Patent Application
20050014126
The present invention provides a system and method for temporarily increasing the mass of an animal's body. The invention is useful both as a means of correcting an animal's existing body condition as well as preventing an adverse change to its body condition.
The weight or mass of a person or animal is a function of its size, and is directly proportional to its volume. One cubic centimeter of water has a mass of one gram (under standard conditions). Animals, including humans, are predominantly water, so, with the combined mass from body fat, muscle tissue, and skeletal structure, humans are equal in mass to about one gram per cubic centimeter.
Gaining weight increases pressure on the body and the body responds to the increased stress on bone and other tissue by increasing the density of the endoskeletal structure to support weight gain. Specifically, rather than the body keeping the same proportions to support the increased pressure, the support structures (bones) become denser to support the pressure. One example of gaining weight through increased pressure on the body is by lifting objects that are greater than one gram per cubic centimeter than the muscles that are lifting the weight. Humans exercise their muscles by repeatedly lifting over-weighted objects, or by moving an apparatus that provides resistance, simulating the movement of weight. Many machines and apparatus that are designed to place a load of weight on a specific muscle group exist and are commonly known as exercise machines. (See for example, U.S. Pat. 6,652,429, issued to Bushnell, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,712, issued to Lambert, Jr., the teachings of which are both incorporated herein by reference.) Losing body weight decreases the pressure on the body and results in a person's endoskeletal structure becoming frail. Animals lose weight by combining increased movement with a reduction in their nutritional intake. Animals also lose weight by using nutritional supplements found in nature, artificially produced pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals that consume more calories for the body to digest. These products and methods create a net loss of body mass, including the loss of bone tissue. (See U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,291, issued to Sunvold, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,460, issued to Friedlander, the teachings of which both are incorporated herein by reference.) A lever is a simple machine that magnifies force. Levers are comprised of a rigid bar (lever arm) a pivot point (fulcrum), a load force, and an effort force. The effort force creates a torque around the fulcrum. The magnitude of this torque is dependant on the magnitude of the force and its distance from the fulcrum. This torque must be balanced by the torque created by the load force. Changing the distance from the fulcrum to the load force changes the amount of force magnification. The body of animals, and specifically the endoskeletal structure of humans, works as multiple levers when a load force is introduced to the body.
Three main types of levers exist: first-class, second-class, and third-class.
A first-class lever has the fulcrum located between the effort force and the load force on the lever arm. An example of a first-class lever is a seesaw.
A second-class lever has the effort located between the fulcrum and the load on the lever arm. An example of a second-class lever is a wheelbarrow.
A third-class lever has the effort located between the load and the fulcrum. An example of this type of lever is a human forearm lifting a weight.
An endoskeletal animal has support structures (bones) located within its body to provide rigidity and facilitate movement against gravity. Bones and associated structures are used in ordinary life as first, second and third class levers by lifting, pushing, pulling etc. Muscles are attached to and cause bones to move. For a muscle to move an appendage in one direction a separate opposing muscle or muscle group must exist to be able to move the appendage in a different direction.
Muscles thus work together, simultaneously stretching and lengthening corresponding (opposing) muscles or groups of muscles. Tight or toned muscles on one side of the bone can cause the other side to over stretch and weaken. Muscles that are more developed on one side of the body than the other consequently lead to physical imbalance of the body in general, and create problems for continued bone development, and degradation over the life of the animal. Anatomical imbalance of muscles and repetition of any activity (including general movement) leads to problems with proper movement and performance of ordinary tasks.
Increasingly, the condition of osteoporosis (the loss of bone density) in animals has become prevalent for a variety of natural (internal) and environmental (external) reasons. External reasons, among others, include the use of substances to balance hormones in females and males, and the loss of weight with and without exercise. Natural causes, among others, include the combined reduction of proper nutrition for the body and heavy lifting in the daily regimen of humans and other endoskeletal animals. Bone density can only be increased or maintained during a period of weight loss or weight maintenance by increasing gravity on the bones.
