Abstract:
The invention provides a method for temporarily increasing the mass of an animal&#39;s body by placing a weight at a midjoint area of a patient&#39;s body. The invention is useful both as a means of correcting an animal&#39;s existing body condition as well as preventing an adverse change to its body condition.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a divisional application of Non-Provisional Application 10/816,286 filed Apr. 01, 2004, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application 60/459,713 filed Apr. 02, 2003, both of which are herein incorporated in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention provides a method for temporarily increasing the mass of an animal&#39;s body. The invention is useful both as a means of correcting an animal&#39;s existing body condition as well as preventing an adverse change to its body condition.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The weight or mass of a person or animal is a function of its size, and is directly proportional to its volume. One cubic centimeter of water has a mass of one gram (under standard conditions). Animals, including humans, are predominantly water, so, with the combined mass from body fat, muscle tissue, and skeletal structure, humans are equal in mass to about one gram per cubic centimeter.  
         [0004]     Gaining weight increases pressure on the body and the body responds to the increased stress on bone and other tissue by increasing the density of the endoskeletal structure to support weight gain. Specifically, rather than the body keeping the same proportions to support the increased pressure, the support structures (bones) become denser to support the pressure. One example of gaining weight through increased pressure on the body is by lifting objects that are greater than one gram per cubic centimeter than the muscles that are lifting the weight. Humans exercise their muscles by repeatedly lifting over-weighted objects, or by moving an apparatus that provides resistance, simulating the movement of weight. Many machines and apparatus that are designed to place a load of weight on a specific muscle group exist and are commonly known as exercise machines. (See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,429, issued to Bushnell, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,712, issued to Lambert, Jr., the teachings of which are both incorporated herein by reference.)  
         [0005]     Losing body weight decreases the pressure on the body and results in a person&#39;s endoskeletal structure becoming frail. Animals lose weight by combining increased movement with a reduction in their nutritional intake. Animals also lose weight by using nutritional supplements found in nature, artificially produced pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals that consume more calories for the body to digest. These products and methods create a net loss of body mass, including the loss of bone tissue. (See U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,291, issued to Sunvold, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,460, issued to Friedlander, the teachings of which both are incorporated herein by reference.)  
         [0006]     A lever is a simple machine that magnifies force. Levers are comprised of a rigid bar (lever arm) a pivot point (fulcrum), a load force, and an effort force. The effort force creates a torque around the fulcrum. The magnitude of this torque is dependant on the magnitude of the force and its distance from the fulcrum. This torque must be balanced by the torque created by the load force. Changing the distance from the fulcrum to the load force changes the amount of force magnification. The body of animals, and specifically the endoskeletal structure of humans, works as multiple levers when a load force is introduced to the body.  
         [0007]     Three main types of levers exist: first-class, second-class, and third-class.  
         [0008]     A first-class lever has the fulcrum located between the effort force and the load force on the lever arm. An example of a first-class lever is a seesaw.  
         [0009]     A second-class lever has the effort located between the fulcrum and the load on the lever arm. An example of a second-class lever is a wheelbarrow.  
         [0010]     A third-class lever has the effort located between the load and the fulcrum. An example of this type of lever is a human forearm lifting a weight.  
         [0011]     An endoskeletal animal has support structures (bones) located within its body to provide rigidity and facilitate movement against gravity. Bones and associated structures are used in ordinary life as first, second and third class levers by lifting, pushing, pulling etc. Muscles are attached to and cause bones to move. For a muscle to move an appendage in one direction a separate opposing muscle or muscle group must exist to be able to move the appendage in a different direction.  
         [0012]     Muscles thus work together, simultaneously stretching and lengthening corresponding (opposing) muscles or groups of muscles. Tight or toned muscles on one side of the bone can cause the other side to over stretch and weaken. Muscles that are more developed on one side of the body than the other consequently lead to physical imbalance of the body in general, and create problems for continued bone development, and degradation over the life of the animal. Anatomical imbalance of muscles and repetition of any activity (including general movement) leads to problems with proper movement and performance of ordinary tasks.  
         [0013]     Increasingly, the condition of osteoporosis (the loss of bone density) in animals has become prevalent for a variety of natural (internal) and environmental (external) reasons. External reasons, among others, include the use of substances to balance hormones in females and males, and the loss of weight with and without exercise. Natural causes, among others, include the combined reduction of proper nutrition for the body and heavy lifting in the daily regimen of humans and other endoskeletal animals. Bone density can only be increased or maintained during a period of weight loss or weight maintenance by increasing gravity on the bones.  
