Method of passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body

Abstract

The invention provides a method for temporarily increasing the mass of an animal's body by placing a weight at a midjoint area of a patient'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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional application of Non-Provisional Application 10 / 816,286 filed Apr. 01, 2004, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application 60 / 459,713 filed Apr. 02, 2003, both of which are herein incorporated in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention provides a 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. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 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 centime...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0042] 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.

Problems solved by technology

Losing body weight decreases the pressure on the body and results in a person's endoskeletal structure becoming frail.

These products and methods create a net loss of body mass, including the loss of bone tissue.

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.

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