CN114072096A

CN114072096A - Animal back support device

Info

Publication number: CN114072096A
Application number: CN201980098342.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 蕾妮·米尔斯
Original assignee: Lei NiMiersi
Current assignee: Lei NiMiersi
Priority date: 2019-06-11
Filing date: 2019-06-11
Publication date: 2022-02-18
Also published as: WO2020251547A1; EP3982875A4; EP3982875A1; CA3141083A1

Abstract

An animal back support device includes a main back support, a chest harness, and an optional lumbar support member. The main back support features relatively rigid stays that are placed on the spine and one on each side of the spine, and a foam insert that conforms to the pet's back between the pet's back and the rigid stays. The animal back support device further includes a first side panel on one side of the main back support and a second side panel on an opposite side of the main back support, wherein the first and second side panels extend toward the abdomen of the animal and interact with each other to surround the torso of the animal. A chest harness is attached to the main support layer.

Description

Animal back support device

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to spinal support devices. In particular, the invention relates to a back brace for an animal.

Background

Orthopedic devices are commonly used to support patients suffering from skeletal injuries. These orthopedic devices stabilize diseased bone structures to prevent further injury. Some orthopedic devices are braces designed to wrap around diseased parts of the body, such as spinal braces designed to wrap around the torso to stabilize the back.

Animals may suffer skeletal damage. Conventionally, veterinarians command a cage to rest and substantially restrict activity to allow the wound to heal. Some orthopedic devices can be used on animals to support the animal during recovery and help prevent such conditions from deteriorating.

U.S. patent No. 8,617,091 to Brannon discloses an approach to an animal spinal brace. The brace has an upper panel and a lower panel extending from the upper panel. The lower panel is releasably secured to the upper panel and forms a sleeve around the animal. The panels may be made of breathable materials that may be configured to stretch and absorb moisture and control odors. Both the upper and lower panels include supportive struts.

Disclosure of Invention

A support device (such as a brace or the like) may be used to aid in rehabilitation and prevent further injury. For example, the knee brace can be used to support the knee by receiving pressure exerted on the lower leg by the thigh while walking, thereby reducing the pressure of the knee and preventing deterioration of injury. The support device can be shaped in different shapes to specifically fit the lesion and the animal.

Animal skeletal stabilization presents unique challenges such as difficulty wearing the animal, providing adequate animal comfort, and allowing the animal to continue normal activities. Previous approaches can be further improved by providing thoracic support, supporting the lumbar region, and improving the fit and comfort of the back brace.

It is an object of the present invention to provide thoracic vertebral support for an animal.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an alternative lumbar support for animals.

It is yet another object of the present invention to limit the curvature of the spine of an animal while allowing the animal to perform all normal activities.

The present invention accomplishes these and other objects by providing an animal back support device that features a main back support, a chest harness, and an optional lumbar support member. The main back support comprises a double support layer system which optimizes the required stability of the spine and the surrounding muscles supporting the spine. The main back support features a foam insert that conforms to the back of the animal and relatively rigid braces that are placed on the spine and one brace on each side of the spine for additional support and stabilization. The use of breathable materials, rigid support stays and foam inserts provides a distinctive back support device. It is designed for extended wear and moves with four-legged animals. The rigid support struts limit the bending of the spine but allow the four-legged animal to run, sit, lie down and perform all normal daily activities. The present invention is designed to move with a four-legged animal and provide support at the same time. The main back support will support approximately sixty-three percent (63%) of the spine. It will support the thoracic vertebrae of the T1-T13 vertebrae and include optional support for portions of the lumbar spine (i.e., the lower back). The adjustment straps, which connect the main back support, the chest harness and optionally the lumbar support member, are easily adjustable to obtain a snug fit.

In one embodiment of the invention, an animal back support device includes a main back support, a breathable first side panel, a breathable second side panel, and a chest harness. The chest harness is connected to the main back support by a releasable connector. The main back support has a shoulder end, a hip end (hip end), a first back support side, a second back support side, and a plurality of first mating portions of a releasable connector. The primary back support includes at least a first back support layer and an embedded back support layer. The first back support layer has a plurality of rigid support struts disposed thereon and adapted to extend along and along both sides of the spine of a four-legged animal. The embedded back supporting layer has a plurality of elongated (elongated) embedding pads disposed thereon and adapted to extend along the spinal column of the quadruped and along both sides of the spinal column between the back of the quadruped and the first back supporting layer. The embedded back support layer is fixedly attached to the first back support layer. The first and second side panels are wrapped towards each other under the abdomen of a four legged animal. The chest harness includes an adjustable strap having a releasable connector portion that connects to a mating fastener disposed on the first back support layer to provide a snug fit of the animal back support device to the four-legged animal. In one embodiment, one of each of a pair of mating fasteners is disposed on a corresponding shoulder pad portion of the first back support layer. Each mating fastener of the second pair of mating fasteners is disposed on the first back support layer and is located approximately midway between the shoulder end and the hip end of the main back support. The term "disposed thereon" with respect to the struts and/or embedded elongate pads means and includes that the struts and/or elongate pads may be adhered using an adhesive, or disposed within formed pockets of the respective layers, or positioned by a plurality of bands formed on the respective layers, and so forth.