         [0014]     The use of weighted apparatus&#39; being worn on the body to increase resistance or increase gravity is not new. For example, an “ankle weight” apparatus is a known and commonly used form of exercise equipment. The weighted apparatus is placed far from the knee joint, above the foot of an animal. As the motion of walking, running or jumping moves the weighted apparatus, the load force to the knee joint is magnified, or increased, in an unnatural, non-dispersed fashion. Gravity on a specific body part is not increased as all of the weight is transferred to the joint. Another weighted body apparatus is a “weight vest” or “weight belt” that is placed around the torso of a person or animal. This weighted apparatus simply works to lower the center of gravity, placing stress on the lower back and transferring the weight to the hip and knee joints. It is commonly used to help buoyant peoples and animals become less buoyant when intending to swim under the surface of water with the use of an under-water breathing apparatus. The known weighted devices of these types are worn transiently with indifference to the muscles, muscle groups, and skeletal structure that is being impacted. What is clearly therefore needed are methods and devices that can increase the mass of an animal&#39;s body in specific areas to achieve a safe and desired outcome. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of a human body, identifying the appendage joints.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of a human body, identifying the midjoint areas.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of a human body having the present invention emplaced thereon.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of an embodiment of a weight used in the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of the weight shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of a composite weight.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6   a  shows a side view of the composite weight of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  shows a top view of another embodiment of a composite weight.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the composite weight embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a composite weight.  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of the composite weight embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  shows a front view of an upper body garment with long sleeves having means to receive weights.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  shows a front view of a long legged pair of trousers having means to receive weights.  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  shows a front view of an upper body garment with short sleeves having means to receive weights.  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  shows a front view of a pair of short trousers having means to receive weights.  
         [0030]      FIG. 15  shows a front view of a pair of trousers with mid-length legs having means to receive weights.  
         [0031]      FIG. 16  shows a side view of a stocking having means to receive weights.  
         [0032]      FIG. 17  shows a top view of an embodiment of a weight used in the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 18  shows a side view of the weight shown in  FIG. 17 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 19  shows a top view of a composite weight.  
         [0035]      FIG. 20  shows a side view of the composite weight of  FIG. 19 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 21  shows a top view of another embodiment of a composite weight.  
         [0037]      FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of the composite weight embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 23  shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a composite weight.  
         [0039]      FIG. 24  shows a side view of the composite weight embodiment shown in  FIG. 23 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 25  shows a view of a weight surgically implanted into a human arm.  
         [0041]      FIG. 26  shows a pocket attached to a long sleeved upper body garment. 
     
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0042]     The present invention contemplates a passive load bearing system and method that can be externally worn or surgically implanted. In accordance with the present invention, the passive load bearing system and method is based on the principle that opposing muscle groups, both individually and on the corresponding side of the body, must be exercised to keep a body fit, balanced and healthy. The present invention can assist in correcting the imbalance in an animal that is born with such an unbalanced condition, or prophylactic use of the present invention can help to avert this condition by increasing muscle mass and bone density. Normal motion and growth of an animal with the present invention implanted under its skin, or used externally by such an animal will balance the muscles and skeletal system when used correctly during active and passive muscle movement. Use of the system and method by an animal with an endoskeleton strengthens corresponding muscle groups, increases bone density, and helps to maintain or increase body balance. Accordingly, with use of the present invention when losing weight, the density of bones and tissue will be maintained or increased, and the support structures (bones) will continue to remain healthy, avoiding osteoporosis.  
         [0043]     In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method of passively loading an endoskeletal animal&#39;s body to increase gravity and mass. The invention comprises the steps of placing a weight at a midjoint area of an appendage of the animal and then securing the weight to the midjoint area.  
         [0044]     In another embodiment, the invention comprises a method of passively loading an endoskeletal animal&#39;s body to increase gravity and mass. The invention comprises the steps of determining a midjoint location of an appendage where a weight is required to treat the animal. Also, a mass of the weight required to treat the animal is determined. The length of time necessary for treatment is also determined. The weight is placed at a midjoint area of an appendage of the animal and the weight is secured to the midjoint area of an appendage.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0000]     Definitions  
         [0045]     “Appendage” refers to an arm or leg of an endoskeletal animal.  
         [0046]     “Joint” refers to an articulation between two or more bones of an appendage of an endoskeletal animal.  
         [0047]     “Midjoint” refers to a point between two joints of an appendage of a normal animal.  
         [0048]     “Weight” means an object weighing more than  1  gram per cubic centimeter or a composite object comprising a plurality of single objects weighing more than  1  gram per cubic centimeter attached to a substrate material.  