The use of weighted apparatus' being worn on the body to increase resistance or increase gravity is not new. For example, an “ankle weight” apparatus is a known and commonly used form of exercise equipment. The weighted apparatus is placed far from the knee joint, above the foot of an animal. As the motion of walking, running or jumping moves the weighted apparatus, the load force to the knee joint is magnified, or increased, in an unnatural, non-dispersed fashion. Gravity on a specific body part is not increased as all of the weight is transferred to the joint. Another weighted body apparatus is a “weight vest” or “weight belt” that is placed around the torso of a person or animal. This weighted apparatus simply works to lower the center of gravity, placing stress on the lower back and transferring the weight to the hip and knee joints. It is commonly used to help buoyant peoples and animals become less buoyant when intending to swim under the surface of water with the use of an under-water breathing apparatus. The known weighted devices of these types are worn transiently with indifference to the muscles, muscle groups, and skeletal structure that is being impacted. What is clearly therefore needed are methods and devices that can increase the mass of an animal's body in specific areas to achieve a safe and desired outcome.
a shows a side view of the composite weight of
The present invention contemplates a passive load bearing system and method that can be externally worn or surgically implanted. In accordance with the present invention, the passive load bearing system and method is based on the principle that opposing muscle groups, both individually and on the corresponding side of the body, must be exercised to keep a body fit, balanced and healthy. The present invention can assist in correcting the imbalance in an animal that is born with such an unbalanced condition, or prophylactic use of the present invention can help to avert this condition by increasing muscle mass and bone density. Normal motion and growth of an animal with the present invention implanted under its skin, or used externally by such an animal will balance the muscles and skeletal system when used correctly during active and passive muscle movement. Use of the system and method by an animal with an endoskeleton strengthens corresponding muscle groups, increases bone density, and helps to maintain or increase body balance. Accordingly, with use of the present invention when losing weight, the density of bones and tissue will be maintained or increased, and the support structures (bones) will continue to remain healthy, avoiding osteoporosis.
In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method of passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body to increase gravity and mass. The invention comprises the steps of placing a weight at a midjoint area of an appendage of the animal and then securing the weight to the midjoint area.
In another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body to increase gravity and mass. The invention comprises the steps of determining a midjoint location of an appendage where a weight is required to treat the animal. Also, a mass of the weight required to treat the animal is determined. The length of time necessary for treatment is also determined. The weight is placed at a midjoint area of an appendage of the animal and the weight is secured to the midjoint area of an appendage.
In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a method of externally passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body to increase gravity and mass. The invention comprises the steps of determining a midjoint location on an appendage where a weight is required to treat the animal. The mass of the weight required to treat the animal is determined. The period of time necessary for treatment is also determined. A garment having a weight receiving means at the determined midjoint location is provided. The determined weight is inserted into the weight receiving means. The weight is secured in the weight receiving means and the animal dons the garment for the determined period of time.
In still another embodiment, the invention comprises a system for externally passively loading an animal's body. The system includes a garment covering at least one midjoint area of an animal's appendage, with at least one pocket incorporated into the at least one midjoint area for receiving a weight. At least one weight is inserted into the pocket.
In yet another embodiment the invention comprises a method of internally passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body to increase body and mass. The invention comprises the steps of determining a midjoint location on an appendage where a weight is required to treat the animal. A mass of the weight required to treat the animal is selected and determined. A period of time necessary for treatment is also determined. An incision is made proximate the midjoint location which exposes the first layer of muscle. The weight is inserted around the muscle under the layers of skin and fascia and sutured at the site of insertion through grommets in the weight. Upon insertion of the weight, the incision is closed.
In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system for passively loading an animal's body. The system comprises a flexible substrate and at least one sub-weight. Encapsulation contains the at least one sub-weight and attached to the flexible substrate.
Definitions
“Appendage” refers to an arm or leg of an endoskeletal animal.
“Joint” refers to an articulation between two or more bones of an appendage of an endoskeletal animal.
“Midjoint” refers to a point between two joints of an appendage of a normal animal.
“Weight” means an object weighing more than 1 gram per cubic centimeter or a composite object comprising a plurality of single objects weighing more than 1 gram per cubic centimeter attached to a substrate material.
Nomenclature
Specifically, the invention comprises a system and method of placing increased, symmetrically balanced passive load bearing weights in specific anatomical locations that can be worn externally on, or implanted in, the body of animals with an endoskeleton. By doing so the gravitational pull on the body increases and the corresponding density of the endoskeleton and the mass of the organism increases. The corresponding increase in endoskeletal mass is no different than the normal response of the body to weight increase and decrease that occurs throughout the course of an animal's natural life.
