Device to facilitate the examination and treatment of animals

Abstract

Device (1, 21) for facilitating the examination and treatment of small domestic, companion, and farm animals, in particular dogs and cats, comprising at least one sack-like, flexible cover (2, 22) enclosing an interior space (3, 23) for receiving an animal, wherein the cover (2, 22) has a first opening (4, 24) for introducing the animal into the interior space (3, 23), which can be closed by means of at least one first closing device (5, 25), and wherein the cover (2, 22) additionally comprises at least one second closing device (6, 26) for reducing the volume of the interior space (3, 23), which divides the interior space (3, 23) into an upper section (7, 27) opening into the first opening and a lower section (8, 28) receiving the animal, characterized in that the cover (2, 22) has at least one treatment area (9, 29) which includes at least one perforated and / or mesh-like area (10,30) comprising a plurality of second openings, the diameter of each second opening being smaller than the diameter of the animal's head and limbs.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for facilitating the examination and treatment of small domestic, companion and farm animals, in particular dogs and cats, which comprises at least one sack-like, flexible cover enclosing an interior space for receiving an animal, wherein the cover has a first opening for introducing the animal into the interior space, which can be closed by means of at least one first closing device, and wherein the cover additionally comprises at least one second closing device for reducing the volume of the interior space, which divides the interior space into an upper section opening into the first opening and a lower section receiving the animal.

[0002] During veterinary examinations and treatments of defensive animals, especially dogs and cats, there is a risk that the examining or treating person, such as a veterinarian or animal caretaker, may be bitten. This is because the animals are stressed during the examination and / or experience pain, which can lead to aggression. Since animal bites are not only painful but can also cause dangerous wounds, measures are typically taken to prevent bites. For example, there are special gripping devices that can be used to keep the animals at a distance. Furthermore, the examining or treating person may wear leather gloves for protection in case of a bite.However, while the use of gripping devices is very cumbersome and can also lead to injuries in the animals, leather gloves severely restrict the mobility and "feel" of the examining or treating person.

[0003] Examination bags are also used, into which an animal (as long as it is still accessible) is placed. These bags have zippers for each limb. One zipper can then be opened to pull out a leg and, for example, to puncture a vein or perform similar procedures. However, such bags are not suitable for untamed animals or animals that are already very stressed and therefore irritable.

[0004] For example, US patent 3,150,640 discloses a bag for the veterinary treatment of animals, made of a flexible material and featuring an opening for the animal's head to pass through. The flexible material comprises a fabric coated with a synthetic polymer, making it impermeable to liquids. However, this bag has the disadvantage that defensive animals, such as dogs or cats, can still bite the person treating them, even while inside the bag.

[0005] Patent DE 373608 discloses, for example, a sack-like container for holding animals or objects, the capacity of which can be changed by means of a clamping device that is movable along the length of the container. The container consists of a gas-tight sack, the upper part of which has an opening for inserting the animal or object, and the lower part of which can be variably constricted by the clamping device. For treating animals, the sack has an opening for the head to be inserted, so that the animals are not harmed by the gas that is introduced into the sack for killing vermin or for disinfection. However, this has the disadvantage that defensive animals such as dogs or cats can still bite the person treating them, even if they are inside the sack.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device for the examination and treatment of animals which eliminates or at least significantly reduces the risk of animal bites and which simultaneously enables the examination and treatment of the animals under visual control.