         [0000]     Nomenclature  
         [0000]    
       
           10  Weight (generic)  
           20  Planar Sub-Weight  
           22  Substrate  
           24  Composite Weight  
           25  Breathable Encapsulation Material  
           26  Cylindrical Sub-Weight  
           28  Substrate  
           30  Breathable Encapsulation Material  
           29  Composite Weight  
           32  Spherical Sub-Weight  
           34  Substrate  
           36  Breathable Encapsulation Material  
           37  Composite Weight  
           38  Long Sleeved Upper Body Garment  
           40  Pocket  
           41  Closure Flap  
           42  Long Legged Trousers  
           44  Short Sleeved Upper Body Garment  
           46  Short Legged Trousers  
           48  Mid-Length Trousers  
           49  Stocking  
           50   l  Shoulder Joint (left)  
           50   r  Shoulder Joint (right)  
           51   l  First Midjoint Area (left)  
           51   r  First Midjoint Area (right)  
           52   l  Elbow Joint (left)  
           52   r  Elbow Joint (right)  
           53   l  Second Midjoint Area (left)  
           53   r  Second Midjoint Area (right)  
           54   l  Wrist Joint (left)  
           54   r  Wrist Joint (right)  
           55   l  Third Midjoint Area (left)  
           55   r  Third Midjoint Area (right)  
           56   l  Hip Joint (left)  
           56   r  Hip Joint (right)  
           57   l  Fourth Midjoint Area (left)  
           57   r  Fourth Midjoint Area (right)  
           58   l  Knee Joint (left)  
           58   r  Knee Joint (right)  
           60   l  Ankle Joint (left)  
           60   r  Ankle Joint (right)  
           110  Weight (generic)  
           120  Planar Sub-Weight  
           122  Substrate  
           124  Composite Weight  
           125  Impenetrable Encapsulation Material  
           126  Cylindrical Sub-Weight  
           127  Grommet  
           128  Substrate  
           130  Impenetrable Encapsulation Material  
           129  Composite Weight  
           132  Spherical Sub-Weight  
           134  Substrate  
           136  Impenetrable Encapsulation Material  
           137  Composite Weight 
 
 Construction Specifically, the invention comprises a system and method of placing increased, symmetrically balanced passive load bearing weights in specific anatomical locations that can be worn externally on, or implanted in, the body of animals with an endoskeleton. By doing so the gravitational pull on the body increases and the corresponding density of the endoskeleton and the mass of the organism increases. The corresponding increase in endoskeletal mass is no different than the normal response of the body to weight increase and decrease that occurs throughout the course of an animal&#39;s natural life. 
 
       
     
         [0104]     The external embodiment of the weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  is made of any substance with the effective mass of greater than one gram per one cubic centimeter. Such materials include, but are not limited to carbon, tungsten, stainless steel, or other minerals or combinations of minerals that exist in nature. As an example, Carbon steel has a relative true density of 7.9 grams per cubic centimeter. Zirconium oxide has a relative true density of 5.5 grams per cubic centimeter and zirconium silicate has a relative true density of 4.5 grams per cubic centimeter. Materials such as these are examples of substances that could be used for incorporation in practicing the passive load bearing system and method. In the external embodiment, the weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  is encapsulated in a breathable material  25 ,  30 ,  36  to alleviate the buildup of moisture on the surface of the animal&#39;s appendage. The external embodiment can be symmetrical or asymmetrical as required by the animal&#39;s condition and can be tailored to fit to the size of an individual animal to meet the need for proper continued placement. Proper placement of the passive load device on and around the body is important to avoid potential muscle imbalance or inappropriate stress on joints and tendons. The present invention rectifies this potential problem by ensuring secure placement of the weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37 , at the midjoint area  51   l ,  51   r ,  53   l ,  53   r ,  55   l ,  55   r ,  57   l ,  57   r  of an appendage and dispersing the weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37 , around the body part in equal fashion. The weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  is firmly secured to the body to eliminate any potential slipping. The external embodiment incorporates the weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37 , into commonly worn garments such as stockings  49 , long legged trousers  42 , mid-calf trousers  48 , mid-thigh shorts  46 , and long  38  and short  44  sleeved upper body garments (e.g., shirts). In a preferred embodiment, the external weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  fits into a specially designed circumferential pocket  40  in the appropriate midjoint location of the various garments  38 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  49 . The pocket  40  may be provided with a closure flap  41  as seen in  FIG. 26 . The closure flap  41  may be provided with securing means such as hook and loop fastening material (not shown). The present invention further contemplates securing the weight(s)  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  to externally worn garments  38 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  49  by other means, including, but not limited to, hooks, hook and loop fastener (not shown), buttons (not shown), snaps (not shown), elastic (not shown) and permanent or temporary adhesives (not shown).  
