Animal crash test device

Abstract

A crash test device having a shape of an animal, such as a dog, is disclosed. The crash test device can include a body assembly including a housing with a body wheel disposed on each side of the housing. Further, a spacer can be positioned on each side of the housing, the spacer being disposed between the housing and the body wheel on each side of the housing. A coupling can extend through the housing and each of the body wheels and the spacers. The coupling connects the housing and each of the body wheels and the spacers together. A sensor assembly can be positioned within the housing, the sensor assembly being adapted to gather data during a car crash or simulation.

Description

ANIMAL CRASH TEST DEVICECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 521,356, filed on lune 16, 2023, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a crash test device, and more particularly it is directed to an animal crash test device including sensors for better understanding the forces experienced by an animal during a car crash.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Pet product manufacturers want to determine the safety and performance of their products during a car crash, specifically the safety of crates, barriers, harnesses, etc. that are marketed as pet vehicle safety products. Protocols and standards for safety testing of pet products in vehicles is not accepted industry wide, regulated, or always reliable. An issue with past pet product safety testing is that the crash test device that is used is a simple, rigid animal (dog) shaped test dummy that is oriented in a sitting position for most (if not all) testing and simulations. The simple, rigid animal shaped test dummy does not reflect how the animal will sit, lay, bend, or otherwise move during a car crash while in a crate, behind a barrier, etc. As such, there is a desire to better understand the forces experienced by an animal during a car crash, to produce safer and better pet vehicle safety products. Further, it is desired to have an animal crash test device similar to an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) that will aid in better understanding the forces experienced by an animal during a car crash.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a crash test device. The crash test device can include a body assembly including a housing with a body wheel disposed on each side of the housing. A spacer can be positioned on each side of the housing, with the spacer being disposed between the housing and the body wheel on each side of the housing. A coupling can extend through the housing and each of thebody wheels and the spacers, the coupling connects the housing and each of the body wheels and the spacers together. A sensor assembly can be positioned within the housing, the sensor assembly being adapted to gather data during a car crash or simulation.

[0005] In one aspect, the body assembly includes a plurality of body wheels and a plurality of spacers disposed on each side of housing, and each of the plurality of spacers are disposed between the housing and a body wheel or between a body wheel and another body wheel.

[0006] In one aspect, each of the spacers are constructed from a foam material or other compressible material, such that each of spacers are compressible to allow relative movement between the housing and each of the body wheels.

[0007] In one aspect, each of the body wheels are constructed from a metallic disc covered with a polymeric material.

[0008] In one aspect, each of the body wheels have a generally horseshoe shape.

[0009] In one aspect, the housing is centrally located in the body assembly with reference to a longitudinal or lengthwise direction.

[0010] In one aspect, the coupling extends centrally through the housing and each of the body wheels and the spacers.

[0011] In one aspect, the coupling is a cable that is coupled at each respective end of the body assembly through a first connector and a second connector.

[0012] In another aspect, the first connector is a slotted disc and the second connector is a coupling disc and a bushing.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the bushing is threadable within the coupling disc for tensioning the cable.

[0014] In one aspect, the sensor assembly is an accelerometer assembly.

[0015] In another aspect, the accelerometer assembly includes a first accelerometer, a second accelerometer, and a third accelerometer.

[0016] In yet another aspect, each of the first, second, and third accelerometers are oriented or facing in different directions.

[0017] In one aspect, a sensor insert can be disposed within the housing, wherein the sensor assembly is disposed within the sensor insert.

[0018] In one aspect, the sensor insert includes a removable cover for accessing the sensor assembly within the sensor insert.

[0019] In one aspect, a washer can be positioned between the spacer and the body wheel.

[0020] In one aspect, a front assembly and a rear assembly can be provided, the front assembly includes at least one articulating leg and an articulating neck, and the rear assembly includes at least one articulating leg.

[0021] In one aspect, the front assembly is coupled to a first end of the body assembly, and the rear assembly is coupled to a second end of the body assembly.

[0022] In another aspect, the at least one articulating leg of each of the front assembly and the rear assembly can be adjusted to orient the crash test device in a laying position, a sitting position, and a standing position.

[0023] In one aspect, the crash test device is formed in a shape of an animal.

[0024] In one aspect, the crash test device is formed in a shape of a dog.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The foregoing Summary as well as the following Detailed Description will be best understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0026] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an animal crash test device of the present disclosure oriented in a laying position.