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by a device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the casing in the lower section comprises at least one treatment area, which includes at least one perforated and / or mesh-like area comprising a plurality of second openings, the diameter of each of the second openings being smaller than the diameter of the animal's head and extremities. The treatment area according to the invention allows the examining and / or treating person, for example a veterinarian or animal caretaker, to safely examine and treat the animal from the outside, since it is completely (including its head) within the interior of the device formed by the casing and can no longer reach the examining and / or treating person with its teeth or claws. The lower section of the casing, or...The interior is sealed by means of the second locking mechanism, preventing the animal from escaping or extricating its head or limbs. This prevents the animal from biting or scratching the person examining and / or treating it, allowing the examination or treatment to be carried out safely. Furthermore, the reduction in the interior volume achieved by the second locking mechanism restricts the animal's movement, further simplifying the examination and treatment. The second openings in the perforated and / or mesh-like area allow for visual monitoring of the examination or treatment. Additionally, it is possible, for example, to insert a syringe needle through one of these openings to administer an injection to the animal.For example, with the aid of the device according to the invention, uncooperative and aggressive cats can be safely removed from a transport container, restrained, and weighed, and can also be given intramuscular injections under visual control. It is advantageous that aggressive cats from a cat trap often spontaneously escape into the device or can be easily poured into it, thus significantly minimizing the risk of injury to the animal.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second openings are arranged such that an examining and / or treating person can at least partially view the lower section of the interior. For this purpose, the second openings should advantageously be arranged close together so that the treatment area can at least partially serve as a kind of window through which one can view the interior of the device.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is therefore provided that the perforated and / or net-like area comprises a net-like material, preferably a polyamide net, in particular a nylon net.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the perforated and / or net-like area extends at least over a substantial part, preferably half, of the entire circumference of the casing in the lower section, so that viewing and intervention into the interior is possible over a large area and the animal is fully accessible.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first locking device is provided to be attachable to a transport container for the animal. The first locking device (optionally including a clamping device, see below) is thus preferably designed and usable in such a way that the device according to the invention can be securely and stably attached to a transport container (e.g., a trap) containing the (aggressive) animal by means of the first locking device. In this way, the risk of escape and injury can be significantly reduced.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first closure device and / or the second closure device each comprise at least one cord- or band-shaped drawstring arranged within a narrow, elongated pocket extending approximately around the entire circumference of the cover. Alternatively or additionally, the first closure device and / or the second closure device can each comprise at least one cord- or band-shaped drawstring arranged partially within eyelets distributed approximately around the entire circumference of the cover. The drawstring allows the cover to be quickly and easily drawn together to close the first opening and / or to reduce the volume of the interior and seal the lower section.The free ends of the pull cord can then, for example, simply be knotted to prevent the first opening and / or the lower section from opening unintentionally. In both cases, a clamping device can also be attached to the free ends of the cord- or band-shaped pull cord, which can be fixed in any position on the cord. This clamping device also allows for quick and reliable prevention of the first opening and / or the lower section from opening unintentionally. The cord- or band-shaped pull cord can advantageously be made of an elastic material comprising at least one polyamide, preferably nylon.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the casing in the lower section comprises at least a third opening, preferably an eyelet. A hose, for example, can be connected to the third opening, through which liquids or gases, preferably oxygen, can be introduced into the interior of the casing to care for or treat the animal.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that the casing consists at least partially of an air-permeable material and / or has a plurality of pore-like ventilation openings, so that an adequate supply of air or oxygen to the animal is ensured at all times during the examination or treatment.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the casing can consist at least partially of a woven fabric, wherein the fibers of the woven fabric comprise natural and / or synthetic fibers. The fibers can, for example, comprise at least one polyamide, preferably nylon.

[0016] The invention will be explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the figures and the embodiments described below. Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0017] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figures 2 each show a device 1, 21 according to the invention for facilitating the examination and treatment of small domestic, companion, and farm animals, in particular dogs and cats, which comprises at least one sack-like, flexible cover 2, 22 enclosing an interior space 3, 23 for receiving an animal. The cover 2, 22 consists at least partially of an air-permeable material, in particular a fibrous fabric, wherein the fibers of the fibrous fabric preferably comprise nylon. The cover 2, 22 has a first opening 4, 24 through which the animal can be placed into the interior space 3, 23, wherein the first opening 4, 24 can be closed by means of a first closure device 5, 25 when the animal is in the interior space 3, 23. The cover 2, 22 additionally comprises at least a second closure device 6, 26 by means of which the volume of the interior space 3, 23 can be reduced by constricting the cover 2, 22.This divides the interior space 3, 23 into an upper section 7, 27, which opens into the first opening 4, 24, and a lower section 8, 28, which is designed to hold the animal. When the animal enters the interior space 3, 23 of the casing 2, 22 through the first opening 4, 24, the lower section 8, 28 is closed by the second closing device 6, 26 as soon as the animal is inside the lower section 8, 28. The animal is then "trapped" in the lower section 8, 28 of the interior space 3, 23, preventing it from escaping or from getting its head or limbs out. This prevents the animal from biting or scratching the person examining and / or treating it, allowing the examination or treatment to be carried out safely.Furthermore, by reducing the volume of the interior 3, 23 by means of the second closure device 6, 26, the animal's mobility is restricted to such an extent that the examination and treatment are further simplified. The casing 2, 22 also includes a treatment area 9, 29 in its lower section 8, 28, which in these embodiments consists of a perforated and / or mesh-like area 10, 30. The perforated and / or mesh-like area 10, 30 has a plurality of secondary openings (not shown here), the diameter of which is each smaller than the diameter of the animal's head and limbs, so that the animal cannot use the secondary openings to attack the person examining and / or treating the animal. The examination or treatment can be carried out through the secondary openings of the perforated and / or mesh-like area 10, 30.The animal can then be treated safely and without risk under visual control, with the second openings being used to insert small objects, such as cannulas or probes, into the interior 3, 23 for examination or treatment. In the embodiments shown here, the perforated and / or mesh-like area 10, 30 extends over the openings in the... Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 visible half of envelope 2, 22 (the non-visible half has no perforated and / or net-like area), i.e. half of the total perimeter of envelope 2, 22 in the lower section 8, 28.

