Abstract:
An apparatus and method for removing antlers from animals in a manner that is substantially painless, and thus humane, and that utilizes a particular banding tool and novel band.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates in general to tools for removing body parts and in particular to a method and apparatus for removing antlers from an animal.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Antlers from deer, elk, or other antlered animals are put to a myriad of uses. Antlers are used in the traditional medical practices of many cultures. They are used as decorative elements in lamps, furnishings, architecture, and other products. Hunters typically use antlers to “rattle in” game during hunting season. The demand for antlers is ever-increasing due to these exemplary uses and many others. Antlers are grown each year by the adult males of all deer species found in New Zealand. They form on ‘pedicles’—permanent projections on the frontal bone of the stag&#39;s skull. The pedicles and first antler normally develop in early spring of the stag&#39;s first year, at about ten months of age. The first year antlers are normally single unbranched spikes, which is why young stags are known to farmers as ‘spikers’. Unlike horns, which are mostly made up of keratin—the protein which makes up wool, hair and hoof—antlers begin as living cartilage, well-supplied with blood, enclosed in a skin covered with fine hair. Antlers at this early stage of growth are known as velvet. Over several weeks as the antlers reach their final size, the cartilage gradually converts into bone. In the process the antler blood supply and nerves are lost. When their antlers have fully hardened, stags rub them against trees or rocks to clean off the skin which remains. They now possess a rack of sharp bony weapons ready for use in combat during the autumn rut or mating season.  
           [0003]    Each spring the cycle begins again: The skin around the pedicle expands and grows, initiating new antler growth. The hard antler from the previous season is cast off and the growth of a new season&#39;s velvet crop begins. On a farm the deer producing the best velvet are retained. From 55 to 60 days after casting the velvet is at its most valuable stage from medicinal purposes. When velvet is harvested for use in medicines, it is removed about a centimeter above the pedicle. Like the antlers on wild stags, this remaining antler turns to bone and is eventually cast-off when the new antler grows in spring. These small remnants of antler are called ‘buttons’ by deer farmers and the time of casting is known as ‘button-drop’. Once it is removed, the velvet is allowed to cool on racks before being frozen. It is then ready to be graded and processed. If it has been removed at the correct time, before it has started to turn to bone, the entire antler may be used for medicinal purposes. Velvet removal is typically a surgical procedure undertaken by a veterinarian or a specially trained farmer that requires severe medication of the deer or other antlered animal before the procedure is performed. Deer velvet regenerates naturally every year. Velvet is removed using methods proven to ensure analgesia, usually chemical, so deer feel no pain. Non-removal of antlers presents a significant danger to deer and other stock and also handlers.  
           [0004]    Once the chemicals necessary to anesthetize the animal are injected into the animal, it takes a few scant minutes (usually the time in which the animal reacts to the chemical) for the chemical to completely saturate the antlers of the animals. This saturation of the antler with the anesthetizing chemical is undesirable, since that chemical will then be transferred on to the end consumer. Thus, by the time the animal is fully anesthetized, the antlers are saturated and undesirable.  
           [0005]    If humans are going to continue to consume antlers as medicinal products, what is needed is a humane, pain free, and chemical free method of removing antlers that will prevent injury to the animal and also will allow the antlers to grow back year after year.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention provides a method and an apparatus that allows for the humane, pain free and chemical free removal of antlers from an animal. The present invention can also assist in the partial removal or amputation of other body parts of an animal or human, including the surgical removal of prolapses (where an organ or a part of an organ that belongs inside the body is outside of the body) and the surgical removal of parts of or the entirety of a limb.  
           [0007]    The present invention allows an elastomeric strap to be tightly attached to an antler (prolapse or other body part) to cut off blood supply to the antler and to deaden the nerves that are part of the antler (prolapse or other body part). Cutting off the blood supply and deadening the nerves allows the removal of the antler, prolapse or other body part, eliminating any pain felt by the animal, reducing the amount of blood loss, and reducing the likelihood of swelling, infection and/or prolonged stress to the animal. The present invention also allows the strap to be tightened quickly thereby reducing the length of time that the animal must be restrained.  
           [0008]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus for removal is provided. The method includes the steps of attaching an elastomeric strap material to a removal tool and forming a loop of the elastomeric strap material around the antler to be removed. Once the loop is formed, the method includes pulling the loop using the tool to tighten the loop around the antler and clamping a device about said loop so that the loop maintains pressure about the antler until the antler can be removed through surgical means.  
