Pet carrier with reversibly expandable/collapsible sections

Abstract

The invention relates generally to a device designed for the comfort of a pet or other small animal during travel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device that can function a pet carrier designed and sized for travel on a public or private transportation vehicle that comprises one or more reversibly expandable and collapsible sections that, when expanded, increase the interior space of the pet carrier and, when collapsed, are substantially flush with the sides or top of the carrier to which they are attached.

1 . A pet carrier comprising:
 a. a main compartment, said main compartment comprising opposed top panel and bottom panels and four side panels wherein said top, bottom and side panels are arranged to form a generally rectangular or square box (prism), an entry/exit port and a carrying means;   b. one or more reversibly collapsible/expandable secondary compartments, wherein i) each of said secondary compartment(s) comprise an end panel and a perimeter of flexible material wherein said perimeter of flexible material attaches said end panel to said side or top panel of said main compartment, ii) wherein said secondary compartment is in open communication with said main compartment when in the expanded configuration and, iii) wherein said end panel of said secondary compartment is substantially flush with said side or top panel to which it is attached when in the collapsed configuration.   
   
   
       2 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the number of side panels number between five and twelve, the top and bottom panels are shaped conform with the number of side panels such that each side panel contacts the top and bottom panel along opposite edges of said side panels, thereby forming a main compartment comprising between five and twelve side panels and opposed top and bottom panels. 
   
   
       3 . The pet carrier of  claim 2 , wherein the side panels are of one or more widths. 
   
   
       4 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said secondary compartment comprises a frame comprising an expandable spring located proximal to or within said perimeter of flexible material that attaches said end panel to said side or top of said main compartment. 
   
   
       5 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said secondary compartment comprises a frame comprising a rigid or semi-rigid ring, said ring positioned where said perimeter of flexible material is attached to said end panel. 
   
   
       6 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said end panel comprises a rigid or semi-rigid frame wherein said frame comprises one or more materials selected from a group consisting of plastic, metal, paperboard, wood or hardened rubber and said frame is covered with a flexible material. 
   
   
       7 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said carrying means comprises one or more of i) a shoulder strap, ii) a handle or iii) backpack straps. 
   
   
       8 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said entry/exit port comprises a hinged secondary compartment. 
   
   
       9 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said carrier comprises a rigid or semi-rigid frame, said frame comprises one or more materials selected from a group consisting of plastic, metal, paperboard, wood or hardened rubber and said frame is covered with a flexible material. 
   
   
       10 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said side compartments also comprise one or more windows. 
   
   
       11 . The pet carrier of  claim 10 , wherein said windows are made from a material selected from a group consisting of a mesh material, a clear material or a translucent material. 
   
   
       12 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said carrier has a length of approximately 15 to 20 inches, a height of approximately 7 to 12 inches and a width of approximately 7 to 12 inches. 
   
   
       13 . The pet carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said end panel of said secondary compartment has a diameter no larger than the panel of the main compartment to which the secondary compartment is attached. 
   
   
       14 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein one edge of one or more of said secondary compartments remains attached to said main compartment when said secondary compartment is expanded from said main compartment. 
   
   
       15 . A pet carrier comprising:
 a. a main compartment, said main compartment comprising i) an essentially flat bottom panel, ii) two D-shaped side panels wherein the straight side of the D-shaped side panels attach to opposite edges of said bottom panel, and iii) a top panel wherein the top panel attaches to opposite edges of the bottom panel and to the curved portion of the two D-panels, thereby creating a generally arch-shaped enclosure with an essentially flat bottom, iv) an entry/exit port and, v) a carrying means;   b. one or more reversibly collapsible/expandable secondary compartments, wherein i) each of said secondary compartment(s) comprise an end panel and a perimeter of flexible material wherein said perimeter of flexible material attaches said end panel to said side or top panel of said main compartment, ii) wherein said secondary compartment is in open communication with said main compartment when in the expanded configuration and, iii) wherein said end panel of said secondary compartment is substantially flush with said side or top panel to which it is attached when in the collapsed configuration.   
   
   
       16 . The pet carrier of  claim 15 , wherein said secondary compartment comprises a frame comprising a rigid or semi-rigid ring, said ring positioned where said parameter of flexible material is attached to said end panel. 
   
   
       17 . The pet carrier of  claim 15 , wherein said end panel comprises a rigid or semi-rigid frame wherein said frame comprises one or more materials selected from a group consisting of plastic, metal, paperboard, wood or hardened rubber and said frame covered with a flexible material. 
   
   
       18 . The pet carrier of  claim 15 , wherein said carrier comprises a fabric cover. 
   
   
       19 . The pet carrier of  claim 15 , wherein said carrier comprises a rigid or semi-rigid frame, said frame comprises one or more materials selected from a group consisting of plastic, metal, paperboard, wood or hardened rubber and said frame is covered with a flexible material. 
   
   
       20 . The pet carrier of  claim 15 , wherein said side compartments also comprise one or more windows. 
   
   
       21 . The pet carrier of  claim 20 , wherein said windows are made from a material selected from a group consisting of a mesh material, a clear material or a translucent material. 
   
   
       22 . The pet carrier of  claim 15 , wherein said end panel of said secondary compartment has a diameter no larger than the panel of the main compartment to which the secondary compartment is attached. 
   
   
       23 . A pet carrier designed and sized for travel on a public or private transportation vehicle, said pet carrier comprising:
 a. a main compartment, said main compartment comprising opposed top panel and bottom panels, which are essentially parallel to each other, and four side panels wherein said top, bottom and side panels are arranged to form a generally rectangular box (prism) and wherein the bottom panel is essentially rigid, an entry/exit port and a carrying means, and wherein said main compartment additionally comprises a frame and a fabric cover and, optionally, a removable, washable liner;   b. one or more reversibly collapsible/expandable secondary compartments, wherein i) each of said secondary compartment(s) comprise an end panel and a perimeter of flexible material wherein said perimeter of flexible material attaches said end panel to said side or top panel of said main compartment, ii) wherein said secondary compartment is in open communication with said main compartment when in the expanded configuration and, iii) wherein said end panel of said secondary compartment is substantially flush with said side or top panel to which it is attached when in the collapsed configuration and iv) wherein one or more of said secondary compartments comprises a window made from one or more of a mesh material, a transparent material or a translucent material and v) wherein said secondary compartment comprises tabs to aid the user in the expansion of said secondary compartment.