Abstract:
An integrated bandaging system for encircling the abdomen of a horse. A ventral access opening selectively provides access to the horse&#39;s abdomen while the bandage remains in place. This ventral access opening is normally covered by a ventral window cover. However, the window cover may be easily opened so that an old dressing can be removed, an abdominal wound can be cleaned, and a new dressing applied. The invention has four major components: a main wrap, a saddle bridge, a ventral window cover, and a brace. The main wrap is easily placed around the horse&#39;s abdomen and secured using VELCRO fasteners. It includes the ventral access opening. The saddle bridge attaches over the top of the main wrap and adjustably applies tension to the horse&#39;s mid section. The ventral window cover attaches over the ventral access opening and provides further adjustment of the tension on the abdomen. The brace applies over the points of the horse&#39;s shoulders, between the front legs, and over the ventral chest region. This final component prevents the bandage from slipping aft on the horse.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to the field of veterinary medicine. More specifically, the invention comprises an equine bandage with a ventral access opening which allows access to the ventral portion of a horse while the bandage remains in position.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Ventral wounds in horses have traditionally been difficult to secure. A good example is an abdominal surgical incision. The incision must be covered to prevent the horse disturbing the site. However, dressings over the incision must be frequently changed in order to remove contaminated effluent and prevent infection. One traditional approach has been to place a compressive dressing over the incision, then wrap the horse&#39;s abdomen in elastic bandages.  
         [0005]     If properly applied, the elastic bandages can remain in place on the horse. They also provide compression to the abdomen, which tends to keep the incision closed. However, since the wound dressing must typically be changed daily, the entire wrapping process must be frequently repeated. This “rebandaging” process is complex and time consuming. One person must hold the dressing in place while two or more additional persons hold the horse and pass a lengthy elastic bandage many times around the horse&#39;s abdomen.  
         [0006]     In addition, while the bandage is off the horse during this process, there is a risk of abdominal rupture. A horse&#39;s physiology places the abdominal wall in considerable tension. Staples or sutures placed to close an abdominal incision are often highly stressed as a result. The incision closure may therefore fail without the compressive assistance of the bandage wrap. Thus, every time the dressing must be changed, there is a risk that the incision closure will fail.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention comprises an integrated bandaging system for encircling the abdomen of a horse. A ventral access opening selectively provides access to the horse&#39;s abdomen while the bandage remains in place. This ventral access opening is normally covered by a ventral window cover. However, the window cover may be easily opened so that an old dressing can be removed, an abdominal wound can be cleaned, and a new dressing applied.  
         [0008]     The invention has four major components: a main wrap, a saddle bridge, a ventral window cover, and a brace. The main wrap is easily placed around the horse&#39;s abdomen and secured using VELCRO fasteners. It includes the ventral access opening. The saddle bridge attaches over the top of the main wrap and adjustably applies tension to the horse&#39;s mid section. The ventral window cover attaches over the ventral access opening and provides further adjustment of the tension on the abdomen. The brace applies over the points of the horse&#39;s shoulders, between the front legs, and over the ventral chest region. This final component prevents the bandage from slipping aft on the horse.  
         [0009]     When access to the horse&#39;s abdomen is desired, the ventral window cover may be opened. Access is provided while the balance of the bandaging system remains in place. Thus, the horse&#39;s abdomen is externally reinforced at all times.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the major components of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view, showing the components of  FIG. 1  folded over.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a detailed perspective view, showing how the rolling stays can be removed from the main wrap.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view, showing details of the ventral window in the main wrap.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view, showing how the ventral window components can be removed to provide access.  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view, showing the components of the ventral window cover.  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view, showing the components of the saddle bridge.  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view, showing how the saddle bridge&#39;s six tabs can be folded over and secured in place.  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view, showing the components of the brace.  
         [0019]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of the brace.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view, showing how the main wrap and saddle bridge can be configured just prior to installation on a horse.  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view, showing installation of the main wrap on a horse.  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view, showing the securing of the main wrap to a horse.  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view, showing the placement of the saddle bridge over the top of the main wrap.  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view, showing the use of the saddle bridge&#39;s tabs to place tension on the main wrap.  
         [0025]     FIG  14  is a perspective view, showing the removal of the two rolling stays.  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view, showing the placement of the ventral window cover.  
         [0027]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view, showing the placement of the brace.  
         [0028]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view, showing the placement of the brace.  
         [0029]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view, showing the opening of the ventral window cover with the bandaging system in place.  
         [0030]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view, showing the opening of the mesh panel to provide access to the horse&#39;s abdomen. 
     
