WO2024206290A1

WO2024206290A1 - Harness for animal fall restraint system

Info

Publication number: WO2024206290A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/021448
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luis CAMPOY; Cristina De Miguel GARCIA
Original assignee: Cornell University
Current assignee: Cornell University
Priority date: 2023-03-28
Filing date: 2024-03-26
Publication date: 2024-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-28

Abstract

A harness for use with an overhead animal support system includes a top brace, a bottom brace, and an attachment belt unit extending between the top brace and the bottom brace. The harness is fitted on a land-based hoofed animal, such as a horse. The attachment belt unit is coupled to the overhead animal support system via at least one rope. The overhead animal support system applies a brake force to the harness via the rope and the attachment belt unit to manage motion of the animal. By managing motion, an uncontrolled fall, a stagger, and other jerking motions can be avoided to prevent injury.

Description

85007-407327 -1- HARNESS FOR ANIMAL FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEM PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/455,141 filed 28 March 2023, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND [0002] The present disclosure relates to a harness for an animal fall restraint system for land-based ungulates (hoofed animals). Equids, bovines, and other land-based ungulates recovering from a loss of stability, such as when recovering from anesthesia, may try to stand before their balance and muscular control has fully returned. As they do so, they can stumble or fall. In some cases, these falls can result in broken leg bones or other injuries. There is a need for systems and harnesses for supporting and stabilizing land-based ungulates during these recovery periods. SUMMARY [0003] According to the present disclosure, a harness for an animal is described. The harness is configured to be used with an animal fall restraint system. The harness is coupled to the animal fall restraint system via a rope or a web. The harness is fit to the animal, and the animal fall restraint system is configured to apply a brake force to the harness through the rope to keep a fall velocity or acceleration of the harness within a preset limit when the harness is fitted to the animal during recovery. In this way, an uncontrolled fall and potential injury can be avoided. [0004] In some embodiments, the harness includes a top brace and a bottom brace. Each of the top brace and the bottom brace are shaped and sized to minimize a risk of pressure sores developing on the animal due to the harness. The harness includes an attachment belt unit that couples the top brace to the bottom brace and the harness to the animal fall restraint system. The brake force applied by the animal fall restraint system is applied to the bottom brace of the harness via the attachment belt unit. 85007-407327 -2- [0005] Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: [0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an animal fall restraint system coupled to a harness fit on an animal; [0008] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the harness including a top brace positioned on a topside of the animal and an attachment belt unit coupling the top brace to the animal fall restraint system via a rope; [0009] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the harness of Fig. 2 showing the exemplary attachment belt unit has a plurality of rings coupled to the rope; [0010] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the harness of Fig. 3 showing the harness includes a bottom brace configured to extend on an underside of the animal and a plurality of straps included in the attachment belt unit that couple the top brace and the bottom brace together; [0011] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the harness of Fig. 2 showing the attachment belt unit including, from left to right, a back strap with a back ring, a front strap with a front ring, and a chest strap with an upper chest ring; [0012] Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of the harness of Fig. 2 showing that the top brace includes, from left to right, a sensor mount configured to hold a sensor to the top brace, a back strap guide that the back strap extends through, a front strap guide that the front strap extends through, and a chest strap guide that the chest strap extends through; [0013] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the harness of Fig. 2 showing that the top brace includes a left side panel and a right side panel fixed together via a connector strip, and further showing that the back ring, the front ring, and the upper chest ring are each arranged on the connector strip; 85007-407327 -3- [0014] Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the harness of Fig. 2 showing that the back ring, the front ring, and the upper chest ring are shaped as D-rings; [0015] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the top brace showing that the chest strap is arranged to extend through the chest strap guide so that the chest strap is free to slide within the chest strap guide relative to the top brace; [0016] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the harness of Fig. 2 showing that the bottom brace includes a chest panel portion coupled to the top brace via the chest strap and a rib-support panel portion coupled to the top brace via the front and the back straps; [0017] Fig. 11 is a front elevation view of the top brace of Fig. 7 showing that each of the right side panel and the left side panel have a top edge and the connector strip couples the top edges together to form a peak, and further showing that each of the back strap, the front strap, and the chest strap extend between the left side panel and the right side panel of the top brace over the peak; [0018] Fig. 12 is a view of the bottom of the harness of Fig.2 showing the bottom brace forms, from left to right, the chest panel portion, a mid-section connector portion, and the rib-support panel portion that is substantially wider than the mid-section connector portion and the chest panel portion; [0019] Fig. 13 is a front elevation view of the harness of Fig. 2 showing the chest panel portion to which the chest strap is attached; and [0020] Fig. 14 is a view showing that the bottom brace forms the rib-support panel portion and showing that the front strap and the back strap of the attachment belt unit wrap around the rib-support panel portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0021] The present disclosure relates to a harness 10 for an overhead animal support system 14. The overhead animal support system 14 may be an animal fall restraint system or a traditional hoist system, among other systems. For example, the overhead support system may be the animal fall restraint system of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/324,905 filed 29 March 2022 or the animal fall restraint system 85007-407327 -4- of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2023/016562 filed 28 March 2023, which are each expressly incorporated by reference herein. [0022] The harness 10 includes a top brace 16, a bottom brace 18, and