[0027] FIG. IB is a perspective view of the animal crash test device of FIG. 1 A in a sitting position.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body assembly of the animal crash test device of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a front view of the body assembly illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded-view of a portion of the body assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 with a housing removed.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a side view of the body assembly illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 6A is a magnified view of a sensor insert of the body assembly.

[0033] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along Section 6B-6B in FIG. 6A, illustrating another view of the sensor insert.

[0034] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the body assembly taken along Section 7A-7A in FIG. 5.

[0035] FIG. 7B is a first perspective view of the cross-sectional view of the body assembly illustrated in FIG. 7A.

[0036] FIG. 7C is a second perspective view of the cross-sectional view of the body assembly illustrated in FIG. 7A.

[0037] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a slotted disc of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a bushing of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a coupling disc of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 9A is a top cross-sectional view of a second embodiment the body assembly of the animal crash test device of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment the body assembly of FIG. 9A.

[0042] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a body wheel of the second embodiment of the body assembly of FIGS. 9A-9B.

[0043] FIG. 9D is a side view of the body wheel of FIG. 9C.

[0044] FIG. 9E is a cross-section view of the body wheel taken along Section 9E-9E in FIG. 9D.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “front”, “rear”, “upper”, and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions towards and away from parts referenced in the drawings. “Axially” refers to a direction along the axis of an axle, shaft, pin, or the like. A reference to a list of items that are cited as “at least one of a, b, or c” (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof are included. The terms “about” and “approximately” encompass + / - 10% of an indicated value unless otherwise noted. The term “generally” in connection with a radial direction encompasses + / - 25 degrees. The terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0046] FIG. I A is a perspective view of an exemplary animal crash test device 10 of the present disclosure oriented in a laying position. FIG. IB is a perspective view of the animal crash test device 10 in a sitting position. FIGS. 1A-1B will be discussed together. The animal crash test device 10 will hereinafter be referred to as “device 10”, but it is to be understood that animal crash test device 10 and device 10 are referring to the same assembly. The device 10 is an assembly that can be utilized to determine the safety and performance of pet vehicle safety products (e.g. crates, barriers, harnesses, etc.) during a car crash. The device 10 can be in the general shape of an animal, such as a dog, and thedevice 10 may be posable, for example changing orientations between a laying position (FIG. 1A), a sitting position (FIG. IB), and a standing position (not shown). Further, the device 10 can include articulating legs 24A, 24B and a neck 22 that are designed to reflect how the animal will sit, lay, bend, or otherwise move during a car crash while in a crate, behind a barrier, etc. In addition, the device 10 can include sensors that can be utilized to better understand the forces experienced by an animal during a car crash or other impact event, discussed further below. The device 10 is similar to an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) used for testing the effects of a car crash on a human, and the device 10 aids in better understanding the forces experienced by an animal, such as a dog, during a car crash.

[0047] The device 10 can include a body assembly 12, a front assembly 14, and a rear assembly 16. The front assembly 14 is coupled to a first end of the body assembly 12, and the rear assembly 16 is coupled to a second, opposite end of the body assembly 12 as the front assembly 14. The front assembly 14 can include a front body portion 18, a head 20, a neck 22, and a plurality of legs 24A. The neck 22 is positioned between and coupled to each of the front body portion 18 and the head 20, such that the neck 22 connects the head 20 to the front body portion 18. Each of the plurality of legs 24A are coupled to the front body portion 18 on opposite sides of the front body portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of legs 24A includes two front legs 24A. The neck 22 and each of the plurality of legs 24 A are articulating, such that each can rotate and / or move relative to the front body portion 18. The articulating neck 22 and legs 24A are configured to imitate the general movement of the neck and legs, respectively, of a dog or other similar animal. The rear assembly 16 can include a rear body portion 26 and a plurality legs 24B. Each of the plurality of legs 24B are coupled to the rear body portion 26 on opposite sides of the rear body portion 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of legs 24B includes two rear legs 24B. Each of the plurality of legs 24B are articulating, such that they can rotate and / or move relative to the rear body portion 26 to imitate the general movement of the legs of a dog or other similar animal. In embodiments the plurality of legs 24A and the plurality of legs 24B may be individually movable, movable in pairs linked together (e.g., via an axle extending between the front legs 24A and / or the rear legs 24B), or movable all at once.