         [0105]     Also contemplated by and therefore within the scope of the invention is a harness device (not shown) provided with means for receiving the weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  that is worn underneath regular clothing.  
         [0106]      FIG. 1  shows a normal, intact human body (unnumbered) and identifies the appendage joints as shoulder  50   l ,  50   r , elbow  52   l ,  52   r , wrist  54   l ,  54   r , hip  56   l ,  56   r , knee  58   l ,  58   r , and ankle  60   l ,  60   r.  In cases of abnormality or amputation, not all limbs and/or joints may be present in a human body.  
         [0107]      FIG. 2  defines the first midjoint area  51   l ,  51   r  as between the shoulder  50   l ,  50   r  and elbow  52   l ,  52   r.  The second midjoint area  53   l ,  53   r  is the area extending between the elbow  52   l ,  52   r  and the wrist  54   l ,  54   r.  The third midjoint area  55   l ,  55   r  extends between the hip  56   l ,  56   r  and knee  58   l ,  58   r.  The fourth midjoint area  57   l ,  57   r  likewise extends between the knee  58   l ,  58   r  and the ankle  60   l ,  60   r.  In identifying the midjoint areas  51   l ,  51   r ,  53   l ,  53   r ,  55   l ,  55   r ,  57   l ,  57   r  it is intended that the area extends between the sequential areas of a particular limb, for example, the area between  58   l  and the ankle  60   l.    
         [0108]      FIG. 3  shows a normal, intact human body (unnumbered) following external placement of weights  10  at the midjoint areas  51   l ,  51   r ,  53   l ,  53   r ,  55   l ,  55   r ,  57   l ,  57   r.  It should be mentioned that the designation for weight  10  as used in  FIG. 3  represents weights  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  of any configuration that meet the criteria specified herein, and is included to illustrate proper placement and should therefore not be considered limiting. As shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the weight  20  can be of a planar nature and used alone. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 6   a,  the individual planar weights  20  could also be attached to a substrate  22  which may be flexible in nature to form a composite weight unit  24 . The composite weight unit  24  is covered with a breathable encapsulation material  25 . In a preferred embodiment, the breathable encapsulation material  25  is made of a breathable fabric such as nylon, cotton or other well known materials that can be sewn together or sealed with an adhesive or heat application, to provide encapsulation. In an alternative embodiment, the weight  20 ,  26 ,  32  could be placed inside a polymeric extrusion and the extrusion could then be sealed using known techniques such as heat sealing. In each of these embodiments, the encapsulated weight  20 ,  26 ,  32  is mounted to a substrate  22 ,  28 ,  34  either before or after encapsulation. The substrate  22 ,  28 ,  34  would be used for accurate and easy placement of the passive load bearing system. In the internally emplaced embodiments, biocompatible materials would need to be used to prevent infection and other complications occurring as a result of a foreign object being implanted into the body. This includes the encapsulating, weighted and substrate components.  
         [0109]     An additional weight embodiment is shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , in which a cylindrical weight  26  is attached to a substrate  28 . An encapsulating material  30  covers the cylindrical weights  26  to form composite weight  29 .  
         [0110]     Yet another weight embodiment is shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  wherein a spherical weight  32  is attached to a substrate  34 . A breathable encapsulating material  36  covers the spherical weights  32  to form a composite weight  37 .  
         [0111]     The above embodiments of weights  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37 , are intended to be illustrative in nature only and therefore not limiting the scope of the invention. In reality, any shape or kind of weight meeting the criteria as discussed herein could be used. It should be further mentioned that the invention contemplates the composite weights  24 ,  29 ,  37 ,  124 ,  129 ,  137  as having the corresponding individual weights  20 ,  26 ,  32 ,  120 ,  126 ,  130  loosely received within the encapsulation material  25 ,  30 ,  36 ,  125 ,  130 ,  136 . This embodiment allows the composite weights  24 ,  29 ,  37 ,  124 ,  129 ,  137  to be self centering when the animal moves, thus more facilitating more equitable weight distribution.  
         [0112]      FIG. 11  shows a long sleeved upper body garment  38  which is provided with a pocket  40  to receive a weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  at the first  51   l ,  51   r  and second  53   l ,  53   r  midjoint areas of the arm. As discussed above, other weight receiving means include hooks, hook-and-loop fastening material, buttons, snaps, elastic, permanent or temporary adhesives. Additionally, any type of fastener capable of securing a weight to a particular location on an item of clothing is also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0113]      FIG. 12  shows a long-legged pair of trousers  42  provided with pocket  40  at the first  55   l ,  55   r  and second  57   l ,  57   r  midjoint areas.  