an attachment belt unit 20 as shown in Figs. 1-4. The top brace 16 is positioned on a topside of an animal 12. The bottom brace 18 is positioned on an underside of the animal 12. The attachment belt unit 20 is configured to couple the top brace 16 to the bottom brace 18 as suggested in Fig. 4. The attachment belt unit 20 also couples the harness 10 to the overhead animal support system 14 so that a downward force applied to the bottom brace 18 is transferred to the overhead animal support system 14. [0023] Horses 12 and other hoofed animals 12 recovering from anesthesia may try to stand before their balance and muscular control has fully returned. As the animal 12 does so, the animal 12 frequently stumbles or falls. In some cases, these falls can result in broken leg bones or other injuries from which the animal 12 cannot readily recover. The harness 10, used with the overhead animal support system 14, provides support for the animal 12 as it attempts to stand. The harness 10 can also provide support during other types of recovery events when stability of the hoofed animal 12 is compromised or may become compromised. [0024] In some embodiments, the harness 10 is coupled to the overhead animal support system 14 via rope(s) 22 as shown in Figs. 1-3. The rope(s) 22 are controlled in such a way that the animal 12 can stand up freely, but can only fall slowly. As the animal 12 falls, the weight of the animal 12 applies a downward force to the bottom brace 18 of the harness 10. The downward force is transferred to the overhead animal support system 14 via the attachment belt unit 20 and the rope(s) 22. The overhead animal support system 14 is configured to applying a brake force to the harness 10 through the rope(s) 22 and the attachment belt unit 20 to keep a downward fall velocity or acceleration of the harness 10 within a preset limit so that an uncontrolled fall (and potential injury) is avoided. [0025] The harness 10, in cooperation with the overhead animal support system 14, is configured to arrest the falling and/or staggering motion of the animal 12 during 85007-407327 -5- recovery. In some embodiments, the harness 10 may be fit on an animal 12 that is recovering from anesthesia. In some embodiments, the harness 10 may be fit on an animal 12 undergoing a standing surgery under minor sedation. In some embodiments, the harness 10 may be fit on an injured animal 12 undergoing transport, for example, to decrease the weight that the injured animal 12 applies to a fractured leg during transport. In other embodiments, the harness 10 may be used during gait training, weight loss therapies, and/or leg or foot rehabilitation, for example. [0026] The harness 10 may not be sized to lift the animal 12. However, it is contemplated that the harness 10, in cooperation with the overhead animal support system 14, could be configured to lift the recovering animal 12 in part or in full. [0027] The top brace 16 of the harness 10 is positioned on the topside of the animal 12 as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The top brace 16 forms a peak 24 that extends along a spine of the animal 12 while the harness 10 is positioned on the animal 12 as shown in Figs. 6 and 11. The top brace 16 includes a left side panel 26 and a right side panel 28 opposite the left side panel 26. The left side panel 26 is arranged on a left side of the animal 12, and the right side panel 28 is arranged on a right side of the animal 12. [0028] The peak 24 of the top brace 16 is arranged between the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28 as shown in Fig. 7. The peak 24 is formed by a connector strip 30 that couples the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28 together. Illustratively, the connector strip 30 fixes a top edge 26E of the left side panel 26 and a top edge 28E of the right side panel 28 in place immediately adjacent to one another. The connector strip 30 forms a joint 32 between the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28 that allows the top brace 16 to conform to the shape of the topside of the animal 12. [0029] The top brace 16 includes a sensor mount 34 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The sensor mount 34 is arranged on at least one of the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28. In some embodiments, the top brace 16 includes a sensor mount 34 on each of the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28. The sensor mount 34 is provided by a strip 36 coupled to the at least one of the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28. The sensor mount 34 is configured to hold a sensor 38 between the strip 36 and the at 85007-407327 -6- least one of the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28 as shown in Fig. 5. In alternative embodiments, the sensor mount 34 can be arranged on the bottom brace 18 or on the attachment belt unit 20. [0030] The sensor 38 detects when a fall event is occurring based on a parameter that corresponds to a velocity of the harness 10 or an acceleration of the harness 10 during a fall. If the detected parameter is greater than or equal to a preset limit, meaning a fall event has been detected, the sensor 38 communicates the parameter to a controller 82 by sending a signal. During normal operation, the parameter is less than the preset limit, meaning a fall event has not been detected by the sensor 38. To accurately detect the velocity or the acceleration of the harness 10, the sensor 38 is coupled to the top brace 16. Because the top brace 16 is secured to the animal 12, the velocity or the acceleration of the top brace 16 is indicative of the velocity or the acceleration of the animal 12. [0031] The controller 82 receives the signal from the sensor 38 regarding the parameter indicating that a fall event is occurring. The brake force is applied to the harness 10 via the rope(s) 22 and prevents the animal 12 from falling as falling would require the rope(s) 22 to extend. [0032] The sensor 38 may include an inertia measuring unit as shown in Fig. 5. The inertia measuring unit records three axes of acceleration to detect vertical acceleration and horizontal/lateral acceleration of the harness 10, and thus, the animal 12. The vertical acceleration is indicative of an uncontrolled fall of the animal 12, while the horizontal/lateral acceleration is indicative of a crash into a wall. Data from the inertia measuring unit may be recorded electronically for further processing, such as by the controller 82. [0033] The top brace 16 includes a plurality of strap guides 40 as shown in Fig. 9. For example, the top brace 16 includes a chest strap guide 42, a front strap guide 44, and a back strap guide 46 on each of the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28 as shown in Fig. 7. On each panel 26, 28 the front strap guide 44 is located between the chest strap guide 42 and the back strap guide 46. Each of the plurality of strap guides 40 is illustratively formed by a strip that is coupled with the left side panel 26 or the right 85007-407327 -7- side panel 28. A front edge and a back edge of each of the plurality of strap guides 40 are attached to the left side panel 26 or the right side panel 28. The front edge and the back edge of each of the plurality of strap guides 40 are attached to the