Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Phase Three
The support of the quadruped is now maintained by two legs on the same
side of the animal: front left and hind left. The balance is shifted slightly as the
center of gravity is located more closely to the supporting legs. The front legs
have moved once again into the passing position and the hind legs are in the
stride.
• Front right leg is swinging forward and neither supports the animal nor
contributes to the duty factor.
• Front left leg is held straight, rigid, and upright. It is halfway through this
stride duty factor cycle. This leg is supporting the animal's front end.
• Hind left leg is now extended fully backward at the end of its contribution
to the duty factor.
• Hind right leg is extended fully forward with the foot held flat as it antici-
pates being placed on the ground.
Phase Four
The balance is shifted as the support moves from two feet on the same side
of the animal to the front left and hind right feet creating a support structure
diagonally across the body.
• Front right leg is extended forward, but the foot is not yet placed on the
ground.
• Front left leg is now extended fully backward, thereby creating a stride
position with the other front leg.
• Hind left leg has just lifted off the ground and begins to swing forward.
• Hind right leg has its foot placed on the ground, is supporting the rear end
of the animal, and is beginning to move backward.
Phase Five
Three of the feet are now placed on the ground, creating a triangular
configuration of the supporting legs. The front legs are now in the stride
position and the rear legs are entering the passing position phase.
• Front right leg is fully extended with the foot placed on the ground.
• Front left leg is extended backward with the foot preparing to be lifted
from the ground.
• Hind left leg has lifted and has swung forward and is located half way
through the passing position.
• Hind right leg is now in its upright position and supports the rear end of
the animal.
Phase Six
This is the final phase of the cycle. Once again the animal is supported by the
two legs on one side of the animal, this time by the front right and hind right.
•
Front right leg is moving backward and is almost in the upright position.
•
Front left leg has been lifted from the ground and swings forward.
