U.S. patent application number 14/748223 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for force transfer harness and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel Codos, Richard Codos. Invention is credited to Daniel Codos, Richard Codos.
Application Number | 20150289484 14/748223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51486246 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150289484 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Codos; Daniel ; et
al. |
October 15, 2015 |
Force Transfer Harness and Method
Abstract
A force transfer harness that utilizes the harness structure to
redirect the handler's forces through the harness structure and
into the underlying ground is provided. Through the act of the dog
sitting, the associated dog and handler cause a change in the
orientation of the harness legs that allows the harness to form a
support structure. After the dog sits, the harness legs are brought
in contact with the ground, whereas previously they were hovering
above the ground in a ready orientation. As a result, the dog's act
of sitting enables the human to transfer his or her weight through
the harness and into the ground.
Inventors: |
Codos; Daniel; (Warren,
NJ) ; Codos; Richard; (Warren, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Codos; Daniel
Codos; Richard |
Warren
Warren |
NJ
NJ |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51486246 |
Appl. No.: |
14/748223 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13787162 |
Mar 6, 2013 |
9089109 |
|
|
14748223 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/792 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 1/0263 20130101;
A01K 27/002 20130101; A01K 15/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 27/00 20060101
A01K027/00 |
Claims
1. A harness for use by a handler with a dog that can move between
a walking posture and a sitting posture on a ground, the harness
comprising: a first handle shaft; a first fixed leg engaged with
said first handle shaft; a first moveable leg engaged with said
first fixed leg. a harness body engaged with said first fixed leg
and engageable with the dog; said first handle shaft being operable
by the handler to space said first moveable leg from said first
fixed leg to form a support that is not in contact with the ground
when the dog is in the walking posture; and said support is in
contact with the ground when the dog is in the sitting posture
whereby substantially all forces applied by the handler to the
first handle shaft are transferred to the ground.
2. The harness of claim 1, further comprising a first linkage
engaged with said first handle shaft and said first fixed leg.
3. The harness of claim 2, wherein said first fixed leg is
rotatably engaged with said first handle shaft.
4. The harness of claim 3, wherein said first moveable leg is
rotatably engaged with said first fixed leg.
5. The harness of claim 4, where in said first linkage is rotatably
engaged with said first handle shaft and said first fixed leg.
6. The harness of claim 5, further comprising a second handle shaft
and a second fixed leg engaged with said second handle shaft and
said harness body.
7. The harness of claim 6, further comprising a second moveable leg
engaged with said second fixed leg.
8. The harness of claim 7, further comprising a second linkage
engaged with said second handle shaft and said second fixed
leg.
9. The harness of claim 8, wherein said second fixed leg is
pivotally engaged with said second handle shaft.
10. The harness of claim 9, wherein said second moveable leg is
rotatably engaged with said second fixed leg.
11. The harness of claim 10, where in said second linkage is
rotatably engaged with said second handle shaft and said second
fixed leg.
12. The harness of claim 11, further comprising at least one strap
to secure said harness body to the dog.
13. A method of providing support for a handler walking on a ground
with an animal comprising the steps of: providing a harness
comprising a handle shaft; securing the harness to the animal;
moving the handle shaft to a first orientation where the harness
does not contact the ground; and orientating the harness to a
second orientation where the harness is in contact with the ground
and substantially all forces applied by the handler to the harness
are transferred to the ground.
14. A method of providing support for a handler walking on a ground
with a dog capable of a walking posture and a sitting posture, the
method comprising the steps of: providing a harness comprising a
first handle shaft, a first fixed leg, and a first moveable leg;
securing the harness to the dog; and positioning the moveable leg
in contact with the ground as the dog transitions from the walking
posture to the sitting posture whereby substantially all forces
applied by the handler to the harness are transferred to the
ground.
15. The method claim 14, further comprising the step of positioning
the first handle shaft to a first position causing the first
moveable leg to move away from the first fixed leg when the dog is
in the walking posture.
16. The method claim 15, wherein the step of providing harness
comprises the step of providing a harness body.