           [0009]    A separate aspect of the present invention related to a method and apparatus for using a preformed removal band attached to an endless loop in conjunction with a removal tool to remove the antler, prolapse or other body part. Use of an endless loop eliminates the need to use a linear length of banding material for forming a loop around a body part or antler.  
           [0010]    A tool constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a clamping device which is removably attached to the tool and removably attached to the elastomeric strap material. The tool has a winding assembly that is connected to the strap and/or the removal band such that the loop is tightened by winding the band.  
           [0011]    Preferably, the winding assembly includes a spool that facilitates the securing of a band thereabout as the spool is rotated. A ratchet mechanism can be employed to provide for one way rotation of the spool. In one embodiment, the tool is operated by pneumatic or electrical motors or by power tools which function to wind the band around the spool to achieve a desired loop tightness or tension. In a related embodiment, the motor or power source used to wind the tool is recessed within the handle portion of the tool and engages a worm gear or other similar mechanism to rotate the winding spool. The tightness of the loop can be modified by adjusting either the pneumatic/electrical winding device so that winding of the strap material ceases at a predetermined tension, or by providing a clutch mechanism on the tool itself. The winding assembly rotates in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool effectively shortening the endless loop and applying pressure around the antler of the animal.  
           [0012]    In another embodiment of the tool of the present invention, the tool is provided with a tensioning indicator that indicates the tension applied to an elastomeric loop during a removal procedure. An operator of this embodiment of the tool can be assured that an effective removal tension is provided to the loop. Moreover, in one embodiment of the tool, the tension indicator is provided by a compressible tool body, wherein the amount of compression indicates a corresponding tension on the loop. The compressible tool body may be provided by telescoping tool body segments, wherein one tool body segment slidably moves or compresses an insert within an outer tool body segment. Further, a compression spring may be used to provide resistance against compression forces urging the inserted body segment further into the outer tool body segment. Thus, by calibrating the extent of compression of the compression spring for various degrees of compressive force, a loop tension indicator can be provided as one or more markings on either the inner or the outer tool body segment.  
           [0013]    In another embodiment of the tool of the present invention, the tool includes a lever which is biased against a grommet that is fitted over the elastomeric material. The pressure exerted by the lever prevent the grommet from inadvertently being mispositioned prior to and during the operation of the tool. Further more, when sufficient tension is put on the endless loop and the consequent pressure is applied to the body part to be removed, the lever is used to deform the grommet upon and/or around the endless loop to secure the loop.  
           [0014]    One aspect of the present invention includes a removal band that facilitates the tightening of the loop about the antler or other body part. The removal band is removably attached to the spool and at least one end of the elastomeric loop. Another aspect of the present invention is a tool that includes a body, a winding mechanism attached to said body, a mount for a clamping device, a releasable locking lever to insure that the clamping device remains on the tool throughout use of the tool, and an attachment member that is adapted to be attached to the removal band or, alternatively, the elastomeric loop.  
           [0015]    Other features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description with the accompanying figures contained herein. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    The figures which follow depict a preferred embodiment of the invention, and may depict various alternative embodiments. The invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments depicted herein since even further various alternative embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For the ease of the reader, like reference numerals in various drawing figures refer to identical structural elements or components.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an apparatus constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 depicts a top view of an apparatus constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an apparatus, having a crimping device, constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 depicts a top view of an apparatus, with a partial cutaway, having a pneumatic or hydraulic winding mechanism constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 depicts a top view, with a partial cutaway, having a tension indicator constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a side and top view, respectively, of a clamping device constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIGS. 7A, 7B, and  7 C depict side views of the components of a clamping device constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIGS. 8A, 8B, and  8 C depict top views of the components of a clamping device constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 9A, 9B and  9 C depict various views of the components of another embodiment of a clamping device constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 10A, 10B, and  10 C depict top views of a removal band and the attachment of an elastomeric strap material thereto, the removal band being constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a removal band constructed in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 12 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a removal band constructed in accordance with at lease one aspect of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0029]    For the ease of the reader in referring to the drawings, the following component list is provided:  