In another embodiment, the animal back support device includes a pair of spaced apart first mating portions of a releasable connector attached to the first back support layer positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the hip end.

In one embodiment, the animal back support device comprises a lumbar support component having a lumbar body with at least one lumbar strap (lumbar strap), wherein the at least one lumbar strap has attached thereto one of the second mating portions of the releasable connector in the vicinity of each of the first and second lumbar strap ends. Each of the second mating portions of the releasable connector is configured to mate with a corresponding one of the first mating portions of the releasable connector attached to the hip end of the first back support layer, wherein the lumbar support component is configured to be positioned against the lower abdomen of a four legged animal. At least one waist band may be attached to the outer surface of the waist body. In one embodiment, the lumbar support member has a sleeve made of a flexible material (such as neoprene or the like) and a lumbar foam insert within the sleeve. The at least one waist band may be attached to the sleeve, or the sleeve may have a pair of openings, wherein the waist band passes into one opening and out of the other opening, without having to be fixedly attached to the sleeve, or there are two waist bands, wherein each band is attached to the sleeve. The waist band may be attached by stitching, adhesive, fasteners, or the like.

In one embodiment, the primary support layer comprises a bottom back support layer fixedly attached to the first back support layer, wherein the embedded back support layer is between the first back support layer and the bottom back support layer.

In another embodiment, the chest harness includes at least one protective sheath disposed about at least one of the harness straps (harness straps).

In a further embodiment, the elongated insert pad has a thickness of about 0.5 inches.

In one embodiment, the elongated insert pads have a length in a range from 5.7 inches to 15.3 inches.

In one embodiment, the elongated insert pad has a width of about 1 inch.

In one embodiment, the animal back support device further comprises a shoulder insert member having a shoulder insert body. The shoulder insert body has a first shoulder and a second shoulder, wherein each of the first shoulder and the second shoulder extends forward toward and adjacent to the shoulder end of the main back support, and wherein each of the first shoulder and the second shoulder are spaced apart from each other and positioned to align with corresponding shoulder regions of a four legged animal, but are not visible when the main back support is positioned on the back of the animal.

In one embodiment, the shoulder insert component further comprises a central shoulder body portion connecting the first shoulder to the second shoulder.

A method for stabilizing the spine of a four-legged animal is also disclosed. In such an embodiment, the main back support of the present invention is placed on the back of a four-legged animal with the shoulder end positioned near the base of the neck of the four-legged animal, and the plurality of rigid support braces are positioned to extend along the spine and along both sides of the spine of the four-legged animal. Wrapping the breathable first side panel of the primary back support under the abdomen of the four legged animal and wrapping the breathable second side panel of the primary back support under the abdomen of the four legged animal and attaching to the breathable first side panel such that the primary back support is snug around the four legged animal. Positioning a chest harness against the chest of the four-legged animal, wherein a first pair of harness straps extends across the shoulders of the four-legged animal, and wherein second mating portions of the releasable connectors on the first pair of harness straps connect to corresponding first mating portions of the releasable connectors on the shoulder pad portions of the first back support layer, and wherein a second pair of harness straps extends from behind the front legs of the four-legged animal, wherein second mating portions of the releasable connectors on the second pair of harness straps connect to corresponding first mating portions of the releasable connectors approximately midway between the shoulder end and the hip end of the main back support. The first and second pairs of harness straps are adjusted so that the chest harness fits snugly against the chest of the four-legged animal.

In another embodiment, the method comprises providing a lumbar support component having a lumbar body with a harness strap of at least one lumbar strap, wherein the at least one lumbar strap has attached to it adjacent each of a first lumbar strap end and a second lumbar strap end one of the second mating portions of the releasable connector, positioning the lumbar support component against the lower abdomen of the four legged animal, connecting each of the second mating portions of the releasable connector to a corresponding one of the first mating portions of the releasable connector, the corresponding one of the first mating portions being attached to the hip end of the first back support layer; and adjusting the first and second lumbar strap ends, thereby providing a snug fit of the lumbar support member against the lower abdomen of the four-legged animal.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a left side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing an animal back support device on the silhouette of a four-legged animal.

Figure 2 is a right side view of the animal back support shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of the animal back support shown in figure 1.

Figure 4 is a top view of the animal back support shown in figure 1.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the main back support of the animal back support device of fig. 1 showing a first back support layer.

Fig. 6 and 6A are top views of the embedded back support layer of the main back support of the animal back support device of fig. 1, showing the embedded layer body and the plurality of elongated pads.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the chest harness of the animal back support device shown in fig. 1.

Figure 8 is a plan view of an alternative bottom back support layer of the animal back support device shown in figure 1.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of one embodiment of an alternative shoulder insert component for use with the main back support of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a first side piece of the animal back support device shown in figure 1.

