Animal mobilization device

Abstract

[Mobilization device for animals The invention relates to a mobilization device for animals, in particular four-legged animals, such as dogs and cats, comprising a base 2 provided with support means 3 for a platform 4 for receiving an animal, as well as tilting control means 11, according to a given amplitude and / or frequency, of said platform 4 around at least one pivot point 12, characterized in that said support means 3 constitute means for adjusting the height of said platform relative to said base. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Mobilization device for animals

[0001] [The invention relates to a mobilization device for animals, in particular four-legged animals, such as dogs and cats, comprising a base provided with means for supporting a platform for receiving an animal, as well as means for controlling tilting according to a given amplitude and / or frequency of said platform around at least one pivot point.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation and / or training devices for four-legged animals, such as dogs and cats.

[0003] Like humans, many four-legged animals develop numerous joint conditions, especially with advancing age.

[0004] Thus, they can develop osteoarthritis and many of them suffer from hip dysplasia.

[0005] While physiotherapy is often the most suitable solution for relieving such conditions, functional rehabilitation can also be essential after an accident, for example. However, practicing physiotherapy on animals is not always easy, or even simply not accepted by the animal.

[0006] Also, physiotherapy, which consists of strengthening, maintaining or restoring the functional capacities of an animal, can only be carried out successfully, most of the time, using suitable equipment.

[0007] These devices must be adapted to the circumstances and in particular, take into account that an animal may not submit to an exercise of which it does not perceive the primary utility, such as moving from one place to another or feeding itself.

[0008] In the case of the conditions previously mentioned, such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or for any functional rehabilitation after an accident, a surgical intervention, etc., physiotherapy must be carried out by subjecting the muscles and joints to exercises taking this context into account, this according to amplitudes and speeds of execution preventing the animal from refusing the treatment and not producing lesions which could aggravate its condition.

[0009] Mobilization devices have already been designed in the form of a platform on which the animal can be placed, which platform is made mobile above a base to work the muscles and joints of this animal for the desired purpose, using the principle of proprioception.

[0010] In this case, this platform is subjected to a tilting movement according to a determined amplitude and frequency around a central pivot point.

[0011] More particularly, the base on which the platform rests is defined in the form hemispherical, while suitable drive means ensure the movement of this platform under which rolling means are provided. The hemispherical shape of the base causes lateral, front to back, or combined tilting of the platform on which the animal, in seeking to maintain its balance, is led to use its muscles and joints.

[0012] It is understood that, depending on the disposition of the animal on this platform and the movement cycles communicated to the latter, the muscles and joints of the animal can be used to treat its condition.

[0013] In practice, this type of mobilization device does not provide full satisfaction.

[0014] First, if the platform must be arranged as low as possible to facilitate the ascent of the heaviest animals, but also to avoid putting the animal in a situation of stress and fear, it may be advisable to be able to adjust the height of the platform so as to facilitate the interventions of the practitioner to act simultaneously on the animal during a treatment session.

[0015] Obviously, to be suitable for a larger number of animals and, therefore, different sizes of dogs and cats, the platform must be sized accordingly. However, since the mobilization device is not used for every dog ​​and cat for which a veterinarian is consulted, it is also advisable for this mobilization device to be as compact as possible, in particular that its volume can be reduced to a minimum when not in use, so that it takes up as little space as possible in a veterinarian's treatment room.

[0016] Thus, it is within the framework of a first inventive approach that the inventor imagined a mobilization device for animals which responds to this problem of height adjustment of the animal reception platform.

[0017] To this end, the invention relates to a mobilization device for animals, in particular four-legged animals, such as dogs and cats, comprising a base provided with support means for a platform for receiving an animal, as well as means for controlling the tilting, according to a given amplitude and / or frequency, of said platform around at least one pivot point, characterized in that said support means constitute means for adjusting the height of the platform relative to the base.

[0018] According to another feature of the invention, the base also comprises at least one radially retractable ground support foot.

[0019] More particularly, the base comprises at least three support feet regularly distributed under the base and radially retractable.

[0020] Furthermore, it has been observed that the tilting of the platform above the hemispherical base results from a lateral and / or front-to-back movement of the platform. Even if this movement is carried out at low speed, it may be poorly perceived by the animal in the form of a feeling of insecurity with a desire to get off the platform.

[0021] Also, it is within the framework of a complementary inventive approach that it was imagined that the tilting of this platform occurs around a fixed and non-mobile pivot point.

[0022] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which follows relating to an exemplary embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes.

[0023] Understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] is a schematic and perspective representation of a mobilization device according to the invention, corresponding to a first embodiment;

[0025] [Fig.2] is a schematic diagram of a mobilization device according to a second embodiment;

[0026] [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] are schematic representations illustrating the principle of controlling the tilting of the platform of a mobilization device as seen in [Fig.l].

