U.S. patent application number 10/445636 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for mobile prosthetic apparatus for disabled four-legged animals.
Invention is credited to Parkes, Lincoln J..
Application Number | 20040231613 10/445636 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33434887 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040231613 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parkes, Lincoln J. |
November 25, 2004 |
MOBILE PROSTHETIC APPARATUS FOR DISABLED FOUR-LEGGED ANIMALS
Abstract
A mobile prosthetic apparatus for disabled four-legged animals
comprises a cart having a chassis. The chassis includes a front
subassembly detachably mounted to a rearward subassembly. A primary
wheel is mounted to the frame of the chassis at each side of the
rearward end and a set of swively mounted secondary wheels is
mounted to the frame at each side of the forward end. A yoke
extends across the frame at the forward end and is movable from an
active position spanning the side walls of the frame to an inactive
position away from one of the side walls to permit entrance and
exit of the animal from the cart.
Inventors: |
Parkes, Lincoln J.; (Oxford,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP
P.O. Box 2207
Wilmington
DE
19899-2207
US
|
Family ID: |
33434887 |
Appl. No.: |
10/445636 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/727 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 15/00 20130101;
A61D 3/00 20130101; A61G 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/727 |
International
Class: |
A61D 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile prosthetic apparatus for disabled four-legged animals
comprising a cart, said cart having a chassis with a forward end
and a rearward end and a top and a bottom, said chassis including a
frame, said chassis comprising a front subassembly and a rearward
subassembly, each of said subassemblies including a portion of said
frame, said frame having side walls, said rearward subassembly
including a primary wheel mounted at each of said side walls, a
rearward cross brace unit interconnecting said side walls of said
frame of said rearward subassembly, a hip sling mounted to each of
said side walls of said frame in said rearward subassembly, at
least one secondary wheel mounted at each of said frame sidewalls
of said front subassembly, each of said secondary wheels being
swively mounted, at least one support sling mounted across said
frame sidewalls, and said front subassembly and said rearward
subassembly being detachably mounted together.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front subassembly includes
a shoulder yoke mounted to and above the top of said side walls,
said shoulder yoke being movably mounted to and from a first
position mounted across said side walls and a second position away
from at least one of said side walls to facilitate access and exit
to said chassis.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said yoke is pivotally mounted
to one of said side walls for pivotal movement in a vertical plane,
said yoke including a padded sleeve, and said yoke being completely
removable from said frame.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said hip slings is a
rigid loop mounted to a respective one of said side walls, said hip
slings being inclined toward and spaced from each other, and each
of said hip slings being pivotally mounted to said side wall to
permit adjustment of the spacing of said hip slings from each
other.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said primary wheels is
adjustably mounted to its side wall to different selected vertical
positions.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said side walls are inclined,
said secondary wheels being vertically mounted for being
perpendicular to a support surface, said primary wheels being
inclined at the same angle as said side walls, and said primary
wheels having a solid cross-section.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein each of said primary wheels is
mounted for only one-way rotation.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one secondary
wheel comprises a set of two secondary wheels mounted on a common
axle at each of said side walls, and each set of said secondary
wheels being mounted to a bracket which is mounted to said frame
and being mounted to permit vertical movement.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one support sling
includes a chest sling for supporting the girth of the animal and
an abdomen support sling, and each of said chest sling and said
abdomen support sling being adjustable in tension.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein a pair of tibial slings is
mounted to said rearward cross brace unit, a forward chest sling
mounted across said side walls, each of said slings being padded,
said shoulder girth sling and said abdomen support sling being
slidably mounted to said frame, each of said tibial slings being
slidably mounted at one end to said cross brace unit and being
detachably mounted at its other end to said cross brace unit, and
said forward shoulder sling being detachably mounted to one of said
side walls.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rearward subassembly is
adjustable in width, and said cross brace unit being adjustable in
length.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cross-brace unit is a
rearward cross brace unit mounted to the rearward end of said
rearward subassembly, a forward cross brace unit being mounted
across said side walls at the forward end of said rearward
subassembly, said forward cross brace unit being adjustable in
length, a cross brace extending across said walls of said front
subassembly, said cross brace of said front subassembly being
detachably mounted to said forward cross brace unit of said
rearward subassembly, said frame including top members at said side
walls of each of said front assembly and said rearward subassembly
detachably mounted together, a second shoulder yoke mounted to said
rearward subassembly, and said frame being adjustable width and in
length and in height.
13. A mobile prosthetic apparatus for disabled four-legged animals
comprising a cart, said cart having a chassis with a forward end
and a rearward end and a top and a bottom, said chassis including a
frame having a pair of oppositely located side walls, at least one
cross brace unit extending across and interconnecting said side
walls, a primary wheel mounted to said frame at each of said side
walls at said rearward end, a secondary wheel mounted at each of
said side walls at said forward end, each of said secondary wheels
being swively mounted to said frame, a shoulder yoke mounted to
said frame side at said forward end and said top of said chassis,
said yoke having a first position connected to and spanning said
frame walls, said yoke being movable from said first position to a
second position leaving the space between said frame side walls
unobstructed by said yoke, and at least one sling mounted to and
spanning said frame side walls for supporting the animal.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said yoke is pivotally
mounted at one end to one of said side walls and detachably mounted
at its other end to the other of said side walls.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said yoke is pivotally
mounted for movement in a vertical plane, said yoke being removably
mounted at its pivot end, said yoke being in the form of a rigid
member covered by a padded sleeve, a stop mechanism on said frame
for limiting the extent of pivotal movement of said yoke, and
including a locking assembly for locking said end of said yoke
detachably mounted to said side wall.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said at least one sling
includes a pair of hip slings, each of said hip slings being a
rigid loop in a padded sleeve mounted to a respective one of said
side walls, said hip slings being inclined toward and spaced from
each other, and each of said hip slings being pivotally mounted to
said side wall to permit adjustment of the spacing of said hip
slings from each other.
17. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said at least one sling
comprises a chest girth support sling and an abdomen support sling,
and each of said chest girth support sling and said abdomen support
sling being adjustable in tension.
18. A mobile prosthetic apparatus for disabled four-legged animals
comprising a cart, said cart having a chassis with a forward end
and a rearward end and a top and a bottom, said chassis including a
frame, said frame having side walls, a primary wheel mounted at
each of said side walls, a rearward cross brace unit
interconnecting with side walls of said frame at said rearward end,
a front cross brace unit interconnecting said side walls at said
rearward end, a hip sling mounted to each of said side walls of
said frame, a shoulder yoke mounted to and above the top of said
side walls, each of said primary wheels being adjustably mounted to
its side wall at different selected vertical positions, and each of
said primary wheels being mounted for only one-way rotation.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein each of said hip slings is a
rigid loop mounted to a respective one of said side walls, said hip
slings being inclined toward and spaced from each other, and each
of said hip slings being pivotally mounted to said side wall to
permit adjustment of the spacing of said hip slings from each
other.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said side walls are inclined,
said primary wheels being inclined at the same angle as said side
walls, and said primary wheels having a solid cross section.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Supportive mobile devices for animals functionally disabled
have been known to the art of veterinary medicine for many years.
Dogs and other household pets sustain traumatic injury of soft
tissue, bone, and/or neural elements resulting in functional
disability. Disabling medical conditions include inherited
degenerative disorders, disc rupture, and primary diseases of the
nervous system. The art has been successful in providing suitable
supportive devices allowing animals to enjoy a self-sustained
mobile life. Return of mobility to disabled animals reduces the
risk of secondary medical problems and improved the mental health
of the animal.
[0002] Applicant has developed mobile suspensory apparatuses for
supporting the rear quarters of disabled animals. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,406,661 discloses a cart having a vertical standard
extending upward in a loop from an axle having two wheels. A
length-adjustable yoke member is attached to the standard at or
near the natural height of the animal's hips, and a hip support
member comprising two attached horizontal loops made from a single
rod, through which the animal's legs are inserted, is attached to
the standard slightly above the yoke member.
[0003] A similar two-wheeled apparatus having side rods for
connection to a harness is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,215,117
(Short). The Short apparatus supports the animal's rear quarters at
its abdomen, and the side rods position the wheels at a
predetermined distance from the harness.
[0004] Alternate approaches are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.
3,241,851 (Dingbuam) and U.S. Pat. No. 2,546,726 (Creamer, Jr.).
These patents teach apparatus which employ the animal's body itself
as a large part of the support structure. Both teach attachment of
wheels to injured animals in a manner reminiscent of the attachment
of training wheels to a bicycle.
[0005] At the other extreme, U.S. Pat. No. 2,976,840 (Hugus)
discloses a complete structure having four casters and associated
structure supporting a sling which both encloses and supports the
animal. The animal's rear legs are allowed to hang through holes in
a sling.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,910 (Pecor), there is a two-wheel
passive therapeutic exercise device providing non-weight bearing
motion of the rear limbs. The rear feet are placed in boots
attached to a crank-arm mechanism. A striding passive motion of the
rear limbs is provided by mechanically geared energy derived from
the back wheels. Passive movement of the disabled rear limbs is
provided by the dog walking on the front limbs.
[0007] All of the foregoing patents are intended to assist mobility
by the animal pulling itself along by its front legs while the rear
quarters are supported in a two-wheeled device. U.S. Pat. No.
4,375,203 teaches an apparatus for the totally paralyzed rear limb
animal. Flaccid full extension of the rear limbs results from this
disability. Support height required for raising the extended rear
limbs creates a stressful forward angulation on the shoulders of
the animal. Flexion of the rear limbs is provided by tibial sling
support allowing level walking position of the body. Secondly,
balanced weight distribution between front and rear quarters by
adjustable horizontal positioning of the axle through a plurality
of holes in 2 axle blocks. Providing flexion of the rear limbs by
means of slings allows leveling of the body to a normal walking
position. An adjustment of axle wheel position horizontally
achieves proper weight distribution between front and rear quarters
reduces stress to a minimum while the animal is walking.
[0008] The art of animal cart design has centered on the use of
rear limb, two-wheeled supportive carts. U.S. Pat. No. 2,970,840
(Hughes) discloses a complete structure having four casters and
associated hammock support, which both encloses and supports the
animal. The animal's rear legs are allowed to hang through the
holes in the hammock structure. Lacking such embodiment as adequate
wheel size for ease of function, directional control, or means of
adjustment restricts the functional value of the Hughes
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The objective of this invention is to extend independent
wheel support for both rear and front quarters in contrast to prior
art units. Self-sustained mobility requires that at least partial
weight bearing must be present in either the front or rear
quarters. Front and rear wheel supporting elements can provide
either front or rear quarters as a source of mobility. Extending
the source of mobility expands the categories of disabilities
assisted, such as forelimb amputees, forelimb birth defects, or
total rear paralysis accompanied by forelimb weakness.
[0010] A mobile prosthetic apparatus for disabled four-legged
animals generally includes a cart having a chassis wherein the
chassis frame has oppositely located walls. Primary wheels are
mounted to the frame at the rearward end of the frame while
secondary wheels are mounted to the forward end. Each of the
secondary wheels is swively mounted. In one practice of the
invention a yoke is mounted to the forward end of the frame at the
top of the chassis. The yoke has a first position which is
connected to and spans the frame sidewalls. The yoke is movable to
a second position so as to leave the space between the frame walls
unobstructed by the yoke and thereby facilitate an animal being
placed in or removed from the apparatus.