17. The method claim 16, wherein the step of securing the harness
comprises the step of securing the first fixed leg to the harness
body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/787,162 filed on Mar. 6, 2013, now
pending, which is hereby incorporated into this specification by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A specially trained mobility assistance dog with associated
mobility harness, often referred to as a walker dog, is used to
assist individuals that have some form of impairment that makes it
difficult for them to walk unassisted. The aforementioned
impairment is often the result of a birth defect, physical injury,
mental injury, or underlying disease such as Parkinson's disease or
arthritis. The walker dog is often fitted with a mobility harness
that transfers the forces exerted by the human handler into the
dog's front shoulders and front legs. By using the dog fitted with
the mobility harness as a "portable walker", the handler gains
assistance with balancing, gait, and their ability to ambulate.
[0003] Dogs of large stature are used as mobility assistance dogs
due to the fact that the mobility harness transfers the forces
exerted by the human handler into the dog's front shoulders and
front legs. This facilitates the need for a large breed walker dog.
The dog's girth and strength are the principal means used to
provide stability and assistance to the handler. This is due to the
fact that the dog needs to be able to support the handler's weight
through its own front legs while additionally providing lateral
support should the handler suddenly lose their balance. However,
large breed dogs often don't fit well into many living
environments. Additionally, about half of existing motion
disabilities occur within the geriatric population. This group
tends to have increased difficulties in caring for and living with
larger breed dogs.
[0004] Given current harness designs, mobility assistance dogs
require extensive training in paw placement and dog orientation
relative to their handler's orientation, position, and gait. It is
imperative that the walker dog keep his body parallel to that of
the handler while keeping its front paws in perpendicular alignment
to the handler. At the same time, the dog needs to be trained to
walk when the handler is between strides in order to minimize the
possibility of its front paws being out of alignment should the
handler lose balance or start to fall. All of the aforementioned
training is necessary since the dog must always be in a position to
support the handler through its own shoulders and front quarters
should the handler lose balance. All of the aforementioned
coordination between the handler and the walker dog requires
extensive training for the dog by itself, and the dog with the
handler. At the same time, the temperament of the dog becomes an
important factor in determining if the dog will ultimately be a
successful walker dog. Additionally, training the dog to alert the
handler to impending dangers such as oncoming traffic can be at
odds with the dog's primary function of mobility assistance. This
is due to the fact that a traffic danger warning is usually
implemented by the dog moving to block the handler from entering
the traffic zone which inherently puts the dog out of position
relative to the handler for balance assistance. All of the
aforementioned results in a dog selection and training regimen that
is onerous to the dog and the handler. At the same time, the
associated costs and time involved in training a walker dog limits
their penetration within the disabled community.
[0005] Several different mobility assistance harnesses have been
developed that allow for the transfer of forces into the dog's
front quarters. As an example, Woerner, U.S. Pat. No. 7,281,363
describes a harness with a base member having a rigid platform
covering a portion of the top side and a handle by which the
handler's body forces are transferred to the dog's front quarters
through the aforementioned platform.
[0006] Franck, U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,799 describes a harness that
provides an improvement to the harness rigid handle allowing it to
change orientation while still remaining rigid. A rigid handle is
necessary to provide physical support and psychological assurance
to the handler. However, Franck still requires that all forces are
directed through the dog's front quarters.
[0007] Jenny, U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,326 describes a harness that
comprises a rigid handle that is easily removable, via quick
release joints. This patent provides an improvement over other
rigid handle harnesses by providing for improved ergonomics with an
easily removable rigid handle.
