# US 11,439,120 B2 · Methods and apparatus for a self contained expandable pet carrier > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,439,120 B2 - Document ID: US11439120B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/687,889 - Filed: 2019-11-19 - Published: 2020-03-19 - Granted: 2022-09-13 - Earliest claimed: 2017-11-02 - Applicants: Kimberly Hazouri-Yeary - Inventors: Kimberly Hazouri-Yeary - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11439120B2 ## CPC - A01K 1/029: {specially adapted for carrying the animal on the body of a person} - A01K 1/0052: {Arrangement of fans or blowers} - A01K 1/0157: {Mats; Sheets} - A01K 1/0254: {Bags or baskets} - A45C 7/0063: {comprising an integrated expansion device} - A45F 3/04: Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders - A45F 2003/003: {combined with other objects; specially adapted for carrying specific objects} - A01K: ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS - A45C: PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS - A45F: TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY ## Abstract The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus to support transport of a pet in a self-contained expandable carrier. In some examples, the carrier may be worn by a user to support the pet in a proximate location. A pet carrier which may be worn may provide comfort to pet owners while they travel. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An animal transport apparatus comprising: a primary chamber for a primary containment of a pet; a securing harness comprising at least a first strap to hold the primary chamber against a torso of a user's body; an expandable chamber providing a contained area and configured to expand to a sufficient length such that the pet can be moved from the primary chamber to a floor while the user is seated upright in a chair, the primary chamber is secured to the torso of the user using the securing harness, and the expandable chamber is connected to the primary chamber; a replaceable pet support pad, wherein the pet support pad provides a comfortable location for the pet to reside, and wherein the pet support pad includes absorbent material capable to absorb odors and allergens from the pet; a filter and a fan to actively remove allergens from the air of the animal transport apparatus; and wherein the animal transport apparatus is worn on the user's body. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the expandable chamber is an expandable pet compartment, and wherein the expandable pet compartment is configured to be opened and placed at a location remote from the primary chamber. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the expandable pet compartment may be detached from the primary chamber. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the expandable pet compartment comprises an accordion component which is stretched to move the expandable pet compartment. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising an access port. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the access port is located on a side of the primary chamber. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a HEPA filter. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a color coded tag, wherein the color coded tag indicates a type of animal contained in the animal transport apparatus. ### Claim 9 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising bags of food stored in a pouch detachably connected to one or both of: the primary chamber and the securing harness. ### Claim 10 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a pouch to store bags for storage of excrement of the pet. ### Claim 11 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a majority of the animal transport apparatus comprises fire retardant material. ### Claim 12 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a letter tag, wherein the letter tag indicates the animal contained. ### Claim 13 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a replaceable liner that is removable from the animal transport apparatus. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least a second strap. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a luggage for travel items of the user. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a luggage for travel items of the animal. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an alarm. ### Claim 18 A method of comforting a patient with obsessive compulsive disorder while travelling, the method comprising: obtaining an animal transport apparatus comprising: a primary chamber for a primary containment of a pet; at least a first strap to hold the primary chamber against a torso of a user's body; an expandable chamber providing a contained area and configured to expand to a sufficient length such that the pet can be moved from the primary chamber to a floor while the user is seated upright in a chair, the primary chamber is secured to the torso of the user using the first strap, and the expandable chamber is connected to the primary chamber; a filter and a fan to actively remove allergens from the air of the animal transport apparatus; a viewport, wherein the viewport is mounted on the chamber to allow a user to view within the chamber; a replaceable pet support pad, wherein the support pad provides a comfortable location for the pet to reside, and wherein the support pad includes absorbent material capable to absorb odors and allergens from the pet; and wherein the animal transport apparatus is worn on the user's body; placing an animal into the animal transport apparatus; boarding a vehicle of mass transit; and wherein the patient views the animal through the view port and is comforted. ### Claim 19 A method for transporting an animal, the method comprising: obtaining an animal transport apparatus comprising: a primary chamber for a primary containment of a pet; at least a first strap to hold the primary chamber against a torso of a user's body; an expandable chamber providing a contained area and configured to expand to a sufficient length such that the pet can be moved from the primary chamber to a floor while the user is seated upright in a chair, the primary chamber is secured to the torso of the user using the first strap, and the expandable chamber is connected to the primary chamber: a replaceable pet support pad, wherein the support pad provides a comfortable location for the pet to reside, and wherein the support pad includes absorbent material capable to absorb odors and allergens from the pet; a filter and a fan to actively remove allergens from the air of the animal transport apparatus; and wherein the animal transport apparatus is worn on the user's body; placing an animal into the animal transport apparatus; and boarding a vehicle of mass transit. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The method of claim 19 wherein the vehicle of mass transit comprises an airplane.