[0011] The chassis may be in the form of two subassemblies wherein
a front subassembly includes both the forward portion of the frame
and the secondary set of wheels, as well as a yoke when included in
the apparatus. The second subassembly is a rearward subassembly
having the rearward portion of the frame and the primary wheels.
Both subassemblies are detachably connected together so that, for
example, the rearward subassembly may be used independently as an
apparatus for disabled animals not requiring the full benefits of
the apparatus when both subassemblies are connected together.
[0012] Preferably the chassis frame is made of various tubular
members which are adjustably connected together to provide for
height, length and width adjustment so as to conform to the
specific size of a particular animal. Tubular members are also
lightweight. Various support straps or slings and leg supports may
also be provided.
IN THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a mobile prosthetic
apparatus for disabled four-legged animals in accordance with one
practice of this invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top plan exploded view of two subassemblies used
for forming the apparatus of FIGS. 1-2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the front subassembly
shown in FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 in a different phase of
operation;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus shown in
FIGS. 1-3 with portions of the front subassembly omitted for the
sake of clarity;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of the rearward
subassembly shown in FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a fragmental elevational view showing the swivel
wheels in the front subassembly of FIGS. 1-3;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view showing a portion of the
apparatus of FIGS. 1-3;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a fragmental cross-sectional view in elevation of
the portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a fragmental view in cross-section showing an
adjustability feature of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-3;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a further apparatus in
accordance with this invention;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown
in FIG. 12; and
[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of
the apparatus shown in FIGS. 12-13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] An apparatus 10 of one embodiment of this invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Apparatus 10 would be used with a dog or
other four-legged animal totally disabled in the rear quarters due
to trauma, degenerative conditions, or any cause blocking motor
nerve transmission to the rear limbs. The same apparatus can also
be used for forequarter support. Causes for forelimb functional
loss are include amputation, inherited defects, or any of the same
conditions affecting the hindquarters. As later described the
present invention supports the rear quarters by means of inserting
the legs into padded rings. Total rear limb disability requires
that the tibia be supported by padded slings to maintain normal
walking position as well as preventing lower limb or foot injury.
Secondary wheels provide partial weight bearing assistance to the
forequarters to reduce weight stress and provide directional
control for front limb ambulation. It should be noted that older
large breed dogs are commonly disabled by a primary spinal cord
degenerative disorder that progresses from total rear limb
paralysis to partial motor loss in the forequarters. Padded
elasticized cords provide partial support for the abdomen and
chest. The elasticity of the padded cords maintains continuous
dynamic support for the cyclical up and down motion of the animal
while walking or running. This dynamic support applies to primary
wheel support of either the front or rear quarters.
[0028] A subassembly of the apparatus with a set of primary wheels
supports the forequarters by using the reversed support system
providing padded chest rings for forequarter loss of function. The
forequarters gain support from the primary wheels and from padded
rings and mobility is derived from the rear quarters. Directional
control and support is provided by secondary wheels extending
lateral to the rear quarters. Forelimb lower limb sling support is
provided by an attachment to the side bar. Dynamic padded body
slings can be adjusted from the side bars attachments in the same
manner as the rear quarters. Tibial flexion support is provided by
padded elastic cord slings suspended from the primary wheel torsion
bar.
[0029] In one practice of the invention a carriage chassis
comprises a single tubular length angulated at two locations
ventrally to form part of a triangular or U-shaped enclosure. This
area provides attachment for a T-shaped primary wheel support
containing a plurality of holes providing an attachment of variable
wheel sizes and height adjustment. Side bars complete the top of
the primary wheel enclosure and continue extended support for the
shoulder or hip yoke and partial support for the secondary wheel
apparatus. The chassis also comprises a posterior angular standard
in the shape of a loop providing a torsion connection between the
side frame members. Torsion elements, preferably four in number,
are all interrupted midway to provide tailored width adjustments
for the individual animal. Tubular over-riding sleeves provide the
junction support, once fitting distance is established. Security of
the sleeves are provided by a pin or riveting. Once the width
setting is established, they are secured.
[0030] Additional torsion support is provided by a padded shoulder
yoke. In one embodiment the yoke is permanently hinged on one side
of the side bar or frame by a single horizontal bent member of the
yoke. The opposite end is attached by a bracket to the opposing
side bar of the frame and is locked when the apparatus is in
use.
[0031] The yoke provides strength for the extended side bars,
secondary wheels, body slings, and containment for the animal's
body. Hinging of the yoke provides space for entry and exit of the
animal. The secondary wheels are vertically supported on top by
side bar extension through T connectors. Telescopic extension or
shortening of the side bar provides adjustment for the secondary
wheels. The secondary wheel lower support is derived from a
U-shaped tubular member clamped to the lower torsion bar of the
frame. A T adapter provides an attachment for the secondary wheel
mount. A central pin supports the paired secondary wheels allowing
360.degree. rotational or swivel movement of the paired wheels. The
wheels are hinged by two segments forming a 45.degree. angle. One
arm is a horizontal element joined at the central arm. The second
segment has a compression spring mounted at a 45.degree. angle to
the central post. The trailing attached paired wheels are capable
of absorbing the shock of obstacles encountered while moving in any
direction.
[0032] The secondary wheel is part of a subassembly or unit that
can be considered a detachable unit providing optional support when
needed. A vigorous animal capable of ambulation without stress on
two primary wheels only should be offered support of the two
primary wheels without the encumbrance of the secondary wheel
unit.
[0033] A second option of the primary wheels provided is a clutch
bearing in each wheel. This embodiment is especially helpful when
only primary wheels are in use. The prevention of posterior
movement allows an animal with minimal weakness to rest, when
needed, against the braking force of the primary wheels. Pivoting
on one wheel for direction change can be accomplished by an agile
animal.
