This invention relates generally to the field of animal care, and particularly to delivering a temperature altering regimen to a specific and defined location on an animal's body.
Covers, blankets, clothing and other articles adapted for wearing by an animal have long been used. Common examples include, clothing for dogs, fly protectors (used to prevent or lessen damage to cattle and other farm animals caused by ectoparasites, such as flies and mosquitoes) and horse blankets. Conventional horse blankets are provided to protect a horse from mud, dirt, and moisture, and to provide a degree of thermal insulation. These conventional horse blankets typically conform to the shape of a horse's upper body to provide adequate protection from the elements.
The horse blankets of the prior art provides a general protection from the elements; however, the prior art is deficient in delivering a targeted extreme temperature to a specifically focused area of the horse's body. Similarly, other animal covers and clothing merely provide a general barrier between the animal and the elements. Furthermore, the animal covers of the prior art are not useful for delivering an extreme temperature regimen to the animal's body, or to a defined area thereof. Thus, there is a need in the art for an animal cover that delivers targeted and extreme temperature to a specifically selected area of an animal's body, or to the entire body.
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a device useful for delivering a temperature altering regimen to a specific and defined location on an animal's body. The invention is useful for altering the temperature of an animal's body, or of a specific area thereof. It is desirable to alter the temperature of an animal's body for a variety of reasons, including: maintaining a desirable basal body temperature in an extreme climate; maintaining basal body temperature to treat an illness affecting said temperature; providing a temperature greater or lesser than basal temperature to muscle groups and/or joints to help with swelling and aching following a strenuous workout; providing a temperature greater or lesser than basal temperature to joints to assist with pain associated with swelling due to arthritis; and to lower the temperature of a body following a strenuous workout. Thus, the current invention is useful in a variety of fields, including, but not limited to farming, veterinary, competition animals and home use.
In one particular aspect of the present invention, a horse blanket is provided and is used to deliver a temperature altering regimen to a competition horse. The invention comprises strategically located cavities further comprising a temperature altering device. The horse blanket, therefore, places the temperature altering device in a specific and defined location on the horse's body wherein a temperature altering regimen is delivered.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the horse blanket is provided having a plurality of cavities fixedly attached to said horse blanket In this embodiment, the horse blanket is constructed to comprise said cavities in strategic locations within the horse blanket, such that when the horse blanket is placed on an animal, the strategically located cavities come into contact with preselected locations on the horse. Typically, these preselected locations include, but are not limited to, muscle groups, joints, ligaments and tendons.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the horse blanket is provided having at least one cavity releasably attached to said horse blanket. In this embodiment, the blanket is constructed to releasably accept at least one cavity. The blanket is placed on the horse and then a cavity containing a temperature altering device is attached to the blanket such that the cavity can deliver a temperature altering regimen to a desired location of the horse's body, including, but not limited to muscle groups, joints, ligaments and tendons. The cavity is later removed from the blanket and can be reattached in the same or in another location on the horse blanket
In one embodiment of the method, the invention is brought to a desired temperature and is utilized to deliver a temperature altering regimen to the body of an animal. Specifically, a temperature altering device is either permanently or removably enclosed in a cavity. The temperature altering device is, therefore, strategically located within said blanket such that the temperature altering device can deliver a targeted temperature altering regimen to a desired location of the horse's body, including, but not limited to muscle groups, joints, ligaments and tendons.
FIGS. 1B-D illustrate alternative configurations for placing the cavity on a horse blanket. The cavity further comprises a temperature altering device, thus their placement will define the region of the blanket that will deliver a temperature altering regimen.
a illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the interior side of the animal cover comprises a material for the releasable attachment of cavities to the animal cover. Also seen in
b illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the exterior side of the animal cover comprises a material for the releasable attachment of cavities to the animal cover.
a illustrates a releasable cavity of the current invention wherein the cavity is a pocket comprising releasable material, temperature reflective material and temperature permeable material, and further comprising a pocket for holding a temperature altering device.
b illustrates a releasable cavity of the current invention wherein the cavity is a patch comprising releasable material and comprising either a temperature reflective material or temperature permeable material, wherein the patch can envelop a temperature altering device when used in conjunction with an animal cover having the complementary releasable material.