Figure 11 is a plan view of a second side piece of the animal back support device shown in figure 2.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a lumbar support member for use with the main back support of the present invention.

Fig. 13A, 13B, and 13C are plan views of layers forming the lumbar support member shown in fig. 12.

Figure 13D is a cross-sectional view of the assembled layers forming the lumbar support component shown in figure 12.

Fig. 14 is a graphical representation of dorsal line measurements showing the profile of the dog and the location of the dorsal line measurements.

Detailed Description

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig. 1-14.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a left side view, a right side view and a front view of an animal back support 10 mounted on a four-legged animal 1. The animal back support device 10 has a main back support 30, a first side panel 70, a second side panel 90 and a chest harness 100. The main back support 30 has a shoulder end 30a, a hip end 30b, a first back support side 30c, a second back support side 30d and an intermediate body support portion 30 e. The main back support 30 further includes a first back support layer 40 (shown in FIG. 5), an inset back support layer 45 (shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B), an optional bottom back support layer 50 (shown in FIG. 8), and an optional shoulder inset 58 (shown in FIG. 9), which layers and components will be described more fully below. The first side panel 70 is optionally made of a breathable material, such as, for example, a mesh-like material or the like. The second side panel 90 is also optionally made of a breathable material such as, for example, a mesh-like material or the like. The first side panel 70 has a first panel base 62, the first panel base 62 being directly connected to the main back support 30 at the first back support side 30 c. The second side panel 90 has a second panel base 92, the second panel base 92 being directly connected to the main back support 30 at the second back support side 30 d. The chest harness 110 is attached to the main back support 30 at least two locations on each side of a four-legged animal, with a first harness strap 116 positioned across the animal's shoulders from the animal's chest and a second harness strap 118 positioned to extend from the animal's chest behind the animal's front legs.

The harness straps 116 connect the chest harness 100 to the main back support 30 adjacent the shoulder end 30a of the main back support 30. The harness straps 118 connect the chest harness 100 at the intermediate body support portion 30e of the main back support 30. Releasable connectors 31 connect the harness straps 116 and 118 to the main back support 30 and chest harness 100. The releasable connector 31 may be any non-destructive releasable connector, such as a belt clip, hook, ladder lock, buckle, or the like. Each releasable connector 31 has a first mating portion 31a (shown in fig. 3) and a second mating portion 31b (shown in fig. 7), the first and

second mating portions

31a, 31b mating for a non-destructive releasable connection.

The chest harness 100 has a harness body 102. As shown in fig. 3, the harness straps 116 extend across opposing shoulder portions of a four-legged animal and are attached adjacent the shoulder ends 30a (shown in fig. 1-2).

It is contemplated that the first side panel 70 may be bent or curled to allow the second side panel 90 to engage the first side panel 70. Wrapping the first side panel 70 around the animal's torso allows the second side panel 90 to be engaged with the first side panel 70 by means of a fastener, and thus join the second side panel 90 to the first side panel 70.

Figure 4 shows a top view of the animal back support 10 showing the connector portion 48. The connector portion 48 is proximate the shoulder end 30a of the main back support 30. In such an embodiment, the connector portion 48 is a D-ring. The connector portion 48 may be any connection mechanism that provides an opportunity to attach a tether, carabiner, or clip to connect with, for example, a hook, bracket, clip, O-ring, or the like. Three support strut covers 42 are also illustrated.

Fig. 5 shows one embodiment of the main back support 30. In such an embodiment, the first back support layer 40 has shoulder pad portions 43 extending from the shoulder ends 30 a. The shoulder pad section 43 optionally includes a foam pad within the material envelope to provide additional padding in the shoulder area of the four legged animal. The first back support layer 40 is a neoprene top piece. The first back support layer 40 may be any soft and durable material such as neoprene, mesh, leather, canvas, cotton, polyester, nylon, blends thereof, or other similar materials. The first back support layer 40 may cover the bottom back support layer 50 (not shown) and/or an optional shoulder insert 58 (not shown), the shoulder insert 58 being positioned between the bottom back support layer 50 and the insert back support layer 45 to provide further support padding around the shoulders of the quadruped. In such an embodiment, the bottom back support layer 50 (not shown) is made of a mesh-like material. The bottom back support layer 50 (not shown) may also be made of a soft and durable material, and is preferably made of a material that is capable of breathing air, such as cotton, striped scrim, rayon, linen, blends thereof, or other similar materials, etc. The main back support 30 also has an optional binding 46 along its outer periphery. In this embodiment, the border 46 is a fleece material.

