WO2012094712A1

WO2012094712A1 - A compression garment for animals

Info

Publication number: WO2012094712A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew SPICE; Stephen SPICE
Original assignee: Hidez Pty Limited
Priority date: 2011-01-14
Filing date: 2012-01-15
Publication date: 2012-07-19
Also published as: AU2012206954A1; AU2012101893A4

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compression garment (10) for clothing a body part of an animal (4). The garment (10) includes a section adapted to contain or include one or more therapeutic or protective materials which in use cover one or more selected areas of the body part. The garment (10) also includes a plurality of panels (2) of stretchable material joined to one another by seams. The seams are designed to exert gradient compressional force on the or each selected area of the body part.

Description

A Compression Garment for Animate

Technical FieM

This invention broadly relates to a compression garment for animals. In particular, the invention relates to a compression garment for clothing one or more body parts of an animal for medical, therapeutic or protective purposes. The invention also relates to a garment adapted to cover one or more body parts of an animal for advertising purposes.

Background of the Invention

It is generally recognised in animal medicine that the promotion of blood and oxygen to muscles or muscle groups in limbs, for example, is extremely effective in reducing swelling, treating injuries, alleviating pain, soreness and stiffness. It also reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Augmented blood and oxygen supply to muscle groups is also important to sporting and equestrian horses which normally live in a paddock. When taking part in a competition, these horses are typically kept in a small stable with little or no room for stretching or exercising, which often leads to retamment of fluid and hence swelling up of the legs.

Additionally, horses are susceptible to the following health issues:

1. travel tiredness as a result of being transported by freight; and

2. 'tying up' caused by a build-up of carbohydrates in their body after spending a certain period of time in the paddock;

3. fluid retention from being kept in a stable or standing in one spot for long periods of time.

Previous attempts to overcome the above problems involve enhancing blood and oxygen supply in muscles or muscle groups by massage therapy which involves applying pressure on strained or injured areas of the animals. Massage therapy has been found to be beneficial as it significantly reduces recovery time from injuries and increases muscle activity and proprioception. This however has the shortcoming that the strained or injured areas are not persistently treated outside of the therapy sessions.

To overcome the above shortcoming, injured or vulnerable areas, such as the knees, cannon bones and fetlocks where venous supply is limited, are strapped heavily with compression bandages or tapes to provide strength and support Conventional compression therapy using compression bandages or tapes however have the following disadvantages:

1. the bandages and tapes are required to be applied individually and independently to desired area(s), which is cumbersome and inflexible;

2. the therapy is usually applied via cannon guards which has limited coverage, typically from the fetlock to the knee joint of a horse; and

3. the therapy does not enhance blood and oxygen supply to muscle groups.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a compression garment for animals which may ameliorate the foregoing shortcomings and disadvantages pr which will at least provide a useful alternative.

Snmififlry of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compression garment for clothing a body part of an animal, the garment including a section adapted to contain or include one or more therapeutic or protective materials which in use cover one or more selected areas of the body part.

The animal is preferred to be a horse but may include other animals such as grey hounds or police dogs.

In a preferred embodiment, the garment includes a plurality of panels of stretohoble material joined to one another by seams so designed and configured as to exert gradient compressional force on the or each selected area of the body part. Each seam may be created by stitching, sonic welding, gluing or other suitable binding means.

Preferably, the section forms an integral part of the garment It is preferred that the section is a container in the form of a pocket The pocket may be adapted to contain ice blocks or other suitable therapeutic materials such as alternative medicine.

Alternatively, the section is releasably attached to the garment In this case, the section may include a container adapted to be attached to the garment via fastening means such as a zipper or Velcro™. The container may be a pocket, bag, wrap or sleeve.

In a preferred embodiment, the compression garment is in the form of a wrap adapted to cover the torso of the horse. Preferably, the wrap includes fastening means adapted to keep the compression garment securely in place around the torso of the horse. The compression garment may include leggings each adapted to cover a leg of the horse. Each legging is preferred to include fastening means for keeping the legging in place around the corresponding leg. The fastening means may include zippers or Velcro™;

The body part may be a leg, a torso or a combination thereof. When the body part is a combination, the compression garment may include one or more leggings.

Each panel is preferred to be made of a compression fabric. Conveniently, one or more of the panels may be made of thermal compression fabrics for cold climates. The fabric may be made of a single elastomeric material or a combination of two or more elastomenc materials. The fabrics are preferred to be stretchable materials ranging from 40 to 120 deniers. The stretchable materials may include one or more of the following: nylon, polyester or any other suitable resilient materials. It is preferred that the stretch along the warp of each panel of fabric is between 120% to 225% with a recovery ability of 10% to 25%.

