Abstract:
A footwear system for animals, particularly the front legs of a canine, that includes protective coverings adapted for both well and sore or injured legs and can be configured for single-leg and two-leg uses. An optional adjustable neck strap assembly provides for a comfortable and snug fit of the protective coverings to the legs and around the shoulder of the dog. A unique cuff assembly facilitates holding the protective covering one or the other of the front legs of the dog while minimizing opportunities for the dog to chew on or remove the footwear.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure is directed to protective coverings for the feet and legs of four-legged animals and, in one representative embodiment, to a single sock or pair of socks detachably connected and configured for the front or rear legs of a canine 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Owners of injured animals, particularly dogs, cats, and similar household pets, must limit the access of the animal to areas of the animal&#39;s own leg or foot after an injury, surgery, or irritation on the limb. One method for preventing access by the animal to the injured area is to use “Elizabethan collars,” a hard plastic or fabric-covered cone that is attached around the neck of the animal with the cone extending outward and around the animal&#39;s head and muzzle. Understandably, these cones are uncomfortable and disquieting to the animal, increasing their discomfort and agitation. In addition, the use of these cones on smaller dogs can cause the dog to drag the collar and stumble. 
         [0005]    Some pet owners resort to using old human socks held together with safety pins. However, the use of safety pins is also problematic because the animal may chew on the safety pin, potentially causing it to open and injure the animal&#39;s mouth. 
         [0006]    Commercially available socks and booties for animals are available; however, many of the fabrics used in these products are not gentle on the animal&#39;s foot, and they can cause snagging and irritation of the paw pads from the inside of the sock. Also, many socks come in the same size and do not accommodate one of the legs being bandaged, which requires a larger size sock. Moreover, a number of these socks are made of a fabric that is quire slippery on wood or other smooth surfaces, which can cause the animal to slip and reinjure or further injure their foot or leg. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present disclosure is directed to a footwear system for animals in which a pair of protective coverings for the feet and legs of four-legged animals is provided. In one representative embodiment, the footwear system includes first and second protective coverings configured to be received over a respective a first leg and a second leg of the animal, and a strap coupled to the first and second protective coverings and configured to extend around a back of the animal and to hold the first and second protective coverings on the respective first and second legs. 
         [0008]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure the strap is removably coupled to the first and second protective coverings. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure the strap has a first end coupled to the first protective covering, a second end coupled to the second protective covering, and a middle section formed of first and second detachable ends. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure the strap comprises first and second ends detachably coupled to the first and second protective coverings. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure the first protective covering is sized larger than the second protective covering to accommodate bandages on the first leg of the animal. 
         [0012]    In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a footwear system for animals is provided that includes a first protective covering having a first sock member and a first strap member, the first strap member having a free end and a first coupling member on the free end, the first sock member sized and shaped to be received over a first leg of the animal; and a second protective covering having a second sock member and a second strap member extending from the second sock member, the second strap member having a free end with a second connection member attached thereto, the second connection member configured to releasably connect to the first connection member on the first protective covering, the second protective covering sized and shaped to be received over a second leg of the animal. The first and second strap members are configured to be received over the back of the animal and, when connected together, to retain the first and second sock members on the respective first and second legs of the animal. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure at least one tightening strap is positioned around a circumference of the first sock member to enable tightening of the first sock member around the first leg of the animal. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure the first and second connection members comprise, respectively, a hook and a loop of a hook-and-loop fastening system. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure each sock member includes a non-skid toe piece. 
         [0016]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure the first and second sock members are sized to be received over the respective first and second leg, including the first and second elbow of the leg of the animal. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the footwear system of the present disclosure as worn by a canine; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the footwear system on the canine of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an isometric side view of a canine illustrating the parts of a domestic dog; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a pair of protective coverings formed in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a neck strap assembly for use with the protective coverings; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 6A-6B  are top and bottom views of a middle strap section of the footwear system formed in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates a two well-leg footwear system formed in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of a well-leg and sore-leg version of the footwear system of the present disclosure in which the neck strap of  FIG. 5  is employed; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate exterior and interior views of a cuff with shoulder strap formed in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  illustrates a right leg footwear system employing the cuff of  FIGS. 9A-9B  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  illustrates a left leg footwear system with neck strap formed in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cuff-side view of a single foot footwear system without neck strap as worn by a canine; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  illustrates the footwear system of  FIG. 12  worn on the canine&#39;s right leg; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  illustrates the footwear system of  FIG. 12  with the optional neck strap in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a left side view of the footwear system of  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components or both associated with sewing fabric, including but not limited to types of stitching and machines for sewing the footwear have not been shown or described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. 