The first mating portions 31a of the releasable connectors 31 are attached to respective shoulder pad portions 43 of the first back support layer 40. In such an embodiment, the releasable connector 31 (partially shown as the first mating portion 31a of the releasable connector 31) is a plastic side release catch, and the first mating portion of the releasable connector 31a is a female receiving portion of the plastic side release catch. The first mating portion of the releasable connector 31a may be a female receiving portion or a male portion received by a female receiving portion. For proper mating compatibility of the releasable connector 31 (partially shown as a first mating portion of the releasable connector 31a), the first mating portion 31a of the releasable connector 31 must be complementary to a second mating portion 31b (not shown) of the releasable connector 31. In the illustrated embodiment, there are six first mating portions 31a, or six second mating portions 31b, or a mixture of first and

second mating portions

31a, 31b, attached to the first back support layer 40. Two are fixedly attached to the shoulder pad section 43, and one is fixedly attached adjacent to and spaced from the first back support side 30c and the other is fixedly attached adjacent to and spaced from the second back support side 30 d. The remaining two are fixedly attached adjacent hip end 30b but spaced from hip end 30 b.

The support struts 42 are connected to the first back support layer 40. In this embodiment, three support stays 42 are used in the main back support 30. Other embodiments may use a different number of support struts 42, such as one, two, four, five or more, etc. Preferably, an odd number of support struts 42 are used to maintain symmetry and at least one support strut 42 is aligned with the spine of the animal, while the other support struts are positioned symmetrically on each side of the spine.

The dimensions of the support struts 42 will vary depending on variables including the size of the animal, the location of the support struts 42, and the number of support struts 42 used. The support struts 42 may have a width of about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches. Support struts 42 may have a length of about 4 inches to about 20 inches. In such an embodiment, left and right support struts 42L, 42R are the same length, and center support strut 42C is longer than both left and right support struts 42L, 42R. Preferably, the support struts 42 are parallel to the spine of the animal.

In such an embodiment, the support stay 42 is disposed within the support rod cover 42 b. In such an embodiment, support struts 42 are aluminum support struts having an optional dip end. The support struts 42 may be made of any rigid or semi-rigid material, such as metal, wood, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. In such an embodiment, the support pole cover 42b is made of nylon. The support pole cover 42b may be made of any soft and durable material.

The main back support 30 can be sized to fit the animal. When fitted to a four-legged animal, the main back support 30 will extend from around the shoulders (otherwise known as the top of the shoulders on the spine) to the top of the pelvis. This measurement covers the entire thoracic spine, vertebrae T1-T13, and portions of the lumbar spine. The covering allows the brace to support between about 50% and about 80% of the spine of the animal. In such embodiments, approximately 63% of the spine of the animal is supported.

Fig. 6 shows the embedded back support layer 45 of the main back support 30. In such an embodiment, the embedded back support layer 45 has pockets 47 to retain elongated pads 49. The elongated pad 49 may be sewn into the pocket 47 or otherwise attached to the embedded back support layer 45 either indirectly or directly. In this embodiment, the elongated pad 49 is fixed and non-removable. Other embodiments may employ a zipper or other opening mechanism to enable the elongated pad 49 to be removed from the pocket 47, and thus enable the elongated pad 49 to be removed from the embedded back support layer 45. Preferably, the elongated pad 49 is not removable from the embedded back support layer 45.

In such an embodiment, the embedded back support layer 45 is constructed of neoprene. Other embodiments may use any soft and durable material. In this embodiment, five pockets 47 are shown that accommodate five elongated pads 49. The pocket 47 may completely or partially cover the elongated pad 49. The pocket 47 may be made of the same material as the embedded back support layer 45 or a different soft durable material. In some embodiments, the pockets 47 may be carved into the embedded back support layer 45, while other pockets may have material sewn onto the embedded back support layer 45 to form the pockets 47.

The length of the elongated pad 49 may be 4 inches to 20 inches, preferably 5.7 inches to 15.3 inches. The length varies depending on variables including the size of the animal, the location of the elongated pad 49, and the number of elongated pads 49 used. The length of the elongated pad 49 for small animals is typically about 5.7 inches and for very large animals is typically about 15.3 inches. The thickness of the elongated pad 49 is in the range of about 0.25 inches to about 1 inch, and is typically about 0.5 inches thick. The width of the elongated pad 49 is in the range of about 0.5 inches wide to about 2 inches wide. A typical useful width is about 1 inch.

The elongated pad 49 may be made of any cushioning material of moderate to hard density, lightweight, waterproof material that is shaped with body heat, has good shock absorbing properties, and has a slow recovery time. Cushioning material (such as memory foam and/or polyethylene foam, etc.) may be used as the elongated pad 49. The elongated pads 49 are generally parallel to the spine of the animal and at least one elongated pad 49 is aligned with the center stay 42 of the first back supporting layer 40.

Other embodiments may vary the number of elongated pads 49 and/or pockets 47, the size of the elongated pads 49 and/or pockets 47, and the material used to construct the embedded back support layer 45, elongated pads 49, or pockets 47. Preferably, an odd number of elongated pads 49 are used to maintain symmetry and to align at least one elongated pad 49 with center support strut 42C. More preferably, more elongated pads 49 are used than support struts 42 to provide greater flexibility while maintaining support.