[0048] The articulating legs 24A, 24B of the front assembly 14 and the rear assembly 16, respectively, can be adjusted to orient the device 10 in a laying position (FIG. 1 A), a sitting position (FIG. IB), and a standing position (not shown). Being able to adjust the orientation of the legs 24A, 24B allows the position of the device 10 to be changed totest the forees experienced by the device 10 during a crash or other sudden event (e.g. car crash, heavy braking, etc.) when in each of the different orientations / positions. Further, the device 10 can come in several different sizes and be weighted so that the device 10 produces more realistic body movement of a dog or other similar animal during a crash. In some embodiments, the device 10 can be weighted to be about 15 pounds, 30 pounds, 50 pounds, or 80 pounds. In other embodiments, the device 10 can be weighted to be any weight between about 10 pounds and 100 pounds.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body assembly 12 of the device 10 with the front assembly 14 and the rear assembly 16 removed. FIG. 3 is a front view of the body assembly 12. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded-view of a portion of the body assembly 12 with a housing 28 of the body assembly 12 removed / hidden for clarity. FIG. 5 is a side view of the body assembly 12. FIGS. 2-5 will be discussed together. The body assembly 12 can include a housing 28, a plurality of body components 30 (also referred to as “body wheels”), and a plurality of spacers 32. The housing 28 can be the central portion or component of the body assembly 12, such that the housing 28 is centrally located in the body assembly 12 with reference to a longitudinal direction or lengthwise direction (left and right direction in FIG. 3). The plurality of body wheels 30 and the plurality of spacers 32 can each be positioned on each side or opposite end of the housing 28. Further, each of the plurality of spacers 32 can be disposed between the housing 28 and one of the body wheels 30 or between one of the body wheels 30 and another one of the body wheels 30. As such, illustrated best in FIG. 3, each of the body wheels 30 do not directly contact another body wheel 30 or the housing 28. Rather, a spacer 32 separates each body wheel 30 from direct contact with another body wheel 30 or the housing 28.

[0050] Each of the plurality of body wheels 30 can be constructed from a relatively rigid material (e.g. a metal such as steel) that is surrounded and covered by a relatively flexible and / or resilient material (e.g. polymeric material such as rubber). In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of body wheels 30 can be constructed from a metallic disc that is covered by a polymeric material, and each of the plurality of body wheels 30 can have generally the shape of a horseshoe. Each of the plurality of body wheels 30 are intended to act as the body structure of the body assembly 12, and each are intended to be weights that add additional weight to the body assembly 12. As such, the size and weight of the body wheels 30 can be altered to achieve the desired size and weight of the device 10. In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the body assembly 12 can further include a washer 34 positioned between a spacer 32 and a body wheel 30, the washer 34 beingconfigured as an additional weight that can add additional weight to the body assembly 12. In some examples, the washer 34 can be a metallic disc. Further, in some examples, the body assembly 12 can include a plurality of washers 34, with each configured to add additional weight to the body assembly 12 to achieve the desired weight of the device 10. In other embodiments, the body wheels 30 may have different sizes and weights in different areas of the body, for example larger and / or heavier wheels located proximate to the front assembly 14 to represent an animal’s ribcage and chest region, while smaller and / or lighter wheels located proximate to the rear assembly 16 to represent an animal’s stomach region.

[0051] Each of the plurality of spacers 32 can be constructed from a foam material or other similar compressible material. The compressible material of each of the plurality of spacers 32 allows the body assembly 12 to pivot, rotate, or otherwise move upon compression of the plurality of spacers 32. In turn, this allows relative movement between the housing 28 and each of the plurality of body wheels 30, and between each of the plurality of body wheels 30 and another one of the plurality of body wheels 30. The compression and relative movement of the components is intended to imitate the general movement of a dog or other similar animal, specifically during a car crash or other similar event.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, a coupling 36 can extend through the housing 28 and each of the plurality of body wheels 30 and each of the plurality of spacers 32. The coupling 36 can be configured to connect and secure the housing 28, each of the plurality of body wheels 30, and each of the plurality of spacers 32 together. In some examples, as illustrated, the coupling 36 can extend centrally through the housing 28, each of the plurality of body wheels 30, and each of the plurality of spacers 32. Further, in some examples, the coupling 36 can be a cable that is coupled at each respective end of the body assembly 12 through a first connector 38 and a second connector 40. In some examples, the coupling 36 can be a 3 / 16 inch cable coupled at each respective end of the body assembly 12 through the first connector 38 and the second connector 40. hi other examples, the coupling 36 can be a cable with a diameter greater than or less than 3 / 16 inch. As shown best in FIGS. 7A-7C, each of the housing 28, the plurality of body wheels 30, and the plurality of spacers 32 can include central apertures extending through generally a central portion of each component. The central apertures allow the coupling 36 to extend through each component and connect to the first connector 38 and the second connector 40, discussed in detail below.

