EXO-prosthesis of an amputated limb for a pet and related production method
A 3D-printed, adaptable exo-prosthesis for pets addresses the complexity and adaptation issues of custom-made prostheses by ensuring adequate mobility and stump protection, with easy modification capabilities.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MYLAV SRL
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing exo-prostheses for amputated limbs in pets require custom production, are complex, and have difficulties in initial use and adaptation, particularly due to their complex structure and custom nature.
A 3D-printed exo-prosthesis with a single-piece main body, adaptable to multiple animal breeds and sizes, featuring a first part and second part angularly arranged to ensure adequate coupling with the animal's bones, manufactured based on diagnostic techniques, and allowing for easy modifications through reprinting.
The exo-prosthesis provides adequate mobility and optimal stump containment, reducing ulcer and swelling risks, while being structurally simple and cost-effective with quick adaptation to modifications.
Smart Images
Figure IB2025062105_04062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] EXO-PROSTHESIS OF AN AMPUTATED LIMB FOR A PET AND RELATED PRODUCTION METHOD
[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention falls within the technical field relating to prostheses for small-sized pets.
[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to an exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb for a pet and the related production method.
[0005] BACKGROUND ART
[0006] It is well known that prostheses for animals are devices designed to replace or support missing or non-functioning body parts in domestic, working, or wild animals. With such devices it is possible to improve the quality of life of the animal, allowing it to walk, run, or perform daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
[0007] An exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb for a pet is known, comprising: a socket portion shaped to receive the stump of the amputated limb; an end portion shaped to function as a support; a connecting portion that connects the socket portion and the end portion to each other; one or more articulation elements that are arranged interposed between the socket portion and the connecting portion; straps for fastening the socket portion to the amputated limb of the animal.
[0008] Such an exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb can be manufactured by means of a custom production process, in order to ensure both an adequate shape coupling between the socket portion and the stump of the amputated limb, and the correct positioning of the articulation elements at a predetermined height of the amputated limb, depending on the size of the animal.
[0009] Therefore, since it is custom-made, an adaptation period of the animal to the prosthesis follows, which entails a rehabilitation period during which the animal learns to use the prosthesis with the help of physiotherapy and training.
[0010] Consequently, the known exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb, besides having a complex structure, requires a complex production phase, as it involves the production of a custom product, with resulting difficulties also in the use of the exo-prosthesis itself, particularly during the initial period of use.
[0011] In light of the above, the purpose of the present invention is to limit the drawbacks reported above.
[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb for a pet that does not require performing custom production steps of the product.
[0014] The present invention will provide an exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb that can be used by a large number of animals since it is adaptable to the stump of an amputated limb of multiple pets; in fact, such an exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb is a product adaptable to multiple animal breeds.
[0015] Indeed, a further purpose is to obtain an exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb that can be adapted for different animal sizes (small, medium, or large) and for the angulation of the anterior or posterior amputated limb.
[0016] Another purpose of the present invention consists in producing an exo- prosthesis of an amputated limb that is structurally simple and can be manufactured by 3D printing (in other words, by additive manufacturing).
[0017] The above purposes are achieved by an exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb for a pet according to claim 1 and by a related production method according to claim 14.
[0018] Advantageously, the exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb, object of the present invention, with the main body in a single piece and comprising the first part and the second part angularly arranged with respect to each other, ensures an adequate coupling between the second part and the radius and ulna bones of the anterior amputated limb or the tibia and fibula bones of the posterior amputated limb of the animal, while at the same time keeping free the end of the stump of the amputated limb in the first part, which forms a tubular structure, thereby limiting the problems of ulcers and swellings to which the stump of the amputated limb could be subject.
[0019] In other words, the correct mobility of the animal and the optimal containment conditions for the stump of the amputated limb will be ensured during the use of the exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb.
[0020] The first part and the second part, being angularly arranged with respect to each other, ensure adaptation of the exo-prosthesis to the amputated limb of the animal, in particular at the articulation point of the amputated limb, so that the main body is able to cover the amputated limb of the animal by adapting to the natural conformation of the amputated limb.
[0021] Furthermore, unlike the known art, the exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb object of the present invention may be manufactured by designing the exo- prosthesis based on one or more results of a diagnostic technique which will subsequently be made into a product through 3D printing.