The current invention is a cover used to alter the temperature of a user. Preferably, the user referred to herein is an animal, more preferably, the user is a competition animal and most preferably, the user is a competition horse. For the remainder of this description of the current invention, a horse blanket will be described; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily adapt the current invention to a variety of covers for a variety of animals. These additional uses of the current invention, including alternative embodiments involving different types of covers, different temperature altering devices or different animals, are well within the scope of the current invention.
It is desirable to alter the temperature of an animal for a variety of reasons. Veterinarians typically use ice baths to lower the temperature of an animal suffering from a fever and will use a hot or cold press to deliver a temperature to a specific location on an animal's body. Similarly, farmers and other animal owners, particularly those in more extreme climates, desire to alter the body temperature of their animals to prevent or ameliorate hypothermia, hyperthermia, and other adverse conditions associated with exposure to extreme climates. Thus, animal blankets are frequently used on animals in extremely cold climates to keep these animals warm.
Competition animals exert maximum effort during a performance or practice, and as a result, will often develop sore muscles, inflamed joints, strained ligaments and tendons, increased body temperature and a variety of other undesirable effects. Such competition animals include, but are not limited to greyhound race dogs, thoroughbred race horses, sport horses (e.g., jumping, driving, dressage, vaulting and endurance) and agility dogs. It is desirable to deliver a specific and targeted temperature altering treatment to one or more of the sore muscles, inflamed joints, strained ligaments and tendons, increased body temperature and variety of other undesirable effects. In addition to targeting a specific area with a temperature altering regimen, it may also be desirable to deliver a first specific temperature to a first specific area and a second specific temperature to a second specific area. These and other objectives are achieved by the current invention.
The current invention is directed towards a new device and method for delivering a temperature altering regimen to an animal. In the preferred embodiment, the animal is a competitions horse. The device in this embodiment is a cover, similar to a horse blanket that covers the body of the horse and delivers a temperature altering regimen directly to a specific location on the horse's body. The device of the current invention is adjustable, allowing the temperature altering regions to precisely fit a variety of body areas of various differently shaped and sized horses. The device and method is further described below with reference to the attached drawings.
In an alternative embodiment, the material of horse blanket 2 is cotton or a cotton-polyester blend on one or both of the interior side 4 and the exterior side 6. At times it may be desirable for the horse blanket 2 to possess certain specific qualities or a combination thereof, including but not limited to a variable degree of flexibility, water impermeability, tensile strength, optical reflectivity, conductivity and elasticity. In a further alternative embodiment, the material comprising one or both of interior side 4 and exterior side 6 is a specialty material selected from the group consisting of polychloroprene, polyethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene and polyamide.
In another embodiment, the material of horse blanket 2 is comprises a loop material, such that various objects comprising a hook component are releasably attachable to various locations on the horse blanket 2. In one example configuration of this alternative embodiment, the material of interior side 4 of blanket 2 is made of loop material and the exterior side 6 of blanket 2 is made of a temperature reflective material. (
In another example configuration of this alternative embodiment, the material of exterior side 6 of blanket 2 is made of loop material. (
The animal cover, which is a horse blanket 2 in the current description, can thusly, comprise a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, hook material, loop material, temperature permeable material, temperature reflective material, moisture wicking material and combinations thereof.
The front end of the horse blanket comprises a cut away portion 8 designed to fit around the horse's neck, resting just above the withers. Alternatively seen as a detached section, the horse blanket 2 comprises a protrusion 10 that covers a majority of the horse's neck, stopping just short of the horse's head. The rear sides of the horse blanket comprises flaps 12, which are fitted around the hips of the horse and releasably attached to connectors 14 at the rear of the horse blanket. Connectors 14 can be a variety of well known connectors, including, but not limited to, hook and loop, snaps, ring and clip, and buckle. Furthermore, connectors 14 can be a plurality of connectors 14 thereby allowing for an adjustable attachment of the horse blanket 2 to a variety of sized horses. The horse blanket is attached to the horse's body using fastening systems well known in the art.