[0034] Universal adjustment of the apparatus is provided by
telescoping capabilities of preferably tubular adjoining elements.
Length, height, and width adjustment is provided by a central
overriding tubular elements. Selection of compatible diameters and
wall thickness provides endless snug-fitting extension and
shortening capability. The order of adjustment for a specific
animal begins with the height of the leg rings. This setting is
established by the length forward of the main frame standards.
Width is established by the length of the torsional connections.
Connection of cart elements is provided by plastic T-connectors and
telescoping tubes secured by pins, bolts, or rivets. Outward
angulation of the primary and secondary wheels of .+-.150 is
provided for increased stability of the cart in use and provides
unobstructed movement for the limbs. Length of the torsional
members determines the outward angulation.
[0035] Total rear quarter paralysis requires tibial flexion support
to prevent lower limb injury when the animal is in normal
horizontal walking position. If the rear quarters retain partial
weight bearing ability leg rings are set at a height to allow use
of the rear limbs in addition to the forelimbs. The invention
provides for the totally rear limb paralyzed animal accompanied by
weakened forequarters a means of support not offered by prior
units.
[0036] The leg rings are independently suspended from the sidebars
by suspension clamps. Foam padding is provided for abrasion injury
protection. Independent suspension facilitates adjustment for male
and female genitalia and forelimb disabilities. Adjustment and
stability is provided by an interconnecting partially plastic
coated cable with threaded tubes positioned between the leg ring
and frame standard.
[0037] Flexible foam padded slings provide support for totally
non-weight bearing rear quarters and forelimbs. The pendulous
free-motion support of the limbs prevents abrasion injury.
Suspension of the leg slings is provided by the lower posterior
torsion tube of the rear limbs. Support for the forelimbs is
derived from the horizontal sidebars.
[0038] The apparatus preferably uses lightweight support for both
front and rearquarters with directional control for four-legged
animals. The construction materials provide ease of adjustment for
proper fitting in all parameters thereby reducing stress for
self-assisted ambulation. Versatility of weight bearing provides
mobility for either fore or rear quarters or both if necessary for
ambulation. Finally, a wider range and degree of motor disabilities
can be assisted than previously offered.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 the mobile prosthetic apparatus 10 is
in the form of a cart having a chassis with a forward end and a
rear end. The chassis includes a frame having a pair of oppositely
located side walls which are preferably generally of tubular form.
It is to be understood, however, that while tubular members are
preferred due to their lightweight and adjustability features the
invention could be broadly practiced where the side walls
completely or partially include solid sections such as of
plate-like construction or where the members are flat bars
slideably positioned against each other.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3 the apparatus 10 is formed in two
separate subassemblies, namely, a front subassembly 12 and a
rearward subassembly 14. The two subassemblies are detachably
mounted together as shown in FIGS. 1-2. Apparatus 10 includes both
subassemblies to provide support for animals totally disabled in
the rear quarters. Where only four quarter support is required the
rear subassembly 14 may be used without having the front
subassembly 12 attached thereto.
[0041] As illustrated, the sides of the frame of apparatus 10 are
outwardly inclined from top to bottom. A set of primary wheels
16,16 is secured to the sides at the rearward end of apparatus 10
while a set of secondary wheels 18,18 is secured to the front
end.
[0042] The frame includes as part of the front subassembly 12 a
U-shaped tube 20 horizontally disposed and having a central portion
22 with outer legs 24. Each secondary wheel 18 is mounted to a post
26 extending vertically downwardly from the free ends of legs
24,24. The mounting may be done in any suitable fashion such as by
a T-connector 28 which has a hollow horizontal passageway for
receiving the leg portion 24 and a vertical passageway for
receiving the post 26. The T-connector 28 also permits the exact
positioning of each wheel 18 to be adjusted along the length of leg
24 of tube 20.
[0043] The central portion 22 of tube 20 is used not only to
provide a brace extending across the frame, but also permits the
detachable mounting of subassemblies 12 and 14. If desired, central
portion 22 could be of a unitary construction so that tube 20 is of
fixed dimension. Alternatively, tube 20 could be of two tubular
portions wherein the ends telescope into each other at the central
portion along the joint 30 to permit width adjustment of the front
subassembly 12.
[0044] Front subassembly 12 also includes as part of each side of
the frame an upward brace 32 which is connected to tubular member
20 by a T-connector 34 on each of the frame sides as best shown in
FIG. 1. The T-connector 34 may be positioned at any suitable
location on each leg 24 of tubular member.
[0045] As illustrated a second pair of horizontal tubular members
38,38 is located at and comprises the top of the frame for the
front subassembly 12. One top tube 38 is telescopically connected
to tubular extension 48. Alternatively each top tube 38 could have
an extension 48 or the extension could be omitted from both top
tubes 38. Each top tubular member has a T-connector 40,42 mounted
at any suitable location on the tubular member 38 or 48. Each
T-connector 40,42 has a vertical portion which receives a
respective upward brace 32. The T-connectors 40,42 would be
vertically aligned with respective T-connectors 34,34.
[0046] A shoulder yoke 36 spans the top of the frame. Yoke 36 is
generally formed of a U-shaped generally rigid tubular member
having one outwardly extending end 44 which is slidably received in
the horizontal passage of T-connector 40. The other end of yoke 36
fits in the upwardly extending passageway of T-connector 46 which
fits on tube 48 telescopically connected to its upper tubular
member 38. FIG. 2, for example, illustrates the junction 50 of
tubular members 38 and 48. Tubular member 48 is slidably received
in the horizontal passageway of T-connector 42.
[0047] Yoke 36 has a padded outer sleeve 52 for added comfort to
the animal at the shoulder. In the use condition illustrated in
FIGS. 1-2 and 4 shoulder yoke 36 spans the side walls of the frame.
