Method of passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body

Abstract

The invention provides a method for temporarily increasing the mass of an animal's body by placing a weight at a midjoint area of a patient's body. The invention is useful both as a means of correcting an animal's existing body condition as well as preventing an adverse change to its body condition.

1 . A method of passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body to increase gravity and mass, comprising the steps of: 
 a. placing a weight at a midjoint area of an appendage of the animal; and    b. securing the weight at the midjoint area.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the weight has a mass of greater than one gram per cubic centimeter.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the weight is attached to a garment.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the weight is attached to the garment by being inserted into a pocket in the garment.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the pocket is circumferentially disposed on the garment.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the weight is encapsulated in an impervious biocompatible material.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the weight is surgically implanted under the skin and over the muscle tissue of an animal.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the weight comprises: 
 a. a flexible substrate;    b. at least one sub-weight; and    c. encapsulation containing the at least one sub-weight and attached to the flexible substrate.    
   
   
       9 . A method of passively loading an endoskeletal animal's body to increase gravity and mass, comprising the steps of: 
 a. determining a midjoint location of an appendage where a weight is required to treat the animal;    b. determining a mass of the weight required to treat the animal;    c. determining a length of time necessary for treatment;    d. placing the weight at a midjoint area of an appendage of the animal; and    e. securing the weight at the midjoint area.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the weight has a mass of greater than one gram per cubic centimeter.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the weight is attached to a garment.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the weight is attached to the garment by being inserted into a pocket in the garment.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the pocket is circumferentially disposed on the garment.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the weight is encapsulated in an impervious biocompatible material.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the weight is surgically implanted under the skin and over the muscle tissue of an animal.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the weight comprises: 
 a. a flexible substrate;    b. at least one sub-weight; and    c. encapsulation containing the at least one sub-weight and attached to the flexible substrate.