[0008] Woerner, Franck, and Jenny patents all provide for
improvements over the standard rigid handle assistance dog
harnesses. However, all of these patents still require that all of
the handler's forces are directed through the harnesses into the
dog's shoulders and front quarters. What is needed is a harness
that is able to overcome the aforementioned limitation of directing
all of the handler's forces through the dog's skeletal structure
and thereby alleviate the need for a dog of large stature that
requires extensive training
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a force transfer harness
("FTH") that utilizes the harness structure to redirect the
handler's forces, through the harness structure, and into the
underlying ground. This alleviates the need to use a large breed
dog for motion assistance when using the invention since all of the
handler's forces are directed through the harness structure into
the ground rather than through the dog's shoulders and front
quarters. At the same time, the invention is easily adaptable to a
medium size dog without the need for extensive mobility training
that is associated with current mobility assistance dogs and
harnesses. The FTH provides the stability through its structure
rather than via the dog's girth. Additionally, the FTH provides on
demand support should the handler suddenly lose balance and need to
use the invention as an instantaneous means for support. Since the
invention transfers the handler forces through its own structure
and into the underlying ground, the need for the dog to maintain
100% alignment with the handler is eliminated. Therefore, the
training required to coordinate the dog's motion and gate with that
of the handler is also greatly reduced.
[0010] The FTH takes advantage of a dog's ability to sit on a given
command. Through movement of the FTH handle, a verbal command, or
the dog's training associated with harness load sensing, the dog
responds by going into a sitting posture when the handler needs
support. As the dog sits, the invention forms a support to allow
the disabled person to fully transfer their weight through the FTH
structure to the underlying ground without redirecting any forces
through the dog. The result is a mobility assistance device that
can utilize a medium sized dog having little additional mobility
assistance training that still provides full on demand support for
a disabled handler.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The following description of the present invention will be
better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the FTH shown in a
orientation wherein the dog associated with the harness would be in
a sitting position with the harness forming a support.
[0013] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the FTH shown in a
orientation wherein the dog associated with the harness would be in
a sitting position with the harness forming a support.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of the FTH shown in a standby
orientation where the harness handle is retracted down
position.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the FTH shown in an orientation
wherein the dog associated with the harness would be in a walking
position astride the human handler.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front view of the FTH shown in a position
wherein the dog associated with the harness would be in a sitting
position with the harness forming a support and showing the dog in
a sitting position astride the human handler.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention provides a FTH that utilizes the
harness structure to redirect the handler's forces, through the
harness structure, and into the underlying ground. As the harness
handle is moved from its at rest position which has the handle near
the dog's hind quarters, to a position that engages the hand of the
human handler in which the handle position is roughly perpendicular
to the underlying ground, a linkage between the handle and the
harness moveable legs, causes a corresponding movement to occur in
the harness support structure moveable legs. With the handle
roughly perpendicular to the underlying ground the human handler is
approximately astride the dog with the dog in a standing position.
In this position the FTH moveable legs are partially descended
towards the ground in a partially open inverted V shaped position
while the harness fixed legs are parallel to the ground and
parallel to the dog's back. At the same time the moveable harness
legs are not in contact with the ground and therefore all forces
exerted on the handle are being born by the dog. However, once the
dog moves from the standing position to a sitting position the
handle moves to its most forward position and the moveable legs,
via an interconnecting linkage, correspondingly move to their
maximum open position, make contact with the ground, and all forces
are distributed through the handle to the legs and directly into
the ground. In the sitting position the dog's hind quarter is now
in contact with the ground, the FTH fixed legs are now in contact
with the ground, and the moveable legs are also in contact with the
ground. In this position the FTH is fully capable of supporting the
entire human handler's weight without any of the weight being
transferred into the dog's skeleton structure.
[0018] Through the act of sitting, the dog changes the orientation
of the harness legs, both fixed and moveable legs, so that they are
all now in contact with the ground, whereas previously they were
hovering above the ground in a ready orientation. As a result, the
dog's act of sitting enables the human handler to transfer his or
her weight through the FTH and into the ground. Although the handle
shaft remains approximately perpendicular to the ground as the dog
transitions from a standing to a sitting posture, the angle between
the harness handle and the fixed legs increases as the dog sits.