Yoke 36 extends upwardly to provide maximum room to accommodate the
animal. In order to facilitate the animal being placed in and
removed from apparatus 10, yoke 36 is movable from the first
position of use illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 4 to a second position
illustrated in FIG. 5 which is totally away from tube 48 so as to
leave a completely open space between the frame side walls
unobstructed by the yoke until the animal has been positioned in
apparatus 10 whereupon yoke 36 is then moved back to its first
position. FIG. 5 illustrates in solid lines yoke 36 in the freely
hanging position. Preferably, however, in its inactive position
yoke 36 is in the position shown in phantom in FIG. 5 to leave the
front of the apparatus completely open. Yoke 36 could be maintained
in that phantom position by using the type of stop mechanism shown
in and later described with respect to FIGS. 12-14.
[0048] Any suitable means may be used to facilitate moving the yoke
to and from its position of use. FIG. 5, for example, shows yoke 36
to terminate in an end 45 extending from sleeve 52. The extension
has an aperture or hole 54 extending completely through that free
end 45 of the yoke. The apertured end 45 of yoke 36 would be
selectively positioned in the upwardly extending passage of
T-connector 46. See also FIG. 4. A slight bending of yoke 36 may be
necessary. A hole 56 extends completely through the upwardly
disposed passage of T-connector 46 for selective alignment with the
hole 54 in the end 45 of yoke 36. When the holes are aligned a pin
58 is inserted through the aligned holes to lock the free end 45 of
yoke 36 into T-connector 46. Pin 58 is preferably permanently
secured to the front subassembly 12 such as by being mounted on a
ring 60 which in turn is secured to T-connector 46 by a cord or
cable 62.
[0049] In order to permit the movement of yoke 36 to and from its
use position and its entrance/exit position, the end 44 of yoke 36
is free to pivot in T-connector 40. Such pivotal or rotational
movement is in a vertical arc from the use position shown, for
example, in FIG. 4 to the entrance/exit position shown in FIG.
5.
[0050] The arrangement of the preferred form of yoke 36 is
particularly advantageous in that it selectively permits the yoke
to remain engaged at one of its ends to the frame by the end 44
being slidably and pivotally mounted in T-connector 40 thereby
permitting the yoke 36 to be selectively moved from the use
position of FIG. 4 to the access position of FIG. 5. The slidable
mounting of end 44 into T-connector 40 also provides the option of
completely removing the yoke by simply withdrawing end 44 from
T-connector 40. Complete removal of the yoke might be desired in
order to replace the yoke with a larger or smaller yoke to
accommodate different size animals. Complete removal might also be
desired to permit the padding 52 to be cleaned or replaced.
[0051] If it is desired to expand the width of front subassembly
12, the central portion 22 of tubular member 20 would be expandable
as previously described. Yoke 36 could also be expandable which
might be accomplished by having the central portion of the yoke
made of two telescopic tubular members. Alternatively a yoke 36 may
be completely removed and replaced by a different size yoke.
[0052] The front subassembly 12 also includes a chest strap 64
mounted at any suitable location and preferably to yoke 36. Chest
strap or sling 64 would be located forwardly of the front legs near
the neck of the animal. Sling 64 could be an elastic cord 66 having
a padded sleeve 68 around the cord. One end of the cord 66 could
have a loop 70 permanently secured around an end of yoke 36 such as
adjacent to the end of outer padding or sleeve 52. The other end of
cord 66 could have a hook 72 which would loop around the hinge end
44 of yoke 36.
[0053] Chest strap 64 could be easily mounted to yoke 36 by
inserting the loop 70 over the exposed end 45 of yoke 36 past the
hole 54 when the yoke is in the access position shown in FIG. 6.
When the yoke is in the assembled condition shown in FIG. 5 or when
it is in the access position of FIG. 6 the hook 72 could be mounted
to the pivot end 44 of yoke 36.
[0054] The front subassembly 12 preferably also includes a further
chest sling 74 comprises an elastic cord 84 in a rigid bendable
sleeve 77 with a padded outer sleeve 76. Chest sling 74 would be
located rearwardly of the front legs and may be considered as a
girth shoulder support sling. Chest sling 74 could be secured to
the frame of the chassis of apparatus 10 in any suitable manner.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 one end of chest sling 74
terminates in a loop 78 which is slidably mounted around top tube
38. The chest sling 74 is preferably made from an elastic cord 84
wherein the outer padded sleeve 76 adds to the comfort to the
animal. The opposite end of chest sling 74 is mounted to a
T-connector 80 as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 9-10. As shown in FIGS.
9-10, the free end of cord 84 is threaded through the lower tubular
passage of T-connector 80 and exits through a hole 82. An
adjustable fastener 86 is mounted on the exposed free end of cord
84 to lock the cord 84 in place and prevent it from being removed
through hole 82. The adjustable mounting of fastener 86 permits the
tension and the effective length of chest sling 74 to be adjusted.
The location would then be secured by fastener 88.
[0055] It should be appreciated that each of the various T-shaped
connectors has the advantage of permitting slidable mounting and
thereby adjustability in the location of each connector. Each
T-shaped connector may be provided with one or more locking members
88 to then lock the T-connector in place once the desired location
is achieved. Fastener 88 could be a rivet or a screw or any other
suitable fastener. Alternatively, at least some of the
T-connectors, such as T-connector 80, may be free to slide.