[0018] The first closure device 5, 25 each comprises a cord- or band-shaped drawbar 11, 31, while the second closure device 6, 26 each comprises two cord- or band-shaped drawbars 12, 32 and 12a, 32a which are arranged within a narrow, elongated pocket 13; 14, 34 extending approximately around the entire circumference of the cover 2, 22 ( Fig. 1) Alternatively, the cord- or band-shaped traction element(s) 11, 31; 12, 32, 12a, 32a can also be arranged partially within eyelets 15 distributed approximately over the entire circumference of the sheath 2, 22 (see traction element 11 in Fig.2) In the embodiments shown here, a clamping device 18, 38 is attached to each of the free ends 16, 36 of the cord- or band-shaped tensioning elements 11, 31. This clamping device can be fixed in any position on the tensioning element 11, 31 so that the sheath 2, 22 can be drawn together and tightly but reversibly tied at these points. The free ends 17, 37 of the cord- or band-shaped tensioning elements 12, 32, 12a, 32a can each be knotted, for example, to draw the sheath 2, 22 together and tightly but reversibly tie it at these points. The cord- or band-shaped tensioning elements 11, 31; 12, 32, 12a, 32a can, for example, be made of an elastic material comprising at least one polyamide, preferably nylon.

[0019] The casing 2, 22 further comprises two third openings 19, 20; 39, 40 in the lower section 8, 28, each of which is formed, for example, by an eyelet. A hose can be connected, for example, to the third openings 19, 20; 39, 40, through which liquids or gases, preferably oxygen, can be introduced into the interior 3, 23 of the casing 2, 22 in order to care for or treat the animal. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 3 150 640

[0004] DE 373608

[0005]

Claims

[1] Device (1, 21) for facilitating the examination and treatment of small domestic, companion and farm animals, in particular dogs and cats, comprising at least one sack-like, flexible cover (2, 22) enclosing an interior space (3, 23) for receiving an animal, wherein the cover (2, 22) has a first opening (4, 24) for introducing the animal into the interior space (3, 23), which can be closed by means of at least one first closing device (5, 25), and wherein the cover (2, 22) additionally comprises at least one second closing device (6, 26) for reducing the volume of the interior space (3, 23), which divides the interior space (3, 23) into an upper section (7, 27) opening into the first opening and a lower section (8, 28) receiving the animal, characterized by, that the sheath (2, 22) in the lower section (8, 28) includes at least one treatment area (9, 29) which includes at least one perforated and / or net-like area (10, 30) which includes a plurality of second openings, wherein the diameter of the second openings is in each case smaller than the diameter of the head and extremities of the animal. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the second openings are arranged in such a way that an examining and / or treating person can at least partially inspect the lower section (8, 28) of the interior (3, 23). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the perforated and / or net-like area (10, 30) comprises a net-like material, preferably a polyamide net, in particular a nylon net. [4] Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by, that the perforated and / or net-like area (10, 30) extends at least over a substantial part, preferably half, of the total circumference of the shell (2, 22) in the lower section (8, 28). [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first locking device (5, 25) can be attached to a transport container for the animal. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first closure device (5, 25) and / or the second closure device (6, 26) each comprise at least one cord- or band-shaped drawbar (11, 31; 12, 32) which is arranged within a narrow, elongated pocket (13; 14, 34) extending approximately around the entire circumference of the cover (2, 22). [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first closure device (5, 25) and / or the second closure device (6, 26) each comprise at least one cord- or band-shaped drawbar (11, 31; 12, 32) which is partially arranged within eyelets (15) distributed approximately over the entire circumference of the cover (2, 22). [8] Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that a clamping device (18; 38) is attached to the free ends (16, 36; 17, 37) of the cord- or band-shaped traction element (11, 31; 12, 32), which can be fixed in any position on the traction element (11, 31; 12, 32). [9] Device according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized by , that the cord- or band-shaped traction element (11, 31; 12, 32) consists of an elastic material comprising at least one polyamide, preferably nylon. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the shell (2, 22) in the lower section (8, 28) includes at least one third opening (19, 20; 39, 40) which preferably includes an eyelet. [11] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shell (2, 22) consists at least partially of an air-permeable material and / or has a large number of pore-like ventilation openings. [12] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the covering (2, 22) consists at least partially of a fibrous fabric, wherein the fibers of the fibrous fabric comprise natural and / or synthetic fibers. [13] Device according to claim 12, characterized by that the fibers comprise at least one polyamide, preferably nylon.

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