Protective shields for protecting the limbs of injured animals

Abstract

A protective shield having a tubular shape is used for protecting a wound on a limb of an animal. The protective shield includes a first sleeve half, a second sleeve half, and a hinge connecting the first and second sleeve halves for enabling the protective shield to move between open and closed positions. A first splint overlies the inner surface of said first sleeve half, and a first splint attachment strip is secured to the inner surface of the first sleeve half and extends between upper and lower ends of the first sleeve half. The first splint attachment strip has a plurality of splint mounting positions provided thereon for enabling the first splint to be secured to the first sleeve half at different locations between the upper and lower ends of the first sleeve half. A second splint overlies the inner surface of the second sleeve half, and a second splint attachment strip is secured to the inner surface of the second sleeve half and extends between upper and lower ends of the second sleeve half. The second splint attachment strip has a plurality of splint mounting positions provided thereon for enabling the second splint to be secured to the second sleeve half at different locations between the upper and lower ends of the second sleeve half.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0001]The present patent application is generally related to devices and tools for treating injured animals, such as dogs, and is more particularly related to protective shields that encircle and protect the limbs and / or legs of animals to permit healing of a wound, break, or injury, and to prevent the animal from accessing the injured site for facilitating the healing process.Description of the Related Art[0002]When treating humans after a disaster, accident, fire, or armed conflict, splints or stabilizing structures may be used while the patient is moved from a first location to a medical facility. Thus, a splint or stabilizing structure may be easily applied and ready for x-rays without removal upon arrival at the medical facility.[0003]Animals may be injured due to vehicular accidents, or while running, jumping from heights, falling, slipping, or interacting with other animals. Animals may also suffer epidermal problems such as dr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a protective shield that is designed to encircle and protect a limb to promote quicker healing and prevent further damage to the wound. The shield is made of high-impact, light-weight, transparent plastic with adjustable splints that allow the shield to bend and flex with the animal or human. It can be easily applied and removed, and allows for constant monitoring of the wound without needing to remove the shield. The shield can also be portable and light-weight, allowing it to be worn during normal activities as a wound heals. Additionally, a waterproof sleeve can be added to protect the ends of the shield and wound from harmful elements.

Problems solved by technology

Animals may be injured due to vehicular accidents, or while running, jumping from heights, falling, slipping, or interacting with other animals.

Animals may also suffer epidermal problems such as dry skin, rashes, burns and the like.

In some instances, animals may aggravate the injury to such an extent that a surgical procedure or destruction of the animal is required.

During post-treatment periods, animals often have a tendency to gnaw, chew or otherwise attempt to gain access to an injured location that may have stitches, topical dressings, splints or other medical treatments applied for healing purposes.

These negative actions by animals tend to inhibit and prolong the recuperation period and may lead to secondary infections or injuries at the wound site.

The Freidman device tends to affect a rubbing of the skin about the support portion as well as portions about the leg over which the device is positioned, thereby aggravating the recuperative period.

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