[0022] By 3D printing the main body, thanks to the production method which is also the object of the present invention, it will be possible to produce a solid and long- lasting exo-prosthesis.
[0023] Furthermore, once an exo-prosthesis has been manufactured, should any modifications be required, it will be sufficient to reprint the main body in 3D based on a new virtual design adapted to the modifications to be made, with reduced time and costs compared to those relating to the production method of the known exo-prosthesis.
[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described below in accordance with what is set forth in the claims and with the aid of the attached drawing tables, in which:
[0026] - figure 1 is a perspective view of the exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb, object of the present invention, in which a portion of the amputated limb of the pet is also partially shown;
[0027] - figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb of figure 1 ;
[0028] - figures 3-5 are side views, from different sides, of the exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb of figure 1 ;
[0029] - figure 6 is a perspective view of the exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb, according to a further embodiment, in which a portion of the amputated limb of the pet is also partially shown;
[0030] - figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb of figure 6.
[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] With reference to the attached drawing tables, an exo-prosthesis of an amputated limb for a pet has been indicated with the general reference (1), comprising: a main body (2) which extends longitudinally, which is hollow, which is made in a single piece and which is shaped to receive a stump (3) of an amputated limb (4); the main body (2) comprising: a first part (5) which extends along a first axis (A1) and which forms a tubular body having a first portion (5a) shaped to receive the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) and a second portion (5b) which remains free during the use of the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb; a second part (6) which extends along a second axis (A2) and which has a first opening (7).
[0033] Furthermore, the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb comprises: an end (8) which is connected to the first part (5) and which comprises an external surface (9) which is arranged to contact the ground during the use of the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb; anchoring means (10) which are carried by the second part (6) and which are arranged to anchor the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) and the main body (2) to each other.
[0034] The first part (5) and the second part (6) are angularly arranged with respect to each other so that the second part (6) laterally embraces part of the radius and ulna bones of the anterior amputated limb (4) or part of the tibia and fibula bones of the posterior amputated limb (4), and the first portion (5a) of the first part (5) receives the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) during the use of the exo- prosthesis (1) of the limb (see figs. 1 and 2).
[0035] In other words, with respect to what is reported above, the first part (5) and the second part (6) may be made in a single piece with each other.
[0036] By amputated limb (4), in the present description, one may mean the anterior amputated limb (4) or the posterior amputated limb (4) of a pet.
[0037] Instead, by stump (3), in the present description, one may mean the end portion of the amputated limb.
[0038] With reference to figs. 1 and 2, the external surface (9) may be curvilinear.
[0039] Preferably, the amputated limb (4) has been amputated below the radius and ulna bones, in the case of the anterior limb, or below the tibia and fibula bones, in the case of the posterior limb.
[0040] In other words, the amputated limb (4) may be amputated at the end of the radius and ulna bones, in the case of the anterior limb, or at the end of the tibia and fibula bones, in the case of the posterior limb.
[0041] For example, the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) may comprise, in the case of the anterior limb, a portion of the carpus or the carpus and a portion of the metacarpus; whereas, in the case of the posterior limb, a portion of the tarsus or the tarsus and a portion of the metatarsus.
[0042] The main body (2) may form a tubular body (see figs. 3 and 5).
[0043] The main body (2) may be made of a material workable by 3D printing.
[0044] Furthermore, the second part (6) may be shaped to laterally wrap part of the radius and ulna bones of the anterior amputated limb (4) or part of the tibia and fibula bones of the posterior amputated limb (4) (see fig. 1).
[0045] During the use of the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb, when the second part (6) laterally embraces part of the radius and ulna bones of the anterior amputated limb (4) or part of the tibia and fibula bones of the posterior amputated limb (4), the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) is received in the first portion (5a) of the first part (5) so that the corresponding end of the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) is free, without coming into contact with the internal walls of the main body (2) (see fig. 1).
[0046] In detail, the second portion (5b) may be arranged interposed between the first portion (5a) and the end (8), so that there is free space between them.
[0047] In this way, the possible phenomena of formation of sores during the use of the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb are limited.
[0048] The first part (5) may be free of internal walls to support the end of the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) (see figs. 2, 3 and 5).