[0056] Each set of secondary wheels 18,18 is freely mounted so as
to be able to swivel 360.degree.. FIG. 8 illustrates the mounting
of one wheel 18. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2-5 there would be
a set of two wheels 18 along each side of the chassis frame. The
two wheels are mounted on a common axle 90 which slides through a
horizontal leg 92 of an angled bracket 94. A further horizontal leg
96 is perpendicular to leg 92 and is secured to vertical leg or
post 26 by a pivot connection or pin 98. A pair of guide pins 100
connect the horizontal leg 96 with the vertical post 26. A spring
102 is mounted around the guide pins 100. This arrangement permits
the movements illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 8. Although the
drawings, such as FIG. 1, illustrate the post 26 to be connected to
horizontal tube 20 by a T-connector, the post could simply extend
through or otherwise be connected to horizontal tube 20 without the
use of an adjustable T-connector.
[0057] The provision of the spring 102 around the spaced guide pins
100 acts as a shock absorber and permits vertical movement of each
set of secondary wheels when hitting a bump. If desired, the
bracket 94 could be formed wherein a compression spring is mounted
between two washers or flanges on post 26 where the post is located
at the horizontal member 24 to permit vertical movement by
compressing or expanding the spring which thereby also acts as a
shock absorber.
[0058] A further feature of having the various support slings, such
as forward chest sling 64 and girth chest sling 74 and other later
described support slings, removable is to permit the replacement
with different size support slings and also to permit the removal
of the padded sleeve around each support sling for cleaning or
replacement purposes.
[0059] As illustrated the side walls of the frame extend outwardly
from top tubes 38 toward horizontal tube legs 24. This angled frame
provides greater stability and facilitates accommodating the animal
in the chassis. The secondary wheels 18,18 are preferably mounted
in a vertical orientation which would be perpendicular to the
ground whereas the primary wheels 16 are mounted at an angle which
is preferably the same as the angle of the inclined sides of the
frame.
[0060] As with the front subassembly 12, the rearward subassembly
14 also has its side walls outwardly inclined. The frame includes a
pair of top tubes 104, each of which is inserted into a T-connector
106 which also receives top tube 38 of front subassembly 12. In one
alternative top tubes 38 and 104 may be separate tubes received by
and locked in T-connector 106. In this alternative, when the
subassemblies 12,14 are detached, the tubes 38,104 would be
separated from each other at the T-connector 106 with the
T-connector remaining on either tube or being removed from both
tubes. In a further alternative top tubes 38 and 104 may be a
single unitary tube extending through T-connector 106. This
alternative is shown in FIG. 3 where the single tube designated as
38 terminates in a reduced diameter stub 49 which telescopes into
and is permanently or detachably locked to tubular extension 48.
When the subassemblies 12,14 are detached, temporarily locked tubes
104 and 38,48 could be separated. Otherwise, the side braces 32,32
could be removed from T-connector 40,42 to permit detachment of the
subassemblies.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, a side brace 108 on each side of the
frame is mounted into the vertical passageway of T-connector 106.
The lower end of each side brace 108 is in an inclined vertical
passageway of a T-connector 110. Each side brace 108 is part of a
U-shaped tube which extends through T-connector 110 to form one leg
of the tube with the bight of the tube 112 being located near the
primary wheels 16. The tube then extends upwardly to form another
leg 114 which fits in a T-connector 116 with the horizontal
passageway of T-connector 116 receiving top tube 104. If desired,
the U-shaped tube could be made from separate tube sections
corresponding to segments 108, 112 and 114 wherein the tube
sections are secured together in any suitable manner such as by a
telescopic mounting or by further sleeves or T-connectors. As shown
in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 6, the pair of side braces 108 is
interconnected by a horizontal cross brace assembly which includes
a pair of end tubes 118 telescopically mounted in a central tube
120. Central tube 120 is detachably connected by fasteners 122 to
the central section 22 of horizontal tube 20 to join the front
subassembly 12 and rearward subassembly 14 together in a detachable
manner. Any suitable form of fastener may be used such as bolts and
nuts 122.
[0062] An abdomen support sling 124 is mounted across top tubes
104. Abdomen support sling 124 is similar to chest girth sling 74
and comprises an elastic cord 130 which is inserted through a rigid
bendable sleeve in an outer padded sleeve 126. As shown in FIG. 2
one end of the cord is formed into a loop 128 which extends around
a top tube 104. As shown in FIG. 1, the other free end or cord 130
is threaded through the vertical passageway of T-connector 132 and
exits through a hole in the vertical passageway. The free end of
cord 130 is then engaged by any suitable locking device 134 to lock
the free end in place. This permits the length and tension of the
abdomen support strap 124 to be adjusted similar to the manner of
adjusting the chest girth sling 74. The use of T-connectors and
loops to mount the support slings 74 and 124 permits the slings to
be slidably positioned on the frame. In addition, it is possible to
completely remove the straps when it is desired to replace the
slings with slings of a different dimension or to remove the padded
sleeves for cleaning purposes.
[0063] The height and thus the location of the various slings such
as abdomen support sling 124 in the rearward subassembly 14 could
be adjusted by providing a series of holes extending completely
through side braces 108. The holes would be selectively aligned
with holes in the vertical passages of the T-connector 110 so that
the location of the T-connector on the length of the side braces
could be selected and then maintained in place. This would in turn
control the location of the cross-brace assembly formed by tubes
118 and 120, as well as the height of the front subassemblies
because the horizontal central portion 22 of the front subassembly
12 is mounted to the vertically adjustable central tube 120.
[0064] Each primary wheel 16 is mounted to a side of the frame by a
T-shaped bracket 136 which is partially shown in FIGS. 1-2. Each
bracket 136 is in the form of a pair of mirror image generally
T-shaped halves 138 which are joined together at the junction line
140. The tops or horizontal portions of the halves 138 of bracket
136 have semicircular recesses which jointly form a circular
passageway through which side brace 108 would be inserted. The
lower or vertical portions of each half 138 form a horizontally
located circular passageway fitting around the U-shaped portion 112
of the side brace. Similarly, a vertical passageway is formed by
the two bracket parts 138,138 which fit around the brace portion
114. The vertical portion of bracket 136 preferably includes a
series of vertically aligned holes one of which would be
selectively used for receiving the axle 142 of each primary wheel
16. This provides for height adjustability.
[0065] The individual halves 138 of the primary wheel mounting
bracket 136 may be secured together in any suitable manner such as
by bolts extending through aligned holes in the halves with a nut
mounted to each bolt. The halves may have a series of horizontally
arranged aligned holes for the selective mounting of any number of
bolts or other fasteners.