         [0034]    Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” The foregoing applies equally to the words “including” and “having.” 
         [0035]    Reference throughout this description to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0036]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shown therein is a footwear system  10  being worn by a canine or dog  12 . The footwear system  10  is worn on the front legs  14  of the dog  12  and extends around the shoulder area and withers  16  of the dog&#39;s back  18 . More particularly, the footwear system  10  includes first and second protective coverings  20 ,  22  inserted over the left and right legs  14  of the dog  12 , respectively, and a strap member  30  extending from the left protective covering across the dog&#39;s shoulder  16  toward the strap member  32  on the right protective covering  22 , joined together by a middle strap  78  (described below with respect to  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0037]    In order to provide clarity to the terminology with respect to canine anatomy reference is had to  FIG. 3  which provides an illustration and labeling of the various parts of a dog. As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the dog&#39;s front legs  14  include paws, pads, and a pastern that leads to a heelknob that in turn forms part of the knee. The forearm connects the dog&#39;s knee to the elbow, and the upper arm connects the elbow to the shoulder area. The portion of the back between the shoulders is the withers. Similarly, the back legs include a leg having a lower thigh with an ankle or hock and stifle coupling the lower thigh to the upper thigh. The upper thigh extends downward from the rump at the rear of the dog&#39;s back. 
         [0038]    Referring next to  FIG. 4 , shown therein is the footwear system  10  having a first protective covering  20  for a sore or injured leg and foot positioned above a second protective covering  22  for a well leg. These protective coverings  20 ,  22  are formed of first and second socks  26 ,  28  and respective first and second strap members  30 ,  32 . In this embodiment, the first strap member  30  is sewn to or integrally formed with the first sock piece  26 , and the second strap member  32  is sewn to or integrally formed with the second sock  28 . Each sock  26 ,  28  includes an open top  34 ,  36 , respectively, that provides an opening to an interior of the respective sock  26 ,  28 . Each of the socks  26 ,  28  has a closed toe  38 ,  40  respectively, that includes a non-skid toe piece  42 ,  44 . 
         [0039]    The left and right strap members  30 ,  32  also include along substantially their entire length the loop portion of hook-and-loop fasteners. In other words, a loop section  46  is attached to one side of the left strap member  30 , preferably the exterior side that faces outward when worn by the canine A corresponding loop section  48  is formed on the second strap member  32 . It is to be understood that other forms of connection members may be used, which are well known in the art, including snaps, buttons, zippers, clasps, and the like. 
         [0040]    The non-skid toe pieces  42 ,  44  are preferably formed of a non-skid fabric that will prevent the animal from slipping on hard wood or other smooth, slippery surfaces. The toe pieces  42 ,  44  are preferably sewn to the exterior of the sock. Alternatively, the non-skid toe piece  42 ,  44  can itself form the toe of the sock. The socks  26 ,  28  are sized and shaped along with the respective toe pieces  42 ,  44  to not be left and right specific but rather to be worn on either front leg  14  of the canine As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , as well as  FIG. 1 , the toe pieces  42 ,  44  wrap from a top surface to a bottom surface of each of the left and right sock pieces  26 ,  28 . As such, the left and right sock pieces  26 ,  28  are reversible from right to left. 
         [0041]    As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the first sock piece  26  is of a much larger width than the second sock piece  28 . This is because the first sock piece  26  is designed to fit over the leg of an animal that has been bandaged or that is in a cast or otherwise is sore and sensitive. To assist in retaining the enlarged sock piece  26  on the injured leg, optional tightening bands  50  can be used around the body of the sock at one or more locations. Ideally hook-and-loop fasteners are attached to the exterior of the first sock piece  26  to circumscribe the leg of the dog, enabling the sock piece  26  to be cinched up snuggly around the leg  14  of the dog  12 . In one embodiment the attachment of the bands  50  to the exterior of the sock  26  is done with thread at one or several attachments points such that the tightening band  50  can be easily removed by clipping with a pair of scissors or cut with a knife. 