[0053] Referring again to FIGS. 2-5, the body assembly 12 can further include a sensor assembly 42 that is configured to gather data during a car crash, simulation, or other similar event. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 42 can be positioned within a chamber or opening within the housing 28; however, one of skill in the art will recognize that the sensor assembly 42 can be positioned at any desirable location along the body assembly 12. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the body assembly 12 can include a sensor insert 44 having generally a box or hollow rectangular prism shape. The sensor insert 44 can be positioned within a chamber, opening, or the like of the housing 28, and the sensor insert 44 is configured to include a chamber or opening within the sensor insert 44 for storing and securing the sensor assembly 42. In some examples, the sensor insert 44 can have a differing shape so long as a chamber or opening exists within the sensor insert 44 for storing and securing the sensor assembly 42. The sensor insert 44 can be constructed from a rigid material and the sensor insert 44 is configured to protect the sensor assembly 42 from damage during use of the device 10.

[0054] The sensor insert 44 or the housing 28 can include a removable cover 46 that is configured to cover and close off the chamber within the sensor insert 44. The removable cover 46 can be coupled and secured to the sensor insert 44 or the housing 28 through screws, clips, latches, or other known fasteners that will keep the cover 46 fastened during a car crash or other similar event. The cover 46 can be configured to ensure debris or other items do not reach the sensor assembly 42 within the sensor insert 44. The cover 46 can include an aperture 48 extending fully through the cover 46, allowing access to the chamber within the sensor insert 44. In some embodiments, the aperture 48 extending through the cover 46 allows electrical cables 50 of the sensor assembly 42 to extend from within the chamber of the sensor insert 44 out through the cover 46 to be connected to other electrical connections. The electrical cables 50 of the sensor assembly 42 can be utilized to provide energy / power to the sensor assembly 42 to operate the sensor assembly 42. Further, the electrical cables 50 of the sensor assembly 42 can be utilized to transfer data between the sensor assembly 42 and other componentry, such as a controller or computer (not shown). As such, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, the electrical cables 50 of the sensor assembly 42 can include connectors 52 for connecting to power sources and / or a controller / computer, among other componentry not specifically listed.

[0055] FIG. 6A is a magnified view of the sensor insert 44 and the sensor assembly 42 of the body assembly 12 with the cover 46 removed for clarity purposes. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along Section 6B-6B in FIG. 6A, illustrating another view ofthe sensor insert 44 and the sensor assembly 42. FIGS. 6A-6B will be discussed together. In some examples, the sensor assembly 42 can be an accelerometer assembly 42A that is configured to measure the vibration and / or acceleration of motion within the sensor insert 44 positioned within the housing 28 of the body assembly 12 of the device 10. In such an example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B, the accelerometer assembly 42A can include a first accelerometer 54A, a second accelerometer 54B, and a third accelerometer 54C. Each of the first, second, and third accelerometers 54A, 54B, and 54C can be positioned or oriented such that each face in a different direction. In various embodiments, a sensor face of each of the first, second, and third accelerometers 54A, 54B, and 54C can face or be oriented in different directions to gather differing vibration and / or acceleration data regarding the specific direction each is facing. The first, second, and third accelerometers 54A, 54B, and 54C can be utilized to gather a more complete understanding of the forces experienced by an animal, such as a dog, during a car crash or other similar event.

[0056] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B, a link 56 (or linking device) can be positioned within and coupled to a surface of the chamber within the sensor insert 44. The link 56 is a device that is configured to secure the sensor assembly 42 and / or the electrical cables 50 in place during use of the device 10, specifically during a crash or other similar event. In some examples, the link 56 can be a zip-tie mount with a zip-tie that is configured to hold and support the electrical cables 50 from any pulling force dwing a crash or other similar event. In other examples, the link 56 can be any device capable of holding and supporting the electrical cables 50 from any pulling force during a crash or other similar event.

