Animal crush testing device

Abstract

Providing a crash test device shaped like an animal, such as a dog. [Solution] This crash test apparatus may comprise a body assembly including a housing and body wheels positioned on both sides thereof. Furthermore, spacers are positioned on both sides of the housing, between the housing and the body wheels on both sides of the housing. Couplings may extend through the housing, each body wheel, and the spacers. Couplings can connect the housing, each body wheel, and the spacers to each other. A sensor assembly configured to collect data during or simulated vehicle crashes may be located within the housing.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 521,356 filed on June 16, 2023, the content of which is deemed to be fully incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to a crash test apparatus, and more specifically, to an animal crash test apparatus including a sensor for better understanding the force applied to an animal during an automobile crash. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Pet product manufacturers desire to verify the safety and performance of their products during automobile accidents, particularly the safety of crates, barriers, harnesses and the like sold as vehicle safety products for pets. Protocols and standards for safety testing of pet products in vehicles are not industry-wide accepted, unregulated, and not consistently reliable. A problem with conventional safety testing of pet products is that the crash test apparatus used is a simple, highly rigid animal (canine) shaped test dummy, which is used in a seated position in most, if not all, tests and simulations. Simple, highly rigid animal-shaped test dummies do not reflect how animals sit, lie down, crouch, or otherwise move during an automobile accident, such as inside a crate or behind a barrier. Therefore, there is a need for a deeper understanding of the forces applied to animals during automobile accidents to develop safer and better vehicle safety products for pets. Furthermore, there is a need for developing an animal crash test apparatus similar to an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) that helps achieve a deeper understanding of the forces applied to animals during automobile accidents. [[Summary of the Invention]]

[0003] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a crash test apparatus. The crash test apparatus may include a body assembly comprising a housing and body wheels positioned on both sides of the housing. Spacers are positioned on both sides of the housing, between the housing and the body wheels on both sides of the housing. A coupling extends through the housing, each body wheel, and the spacers, and this coupling can connect the housing, each body wheel, and the spacers to each other. A sensor assembly configured to collect data during or in the event of a vehicle crash may be located within the housing.

[0004] In one embodiment, the body assembly includes a plurality of body wheels and a plurality of spacers positioned on each side of the housing, each of which spacers is positioned between the housing and a body wheel, or between a body wheel and another body wheel.

[0005] In one embodiment, each spacer is made of a foamed material or other compressible material, making each spacer compressible and allowing relative movement between the housing and each body wheel.

[0006] In one embodiment, each body wheel is composed of a metal disc covered with a polymer material.

[0007] In one embodiment, each body wheel has a generally horseshoe shape.

[0008] In one embodiment, the housing is positioned in the center of the body assembly with respect to the longitudinal or vertical direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the coupling extends through the centers of the housing, the body wheel, and the spacer, respectively.

[0010] In one embodiment, the coupling is a cable connected to each end of the body assembly via a first connector and a second connector.

[0011] In another embodiment, the first connector is a slotted disk, and the second connector is a coupling disk and a bushing.

[0012] On yet another note, the bushing can be screwed into the coupling disc to apply tension to the cable.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sensor assembly is an accelerometer assembly.

[0014] In another embodiment, the accelerometer assembly includes a first accelerometer, a second accelerometer, and a third accelerometer.

[0015] In another respect, each of the first, second, and third accelerometers is oriented in a different direction or facing a different direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sensor insert can be placed inside the housing, and the sensor assembly can be placed inside the sensor insert.

[0017] In one embodiment, the sensor insert includes a removable cover for accessing the sensor assembly within the sensor insert.

[0018] In one embodiment, a washer can be placed between the spacer and the body wheel.

[0019] In one embodiment, a front assembly and a rear assembly are provided, the front assembly comprising at least one articulating leg and an articulating neck, and the rear assembly comprising at least one articulating leg.

[0020] In one embodiment, the front assembly is connected to a first end of the body assembly, and the rear assembly is connected to a second end of the body assembly.

[0021] In another aspect, at least one articulated leg of each of the front assembly and the rear assembly can be adjusted to orient the crash test device in a recumbent position, a seated position, and a standing position.