The external embodiment of the weight 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37 is made of any substance with the effective mass of greater than one gram per one cubic centimeter. Such materials include, but are not limited to carbon, tungsten, stainless steel, or other minerals or combinations of minerals that exist in nature. As an example, Carbon steel has a relative true density of 7.9 grams per cubic centimeter. Zirconium oxide has a relative true density of 5.5 grams per cubic centimeter and zirconium silicate has a relative true density of 4.5 grams per cubic centimeter. Materials such as these are examples of substances that could be used for incorporation in practicing the passive load bearing system and method. In the external embodiment, the weight 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37 is encapsulated in a breathable material 25, 30, 36 to alleviate the buildup of moisture on the surface of the animal's appendage. The external embodiment can be symmetrical or asymmetrical as required by the animal's condition and can be tailored to fit to the size of an individual animal to meet the need for proper continued placement. Proper placement of the passive load device on and around the body is important to avoid potential muscle imbalance or inappropriate stress on joints and tendons. The present invention rectifies this potential problem by ensuring secure placement of the weight 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37, at the midjoint area 51l, 51r, 53l, 53r, 55l, 55r, 57l, 57r of an appendage and dispersing the weight 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37, around the body part in equal fashion. The weight 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37 is firmly secured to the body to eliminate any potential slipping. The external embodiment incorporates the weight 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37, into commonly worn garments such as stockings 49, long legged trousers 42, mid-calf trousers 48, mid-thigh shorts 46, and long 38 and short 44 sleeved upper body garments (e.g., shirts). In a preferred embodiment, the external weight 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37 fits into a specially designed circumferential pocket 40 in the appropriate midjoint location of the various garments 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, 49. The pocket 40 may be provided with a closure flap 41 as seen in
Also contemplated by and therefore within the scope of the invention is a harness device (not shown) provided with means for receiving the weight 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37 that is worn underneath regular clothing.
An additional weight embodiment is shown in
Yet another weight embodiment is shown in
The above embodiments of weights 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37, are intended to be illustrative in nature only and therefore not limiting the scope of the invention. In reality, any shape or kind of weight meeting the criteria as discussed herein could be used. It should be further mentioned that the invention contemplates the composite weights 24, 29, 37, 124, 129, 137 as having the corresponding individual weights 20, 26, 32, 120, 126, 130 loosely received within the encapsulation material 25, 30, 36, 125, 130, 136. This embodiment allows the composite weights 24, 29, 37, 124, 129, 137 to be self centering when the animal moves, thus more facilitating more equitable weight distribution.
As discussed above, the invention contemplates garments that are commonly worn, however the commonly known garments do not have a pocket 40 for receiving weight(s) 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37 located in the midjoint area(s) 51l, 51r, 53l, 53r, 55l, 55r, 57l, 57r. In the external embodiment, the method is used with such a garment to insure that the fulcrum effect is eliminated and the entire passive load is equally and preferentially circumferentially dispersed around the appendage.
The external passive load bearing device is modular in design, such that weight(s) 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37 can be added or subtracted and balance around the appendage is maintained. To achieve this we envision the system and method utilizing equal amounts of weight placed into a segment of flexible, possibly molded material, and other segments of similar or more weight could be placed over, or instead of the first encapsulation to gain, or subtract weight.
The implantable embodiment is placed permanently or temporarily under the skin and anchored in muscle tissue in the midjoint areas 51l, 51r, 53l, 53r, 55l, 55r, 57l, 57r to properly weight and balance the tissue and skeleton. As shown in
Surgical Placement. Using well known and practiced surgical techniques, a sterile field is created, and an incision appropriate in length made in the skin of the animal, deep enough to expose the first layer of muscle in the animal. The device is then inserted around and over the muscle tissue, under the layers of skin, and other fascia, in a circumferential fashion, by pushing the composite weight 124, 129, 137 into the surgically created space. Further dissection of any adhesions of the fascia to the muscle may be required. The composite weight 124, 129, 137 is then adhered to the muscle tissue using a dissolving suture, ligament or other cordlike structure, by sewing it through the grommets 127 in the substrate 122, 128, 134 and surrounding the composite weight 124, 129, 137 in the location on only one end—the end of the device that is seen after inserting the composite weight 124, 129, 137. The composite weight 124, 129, 137 can then be externally manipulated to verify further correct placement. As shown in
Use
Practicing the system and method involves determining the amount of mass required and the anatomical location(s) on the animal's body where the weight is required and also the length of time necessary for treatment. The appropriate weight is then selected and placed at and secured to the appropriate midjoint location on the animal's appendage for the determined length of treatment.
In the case of the external embodiment, the animal dons the appropriate item(s) of clothing (fitted with the appropriate weight 10, 20, 24, 26, 29, 32, 37 in the appropriate location) as directed by the physician, veterinarian, physical therapist, or trainer for the duration of treatment. Following completion of treatment, the garment 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, 49 is simply removed.
In the case of the implantable embodiment, the physician or veterinarian follows the implantation procedure described above and surgically implants the appropriate composite weight 124, 129, 137 in the appropriate location. The implanted composite weight 124, 129, 137 is then secured as described above and the incision closed.
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application 60/459,713 filed Apr. 02, 2003, which is herein incorporated in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60459713 | Apr 2003 | US |
