Therapeutic devices

Details Therapeutic devices Therapeutic devices

1999-12-01

2001-09-11

Price, Thomas (Department: 3643)

Animal husbandry

Body- or appendage-encircling collar or band

Having or specifically adapted to support a diverse element...

Reexamination Certificate

active

06286463

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to therapeutic devices. More specifically, it relates to magnetic therapy devices for animals.
2. Related Art
It is recognized that selective placement of magnets on humans and animals has had some therapeutic effects on the treatment of various ailments such as arthritis and circulatory problems. Various biomagnet therapy devices now come in the form of wraps, bands or blankets. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,879 to Pitzen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,912 to Nakayama, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,426,925 to Smargiassi. A problem with these devices is that they are either unworkable for animals or not readily adjustable for different size animals. For instance, a small dog does not require the magnet strength applied to a cow or a horse.
Another shortcoming of the related art is the need to purchase an animal restraint made especially for magnet therapy apart from conventional animal restraints. Such a device is exemplified by “Magnetic Pet Products” in which magnets are built into a pet collar. As a result, when therapy is not desired, another collar must be purchased.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a therapeutic device providing adjustability of magnet strength and usage with conventional animal restraints.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a therapeutic device usable with conventional animal restraints, such as harnesses or collars, and a magnetic animal identification tag. In one aspect of the invention a therapeutic device is provided including a contiguous hollow member; a pocket coupled to the contiguous hollow member, the pocket having a closure device attached thereto for closing the pocket; and at least one magnet positioned within the pocket.
Another aspect of the invention supplies a magnetic therapy device for directing a therapeutically effective magnetic flux into an animal including a contiguous hollow member; a pocket coupled to the hollow member, the pocket having a closure device attached thereto for closing the pocket; at least one magnet positioned within the pocket; and an animal restraint for attachment to an animal, the animal restraint having at least one part thereof extending through the hollow member to hold the hollow member adjacent the animal.
Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus having: an elongate member having a first hollow area and at least one adjacent second hollow area, the first hollow area open at both ends of the elongate member; at least one magnet positioned within the at least one second hollow area; and an animal restraint having at least one portion thereof extending through the first area.
Yet another aspect of the invention includes a member made of a magnetic material and including an animal identifier thereon; and means for coupling the member to an animal restraint. In all of the above aspects, the strength of the magnet(s) may be adjusted according to desired effects, ailment, animal size, etc.
The above aspects provide therapeutic devices having adjustability of magnet strength and usage with conventional animal restraints.
Another aspect of the invention includes a therapeutic device including a hollow member made of a magnetic material; and an animal restraint having at least one portion thereof extending through the hollow member. This aspect provide a therapeutic device for use with conventional animal restraints. In one particular embodiment, the magnetic material is a magnetic fabric.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention.


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