panels 26, 28 via stitching, rivets, grommets, any other suitable alternatives, or combinations of the same. Straps extend under each of the plurality of strap guides 40 (i.e., between the respective strap guide 40 and the left side panel 26 or the right side panel 28). [0034] The bottom brace 18 of the harness 10 is positioned on an underside of the animal 12 as shown in Fig. 14. The bottom brace 18 forms a chest panel portion 48, a mid-section connector portion 50, and a rib-support panel portion 52 as shown in Fig. 12. The chest panel portion 48 is arranged on a chest of the animal 12 as shown in Fig. 13. The mid-section connector portion 50 interconnects the chest panel portion 48 and the rib-support panel portion 52 and extends along the underside of the animal 12 between a front right leg and a front left leg. The rib-support panel portion 52 is arranged on the underside of the animal 12 underlying a ribcage. [0035] The brake force applied to the harness 10 via the rope(s) 22 and the overhead animal support system 14 during a fall is transferred to the bottom brace 18 of the harness 10 to support the animal 12 from the underside thereof. As shown in Fig. 12, a width of the rib-support panel portion 52 is substantially greater than a width of the chest panel portion 48. The width of the rib-support panel portion 52 may be about three times greater than the width of the chest panel portion 48. The greater width of the rib- support panel portion 52 distributes the force applied to the animal 12 by the overhead animal support system 14. [0036] The top brace 16 may be made from leather or from any other suitable material. The bottom brace 18 may be made from leather or from any other suitable material. The top brace 16 and/or the bottom brace 18 may include padding to help alleviate pressure points applied to the animal 12 by the harness 10. [0037] The attachment belt unit 20 couples the top brace 16 to the bottom brace 18 as shown in Figs. 4 and 10. The attachment belt unit 20 also couples the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 to the overhead animal support system 14 as shown in Figs. 2 85007-407327 -8- and 3. The attachment belt unit 20 enables the downward force applied to the bottom brace 18 by the animal 12 during a fall to be transferred to the overhead animal support system 14. [0038] The attachment belt unit 20 includes a front strap 54, a back strap 56, and a chest strap 58 as shown in Figs. 4 and 10. The front strap 54 is positioned between the back strap 56 and the chest strap 58. The front strap 54 extends over the top brace 16 and the rib-support panel portion 52 of the bottom brace 18. The back strap 56 extends over the top brace 16 and the rib-support panel portion 52 of the bottom brace 18. The chest strap 58 extends over the top brace 16 and the chest panel portion 48 of the bottom brace 18. The front strap 54, the back strap 56, and the chest strap 58 may comprise Kevlar, nylon webbing, polypropylene, fiberglass, or any other suitable materials. The front strap 54, the back strap 56, and/or the chest strap 58 may include padding 88 extending around the strap 54, 56, 58 to help alleviate pressure points applied to the animal 12 by the strap 54, 56, 58 as shown in Figs. 10 and 12. [0039] The front strap 54 extends over the left side panel 26, the connector strip 30, the right side panel 28, and the rib-support panel portion 52 as shown in Figs. 4 and 10. Illustratively, the front strap 54 is defined by an upper strap portion 60 that extends around the top brace 16 and a lower strap portion 62 that extends around the bottom brace 18. Free ends of the upper strap portion 60 define two first buckle portions 60B, and free ends of the lower strap portion 62 define two second buckle portions 62B. Each of the first buckle portions 60B is coupled with a respective one of the second buckle portions 62B to form a continuous front strap that extends entirely around the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18. In this way, the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 may be separately positioned on the animal 12, and then the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 may be attached to one another to secure each of the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 on the animal 12. [0040] The front strap 54 extends under the front strap guide 44 on each of the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28 as shown in Figs. 8 and 11. The front strap 54 is fixed to the rib-support panel portion 52 of the bottom brace 18 via, for example, 85007-407327 -9- stitching, rivets, grommets, any other suitable alternatives, or combinations of the same. The front strap guides 44 act as a locator for the front strap 54 relative to the top brace 16 and allow the front strap 54 to slide and/or move relative to the top brace 16 while remaining fixed to the bottom brace 18. [0041] The back strap 56 extends over the left side panel 26, the connector strip 30, the right side panel 28, and the rib-support panel portion 52 as shown in Figs. 4 and 10. Illustratively, the back strap 56 is defined by an upper strap portion 64 that extends around the top brace 16 and a lower strap portion 66 that extends around the bottom brace 18. Free ends of the upper strap portion 64 define two first buckle portions 64B, and free ends of the lower strap portion 66 define two second buckle portions 66B. Each of the first buckle portions 64B is coupled to a respective one of the second buckle portions 66B to form a continuous back strap that extends entirely around the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18. In this way, the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 may be separately positioned on the animal 12, and then the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 may be attached to one another to secure the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 to the animal 12. [0042] The back strap 56 extends under the back strap guide 46 on each of the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28 as shown in Figs. 8 and 11. The back strap 56 is fixed to the rib-support panel portion 52 of the bottom brace 18 via, for example, stitching, rivets, grommets, any other suitable alternatives, or combinations of the same. The back strap guides 46 act as a locator for the back strap 56 relative to the top brace 16 and allow the back strap 56 to slide and/or move relative to the top brace 16 while remaining fixed to the bottom brace 18. [0043] The chest strap 58 extends over the left side panel 26, the connector strip 30, the right side panel 28, and the chest panel portion 48 of the bottom brace 18 as shown in Figs. 4 and 10. Illustratively, the chest strap 58 is defined by an upper strap portion 68 that extends around the top brace 16 and a lower strap portion 70 that extends around the bottom brace 18. Free ends of the upper strap portion 68 define two first buckle portions 68B, and free ends of the lower strap portion 70 define two second 85007-407327 -10- buckle portions 70B. Each of the first buckle portions 68B is coupled to a respective one of the second buckle portions 70B to form a continuous chest strap that extends entirely around the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18. In this