[0066] Preferably each primary wheel 16 has a solid cross section,
such as being made of a solid material (e.g. rubber) or being foam
filled, rather than being air-filled. As illustrated in FIG. 6,
each primary wheel 16 is angled preferably at the same angle of
inclination as the side walls of the frame. The primary wheel
mounting assembly may include a thrust bearing to permit only one
way rotation of each primary wheel.
[0067] As illustrated, the side walls of the frame of the rearward
subassembly 14 include a U-shaped central member 144 which
telescopically receives the free ends of side tubes 114. The extent
to which the free ends telescope into the central member 144 could
be controlled by a fastener 146 (FIG. 1) which would be inserted
through one of a series of aligned holes only one of which is
shown. Any suitable type of fastener may be used such as
rivets.
[0068] Central portion 144 would function as a shoulder yoke when
the rearward subassembly 14 is in the reversed position and
comprises the sole apparatus for the animal. Central portion or
yoke 144 could be adjustable in length to permit width adjustment
of the rearward subassembly. As shown in FIG. 7 the central portion
144 could be padded which would be particularly desirable when it
functions as a yoke. Central portion 144 is also a cross brace.
When both subassemblies are mounted together central portion 144 is
a handle.
[0069] Support and stability for the frame is achieved not only
through the use of the central member 144, but also from a cross
brace assembly which spans the tubes 114,114 at a height slightly
above the primary wheels 16,16. This support arrangement, shown in
FIGS. 2-3, and 6, includes a pair of end tubes 148,148 each of
which has one end inserted into the horizontal passageway of a
T-connector 150. The side tubes 114 extend through the vertical
passageway of the T-connector 150. The opposite ends of each end
tube 148 is telescopically received in a central tube 152. The
extent to which the end tubes 148,148 are received in tube 152
would control the width of the rearward subassembly 14 which would
also be controlled by the effective length of the extent that end
tubes 118,118 are received in tube 120.
[0070] FIG. 11 illustrates a mode of mounting the end tubes 148,148
into tube 152. A similar arrangement could be used for tubes
118,120. As shown in FIG. 11 each end tube 148 has a snap button
154 which could be biased in any suitable manner such as by a
spring 156 to an outward position. Outer tube 152 would have a
series of holes 158. When a selected hole 158 is positioned over a
spring biased pin 154 the pin would be urged through the hole to
firmly hold the end tube 148 in that longitudinal location. In
order to change the location or to remove the tubes from each other
the pin 154 would be depressed sufficiently so that it is no longer
in its hole 158.
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7 a tibia sling 160 is mounted
over each end tube 148 in any suitable manner. Each tibia sling is
preferably in the form of an elastic cord 162 inserted through a
padded sleeve 164. As shown in FIG. 6, one end of the cord 162 is
formed into a loop 166 which extends around outer tube 148. The
other end of the cord is secured to a hook 168 which is hooked over
outer tube 148.
[0072] The rearward subassembly 14 also includes a pair of hip
slings 170 inclined toward each other. See FIGS. 1-2. Each hip
sling 170 is in the form of a rigid metal or plastic tubular closed
loop member 172 with the lower or support portion being inserted
through a padded sleeve 174. The upper portion of loop 172 extends
through a passageway of a connector 176. Each top tube 104 extends
through a further horizontal passageway in connector 176. If
desired, the pair of slings 170,170 may be secured to each other
and to the side walls of the frame in any suitable manner. As
illustrated in FIG. 2 a padded cord 178 interconnects the loops
170,170 with each other while rigid tubes 180 around a cable
connect each loop to a side tube 114.
[0073] The angle of the inclined slings 170 may be adjusted to
thereby control the spacing between the slings. The adjustment is
achieved by adjusting the angle that the tube 172 extends through
its connector 176. Connector 176 may be formed as a two-piece
mirror image bracket with the pieces secured together by fasteners
177 such as nuts and bolts. Thus, the fasteners may be temporarily
loosened and the tube 172 rotated until the desired angle is
achieved and then the angle is set by tightening the fasteners. An
advantage in being able to adjust the spacing of the loops is to
take into account whether the animal is a male or female. For a
male animal the loops would be spaced a greater distance to
accommodate the male genitalia whereas for a female the loops could
be spaced closer together.
[0074] The central connecting member 178 has enough slack or could
be made of an elastic material to permit the hip slings to move
toward and away from each other. The outer connectors 180 serve as
rigid spacers and would be dimensioned to permit inward and outward
movement of each hip sling.
[0075] Where the entire apparatus is used the animal would have its
legs inserted through the slings 160 and 170. The rigid slings 170
would support the hips while the lower portions of the legs would
be through the tibial slings 160. The abdomen would be supported by
sling 124 while the chest would be supported by slings 74 and
64.
[0076] A particular advantage of apparatus 10 is that the front
subassembly 12 and the rear subassembly 14 may be detached from
each other. This permits the use of the rear subassembly as a
mobile prosthetic apparatus in itself depending upon the disability
of the animal. Where the rear subassembly itself is used as the
apparatus the orientation would be reversed from what is
illustrated so that the animal would be facing in the reverse
direction from where the animal would be when both subassemblies
are jointly used.
