WO2015006818A1

WO2015006818A1 - Medical treatment device for animals

Info

Publication number: WO2015006818A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000738
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edward GOODCHILD
Original assignee: Goodchild Edward
Priority date: 2013-07-19
Filing date: 2014-07-21
Publication date: 2015-01-22

Abstract

The present invention provides a medical treatment device for animals comprising a body portion having a side wall extending between a top end and a bottom end and at least one chamber within an interior of the body portion adapted to receive a treatment therein, wherein the top end of the body portion has an opening to enable the device to be fitted over a part of a body to provide localised treatment to the part of the body.

Description

TITLE

MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE FOR ANIMALS

The present invention relates to medical devices for animals. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a medical treatment device for horses which provides one or more chambers for administering localised treatment to a limb. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use.

BACKGROU^

For many years, soaking the equine foot has played a major role in the treatment of common foot ailments such as abscesses, puncture wounds, corns, foot bruising and laminitis, thrush, white line invasion/disease, bacterial invasion, laminitis, founder, contracted heels, abrasions and abscesses. Soaking has proven to be far better than just applying a topical treatment to the horse's foot and/or lower leg. Soaking with warm water and a solution will soften the hoof, allowing the medication to penetrate deeply and facilitate draining of an infection. However, foot soaking is generally performed over a very limited time (i.e. 12-24 hours) to prevent over-softening of the hoof, which can potentially weaken it.

There have been developed soaking boots which are easier to use than traditional buckets so that you can soak your horse longer for a speedier recovery. Soaking boots are injection moulded in a one-piece construction and are produced in many sizes. They are made of a flexible plastic to make it easier to slip on or off the hoof. Form fitting soaking boots require much less volume of soaking solution and are less messy than a bucket. However, these devices are limited to treatment of the hoof and fail to enable treatment of the leg which is highly desirable, particularly for the care of performance horses, where cooling of the horse's legs aids speedy recovery.

The disadvantage with the prior art, is that they fail to provide a convenient and portable solution which enables treatment in any location of the limb. The user must remain in the one spot while using the prior art devices as the solution can spill from the top of the device, which can be messy and inconvenient to use. Furthermore, the duration of use must be monitored to prevent over soaking. In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a medical treatment device that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

OBJEC OF Ji EIrW^

It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical treatment device for horses, that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a consumer with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMA^

Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical treatment device for animafs which provides one or more chambers for administering localised treatment to a limb.

According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a medical treatment device for animals comprising:

a body portion having a side wail extending between a top end and a bottom end; and

at least one chamber within an interior of the body portion adapted to receive a treatment therein;

wherein the top end of the body portion has an opening to enable the device to be fitted over a part of a body to provide localised treatment to the part of the body.

Preferably, the device is adapted for use with horses.

Preferably, the device is in the form of a boot.

Preferably, the treatment can be any healing agent fluid, solution, medical air, filtered water, iodine solution, salt water, coid or warm water gels, ice water or any other suitable form of treatment for heaiing purposes suitable for direct contact with the body.

Preferably, the at least one chamber and/or body portion is at least partially inflatable. Preferably, the device further comprises at least one adjustable strap with a fastener can be tightened and fastened to firmly secure the device in place.

Preferably, the opening is seaiab!e via a drawstring closure extending around the perimeter of the opening which can be Ioosened or tightened to open or close the opening respectively.

Preferably, a built-in base is provided at the bottom end of the device, shaped to be similar to that of the horse's foot.

Preferably, the base has at least one adjustable quick-refease fastener strap.

Preferably, the base comprises an outsole having a plurality of corrugations.

Preferably, the device comprises a fastening mechanism on the side wall of the body portion of the device.

Preferably, the fastening mechanism is a zipper.

Preferably, the device manages the treatment of injuries through all stages, from cfeaning and soaking the wound, cooling or heating the limb through conduction using water, application of topical treatment through to acting as a bandage cover or wound cover.

Further features and forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS in order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

FIG 1 shows a front perspective view of a medical treatment device adapted for use for horse's leg according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG 2 shows a rear perspective view of the medical treatment device of FIG 1 ;

FIG 3 shows a rear view of the medical treatment device of FIG 1 ; and

FIG 4 shows a side cross-sections view of the medical treatment device of FIG 1.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that element in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIO

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to a medical treatment device for animals which provides one or more chambers for administering localised treatment to a part of a body, For convenience sake, the device of the present invention shall be described herein for use in the treatment of horses and in particular, the limbs of a horse. However, it will be acknowledged that it could also be adapted for the treatment of any other suitable animals. Furthermore, it has been designed to assist in the treatment and healing of any number of different parts and/or sections of the body including, but not limited to, the following: lower, leg, upper leg, knee, ankle, foot or other suitable part or section of the body. It will be appreciated that variations may need to be made as required to suit such applications.