way, the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 may be separately positioned on the animal 12, and then the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 may be attached to one another to secure the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 on the animal 12. [0044] The chest strap 58 extends under the chest strap guide 42 on each of the left side panel 26 and the right side panel 28 as shown in Figs. 8 and 11. The chest strap 58 is fixed to the chest panel portion 48 of the bottom brace 18 via a lower chest ring 72 of the attachment belt unit 20 as shown in Fig. 13. The chest strap guides 42 act as a locator for the chest strap 58 relative to the top brace 16 and allow the chest strap 58 to slide and/or move relative to the top brace 16 while remaining fixed to the bottom brace 18. [0045] The lower chest ring 72 is coupled to the chest panel portion 48 in a fixed position as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The lower strap portion 70 of the chest strap 58 extends through the lower chest ring 72 so as to couple the top brace 16 to the chest panel portion 48 of the bottom brace 18. Two ends of the lower strap portion 70 opposite the second buckle portions 70B are coupled to the lower chest ring 72 such that the chest strap 58 is fixed to the chest panel portion 48 of the bottom brace 18. [0046] As shown in Fig. 2, the chest strap 58 extends around a neck of the animal 12 so as to maintain a position of the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 relative to the animal 12. Without the chest strap 58, the top brace 16 and/or the bottom brace 18 may slide in a rearward direction toward a tail end of the animal 12. [0047] The attachment belt unit 20 includes an attachment feature 74 arranged along the peak 24 of the top brace 16 as shown in Figs. 6 and 8. The attachment feature 74 is coupled to the rope(s) 22 so as to couple the top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 to the overhead animal support system 14. In some embodiments, the attachment feature 74 of the attachment belt unit 20 includes a front ring 76, a back ring 78, and an upper chest ring 80 as shown in Fig. 8. Each of the front ring 76, the back ring 78, and the upper chest 85007-407327 -11- ring 80 are arranged on the connector strip 30 of the top brace 16 along the spine of the animal 12. The front ring 76 is located between the upper chest ring 80 and the back ring 78. [0048] The upper strap portion 60 of the front strap 54 extends through the front ring 76 as shown in Fig. 8. The front ring 76 is coupled to the rope(s) 22, which couples the front strap 54 to the overhead animal support system 14. The upper strap portion 64 of the back strap 56 extends through the back ring 78 as shown in Fig. 8. The back ring 78 is coupled to the rope(s) 22, which couples the back strap 56 to the overhead animal support system 14. The upper strap portion 68 of the chest strap 58 extends through the upper chest ring 80 as shown in Fig. 8. The upper chest ring 80 is coupled to the rope(s) 22, which couples the chest strap 58 to the overhead animal support system 14. [0049] Each of the rings 76, 78, 80 is coupled to the rope(s) 22 so that downward force applied to the bottom brace 18 by the animal 12 is transferred from the bottom brace 18, through the straps 54, 56, 58, to the rope(s) 22, and to the overhead animal support system 14. The overhead animal support system 14, via the rope(s) 22, can apply the brake force to the harness 10 to stop and/or break a fall of the animal 12. Because the straps 54, 56, 58 are fixed to the bottom brace 18 and are free to move relative to the top brace 16, the brake force applied to the harness 10 via the overhead animal support system 14 is applied to the bottom brace 18. The brake force applied to the harness 10 is distributed throughout the bottom brace 18 to support the animal 12, as opposed to the top brace 16. The top brace 16 acts to locate the straps 54, 56, 58 and the sensor 38. [0050] Illustratively, each of the rings 76, 78, 80 are D-shaped as shown in Fig. 8. The front ring 76 is shaped to include a flat portion 76F having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a curved portion 76C extending between and interconnecting the first end and the second end. The flat portion 76F extends along the peak 24 of the top brace 16 such that the front ring 76 lies substantially flat on the peak 24. The front strap 54 lies substantially flat on the flat portion 76F of the front ring 76 as shown in Fig. 8. The D-shaped front ring 76 minimizes bunching of the front strap 54 because the front strap 54 is allowed to lie flat on the flat portion 76F of the front ring 76. 85007-407327 -12- [0051] The back ring 78 is shaped to include a flat portion 78F having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a curved portion 78C extending between and interconnecting the first end and the second end as shown in Fig. 8. The flat portion 78F extends along the peak 24 of the top brace 16 such that the back ring 78 lies substantially flat on the peak 24. The back strap 56 lies substantially flat on the flat portion 78F of the back ring 78. The D-shaped back ring 78 minimizes bunching of the back strap 56 because the back strap 56 is allowed to lie flat on the flat portion 78F of the back ring 78. [0052] The upper chest ring 80 is shaped to include a flat portion 80F having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a curved portion 80C extending between and interconnecting the first end and the second end as shown in Fig. 8. The flat portion 80F extends along the peak 24 of the top brace 16 such that the upper chest ring 80 lies substantially flat on the peak 24. The chest strap 58 lies substantially flat on the flat portion 80F of the upper chest ring 80 as shown in Fig. 8. The D-shaped upper chest ring 80 avoids bunching of the chest strap 58 because the chest strap 58 is allowed to lie flat on the flat portion 78F of the upper chest ring 80. [0053] The reduction of bunching of the straps 54, 56, 58 as the straps 54, 56, 58 extend through the rings 76, 78, 80 allows the harness 10 to be tighter on the animal 12. If the harness 10 is tighter on the animal 12, motion of the harness 10 relative to the animal 12 is reduced. Reduction of the motion of the harness 10 on the animal 12 minimizes a risk of pressure sores forming on the animal 12 due to the repetitive rubbing of the harness 10. Reduction of the motion of the harness 10 may also increase the accuracy of the sensor 38 as the motion of the sensor 38 relative to the animal 12 is minimized. [0054] The top brace 16 and the bottom brace 18 are sized and shaped to minimize the risk of pressure sores forming on the animal 12. The peak 24 formed on the top brace 16 allows the top brace 16 to match a contour of the topside of the animal 12 (i.e., the spine). The D-shaped rings 76, 78, 80 allow for the rings 76, 78, 80 to lie flat on the peak 24, thereby eliminating pressure points on the animal 12 induced by each ring 85007-407327 -13- 76, 78, 80. For example, other shaped rings may apply pressure to the animal 12 if the rings are not able to lie flat on the peak 24. [0055] In an alternative embodiment, the attachment feature 74 includes two rings as opposed to three rings. For example, the front ring 76 and the upper chest ring 80 may be replaced with a single ring. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment feature 74 may include one ring as opposed to three rings. In an alternative embodiment, the rings 76, 78, 80 may be O-shaped. In an alternative embodiment, the rings 76, 78, 80 may be square shaped. In an alternative embodiment, the rings 76, 78, 80 may be any shape that provides a flat portion to lie on the peak 24. [0056] In some embodiments, the rings 76, 78, 80 are coupled directly to the rope(s) 22. In some embodiments, the back ring 78 is coupled to the rope(s) 22 via a first attachment ring 84 and the front ring 76 and the upper chest ring 80 are coupled to the rope 22 via a second attachment ring 86 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The first attachment ring 84 extends through the back ring 78, and the second attachment ring 86 extends through the front ring 76 and the upper chest ring 80. The front ring 76 and the upper chest ring 80 being joined by the second attachment ring 86 allows the overhead animal support system 14 to brake and/or lift the front of the animal 12 during a fall as nearly all falls of animals 12 are forward. In some embodiments, the attachment rings 84, 86 are carabiners. [0057] The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting: [0058] Clause 1. A harness for use with an overhead animal support system, the harness including a a top brace adapted to be arranged on a topside of an animal, the top brace forms a peak arranged to extend along a spine of the animal, a bottom brace adapted to be positioned on an underside of the animal, and an attachment belt unit configured to couple the top brace to the bottom brace and the top brace to the overhead animal support system so that a downward force applied to the bottom brace is transferred to the overhead animal support system, the attachment belt unit including an attachment feature arranged along the peak of the top brace. 85007-407327 -14- [0059] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace includes a left side panel adapted to be arranged on a left side of the animal and a right side panel adapted to be arranged on a right side of the animal. [0060] Clause 3. The system of clause 2, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace includes a connector strip configured to form a joint between the left side panel and the right side panel, the connector strip defining the peak. [0061] Clause 4. The system of clause 3, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the connector strip fixes a top edge of the left side panel and a top edge of the right side panel in place immediately adjacent to one another. [0062] Clause 5. The system of clause 2, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace includes a sensor mount arranged on at least one of the left side panel and the right side panel. [0063] Clause 6. The system of clause 5, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the sensor mount is provided by a strip sized to hold a sensor between the strip and the at least one of the left side panel and the right side panel. [0064] Clause 7. The system of clause 1, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace is made from leather. [0065] Clause 8. The system of clause 1, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the bottom brace includes a chest panel portion adapted to be arranged on a chest of the animal and a rib-support panel portion adapted to be arranged on the underside of the animal underlying a ribcage. [0066] Clause 9. The system of clause 8, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the bottom brace includes a mid-section connector portion configured to couple the chest panel portion to the rib-support panel 85007-407327 -15- portion, the mid-section connector portion adapted to extend along the underside of the animal between a front right leg and a front left leg. [0067] Clause 10. The system of clause 8, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a width of the rib-support panel portion is substantially greater than a width of the chest panel portion. [0068] Clause 11. The system of clause 8, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a width of the rib-support panel portion is about three times greater than a width of the chest panel portion. [0069] Clause 12. The system of clause 8, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment belt unit includes a front strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the rib-support panel portion and a back strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the rib-support panel portion. [0070] Clause 13. The system of clause 12, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment belt unit includes a chest strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the chest panel portion, and wherein the front strap is located between the back strap and the chest strap. [0071] Clause 14. The system of clause 13, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein attachment belt unit includes a lower chest ring adapted to be arranged on the chest panel portion of the bottom brace, and wherein the chest strap extends through the lower chest ring so as to couple the top brace to the chest panel portion of the bottom brace. [0072] Clause 15. The system of clause 14, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a first end and a second end of the chest strap opposite the first end are coupled to the lower chest ring. [0073] Clause 16. The system of clause 14, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment feature of the attachment belt unit includes an upper chest ring arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal. 85007-407327 -16- [0074] Clause 17. The system of clause 16, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the upper chest ring is coupled to a rope connected to the overhead animal support system so as to couple the top brace and the bottom brace to the overhead animal support system. [0075] Clause 18. The system of clause 16, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the chest strap extends through the upper chest ring. [0076] Clause 19. The system of clause 13, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace is formed to include a chest strap guide, the chest strap extends through the chest strap guide so that the chest strap is free to slide within the chest strap guide relative to the top brace. [0077] Clause 20. The system of clause 19, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the chest strap is fixed to the chest panel portion of the bottom brace. [0078] Clause 21. The system of clause 12, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment feature of the attachment belt unit includes a front ring and a back ring, each of the front ring and the back ring are arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal. [0079] Clause 22. The system of clause 21, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the front ring and the back ring are each coupled to a rope connected to the overhead animal support system so as to couple the top brace to the overhead animal support system. [0080] Clause 23. The system of clause 22, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the front strap extends through the front ring and the