[0022] In one aspect, the crash test device is formed in the shape of an animal.

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

[0024] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description are best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the animal crash test device of the present disclosure in a recumbent posture. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the animal crash test device of FIG. 1A in a seated posture. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body assembly of the animal crash test device of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the body assembly shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view with a housing removed from a portion of the body assembly shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the body assembly shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a sensor insert of a body assembly. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along section 6B-6B in FIG. 6A, showing another view of the sensor insert. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the body assembly taken along section 7A-7A in FIG. 5. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a first perspective view of the cross-sectional view of the body assembly shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C is a second perspective view of the cross-sectional view of the body assembly shown in Figure 7A. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the slotted disk of this disclosure. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a perspective view of the bushing of this disclosure. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a perspective view of the coupling disk of this disclosure. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a top cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the body assembly of the animal crush test apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the body assembly shown in Figure 9A. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a perspective view of the body wheel of the second embodiment of the body assembly shown in Figures 9A-9B. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D is a side view of the body wheel shown in Figure 9C. [Figure 9E] Figure 9E is a cross-sectional view of the body wheel along the line 9E-9E in Figure 9D. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] In the following description, terms used for convenience only are not intended to limit the invention. The terms “forward,” “rear,” “upper,” and “lower” indicate directions in the referenced drawings. The terms “inward” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from parts referenced in the drawings. “Axial” refers to directions along an axis, such as an axle, shaft, or pin. References to items listed as “at least one of a, b, or c” (where a, b, and c represent the enumerated items) mean that the item includes one of items a, b, or c, or a combination thereof. The terms “about” and “approximately” include a range of ±10% of the indicated value unless otherwise specified. The term “approximately” in relation to the radial direction includes a range of ±25 degrees. These terms include the terms specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and terms with similar meanings.

[0027] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing an exemplary animal crash test apparatus 10 of this disclosure in a recumbent position. Figure 1B is a perspective view showing the animal crash test apparatus 10 in a seated position. Figures 1A and 1B will be described together. Hereinafter, the animal crash test apparatus 10 will be referred to as "apparatus 10," but please understand that animal crash test apparatus 10 and apparatus 10 refer to the same assembly. Apparatus 10 is an assembly that can be used to determine the safety and performance of pet vehicle safety products (e.g., crates, barriers, harnesses, etc.) in the event of a car crash. Apparatus 10 takes the schematic shape of an animal such as a dog and can assume various positions so that it can change positions between, for example, a recumbent position (Figure 1A), a seated position (Figure 1B), and an upright position (not shown). Furthermore, Apparatus 10 may include articulated legs 24A, 24B and a neck 22 designed to reproduce the movements an animal makes when sitting, lying down, crouching, or other movements in a car accident, such as when an animal is in a crate or behind a fence. Furthermore, as will be described later, the device 10 may be equipped with sensors that can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the forces animals experience during car accidents or other collisions. The device 10 is similar to an anthropomorphic testing device (ATD) used to test the effects of car accidents on humans and can help to gain a deeper understanding of the forces animals such as dogs experience during car accidents.

[0028] The apparatus 10 may include a body assembly 12, a front assembly 14, and a rear assembly 16. The front assembly 14 is connected to a first end of the body assembly 12, and the rear assembly 16 is connected to a second end of the body assembly 12 and coupled to the opposite side from the front assembly 14. The front assembly 14 may include a front body section 18, a head 20, a neck 22, and a plurality of legs 24A. The neck 22 is positioned between the front body section 18 and the head 20 and is connected to each, so that the neck 22 connects the head 20 to the front body section 18. Each of the plurality of legs 24A is connected to the opposite side of the front body section 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of legs 24A includes two front legs 24A. Each of the neck 22 and the plurality of legs 24A is articulated, and each can rotate and / or move relative to the front body section 18. The articulated neck 22 and legs 24A are configured to mimic the general movements of the neck and legs of a dog or similar animal, respectively. The rear assembly 16 may include a rear body 26 and a plurality of legs 24B. Each of the plurality of legs 24B is connected to both sides opposite the rear body 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of legs 24B includes two hind legs 24B. Each of the plurality of legs 24B is articulated and can rotate and / or move relative to the rear body 26 to mimic the general movements of the legs of a dog or similar animal. In the embodiment, the plurality of legs 24A and the plurality of legs 24B may be movable individually, movable in pairs connected to each other (e.g., via an axle extending between the front legs 24A and / or hind legs 24B), or all movable simultaneously.