In a preferred embodiment, the fabric is capable of drawing moisture from the selected . area of the body part, generating a 'wicking* effect. Alternatively, the fabric may be made of one or a combination of the following: an anti-bacterial material, a sun screening material and a breathable material. Optionally, selected panel or panels or the entire garment is treated with insect and/or soil repellent.

Preferably, the compression garment is capable of effecting a compression value of substantially between 8mmHg to 75mmHg for horses. When worn for inactive or non- sports occasions, the compression garment is adapted to effect a compression value of substantially between l2mmHg to 60mmHg for young mares or other animals.

The compression garment may include panels of variable compression fabric within or added over existing panels to enhance muscle or joint support.

It is preferred that the compression garment is in the form of a suit having one or more sections arranged and configured for different purposes. For example, the suit may include any one of the following: a basic suit, a recovery or post-operation suit, an active or training suit, a broodmare suit, a legging suit, an equestrian suit, a travel suit, a combat or riot suit, a thermal suit, a dressage suit, a foal suit, a barrel compression suit and an image and or motion capturing suit. Preferably, each of these suits have One or more zippers for facilitating putting on and taking off thereof.

In the basic suit, one or more openings are preferred to be provided to expose the genital region and/or tail of the animal. Also, the suit may include mesh panels covering key perspiration points of the animal. Preferably, one or more zippers are provided at selected locations to facilitate putting on and taking off of the suit More preferably, each leg of the animal is covered by a conesponding zipper. Each zipper covering the leg of the animal is preferred to be connected to a sealing means. Preferably, the sealing means is a Velcro™ located near the fetlock or ankle of the animal.

In the recovery suit, the section is preferred to be an ice pocket adapted to cover the chest and stifle areas on both hind legs of the horse. The recovery suit also includes leggings having a zipper for each leg.

In the active, training or racing suit, the section may include a replaceable saddle pad and a pair of girth sleeves adapted to receive girth straps. The active, training or racing suit is preferred to have a short sleeve covering each limb of the animal. Preferably, each short sleeve ends with a sealing means such as Velcro™. The active, training or racing suit may also provide extra space for accommodating therapeutic or protective materials to be attached to the lower leg regions of the horse.

In the broodmare suit, the section may include an adjustable supporting means adapted to support the abdomen of a mare during each of three stages of pregnancy. The supporting means may form an integral part of or removably attached to the suit The supporting means is preferred to be a curved panel. The supporting means may include adjusting means so as to allow the supporting means to be loosened as the pregnancy progresses. In the case of the supporting means being removable from the suit, the supporting means is preferred to include attachment means such as Velcro™ or a zipper. Preferably, the broodmare suit includes or is connected to a support means adapted to support the back of the animal.

In the legging suit, the compression garment may be adapted to be put on to the f ont and hind legs individually and independently. Preferably, the section includes a removable ice pocket covering the stifle region on each of the hinge legs.

In the dressage suit, the compression garment may include a skinny hood adapted to cover the head and mane of a horse. The skinny hood is preferred to be configured so as to hold the mane in place after grooming.

In a preferred embodiment, the travel suit is a combination of the recovery suit and the active suit which provides the extra space for protective materials to be attached to the lower leg regions.

The broodmare suit is preferred to include a replaceable section adapted to

accommodate the varying size of the abdomen of the horse during different stages of pregnancy.

In the combat or riot suit, the or each section of the compression garment is preferred to be made of protective material. Preferably, the protective material is a non- flammable or fire-resistant material. The or each section is preferred to be adapted to protect the corresponding body part from being harmed by one or more of the following: Molotov cocktail, petrol or fire bomb, firearms and explosive weapons. The or each section may include padding. The padding may be permanently sewn onto the suit or detachably attached to the suit by way of strapping or using Velcro™ or other suitable fastening means. The combat or riot suit is also preferred to include one or more of the following: a protective mask, a tail cover, one or more knee caps, and one or more fetlock caps.

Preferably, the barrel compression suit includes a wrap adapted to cover a midsection of the horse when recovering from a surgical operation. The wrap is preferred to be adjustable by way of fastening means such as Velcro™.

The thermal suit may be made of any suitable thermal insulation material such as fleece and wool.

Preferably, the image and/or motion capturing suit includes a plurality of sensors adapted to facilitate provision of an image, and or capturing motion or movement, of the animal. The image and/or motion capturing suit is preferred to form part of an electronic system adapted to facilitate film, movie or graphical animation,

In a preferred embodiment, the compression garment may be converted to a full suit including the skinny hood removably attached to any one of the abovelisted suits. It should be noted that the number of seams and fastening means in the compression garment may vary to form different suits for different occasions or purposes. Also, the length of the leggings may vary to suit different occasions.

In a preferred embodiment, the compression garment includes an electronic device adapted to collect mformation while the horse wearing the garment is in motion, The electronic device may include a OPS designed to track and log one or more of the following: heart rate of the horse, lap time and split time. The collected information may be stored in a database for monitoring the performance of the horse.