back strap extends through the back ring so as to couple the top brace to the rib-support panel portion of the bottom brace. [0081] Clause 24. The system of clause 12, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace is formed to include a front strap guide and a back strap guide, the front strap extends through the front strap guide 85007-407327 -17- and the back strap extends through the back strap guide so that each of the front strap and the back strap are free to slide within the front strap guide and the back strap guide, respectively. [0082] Clause 25. The system of clause 24, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the front strap and the back strap are fixed to the rib-support panel portion. [0083] Clause 26. The system of clause 1, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment feature is coupled to a rope connected to the overhead animal support system so as to couple the top brace to the overhead animal support system. [0084] Clause 27. The system of clause 1, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the bottom brace is made from leather. [0085] Clause 28. The system of clause 1, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment feature of the attachment belt unit includes an upper chest ring, a front ring, and a back ring, each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring are arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal. [0086] Clause 29. The system of clause 28, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring are shaped to include a flat portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a curved portion extending between the first end and the second end. [0087] Clause 30. The system of clause 29, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the flat portion of each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring extends along the peak of the top brace. [0088] Clause 31. The system of clause 28, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring are D-shaped. 85007-407327 -18- [0089] Clause 32. A harness for use with an overhead animal support system, the harness comprising a top brace adapted to be arranged on a topside of an animal, the top brace forms a peak arranged to extend along a spine of the animal, a bottom brace adapted to be positioned on an underside of the animal, and an attachment belt unit configured to couple the top brace to the bottom brace and the top brace to the overhead animal support system so that a downward force applied to the bottom brace is transferred to the overhead animal support system, the attachment belt unit including a front ring arranged along the peak of the top brace and a front strap arranged to extend through the front ring and over the top brace and the bottom brace to couple the top brace to the bottom brace. [0090] Clause 33. The system of clause 32, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace includes a left side panel adapted to be arranged on a left side of the animal and a right side panel adapted to be arranged on a right side of the animal. [0091] Clause 34. The system of clause 33, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace includes a connector strip configured to form a joint between the left side panel and the right side panel, the connector strip defining the peak, and wherein the front ring is arranged on the connector strip. [0092] Clause 35. The system of clause 34, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the connector strip fixes a top edge of the left side panel and a top edge of the right side panel in place immediately adjacent to one another. [0093] Clause 36. The system of clause 33, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace includes a sensor mount arranged on at least one of the left side panel and the right side panel. [0094] Clause 37. The system of clause 36, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the sensor mount is provided by a strip 85007-407327 -19- sized to hold a sensor between the strip and the at least one of the left side panel and the right side panel. [0095] Clause 38.The system of clause 32, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the bottom brace includes a chest panel portion adapted to be arranged on a chest of the animal and a rib-support panel portion adapted to be arranged on the underside of the animal underlying a ribcage. [0096] Clause 39. The system of clause 38, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the bottom brace includes a mid-section connector portion configured to couple the chest panel portion to the rib-support panel portion, the mid-section connector portion adapted to extend along the underside of the animal between a front right leg and a front left leg. [0097] Clause 40. The system of clause 39, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the front strap extends over the top brace and the rib-support panel portion, and wherein the attachment belt unit includes a back strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the rib-support panel portion. [0098] Clause 41. The system of clause 40, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment belt unit includes a chest strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the chest panel portion of the bottom brace, and wherein the front strap is located between the back strap and the chest strap. [0099] Clause 42. The system of clause 41, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment belt unit includes a lower chest ring adapted to be arranged on the chest panel portion of the bottom brace, and wherein the chest strap extends through the lower chest ring so as to couple the top brace to the chest panel portion of the bottom brace. [00100] Clause 43. The system of clause 41, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment belt unit includes an upper chest ring arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal and a back ring arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal to locate the front ring between the upper chest ring and the back ring. 85007-407327 -20- [00101] Clause 44. The system of clause 43, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the upper chest ring is coupled to the rope connected to the overhead animal support system so as to couple the top brace to the overhead animal support system. [00102] Clause 45. The system of clause 43, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the chest strap extends through the upper chest ring so as to couple the top brace to the chest panel portion of the bottom brace. [00103] Clause 46. The system of clause 43, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the back strap extends through the back ring so as to couple the top brace to the rib-support panel portion of the bottom brace. [00104] Clause 47. The system of clause 43, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top brace is formed to include a front strap guide, a back strap guide, and a chest strap guide, the front strap extending through the front strap guide so that the front strap is free to slide within the front strap guide, the back strap extending through the back strap guide so that the back strap is free to slide within the back strap guide, and the chest strap extending through the chest strap guide so that the chest strap is free to slide within the chest strap guide. [00105] Clause 48. The system of clause 47, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the front strap and the back strap are each fixed to the rib-support panel portion of the bottom panel and the chest strap is fixed to the chest panel portion of the bottom panel. [00106] Clause 49. The system of clause 43, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring are shaped to include a flat portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a curved portion extending between the first end and the second end. [00107] Clause 50. The system of clause 49, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the flat portion of each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring extends along the peak of the top brace. 85007-407327 -21- [00108] Clause 52. The system of clause 43, of any one other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring are D-shaped.