It is to be understood, that the preferred embodiment wherein a horse blanket comprises the invention is by way of example only. Furthermore, horse blankets are well known in the art and the description of a horse having a cut away 8 exposing the horse's neck, or a protrusion 10 covering the horse's neck are mere descriptions of a horse blanket. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily adapt the current invention to fit a variety of covers beyond blankets, and the covers comprising the current invention are useful on more animals that just horses. These variations are within the scope of the current invention.
Also shown in
In
Cavities 16 can be located in any portions of horse blanket 2 that is desired. For example, in
Cavities 16 are designed to hold the temperature altering device of the current invention via enclosing said temperature altering device within said cavities 16. In
In another embodiment of the current invention wherein the horse blanket 2 comprises a loop material forming the interior side 4 or the exterior side 6, the cavities 16 are constructed separately form the horse blanket 2 and made to releasably attach with horse blanket 2. For example, wherein the interior side 4 of horse blanket 2 is a loop material, a cavity 16 of this embodiment is illustrated in
Alternatively, and as shown in
In an example wherein the exterior side 6 of blanket 2 comprises a loop material, then cavity 16 is formed as in the example directly above; however, in this example, the first surface 22 is temperature reflective and the material comprising horse blanket 2 is temperature permeable. Numerous other methods for constructing the current invention having a releasably attached cavity 16 are well within the spirit of the current invention.
As is illustrated in
For example, flap 12 will generally extend from horse blanket 2 near the front of the horse's thigh/point of hip region. Flap 12 can be placed behind the horse's thigh and releasably connect to the horse blanket near the rear of thigh/buttock region of the horse. Preferably, the releasable connection 14 is a spring clamp and loop assembly and more preferably a hook and loop connection; however, a variety of other connector mechanisms are well known in the art and can be used in this embodiment. The connector 14 is also adjustable, allowing for a conforming proper fit for flap 12 with variously sized and shaped horses. As used with the current invention, flap 12 comprises a cavity 16f for delivering a temperature altering regimen to a horse. (See
In one preferred embodiment, cavity 16f is adjustably attached along flap 12 for proper positioning of the temperature altering device 18. For example, as is shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the cavity 16f is formed within flap 12 as described above for cavities 16a-e; however, in this example cavity 16f is much larger than the temperature altering device 18 (
In a still further alternative embodiment, flap 12 comprises a loop material and cavity 16f comprises a hook material. As is detailed above, the cavity 16f is then releasably attached to flap 12 using the hook and loop attachment material. Cavity 16f is then brought into position and delivers a temperature altering regimen as described above.
In a further embodiment illustrated in
Other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and do not exceed the current invention. In addition, the positional cavity and/or temperature altering device is not limited to that on flap 12, as is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Temperature altering device 18 delivers a desired temperature to a specific area of a horse's body. The temperature altering device 18 of the current invention is strategically located to deliver a temperature altering regimen to an optimal location of an animal's body. The temperature altering device 18 is typically located in a cavity 16 of the current invention. In one embodiment, an animal cover has fixed cavities that are optimally located such that once said animal cover is placed on an animal the cavities are in the optimal location. Such an animal cover is made in a variety of sizes and shapes and the cavities are strategically located based on the animal's anatomy and size. In another embodiment, an animal cover has releasably attached cavities that can be strategically placed on said animal cover, and thereby optimally located to deliver a temperature altering regimen to an animal's body. Releasable attachment means are discussed above, are well known in the art, and are within the spirit of the current invention. Animal covers of this embodiment can come in a variety of sizes to fit a variety of animal types and sizes; however, optimal placement of said cavities is achieved by the releasable attachment of said cavities. As described herein, the animal cover is a horse blanket and the animal is a horse; however, the animal cover can be applicable to a variety of animals for a variety of purposes.