         [0042]    In order to improve the comfort of the animal utilizing the footwear system, the first and second strap members  30 ,  32  are formed to be as wide as possible. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the loop sections  46 ,  48  are preferably two inches wide, and the optional tightening bands  50  on the first sock  26  are approximately ⅝ inch wide. However, it is to be understood that other widths may be used as necessary or desirable for a particular application. 
         [0043]    Ideally, the left and right socks  26 ,  28  are sized in length to fit up over the dog&#39;s leg  14  to cover the pastern, heelknob, knee, forearm, elbow, and beginning of the upper arm. When worn over the rear legs, the left and right socks  26 ,  28 , are be sized to fit up over the lower thigh, stifle, and on to the upper thigh, with the left and right strap members  30 ,  32  extending over the rump of the dog&#39;s back. 
         [0044]    The following addresses preferred fabrics or any alternatives or optional features to the present disclosure: 
         [0045]    1. This design accommodates injuries being on either the right or left side of the animal, simply by turning the socks around from right to left, i.e., the larger sock always is worn on the injured or sore foot. 
         [0046]    2. Fabrics: a soft, flexible, breathable fabric is required for the “sock” part itself. This can be fleece or similar fabric. The strap is made of a soft, non-stretchable fabric. The non-skid fabric for the toe area is “Slip-Not” or a similar non-skid fabric. 
         [0047]    3. The 2 horizontal tightening straps of hook and loop (such as Velcro) on the sore leg sock are optional. 
         [0048]    4. An extender strap for using the sock on the rear legs/paws: This uses the regular sock on the rear leg, but provides an additional strap to connect the rear socks to a purchased harness (harness not included in this disclosure). This extender is sewn similarly to the straps above. 
         [0049]    5. Colors of the fabrics may vary. 
         [0050]    6. Alternatives: There are approximately 4 or 5 different sizes of the socks to accommodate small to larger dogs. 
         [0051]    7. Optional water-proof fabric (like polyester with urethane coating) may be used for the sock for some purposes. 
         [0052]    Other alternatives are also possible. For example, the left and right strap members  30 ,  32  can be replaced with a single strap that has its ends releasably attached to the left and right sock pieces. Alternatively, one end of the single strap can be integrally formed or sewn with one sock piece and the other end can be removably attachable to the other sock piece. In addition, the strap, either in single form or as two strap members, can be formed of elastic-type material, either in whole or in part, to provide room for the animal to move while still preventing sagging or drooping of the sock pieces. 
         [0053]    Turning next to FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 B, a further design is shown for an optional neck strap assembly  60  in  FIG. 5  and middle strap shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B . 
         [0054]    In  FIG. 5 , the optional neck strap assembly  60  includes an anchor strap  62 , D-ring  64 , and elongate flexible neck strap  66 . The anchor strap  62  is formed of stretchable fleece that includes a 2 inch section  68  of hook portion attached to one side. A first end  70  of the anchor strap  62  is attached to the D-ring  64 , preferably by sewing a loop through the interior and around a portion of the D-ring in a known manner. The elongate neck strap  66  has a first side on which a long section  72  of the loop portion is attached or otherwise formed to permit adjustability in the placement of the neck strap  66  on the animal. The terminal ends  74  of the neck strap  66  each have corresponding hook portions  76  and  75 , about 2 inches in length on the opposing sides thereof as shown in  FIG. 5  for attachment of hook section  76  to the long section  72  of loop, and for attachment of hook section  75  to a strap member of a respective protective covering  20 ,  22  or cuff assembly as described more fully below. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 6A-6B  show top and bottom views respectively of a middle strap  78  that is used to connect to the strap members  30 ,  32  of the protective coverings  20 ,  22  or cuff assembly described below and bridge the distance across the dog&#39;s back. Two sections  80 ,  82  of the hook portion are sewn or otherwise attached to the free ends  84 ,  86 , respectively, for attachment to the sections  46 ,  48  of loop material on the protective coverings  20 ,  22  or cuff assembly described below. 