In this embodiment, the primary back support 30 has three support struts 42 and five elongated pads 49. In such an embodiment, center elongated pad 49C is aligned with center support strut 42C, leftmost elongated pad 49L is aligned with left support strut 42L, rightmost elongated pad 49R is aligned with right support strut 42R, center off-center left elongated pad 49CL is located between leftmost elongated pad 49L and center elongated pad 49C, and center off-center right elongated pad 49CR is located between center elongated pad 49C and rightmost elongated pad 49R. Other embodiments may add elongated pads 49 on the outside of left and right support struts 42L, 42R, remove off-center left and right elongated pads 49CL, 49CR, or move elongated pads 49 and support struts 42 for various alignments.

Fig. 7 shows a chest harness 100. The chest harness 100 has a harness body 102, a first harness body edge 104, a second harness body edge 106, a chest portion 112, an abdomen portion 114 connected to the chest portion 112, a first pair of harness straps 116, and a second pair of harness straps 118. One of the first pair of harness straps 116 is attached on one end 116a to the first harness body edge 104 of the chest portion 112 and the other of the first pair of harness straps 116 is connected on end 116a to the second harness body edge 106 of the chest portion 112. One of the second pair of harness straps 118 is connected on one end 118a to the first harness body edge 104 of the abdomen portion 114 and the other of the second pair of harness straps 118 is connected on one end 118a to the second harness body edge 106 of the abdomen portion 114. In such an embodiment, the chest portion 112 and the abdomen portion 114 are one continuous piece of material. The chest portion 112 and the abdomen portion 114 may each be made of any soft and durable material. The chest portion 112 and the abdomen portion 114 may be made of the same material or different materials.

The second mating portion 31b of the releasable connector 31 is attached to the opposite end 116b of the first pair of harness straps 116 and the opposite end 118b of the second pair of harness straps 118. In such an embodiment, the releasable connector 31 (partially shown as the first mating portion 31a of the releasable connector 31) is a plastic side release catch and the second mating portion 31b of the releasable connector 31 is a male portion of the plastic side release catch. The second mating portion 31b of the releasable connector 31 may be a male portion or a female portion. For proper mating capability of the releasable connector 31, the second mating portion 31b of the releasable connector 31 must be complementary to the first mating portion 31a (shown in fig. 5) of the releasable connector 31.

Chest harness 100 is further shown with optional protective sleeve 120 over harness straps 116 and 118. In such an embodiment, the protective sleeve 120 is made of neoprene. In other embodiments, the protective sheath 120 may be made of any soft and durable material. The chest harness 100 may further include a foam pad covered by a soft material having a hem 122 around the peripheral edge of the harness body 102. In such an embodiment, the hem 122 is a fleece material.

Referring now to fig. 8, an optional bottom back support layer 50 is illustrated. The bottom back support layer 50 has the same or similar shape as the main back support 30 and includes a bottom layer shoulder end 50a, a support layer hip end 50b, a first support layer side 50c, a second support layer side 50d and an intermediate body bottom layer portion 50 e. The bottom back support layer 50 is typically attached to the outer peripheral edge of the main back support 30. The bottom back support layer 50 is made of a breathable, soft mesh-like material to provide a means of dissipating body heat that may collect between the back of the four legged animal and the main back support 30.

Referring now to fig. 9, an alternative shoulder insert member 58 is shown. In such an embodiment, the shoulder insert part 58 has a shoulder insert body 60, the shoulder insert body 60 having a first shoulder portion 62, a second shoulder portion 64, and a central insert body portion 66 connected between the first shoulder portion 62 and the second shoulder portion 64. In such an embodiment, the shoulder insert body 60 has a U-shape with the central insert body portion 66 attached to the main back support 30 at or adjacent the shoulder end 30a, and a portion of each of the first and

second shoulder portions

62, 64 extending forward in front of the shoulder end 30a of the main back support 30. The first and

second shoulder portions

62, 64 are sized, shaped and positioned such that these

shoulder portions

62, 64 provide a cushion between the releasable connectors 31 of the harness straps 116 of the chest harness 100.

Shoulder inserts 58 may be any cushioning material having a thickness between about 0.1 inches and about 1 inch. The shoulder inserts 58 provide additional support and padding to the shoulder area of the animal. The shoulder inserts 58 are made of a cushioning material having a medium to firm density, lightweight, waterproof material that is molded using body heat, has good cushioning properties, and has a slow recovery time. Examples of useful cushioning materials are, for example, memory foam and/or polyethylene foam. Shoulder inserts 58 have a thickness of about 0.125 inches and are typically inserted between layers of neoprene and/or charba material (Sherpa material layer). The shoulder inserts 58 may be sewn or otherwise attached to the main back support 30.

Fig. 10 shows the first side panel 70. The first side panel 70 has a first panel shoulder end 70a, a first panel hip end 70b, a first panel top 70c, a first panel bottom 70d, a front first panel side 70e, and a rear first panel side 70 f. The first sheet top 70c is connected to the first back support side 30c of the primary back support 30. Typically, the first panel top 70c is attached to the first back support side 30c by stitching, but may also contain a variety of releasable attachments (such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers, etc.). The first side panel 70 has a first panel base 72 connected to a first panel bottom 70 d. The first sheet base 72 may be made of any soft and durable material. In such an embodiment, the first sheet base 72 is made of neoprene. The first side panel 70 can be made of any flexible breathable material. In such an embodiment, the first side panel 70 is made of a mesh-like material.