Preferably, the electronic device also includes a low frequency nerve stimulator or acupuncture device adapted to farther enhance recovery time of nerves or injured areas.

It is preferred that the compression garment includes one or more lighting devices such as a luminous display panel.

Preferably, the compression garment includes a solar energy absorbing means adapted to empower the electronic and lighting devices. The solar energy absorbing means may be a solar panel connected to or being an integral part of die garment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment for clothing a majority of an animal, the garment including one or more closable openings for facilitating putting on and taking off of the garment.

Preferably, the garment includes fastening means adapted to facilitate opening and closing of the openings. The fastening means includes at least one zipper.

Preferably, at least part of an exterior of the garment is adapted to facilitate advertising.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

Figure 1A is a front view of a compression garment in the form of a basic suit for a horse in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure IB is a rear view of the basic suit of Figure 1 A;

Figure 1C is a top perspective view of the basic suit of Figure 1 A;

Figure ID is a front perspective view of the basic suit of Figure 1 A;

Figure IB is a rear perspective view of the basic suit of Figure 1 A;

Figure I F is a top view of the basic suit of Figure 1 A;

Figure 1G is a bottom view of the basic suit of Figure 1A; β

Figure 1H is a side view of the basic suit of Figure 1 A being worn by a horse;

Figure II is a side view of the general suit of Figure 1 A being attached to a skinny hood;

Figure U is a perspective view of a horse in a rearing position showing the locations of various zippers in the basic suit of Figure 1 A;

Figure IK is a side view of a compression garment in the form of a recovery or post- operation suit in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a compression garment in the form of an active, training or racing suit in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 A is a side view of a compression garment in the form of an active, training or racing suit in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a side view of a compression garment in the form of a broodmare suit in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 A is a side view of a compression garment in the form of a broodmare suit in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of a compression garment in the form of a legging suit in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a side view of a full suit including the recovery suit of Figure 1 and a skinny hood in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention

Figure 6 is a side view of a compression garment in the form of a travel suit in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7A is a side view of a compression ganncnt in the form of a combat or riot suit being worn by a horse in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7B is a bottom view of the combat or riot suit of Figure 7 A;

Figure 7C is a top view of the combat or riot suit of Figure 7A;

Figure 7D is a front view of the combat or riot suit of Figure 7 A;

Figure 7E is a rear view of the combat or riot suit of Figure 7 A;

Figure 8 is a side view of a compression garment in the form of a barrel compression wrap in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a side view of a compression garment in the form of a foal suit in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of rite present invention;

Figure 1 OA is a perspective view of a compression garment in the form of a motion capture suit in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention

Figure 1 OB is a side view of the motion capturing suit of Figure 10A being worn by a horse;

Figure 11 A is a side view of a compression garment in the form of an active, training or racing suit for a greyhound in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 IB is a perspective view of the active, training or racing suit of Figure 11 A for a greyhound;

Figure 1 iC is a side view of the active, training or racing suit of Figure 11 A being worn by a greyhound;

Figure 12A is a side view of a compression garment in the form of a recovery suit for a greyhound in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 12B is a perspective view of the recovery suit of Figure 12A;

Figure 13A is a side perspective view of a compression garment in the form of a combat suit for a greyhound in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13B is a front perspective view of the combat suit of Figure 13 A;

Figure 14A is a side view of a compression garment in the form of a motion capture suit being worn by a greyhound in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 1 B is a perspective view of the motion capturing suit of Figure 14A. Detailed Description of Ate Drawings

It should be noted the compression garment is designed for clothing a body part of an animal such as a horse and a greyhound which are used as examples for the description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The garment may be sized and shaped to suit any other animals.

It will be appreciated that the compression garment of the present invention takes the form of a suit including a plurality of panels of stretchable material joined to one another by seams. The panels and seams may be arranged and configured to generate any one of the following: a recovery or post-operation suit, an active, training or racing suit, a broodmare suit, a legging suit, an equestrian suit, a travel suit, a thermal suit, a combat suit, a barrel compression suit, a foal suit and a motion capturing suit. Each of these embodiments will be described in detail below. Generally, each suit includes a plurality of sections covering selected areas of a body part of the horse. The seams are created by stitching in these embodiments but there are other ways of forming a seam including sonic welding and gluing.