Claims

85007-407327 -22- CLAIMS 1. A harness for use with an overhead animal support system, the harness comprising: a top brace adapted to be arranged on a topside of an animal, the top brace forms a peak arranged to extend along a spine of the animal, a bottom brace adapted to be positioned on an underside of the animal, and an attachment belt unit configured to couple the top brace to the bottom brace and the top brace to the overhead animal support system so that a downward force applied to the bottom brace is transferred to the overhead animal support system, the attachment belt unit including an attachment feature arranged along the peak of the top brace. 2. The system of claim 1, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace includes a left side panel adapted to be arranged on a left side of the animal and a right side panel adapted to be arranged on a right side of the animal. 3. The system of claim 2, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace includes a connector strip configured to form a joint between the left side panel and the right side panel, the connector strip defining the peak. 4. The system of claim 3, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the connector strip fixes a top edge of the left side panel and a top edge of the right side panel in place immediately adjacent to one another. 5. The system of claim 2, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace includes a sensor mount arranged on at least one of the left side panel and the right side panel. 6. The system of claim 5, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the sensor mount is provided by a strip sized to hold a sensor between the strip and the at least one of the left side panel and the right side panel. 7. The system of claim 1, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace is made from leather. 85007-407327 -23- 8. The system of claim 1, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the bottom brace includes a chest panel portion adapted to be arranged on a chest of the animal and a rib-support panel portion adapted to be arranged on the underside of the animal underlying a ribcage. 9. The system of claim 8, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the bottom brace includes a mid-section connector portion configured to couple the chest panel portion to the rib-support panel portion, the mid-section connector portion adapted to extend along the underside of the animal between a front right leg and a front left leg. 10. The system of claim 8, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein a width of the rib-support panel portion is substantially greater than a width of the chest panel portion. 11. The system of claim 8, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein a width of the rib-support panel portion is about three times greater than a width of the chest panel portion. 12. The system of claim 8, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the attachment belt unit includes a front strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the rib-support panel portion and a back strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the rib-support panel portion. 13. The system of claim 12, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the attachment belt unit includes a chest strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the chest panel portion, and wherein the front strap is located between the back strap and the chest strap. 14. The system of claim 13, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein attachment belt unit includes a lower chest ring adapted to be arranged on the chest panel portion of the bottom brace, and wherein the chest strap extends through the lower chest ring so as to couple the top brace to the chest panel portion of the bottom brace. 85007-407327 -24- 15. The system of claim 14, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein a first end and a second end of the chest strap opposite the first end are coupled to the lower chest ring. 16. The system of claim 14, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the attachment feature of the attachment belt unit includes an upper chest ring arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal. 17. The system of claim 16, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the upper chest ring is coupled to a rope connected to the overhead animal support system so as to couple the top brace and the bottom brace to the overhead animal support system. 18. The system of claim 16, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the chest strap extends through the upper chest ring. 19. The system of claim 13, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace is formed to include a chest strap guide, the chest strap extends through the chest strap guide so that the chest strap is free to slide within the chest strap guide relative to the top brace. 20. The system of claim 19, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the chest strap is fixed to the chest panel portion of the bottom brace. 21. The system of claim 12, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the attachment feature of the attachment belt unit includes a front ring and a back ring, each of the front ring and the back ring are arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal. 22. The system of claim 21, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the front ring and the back ring are each coupled to a rope connected to the overhead animal support system so as to couple the top brace to the overhead animal support system. 85007-407327 -25- 23. The system of claim 22, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the front strap extends through the front ring and the back strap extends through the back ring so as to couple the top brace to the rib-support panel portion of the bottom brace. 24. The system of claim 12, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace is formed to include a front strap guide and a back strap guide, the front strap extends through the front strap guide and the back strap extends through the back strap guide so that each of the front strap and the back strap are free to slide within the front strap guide and the back strap guide, respectively. 25. The system of claim 24, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the front strap and the back strap are fixed to the rib- support panel portion. 