This angular change moves the moveable legs by an interconnecting
linkage and results in the angle between the fixed and moveable
legs increasing so that a support structure is now formed between
the fixed and moveable legs. Additionally, the fixed legs, which
are parallel to the dog's back and terminate near the dog's hind
quarters, are brought in contact with the ground.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1A, the FTH is shown in a front
perspective view that would correspond to a position where the dog
(not shown) would be in a sitting position. The handle 10 is
fastened to the right handle shaft 11 by mechanical fasteners 13. A
mechanical fastener 13 may be a screw, alternatively a spring
loaded pin, or some other mechanical fastener. Handle 10 is
fastened to the left handle shaft 12 by mechanical fasteners not
shown. The handle is adjustable to extend closer or further from
the main harness body by refastening the handle 10 to alternative
holes (not shown) in handle shaft 12 and handle shaft 11 via
mechanical fasteners 13. Handle 10, which is fastened to handle
shaft 11 and handle shaft 12 by fasteners 13, are collectively
known as the harness handle. Handle shaft 12 is attached to the
left fixed harness leg 30 by a pivot pin 46. The pivot pin 46 in
this embodiment is a rivet, but can also be any mechanical fastener
such as a lock pin, shoulder bolt, screw, or other mechanical
fastener that fastens the two elements together while allowing the
elements to pivot relative to one another. The forward movement of
handle shaft 12 is limited by a stop block 48 that restricts the
forward movement of handle shaft 12 relative to the left fixed
harness leg 30.
[0020] Left fixed harness leg 30 is fastened to handle shaft 12 via
pivot pin 46. At the same time left fixed harness leg 30 and right
fixed harness leg 31 are each directly fastened to the harness body
fabric 14. In this embodiment the fabric 14 is fastened by means of
mechanical screw fasteners (not shown). Other means of fastening
the body fabric 14 to the fixed harness legs could include, but not
be limited to, a sewn pocket, glue, or other known fastening means.
The harness body fabric 14 keeps all components of the FTH secured
to and in alignment with the dog's body. In this embodiment the
body fabric is composed of a 1680 denier woven nylon material that
has structure and stiffness to keep the left fixed harness leg 30,
and the right fixed harness leg 31, in parallel alignment to one
another while conforming to the dog's body. Other modifications to
the body fabric material and body fabric construction will readily
appear to those who are skilled in the art. Such modifications may
include different material construction and material types such as
woven polyesters, knitted polyesters, and woven cottons to name a
few. Three straps 22 which each have one end attached to the left
fixed harness leg 30 and the other end to right fixed harness leg
31 are used to secure the harness body fabric 14 to the dog. In
this embodiment the straps 22 are fastened by means of mechanical
screw fasteners (not shown). Further to this embodiment the straps
are secured to themselves by hook and loop fasteners. Other
modifications to the above embodiment will readily appear to those
who are skilled in the art. Such modifications may include, for
instance, strap and buckle fasteners of different configurations.
Additionally, a single larger fastening strap across the dog's
stomach, instead of this embodiment's three straps 22 might be
sufficient as a means to secure the FTH to the dog's body. The
primary requirement of the straps 22, or alternative fastening
means, is to secure the FTH to the dog's body without allowing for
significant movement of the harness once it is attached. At the
same time the straps 22 should allow for quick and easy application
and removal of the harness to the dog without causing discomfort to
the dog while the FTH is secured to the dog.
[0021] The left fixed leg 30 has a telescoping foot 24 that allows
the effective length of the fixed leg 30 with foot 24 to be
adjusted to different lengths. The telescoping foot 24 is adjusted
to different lengths by depressing a spring detent pin 26 that
engages different predrilled holes (not shown) in the fixed leg 30.
In this way the total length of fixed leg 30 plus telescoping foot
24 can be adjusted to approximately match the back length of the
associated dog whereas the bottom edge of the foot 24 approximately
aligns with the dog's hind quarter. Other adjustment mechanisms for
altering the length of the fixed leg might include, but not be
limited to, a telescoping foot with a screw length adjustment to
name one. Additionally, the spring detent spring 26 could be
replaced by other mechanical means of securing the foot 24 to the
fixed leg 30 such as a thumb screw to name one.
