SURGICAL SLIPPER FOR ANIMAL

Abstract: A surgical slipper for a cleft footed animal. The slipper has a lattice of intersecting ribs (6) projecting downwardly from the sole (3). The upper surface of the sole (3) slopes downwards from back to front.

Description: SURGICAL SLIPPER FOR ANIMAL Our earlier patent, US-A-5272857 discloses a surgical slipper for cleft footed animals in either a left or right claw configuration, the slipper comprising a sole and upper which together define a cavity into which one claw of the cleft footed animal is, in use, fitted, with a lattice in the form of an array of intersecting ribs projecting from the underside of the sole; wherein the ribs are thick enough to hold the claw, in use, away from the ground and the sole is arranged to be thin enough in voids between the ribs so that a hole can be readily punched for drainage purposes. Such a slipper will be referred to as of the kind described. Although such a slipper has been effective in reducing the pain and distress in lame cows, because all of the weight carried by the affected leg is transferred to one claw of the hoof, the application of such a slipper puts extra burden on the flexor tendons. According to the present invention a slipper of the kind described has a sole which is formed so that, when the slipper is placed lattice down on level ground, the upper surface of the sole slopes downwards from back to front. The slopping sole takes the pressure off the flexor tendons. Preferably the upper surface of the sole slopes along its entire length. The angle of slope of the upper surface of the sole to the horizontal when the slipper is placed lattice down on level ground is preferably 1 to 5°, is more preferably 1.5 to 2° and is most preferably substantially 1.8°. Other improvements which we have made include having at least one rib of the lattice reducing in width in the direction away from the sole. Also, the back corner of the slipper which, in use, will face the inside of the hoof is curved with a radius of curvature of between 8 and 12mm. This prevents interference with the other claw, thereby preventing pressure on and damage to the soft heel. An example of a slipper constructed in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the slipper, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the slipper, Fig. 3 is an elevation of the claw insert end of the slipper with the back of the lattice cut away; Fig. 4 shows a detail of a portion of the slipper shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a cross section through a rib of the lattice; and Fig. 6 is an underneath plan of the slipper. The illustrated surgical slipper comprises an injection moulded unit, with a left claw configuration, which incorporates an upper consisting of a vertical part 1 which fits between the claws of the foot at the cleft, and a curved part 2 which can be considered to be the conventional upper part of a shoe, slipper or clog. This upper configuration has a base or sole 3 which is internally smooth and slopes from back to front downwards at an angle of 1.8° with respect to the horizontal. The sole 3 is integral with the vertical part 1 and curved part 2. The corner 4 of the sole behind the vertical part 1 is rounded with a radius of curvature of 10mm. A base or sole 3 has an external or wearing surface 5 which is moulded in a lattice pattern and which effects a cushioning mode on the claw when in use. As can be seen in Figs. 4 and 5, each rib 6 of the lattice tapers in section from top to bottom. It has been found that, when in use, the lattice voids 7 tend to consolidate with debris or detritus and this soon fills voids to the surface level so producing a contact area which is mainly compacted debris to ground rather than plastic to ground and this has the effect of rendering the footing anti-slip. Although the illustrated slipper has a left claw configuration, a right claw version is equally contemplated. This is simply a mirror image of the left claw version, so no specific description is necessary.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A surgical slipper for cleft footed animals in either a left or right claw configuration, the slipper comprising a sole (3) and upper (1,2) which together define a cavity into which one claw of the cleft footed animal is, in use, fitted, with a lattice in the form of an array of intersecting ribs (6) projecting from the underside of the sole; wherein the ribs are thick enough to hold the claw, in use, away from the ground and the sole is arranged to be thin enough in voids (7) between the ribs so that a hole can be readily punched for drainage purposes; and wherein the sole (3) is formed so that, when the slipper is placed lattice down on level ground, the upper surface of the sole slopes downwards from back to front. 2. A slipper according to claim l, wherein the upper surface of the sole (3) slopes along its entire length. 3. A slipper according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the angle of slope of the upper surface of the sole (3) to the horizontal when the slipper is placed lattice down on level ground is 1 to 5°c. 4. A slipper according to claim 3, wherein the angle is from 1.5 to 2 ° . 5. A slipper according to claim 4, wherein the angle is substantially 1.8°. 6. A slipper according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one rib (6) of the lattice reduces in width in the direction away from the sole (3) . 7. A slipper according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the back corner (4) of the slipper which, in use, will face the inside of the hoof is curved with a radius of curvature of between 8 and 12mm.

Inventors: LOGAN ERNEST FERGUS, LOGAN, ERNEST, FERGUS
Applicants: GILTSPUR SCIENT LTD, GILTSPUR SCIENTIFIC LIMITED
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A01L9
IPC codes: A01K13, A61D9