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 main wrap 
                 12 
                 saddle bridge 
               
               
                 14 
                 ventral window cover 
                 16 
                 brace 
               
               
                 18 
                 rolling stay 
                 20 
                 window stay 
               
               
                 22 
                 ventral window 
                 24 
                 mesh panel 
               
               
                 26 
                 bridging strap 
                 28 
                 inner surface 
               
               
                 30 
                 outer surface 
                 32 
                 inner surface 
               
               
                 34 
                 outer surface 
                 36 
                 inner surface 
               
               
                 38 
                 outer surface 
                 40 
                 front strap 
               
               
                 42 
                 hook tab 
                 44 
                 middle strap 
               
               
                 46 
                 rear strap 
                 48 
                 hook tab 
               
               
                 50 
                 opening 
                 52 
                 dart seam 
               
               
                 54 
                 hook panel 
                 56 
                 lanyard 
               
               
                 58 
                 front tab 
                 60 
                 middle tab 
               
               
                 62 
                 rear tab 
                 64 
                 central portion 
               
               
                 66 
                 central portion 
                 68 
                 dart seam 
               
               
                 70 
                 hook panel 
                 72 
                 lanyard 
               
               
                 74 
                 loop panel 
                 76 
                 front tab 
               
               
                 78 
                 middle tab 
                 80 
                 rear tab 
               
               
                 82 
                 fold 
                 84 
                 inner surface 
               
               
                 86 
                 outer surface 
                 88 
                 hook panel 
               
               
                 90 
                 lower wing 
                 92 
                 sternal bridge 
               
               
                 94 
                 upper wing 
                 96 
                 roll 
               
               
                 97 
                 stay pocket 
                 98 
                 withers 
               
               
                 100 
                 point of shoulder 
                 102 
                 carotid notch 
               