As stated above, the temperature altering device 18 delivers a desired temperature to a specific area of a horse's body. The delivered temperature can be either greater than or lesser than the horse's current basal temperature. Following a strenuous workout the horse's body will increase its temperature relative to basal temperature. In this example, the current invention comprises a cooling temperature altering device 18, which can be applied to the horse's body to help the horse cool down. Horses' muscles and joints will often require heat or cold, and this is particularly true following a strenuous workout or an injury. In these instances, the current invention comprises either a heating or a cooling temperature altering device 18.
A temperature altering device 18 is located within a cavity 16. The temperature altering device 18 can either be permanently located within cavity 16 or removably located within cavity 16. If the temperature altering device 18 is permanently located within cavity 16, then it can be sown within the fabric, or otherwise included within. If; however, the temperature altering device 18 is removably located within cavity 16, then cavity 16 can be in the form of a pocket, having a securable pocket mouth 22 (
Securable pocket mouth 22 can be closed using a variety of means well known in the art. It is preferable that the securing means for securable pocket mouth 22 are such that the entire length of securable pocket mouth 22 is sealed, thereby preventing a loss of temperature from temperature altering device 18. Securable pocket mouth 22 can be closed with a variety of securing means, including but not limited to: hook and loop, snap, zipper, button, tuck, or a variety of other means well know in the art.
Temperature altering device 18 is brought to a desired temperature; is strategically placed on the horse's body; and delivers a temperature altering regimen to that specific area of the horse's body. When temperature altering device 18 is permanently affixed within the horse blanket 2, then the entire horse blanket 2 must be subjected to a means for bringing temperature altering device 18 to a desired temperature. In one example for accomplishing this goal, the temperature altering device is a series of electrically connected heating elements having a plug mechanism on one end. The plug is electrically connected to a power source, which cause the temperature of the heating elements to rise. The heating elements can be brought to a desired temperature before the horse blanket 2 is placed on the horse, or the horse blanket 2 can remain plugged in while on the horse, providing a steady and constant source of heat or a variable source of heat such that the heat output and thus the temperature of the heating elements can be varied as desired. A cooling horse blanket 2 can similarly have cooling elements electrically connected and having a plug member at one end, providing a steady and constant cooling source or a variable cooling source such that the cooling intensity and thus the temperature of the cooling elements can be varied accordingly.
Alternatively, with a horse blanket 2 comprises a permanent temperature altering device 18, the temperature altering device 18 comprises a material that is capable of being adjusted to a desired temperature, and which will hold said temperature. Such materials are well know in the art, and include, but are not limited to gel, silica, water, bean bags, heat packs, cool packs, rice bags and other compositions. Some common examples of heat and cool pack include, without limitation: the Hot & Cold Flexible Gel Pack by 3M, Minneapolis, Minn.; Thermo-Pad Heat Packs by Hood Thermo-Pad, Summerlend, BC Canada, and the Hot/Cold Reusable Gel Pack by Accu-Therm, Taipei, Taiwan. It is well known in the art, that reusable gel materials are very efficient at obtaining and maintaining for some time a desired temperature or range of temperatures, and are useful for delivery of a temperature or range of temperatures to a part of the body. The temperature of these materials is generally altered using refrigeration, ovens, submersion in hot or cold water; microwaves, endothermic or exothermic chemical reactions and like methods.