[0027] As visible in the figures of the attached drawings, the present invention relates to a mobilization device 1, more particularly intended for four-legged animals such as dogs and cats, so as to subject them to physiotherapy exercises, whether for the purpose of sensitive rehabilitation, muscle strengthening or pain relief, these phenomena appearing in elderly animals.

[0028] Such a mobilization device 1 comprises a base 2 intended to rest on the ground and comprising support means 3 for a platform 4 on which an animal can stand.

[0029] Substantially, these support means 3 are defined by at least one upright 5 resting at its lower end 6 on the base 2, while on its upper end 7 rests said platform 4. Preferably, the platform 4 is mounted at its center 8, on this upper end 7 of the upright 5.

[0030] According to a feature of the invention, the support means 3 constitute means for adjusting the height of the platform 4 relative to the base 2.

[0031] For example, the amount 5 can be defined as telescopic relative to the base 2.

[0032] Thus, this amount 5 can be slidably mounted, at its lower end 6 on the base 2 so as to extend more or less above the latter.

[0033] According to another embodiment as visible in [Fig. 1], the upright 5 is of the telescopic type in that it comprises a lower part 9 fixed at its lower end 6 to the base 2 relative to which is slidably mounted an upper part 10 whose upper end 7 receives the platform 4.

[0034] Concretely, this amount 5 can be defined in the form of a screw jack, pneumatic and / or hydraulic allowing its length and therefore the height of the platform 4 to be adjusted relative to the base 2.

[0035] The base 2 also comprises tilt control means 11 for said platform 4 to tilt around a pivot point 12. Advantageously, these tilt control means 11 are defined as capable of subjecting the platform 4 to tilts of adjustable amplitude and / or direction and / or frequency.

[0036] Advantageously, the pivot point 12 can be defined by the upper end 7 of the upright 5 on which the platform 4 rests.

[0037] Note that this pivot point 12 can be mobile or fixed.

[0038] Thus, according to an embodiment corresponding to [Fig.2], the tilting control means 11 are defined by the upright 5 made integral at its lower end 6 with the base 2 so as to define with the vertical 13 an acute angle 14, preferably adjustable. Furthermore, this upright 5 is movable in rotation around this vertical axis 13 under the impulse of suitable drive means 18.

[0039] Thus, by subjecting this upright 5 to such a rotational movement, or even oscillating around this vertical axis 13, the platform 4, made integral with the upper end 7 of this upright 5, is subjected to a tilting movement dependent on this pivoting movement communicated to the upright 5.

[0040] According to another embodiment corresponding to figures 1, 3 and 4, the pivot point 12 is defined as fixed.

[0041] In this case, the tilting control means 11 are defined, on the one hand, by this pivot point 12 appearing as a ball joint 7a through which the platform 4 is mounted on the upper end 7 of the upright 5.

[0042] On the other hand, the tilting control means 11 comprise a cam on which the platform 4 rests, by adapted drive means 18 this cam being capable of being subjected to rotation under this platform 4 to cause the latter to tilt.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in these figures 1, 3 and 4, said cam is defined by the end 15 of at least three support rods 16 (four in the illustrated embodiment) distributed around the upright 5 under the platform 4 and on which the latter rests. Preferably, these support points defined by these ends 15 of the support rods 16 are located close to the peripheral edge of this platform.

[0044] Advantageously, these support rods 16 are of distinct lengths and extend from a rotating plate 17 surmounting the base 2 and cooperating with drive means 18.

[0045] Thus, by subjecting this rotating plate 17 to rotation under the impulse of appropriate drive means 18, manual or motorized, the differentiated lengths of the support rods 16 to which this rotation is transmitted through this rotating plate 17 have the consequence of subjecting the platform 4 to a tilting effect around the pivot point 12.

[0046] The amplitude and / or the speed and / or the direction(s) of tilting of the platform 4 depend on the amplitude and / or the speed and / or the direction of rotation communicated to the rotating plate 12, but also on the difference in length between the support rods 16.

[0047] It is obviously possible to imagine transmitting, by means of drive means 18, a rotation in the form of oscillation to the rotating plate 17, or even a constant rotation.

[0048] Just as for the upright 5, the support rods 16 are preferably of the type adjustable in length to adapt to the adjustment height of the platform 4 through said upright 5. Thanks to such possible adjustment of the length of the support rods 16, it is also possible to adjust the amplitude of the movements communicated to the platform 4 according to the physiotherapy action to be carried out.

[0049] As visible in the drawings, [Fig.l], the mechanical strength of the support rods 16 can be reinforced through retaining arms 19 extending from an annular flange 20 mounted in rotation on the upright 5 and made integral with these support rods 16, for example by means of collars 21.