Referring to Fig 1 , a medical treatment device 100 is provided in accordance an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the medical treatment device 100 is in the form of a boot. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable style or form may be utilised to best suit the body part being treated. The medical treatment device 100 comprises a body portion 10. The body portion 110 is made of a strong, durable, lightweight and flexible material. The material can be a neoprene, canvas, rubber, nylon or plastic material such as polyurethane, polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride or the like. However, it is envisaged that any suitable material may be adopted to meet the requirements of the present invention. For example, it may be necessary to utilise a stronger more durable material for heavier animals. The body portion 110 can be stabilised using air pressure or any other suitable means. The material should be capable of being washed and/or sterilised so that the medical treatment device 100 can be reusable and/or for single use. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the material can be transparent or a window can be provided on the body portion to facilitate monitoring of the treatment and healing process. In this manner, the medical treatment device 100 can also provide a visual aid during the treatment and healing process. It will be appreciated that the shape, style and dimensions of the body portion can be varied to suit the part or area of the body being treated.

The body portion 110 comprises a side wall 120 extending between a top end 130 and a bottom end 140. The side wail 120 is a continuous side wall substantially extending around the perimeter of the body portion 110 of the device 100. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the body portion 1 0 can comprise two or more side walls which are joined together via a suitable means. Attached to the side wail, toward the bottom end 140 of the medical treatment device 100 is at least one adjustable strap 150 with a fastener 151. The adjustable strap 150 can be tightened and fastened to firmly secure the device 100 in place around the pastern joint of the horse. The strap 150 can be a single wide slightly elastic strap, in alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that any other suitable fastener could be adopted such as hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners or the like,

The fop end 130 has an opening 131 to enable the body portion 110 of the device 100 to be fitted over a horse's leg. The opening 131 is sealable via a drawstring closure 133 extending around the perimeter of the opening 131 which can be loosened or tightened to open or close the opening 131 respectively. The drawstring 133 can be a string or elastic material. Alternatively, any other suitable enclosure could also be utilised. Closure of the opening 131 ensures that any treatment remains within the body portion 110 of the medical treatment device 100 and prevents any unwanted foreign material entering the medical treatment device 100 to contaminate the device 100 and/or body part being treated thus, creating a germ-free environment.

According to this embodiment, a built-in base 141 is provided at the bottom end 140 of the medical treatment device 100. The base 141 is shaped to be similar to that of the horse's foot to provide a snug fit at the bottom of the medical treatment device 100. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the base could be provided as a separate component to the body portion, wherein the body portion can fit inside the base and be attached thereto via a suitable means such as straps or fasteners or the like. Wrapping around the base 141 from a rear side of the base 141 to a front side of the base 141 is at least one, and preferabiy a pair, of adjustable quick-release fastener straps 144 to secure the boot around a horse's hoof. The fastener straps 144 have at least one aperture 146 securable over a stud 145 provided on the base 141. In alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that any other suitable fastener could be adopted such as hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners or the like. The base 141 comprises an outsole 142. The outsole 142 is made of a rubber or any other suitable material to provide grip for the horse to enable the horse to stand and walk while the medical treatment device 100 is being worn. The outsole 142 of the base has a plurality of corrugations 143 to provide additional grip for the horse, as illustrated more dearly in FIG 2. However, it will be envisaged that any suitable sole or outsole could be used.

Referring to FIG 2, provided on the side wail 120 of the medical treatment device 100 is a waterproof fastening mechanism 160. As illustrated in FIG 2, the fastening mechanism 160 is provided on the rear side of the device 100. However, in an alternative embodiment it is envisaged that the fastening mechanism could be located at a front side of the device or alternatively, any other suitable position. The fastening mechanism 160 is in the form of a zipper. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable fastening mechanism could also be adopted. As illustrated in FIG 3, the fastening mechanism 160 provides access to an interior 170 of the medical treatment device 100. The fastening mechanism 160 also enables the body portion 110 to be opened to assist in fitting the device 100 over the horse's limb, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the fastening mechanism can be omitted.

FIG 4 illustrates the medical treatment device 100 fitted over the horse's leg 200. Referring to F G 4, the medical treatment device 100 comprises at least one chamber 180 within an interior 170 of the body portion 110 adapted to receive a treatment 81 therein. The treatment can be any healing agent, fluid, solution, medical air, filtered water, iodine solution, salt water, cold or warm water or gels, ice water or any other suitable form of treatment for healing purposes suitable for direct contact with the body. The fastening mechanism 160 provides access to the at least one chamber 180 for administering the treatment 181 into the chamber 180 of the device 100. Alternatively, treatment 181 can be administered via the opening 131 at the top end 130 of the medical treatment device 100.