With the current invention wherein said horse blanket 2 comprises a permanent temperature altering device 18, and the temperature altering device 18 further comprises a gel or other medium, the entire horse blanket 2 must be exposed to the external temperature. In this embodiment, the refrigeration, oven, microwave or endothermic or exothermic chemical reaction means are preferable. Submersion ill hot or cold water is useful when the horse blanket is made of a material that can get wet without any adverse effects to the horse blanket 2 or the horse. Preferably, the horse blanket 2 is placed in a heating or cooling environment; the heating or cooling environment activates the temperature altering device 18 to reach a desired temperature; the horse blanket 2 with activated temperature altering device is placed on the horse strategically locating the temperature altering device 18 near a specific area of the horse's body, and a temperature altering regimen will take place. Should temperature altering device return to a temperature that is no longer useful for the temperature altering regimen, then the necessary steps should be repeated to bring temperature altering device 18 to a desired temperature and, thus, continue delivery of a temperature altering regimen. Suitable materials and devices useful for delivering a temperature altering regimen will be obvious to use in conjunction with the current invention, and one of ordinary skill in the art will readily do so without exceeding the scope of the current invention.
Horse blanket 2 can comprise temperature altering device 18 removably located in cavity 16. In this embodiment, the temperature altering device 18 can be a heating or cooling element, a gel pack similar to that used in heat and cool packs, a gel, silica, water, bean bags, rice bags and other compositions for altering temperature. Similar to the above description, these temperature altering devices can be electrically connected to a power source (for the heating or cooling element) or can be placed in a temperature altering environment, brought to a desired temperature through physical or chemical means and then returned to horse blanket 2 to deliver a temperature altering regimen. If a heat pack or cool pack is used, then submersion in hot or cold water is one means for adjusting the temperature of said temperature altering device 18, because only the packs and not the whole blanket will be submerged in water. Also, in this embodiment, temperature altering device 18 can be a single use device or material. For example, cavity 16 can be filled with ice, or with an activated disposable heat or cool pack (e.g., those containing sodium chloride and water for heat, or those containing ammonium nitrate and water for cold). If a heat pack or cool pack is used, another means for adjusting the temperature of said temperature altering device 18 is filling the heat pack or cool pack with gel or other medium, wherein such gel or medium can be activated to undergo an exothermic or endothermic chemical reaction, resulting in heat release or absorption respectively. Such gel or other medium can include, without limitation: sodium acetate, sodium chloride and water, ammonium nitrate and water, or any other suitable composition. Suitable materials and devices useful for delivering a temperature altering regimen will be obvious to use in conjunction with the current invention, and one of ordinary skill in the art will readily do so without exceeding the scope of the current invention.
If the temperature altering device 18 is removably located in cavity 16, then said temperature altering device 18 is removed from the cavity through sealable pocket mouth 22; is brought to a desired temperature; is returned to cavity 16; sealable pocket mouth 22 is sealed; and a temperature altering regimen is delivered to strategic locations on the horse's body. Depending on whether sealable pocket mouth 22 is located on the interior side 4 or exterior side 6 of horse blanket 2, will determine ease of removing and replacing temperature altering device 18 from cavity 16 when the horse blanket 2 is on the horse. When sealable pocket mouth 22 is on the exterior side 6 of horse blanket 2, then the temperature altering device can easily be removed and replaced from cavity 16 when horse blanket 2 is on the horse. More difficult, is removing and replacing temperature altering device when sealable pocket mouth 22 is located on the interior side 4 of horse blanket 2 when the horse blanket 2 is on the horse. Cavities 16a-c located at or near the spine and spinal muscles of the horse may be impossible to access when the horse blanket 2 is on the horse. Thus, it is preferable that sealable pocket mouth 22 is located on the exterior side 6 of horse blanket 2. Alternatively, if sealable pocket mouth 22 is on the interior side 4 of horse blanket 2, it is preferable that the activated temperature altering device is placed within cavity 16 and then horse blanket 2 is placed on the horse's body.
Various modifications and alterations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims. For example, it should be noted that steps recited in any method claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the order that they are recited. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations in performing the steps from the order in which they are recited. For example, in certain embodiments, steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying claims should be constructed with these principles in mind.
Benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) is claimed herein to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/807,695, filed Mar. 24, 2004. The disclosure of the above referenced application is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US04/31540 | 9/27/2004 | WO | 12/6/2005 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10807695 | Mar 2004 | US |
Child | 10559860 | Dec 2005 | US |