[0050] In particular, these retaining arms 19 are designed to be foldable, just as the support rods 16 are mounted through an articulation on the rotating plate 17 with the advantageous aim of folding these support rods 16 against the upright 5 and reducing the size of the mobilization device 1, corresponding to another objective of the invention.

[0051] To return to the drive means 18, as already mentioned above, these may comprise an electric drive motor 22, for example placed under the base 2, for controlling the rotation of the rotating plate 17 through a suitable transmission 23.

[0052] Wired or non-wired remote control means, not visible in the figures, may be provided to ensure the programming of operation of the drive means, in particular the starting of the drive motor 22 according to different speeds and / or directions of rotation and / or operating cycles, etc. In the event In wireless operating mode, such control means can use any type of intercommunication solution: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other.

[0053] As already mentioned above, another objective of the invention consists of making the mobilization device 1 as space-saving as possible when not in use.

[0054] Thus, according to the invention, the base 2 also comprises at least one, preferably at least three support feet 24, radially adjustable in length under this base 2.

[0055] More particularly, this or these support feet 24 are capable of occupying a folded position at least partially under the base 2, reducing the footprint of the latter while preserving sufficient stability for the mobilization device 1 when not in use.

[0056] Conversely, these support feet 24 can be extended radially in a position of use of this mobilization device 1, in particular by giving the base 2 a better seat and stability when an animal intended to be subjected to a physiotherapy session is brought onto the platform 4.

[0057] In a complementary manner, the platform 4 can rest, in a removable manner, on the upright 5, at its pivot point 12.

[0058] Thus, the upper end 7 of the upright 5 can be configured in a hemispherical manner, to be housed in a housing 25 of adjusted shape under the platform 4, preferably in its center 8, so as to form, jointly, a connection similar to a ball joint 7a.

[0059] This platform 4 can still rest on the support rods 16, for example through the rolling means 26 such as rollers or the like.

[0060] Even if additional securing means can be provided to prevent the unexpected detachment of the platform 4, they will preferably be designed to be removable to facilitate this removal of the platform 4.

[0061] Once this has been done, it is then sufficient to fold the support rods 16 towards the upright 5, just as the support feet 24 can be largely retracted radially under the base 2, thus making the mobilization device 1 very compact.

[0062] The advantages arising from the present invention consist in that the mobilization device 1, through a platform 4 adjustable in height, can be perfectly adapted, not only to the size of an animal, but also to the different interventions that the practitioner must carry out on this animal during the treatment session.

[0063] Furthermore, the mobilization device 1 can easily find its place in a veterinarian's treatment room, since its size can be reduced to a minimum when not in use, while proving particularly effective and stable during use.

Claims

Claims

1. Mobilization device for animals, in particular four-legged animals, such as dogs and cats, comprising a base 2 provided with support means 3 for a platform 4 for receiving an animal, as well as tilting control means 11, according to a given amplitude and / or frequency, of said platform 4, in which said support means 3 constitute means for adjusting the height of said platform relative to said base, the support means 3 being defined by at least one upright 5 bearing at its lower end 6 on the base 2, while said platform 4 rests on its upper end 7, characterized in that the tilting control means 11 are defined by a pivot point 12 in the form of a ball joint 7a through which the platform 4 is mounted on the upper end 7 of the upright 5, said tilting control means 11 further comprising a cam on which the platform 4 bears,by suitable drive means 18, this cam being capable of being subjected to rotation under this platform 4 to cause the latter to tilt.

2. Mobilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upright 5 is slidably mounted, at its lower end 6 on the base 2 in such a way as to extend more or less above the latter.

3. Mobilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upright 5 is of the telescopic type in that it comprises a lower part 9 fixed at its lower end 6 to the base 2 relative to which is slidably mounted an upper part 10 whose upper end 7 receives the platform 4.

4. Mobilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that said cam is defined by the end 15 of at least three support rods 16 under the platform 4 and on which the latter rests, these support rods 16 being of distinct lengths, adjustable in length and extending from a rotating plate 17 surmounting the base 2 and cooperating with said drive means 18.

5. Mobilization device according to claim 4, characterized in that retaining arms 19 are made integral with these rods. supports 16 and extend radially from an annular flange 20 rotatably mounted on the upright 5.

6. Mobilization device according to claim 5, characterized in that: - the platform 4 rests in a removable manner on the upright 5 at its pivot point 12, - the retaining arms 19 are designed to be foldable, - and the support rods 16 are mounted through an articulation on the rotating plate 17 so as to be able to be folded against the upright 5.

7. Mobilization device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one, preferably at least three, support feet 24, radially adjustable in length under the base 2.

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