               
                 104 
                 dressing 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]     The invention includes several large components which are assembled on the horse. These components are shown laid out flat in  FIG.1 . Main wrap  10  is sized to pass around a horse&#39;s mid section. It is made of a flexible and elastic fabric material. It will stretch when placed under tension. Each end features a rolling stay  18 , which is a semi-rigid bar (made of material which is substantially more rigid that the elastic material of the main wrap) slipped into a stitched pocket. These rolling stays allow a user to easily grasp an end of the main wrap at a single point. The device could function without the rolling stays, but would be more cumbersome to handle. Their operation will be more fully described subsequently.  
         [0033]     Each end of the main wrap also features a bridging strap  26  extending outward. These will be used to temporarily secure the main wrap to the horse while the other components are positioned. Ventral window  22  is located in the middle of the main wrap. The window is flanked by a pair of window stays  20 . These are similar to the rolling stays, except that they maybe affixed permanently. Mesh panel  24  covers the open portion of the ventral window.  
         [0034]     The main wrap is configured to be wrapped around the middle portion of a horse. Turning briefly to  FIG.11 , the reader will observe the main wrap installed on a horse. The wrap includes a large elastic panel having a dorsal region and a ventral region. The dorsal region is of course configured to fit over the dorsal region of the horse while the ventral region of the elastic panel is configured to fit over the ventral region of the horse. The dorsal region of the elastic panel is broken by a gap (which is spanned by the two bridging straps  26  in the view). The ventral region of the elastic panel includes the ventral window (which can simply be an opening in the elastic panel or a second gap in the elastic panel bridged by two or more straps).  
         [0035]     Returning now to  FIG.1 , the next major component is saddle bridge  12 , which attaches over the dorsal region of the horse in the position customarily occupied by a saddle. Ventral window cover  14  attaches over the horse&#39;s ventral region and covers ventral window  22 . Saddle bridge  12  and ventral window cover  14  are preferably made of the same material as main wrap  10 . They are both flexible and elastic.  
         [0036]     The final major component is brace  16 . It is a series of straps joined together in the configuration shown. A pair of lower wings  90  is connected to a pair of upper wings  94  by sternal bridge  92 . The brace is also made of elastic and flexible material.  
         [0037]     FIG. 17  shows all the components installed on a horse. By briefly studying this view, the reader may gain a helpful general understanding of where each component will ultimately be placed. Main wrap  10  passes around the horse&#39;s mid section. Saddle bridge  12  spans the top and bridges the gap in the dorsal region of the elastic panel of the main wrap (It is shown in a stretched state). Ventral window cover  14  passes around the horse&#39;s ventral region. Brace  16  passes around the two front legs.  
         [0038]     FIG. 2  shows the main wrap, saddle bridge, and ventral window cover in a folded state so that the reader may understand the nature of the material employed to make them. Main wrap  10  features inner surface  28  and outer surface  30 . Inner surface  28  is smoothly textured. It will bear against the horse&#39;s hide, so it is preferably comfortable to a horse. Outer surface  30  is covered in fine VELCRO loop material. Those skilled in the art will know that some modem VELCRO loop fabrics are quite fine. The outer surface is preferably such a fine loop. Ideally the loop structure will be tight enough to prevent the unwanted capture of lint, hairs, and dirt. Both the inner and outer surfaces must be able to stretch significantly.  
         [0039]     Since the characteristics of the inner and outer surfaces of the main wrap must be different, it is preferable to construct the main wrap as a laminate of two different materials—one for the inner surface and one for the outer surface. Saddle bridge  12  and ventral window cover  14  are made the same way. The saddle bridge has inner surface  32  and outer surface  34 , while the ventral window cover has inner surface  36  and outer surface  38 .  
         [0040]     The outer surfaces of all three components are covered in VELCRO loop material. This loop material is designed to engage with various VELCRO hook patches in the present invention. As an example, the two bridging straps  26  on the main wrap contain VELCRO hook patches. If the two free ends of the main wrap are pulled toward one another (forming the main wrap into a loop), each bridging strap can be pressed against outer surface  30  on the opposite side of the gap to hold the main wrap in a loop. This will in fact be the procedure by which the main wrap is placed on the horse (described in more detail subsequently).  
         [0041]     The inner surfaces will not engage the VELCRO hook patches. Thus, it is important to place the inner surfaces toward the horse and the outer surfaces away from the horse. Color coding may be helpful to one installing the device. As an example, the inner surfaces can be white, while the outer surfaces can be blue.  
         [0042]      FIG. 2B  shows the installation of the aforementioned rolling stays  18  in the main wrap. A stay pocket  97  is formed on each end of the main wrap. It is possible to slide a rolling stay  18  in and out of each stay pocket. The rolling stays are preferably semi-rigid. They can be made of a hard plastic, such as extruded ABS, or even thin aluminum bars.  
         [0043]     An important feature of the main wrap is its ventral access window. FIG. 3  shows this component in more detail. The main wrap is preferably made of two separate elastic panels which are broken by a second gap in the ventral region. This second gap is bridged by front strap  40  and rear strap  46 . As for the balance of the main wrap, the front and rear straps are made of elastic material. The two window stays  20  remain in place to prevent the middle portion of the window opening from bowing outward when tension is placed on the main wrap (such as when it is stretched around a horse&#39;s abdomen). They are attached along the two lateral ventral edges that define the gap in the main wrap. The reader will therefore note that the boundary of ventral window  22  is defined by a first lateral ventral edge (proximate the first window stay), front strap  40 , a second lateral ventral edge (proximate the second window stay), and rear strap  46 .  