[0049] In other words, the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb is anchored to the amputated limb (4) of the pet only by means of the anchoring means (10).
[0050] The first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) may be distinct from each other.
[0051] The first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) may be divergent from each other (see fig. 2).
[0052] In other words, the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) may be noncoincident with each other (see fig. 2).
[0053] The first part (5) and the second part (6) may be arranged so that the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) define an obtuse internal angle (see fig. 2).
[0054] With reference to fig. 5, the main body (2) may comprise a second opening (11) for the access of the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) into the second part (6), and the second opening (11) may be obtained at the free end of the second part (6).
[0055] The second opening (11) and the first opening (7) may be in direct communication with each other.
[0056] Preferably, the second axis (A2) is approximately oriented like the radius and ulna bones, in the case of the anterior limb, or like the tibia and fibula bones, in the case of the posterior limb, whereas the first axis (A1) is approximately oriented like the metacarpus, in the case of the anterior limb, or like the metatarsus, in the case of the posterior limb.
[0057] Advantageously, the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb has a conformation such as to ensure adequate adaptation to the physical structure of the animal that wears it.
[0058] Preferably, the first part (5) and the second part (6) are angularly arranged with respect to each other so that the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) define between them an internal angle (a) between 130°-180° (see fig. 2).
[0059] It should be noted that the inventor has verified that, with a value of angle (a) within the range reported above, the animal is able to have a gait more similar to the natural one compared to the gait it assumes during the use of a known- art exo-prosthesis.
[0060] The main body (2) may be made of nylon, or polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), or carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon, or recycled polyethylene (RPET), or polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
[0061] Preferably, the external surface (9) is curvilinear and is at least partially cylindrical (see figs. 1 and 4).
[0062] During the use of the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb, the animal is able to perform a movement of the limbs as similar as possible to the natural one because the curvilinear external surface (9) rotates on the ground, exerting a thrust on the ground in a manner similar to the thrust exerted by the foot of the animal on the ground under normal conditions.
[0063] Preferably, the end (8) comprises a plurality of projections (14) which are arranged along the curvilinear external surface (9) to contact the ground during the use of the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb (see fig. 1).
[0064] The plurality of projections (14) ensures that a friction force is obtained between the end (8) and the ground during the use of the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb, object of the present invention, so as to prevent undesired slippage.
[0065] The anchoring means (10) may comprise at least one strap (15) (see fig. 1).
[0066] The at least one strap (15) may extend from the second part (6) of the main body (2) and may be arranged so as to wrap part of the amputated limb (4) (see fig. 1).
[0067] In other words, the at least one strap (15) may extend along the first opening (7).
[0068] The anchoring means (10) may comprise a protective lining (16) which is arranged internally to contact the amputated limb (4) during use.
[0069] The protective lining (16) may be made of neoprene.
[0070] Advantageously, the phenomenon of formation of sores on the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) is limited.
[0071] The main body (2) may be made by 3D printing.
[0072] In detail, in the present case, to manufacture the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb, object of the present invention, one may proceed by designing such exo- prosthesis (1) based on one or more results of a diagnostic technique concerning the amputated limb (4) and the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) of the animal.
[0073] Subsequently, from such design, the main body (2) will be manufactured by 3D printing, to which one or more straps (15) will be fastened.
[0074] With particular reference to figure 1 , the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb, object of the present invention, and a portion of the amputated limb (4) of the animal are shown, with the corresponding stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) shown in dashed lines.
[0075] In figures 3-5, instead, the exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb, object of the present invention, is shown without the anchoring means (10).
[0076] Preferably, the main body (2) is shaped to receive a stump (3) of an amputated limb (4) below the radius and ulna bones, in the case of the anterior limb, or below the tibia and fibula bones, in the case of the posterior limb.
[0077] Still preferably, the second part (6) is shaped to embrace the lower terminal part of the radius and ulna bones, in the case of the anterior limb, or of the tibia and fibula bones, in the case of the posterior limb.
[0078] Advantageously, anchoring between the main body (2) and the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) is ensured.
[0079] Preferably, the first portion (5a) is shaped to receive the free end of the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4). With reference to figs. 1-5, the end (8) may be an integral part of the main body (2).
[0080] In other words, the end (8) and the main body (2) may be made in a single piece.