[0029] The articulated legs 24A and 24B of the anterior assembly 14 and posterior assembly 16 are adjustable to orient the device 10 to a lateral recumbent position (Figure 1A), a seated position (Figure 1B), and an upright position (not shown), respectively. Because the orientation of legs 24A and 24B is adjustable, the position of the device 10 can be changed to test the forces it experiences during collisions or other sudden events (e.g., car collisions, sudden braking, etc.) in each different orientation / position. Furthermore, the device 10 can be provided in multiple different sizes and weights to reproduce more realistic body movements of dogs or other similar animals during collisions. In some embodiments, the weight of the device 10 can be approximately 15 pounds, 30 pounds, 50 pounds, or 80 pounds. In other embodiments, the weight of the device 10 can be adjusted to any weight between approximately 10 pounds and 100 pounds (1 pound = 453.59265 g).

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the body assembly 12 of the device 10, with the front assembly 14 and rear assembly 16 removed. Figure 3 is a front view of the body assembly 12. Figure 4 is a partial exploded view showing a portion of the body assembly 12, with the housing 28 of the body assembly 12 removed or hidden for clarity. Figure 5 is a side view of the body assembly 12. Figures 2 through 5 will be described together. The body assembly 12 may include a housing 28, a plurality of body parts 30 (also called "body wheels"), and a plurality of spacers 32. The housing 28 is the central portion or central part of the body assembly 12 and is located in the center of the body assembly 12 with respect to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 3). The plurality of body wheels 30 and the plurality of spacers 32 can be positioned on each side or opposite end of the housing 28, respectively. Furthermore, each of the plurality of spacers 32 can be positioned between the housing 28 and one of the body wheels 30, or between one of the body wheels 30 and another of the body wheels 30. Therefore, as best shown in Figure 3, each of the body wheels 30 does not directly contact another body wheel 30 or housing 28. Rather, the spacers 32 separate each body wheel 30 from direct contact with another body wheel 30 or housing 28.

[0031] Each of the multiple body wheels 30 is made of a relatively rigid material (e.g., a metal such as steel) and is surrounded and covered with a relatively flexible and / or elastic material (e.g., a polymer material such as rubber). In certain embodiments, each of the multiple body wheels 30 is made of a metal disc covered with a polymer material, and each of the multiple body wheels 30 may have a generally horseshoe shape. Each of the multiple body wheels 30 is intended to function as a main structure of the body assembly 12, and each is intended to be a weight that adds additional weight to the body assembly 12. Thus, the size and weight of the body wheels 30 can be changed to achieve the desired size and weight of the device 10. In some examples, as shown in Figure 1 and as shown in Figure 4, the body assembly 12 may further include washers 34 placed between the spacers 32 and the body wheels 30, the washers 34 being configured as additional weights that can add additional weight to the body assembly 12. In some examples, the washers 34 may be metal discs. Furthermore, in some examples, the body assembly 12 may include multiple washers 34, each washer 34 configured to add additional weight to the body assembly 12 in order 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, a larger and / or heavier wheel positioned near the anterior assembly 14 to represent the rib cage and chest of the animal, and a smaller and / or lighter wheel positioned near the posterior assembly 16 to represent the stomach area of ​​the animal.

[0032] Each of the multiple spacers 32 can be made of foam or other similar compressible material. Because each of the multiple spacers 32 is made of a compressible material, when the multiple spacers 32 are compressed, the body assembly 12 can pivot, rotate, or otherwise move. As a result, relative movement is possible between the housing 28 and each of the multiple body wheels 30, and between each of the multiple body wheels 30 and another of the multiple body wheels 30. The compression and relative movement of these components are intended to mimic the common movements of animals such as dogs, particularly in the event of an accident such as a car accident.