                                                       Tool   10           Adjustable Tool Handle   11           Winding Handle   12           Release End, Locking Lever   13           Mount End, Locking Lever   14           Clamp Device Mount   15           Winding Mechanism   16           Tool Body   17           Spool Anchor   18           Spool   19           Crimping Device   20           Grommet   21           Lever   22           Connector to Body   23           Lock   24           Elastomeric Strap Material   30           or Loop           Pneumatic Device   40           Air Supply   41           Air Piston   42           Piston Rod   43           Drive Linkage   44           Tension Indicator Device   50           Tension Indicator   51           Cutout for Tension Indicator   52           Compression Spring   53           Spacer   54           Shaft   55           Retaining Member   56           Bore   57           Arrow-direction of force   58           Receptacle   59           Washer Assembly   60           Threaded Free End   61           Clamp Device   70           Pivot   71           Bar   72           Fulcrum   73           Arm   74           Anchor Screw   75           Support for Roller   76           Roller   77           Lock for Bar   78           Frame   79           Support Screws   80           Support Bar   81           Alternate Clamp Device   90           Pivot Member   91           Fulcrum   92           Locking Member   93           Support Screw   94           Support Bar   95           Frame   96           Roller   97           Anchor   98           Receiving Member   99           Mount Receiving Area   100           Single Wrap Removal Band   110           1 st  end   111           Elongated section   112           2 nd  end   113           Attachment to 2 nd  section   114           of Elastomeric Strap           Attachment to 2 nd  section   115           of Elastomeric Strap           Spool Attachment   116           Crimp   117           Double Wrap Removal Band   120           1 st  end   121           Elongated Section   122           2 nd  end   123           Spool Attachment   124           Attachment to Elastomeric   125           Strap           Prolapse Removal Band   130           1 st  end   131           2 nd  end   132           Attachment to tool   133           Attachment to Elastomeric   134           Strap                      
 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]    At the outset, it should be understood that this invention comprises a method for removing antlers from an animal as well as an apparatus particularly adapted to make the removal pain and chemical free. The description which follows describes a preferred embodiment of the invention, and various alternative embodiments. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that various other alternative embodiments may be accomplished without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.  
         [0031]    As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, an apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is generally identified by the reference numeral  10 . As shown, the tool  10  comprises a tool body  17 , a winding mechanism  16 , a clamp mount  15 , and a catch locking lever  14 . The tool body  17 , which may comprise steel or other material having sufficient strength to withstand the forces encountered during the removal procedures, has a handle  11  at one end and a clamp mount  15  at the other end. In one embodiment, the tool handle  11  is pivotally mounted to the tool body  17  to allow the tool handle  11  to be adjusted up or down dependent on the approach of the user to the animal. This adjustability allows the user to approach the animal from a myriad of directions.  
         [0032]    The winding mechanism can be hand operated or power-operated. An embodiment of the hand operated is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The winding mechanism, preferably, includes a ratchet mechanism to allow for one-way rotation of the winding mechanism and to allow for faster winding of the band about the spool. In a hand operated winding mechanism, the winding mechanism operatively engages a handle, which is rotatable in relation to the tool body. The winding mechanism  16  is attached to the tool body  17  by way of a frame which may comprise steel or other material of suitable strength. In one embodiment of the tool shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the winding mechanism is along the same longitudinal axis as the tool body. In another embodiment of the tool, shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, the winding mechanism is mounted on a longitudinal axis parallel to that of the tool body.  
         [0033]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the winding mechanism  16  comprises a spool  19  which is rotatably mounted in the frame. The spool also has an anchor  18 , to which the removal band  110 ,  120  or  130  is attached. As can be readily appreciated, the rate at which the loop  30  is tightened will depend upon the diameter of the spool  19  and the speed of rotation of the spool  19 . In addition, the tension which can be imparted to the strap  30  by winding the strap  30  a predetermined number of times around the spool  19  or, alternatively, by gauging the tension or torque exerted on the winding mechanism so that at a at a predetermined desired tension, the spool  19  is no longer rotated. The diameter of the spool  19  can therefore be selected to allow the desired rate and degree of tightening. Although it is believed that broad range of spool  19  diameters would provide adequate results, the illustrate spool  19  has a diameter between about ½ inch and ¾ inch. Such a diameter allows for rapid tightening of the loop  30  and allows the loop  30  to be sufficiently tightened to substantially cut off blood flow and systemic support to the body part to be removed.  