[0022] The left moveable leg 16 has a telescoping foot 20 that
allows the effective length of the moveable leg 16 with foot 20 to
be adjusted to different lengths. The telescoping foot 20 is
adjusted to different lengths by depressing a spring detent pin 18
that engages different predrilled holes (not shown) in the moveable
leg 16. In this way the total length of moveable leg 16 plus
telescoping foot 20 can be adjusted so that the orientation of the
harness handle is approximately perpendicular to the ground 34 when
the dog is in a sitting position and the harness is transferring
the human handler's weight into the ground 34. Right moveable leg
17 has a corresponding telescoping foot 21 that is also adjusted by
depressing in a spring detent pin 19 that engages different
predrilled holes (not shown) in the moveable leg 17. Other
adjustment mechanisms for altering the length of the moveable leg
might include, but not be limited to, a telescoping foot with a
screw length adjustment to name one. Additionally, the spring
detent pin 18 could be replaced by other mechanical means of
securing the foot 20 to the moveable leg 16 such as a thumb screw
to name one. The same apples to the spring detent pin 19 that could
be replaced by other mechanical means of securing the foot 21 to
the moveable leg 17 such as a thumb screw to name one.
[0023] The left moveable leg 16 is attached to the left fixed
harness leg 30 by a pivot pin 42. The pivot pin 42 in this
embodiment is a rivet, but can also be any mechanical fastener such
as a lock pin, shoulder bolt, screw, or other mechanical fastener
that fastens the two elements together while allowing the elements
to pivot relative to one another. The left moveable leg 16 is
attached to one end of the left linkage 28 by a pivot pin 44. The
other end of the left linkage 28 is connected to the left handle
shaft 12 by a pivot pin 40. The pivot pins 40 and 44 in this
embodiment are rivets, but can also be any mechanical fasteners
such as lock pins, shoulder bolts, screws, or other mechanical
fasteners that fastens the elements together while allowing the
elements to pivot relative to one another. As the left handle shaft
12 is moved in an arc relative to the left fixed leg 30, a
corresponding movement occurs in the movable leg 16 via linkage
28.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1B, the FTH is shown in a rear perspective
view that would correspond to a position where the dog (not shown)
would be in a sitting position. In this view, we can see that right
handle shaft 11 is attached to the right fixed harness leg 31 by a
pivot pin 39. The pivot pin 39 in this embodiment is a rivet, but
can also be any mechanical fastener such as a lock pin, shoulder
bolt, screw, or other mechanical fastener that fastens the two
elements together while allowing the elements to pivot relative to
one another. The forward movement of handle shaft 11 is limited by
a stop block 37 that restricts the forward movement of right handle
shaft 11 relative to the right fixed harness leg 31. Consequently,
the harness handle made up of handle 10, handle shaft 11 and handle
shaft 12, is limited in forward movement by stop block 37 and stop
block 48 (FIG. 1A). Additionally, since harness handle 10 is
rigidly fastened to both handle shaft 11 and handle shaft 12 by
fasteners 13, the entire harness handle moves as a single unit
whose forward movement is limited by stop block 37 and
simultaneously stop block 48 (FIG. 1A).
[0025] Right fixed harness leg 31 is fastened to handle shaft 11
via pivot pin 39. The right fixed leg 31 has a telescoping foot 25
that allows the effective length of the fixed leg 31 with foot 25
to be adjusted to different lengths. The telescoping foot 25 is
adjusted to different lengths by depressing a spring detent pin 49
that engages different predrilled holes (not shown) in the fixed
leg 31. In this way the total length of fixed leg 31 plus
telescoping foot 25 can be adjusted to approximately match the back
length of the associated dog whereas the bottom edge of the foot 25
approximately aligns with the dog's hind quarter. Other adjustment
mechanisms for altering the length of the fixed leg might include,
but not be limited to, a telescoping foot with a screw length
adjustment to name one. Additionally, the spring detent spring 49
could be replaced by other mechanical means of securing the foot 25
to the fixed leg 31 such as a thumb screw to name one.