Referring to Figure I A to 1H, a compression garment in the form of a basic suit 11 is shown. The basic suit 11 has a wrap 12A covering the torso of a horse. The wrap 12A consists of a number of panels 2 (see different panels in Figures 1 A to 1H for examples) made of stretchable material and joined to one another along a seam 84 (refer Figure IF for example). Also shown in Figure IF are openings 80 and 82 in the suit 11 leaving the genital and tail regions of the horse uncovered, as shown in Figure IB. Furthermore, the suit 11 has regions 86 which correspond to the pits of the horse. These regions 86 are made of mesh material which allows ventilation at key perspiration points. As shown in Figures 1A, 1C, ID and 1G, various zippers 6 are provided throughout the basic suit 11 at various locations to facilitate putting on and taking off of the suit 11. As best shown . in Figure 1 D, each of the zippers 6 finishes off with double-sided Velcro™ so as to prevent the zipper tabs from rubbing against and hence causing cuts on ti e angles of the horse. Referring to Figure 1 H, the suit 11 is being wom by a horse 4, covering most of the horse's body. The wrap 12A of the suit 11 can be used as a display for advertising purposes. Turning to Figure 1 I, a skinny hood 8 is provided. The skinny hood 8 is attached to the general suit 11 by using Velcro™ 9. Turning to Figure U, the horse 4 wearing the suit 11 is m a rearing position. It will be appreciated that the zippers 6 are located so as to facilitate easy fitting of the suit 11 onto the horse. The suit 11 covers the torso and limbs of tiie horse 4 but not the genital region which is exposed through the opening 82.

Referring to Figure IK, a compression garment is in the form of a recovery or post- operation suit 10 having a wrap 12 covering the torso of the horse 13. The wrap 12 has a plurality of panels, for example, 12, 14, 16 and 18 made of stretchable material. The panels 12, 14, 16 and 18 are joined to one another by seams, for example, 20, 2 and 24. The recovery or post-operation suit 10 has one end 1 S covering the bridle path and throatlatch and an opposite end 17 covering the dock of the horse 13. The recovery or post-operation suit 10 also includes leggings 19 and 21 covering the legs of the horse 1 down to tile coronet region. Each sleeve 19, 21 has a fastening means in tile form of a zipper 23, 25 which facilitates fitting of the suit 10 onto the horse 13, so as to keep each legging 19, 21 in place and provide easy access to the legs for bandages if necessary. Although not shown in Figure 1 , the wrap 12 includes further fastening means in the form of zippers located at the stomach region of the horse for keeping the entire compression garment 10 in place around the torso of the horse 13. The recovery or post- operation suit 10 also includes an integral section which is a container in the form of a pocket 27. The pocket 27 arc used to carry ice blocks covering the chest and stifle region on both hind legs of the horse 13 for therapeutic purposes.

It should be noted that the section may be designed to be a pocket, bag, wrap or sleeve being releasably attached to the garment via fastening means such as a zipper or Velcro™.

Referring to Figure 2, an active, training or racing suit 28 in the form of a wrap 30 is formed by a plurality of panels and seams extending from one end 40 encircling the withers and shoulder of the horse to the other end 42 covering the dock. The wrap 30 has a section including a replaceable saddle pad 32 and a pair of girth sleeves 34 for receiving girth straps (not shown). The saddle pad 32 is replaced to suit individual riders' in all equine sports. The leggings of the active or training suit 28 are also configured so as to provide extra space 36 and 38 for therapeutic or protective materials to be attached to the lower leg regions of the horse. Therapeutic materials may include bandages or leg strapping. Protective materials may include hock boots or guards for protecting the cannon region.

Referring to Figure 2A, another embodiment of an active, training or racing suit 110 is shown. The suit 110 has a saddle pad 112 with apair of girth sleeves 114. Also, short sleeves 116 are provided to cover the upper portions of the limbs of a horse. Each of the short sleeves 116 is finished off with double-sided Velcro™ 118.

Turning to Figure 3, a broodmare suit 44 in the form of a wrap 46 being similar to that of the recovery suit 10 has a replaceable section which takes the form of an adjustable supporting web 48 for supporting the abdomen of a mare during each of three stages of pregnancy. The supporting web 48 in this embodiment may be adjusted to accommodate the varying size of the abdomen of the horse during pregnancy and can be totally replaced when the pregnancy progresses to another stage. The supporting web 48 is a curved panel conforming to the contour of the abdomen. Although not shown in Figure 3, the supporting web 48 includes adjusting means so as to allow the supporting web 48 to be loosened as the pregnancy progresses. The supporting web 48 also includes attachment means in the form of Velcro™ which facilitates replacement thereof by for example a larger web if required. The web 48 assists to minimise the likelihood of clotting, swelling and building up of fluid, and enhances blood circulation during pregnancy.

As shown in Figure 3 A, another embodiment of a broodmare suit 128 includes two straps 130, each of which has a Velcro™ tab 132. The labs 132 are provided to allow the slraps 1 0 to be adjustable to suit three separate stages of pregnancy. Also, although not shown in Figures 3 and 3A, it is contemplated that a back support means in the form of a panel may form an integral part or removably connected to the broodmare suit 28 (and 44) so as to provide extra support to the spinal cord of the horse.