         [0034]    Once the elastomeric loop has been tightened about the antler or other body part, loop size can be maintained by securely interconnecting portions of the loop adjacent the loop. The portions may be interconnected by used an adhesive, stapling, pinning or heat sealing the loop; binding portions of the loop with wire, rope or the like; or any other suitable method for securing the loop. The tool of the present invention can use a clamp device such as the one shown in FIGS. 6 through 9. In one of the illustrated embodiments as shown in FIG. 3, a crimping device  20  is provided to crimp a grommet  21  after the loop  30  has been tightened, thereby securing the loop  20 . The grommet  21  preferably comprises a cylindrical structure having an interior passageway sufficient to allow passage of the loop  30  therethrough and can be from aluminum or other deformable material. The grommet  21  is designed so as to securely fasten the strap material without significantly damaging the material. The grommet  21  can be a completely enclosing angular structure or may alternatively be configured with side portions bendable to secure each individual end of the strap material, thus independently fastening each end without being dependent upon the adjacency of the other end to achieve a secure loop.  
         [0035]    The crimping device shown in FIG. 3 comprises a lever  22  which is pivotally mounted on the body  17  by way of an attachment or connector  23  having a lock  24 . The user can move the lever  22  from a retracted position to an extended position by urging the rearward end of the level downwardly. In the extended position, the forward end of the lever deforms the grommet. The connection  23  to the body is preferably positioned towards the forward end of the lever  22  so that a relatively small downward force exerted on the rearward end of the lever  22  by the use results in a greater crimping force on the grommet.  
         [0036]    A tool constructed according to the present invention can additionally include a cutting assembly for cutting the strap material to release the strap material from the animal. Any device capable of cutting the band may be employed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0037]    The winding mechanism  16  can also have a winding engagement site operatively connected both to the spool and to a motor, either pneumatic, hydraulic or electric. The motor can be integral to the tool or can be connected to the tool through a connection while the motor is in a remote location to the tool. The power tool or motor utilized must be capable of engaging the winding engagement site in a manner so that the winding mechanism is turned or rated, thus facilitating the accumulation of the removal band and the elastomeric strap material on the spool  19 . An embodiment of the power-operated tool is shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the winding mechanism comprises a suitably designed protuberance, such as a nut having several sides, or an indentation, similarly having a plurality of sides, that can operatively engage a suitably complementary power tool to achieve the rotation. The compatible multi-sided protuberance or indentation is configured such that the protuberance or indentation will match an engagement site on the power tool and the connection thereof will facilitate the powered rotation of the winding mechanism.  
         [0038]    In another embodiment, the powered winding of the tool is achieved by the incorporation of a pneumatic or electrical device into the tool&#39;s  10  overall design so that a separate power tool need not be interconnected or engaged with a separate powered tool. As such, the pneumatic or electrical powered motor that is integral with the tool  10  is within the scope of the present invention. An illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0039]    With reference to FIG. 4, a pneumatic device  40  is incorporated into the handle  11  or the tool body  17  of the tool  10 . An air supply  41  can be interconnected with one end of the handle  11  to operate an air piston  42  residing in the handle  11  or tool body  17 . An air control valve can be located on the tool to control the winding operation so as to achieve desired winding of the elastomeric strap material  30  about the spool  19 . In one embodiment, a drive linkage  44  between the pneumatic device  40  and the winding mechanism  16  is provided to permit operation of a ratcheted lever having an axis of rotation coincident with the axis of rotation of the spool  19 . The drive linkage  44  is operatively attached to piston rod  43  which is driven by the air piston  42 . Upon operation of the air piston  42 , the piston rod  43  is moved back and forth within the body  17  of the device. Through such movement the drive linkage  44  communicated with the ratcheted lever to rotate the spool  19  in a desired direction. Winding of the elastomeric strap material  30  around the spool  19  can thus be accomplished by regulating the number of times the air piston  42  is forced forward and backward, thereby ratcheting the strap material  30  around the spool  19  to achieve a desired tension of the elastomeric loop  30 . In another embodiment, an electric or pneumatic motor is incorporated into the tool  10  and is interconnected to a worm gear or other type of gearing mechanism. The worm gear is then operatively positioned to another gear interconnected to the spool  19 . As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, numerous types of gearing configurations may be implemented to transfer power from the motor to the spool  19 .  
