Hoof Sock Bandage
OwnerJeannette Swearingeninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A one piece hoof sock bandage for use with horses, livestock, and other hoofed animals includes an elastic, water resistant sock material having a sole portion coated with a resilient, puncture resistant material. The sock material provides uniform compression to avoid constriction and extends up the leg to the pastern or higher where it is held in place by a cuff portion. The resilient sole portion covers the sole of the hoof and extends up the wall of the hoof far enough to prevent the sole portion from sliding on the hoof and to protect as much of the hoof as desired. The sock and sole portions may contain medications in various forms and generally function to treat the hoof area and protect it from contamination.
Claims19
A hoof sock bandage for a hoofed animal comprising:
- a continuous, elastic tubular sock closed at a first end and open at a second end wherein:
- said closed first end comprises a hoof-covering portion comprising a puncture resistant, waterproof, plastic coating shaped to conform to the hoof of said animal and configured to receive and enclose the sole of a hoof and at least a portion of the hoof wall of said animal;
- said open second end comprises a leg covering portion configured to cover at least a portion of a leg above the hoof of said animal in a form fitting manner;
- and
- said bandage is configured to be slipped over the hoof and a portion of the lower leg of said animal such that the hoof is contained within the hoof covering portion and the leg covering portion conforms to a portion of the lower leg of the animal.
The method of clam 13, wherein the injury or disease is selected from the group consisting of a bacterial infection, a viral infection, a fungal infection, founder, laminitis, a contusion, a cut, a laceration, a puncture wound, inflammation, and combinations thereof.
A method for making a hoof sock bandage comprising the steps of:
- applying a reinforcing material to a first, closed end of a tube such that said reinforcing material is shaped to conform to the shape of the hoof of said animal and
- hardening the reinforcing material to form a layer of reinforcing material that is at least about 1 mm thick
- wherein said tube is closed at said first end and open at a second end and comprises an elastic material sufficient in length to cover the hoof and at least a portion of the lower leg in a form-fitting manner above the hoof of said animal and sufficient in diameter such that the tube can be stretched to fit over the hoof and said at least portion of the lower leg.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.