         [0056]      FIG. 7  illustrates a two-sock footwear system  90  utilizing two protective coverings  92 ,  94  for well legs and feet coupled together with the middle strap  78 . The optional neck strap assembly  60  has the anchor strap  62  attached to the strap member  96  just above the sock opening  98  and the first end  100  of the neck strap  102  attached to the strap member  93  of the other protective covering  94  just above the respective sock opening  104 . The second end  106  of the neck strap is attached to the loop section  108  on the neck strap  102  at a location that is comfortable for the dog while retaining the footwear system  90  in place on the dog&#39;s body. The middle strap  78  can likewise be positioned to accommodate the distance across the back of the dog. 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates a footwear system  112  in which the components are identical to the system  90  described in  FIG. 7  except the second sock  94  is replaced with a sore leg sock  110  that has the tightening bands  114 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrates a new design feature of a cuff assembly  120  having a cuff  122  and shoulder strap  124  extending from the cuff  122 . One side of the shoulder strap  124  is covered with a section  126  of loop for attachment to the hook section  80 ,  82  of strap  78 . The cuff  122  and shoulder strap  124  are preferably sewn together as are the ends of the cuff  122  to have a fixed size. While hook-and-loop fasteners could be used to provide adjustability to the cuff  122 , the use of this type of fastener is minimized to avoid snagging of the dog&#39;s hair or furniture fabric, irritating the dog&#39;s skin, and making the cuff  122  too stiff. Moreover, the sizing and placement of the hook portion is minimized and placed where possible to face away from the dog&#39;s coat to avoid the foregoing problems. 
         [0059]      FIG. 10  illustrates a single leg footwear system  130  that employs the cuff assembly  120  of  FIGS. 9A-9B . The middle strap  78  described above is attached to the shoulder strap  124  of the cuff assembly  120  at one end and to the strap member  132  of a protective covering  134  at the other end.  FIG. 11  shows the single leg footwear system  130  used with the neck strap assembly  60  in the manner described above with respect to  FIG. 8  except only one protective covering  92  is used. ( 92  in  FIG. 8  is the same as protective covering  134  in  FIG. 11 .) The cuff  122  has the diameter sized and shaped to slide all the way up the dog&#39;s front leg and be held in place in the axilla. Thus, various sizes of the cuff  122  can be constructed and available for use with the appropriate dog. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show the footwear system  130  of  FIG. 10  worn by a dog  140 . In  FIG. 12 , the protective covering  134  is placed over the dog&#39;s left leg  142  and the cuff assembly  120  is placed over the dog&#39;s right leg  144  with the middle strap  78  positioned over the dog&#39;s back and connecting the cuff assembly  120  to the protective covering  134 . In  FIG. 13  the protective covering  134  is place over the dog&#39;s right leg  144 . 
         [0061]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate the footwear system  130  of  FIG. 11  with the optional neck strap assembly  60  worn by the dog  140  on the dog&#39;s front left leg  142 . In this configuration, the anchor strap  62  is attached to the strap member  136  of the protective covering  134  and the neck strap  66  of the neck strap assembly  60  is attached to the strap member  124  of the cuff assembly  120  and adjusted to fit as described above. 
         [0062]    In use, it is recommended that the sore foot of the dog or animal be inserted in the sore leg protective cover  20  and the tightening band or bands  50  adjusted for comfort and fit. The middle strap  78  is then attached at one end to the strap member  30 . Next, in a two-legged configuration the second protective covering, either well leg  22  or sore leg covering  20  be placed over the other leg. In a single leg configuration, the cuff assembly  120  is used with the cuff  122  placed over the other leg and the other end of the shoulder strap  78  attached to the strap member  124  of the cuff assembly  120  and adjusted for fit and comfort. 
         [0063]    If the neck strap assembly  60  to is used, the middle strap  78  is positioned a sufficient distance above the opening  34 ,  36  of the protective covering  20 ,  22 , to leave room for the anchor strap  62  and neck strap  66 . The anchor strap  62  is attached to either one of the protective coverings  20 ,  22  or to a cuff assembly  120  as described above, and one end  74  of the neck strap  66  is attached to the other of the protective coverings  20 ,  22  or the cuff assembly  120  and then adjusted to fit by pulling the neck strap  66  through the D-ring  64  and securing the second end  74  to the loop portion  72 . 
         [0064]    The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. 
         [0065]    These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.