[0033] Referring to Figure 4, the coupling 36 can extend through the housing 28, each of the body wheels 30, and each of the spacers 32. The coupling 36 can be configured to connect and secure the housing 28, each of the body wheels 30, and each of the spacers 32 to each other. In some examples, as shown, the coupling 36 can extend through the center of the housing 28, each of the body wheels 30, and each of the spacers 32. Furthermore, in some examples, the coupling 36 may be a cable connected to each end of the body assembly 12 via a first connector 38 and a second connector 40. In some examples, the coupling 36 may be a 3 / 16-inch cable connected to each end of the body assembly 12 via a first connector 38 and a second connector 40. In other examples, the coupling 36 may be a cable with a diameter greater than or less than 3 / 16 inches (1 inch is equivalent to 25.4 mm). As best shown in Figures 7A to 7C, each of the housing 28, the multiple body wheels 30, and the multiple spacers 32 may include a central opening that extends through approximately the central portion of each component. The central opening allows the coupling 36 to pass through each component and connect to the first connector 38 and the second connector 40, which are described in detail below.

[0034] Referring again to Figures 2 to 5, the body assembly 12 may further include a sensor assembly 42 configured to collect data during a car crash, simulation, or other similar event. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 42 may be located within a chamber or opening in the housing 28, but those skilled in the art will understand that the sensor assembly 42 can be located at any desired position along the body assembly 12. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the body assembly 12 may include a sensor insert 44 having a generally box-like or hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. The sensor insert 44 is located within a chamber, opening, etc., of the housing 28, and a chamber or opening for housing and securing the sensor assembly 42 is provided within the sensor insert 44. In some examples, the sensor insert 44 may have a different shape, as long as a chamber or opening for housing and securing the sensor assembly 42 is present within the sensor insert 44. The sensor insert 44 is made of a rigid material and is configured to protect the sensor assembly 42 from damage during use of the device 10.

[0035] The sensor insert 44 or housing 28 may include a removable cover 46 configured to cover and close the chamber within the sensor insert 44. The removable cover 46 may be attached to and secured to the sensor insert 44 or housing 28 via screws, clips, latches, or other known fasteners that keep the cover 46 fixed in place in the event of an accident, such as a car collision. The cover 46 may be configured to prevent debris or other objects from reaching the sensor assembly 42 within the sensor insert 44. The cover 46 may include an opening 48 that penetrates the cover 46 completely, allowing access to the chamber within the sensor insert 44. In some embodiments, the opening 48 that penetrates the cover 46 allows electrical cables 50 of the sensor assembly 42 to connect from within the chamber of the sensor insert 44 through the cover 46 to other electrical connections. The electrical cables 50 of the sensor assembly 42 can be used to supply energy / power to the sensor assembly 42 and to operate the sensor assembly 42. Furthermore, the electrical cables 50 of the sensor assembly 42 can be used to transfer data between the sensor assembly 42 and other components such as a controller or computer (not shown). Therefore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the electrical cable 50 of the sensor assembly 42 may include a connector 52 for connecting to a power supply and / or a controller / computer, or other components not specifically listed.

[0036] Figure 6A is a magnified view of the sensor insert 44 and sensor assembly 42 of the body assembly 12, with the cover 46 removed for clarity. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view along the line 6B-6B of Figure 6A, showing another view of the sensor insert 44 and sensor assembly 42. Figures 6A and 6B will be discussed together. In some examples, the sensor assembly 42 may be an accelerometer assembly 42A configured to measure the acceleration of vibration and / or motion in the sensor insert 44 located within the housing 28 of the body assembly 12 of the device 10. In such examples, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the accelerometer assembly 42A may include a first accelerometer 54A, a second accelerometer 54B, and a third accelerometer 54C. The first, second, and third accelerometers 54A, 54B, and 54C can each be positioned or oriented to face different directions. In various embodiments, by orienting the respective sensor surfaces of the first, second, and third accelerometers 54A, 54B, and 54C in different directions, different vibration and / or acceleration data can be collected for the specific direction each is facing. The first, second, and third accelerometers 54A, 54B, and 54C can be used to gain a more complete understanding of the forces experienced by animals such as dogs in car accidents or other similar events.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6A to 6B, the link 56 (or link device) can be positioned within the chamber in the sensor insert 44 and coupled to its surface. The link 56 is a device configured to hold the sensor assembly 42 and / or electrical cable 50 in place during use of the device 10, specifically in the event of a collision or similar event. In some examples, the link 56 may be a cable tie mount with a cable tie configured to hold and support the electrical cable 50 from tensile forces in the event of a collision or similar event. In other examples, the link 56 may be any device capable of holding and supporting the electrical cable 50 from tensile forces in the event of a collision or similar event.

