wing 150. The belt strap 170 has an adjustable length and includes a buckle 172 for attachment to the apex section 151 of the wing 150. The opposite end of the belt 170 attaches to the apex 153 of the left hand wing section 152.
The length of the shoulder strap 160 is adjustable. The length of the belt 170 is adjustable. The shoulder strap 160 is designed to pass over the right hand shoulder of an individual and then pass over the back side of the individual to the left hand side of the individual, maintaining the bag 120 on the left hand hip. The arrangement may be reversed by passing the shoulder strap over the left hand shoulder and placing the entire assembly on the opposite hip. In either event, the wings 150, 152 cradle the hip of the individual positioning the back panel 122 to rest on the hip.
The auxiliary straps 140, 142 ensure that the bag and more importantly the contents of the bag will be properly maintained in a safe orientation. Thus, the bag 120 will not sag as a result of the auxiliary straps 140, 142 connected to and depending from the elevated back margin 144 of the back panel 122. The shape and configuration of the wings 150, 152 ensures that the bag 120 will be generally maintained in a fixed position with the base 130 of the bag 120 properly maintained in a generally horizontal position on the hip of an individual with the bag 120 properly supporting a small animal, a package or the like. The bag 120 may further include a leash or feature such as depicted with respect to the first embodiment for maintaining the small animal within the enclosure defined by the bag. Of course, the bag 120 is open in the embodiment of FIG. 2 whereas a flap 30 is provided with respect to the first embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-11. With each embodiment, however, there is the inclusion of auxiliary straps to ensure that the bag will be properly oriented and avoid sagging. With each embodiment, the utilization of wings in combination with a stiffened back panel ensures that the case construction will remain properly oriented and positioned on the front torso of an individual, on the back lumbar section of an individual, or on one hip or the other of an individual.
Various alternative features may be included with the invention. The arrangement of the straps, the length of the straps, the adjustment features associated with the straps, the types of buckles, the utilization of mesh type wings rather than padded fabric wings, the utilization of straps arranged in a generally triangular array, and the general triangular shape of wings are all features which may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the various features, such as strap and wing constructions, may be incorporated in other types of bags such as back packs, etc. The invention is therefore to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An animal carrying case comprising, in combination:

a generally parallelepiped bag having a relatively stiff back wall panel with an upper rim and an arcuate lower rim, said back wall panel curved in horizontal profile to accommodate fitting against a back lumbar position or a front torso position, said bag further including an open top, flexible material front, a left hand end panel, a right hand end panel and a bottom panel to form an enclosure for an animal;

a first right hand and a second left hand shoulder strap, said straps attached respectively to the right hand side and left hand side of the upper rim of the back wall panel, said straps crossing each other and positionable respectively over the left and right shoulder of a person, said right shoulder strap connected to the left hand end panel, and the left hand shoulder strap attached to the right hand end panel;

a belt assembly connected to the left hand and right hand end panels; and

first and second auxiliary support straps connecting respectively the right hand shoulder strap and the left hand shoulder strap to the front panel to prevent collapse and sagging of the enclosure.

2. The case of claim 1 further including a left hand wing member and a right hand wing member, each wing member attached to the back panel, said left hand wing member also attached to an end of the right hand shoulder strap, said right hand wing member also attached to an end of the left hand shoulder strap, said belt connecting the wing members whereby the wing members are formed to partially wrap around the torso of a person.

3. The case of claim 1 wherein at least one of the straps is adjustable in length.

4. The case of claim 1 wherein the belt length is adjustable.

5. The case of claim 1 wherein the auxiliary support straps are adjustable in length.

6. The case of claim 1 wherein the shoulder straps are adjustable in length.

7. The case of claim 1 including an animal leash assembly in the enclosure attachable to the case.

8. The case of claim 1 further including at least one auxiliary pouch attached to a panel.

9. The case of claim 1 including a case carry handle attached to the case.

10. The case of claim 7 including an adjustable animal leash assembly.

11. The case of claim 1 including a flexible top cover flap hinged to the back panel.

12. The case of claim 11 wherein the auxiliary support straps connect from the left and right shoulder straps respectively to the top cover flap.

13. The case of claim 1 wherein the bottom panel is generally stiff.

14. The case of claim 2 wherein at least one of the wing members is generally triangular in shape with a base connected to an end panel and an apex connected to a shoulder strap and the belt.

15. An animal carrying case comprising, in combination:

a generally parallelepiped bag having a relatively stiff back wall panel with an upper rim and an arcuate lower rim, said back wall panel curved in horizontal profile to accommodate fitting against a hip position, said bag further including an open top, flexible material front, a left hand end panel, a right hand end panel and a bottom panel to form an enclosure for an animal;

a first shoulder strap, said strap attached to one side of the upper rim of the back wall panel, said strap positionable over the left or right shoulder of a person, said strap also connected to one of said end panels;

a belt assembly connected to the left hand and right hand end panels; and

at least one auxiliary support strap connecting the back wall panel to the front panel to prevent collapse and sagging of the enclosure.

16. The case of claim 15 further including a left hand wing member and a right hand wing member, each wing member attached to the back panel, said left hand wing member also attached to the shoulder strap.

17. The case of claim 16 wherein at least one of the wing members is generally triangular in shape with a base connected to an end panel and an apex connected to the belt.

18. An animal carrying case comprising, in combination:

a generally parallelepiped bag having a relatively stiff back wall panel with an upper rim and an arcuate lower rim, said back wall panel curved in horizontal profile to accommodate fitting against a hip of a person, said bag further including an open top, flexible material front, a left hand end panel, a right hand end panel and a bottom panel to form an enclosure for an animal;

a left hand wing member and a right hand wing member, each wing member attached to the back panel;

said left hand wing member also attached to an end of the right hand shoulder strap;

a first shoulder strap, said strap attached to the upper rim of the back wall panel and a wing member;

a belt assembly connected to the left hand and right hand wing members; and

first and second auxiliary support straps connecting respectively the back wall panel to the front panel to prevent collapse and sagging of the enclosure.

19. The case of claim 18 wherein at least one of the wing members is generally triangular in shape with a base connected to an end panel and an apex connected to a shoulder strap and the belt.

20. A carrying case comprising, in combination:

a generally parallelepiped bag including a back wall panel with an upper rim and a lower rim, said back wall panel generally curved in horizontal cross-section to accommodate fitting against a back lumbar position or a front torso position, said bag further including an open top, flexible material front, a left hand end panel, a right hand end panel and a bottom panel to form an enclosure;

a first right hand and a second left hand shoulder strap, said straps attached respectively to the right hand side and left hand side of the upper rim of the back wall panel, said straps crossing each other, slidable with respect to each other and positionable respectively over the left and right shoulder of a person, said right shoulder strap connected to the left hand end panel, and the left hand shoulder strap attached to the right hand end panel;

a belt assembly connected to the left hand and right hand end panels; and