Referring to Figure 4, a legging suit 50 includes two portions 52 and 54, each of which is in the form of a wrap in itself configured to be put on to the front and hind legs of a horse individually and independently. The portion 54 extends from the loin-flank join to the dock with leggings 56 covering each hind leg down to the coronets. Also, a section in the form of a removable ice pocket 57 is provided to cover the stifle region on each of the hinge legs. The portion 54 covers the areas between the loin-flank and the dock. The portion 52 starts from the shoulder covering the withers and run all the way down to the coronet of the front legs.

Referring to Figure 5, an equestrian suit 58 is similar to the recovery suit 10 except that it has a section which takes the form of a skinny hood 60. The skinny hood 60 covers the head, shoulder and mane of a horse. The skinny hood 60 has the function of holding the mane in place after the horse is groomed. With the inclusion of the skimiy hood, the equestrian suit 58 may be referred, to as a full suit

As shown in Figure 6, a travel suit 62 may be regarded as a combination of the recovery suit 10 and the active suit 28. The travel suit 62 provides the extra space 64 and 66 under the suit for hock boots or guards or leg strapping to be attached to the lower leg regions. The leg strapping (not shown) has the function of promoting consistent venous circulation whereas hock boots or guards are useful in protecting the lower region of the legs from minor injuries such as cuts while in transit Fastening means in the form of zippers 68 and 70 are provided in the suit 62 to allow access to the cannon area of the legs while the suit 62 is on. The travel suit 62 also includes ice pockets which keep the horse cool whilst in transit

Generally, each panel of the compression garment of die present invention is made of a compression fabric including one or more single elastomeric materials. Each elastomeric material is stretchable ranging from 40 to 120 deniers. It is contemplated that the panels of the compression garment of the present invention is made of one or more of the following: nylon, polyester or any other suitable resilient materials. Also, the stretch along the warp of each panel of fabric is between 120% to 225% with a recovery ability of 10% to 25%. The compression garment may include panels of variable compression fabric within or added over existing panels so as to generate gradient compressional forces to support different muscle groups or joints.

It should also be noted that selected or all of the fabric panels of the compression garment is capable of drawing moisture from the selected area of the body part, generating a 'wicldng' effect. Optionally, the fabric is made of one or a combination of the following materials: an anti-bacterial material, a sun screening material and a breathable material. Also, the panels may be made of thermal compression fabrics for cold climates. Furthermore, selected fabric panels or the entire garment may undergo an insect repellent treatment To this end, an insect repellent may be injected into selected panels or areas of the suit or the entire garment (or wrap) may be treated by being immersed into an insect repellent solution. Similarly, selected panels or the entire garment may be treated with a soil repellent to facilitate easy washing or cleaning.

The various suits described above of the compression garment of the present invention is capable of effecting a compression value of substantially between 8mmHg to 75mmHg. This is a suitable range for supporting die muscle groups of a horse for therapeutic purposes. It will be appreciated that a relatively lower range may be chosen for young mares or other animals such as grey hounds. Also, when worn for inactive or non-sports occasions, the compression garment is made of fabric generating a compression value of substantially between 12mmHg to 60mmHg. It will be appreciated that different fabrics may be used for panels so as to generate different compression values for different parts of the body of the horse.

Turning to Figures 7A to 7E, for horses carrying out duties in the military or police force, a combat or riot suit 88 is provided which includes various sections with protective materials for protecting the respective corresponding body parts of the horse from being harmed by one or more of the following: Molotov cocktail, petrol or fire bomb, firearms and explosive weapons. The relevant sections include padding 90 made by explosive-resistant materials which maybe permanently sewn onto the suit 88 or detachably attached to the suit 88 by way of strapping or using fastening means such as Vclcro™. The padding 90 has a girth strap sleeve 92. Also, the suit 88 has front and rear foldable panels 94 and 96 which can be made of any suitable protective material. A protective mask 98 made of the same protective material is provided to cover the face of the horse 4. Furthermore, the suit 88 has a fire-proof tail sock 100 which is detachable. As best shown in Figure 7B, the genital area of the horse is completely covered by a detachable panel 102 also made of a protective and fire-proof material. As best shown in Figure 7D, a zipper 104 is provided across the front of the suit 88 so as to enable easy putting on and taking off of the suit 88. The suit 88 also has knee caps 106 and fetlock caps 108 which are made of protective and/or shock resistant material.