         [0114]      FIG. 13  shows a short sleeved upper garment  44  provided with pocket  40  at the first midjoint area  51   l ,  51   r.    
         [0115]      FIG. 14  shows a short legged pair of trousers  46  provided with pocket  40  at the third midjoint area  55   l ,  55   r.    
         [0116]      FIG. 15  shows a mid length pair of trousers  48  provided with pocket  40  at the third  55   l ,  55   r  and fourth  57   l ,  57   r  midjoint areas.  
         [0117]      FIG. 16  shows a stocking  49  provided with pocket  40  at the fourth midjoint area  57   l ,  57   r.    
         [0118]     As discussed above, the invention contemplates garments that are commonly worn, however the commonly known garments do not have a pocket  40  for receiving weight(s)  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  located in the midjoint area(s)  51   l ,  51   r ,  53   l ,  53   r ,  55   l ,  55   r ,  57   l ,  57   r.  In the external embodiment, the method is used with such a garment to insure that the fulcrum effect is eliminated and the entire passive load is equally and preferentially circumferentially dispersed around the appendage.  
         [0119]     The external passive load bearing device is modular in design, such that weight(s)  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  can be added or subtracted and balance around the appendage is maintained. To achieve this we envision the system and method utilizing equal amounts of weight placed into a segment of flexible, possibly molded material, and other segments of similar or more weight could be placed over, or instead of the first encapsulation to gain, or subtract weight.  
         [0120]     The implantable embodiment is placed permanently or temporarily under the skin and anchored in muscle tissue in the midjoint areas  51   l ,  51   r ,  53   l ,  53   r ,  55   l ,  55   r ,  57   l ,  57   r  to properly weight and balance the tissue and skeleton. As shown in  FIGS. 17-24  the implantable weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  is encapsulated  125 ,  130 ,  136  in biocompatible material with grommets  127  extending through the substrate  122 ,  128 ,  134  for guiding sutures to maintain proper placement and ease of removal of the weight  124 ,  129 ,  137 . The implantable weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  is made of known biocompatible materials that are used in cardiac pacemakers, synthetic joints, breast implants or other implantable grade materials known to the medical community. Examples of such materials include but are not limited to stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloys and other commonly known materials that do not create an irritation or reaction with animal tissue or blood. The devices could also be made of implantable, biocompatible materials that are not yet known. For proper results and to avoid destroying the ergonomic nature of the body, the weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  has a mass of greater than one gram per one cubic centimeter. This is greater than the mass of the animal that it is placed in.  
         [0121]     Surgical Placement. Using well known and practiced surgical techniques, a sterile field is created, and an incision appropriate in length made in the skin of the animal, deep enough to expose the first layer of muscle in the animal. The device is then inserted around and over the muscle tissue, under the layers of skin, and other fascia, in a circumferential fashion, by pushing the composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  into the surgically created space. Further dissection of any adhesions of the fascia to the muscle may be required. The composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  is then adhered to the muscle tissue using a dissolving suture, ligament or other cordlike structure, by sewing it through the grommets  127  in the substrate  122 ,  128 ,  134  and surrounding the composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  in the location on only one end—the end of the device that is seen after inserting the composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137 . The composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  can then be externally manipulated to verify further correct placement. As shown in  FIG. 25 , the weight  10  extends around the first midjoint area (left)  51   l  under the patient&#39;s skin (unnumbered), over the layers of muscle (unnumbered) and bone (unnumbered).  
         [0000]     Use  
         [0122]     Practicing the method involves determining the amount of mass required and the anatomical location(s) on the animal&#39;s body where the weight is required and also the length of time necessary for treatment. The appropriate weight is then selected and placed at and secured to the appropriate midjoint location on the animal&#39;s appendage for the determined length of treatment.  
         [0123]     In the case of the external embodiment, the animal dons the appropriate item(s) of clothing (fitted with the appropriate weight  10 ,  20 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29 ,  32 ,  37  in the appropriate location) as directed by the physician, veterinarian, physical therapist, or trainer for the duration of treatment. Following completion of treatment, the garment  38 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  49  is simply removed.  
         [0124]     In the case of the implantable embodiment, the physician or veterinarian follows the implantation procedure described above and surgically implants the appropriate composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  in the appropriate location. The implanted composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  is then secured as described above and the incision closed.  FIG. 25  shows the composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  following implantation in a patient. Following completion of treatment, the physician or veterinarian re-exposes the composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137 , removes the implanted composite weight  124 ,  129 ,  137  and closes the incision following normal procedures.