Waterproof Animal Boot with Drawstring Closure and Sealed Seams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing animal boots fail to provide comprehensive protection for injured legs, as they do not extend beyond the intermediate flexible joint, are not waterproof, and lack effective closure mechanisms to prevent water and debris infiltration or self-removal by the animal.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof, oversized protective boot with a cylindrical leg portion extending above the intermediate flexible joint, featuring sealed seams, adjustable straps, and a top closure mechanism using a drawstring or expandable elastic material to secure the boot and prevent self-removal, along with a coarse exterior to deter chewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a plastic bag is used to protect the injured leg, then protection from water and debris is provided, but the animal may gnaw or claw at the bag causing it to rip or be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from water and debrisVSAvoidintegrity of protective covering

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the disposable plastic bag with a durable, reusable protective boot designed to withstand animal interaction. The boot is constructed from robust materials that resist gnawing and clawing, eliminating the need for frequent replacement while maintaining protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective boot employs a flexible yet durable shell structure that conforms to the animal's leg while providing robust protection. The material selection balances flexibility for comfort with resistance to animal-induced damage, solving the contradiction between protectiveness and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a plastic bag is used to protect the injured leg, then protection from water and debris is provided, but the animal may ingest gnawed portions of the bag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from water and debrisVSAvoidingestion of protective covering material

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the ingestion hazard by replacing the plastic bag with a durable boot made from non-toxic, indigestible materials. The robust construction prevents the animal from gnawing off pieces, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of material ingestion while maintaining protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If string or rubber bands are used to secure the protective covering, then retention on the leg is achieved, but the animal's comfort is reduced and blood circulation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention of protective coveringVSAvoidanimal comfort and circulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic fastening mechanisms such as adjustable straps with buckles or Velcro closures that can be tightened or loosened as needed. This allows the protective boot to remain securely in place while accommodating changes in leg swelling or comfort needs, resolving the contradiction between reliable retention and animal comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system allows for parameter adjustment in terms of tightness and positioning. The straps can be modified to provide optimal compression for retention while preventing excessive tightness that would compromise circulation or comfort, thus resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If existing boots are designed to extend only to below the intermediate flexible joint, then manufacturing is simpler, but comprehensive protection against adverse elements is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of boot constructionVSAvoidprotection against water and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the protective boot into functional segments: a main body extending above the intermediate flexible joint for comprehensive protection, and an adjustable fastening system at the top for secure fit. This segmentation allows the boot to provide extended protection while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8161668B2Animal limb protective boot

Publication Date: 2012.04.24 BODEE INC

AI summary

A protective boot for an animal including a generally cylindrical leg portion having a top end and a bottom end and a top closure affixed to and circumscribing the top end of the leg portion that is drawn inward against the leg of the animal to protect against the infiltration of extraneous material into and against the self-removal of the protective boot by the animal. The base portion of the protective boot is sealed to the bottom end of the leg portion and is enhanced with a non-slip material to provide substitute traction for the animal. At least one strap is fixedly connected to the leg portion and is operable to reduce the diameter of the leg portion in the vicinity of the strap. The protective boot is sealed at each seam or point of attachment between elements so that the boot is waterproof.