Referring to Figure 8, a compression garment in the form of a wrap 120 designed to compress the barrel of the horse 4 is shown. The wrap 120 has two adjustable fastening straps 124. Bach of the straps 124 includes a Velcro™ tab 126 for tightening or loosening of the wrap around the barrel of the horse 4. The barrel (compression wrap 120 is designed to cover the horse's midsection to facilitate recovery from, for example, a post colic surgery. Referring to Figure 9, a compression garment in the form of a foal suit 134 is shown. The foal suit 134 may be made in different sizes to suit foals at different stages. A skinny hood 136 is removably attached to the suit 134 via Velcro™ tabs 138. A foal suit 134 made of fleece or wool for example is most beneficial in keeping a new bom foal warm in cold weather. it will be appreciated mat a thermal suit or wrap which is made of a thermal insulation material or fabric may be provided to protect a horse (or any other animals) from cold climates.

Turning to Figures 10A and 10B, a compression garment in the form of a suit 140 designed to capture motions or movement of the horse 4 is shown. The suit 40 has a detachable skinny hood 144 and is equipped with multiple reflective sensors 1 2 distributed throughout the body of the suit 140. The sensors 142 are inernal sensors which may also be detachably and movably strapped or attached in other suitable ways to the suit 140. The sensors 142 are configured and located so as to facilitate provision of an image, and capturing the motion or movement, of the horse. The suit 140 forms a major component of an image and or motion capturing system adapted to enable film, movie or graphical animation. The sensors are capable of functioning bom indoors and outdoors. Also, the image and or motion capturing system requires minimal processing of captured data with a view to avoiding any occlusion or marker swapping.

It should be appreciated that the number of seams and fastening means in the compression garment may vary to form a suit or wrap for a specific occasion. Also, the length of the leggings may vary to suit different occasions.

It is also contemplated that the active, training or racing suit dcecribcd above has a built- in electronic device designed to collect informauon while the horse wearing the garment is in motion. The electronic device has a global positioning system (GPS) designed to track and log one or more of the following: heart rate of the horse, lap time or split time. The collected information is stored in a database for monitoring the performance of the horse. It is also contemplated that the recovery or post-operation suit described above has a built-in electronic component with a low frequency nerve stimulator or acupuncture device operable by both direct and alternative currents. The component is chargeable by a power source but can also run on battery. The electronic component is advantageous in that it further enhances recovery time of injured areas.

It is also contemplated that a solar energy absorbing means such as a solar panel is provided in a suitable area of any of the suits or wraps described above. The solar panel is used to empower the electronic devices described above and/or any lighting or charging devices by having electric wires running throughout the interior of a suit or wrap. The lighting devices may include a luminous display panel either built-in or attached to the suit for advertising purposes.

Pitting any one of the above described embodiments or suits of the compression garment involves first tethering a horse to a stable point by way of reins. The suit is pulled over the head of the horse and all the way down its neck. The suit is then stretched over the back of the horse down to the tail. Since the suits described above are in the form of open wraps, they have to be zipped along one side of the lower girth (corresponding to the stomach of the horse) from chest to groin. The leggings of the suits are secured in place by zipping the zippers provided in the leggings which run all the way down to the coronets. The whole process of fitting the suit onto a horse should only take approximately one minute.

It should be noted that the compression garment can be applied the night before any specific activity. The compression garment may have to be worn by the horse for up to eight hours to achieve a desired therapeutic effect

It should be noted that all of the suits and wraps described above can be resized and reshaped for dogs such as greyhounds. The design and construction of the suits for greyhounds are substantially similar to those for horses and hence will not be described in detail here apart from some subtle differences which will be specifically pointed out below. Referring to Figures 11Λ, B and C, an active suit for a greyhound 146 is shown. A recovery suit 148 for the greyhound 146 is shown in Figures 12A and B. A combat suit 1 SO for a guard or detective dog is shown in Figures 13A and 13B. Due to the nature of duties typically carried out by a guard or detective dog, protective panels are not required to be included in the suit 150. Instead, protective padding is sewn into the interior of the suit ISO which is made of a fire-proof fabric. Referring to Figures 14A and B, a motion capture suit 152 is worn by the greyhound 146. The motion capture suit 152 has multiple sensors 154 located throughout the body of the suit 152.

It is contemplated that the garment of the present invention may be sized and shaped so as to cover one or more body parts of an animal. The garment may consist of a number of panels and zippers provided at various chosen locations to facilitate putting on and taking off of the garment. The panel covering the torso of the animal may be configured to facilitate advertising.