         [0044]     Mesh panel  24  covers the opening. It has a hook tab  42  at each of its four comers. When it is placed over the opening, the VELCRO hooks on the four hook tabs stick to the VELCRO loops covering outer surface  30 . The mesh panel is preferably made of a fine mesh material—as fine as or finer than window screen. A relatively coarse depiction for the mesh is shown in the view. This is intended to be merely representational of the mesh material.  
         [0045]     Once the mesh panel is affixed, middle strap  44  is placed over the mesh panel to reinforce the opening. It has a hook tab  48  on each end. These also engage the VELCRO loops on outer surface  30 . The middle strap is preferably made of elastic material as well, so that it can be stretched snugly across the opening.  
         [0046]     FIG. 4  shows how the mesh panel and middle strap can be opened. While both these pieces can be removed in their entirety, it is often convenient to detach only one side and roll them back as shown. This provides good access to opening  50 .  
         [0047]     FIG. 5  shows inner surface  36  of ventral window cover  14 . A dart seam  52  is provided at both the anterior and posterior extremes of central portion  64 . This allows the panel to assume the contoured shape shown (where the two side edges curve). Those skilled in the art will realize that the dart seams allows the ventral window cover to more accurately follow the convex shape of a horse&#39;s chest and abdomen. The dart seams are created by laying out a flat pattern, then cutting out two vee-shaped darts, then sewing the sides of the darts together (or otherwise bonding them together). The result is a slightly concave surface (when viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 5 ) that can curve in two planes.  
         [0048]     The two dart seams are preferably asymmetric, since the horse&#39;s abdomen will be smaller than its chest. Thus, it is important to put the device in the correct orientation. Hence, it is helpful to provide the printed graphic (“HEAD”) to help the user properly orient the device.  
         [0049]     Each lateral side of the ventral window cover has three tabs—front tab  58 , middle tab  60 , and rear tab  62 . The outer extreme of each tab includes a hook panel  54  and a lanyard  56 . The hook panels are positioned to engage the VELCRO loops on outer surface  30  of main wrap  10 . The lanyards are used to pull the window cover taut before the VELCRO features are engaged.  
         [0050]      FIG. 6  shows inner surface  32  of saddle bridge  12 . It also includes a pair of dart seams  68  at both the anterior and posterior extremes of central portion  66 . These allow the panel to be curved in two planes, as for the ventral window cover. However, given the physiology of the concave shape of a horse&#39;s back, it is not so important to make the device asymmetric. Thus, the two darts may be the same. Each lateral side of the saddle bridge has three tabs - front tab  76 , middle tab  78 , and rear tab  80 . The outer extreme of each tab includes a hook panel  70  and a lanyard  72 . The hook panels are positioned to engage the VELCRO loops on outer surface  30  of main wrap  10 . The lanyards are used to pull the window cover taut before the VELCRO features are engaged.  
         [0051]     A loop panel  74  is also located proximate each of the six tabs. These are small patches of VELCRO loop material. They allow the six tabs to be folded in and temporarily attached in a folded state (with each hook panel  70  being attached to a loop panel  74 ). FIG. 7  shows the saddle bridge with the tabs in the folded and locked state. It will remain in this position until the tabs are pulled free. This folded state can be helpful in the installation process, which will be described shortly.  
         [0052]     FIG. 8  shows more detail regarding brace  16 . All its components have an inner surface  84  and an outer surface  86 . Outer surface  86  is covered in fine VELCRO loop material. Four hook panels  88  are provided to attach the brace. These hook panels are completely detachable from the brace. This feature allows the user to trim the length of the upper and lower wings. If a wing is too long, the user pulls its hook panel  88  loose, then cuts it to the desired length. The user then presses the hook panel back against outer surface  86 . A portion of each hook panel should cover the end of a wing and a portion should be positioned to extend beyond the wing. The VELCRO hooks on this extended portion will be used to engage the VELCRO loops on the outer surface of the main wrap, the saddle bridge, and/or the ventral window cover.  
         [0053]      FIG. 8B  shows the same brace with the angles defining the joints between the components being altered somewhat. Such alterations may need to be made to accommodate varying equine physiology. However, the brace shown in  FIG. 8B  functions int he same manner as the brace shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0054]     Having described the components in detail, the application of the device to a horse will be explained. The device will typically be installed after some type of abdominal surgery on the horse.  FIG. 9  shows two components ready for installation. Saddle bridge  12  has been placed in the configuration shown in  FIG. 7  (though it is inverted from the orientation of  FIG. 7 ). The two ends of main wrap  10  have been rolled into two rolls  96  flanking ventral window  22 , so that the main wrap is now compact and easy to handle.  
         [0055]      FIG. 10  shows the horse, which will typically be held by an attendant using a halter around the horse&#39;s head. Two more people then stand beside the horse on opposite sides of the horse&#39;s withers. The main wrap is passed under the horse&#39;s abdomen, with inner surface  28  facing the horse. The ventral access window is centered over the horse&#39;s abdomen. Each roll  96  is then unrolled up the horse&#39;s two sides. The rolling stays  18  help hold the rolls fairly rigid so that they are easy to manipulate.  
         [0056]      FIG. 11  shows the main wrap after the two rolls  96  have been completely unrolled. The elastic panel comprising the main wrap has a gap in its dorsal region. The panel actually terminates in a first lateral dorsal edge (visible to the viewer in  FIG. 11 ) and a second lateral dorsal edge on the other side of the horse (The two lateral dorsal edges are proximate the pockets used to house the two rolling stays).  