[0057] The housing 28 of the body assembly 12 can further include at least one keyway 58 extending into the housing 28. The keyway 58 can be configured to aid in aligning the cover 46 relative to the housing 28 and / or the sensor insert 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the keyway 58 can be an arc-shaped or partial circular cutout, with the cover 46 including mating protrusions or features for aligning with the keyway 58. In other examples, the keyway 58 can be any shape and the cover 46 can include mating shaped protrusions or features that are configured for aligning with the keyway 58. In some examples, the housing 28 can include a plurality of keyways 58, such as for example four keyways 58.

[0058] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the body assembly 12 taken along Section 7A-7A in FIG. 5. FIG. 7B is a first perspective view of the cross-sectional view of the body assembly 12 illustrated in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a second perspective view ofthe cross-sectional view of the body assembly 12 illustrated in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the first connector 38. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a portion of the second connector 40. FIG. 8C is a perspective view of another portion of the second connector 40. FIGS. 7A-8C will be discussed together. As discussed, a coupling 36 (e.g. a cable) can extend through the housing 28, each of the plurality of body wheels 30, and each of the plurality of spacers 32 to connect and secure the housing 28, each of the plurality of body wheels 30, and each of the plurality of spacers 32 together. Further, the coupling 36 can be coupled at each respective end of the body assembly 12 through a first connector 38 and a second connector 40, discussed in detail below.

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, the body assembly 12 can further include a first end disc 60 positioned at a first end of the body assembly 12, and a second end disc 62 positioned at a second end of the body assembly 12, with the second end being the opposite end as the first end. The first and second end discs 60, 62 can be positioned within body wheels 30 that are disposed at each distal end of the body assembly 12. Further, the first and second end discs 60, 62 can be substantially similar to the metallic discs of the body wheels 30, with a difference being that the outer surfaces of the first and second end discs 60, 62 can be exposed and therefore not fully covered by a polymeric material. As such, the first and second end discs 60, 62 can be constructed from a metallic material, such as for example a steel. The first and second end discs 60, 62 are configured to act as weights to add additional weight to the body assembly 12, and the first and second end discs 60, 62 provide surfaces for the first and second connectors 38, 40 to engage with, respectively.

[0060] The first connector 38 is disposed at the first end of the body assembly 12, such that the first connector 38 is disposed adjacent and contacting the first end disc 60. In some examples, as illustrated, the first connector 38 can be a slotted disc 38A (FIG. 8A) that includes a slot 64 extending through the slotted disc 38A. Further, the slotted disc 38A can have a circular cross-sectional shape and the slot 64 can be a straight cutout extending from an outer edge or surface of the slotted disc 38A to a center of the slotted disc 38A. In such an example, an end of the coupling 36 can be inserted into and through the slot 64 until the coupling 36 reaches an end of the slot 64 which is positioned at a center of the slotted disc 38 A. In addition, the end of the coupling inserted into the slot 64 can include a knob, protrusion, or other similar feature with a diameter or width greater than a diameter or width at the end of the slot 64 positioned at the center of the slotted disc 38A. In other words, the end of the coupling 36 positioned within the slotted disc 38A caninclude a feature that prevents the coupling 36 from pulling through and out of the slotted disc 38A. The coupling 36 can extend from the first connector 38, through the housing 28, body wheels 30, and spacers 32, and to the second connector 40 positioned at the opposite end of the body assembly 12 as the first connector 38.

[0061] The second connector 40 is disposed at the second end of the body assembly 12, such that the second connector 40 is disposed adjacent and contacting the second end disc 62. In some examples, as illustrated, the second connector 40 can include a coupling disc 40A (FIG. 8C) and a bushing 40B (FIG. 8B). The bushing 40B can have a generally circular cross-sectional shape (with respect to an axial direction through the bushing 40B) and the bushing 40B can include external threads 66 extending generally around an external surface of the bushing 40B along the axial length of the bushing 40B. The external threads 66 of the bushing 40B being configured to engage and mate with mating threads of the coupling disc 40A, discussed further below. The bushing 40B can further include a central aperture 68 extending through the bushing 40B along a central axis of the bushing 40B. The central aperture 68 being sized and adapted for securing an end of the coupling 36, and preventing the end of the coupling 36 from being pulled through the central aperture 68. As such, a first end of the coupling 36 can be secured within the slot 64 of the slotted disc 38A, and a second end of the coupling 36 can extend through the central aperture 68 and be secured within the bushing 40B.