[0026] The right moveable leg 17 is attached to the right fixed
harness leg 31 by a pivot pin 45. The pivot pin 45 in this
embodiment is a rivet, but can also be any mechanical fastener such
as a lock pin, shoulder bolt, screw, or other mechanical fastener
that fastens the two elements together while allowing the elements
to pivot relative to one another. The right moveable leg 17 is
attached to one end of the right linkage 29 by a pivot pin 43. The
other end of the right linkage 29 is connected to the right handle
shaft 11 by a pivot pin 41. The pivot pins 43 and 41 in this
embodiment are rivets, but can also be any mechanical fasteners
such as lock pins, shoulder bolts, screws, or other mechanical
fasteners that fastens the elements together while allowing the
elements to pivot relative to one another. As the right handle
shaft 11 is moved in an arc relative to the right fixed leg 31, a
corresponding movement occurs in the movable leg 17 via linkage 29.
Since harness handle 10 is rigidly fastened to both handle shaft 11
and handle shaft 12 by fasteners 13, the entire harness handle
moves as a single unit whose forward movement is limited by stop
block 37 and simultaneously stop block 48 (FIG. 1A), and the
corresponding movement of right moveable leg 17 and left moveable
leg 16 will occur at the same time, and right moveable leg 17 and
left moveable leg 16 will be limited in movement by their
corresponding linkages 29 and 28 (FIG. 1A).
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, a front view of the FTH is shown in a
standby orientation where the harness handle is in a retracted down
position and the dog is shown. The handle 10 is resting just above
the harness body fabric 14 which is situated on the dog 32 back.
Left moveable leg 16 is now forming an angle A with respect to left
fixed leg 30. Right moveable leg 17 (FIG. 1B) is now forming an
angle A with respect to right fixed leg 31 (FIG. 1B). At the same
time, left handle shaft 12 is forming an angle B with respect to
left fixed leg 30. Right handle shaft 11 (FIG. 1B) is forming an
angle B with respect to right fixed leg 31 (FIG. 1B). The position
of left moveable leg 16 is dictated by the position of the left
handle shaft 12 and is brought to its position by the
interconnection of the left handle shaft 12, and left moveable leg
16, via left linkage 28. Likewise, the position of right moveable
leg 17 (FIG. 1B) is dictated by the position of the right handle
shaft 11 (FIG. 1B) and is brought to its position by the
interconnection of the right handle shaft 11 (FIG. 1B), and right
moveable leg 17, via right linkage 29 (FIG. 1B). In this embodiment
in the standby orientation shown, angle A is defined as 3.5 degrees
and angle B is defined as 23 degrees. It should be clear to anyone
skilled in the art that by making changes to linkage lengths and
connection point locations that these angles can differ from the
preferred embodiment. In this standby orientation the dog is able
to sit, walk, or lay down with minimal interference from the
FTH.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3 is a front view of the FTH shown in an
orientation whereas the dog 32 associated with the harness would be
in a walking position astride the human handler 36. The left handle
shaft 12 is in the vertical position defined as being approximately
perpendicular to the ground 34. The right handle shaft 11 (FIG. 1B)
is in the vertical position defined as being approximately
perpendicular to the ground 34. The left fixed leg 30 is
approximately parallel to the ground 34 and in line with the back
of the dog 32. The right fixed leg 31 (FIG. 1B) is approximately
parallel to the ground 34 and in line with the back of the dog 32.