[0038] The housing 28 of the body assembly 12 may further include at least one keyway 58 extending within the housing 28. The keyway 58 may be configured to facilitate the alignment of the cover 46 with respect to the housing 28 and / or the sensor insert 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the keyway 58 is an arcuate or partially circular cutout, and the cover 46 includes a mating projection or feature for alignment with the keyway 58. In other examples, the keyway 58 may be of any shape, and the cover 46 may include a mating projection or feature configured to align with the keyway 58. In some examples, the housing 28 may include multiple keyways 58, such as four keyways 58.

[0039] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the body assembly 12 along the line 7A-7A in Figure 5. Figure 7B is a first perspective view of the cross-sectional view of the body assembly 12 shown in Figure 7A. Figure 7C is a second perspective view of the cross-sectional view of the body assembly 12 shown in Figure 7A. Figure 8A is a perspective view of the first connector 38. Figure 8B is a perspective view of a portion of the second connector 40. Figure 8C is a perspective view of another portion of the second connector 40. Figures 7A to 8C will be described in conjunction with this. As previously mentioned, the coupling 36 (e.g., cable) extends through the housing 28, each of the multiple body wheels 30, and each of the multiple spacers 32, and can connect and secure the housing 28, each of the multiple body wheels 30, and each of the multiple spacers 32 to each other. Furthermore, the coupling 36 can be connected to each end of the body assembly 12 via the first connector 38 and the second connector 40, which will be described later.

[0040] As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the body assembly 12 may further comprise a first end disc 60 located at a first end of the body assembly 12 and a second end disc 62 located at a second end of the body assembly 12, the second end being the end opposite to the first end. The first end disc 60 and the second end disc 62 may be located within body wheels 30 positioned at each distal end of the body assembly 12. Furthermore, the first end disc 60 and the second end disc 62 are substantially similar to the metal discs of the body wheels 30, but differ in that their outer surfaces are exposed and therefore not completely covered with polymer material. Thus, the first end disc 60 and the second end disc 62 may be made of a metallic material such as steel. The first and second end discs 60, 62 are configured to function 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, respectively.

[0041] The first connector 38 is located at the first end of the body assembly 12 and is adjacent to and in contact with the first end disk 60. As shown, in some examples the first connector 38 is a slotted disk 38A (Figure 8A), the slotted disk 38A having a slot 64 that penetrates the slotted disk 38A. Furthermore, the slotted disk 38A has a circular cross-sectional shape, and the slot 64 can be a linear notch extending from the outer edge or surface of the slotted disk 38A to the center of the slotted disk 38A. In such examples one end of the coupling 36 can be inserted into the slot 64 until the coupling 36 reaches the end of the slot 64 located at the center of the slotted disk 38A. Furthermore, the end of the coupling inserted into the slot 64 may have a knob, projection, or other similar feature having a diameter or width larger than the diameter or width of the end of the slot 64 located at the center of the slotted disk 38A. In other words, the end of the coupling 36 located within the slot disk 38A may have a feature that prevents the coupling 36 from coming out of the slot disk 38A. The coupling 36 may extend from the first connector 38 through the housing 28, the body wheel 30, and the spacer 32 to a second connector 40 located at the end of the body assembly 12 opposite to the first connector 38.