[0062] The coupling disc 40A can have a circular cross-sectional shape (with respect to an axis extending through the coupling disc 40A), and the coupling disc 40A can include an internally threaded aperture 70 that extends through the coupling disc 40A at a center of the coupling disc 40A. The internally threaded aperture 70 can include mating threads with the external threads 66 of the bushing 40B, such that the external threads 66 of the bushing 40B can be threaded into the internally threaded aperture 70 of the coupling disc 40A. As such, referring to FIG. 7C, the coupling 36 can extend between the slotted disc 38A and the bushing 40B, with the coupling 36 having a fixed length. Further, the bushing 40B can be threaded within the coupling disc 40A, such that threading the bushing 40B inwards towards the housing 28 reduces the tension in the coupling 36, and threading the bushing outwards away from the housing 28 increases the tension in the coupling 36. As such, threading the bushing 40B relative to the coupling disc 40A can be utilized to tension the coupling 36 to secure each of the housing 28, body wheels 30, and spacers 32 together to form the assembled body assembly 12. In some examples, a tool can be used to thread the bushing 40B relative to the coupling disc 40A. In other examples,a user can use their hand (no tool required) to thread the bushing 40B relative to the coupling disc 40A. Although a specific example is disclosed for securing the components together, it is to be understood that the disclosed example is a non-limiting example and various other approaches could be used to secure the component together to form the assembled body assembly 12.

[0063] The device 10 is an assembly that can be utilized to determine the safety and performance of pet vehicle safety products (e.g. crates, barriers, harnesses, etc.) during a car crash. The device 10 can be in the general shape of an animal, such as a dog, and the device 10 can change orientations between a laying position (FIG. 1A), a sitting position (FIG. IB), and a standing position (not shown). Further, the device 10 can include articulating legs 24A, 24B and a neck 22 that are designed to reflect how the animal will sit, lay, bend, or otherwise move during a car crash while in a crate, behind a barrier, etc. In addition, the device 10 can include a sensor assembly 42, such as an accelerometer assembly 42A, that can be utilized to better understand the forces experienced by an animal during a car crash or other similar event. The device 10 is similar to a human crash test dummy used for testing the effects of a car crash on a human, and the device 10 aids in better understanding the forces experienced by an animal, such as a dog, during a car crash or other similar event.

[0064] FIG. 9 A is a top cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a body assembly 112 of the device 10. FIG. 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment the body assembly 112. FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a body wheel 130 of the second embodiment of the body assembly 112. FIG. 9D is a side view of the body wheel 130. FIG. 9E is a cross-section view of the body wheel 130 taken along Section 9E-9E in FIG. 9D. FIGS. 9A-9E will be discussed together.

[0065] It is to be understood that the second embodiment of the body assembly 112 illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9E is substantially similar to the body assembly 12 discussed with regards to FIGS. 1-8C. As such, the disclosure regarding body assembly 12 is to be understood as equally applying to body assembly 112, unless noted otherwise. In an effort to avoid redundancy, each and every detail regarding the body assembly 112 will not be repeated, and only the differences between the body assembly 12 and the body assembly 112 will be discussed below. Further, it is to be understood that the body assembly 112 can be swapped or interchangeable with the body assembly 12, and each can be utilized within the overall device 10. Lastly, it is to be understood that the reference numerals of components in FIGS. 9A-9E correspond to the similar or same components in FIGS. 1-8C, with the reference numerals in FIGS. 9A-9E increased by a value of 100 (e.g. body assembly 12 = body assembly 112, body wheels 30 = body wheels 130, etc.).

[0066] The main difference between the body assembly 12 (FIGS. 1-8C) and the body assembly 112 (FIGS. 9A-9E) is that the structure of the body wheel 130 is different than the structure of the body wheel 30. Specifically, the body wheel 130 utilized in the body assembly 112 includes a first portion BOA and a second portion BOB. In this embodiment, the first portion BOA is the main structural portion of the body wheel 130, with the first portion BOA generally forming the overall shape of the body wheel 130. Further, the first portion BOA can be constructed from a rigid polymeric material (e.g. a rigid nylon material) to add weight to the body assembly 112 to achieve the desired overall weight of the device 10. The first portion BOA can include a central aperture extending through the first portion BOA, which allows the coupling 136 to extend through the body wheel 130. In addition, the first portion BOA can include a plurality of second apertures that are oriented circumferentially around the central aperture, and extending fully through the body wheel 130. The second apertures can be configured to provide a space or location for the spacers 132 to be situated when the body assembly 112 is coupled together by the coupling 136.