         [0040]    In some applications, it is important to regulate the tightness or tension of an elastomeric loop  30  to prevent breakage thereof and prevent injury to the animal. The tightness of the strap material can be regulated by adjusting the amount of force communicated by the rotation of the winding mechanism  16  by a motor. This can be accomplished by, for example, a clutch mechanism either incorporated into the winding mechanism  16  or, alternatively, can be a feature of the power tool. In order to monitor the tightness or tension of the loop  30 , a tension indicator device  50  can be provided. A shaft  55  can be provided within the body tool  17  that extends through at least a portion of the body tool  17 . Inserted onto the shaft  55  is a compression spring  53  and a spring aligning spacer  54 , wherein the spacer  54  is of sufficient length along the shaft  55  so that the central axis running the length of the compression spring  53  is substantially coincident with the length of the shaft  55 . Additionally, also provided about the shaft  55  and adjacent to the compression spring  53  when the spring is being compressed as described hereinbelow. On the opposite side from the spring  53 , washers  60  abut against a retaining member  56  that is fixed to the interior of the bore  57  of the body  17  (in which the tension indicator device is located), and that has a central opening of sufficient diameter to allow the threaded free end  61  to pass therethrough and yet effectively retain the washers  60  on the side of the retaining member  56  opposite the handle  11 .  
         [0041]    Additionally, on the side of the retaining member  56  having the handle  11 , there is a bolt and washer assembly  60  secured to the threaded free end  61  of the shaft  55 . Accordingly, given that the compression spring  53 , when not under compression, is slightly longer than the distance between the end of body  17  and the washers  60 , the assembled configuration as shown in FIG. 5 firmly secures the indicator device  50  into the body  17  in a manner that allows the device  50  to compress within the longitudinally extending bore  57  when an effective amount of force is provided on the body insert  304  in the direction of arrow  57 . Attached to the device  50  toward the end is the tension indicator  51  In the present embodiment, the tension indicator  51  is viewable by a user of the apparatus  10  through a window or cut-out  52  in the body  17 . Note that the tension indicator  51  can project outwardly from the device  50  and into the window or cut-out  52  so that this indicator remains aligned within the window or cut-out  52 , and additionally assists in securing the device  50  within the body  17 .  
         [0042]    It will be appreciated that the removal band  110  and the elastomeric strap material  30  is pulled rearwardly through the clamp device towards the winding mechanism and around a spool of the winding mechanism in order to tighten the elastomeric strap material around the antler to be removed.  
         [0043]    The clamp device of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6 through 9, with FIG. 9 depicting a separate embodiment of the clamp device  70  or  90 . The clamp device  70  or  90  is constructed of steel or other material having sufficient strength to withstand the forces encountered during the removal procedures. As discussed above, the clamp device  70  or  90  is mounted on the clamp mount  15  of the tool  10 . The clamp mount  15  also operatively engages one end of the catch locking lever  14  of the tool  10  such that the catch locking lever prevents the clamping device from inadvertently moving or disengaging the tool. The release end  13  of the catch locking lever will allow the clamp device to be removed from the tool. The clamp device  70  or  90  has a receiving member adapted to fit over the clamp mount device  15  of the tool  10 .  
         [0044]    As shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, the clamping device  70  has a frame  79  that houses and anchors a pivot member  71 . The pivot member is pivotally mounted to the frame through a fulcrum  73  to allow the pivot member to pivot about an axis. In the closed position of the pivot, the pivot member  71  will trap the removal band and/or strap material between the pivot member  71  and the frame  79 . In the open position of the pivot, the pivot member  71  provides a passageway through which the removal band  110  or elastomeric strap  30  is passed before contact the spool  19  of the winding mechanism  16 . The pivot member  71  also has a bar  72  that engages a lock  78  when the pivot member is in the closed position. The lock  78  is operatively engaged by the catch locking lever  14  of the tool  10 . The lock  78 , once engaged, prevents the clamping device from inadvertently moving to the open position.  
         [0045]    The clamping device  70  additionally has arms  74  and rollers  77  that are moveable to many positions along a continuum between open and closed. The arms are secured to the frame through anchors  75 , which can be screws or any other fixation means that will allow the arms to be movably secured to the frame. As the arms and rollers move to the closed position, the tightening of the strap  30  is facilitated and any gap between portions of the strap that form the loop around the antler is eliminated. The elimination of the gap between portions of the strap ensures the complete cut off of the blood supply to the antler, thus, additionally ensuring the pain free aspect of the method and apparatus described herein.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the clamp device  90 . The clamp device  90  also has a pivot member  91  with a fulcrum  92  for pivotally mounting the pivot member  91  to the frame  96 . The clamp device  90  has rollers  97  which are used to assist the easy and smooth transition of the removal band and the portions of the elastomeric strap  30  through the band receiving area  99  in the frame  96 . The pivot member  91  locks against the locking member  93 , which additionally engages the catch locking lever  14  of the tool  10 . The locking member  93  is pivotally mounted to the frame  96  at a fulcrum  98 . The locking member  93  and the frame  96  have a mount receiving area  100  for mounting the clamp device to the tool  10  through the mount  15 .  