Industrie Applicability

Now that preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in some detail, it will be apparent to a skilled person in the art that the compression garment of the present invention is advantageous and industrially applicable for the following reasons:

1. it improves venous supply and return during static and non-static activity of an animal;

2. it reduces swelling of the lower limbs (eg. oedema);

3. it reduces DOMS and injury recovery time;

4. it increase oxygen availability to the muscles of an animal;

5. it activates proprioception and enhances muscle tone;

6. it provides extra support to the joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles of the animal whilst in transit or stable; . it helps maintain muscle temperature during static and non-static activities;

8. it enhances the vascular system of the animal by removing waste products such as lactic acid, carbon dioxide and carbohydrates build-ups in the animal's blood as a result of over-exercising or over-feeding; . h facilitates recovery from post-activity build-up of venous lactate;

10. it supports broodmares during pregnancy;

11. it facilitates speedy post-surgery recoveries;

12. it offers protection to the horse-back with the saddle pad

13. it protects the lower leg regions from being harmed or injured; and 14. it provides protection to animals in combat or riot situations

15. it reduces the cool-down time after exercise;

16. it facilitates horse training with electronic components

17. it facilitates advertising; and

18. it facilitates expedited recovery of strained or injured areas by way f acupuncture.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For instance, the compression garment may be converted to a full suit including the skinny hood removably attached to any one of the above described suits. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A compression garment for clothing a body part of an animal, the garment

including a section adapted to contain or include one or more therapeutic or protective materials which in use cover one or more selected areas of the body part

2. The compression garment of claim 1 , wherein the animal is a horse or a dog.

3. The compression garment of either claim 1 or 2, wherein the garment includes a plurality of panels of stretohable material joined to one another by seams so designed and configured as to exert gradient conroressional force on the or each selected area of the body part.

4. The compression garment of claim 3, wherein each seam is created by stitching, sonic welding, gluing or other suitable binding means.

5. The compression garment of any one of Ac preceding claims, wherein the

section includes a detachable container.

6. The compression garment of claim 5, wherein the container is in the form of a - wrap adapted to cover the torso of the horse.

7. The compression garment of claim 6, wherein the wrap includes or is associated with fastening means adapted to keep the compression garment securely in place around the torso of the horse.

8. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, which includes leggings each adapted to cover a leg of the horse.

9. The compression garment of claim 8, wherein each legging includes fastening means for keeping the legging in place around the corresponding leg.

10. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body part includes a leg, a torso or a combination thereof.

11. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each panel is made of a compression fabric.

12. The compression garment of claim 11, wherein the fabric is made of a single 6 elastomeric material or a combination of two or more elastomeric materials.

13. The compression garment of either claim 11 or 12, wherein the fabric includes at least one stretchablc material ranging from 40 to 120 denicrs.

14. The compression garment of claim 13, wherein the stretchable material or

materials include one or more of the following: nylon, polyester or any other io suitable resilient materials.

15. The compression garment of any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the stretch along the warp of each panel of fabric is between 120% to 225% with a recovery ability of 10% to 25%.

16. The compression garment of any one of claims 3 to 15, wherein the fabric is is capable of drawing moisture from the selected area of the body part, generating a

'wicking' effect

17. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fabri c is made of one or a combination of the following: an anti-bacterial material, a sun screening material and a breathable material.

20 18. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein selected panel or panels or the entire garment is treated with an insect and or soil repellent

1 . The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, which is capable of effecting a compression value of substantially between 8mmHg to 75mmHg 25 for horses.

20. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, which, when worn for inactive or non-sports occasions, is adapted to effect a compression value of substantially between 12mmHg to 60mmHg.

21. The compression garment of any one of claims 3 to 20, which includes panels of 5 variable compression fabric within or added over existing panels to enhance muscle or joint support

22. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

compression garment is in the form of a suit having one or more sections arranged and configured for different purposes. io 23. The compression garment of claim 22, wherein me suit includes any one of the following: a basic suit, a recovery or post-operation suit, an active or training suit, a broodmare suit, a legging suit, an equestrian suit, a travel suit, a combat or riot suit, a thermal suit, a dressage suit, a foal suit, a barrel compression suit and an image and/or motion capturing suit

15 24. The compression garment of either claim 22 or 23, wherein the suit has one or more zippers at chosen locations for facilitating putting on and taking off thereof.

2 . The compression garment of claim 23 , wherein in the basic suit, one or more_, openings are provided to expose the genital region and/or tail of the animal.

26. The compression garment of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the suit

20 includes one or more mesh panels adapted to cover key perspiration points of die animal.

27. The compression garment of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein each leg of the animal is covered by one of the zippers.

28. The compression garment of claim 27, wherein each zipper covering the leg of 25 the animal is connected to a sealing means.

29. The compression garment of claim 28, wherein the sealing means is a fastening means located near the fetlock or ankle of the animal.

30. The compression garment of claim 23, wherein when in the form of a recovery suh, the section is an ice pocket adapted to cover the chest and stifle areas on s both hind legs of the animal.

31. The compression garment of claim 23, wherein when in the form of an active, training or racing suit, the section includes a replaceable saddle pad and a pair of girth sleeves adapted to receive girth straps.

32. The compression garment of claim 1 , wherein the active, training or racing suito has a short sleeve covering each limb of the animal.

33. The compression garment of claim 32, wherein each short sleeve ends with a sealing means.

34. The compression garment of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the active, training or racing suit provides extra space for accommodating therapeutic ors protective materials to be attached to the lower leg regions of me horse.