[0042] The second connector 40 is located at the second end of the body assembly 12 and is adjacent to and in contact with the second end disk 62. As shown, in some examples the second connector 40 may include a coupling disk 40A (Figure 8C) and a bushing 40B (Figure 8B). The bushing 40B has a generally circular cross-sectional shape (with respect to the axial direction through the bushing 40B) and may include an external thread 66 extending along the axial length of the bushing 40B and generally around the outer surface of the bushing 40B. The external thread 66 of the bushing 40B is configured to engage and mesh with the corresponding thread of the coupling disk 40A, which will be described later. The bushing 40B may further include a central opening 68 that penetrates the bushing 40B along its central axis. The central opening 68 is sized and fitted to secure one end of the coupling 36 and prevent the other end of the coupling 36 from being pulled out of the central opening 68. Therefore, one end of the coupling 36 is fixed in the slot 64 of the slotted disk 38A, and the other end of the coupling 36 passes through the central opening 68 and is fixed in the bushing 40B.

[0043] The coupling disk 40A has a circular cross-sectional shape (with respect to the axis passing through the coupling disk 40A), and may have an internally threaded aperture 70 at its center that passes through the coupling disk 40A. The internally threaded aperture 70 has threads that engage with the external threads 66 of the bushing 40B, and the external threads 66 of the bushing 40B are screwed into the internally threaded aperture 70 of the coupling disk 40A. Thus, referring to Figure 7C, the coupling 36 can extend between the slotted disk 38A and the bushing 40B, and the length of the coupling 36 is fixed. Furthermore, the bushing 40B is screwed into the coupling disk 40A, and when the bushing 40B is screwed inward toward the housing 28, the tension of the coupling 36 decreases, and when the bushing is screwed outward toward the housing 28, the tension of the coupling 36 increases. In this way, by screwing the bushing 40B onto the coupling disc 40A, tension is applied to the coupling 36, securing the housing 28, body wheel 30, and spacer 32, respectively, to form the assembled body assembly 12. In some examples, the bushing 40B can be screwed onto the coupling disc 40A using a tool. In other examples, the user can screw the bushing 40B onto the coupling disc 40A by hand (no tools required). While specific examples for securing the components are disclosed, it should be understood that these are non-limiting examples, and various other approaches can be used to secure the components and form the assembled body assembly 12.

[0044] Device 10 is an assembly available for determining the safety and performance of pet vehicle safety products (e.g., crates, barriers, harnesses, etc.) in the event of a car accident. Device 10 has a common shape for animals such as dogs and can change posture between a recumbent position (Figure 1A), a sitting position (Figure 1B), and an upright position (not shown). Furthermore, Device 10 may include articulated legs 24A, 24B and a neck 22 designed to reflect how animals sit, lie, flex, and make other movements in the event of a car accident, such as inside a crate or behind a barrier. In addition, Device 10 may include a sensor assembly 42, such as an accelerometer assembly 42A, which can be used to better understand the forces that animals experience during a car accident or other similar events. Similar to human crash test dummies used to test the effects of car accidents on humans, Device 10 helps to better understand the forces that animals such as dogs experience during a car accident or other similar events.

[0045] Figure 9A is a top cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the body assembly 112 of the device 10. Figure 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the body assembly 112. Figure 9C is a perspective view of the body wheel 130 of the second embodiment of the body assembly 112. Figure 9D is a side view of the body wheel 130. Figure 9E is a cross-sectional view of the body wheel 130 along the line 9E-9E in Figure 9D. Figures 9A to 9E will be described in more detail.

[0046] It should be understood that the second embodiment of body assembly 112 shown in Figures 9A to 9E is substantially the same as body assembly 12 described with respect to Figures 1 to 8C. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosures relating to body assembly 12 also apply to body assembly 112 unless otherwise specified. To avoid redundancy, all details relating to body assembly 112 will not be repeated, and only the differences between body assembly 12 and body assembly 112 will be described below. Furthermore, it should be understood that body assembly 112 is interchangeable with body assembly 12, and each can be used within the overall apparatus 10. Finally, it should be understood that the reference numbers of the components in Figures 9A to 9E correspond to the same or identical components in Figures 1 to 8C, with a value of 100 added to the reference numbers in Figures 9A to 9E (for example, body assembly 12 = body assembly 112, body wheel 30 = body wheel 130, etc.).