         [0047]    The elastomeric strap material, that forms a loop around the body part to be removed, can be made of any elastomeric material. Preferably, the elastomeric material has a hole in one end that will allow the removal band to be attached to the one end of the elastomeric strap material. However, such a hole is not necessary. The strap material can additionally have a small bore throughout the length of the material.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIGS. 10A, 10B and  10 C depict the removal band used in conjunction with the tool. FIG. 10A shows the removal band  110  which has an elongated section  112 , a first end  111 , a second end  113 , and a attachment member  114  for one portion of the elastomeric strap. The removal band  110  can be made of any flexible, yet strong material, for example, plastic. The attachment member  114  is shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C as an arrow; however it will be obvious to one of skill in the art that any number of geometric shapes that will allow the elastomeric strap to be mounted on the removal band can be used. The removal band has an attachment to the 2 nd  end of the elastomeric material. In the Figures, the attachment is shown as a hole through which the elastomeric strap is passed. The hole has a small slit attached to the hole. The elastomeric strap, once passed through the hole, is pushed or pulled into the small slit in order to keep the elastomeric strap from inadvertently coming loose or disengaging from the removal band. One of skill in the art will recognize that there are many different configurations for attaching the elastomeric strap material to the removal band. The removal band  110  further has an attachment member for the spool  124  that is, preferably, located opposite the attachment for the elastomeric strap material  114 ,  115 . One of skill in the art will recognize that the spool attachment can be located anywhere on the removal band. The spool attachment  124  is shown, in the figures, as a hole which can be passed over and fits around the spool anchor  18 .  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 10B shows the elastomeric strap material attached to the removal band. Preferably, the elastomeric material is secured to the removal band by any securement means. FIG. 10C shows a wire band that encircles and crimps the elastomeric strap to the removal band. One of skill in the art will recognize that the wire band is only one of many different means to accomplish the securing of one end of the elastomeric material to the removal band.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 11 depicts another embodiment of the removal band  120  that will allow a double wrap of the elastomeric material around the body part to be removed, should such a double wrap be necessary. This embodiment of the removal band has an elongated section  122 , a first end  121 , a second end  123 , a spool attachment  124 , and two similar attachments for the ends of the elastomeric material  125 . One of skill in the art will recognize that this removal band can also use different attachments such as those shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 12 depicts another embodiment of the removal band  130  that does not have the elongated section. This removal band is appropriate for use in removing prolapses. The removal band  130  has a first end  132 , a second end  131 , a spool attachment  133 , and two similar attachments for the ends of the elastomeric material  134 . The removal band shown in FIG. 12 also depicts the use of a grommet in connection with the band. One of skill in the art will recognize that a grommet can be used in connection with any of the embodiments of the removal band shown herein. One of skill in the art will also recognize that this removal band can also use different attachments such as those shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C.  
         [0052]    For ease of discussion, the method of using the tool of the present invention will be discussed only in reference to the removal of an antler from an antlered animal. One of skill in the art will recognize that the method can be directly applied to other amputations and also the removal of prolapses in animals. In operation, a tool according to the present invention may be employed to assist in the removal of a antler as follows. Initially, a strap of elastomeric material is attached to a removal band. The strap material can be pre-attached to the removal band. The strap material is looped around the antler and secured to the removal band. A clamp device is mounted on the end of the tool and the removal band is passed through the clamp device and secured to the anchor on the spool of the winding mechanism. The winding mechanism is engaged and the removal band (and the loop) is wound around the spool. The winding mechanism contains to operate until loop is tightened around the antler enough to cut off the blood supply to the antler.  
         [0053]    Once the loop is sufficiently tight, the clamp device is closed such that either the loop or the removal band are trapped between portions of the clamp device. The clamp device is removed from the tool and another clamp device and removal band are attached to the tool to begin the removal process of the other antler. Once the blood supply to both antlers has been cut off (usually occurring within four-five minutes of applying the straps to the antlers), the antlers are surgically removed with a saw or other appropriate tool.  
         [0054]    The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. The invention which is intended to be protected herein should not, however, be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed, as these are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing best mode of carrying out the invention should be considered exemplary in nature and not as limiting to the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.