35. The compression garment of claim 23, wherein when in the form of a broodmare suit, the section includes an adjustable supporting means adapted to support the abdomen of a mate during each of three stages of pregnancy.

36. The compression garment of claim 35, wherein the supporting means forms an0 integral part of or removably attached to the suit.

37. The compression garment of cither claim 35 or 37, wherein the supporting means is a curved panel.

38. The compression garment of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the supporting means includes adjusting means so as to allow the supporting means to bes loosened as the pregnancy progresses.

39. The compression garment of any one of claims 23, 35 to 38, wherein the broodmare suit includes or is connected to a support means adapted to support the back of the animal.

40. The compression garment of claim 23, which, when in the form of a legging suit, 5 is adapted to be put on to the front and hind legs of the animal individually and independently.

41. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

section includes a removable ice pocket covering the stifle region on each of the hinge legs. io 42, The compression garment of claim 23, which, when in the form of a dressage suit, includes a skinny hood adapted to cover the head and mane of a horse.

43. The compression garment of claim 42, wherein the skinny hood is configured so as to hold the mane in place after grooming.

44. The compression garment of claim 23, wherein the travel suit is a combination of is the recovery suit and the active suit which provides the extra space for protective materials to be attached to the lower leg regions.

45. The compression garment of claim 23, wherein the broodmare suit includes a replaceable section adapted to accommodate the varying size of the abdomen of the horse during different stages of pregnancy.

2 46. The compression garment of claim 23, wherein when in the form of the combal or riot suit, the or each section of the compression garment is made of protective material.

47. The compression garment of claim 46, wherein the protective material is a nonflammable or fire-resistant material.

25 48. The compression garment of either claim 46 or 47, wherein the or each section is adapted to protect the corresponding body part from being harmed by one or more of the following: Molotov cocktail, petrol or fire bomb, firearms and explosive weapons.

49. The compression garment of any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the or each section includes padding.

50. The compression garment of any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein the combat or riot suit also includes one or more of the following: a protective mask, a tail cover, one or more knee caps, and one or more fetlock caps.

51. The compression garment of claim 23, wherein the barrel compression suit includes a wrap adapted to cover a midsection of the horse when recovering from a surgical operation.

52. The compression garment of claim 51, wherein the wrap is adjustable by way of fastening means.

53. The compression garment of claim 23, wherem the thermal suit is made of any suitable thermal insulation material.

54. The compression garment of claim 23, wherein the image and/or motion

capturing suit includes a plurality of sensors adapted to facilitate provision of an image, and/or capturing motion or movement, of the animal.

55. The compression garment of either claim 23 or 54, wherein the image and/or motion capturing suit forms part of an electronic system adapted to facilitate film, movie or graphical animation.

56. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, which is

convertable to a full suit including a removably attached skinny hood.

57. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

number of seams and fastening means varies to form different suits for different occasions or purposes.

58. The compression garment of claim 23, 40 to 57, wherein the length of the

leggings may vary to suit different occasions.

59. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, which includes an 5 electronic device adapted to collect information while the animal wearing the garment is in motion.

60. The compression garment of claim 59, wherein the electronic device includes a OPS designed to track and log one or more of the following: heart rate of the horse, lap time and split time. io 61. The compression garment of either claim 59 or 60, wherein the collected

information is stored in a database for monitoring the performance of the horse.

62. The compression garment of any one of claims 59 to 61 , wherein the electronic device also includes a low frequency nerve stimulator or acupuncture device adapted to further enhance recovery time of nerves or injured areas.

18 63. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, which includes one or more lighting devices such as a luminous display panel.

64. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, which includes a solar energy absorbing means adapted to empower the electronic and lighting devices.

20 65. The compression garment of claim 64, wherein the solar energy absorbing

garment for clothing a majority of an animal, the garment including one or more closable openings for facilitating putting on and taking off of the garment

66. The compression garment of claim 65, which includes fastening means adapted to facilitate opening and closing of the openings.

26 67. The compression garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of an exterior of the garment is adapted to facilitate advertising.

68. A compression garment for clothing a body part of an animal, the garment

including a plurality of panels of stretchablc material joined to one another by seams so designed and configured as to exert gradient compressional force on the s or each selected area of the body part

69. A garment for clothing one or more body parts of an animal, the garment

including one or more closable openings at one or more chosen locations to facilitate putting on and taking off of the garment

70. The garment of claim 69, which includes fastening means adapted to facilitateo opening and closing of the orenings.

71. The garment of claim 70, wherein the fastening means includes at least one zipper.

72. A garment of claim either 69 or 70, wherein at least part of an exterior of the garment is adapted to facilitate advertising. s

73. A compression gannent substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the a< ompanying drawings.

74. A garment substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.