[0067] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B, another difference between the body assembly 12 and the body assembly 112 is that the coupling 136 can differ from the coupling 36. Specifically, in the body assembly 12 the coupling 36 is a single cable / coupling that extends fully through the body assembly 12 from one end to the other of the body assembly 12. While in the body assembly 112 the coupling 136 is comprised of a first coupling 136A and a second coupling 136B. As such, in the body assembly 112 the coupling 136 is separated into two separate cablcs / couplings 136A, B6B, with each cable / coupling 136A, B6B extending generally from a center of the body assembly 112 to the outer end of the body assembly 1 12. More specifically, the first coupling 136A can be coupled to the sensor insert 144 or a portion of the housing 128, and the first coupling 136A can extend from the central connection point to the first connector 138. Likewise, the second coupling 136B can be coupled to the sensor insert 144 or a portion of the housing 128, and the second coupling 136B can extend from the central connection point to the second connector 140.

[0068] Each of the first and second couplings 136A, 136B can be utilized to couple and secure the body assembly 112 together. In addition, each of the first and second couplings 136A, 136B can prevent any possible interference or damage to the sensorassembly 142, by the coupling 136, within the sensor insert 144, because the coupling 136 does not extend through the sensor insert 144 and is not in close proximity to the sensor assembly 142. The first and second connectors 138, 140 can be similar or the same as the first and second connectors 38, 40. In some examples, both of the first and second connectors 138, 140 can include a bushing and coupling disc (similar to second connector 40), such that each connector 138, 140 functions as described above with reference to second connector 40, coupling disc 40A, and bushing 40B.

[0069] The second portion BOB of the body wheel 130 can be coupled to and surround at least part of the first portion 130A. In some examples, as illustrated, the second portion BOB can include a generally horseshoe shape, such that the second portion BOB is coupled to and surrounds all but one outer surface / edge of the first portion BOA. The second portion BOB can be constructed from a softer polymeric material than the first portion BOA. In some examples, the second portion BOB can be constructed from a silicone material, such that the second portion BOB forms a silicon ring around the majority of the first portion BOA. The softer second portion BOB, as compared to the first portion BOA, provides a buffer between the body wheels 130 and provides a more realistic hardness level to a dog or other animal in which the device 10 is intended to represent during a car crash or other similar event.

[0070] As shown best in FIG. 9E, the first portion BOA can include a protrusion 131 extending from a radially outer circumferential surface of the first portion BOA. In some examples, the first portion 130A can include a plurality of protrusions 131 extending about the outer circumference of the first portion BOA. The protrusion 131 is configured to be a coupling point for the second portion BOB, such that the second portion BOB can be coupled to the first portion BOA through the protrusion 131. In some examples, as illustrated, the protrusion 131 can be generally in the shape of a mushroom, such that the radially outer portion of the protrusion 131 has a greater width than the radially inner portion of the protrusion 131. The shape of the protrusion 131 provides an undercut shape or surface for the second portion BOB to extend into and securely couple to the protrusion 131. In other words, the generally mushroom shape of the protrusion 131 provides a surface for the second portion BOB to “grip” and be secured to around the first portion BOA of the body wheel 130, to secure the second portion BOB to the first portion BOA.

[0071] Other than the described differences above, the body wheel 130 is similar to the body wheel 30, and the body wheel 130 is intended to be utilized in the same manner as body wheel 30 within the overall device 10. The body wheels 30, 130 produce theoverall shape of the body assembly 12, 112, respectively, and the body wheels 30, 130 are intended to add weight to the device 10 to achieve the desired weight which represents a dog or other animal during a car crash or other similar event. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the body wheels 130 can be an alternative to the body wheels 30, each of which can be used within the overall device 10 which is utilized to determine the safety and performance of pet vehicle safety products (e.g. crates, barriers, harnesses, etc.) during a car crash, discussed in detail above.

