Animal husbandry – Body worn protective shield or apparel
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-08
2001-05-22
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Animal husbandry
Body worn protective shield or apparel
C054S079200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234117
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a protective garments for quadrupeds. More specifically, the protective garment of the present invention includes a four-way stretch material that allows the animal freedom of movement and comfort while preventing the animal from disturbing a treated area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Care for animals, after surgery, presents problems. Animals paw, lick and bite at wounds, often tearing out stitches or sutures. Such behavior results in the possibility of re-stitching a wound as well as an increased rate of infection at the wound site. Moreover, constant re-application of bandages to a wound, by taping gauze onto an animal has been difficult. Indeed, medical tape and gauze do not adhere well to the fur of a skittish animal.
In the past an “Elizabethan collar” has been used to prevent an animal from licking at its wounds. This collar, however, limits the animal from moving its head, which restricts its vision and makes it difficult for the animal to eat and drink, thereby causing the animal undue consternation. In addition, the collar neither prevents the animal from pawing at its wounds, nor eliminates the difficulty of reapplying bandages.
Some attempt has been made to prevent an animal from pawing or licking at bandages and wounds by providing body coverings for animals. For example, Caditz, U.S. Des. No. 374,315, teaches a two piece protective garment that covers the head and extends the length of the animal's legs. Similarly, Waugh, U.S. Des. No. 372,563 teaches a multiple piece protective garment, covering only the front portion of the animal. Finally, Zielinski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,600 teaches a one piece protective garment fastened only at the back.
These body coverings, heretofore, however, have suffered significant problems. They are difficult to put on and remove, and they often constrain the animal's normal range of motion. Moreover, these body coverings often exacerbate rather than abate the irritation at the wound.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention describes a protective garment for quadrupeds that prevents the quadruped from licking or disturbing a treated area or disrupting stitches or sutures. This garment includes a single piece of tight-weave, four-way stretch fabric having a top portion, a bottom portion, a tail portion, and side portions. The garment, additionally, includes a head opening, leg openings, and a tail opening. In one aspect of the invention, an additional opening, approximately mid-garment, splits the posterior portion of the garment along the top portion. This mid-garment opening allows the posterior portion to be easily removed. When the quadruped needs to defecate or to urinate, the bottom portion of the garment acts as a hinge, allowing the posterior portion of the garment to be easily removed from the quadruped's back end, tail, and the back legs, while the anterior portion of the garment remains in place. To replace the posterior portion of the garment, the bottom portion swings easily upward, over the quadruped's back legs, tail, and back end.
In an alternative aspect of the invention, the garment splits only around the sides. In another alternative aspect of the invention, the garment includes two completely detachable pieces—a posterior piece and an anterior piece.
The garment employs tight-weave, four-way stretch fabric in order to provide a snug-fitting, yet elastic, garment that denies the quadruped any opportunity to disturb stitches or sutures. The garment's snug fit, smooth texture, and seamless bottom portion reduce irritation and the risk of infection at the wound site. The garment's elasticity facilitates easy removal and replacement of the garment, and allows the quadruped substantial freedom of movement. In addition, tight-weave, four-way stretch fabric resists tearing, thereby increasing the garment's durability. It washes and dries quickly and easily. Moreover, it maintains its shape and fit and defies shrinking, even upon repeated washing and continued wear. In an important aspect, the hydrophobic nature of the fabric provides a garment that resists staining.
In another important aspect of the invention, the particular tight-weave, four-way stretch fabric consists of about an eight (8) ounce tricot weave from about seventy-five (75) percent to about eighty-five (85) percent nylon fiber, and from about fifteen (15) percent to about twenty-five (25) percent segmented polyurethane fiber, such as spandex or elastane. This composition yields elasticity stretch factors of about ninety (90) to about one-hundred twenty (120) percent longitudinally, with a maximum stretch of about two-hundred twenty (220) percent, and about sixty (60) to about one-hundred (100) percent latitudinally, with a maximum stretch of about two-hundred (200) percent. In an alternative aspect of the invention, a polyester fiber may be substituted for the nylon fiber.
In another important aspect of the invention, the garment closes with fasteners, for example, hook and loop fasteners like the fasteners sold under the trademark “Velcro”, positioned strategically. A fastener closes the mid-section opening of the garment. Another fastener may be placed behind the head opening, allowing the garment to be easily pulled over the quadruped's head. More fasteners close the tail portion and the posterior portion of the garment. With fasteners closing the posterior portion of the garment, it may be easily removed, while the front portion of the garment remains in place. Once removed, the posterior portion of the garment may be secured beneath the front portion to prevent soiling the garment.
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patent: D. 368338 (1996-03-01), Levengood
patent: D. 372563 (1996-08-01), Waugh, Jr.
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patent: 255684 (1988-02-01), None
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patent: WO 95/22462 (1995-08-01), None
K9 Top Coat Sales Brochure—Publication Date Unknown.
Abbott Yvonne R.
Fitch Even Tabin & Flannery
Jordan Charles T.
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