         [0057]     At this point, each of the two attendants flanking the horse pulls a bridging strap  26  over the horse&#39;s back and presses the VELCRO hooks on the underside of each bridging strap against the VELCRO loop material on outer surface  30 . The gap in the dorsal region of the elastic panel is thereby temporarily secured. The bridging straps can be left in place while the users place the next component.  
         [0058]      FIG. 12  shows saddle bridge  12  placed over the horse&#39;s back and spanning the gap in the main wrap. Because the six tabs on the saddle bridge are folded under and secured, it does not “stick” to anything. The user may therefore manipulate the saddle bridge and obtain the desired position.  
         [0059]     The saddle bridge is preferably used to tighten the main wrap in a controlled fashion. The tightening sequence will be dictated by the particular horse&#39;s anatomy, and the user&#39;s preferred approach (The users will often be directed by a veterinarian). Thus, the following should be viewed as exemplary, rather than indicating the only method of application.  
         [0060]     The user will often want to secure the two middle tabs  78 , since these will tighten the main wrap around the horse&#39;s largest circumference. One person on each side pulls the lanyard on the two middle tabs  78  to unfold the middle tabs and pull them outward. The two people then pull the lanyards out and down (making sure that the hook panels  70  remain clear of the VELCRO loop material on the main wraps outer surface) until the desired tension is reached (The tabs will stretch considerably). They then press the two middle tabs against the main wrap, whereupon the VELCRO interface will secure the two middle tabs. This action effectively tightens the middle of the main wrap around the largest circumference of the horse.  
         [0061]     Next, the two people detach the two front tabs  76  and stretch and attach these tabs to secure the main wrap around the portion of the horse that is customarily occupied by a saddle girth. Finally, the two people detach, adjust, and secure the two rear tabs  80  to secure the main wrap around the horse&#39;s abdomen.  FIG. 13  shows the saddle bridge with all three sets of tabs attached to the main wrap.  
         [0062]     While it may be possible to create the desired profile of tension in the main wrap on initial installation, it may often be necessary to adjust the tabs through several iterations. This may easily be done by using a lanyard to pull a particular tab loose. The tension provided by that tab is then modified and the tab is reattached. The independent nature of the six tabs, in combination with the elastic nature of the material used, allows the assembly to accommodate many variations is equine anatomy. The reader will observe in  FIG. 13  that the three tabs facing the viewer have been independently adjusted to different lengths.  
         [0063]     At some point in the installation process (generally after the saddle bridge has been installed), it may be desirable to remove the two rolling stays  18 . The reader will recall from  FIG. 2B  that the two rolling stays may be pulled out of the two rolling stay pockets.  FIG. 14  shows this operation. The rolling stay pockets are located high enough that the rolling stays are free to slide out over the horse&#39;s rump. They should then be stored for future use.  
         [0064]      FIG. 15  shows the installation of the ventral window cover. It is passed under the horse&#39;s abdomen and the three sets of tabs are then sequentially pulled taut and attached by pressing hook panels  54  (see  FIG. 5 ) against the VELCRO loop material on the outer surface of the main wrap. Like the saddle bridge, it may have to be iteratively tightened until the desired fit is achieved.  
         [0065]     Finally, brace  16  should be installed.  FIG. 16  shows this step. Sternal bridge  92  is passed between the horse&#39;s front legs. The two lower wings  90  are then positioned over the lower chest, while the two upper wings  94  are posited over and beyond the shoulders. The wings are drawn taut and the four hook panels  88  are then pressed against the outer surface of the main wrap, saddle bridge, and or ventral window cover (depending on the position desired).  
         [0066]      FIG. 17  shows the brace installed. The two upper wings  94  should pass over the point of the shoulder  100 , while the sternal bridge should lie below carotid notch  102 . In this location, the brace will be stabilized by the horse&#39;s own anatomy. It prevents the main wrap from migrating rearward. With the installation complete, the horse is free to move about without fear of dislodging the wrap. Thus, the horse need not be confined during the recuperation process.  
         [0067]     One of the invention&#39;s main features is the inclusion of the ventral access window. This allows access to the horse&#39;s ventral region while the bandage remains in place.  FIGS. 18 and 19  show the access process. In  FIG. 18 , the three nearside tabs on the ventral window cover have been detached, allowing the window cover to drop open. The user next grasps hook tab  48  and pulls the near end of middle strap  44  loose. Finally, the user grasps the near side of mesh panel  24  and pulls it free.  
         [0068]      FIG. 19  shows the resulting configuration, with one side of the mesh panel and the middle strap dropped open. Opening  50  then provides unfettered access to the horse&#39;s abdomen. An old dressing can then be removed. Sutures or staples can be inspected and cleaned. A new dressing  104  can then be slipped into position. The mesh panel, middle strap, and ventral window cover are then replaced in sequence. The ventral window cover can be retightened as desired.  
         [0069]     During this process, abdominal support is still provided by the balance of the main wrap. There is only a brief period where the wound site itself is unsupported. This period ends when the ventral window is closed.  
         [0070]     Those skilled in the art will realize that the ventral window cover need not be completely removable from the rest of the main wrap. It could be stitched down one side, leaving the other side removable. However, providing a completely removable ventral window cover is the preferred embodiment.  
         [0071]     Although the preceding description contains significant detail, it should not be viewed as limiting the invention but instead as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. As an example, buckles and clasps could be substituted for the use of the VELCRO interfaces without altering the basis structure of the invention. These would certainly be less convenient, but they could be used in the same fashion. Thus, the scope of the present invention should thus be defined by the following claims rather than any specific examples given.