[0077] Subassemblies 12 and 14 could be attached/detached in
various manners. For example, where top tubes 38 and 104 are
separate members disposed against each other in T-connector 106,
tubes 38,38 would be removed from T-connectors 106,106 and cross
brace 22 would be detached from cross brace 120 and T-connectors
106 could be part of the detached front subassembly 12.
Alternatively, top tubes 38 and 104 could be portions of the same
integral tubes. The detachment would be to detach cross brace 22
from cross brace 120 and to detach side tubes 32,32 from
T-connectors 40,42. The subassembly 12 would then be horizontal
tube 20, side tubes 32 and the structure related to secondary
wheels 18,18. If desired yoke 36 and shoulder sling 74 could also
be removed.
[0078] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a further embodiment 10A of this
invention which could be of a smaller size than the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1-11. In that regard, the overall length of the
frame for apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1-11 might be generally about 3
feet long and the width could generally be about 2 feet wide and
the height could be about 2 feet high. The apparatus 10A of FIGS.
12-14 might be dimensioned wherein its overall length is less than
2 feet with its overall width being about 1 foot and its overall
height being slightly greater than 1 foot. The spacing between the
top rails could be almost 1 foot with the apparatus 10, while the
spacing between the top rails of apparatus 10A would be about 6
inches. It is to be understood that the above noted dimensions are
merely representative particularly since one of the features of the
invention is the ability to adjust the various dimensions.
[0079] Apparatus 10A is particularly designed to provide front
quarter support. The structure illustrated in FIGS. 12-14 includes
various alternative features which could be incorporated in
apparatus 10. Otherwise, apparatus 10A would preferably include
some or all of the advantageous features of apparatus 10, including
detachability of the front and rearward subassemblies.
[0080] The variations shown in FIGS. 12-14 include an alternative
yoke structure. As shown therein yoke 36A could be movable to and
from its use position shown solid in FIG. 13 to its entrance/exit
position shown in phantom. This could be accomplished by snapping
one end 45A of yoke 36A into the vertical passageway of T-connector
42A. The opposite end of yoke 36A would be fixed in the vertical
passage of the T-connector 40A. T-connector 40A is itself mounted
for rotation about the frame top tube 38A. Thus, the yoke 36A could
be moved to the position shown in phantom by disconnecting end 45A
from T-connector 42A. Yoke 36A would then rotate by rotating the
fixed end of yoke 36A attached to rotatable T-connector 40A. As
illustrated in FIG. 14 a stop pin 192 is permanently mounted to the
frame top tube 38A in a radial slot 194 formed in T-connector 40A.
The stop pin 192 would limit the extent of rotation of yoke 36A by
limiting the rotation of T-connector 40A.
[0081] It is to be understood that the invention for apparatus 10
or 10A may be practiced wherein some of the slings illustrated and
described are removed and/or where additional slings are included
for further body support. Apparatus 10A in FIGS. 12-14, for
example, shows the inclusion of a shoulder yoke 36A and a chest
girth sling 74A for the front subassembly 12A. The rearward
subassembly 14A includes hip slings 170A as well as slings 182 and
184. Sling 182 would provide support for the rear of the animal and
could be an elastic cord mounted through a padded sleeve. Sling 184
would be located above the animal and could be permanently mounted
to the same T-connector 186 which receives the cord 188 of sling
182. The tension in sling 182 is adjusted by lock 190 secured to
the free end of the elastic cord.
[0082] Sling 184 is connected at one end to T-connector 186 on one
side of the apparatus while the other end of sling 184 may be
hooked to its T-connector such as by being hooked to a U-shaped
extension of the T-connector.
[0083] FIGS. 12-13 also illustrate each hip sling 170A of apparatus
10A to be entirely padded, instead of partially padded as in
apparatus 10.
[0084] The mobile prosthetic apparatus of this invention has a
number of distinct advantages. For example, the apparatus would be
lightweight offering support to both front and rear quarters and
independently reduce stress. There is independent support for the
front and rear quarters with optional rotation of the part by
180.degree. for disabled fore limbs where the rear limbs become the
source of mobility. This would be done where only the rearward
subassembly 14 is used.
[0085] There is unobstructed space for partial weight bearing or
space for non-functioning limbs in slings by the removal of various
cross-members.
[0086] The apparatus has increased stability resulting from the
angled sides with outward wheels 16,18 which are located away from
the limbs.
[0087] There is maximum accessibility for entry and exit of the
animal from the apparatus particularly with the provision of the
hinged shoulder yoke bar 36 or 36A.
[0088] Adjustability in the various dimensions is achieved through
the use of such features as telescoping members, T-connectors and
snap buttons. Where the primary wheels 16 use thrust bearings there
is locking stance support. The apparatus also provides for
directions control through the axial rotation of the secondary
wheels 18.
[0089] Adjustability is also achievable because the apparatus can
be split along its axis due to the adjustability provided by the
cross-braces joining the side walls of the frame together. This
permits the selection of different size frames with the same frame
structure to accommodate different size animals. There is thus, in
effect, total adjustability.
[0090] The apparatus provides dynamic sling support for such areas
as the chest and abdomen where elastic cords which could be
monofilament bungee cords are used. Such cords support the
underside of the animal and are inserted through padded sleeves to
add comfort. One end of each cord can have its tension adjusted.
The various slings include slings at the rearward subassembly for
the legs. In addition there is a sling for each leg on the
side.
[0091] Maintenance is reduced through the use of such features as
foam filled or solid tires as the primary wheels instead of air
filled tires. The secondary wheels are capable of shock absorption
by the use of compression strings.
[0092] The apparatus permits height adjustment by providing for
selective vertical mounting of the primary wheels. There is also
enhanced adjustment of the hip slings 170 located higher than the
primary wheels. There is independent suspension of each hip sling.
These are just some of the features which make the apparatus
unique.
* * * * *