[0072] Having thus described the present embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the disclosure, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein.

[0073] It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the disclosed embodiments are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiments and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and / or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

[0074] Identification of Reference Numerals

[0075] 10 Device

[0076] 12 Body Assembly

[0077] 14 Front Assembly

[0078] 16 Rear Assembly

[0079] 18 Front Body Portion

[0080] 20 Head

[0081] 22 Neck

[0082] 24 Legs

[0083] 26 Rear Body Portion

[0084] 28 Housing

[0085] 30 Body Wheels

[0086] 32 Spacers

[0087] 34 Washer

[0088] 36 Coupling

[0089] 38 First Connector

[0090] 38A Slotted Disc

[0091] 40 Second Connector

[0092] 40A Coupling Disc

[0093] 40B Bushing

[0094] 42 Sensor Assembly

[0095] 42A Accelerometer Assembly

[0096] 44 Sensor Insert

[0097] 46 Cover

[0098] 48 Aperture

[0099] 50 Electrical Cables

[0100] 52 Connectors

[0101] 54A First Accelerometer

[0102] 54B Second Accelerometer

[0103] 54C Third Accelerometer

[0104] 56 Link

[0105] 58 Keyway

[0106] 60 First End Disc

[0107] 62 Second End Disc

[0108] 64 Slot

[0109] 66 External Threads

[0110] 68 Central Aperture

[0111] 70 Internally Threaded Aperture

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A crash test device comprising: a body assembly including: a housing with a body component disposed on each side of the housing; a spacer positioned on each side of the housing, the spacer being disposed between the housing and the body wheel on each side of the housing; a coupling extending through the housing and each of the body wheels and the spacers, the coupling connecting the housing and each of the body wheels and the spacers together; and a sensor assembly positioned within the housing, the sensor assembly being adapted to gather data during a car crash or simulation.

2. The crash test device of claim 1, wherein the body assembly includes a plurality of body wheels and a plurality of spacers disposed on each side of housing, and each of the plurality of spacers are disposed between the housing and a body wheel or between a body wheel and another body wheel.

3. The crash test device of claim 1, wherein each of the spacers are constructed from a foam material or other compressible material, such that each of spacers are compressible to allow relative movement between the housing and each of the body wheels.

4. The crash test device of claim 1, wherein each of the body wheels are constructed from a metallic disc covered with a polymeric material.

5. The crash test device of claim 1, wherein each of the body wheels have a generally horseshoe shape.

6. The crash test device of claim 1, wherein the housing is centrally located in the body assembly with reference to a longitudinal or lengthwise direction.

7. The crash test device of claim 1, wherein the coupling extends centrally through the housing and each of the body wheels and the spacers.

8. The crash test device of claim 1 , wherein the coupling is a cable that is coupled at each respective end of the body assembly through a first connector and a second connector.

9. The crash test device of claim 8, wherein the first connector is a slotted disc and the second connector is a coupling disc and a bushing.

10. The crash test device of claim 9, wherein the bushing is threadable within the coupling disc for tensioning the cable.

11. The crash test device of claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly is an accelerometer assembly.

12. The crash test device of claim 11, wherein the accelerometer assembly includes a first accelerometer, a second accelerometer, and a third accelerometer.

13. The crash test device of claim 12, wherein each of the first, second, and third accelerometers are oriented or facing in different directions.

14. The crash test device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor insert disposed within the housing, wherein the sensor assembly is disposed within the sensor insert.

15. The crash test device of claim 14, wherein the sensor insert includes a removable cover for accessing the sensor assembly within the sensor insert.

16. The crash test device of claim 1, further comprising a washer positioned between the spacer and the body wheel.

17. The crash test device of claim 1, further comprising a front assembly and a rear assembly, the front assembly includes at least one articulating leg and an articulating neck, and the rear assembly includes at least one articulating leg.

18. The crash test device of claim 17, wherein the front assembly is coupled to a first end of the body assembly, and the rear assembly is coupled to a second end of the body assembly.

19. The crash test device of claim 17, wherein the at least one articulating leg of each of the front assembly and the rear assembly can be adjusted to orient the crash test device in a laying position, a sitting position, and a standing position.

20. The crash test device of claim 1 , wherein the crash test device is formed in a shape of an animal.

21. The crash test device of claim 20, wherein the crash test device is formed in a shape of a dog.

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