# US 8,539,912 B2 · E-tube collar

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- Number: US 8,539,912 B2
- Document ID: US8539912B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/590,785
- Filed: 2009-11-14
- Published: 2011-05-19
- Granted: 2013-09-24
- Earliest claimed: 2009-11-14
- Assignees: Garrouzoo, Inc.
- Applicants: Donna Gaye Garrou
- Inventors: Donna Gaye Garrou
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8539912B2

## CPC

- A01K 13/006: {Protective coverings (Elastic soles or covers for hoofs A01L5/00, A01L7/02; for veterinary purposes A61D)}
- A01K 27/001: {Collars}
- A61D 9/00: Bandages, poultices or compresses specially adapted to veterinary purposes
- A01K: ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A61D: VETERINARY INSTRUMENTS, IMPLEMENTS, TOOLS, OR METHODS

## Abstract

The invention is a method for protecting the neck of an animal following surgical insertion of an esophagostomy tube. The e-Tube protective collar prevents injury to the surgical site, provides stabilization of the e-Tube and prevents accidental or deliberate removal of the tube by the animal. The collar is constructed of two layers of fabric which encircles the animal's neck and fastens via hook and loop fastener strips under the neck allowing for adjustment of tightness. There is a stitched hole in the fabric for the e-Tube to pass through which is then held stable once the collar is placed around the animal's neck. The collar has a hook and loop fastener strip disposed on the top face to fold over the loose end of longer e-Tubes and hold them flat against the collar. The collar requires minimal dressing for the wound and protects it while allowing it to “breathe”. Because of the comfortable fit, the collar can remain on the animal continuously and causes no discomfort or impediment to normal eating, grooming, or play.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of protecting a wound in a neck of an animal, the method comprising:
inserting an esophagostomy tube through an aperture in a body of a collar; and
coupling a fastener to a complementary fastener to fasten the collar around the neck of the animal.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising strapping the esophagostomy tube against the collar.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising using a loop coupled to the body of the collar to orient the collar.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein inserting the esophagostomy tube through the aperture in the body of the collar includes inserting the esophagostomy tube through a slit in the body of the collar.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein coupling the fastener to the complementary fastener includes adjusting tightness.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the method does not compromise breathing or circulation of the animal.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein coupling the fastener to the complementary coupling a tab extending from an end of the body to the body.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein coupling the fastener to the complementary fastener comprises linking hook and loop material.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein coupling the fastener to the complementary coupling a first tab extending from a first end of the body to a second tab extending from a second end of the body.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The method of claim 9, wherein coupling the fastener to the complementary fastener comprises linking hook and loop material.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein coupling the fastener to the complementary fastener comprises linking hook and loop material.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the animal is a cat.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the animal is a dog.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the animal is one of a bird, a reptile, and a mammal.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the collar based on a type of animal.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the collar based on a size of the animal.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the collar based on a breed of the animal.

### Claim 18 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the collar based on a hair length of the animal.

### Claim 19 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the collar based on a type of the esophagostomy tube.