The first side panel 70 further includes a first side panel strip 84, the first side panel strip 84 extending from the first panel top 70c, adjacent the first panel hip end 70b and spaced apart from the back first panel side 70f, to the first panel bottom 70 d. The first fastener portion 76a of the fastener strip system 76 is disposed on the first panel base 72. The first fastener portion 76a extends across a major portion of the first panel base 72 parallel to and adjacent the first panel bottom 70 d. The first side panel 70 also includes an additional and optional first fastener portion 76a of a fastener strip system 76. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three additional first fastener portions 76a1, 76a2, 76a 3. Fastener strip system 76 may be a plurality of snaps, buttons, zippers, etc., or strips of the first hook and loop portion of a hook and loop fastener. For ease of use, hook and loop fasteners are illustrated. By including an additional optional first fastener portion 76a, it allows the user to adjust the fit of the animal back support apparatus 10 to a four-legged animal according to the girth of the animal. Additional and optional first fastener portions 76a1, 76a2, 76a3 are positioned parallel to the first panel bottom 70a and spaced apart from the first panel bottom 70a and from each other. In such an embodiment, first side panel 70 has four straps of fastener strap system 76, which are hook and loop straps to enable adjustability of animal back support device 10.

Fig. 11 shows a second side panel 90. The second side panel 90 has a second panel shoulder end 90a, a second panel hip end 90b, a second panel top 90c, a second panel bottom 90d, a front second panel side 90e, and a rear second panel side 90 f. The second sheet top 90c is connected to the second back support side 30d of the main back support 30. Typically, the second panel top 90c is attached to the second back support side 30d by stitching, but may also include a variety of releasable attachments, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers, and the like. The second side sheet 90 has a second sheet base 92 connected to a second sheet bottom 90 d. The second sheet base 92 may be any soft and durable material. In such an embodiment, the second panel base 92 is made of neoprene. The second side panel 90 may be made of any flexible breathable material. In such an embodiment, the second side panel 90 is made of a mesh-like material.

Second fastener portion 76b of fastener strip system 76 is disposed on second panel base 92. The second fastener portion 76b extends across a major portion of the second panel base 92 parallel to and adjacent the second panel bottom 90 d. When the fastener strap system 76 is a hook and loop fastener, the second fastener portion 76b is disposed on the underside of the second side panel 90 and is complementary to the first fastener portion 76a on the first side panel 70 to allow proper mating of the opposing hook and loop strap surfaces.

Figure 12 illustrates one embodiment of a lumbar support member 130. The lumbar support member 130 has a lumbar body 140 and at least one lumbar strap 150. The lumbar support member 130 is positioned against the lower abdomen of a four legged animal. If a single strap is used, each end of the strap 150 requires one of the first mating portion 31a or the second mating portion 31b of the releasable connector 31 to form a mating connection with a corresponding mating portion located adjacent to the hip end 30b of the main back support 30 and spaced from the hip end 30b of the main back support 30. The second mating portion 31b is illustrated. A single strap 150 may be fixedly attached to the lumbar support member 130 such that each end of the strap 150 is attached to a mating connector around the opposite side of the main back support 30. Alternatively, the lumbar support member 130 may include two adjacent and spaced apart through holes 142, the strap 150 passing through the through holes 142. In yet another alternative, the strap 150 may be at least two separate straps attached on one end to the opposite end 149 of the lumbar support member 130. The lumbar support component 130 may optionally have at least one protective lumbar sleeve 136 that fits over at least one lumbar strap 150. It is contemplated that each portion of the waist strap 150 extending around opposite sides of a four-legged animal may have a protective waist sleeve 136. The protective waist cover 136 can be made of any soft and durable material. In such an embodiment, the protective waist wrap 136 is made of neoprene.

Referring now to fig. 13A, 13B, and 13C, one embodiment of a lumbar body 140 of the lumbar support member 130 is illustrated. In such an embodiment, the waist body 140 has a bottom waist layer 144, an embedded waist layer 146, and a top waist layer 148, wherein the bottom waist layer 142 and the top waist layer 148 form a chamber or pocket for receiving the embedded waist layer 146. Optionally, a waist border 149 around the outer periphery of the waist body 140 may be included to provide a soft cushioning edge. Fig. 13D is a cross-sectional view of the waist body 140, but it is not drawn to scale in order to illustrate the relationship of the bottom waist layer 144, the embedded waist layer 146, and the top waist layer 148. As shown in this embodiment, at least one of the waist layer 144 and the embedded waist layer 146 has through holes 142 to receive a waist strap (not shown). In other embodiments, the through-holes 142 are not present because the waist band is attached to one of the waist layers 144, 148, or at opposite ends of the waist sleeve or along a central portion of the waist layer 144. When attached to the waist layer, the method of attachment is one known in the art, such as, for example, by sewing or by adhesive or the like.