26. The system of claim 1, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the attachment feature is coupled to a rope connected to the overhead animal support system so as to couple the top brace to the overhead animal support system. 27. The system of claim 1, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the bottom brace is made from leather. 28. The system of claim 1, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the attachment feature of the attachment belt unit includes an upper chest ring, a front ring, and a back ring, each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring are arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal. 29. The system of claim 28, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring are shaped to include a flat portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a curved portion extending between the first end and the second end. 85007-407327 -26- 30. The system of claim 29, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the flat portion of each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring extends along the peak of the top brace. 31. The system of claim 28, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring are D-shaped. 32. A harness for use with an overhead animal support system, the harness comprising: a top brace adapted to be arranged on a topside of an animal, the top brace forms a peak arranged to extend along a spine of the animal, a bottom brace adapted to be positioned on an underside of the animal, and an attachment belt unit configured to couple the top brace to the bottom brace and the top brace to the overhead animal support system so that a downward force applied to the bottom brace is transferred to the overhead animal support system, the attachment belt unit including a front ring arranged along the peak of the top brace and a front strap arranged to extend through the front ring and over the top brace and the bottom brace to couple the top brace to the bottom brace. 33. The system of claim 32, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace includes a left side panel adapted to be arranged on a left side of the animal and a right side panel adapted to be arranged on a right side of the animal. 34. The system of claim 33, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace includes a connector strip configured to form a joint between the left side panel and the right side panel, the connector strip defining the peak, and wherein the front ring is arranged on the connector strip. 35. The system of claim 34, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the connector strip fixes a top edge of the left side panel and a top edge of the right side panel in place immediately adjacent to one another. 85007-407327 -27- 36. The system of claim 33, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace includes a sensor mount arranged on at least one of the left side panel and the right side panel. 37. The system of claim 36, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the sensor mount is provided by a strip sized to hold a sensor between the strip and the at least one of the left side panel and the right side panel. 38. The system of claim 32, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the bottom brace includes a chest panel portion adapted to be arranged on a chest of the animal and a rib-support panel portion adapted to be arranged on the underside of the animal underlying a ribcage. 39. The system of claim 38, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the bottom brace includes a mid-section connector portion configured to couple the chest panel portion to the rib-support panel portion, the mid-section connector portion adapted to extend along the underside of the animal between a front right leg and a front left leg. 40. The system of claim 39, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the front strap extends over the top brace and the rib- support panel portion, and wherein the attachment belt unit includes a back strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the rib-support panel portion. 41. The system of claim 40, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the attachment belt unit includes a chest strap arranged to extend over the top brace and the chest panel portion of the bottom brace, and wherein the front strap is located between the back strap and the chest strap. 42. The system of claim 41, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the attachment belt unit includes a lower chest ring adapted to be arranged on the chest panel portion of the bottom brace, and wherein the chest strap extends through the lower chest ring so as to couple the top brace to the chest panel portion of the bottom brace. 85007-407327 -28- 43. The system of claim 41, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the attachment belt unit includes an upper chest ring arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal and a back ring arranged on the peak of the top brace along the spine of the animal to locate the front ring between the upper chest ring and the back ring. 44. The system of claim 43, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the upper chest ring is coupled to the rope connected to the overhead animal support system so as to couple the top brace to the overhead animal support system. 45. The system of claim 43, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the chest strap extends through the upper chest ring so as to couple the top brace to the chest panel portion of the bottom brace. 46. The system of claim 43, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the back strap extends through the back ring so as to couple the top brace to the rib-support panel portion of the bottom brace. 47. The system of claim 43, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the top brace is formed to include a front strap guide, a back strap guide, and a chest strap guide, the front strap extending through the front strap guide so that the front strap is free to slide within the front strap guide, the back strap extending through the back strap guide so that the back strap is free to slide within the back strap guide, and the chest strap extending through the chest strap guide so that the chest strap is free to slide within the chest strap guide. 48. The system of claim 47, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the front strap and the back strap are each fixed to the rib-support panel portion of the bottom panel and the chest strap is fixed to the chest panel portion of the bottom panel. 49. The system of claim 43, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back 85007-407327 -29- ring are shaped to include a flat portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a curved portion extending between the first end and the second end. 50. The system of claim 49, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein the flat portion of each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring extends along the peak of the top brace. 52. The system of claim 43, of any one other suitable claim, or any suitable combination of claims, wherein each of the upper chest ring, the front ring, and the back ring are D-shaped.