The FTH is located on the dog 32 by having the harness body fabric
14 in contact with the body of the dog 32 and being held in place
by the straps 22. Both the human 36 and the dog 32 have their legs
in contact with the ground 34 and the human 36 is walking astride
the dog 32. At the same time, the human 36 is holding onto the
harness handle 10 with his or her associated hand The position of
the left moveable leg 16 is dictated by the position of the left
handle shaft 12 and is brought to its position by the
interconnection of the left handle shaft 12, and left moveable leg
16, via left linkage 28. The position of the right moveable leg 17
(FIG. 1B) is dictated by the position of the right handle shaft 11
(FIG. 1B) and is brought to its position by the interconnection of
the right handle shaft 11 (FIG. 1B), and right moveable leg 17
(FIG. 1B), via right linkage 29 (FIG. 1B). In this embodiment in
the walking position orientation shown, angle A is defined as 44
degrees and angle B is defined as 90 degrees. It should be clear to
anyone skilled in the art that by making changes to linkage lengths
and connection point locations that these angles can differ from
the preferred embodiment. The angle A that is formed between the
left moveable leg 16 and the left fixed leg 30 now forms a partial
support formation between the aforementioned fixed leg 30 and
moveable leg 16. The angle A that is formed between the right
moveable leg 17 (FIG. 1B) and the right fixed leg 31 (FIG. 1B) now
forms a partial support formation between the aforementioned fixed
leg 31 (FIG. 1B) and moveable leg 17 (FIG. 1B). It should be
further noted that neither telescoping foot 20 located on the
moveable leg 16, telescoping foot 21 (FIG. 1B) located on the
moveable leg 17 (FIG. 1B), telescoping foot 24 located at the end
of the fixed leg 30, and telescoping foot 25 (FIG. 1B) located at
the end of the fixed leg 31 (FIG. 1B) are not in contact with the
ground 34. As a result, any forces that the human handler 36 is
applying to the FTH are being born by the dog 32 in its front
quarters. However, if the dog 32 goes from the walking orientation
into a sitting posture, telescoping foot 20 located on the moveable
leg 16, telescoping foot 21 (FIG. 1B) located on the moveable leg
17 (FIG. 1B), telescoping foot 24 located at the end of the fixed
leg 30, and telescoping foot 25 (FIG. 1B) located at the end of the
fixed leg 31 (FIG. 1B) would now be brought into contact with the
ground 34 and all of the forces that the human handler 36 is
applying to the FTH would now bypass the skeletal structure of dog
32 and be transferred through the FTH and into the ground 34. At
the same time angle A and angle B as defined above would both
increase in response to the dog going into a sitting posture.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 4 is a front view of the FTH shown in an
orientation whereas the dog 32 associated with the harness would be
in a sitting position astride the human handler 36. The left handle
shaft 12 is in the vertical position defined as being approximately
perpendicular to the ground 34. The right handle shaft 11 (FIG. 1B)
is in the vertical position defined as being approximately
perpendicular to the ground 34. However, unlike the standing dog
position of FIG. 3, the action of the dog sitting has increased the
angle B to 139 degrees while angle A has increased to 77 degrees.
Telescoping foot 20 located on the moveable leg 16, telescoping
foot 21 (FIG. 1B) located on the moveable leg 17 (FIG. 1B),
telescoping foot 24 located at the end of the fixed leg 30, and
telescoping foot 25 (FIG. 1B) located at the end of the fixed leg
31 (FIG. 1B) are now all in contact with the ground 34. As a
result, the forces that the human handler 36 is applying to the FTH
are being transferred from the harness handle 10, into the left
handle shaft 12 and right handle shaft 11 (FIG. 1B), then into the
respective left fixed leg 30 and the right fixed leg 31 (FIG. 1B),
and ultimately into the underlying ground 34 via the respective
telescoping foot 24 located at the end of the fixed leg 30, and
telescoping foot 25 (FIG. 1B) located at the end of the fixed leg
31 (FIG. 1B). At the same time, some of the forces are being
transferred through the left moveable leg 16 and the right moveable
leg 17 (FIG. 1B) and then into the underlying ground 34 via the
respective telescoping foot 20 located at the end of the left
moveable leg 16, and telescoping foot 21 (FIG. 1B) located at the
end of the right moveable leg 17 (FIG. 1B). In the sitting
position, the forward movement of left handle shaft 12 is limited
by a stop block 48 that restricts the forward movement of left
handle shaft 12 relative to the left fixed harness leg 30.
Additionally, the forward movement of right handle shaft 11 (FIG.
1B) is limited by a stop block 37 (FIG. 1B) that restricts the
forward movement of right handle shaft 11 (FIG. 1B) relative to the
right fixed harness leg 31 (FIG. 1B). Consequently, the harness
handle made up of handle 10, handle shaft 12 and handle shaft 11
(FIG. 1B), is limited in forward movement by stop block 48 and stop
block 37 (FIG. 1B). Therefore, the forward movement of the left
moveable leg 16 and the right moveable leg 17 (FIG. 1B) is
constrained by the respective linkages 28 and 29 (FIG. 1B)
connection to the respective left fixed leg 30 and right fixed leg
31 (FIG. 1B).
* * * * *