[0047] The main difference between body assembly 12 (Figures 1 to 8C) and body assembly 112 (Figures 9A to 9E) is that the structure of the body wheel 130 differs from that of body wheel 30. Specifically, the body wheel 130 used in body assembly 112 includes a first part 130A and a second part 130B. In this embodiment, the first part 130A is the main structural part of the body wheel 130 and generally forms the overall shape of the body wheel 130. Furthermore, the first part 130A can be made of a rigid polymer material (e.g., rigid nylon material) to add weight to body assembly 112 and achieve the desired overall weight of the device 10. The first part 130A may include a central opening that penetrates the first part 130A, thereby allowing the coupling 136 to penetrate the body wheel 130. Furthermore, the first part 130A may include a number of second openings oriented around the central opening that completely penetrate the body wheel 130. The second opening can be configured to provide space or position for the spacers 132 when the body assemblies 112 are connected to each other by the coupling 136.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9A to 9B, another difference between body assembly 12 and body assembly 112 is that coupling 136 may differ from coupling 36. Specifically, in body assembly 12, coupling 36 is a single cable / coupling that completely penetrates body assembly 12 from one end to the other. On the other hand, in body assembly 112, coupling 136 consists of a first coupling 136A and a second coupling 136B. Thus, in body assembly 112, coupling 136 is divided into two separate cable / couplings 136A and 136B, each extending roughly from the center of body assembly 112 to the outer end of body assembly 112. More specifically, the first coupling 136A can be coupled to a sensor insert 144 or a portion of housing 128, and the first coupling 136A can extend from the central coupling point to the first connector 138. Similarly, 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 coupling point to the second connector 140.

[0049] The first and second couplings 136A and 136B can each be used to connect and secure the body assembly 112. Furthermore, the first and second couplings 136A and 136B can each prevent the coupling 136 from interfering with or damaging the sensor assembly 142 within the sensor insert 144, since the coupling 136 does not penetrate the sensor insert 144 and is not in close proximity to the sensor assembly 142. The first and second connectors 138 and 140 may be similar to or identical to the first and second connectors 38 and 40. In some examples, both the first and second connectors 138 and 140 may include a bushing and a coupling disk (similar to the second connector 40), and each connector 138 and 140 may function as described above with respect to the second connector 40, coupling disk 40A, and bushing 40B.

[0050] The second portion 130B of the body wheel 130 can connect to and surround at least a portion of the first portion 130A. As illustrated, in some examples the second portion 130B has a roughly horseshoe shape and connects to and surrounds all but one of the outer surfaces / edges of the first portion 130A. The second portion 130B can be made of a polymer material that is softer than the first portion 130A. In some examples the second portion 130B can be made of a silicone material and form a silicone ring around most of the first portion 130A. Being softer than the first portion 130A, the second portion 130B acts as a buffer between the body wheels 130 and provides a more realistic level of hardness for dogs or other animals that the device 10 is intended to simulate in car accidents or other similar events.

[0051] As best illustrated in Figure 9E, the first portion 130A may include projections 131 extending from the radially outer circumferential surface of the first portion 130A. In some examples, the first portion 130A may include multiple projections 131 extending along the outer circumference of the first portion 130A. The projections 131 are configured to serve as connection points for the second portion 130B, which is connected to the first portion 130A via the projections 131. As illustrated, in some examples, the projections 131 may be roughly mushroom-shaped, with the radially outer portion of the projection 131 being wider than the radially inner portion of the projection 131. The shape of the projection 131 provides an undercut shape or surface for the second portion 130B to extend into the projection 131 and bond securely. In other words, the generally mushroom shape of the projection 131 provides a surface for the second portion 130B to be "gripped" and secured around the first portion 130A of the body wheel 130, and for securing the second portion 130B to the first portion 130A.

