Abstract: The invention relates to a brace for use with animals. The brace comprises an upper structure, a lower structure, a first reinforcement positioned to a first lateral side of a longitudinal axis of the upper structure, and a second reinforcement positioned to a second lateral side of the longitudinal axis of the upper structure. Each of the first reinforcement and second reinforcement are integral to the upper structure and parallel to the longitudinal axis. The lower structure is independent of and releasably secured to the upper structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brace for use with animals. The brace comprises an upper structure, a lower structure, a first reinforcement positioned to a first lateral side of a longitudinal axis of the upper structure, and a second reinforcement positioned to a second lateral side of the longitudinal axis of the upper structure. Each of the first reinforcement and second reinforcement are integral to the upper structure and parallel to the longitudinal axis. The lower structure is independent of and releasably secured to the upper structure.

Abstract: A mechanically latchable solenoid having a single coil and a single-piece armature or core plunger having a latch pin fixed thereto. The plunger is moved to a first, retracted position by energization of the coil with a pulse of either direct or alternating electric current. A spring-biased mechanical latch latches the plunger in the retracted position. A subsequent energization of the coil with a current pulse unlatches the plunger so that the plunger is returned to its original, unretracted position by a non-magnetic external force, such as that provided by a plunger spring. The latch is in the form of a lobed cam which is mechanically moved out of its normal unlatched position by the latch pin when the coil is first energized to attract the plunger from its unretracted to its retracted position. When the plunger has moved a predetermined portion of the distance to its retracted position, a lobe of the spring-biased cam engages the pin to prevent the plunger from returning to its original position.