[0081] Instead, with reference to figs. 6 and 7, the end (8) and the main body (2) may be made as separate bodies.
[0082] In other words, figs. 6 and 7 refer to a further embodiment which differs from that of figs. 1-5 because the second portion (5b) may comprise a first threaded hole (51), the end (8) may comprise a second threaded hole (52), and fastening means (53) which are shaped to be received in the first threaded hole (51) and in the second threaded hole (52).
[0083] The second portion (5b) and the end (8) may be couplable to each other so that, once coupled together, the first through-hole (51) and the second through-hole (52) are aligned to receive the fastening means (53) so that they are fastened to each other.
[0084] In this way, the end (8) may be easily replaced once worn by use.
[0085] The fastening means (53) may form a screw.
[0086] With reference to the first part (5) and the second part (6) of the main body (2), and to the anchoring means (10), the same considerations made above for the embodiment of figs. 1-5 apply also for the embodiment of figs. 6 and 7.
[0087] A production method of the above-described exo-prosthesis (1) of the limb, which is also the object of the present invention, is disclosed below, comprising the steps of: obtaining a three-dimensional image of a stump (3) of an amputated limb (4) by means of a diagnostic technique; creating a virtual design of the main body (2) based on the obtained image; 3D printing the main body (2); coupling the main body (2) and the anchoring means (10) to each other.
[0088] The step of obtaining a three-dimensional image of a stump (3) of an amputated limb (4) by means of a diagnostic technique may involve performing a CT scan.
Claims
CLAIMS1. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) for a pet, wherein: it comprises a main body (2) extending longitudinally, which is hollow, which is made in a single piece and which is shaped to receive a stump (3) of an amputated limb (4); the main body (2) comprises: a first part (5) extending along a first axis (A1) and forming a tubular body having a first portion (5a) shaped to receive the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) and a second portion (5b) that remains free during the use of the amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1); a second part (6) extending along a second axis (A2) and having a first opening (7); it comprises an end (8) which is connected to the first part (5) and which comprises an external surface (9) arranged to contact the ground during the use of the amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1); it comprises anchoring means (10) which are carried by the second part (6) and which are arranged to anchor the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) and the main body (2) to each other; the first part (5) and the second part (6) are angularly arranged with respect to each other so that the second part (6) laterally embraces part of the radius and ulna bones of the anterior amputated limb (4) or part of the tibia and fibula bones of the posterior amputated limb (4), and the first portion (5a) of the first part (5) receives the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4) during the use of the amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1).
2. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the second axis (A2) is approximately oriented like the radius and ulna bones, in the case of the anterior limb, or like the tibia and fibula bones, in the case of the posterior limb, whereas the first axis (A1) is approximately oriented like the metacarpus, in the case of the anterior limb, or like the metatarsus, in the caseof the posterior limb.
3. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (5) and the second part (6) are angularly arranged with respect to each other so that the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) define an internal angle (a) between 130°-180°.
4. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) is made of nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) or carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon or recycled polyethylene (RPET), or polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
5. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface (9) is curvilinear and is at least partially cylindrical.
6. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end (8) comprises a plurality of projections (14) which are arranged along the curvilinear external surface (9) to contact the ground during the use of the amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1).
7. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchoring means (10) comprise at least one strap (15).
8. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchoring means (10) comprise a protective lining (16) which is arranged internally to contact the amputated limb (4) during use.
9. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) is manufacturable by 3D printing.
10. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) is shaped to receive a stump (3) of an amputated limb (4) below the radius and ulna bones, in the case of the anterior limb, or below the tibia and fibula bones, in the case of the posterior limb.
11. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (6) is shaped to embrace the lower terminal part of the radius and ulna bones, in the case of the anterior limb, or ofthe tibia and fibula bones, in the case of the posterior limb.
12. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (5a) is shaped to receive the free end of the stump (3) of the amputated limb (4).
13. An amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end (8) is an integral part of the main body (2).
14. A method of producing an amputated limb exo-prosthesis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: obtaining a three-dimensional image of a stump (3) of an amputated limb (4) by means of a diagnostic technique; creating a virtual design of the main body (2) based on the obtained image; 3D printing the main body (2); coupling the main body (2) and the anchoring means (10) to each other.