[0052] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the body wheel 130 is similar to the body wheel 30, and the body wheel 130 is intended to be used in the same way as the body wheel 30 in the overall device 10. The body wheels 30 and 130 form the overall shape of the body assemblies 12 and 112, respectively, and are intended to add weight to the device 10 to achieve a desired weight representing the weight of a dog or other animal during a vehicle collision. Those skilled in the art will understand that the body wheel 130 can be a substitute for the body wheel 30. The body wheel 30 can be used in the overall device 10 used to determine the safety and performance of pet vehicle safety products (e.g., crates, barriers, harnesses, etc.) during a vehicle collision, as described in detail above.

[0053] As described above, this embodiment has been explained in detail, but it will be understood and obvious to those skilled in the art that many physical modifications (some of which are merely illustrated in the detailed description) can be made without changing the concept and principles of the present invention.

[0054] It should also be understood that numerous embodiments are possible that incorporate only a portion of the disclosed embodiments. These embodiments do not alter the concepts and principles of the invention contained in such embodiments with respect to the parts included in such embodiments. Therefore, these embodiments and any configurations are illustrative and / or descriptive in all respects and not limiting. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description. Accordingly, all alternative embodiments and modifications to these embodiments that fall within the meaning and equivalents of the claims are incorporated into the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 10 equipment 12 Body Assembly 14 Front Assembly 16 Rear Assembly 18 Front body section 20 heads 22 neck 24 legs 26 Rear body section 28 Housing 30 Body Wheels 32 Spacers 34 Washers 36 Coupling 38 First connector 38A slotted disk 40 Second connector 40A Coupling Disk 40B Bushing 42 Sensor Assembly 42A Accelerometer Assembly 44 Sensor Inserts 46 Cover 48 openings 50 Electrical Cables 52 connectors 54A 1st accelerometer 54B 2nd accelerometer 54C 3rd accelerometer 56 links 58 keyways 60 First End Disc 62. Second End Disc 64 slots 66 External thread 68 Central opening 70 Internally threaded opening

Claims

1. A crash test apparatus comprising a body assembly, The body assembly is A housing, wherein body parts are arranged on each side of the housing, A spacer disposed on each side of the housing, wherein the spacer is 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 wheel and the spacer, wherein the coupling connects the housing and each of the body wheel and the spacer to each other, A sensor assembly disposed within the housing, comprising a sensor assembly adapted to collect data during a vehicle collision or simulation, A crash test apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body assembly comprises a plurality of body wheels and a plurality of spacers arranged on each side of the housing, each of the plurality of spacers being positioned between the housing and the body wheel, or between the body wheel and another body wheel.

3. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the spacers is made of a foamed material or other compressible material, and each of the spacers is compressible, allowing relative movement between the housing and each of the body wheels.

4. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the body wheels is composed of a metal disc covered with a polymer material.

5. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the body wheels has a substantially horseshoe shape.

6. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is located in the center of the body assembly with respect to the longitudinal or vertical direction.

7. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling extends through the housing and through the centers of the body wheel and the spacer, respectively.

8. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling is a cable connected to each end of the body assembly via a first connector and a second connector.

9. The crash test apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first connector is a slotted disk, and the second connector is a coupling disk and a bushing.

10. The crash test apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the bushing can be screwed into the coupling disk to apply tension to the cable.

11. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly is an accelerometer assembly.

12. The crash test apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the accelerometer assembly includes a first accelerometer, a second accelerometer, and a third accelerometer.

13. The crash test apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of the first, second, and third accelerometers is oriented in a different direction or faces a different direction.

14. Furthermore, the crash test apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a sensor insert disposed within the housing, wherein the sensor assembly is disposed within the sensor insert.

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

16. Furthermore, the crash test apparatus according to claim 1 further comprises a washer disposed between the spacer and the body wheel.

17. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a front assembly and a rear assembly, wherein the front assembly includes at least one articulated leg and an articulated neck, and the rear assembly includes at least one articulated leg.

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

19. The crash test apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one articulated leg of each of the front assembly and the rear assembly is adjustable to orient the crash test apparatus to a recumbent position, a seated position and an upright position.

20. The crash test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crash test apparatus is formed in the shape of an animal.

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

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