In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the at least one chamber 180 and/or body portion 110 surrounding the at least one chamber 180 is at least partially inflatable to provide stability, support and/or compression for the medical treatment device 100. The at least one chamber 180 can be inflated to assist with providing stability to the structure of the device 100, protecting the area of the body within the chamber(s) 180 and/or preventing movement of the area of the body within the chamber(s) 180. Hence, the medical treatment device 100 can also be utilised as a support or splint. It will be acknowledged that any suitable means of inflation commonly known in the art can be implemented and therefore, will not be described or illustrated in detail. For example, the body portion 110 can have at least one valve to enable the device 100 to be inflated using a compressed air source. The valve can be a uni-directional or bi-directional air valve. The compressed air can be introduced via a suitable source such as a syringe or tube connected to an air pump. Suitably, it is envisaged that any other gas or suitable means can be adopted to inflate the medical treatment device 100. At least one safety va!ve can be provided on the body portion 110 to prevent over inflation of the medical treatment device 100.

Whiie medical treatment device 100 has been illustrated as having a single chamber 180, it will be acknowledged that alternative embodiments could have more than one chamber 180. Furthermore, it is envisaged that these chambers can be sectioned or divided off to enable localised treatment of one or more specific areas of the limb while keeping the remainder of the limb free from treatment.

The medical treatment device of the present invention is designed to manage the treatment of injury through all stages, from cleaning and soaking the wound or injury, cooling the limb through conduction using water through to acting as a bandage cover or wound cover. It can be used to cool or heat the leg after exercise or Injury and as a protective sleeve to keep a wound or bandage free from dirt, damp and flies.

in further embodiments of the present invention, it is envisaged that the medical treatment device can be adapted for use with other equipment to enhance its efficiency. In addition, other devices and instruments could also be added to enhance the features of the medical treatment device 100 such as a temperature gauge, battery operated warming pads for heat, a timer or the like,

Hence, the medical treatment device provides a solution to the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing one or more chambers for administering localised treatment to a part of a body. The medical treatment device is portable, sturdy, durable, lightweight, slip- resistant and wiii bring the healing agent into closer, more localised contact with the affected area. The present invention is designed to cover the hoof and leg completely and provides a multi-purpose boot for hot and cold therapy and topical treatment and use as a float boot, ice boot and protective cover for bandages or wounds, By using conduction heat transfer this makes the device quite unique as it is portable. The present invention can be used for both injury management and sports injury and can assist in the treatment of most lower leg injuries including, but not limited to, abscess, wounds, bacterial infections, tendon/ligament injuries, mud fever, thrush, stone bruising, cuts, puncture wounds, swelling and heat. In addition, the medical treatment device will create a clean and potentially germ-free environment to aid in the treatment and healing process. It provides a safer and more efficient method than putting a horse's leg into a bucket for soaking and is more practical than hosing. The horse is able to move freely around its yard without needing to be monitored.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common genera! knowledge.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention,

Claims

ί claim:

1. A medical treatment device for animals comprising;

a body portion having a side wail extending between a top end and a bottom end; and at least one chamber within an interior of the body portion adapted to receive a treatment therein; wherein the top end of the body portion has an opening to enable the device to be fitted over a part of a body to provide localised treatment to the part of the body.

2. The medical treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the device is adapted for use with horses.

3. The medical treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the device is in the form of a boot.

4. The medical treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the treatment can be any healing agent fluid, solution, medical air, filtered water, iodine solution, salt water, cold or warm water gels, ice water or any other suitable form of treatment for healing purposes suitable for direct contact with the body.

5. The medical treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one chamber and/or body portion is at least partially inflatable.

6. The medical treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises at least one adjustable strap with a fastener which can be tightened and fastened to firmly secure the device in place.

7. The medical treatment device of ciaim 1 , wherein the opening is sealable via a drawstring closure extending around the perimeter of the opening which can be loosened or tightened to open or close the opening respectively.

8. The medical treatment device of claim 1 , wherein a built-in base is provided at the bottom end of the device, shaped to be similar to that of the horse's foot.

9. The medical treatment device of claim 8, wherein the base has at least one adjustable quick-release fastener strap.

10. The medicai treatment device of claim 8, wherein the base comprises an outsole having a plurality of corrugations.

11. The medical treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a fastening mechanism on the side wail of the body portion of the device.

12. The medical treatment device of claim 11 , wherein the fastening mechanism is a zipper.

13. The medical treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the device manages the treatment of injuries through all stages, from cleaning and soaking the wound, cooling or heating the limb through conduction using water, application of topical treatment through to acting as a bandage cover or wound cover.