In such an embodiment, the bottom waist layer 144 may be made of any soft and durable material. One example of a useful material is neoprene. In such an embodiment, the embedded waist layer 146 is made of any cushioning material, such as, for example, any cushioning material made of a medium to stiff density, lightweight, waterproof material that is shaped with body heat, has good cushioning properties, and has a slow recovery time. Useful materials include, but are not limited to, memory foam and/or polyethylene foam. The embedded waist layer 144 may be made of. In such an embodiment, the waist border 149 is made of wool. In such an embodiment, the top waist layer 148 is constructed of a soft material. The protective waist cover 136 can be made of any soft and durable material. In such an embodiment, the protective waist wrap 136 is made of neoprene.

An advantage of the animal back support 10 of the present invention is that the combination of the main back support 30, chest harness 100, and optional lumbar support 140 components optimizes the stability required for the spine and surrounding muscles to support the animal spine. In particular, the rigid support struts and foam inserts (i.e., elongated pads) provide a back support device that limits bending of the spine, but allows four-legged animals to run, sit, lie down, and perform all normal daily activities. The present invention is designed to move with a four-legged animal and provide support at the same time.

Another advantage of the present invention is the simplification of determining the appropriate size of an animal's back brace for a particular dog. Only one is required to measure the distance between the top of the pelvis to the shoulder area (i.e., dorsal line measurement 160), as shown in fig. 14. For small sizes, the back line measures nine (9) to eleven (11) inches. For the medium size, the back line measures eleven (11) to thirteen (13) inches. For large sizes, the back line measures thirteen (13) to fifteen (15) inches. For oversized, the back line measures 15 inches or more.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, the foregoing description is merely illustrative. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the art and all such modifications are deemed to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An animal back support device comprising:

a main back support having a shoulder end, a hip end, a first back support side, a second back support, and a plurality of first mating portions of a releasable connector, the main back support comprising:

a first back support layer having a plurality of rigid support struts disposed thereon and adapted to extend along and along both sides of the spinal column of a quadruped, at least a first pair of first mating portions of the plurality of first mating portions of the releasable connector, each first mating portion of the first pair of first mating portions attached to a corresponding shoulder pad portion of the first back support layer and positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the shoulder end, and at least a second pair of first mating portions of the plurality of first mating portions of the releasable connector attached to the first back support layer, wherein each of the at least second pair of first mating portions is positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from a corresponding one of the at least first pair of first mating portions of the plurality of first mating portions of the releasable connector, and each of the at least second pair of first mating portions is located approximately midway between the shoulder end and the hip end of the main back support; and

an embedded back support layer fixedly attached to the first back support layer, the embedded back support layer having a plurality of elongated embedded pads disposed thereon and adapted to extend along and along both sides of the spine of the quadruped, the embedded back support layer configured to be positioned between the backs of the quadruped and the first back support layer along the backs of the quadruped;

a first breathable side panel fixedly attached to the first back support side on a top first panel side;

a second breathable side panel fixedly attached to the second back support side on a top second panel side, wherein a bottom first panel side and a bottom second panel side are configured to be removably attached to each other under the abdomen of the quadruped; and

a chest harness having a harness body, wherein the harness body has a chest portion, an abdomen portion, a first pair of harness straps connected at one end to the chest portion, a second pair of harness straps connected at one end to the abdomen portion, and a plurality of second mating portions of the releasable connector, wherein one of the plurality of second mating portions of the releasable connector is adjacent to and connected with an opposite end of each of the first pair of harness straps and one of the plurality of second mating portions of the releasable connector is adjacent to and connected with an opposite end of each of the second pair of harness straps, wherein the abdomen portion is adapted to be positioned behind the forelegs of the quadruped,

wherein each of the plurality of first mating portions of the releasable connector is configured to mate with a corresponding one of the plurality of second mating portions of the releasable connector.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first back support layer further comprises at least a third pair of first mating portions of the plurality of first mating portions of the releasable connector attached to the first back support layer and positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the hip end.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a lumbar support component having a lumbar body with at least one lumbar strap, wherein the at least one lumbar strap has attached thereto one of the second mating portions of the releasable connector adjacent each of a first and second lumbar strap end, wherein each of the second mating portions of the releasable connector is configured to mate with a corresponding one of the first mating portions of the releasable connector that is attached to the hip end of the first back support layer, wherein the lumbar support component is configured for positioning against the lower abdomen of the quadruped.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the chest harness includes a first harness body edge and a second harness body edge, wherein one harness strap of the first pair of harness straps is connected to the first harness body edge on the chest portion and a second harness strap of the first pair of harness straps is connected to the second harness body edge on the chest portion, wherein one harness strap of the second pair of harness straps is connected to the first harness body edge of the abdomen portion and a second harness strap of the second pair of harness straps is connected to the second harness body edge on the abdomen portion.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the primary support layer further comprises a bottom back support layer fixedly attached to the first back support layer, wherein the embedded back support layer is between the first back support layer and the bottom back support layer.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the chest harness further comprises at least one protective sheath disposed about at least one of the harness straps.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated insert pad has a thickness of about 0.5 inches.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated insert pad has a length in a range from 5.7 inches to 15.3 inches.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated insert pad has a width of about 1 inch.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a shoulder insert component positioned adjacent the insert back support layer, wherein the insert back support layer is between the first back support layer and the shoulder insert component, the shoulder insert component having a shoulder insert body having a first shoulder and a second shoulder, wherein each of the first shoulder and the second shoulder extends forward toward and adjacent the shoulder end of the main back support, wherein each of the first shoulder and the second shoulder are spaced apart from each other and positioned to align with corresponding shoulder regions of the quadruped.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the shoulder insert component further comprises a central shoulder body portion connecting the first shoulder to the second shoulder.

