Animal husbandry – Body worn protective shield or apparel
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-08
2001-02-13
Poon, Peter M. (Department: 3644)
Animal husbandry
Body worn protective shield or apparel
C036S111000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186097
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a protection shoe for the paw of a dog, particularly formed like a sock and made of a flexible material.
A protection shoe of this kind provides not only a protection of the bandage of a paw (in case of hurts) against wetness and soaking from outside but also a protection of the paw against external influences by chemical substances, sharp objects or the like. For example dogs of the police or customs authorities or dogs of a rescue team are exposed to such high demands.
Such a protection shoe is known of the German DE-U 295 08 928.8. This protection shoe comprises a cotton sock which is immersed into a synthetic solution. Thus created outer skin is absolutely water-proof but not breathable. This has the disadvantage that the sweatiness of the dog cannot get to the outside. In this case, a possible bandage will therefore become wet and the healing process will be prevented or delayed. Another disadvantage to be mentioned is that the outer skin is only flexible but not stretchable. Together with a fixing of the protection shoe by a surrounding strap, this can cause an overstrain especially of the rear tendon of the leg.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved protection shoe as descriped above which avoids the above-mentioned existing disadvantages.
According to the invention the object is achieved in that the material of the protection shoe has at least two layers at least the outer layer of which consists of an breathable semipermeable material elastically stretchable in lengthwise and cross direction and which is impermeable to water from outside and permeable to humidity from the inside. This kind of design of a protection shoe has on the one hand the advantage that the paw and/or the bandage is protected against humidity coming from the outside and on the other hand the sweatiness from the inside can get to the outside.
A further advantage of the present invention is the facilitation in putting the protection shoe over the paw and/or the bandage due to the elastical stretchability of the material in lengthwise and cross direction. Furthermore, the tendon of the concerned leg is not obstructed.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the outer skin comprises polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE). The inner layer which faces the paw can be made of smooth fleece-like material or similar material. By using this material, the requested properities can be achieved. The material of the inner layer can be made e.g. of a synthethic fleece.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the material comprises a layer of chloroprene-caoutchouc which is coated on at least one side with a nylon-layer (Neoprene®). Preferably, the chloroprene-caoutchouc-layer is coated on both sides with a nylon-layer. Thus, an breathable material will also be provided which is furthermore extremely elastical and does not hinder the dog.
It can be suitable if the area of the sole of the outer layer is coated with a granulate such that the stretchability of the material will not or only unessentially be reduced. With that, the dog gets a sufficient non-slipping hold when walking or running. Due to the maintained elastical stretchability in the area of the coated sole the dog can walk on safely.
It can also be provided that the outer layer is coated in the area of the sole with a rubber-like strengthening layer which can have profile. Thus the walking-feeling of the dog will also not be influenced. Furthermore, no disturbing noise during walking on asphalt or the like occurs. The strengthening layer can for example be laminated onto the outer layer.
Especially in this case it is advisable that the strengthening layer is connected with the outer layer via blind stitch seams. Generally, it is also possible to work up all layers with such blind stitch seams. The blind stitch seams do not get totally through the material. The stitch will only be leaded up to the middle of the externally located layers. This has the advantage that there cannot be caused any leaky spots by the seam. Moreover, the blind stitch seams are elastical so that they can stand strong strains.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention it is provided that in case of a protection shoe which is fixed to the leg of a dog by at least one strap, which in closed condition surrounds the leg of a dog at least partially, the strap will be equipped at least in the area of the rear tendon of a leg with an elastical area. Thus it is achieved that the tendon of the leg can be stretched freely and will not be hindered by the strap which is tight apart from that. Especially the equipping of a shoe with the elastically stretchable material in lengthwise as well as in cross direction creates a protection shoe which provides an optimal hold and at the same time gives an unhindered freedom of movement of the leg and the concerned tendon respectively.
It can be provided that the area of extensibility will be formed by an extensible segment of the strap. The area of extensibility can also be designed as a fold in the strap which fold is not connected with the protection shoe in this area. It can also be suitable if essentially the total strap is made elastically. Thus a sufficient extensibility also in the area of the rear tendon will be achieved.
It is however suitable when the area of extensibility is arranged as a gap of the strap in this area. The necessary extensibility will then be defined by the extensibility of the used material. Particularly this arrangement of the area of extensibility can be prepared easily.
Generally, the sort of the fastener of the strap can be of any kind. However, it is suitable if the strap is equipped with a hook and loop VELCRO® fastener which is relatively insensible against wetness and pollutions and can quickly be closed and opened. Furthermore, the dog will not be hindered by buckles or the like.
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Brockmann Sandra
Knuth Arne
Abbott Yvonne R.
Howson and Howson
Poon Peter M.
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