12. A method for stabilizing the spine of a four-legged animal according to claim 1, the method comprising:

placing the main back support on the back of the four-legged animal with the shoulder end positioned near the base of the neck of the four-legged animal and the plurality of rigid support braces positioned to extend along the spine of the four-legged animal and along both sides of the spine;

wrapping the breathable first side panel of the primary back support under the abdomen of the four-legged animal;

wrapping the breathable second side panel of the primary back support under the abdomen of the four-legged animal and attaching the breathable second side panel to the breathable first side panel such that the primary back support is snug around the four-legged animal;

positioning the chest harness against the chest of the four-legged animal, wherein the first pair of harness straps extend across the shoulders of the four-legged animal, wherein the second mating portions of the releasable connectors on the first pair of harness straps connect to corresponding first mating portions of the releasable connectors on the shoulder pad portions of the first back support layer, and wherein the second pair of harness straps extend from behind the front legs of the four-legged animal, wherein the second mating portions of the releasable connectors on the second pair of harness straps connect to corresponding first mating portions of the releasable connectors, the corresponding first mating portions being located approximately midway between the shoulder and hip ends of the main back support; and

adjusting the first pair of harness straps and the second pair of harness straps whereby the chest harness strap fits snugly against the chest of the four-legged animal.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

providing a lumbar support component having a lumbar body with at least one lumbar strap, wherein the at least one lumbar strap has one of the second mating portions of the releasable connector attached adjacent each of the first and second lumbar strap ends;

positioning the lumbar support member against the lower abdomen of the four-legged animal;

connecting each of the second mating portions of the releasable connector to a corresponding one of the first mating portions of the releasable connector, the corresponding one first mating portion attached to the hip end of the first back support layer; and

adjusting the first and second lumbar strap ends, thereby providing a snug fit of the lumbar support member against the lower abdomen of the four-legged animal.

14. A method of stabilizing a spine of a four-legged animal, the method comprising:

providing an animal back support having a main back support, an embedded back support layer, a first breathable side panel, a second breathable side panel, and a chest harness; the primary back support comprises a first back support layer comprising a plurality of rigid support struts disposed thereon and adapted to extend along and along both sides of the spine of a four-legged animal; the embedded back supportive layer fixedly attached to the first back supportive layer, the embedded back supportive layer having a plurality of elongated embedded pads disposed thereon and adapted to extend along and along both sides of a spine of the quadruped; the first breathable side panel is fixedly attached to one side of the first back support layer on a top first panel side; the breathable second side panel is fixedly attached to the opposite side of the first back support layer on a top second panel side, wherein the bottom first panel side and the bottom second panel side are configured to removably attach to each other under the abdomen of the quadruped; the chest harness having a harness body, wherein the harness body has a chest portion, an abdomen portion, a first pair of harness straps connected to the chest portion at one end, a second pair of harness straps connected to the abdomen portion at one end, and a plurality of second mating portions of the releasable connector, wherein one of the plurality of second mating portions of the releasable connector is adjacent to and connected with an opposite end of each of the first pair of harness straps and one of the plurality of second mating portions of the releasable connector is adjacent to and connected with an opposite end of each of the second pair of harness straps, wherein the abdomen portion is adapted to be positioned behind the forelegs of the four-legged animal;

positioning the chest harness against the chest of the four-legged animal, wherein the first pair of harness straps extend across the shoulders of the four-legged animal, and wherein the second mating portions of the releasable connectors on the first pair of harness straps connect to corresponding first mating portions of the releasable connectors on the shoulder pad portions of the first back support layer, and wherein the second pair of harness straps extend from behind the front legs of the four-legged animal, wherein the second mating portions of the releasable connectors on the second pair of harness straps connect to corresponding first mating portions of the releasable connectors, the corresponding first mating portions being located approximately midway between the shoulder and hip ends of the main back support; and

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

providing a lumbar support member having a lumbar body with at least one lumbar strap, wherein the at least one lumbar strap attaches one of the second mating portions of the releasable connector adjacent each of the first and second lumbar strap ends;