Ventilated non-slip sleeve and methods for making and using same

Abstract

Described herein is a ventilated, non-slip sleeve which may be applied to an irregularly shaped object, for example a body part such as a limb or extremity, as well as methods for making and using such a non-slip sleeve. In one particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a ventilated, non-slip sock for an animal, and a method for making the sock from a non-slip material. The ventilated, non-slip sock of the instant invention finds particular utility as a mobility aid for injured and/or aged animals, to facilitate ambulation over slippery surfaces or floors.

1 . A ventilated, non-slip mobility sock configured to be slidably received about a limb or extremity of an animal, said sock formed as a continuous, unitary construction from a planar sheet of a flexible, porous material having a high coefficient of friction. 
   
   
       2 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein said sock is shaped to be slidably received about the forefoot or hindfoot of a dog or a cast disposed thereon. 
   
   
       3 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein said porous material further provides a cushioning effect. 
   
   
       4 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein said porous material comprises a water-resistant composite. 
   
   
       5 . The sock of  claim 4 , wherein said water-resistant composite comprise an open-weave fabric coated with a polymeric foam. 
   
   
       6 . The sock of  claim 5 , wherein said open-weave fabric comprises a woven scrim of polyester or natural fibers and the polymeric foam comprises a plasticized vinyl compound. 
   
   
       7 . The sock of  claim 6 , wherein said plasticized vinyl compound comprises polyvinyl chloride. 
   
   
       8 . The sock of  claim 1 , further provided with one or more straps for securing the sock about the limb or extremity of the animal. 
   
   
       9 . The sock of  claim 8 , wherein said straps are provided at either end with mating fastener pairs. 
   
   
       10 . A method of forming a ventilated, non-slip mobility sock configured to be slidably received about a limb or extremity of an animal comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a flat blank having a predetermined shape cut from a planar sheet of flexible, porous material having a high coefficient of friction;   (b) folding said blank in half lengthwise; and   (c) bonding the open lateral sides of the blank to form a tubular sleeve having one closed end and one open end.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of providing a dorsal cut extending from the open end of the sleeve but stopping short of the closed end of the sleeve. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of providing one or more fastening means for securing the sleeve about the limb or extremity of the animal. 
   
   
       13 . A ventilated, non-slip mobility sock configured to be releasably attached to a limb or extremity of an animal, said sock from a flat blank cut from a planar sheet of a flexible, stretchable, porous material having a high coefficient of friction and having a generally rectangular shape, comprised of two long sides and two short sides, said flat blank further comprising a first set of tabs extending from the distal end of a first long side and second set of tabs extending from the distal end of the second long side, disposed opposite said first set of tabs, wherein said tabs are provided with mating fastening means, further wherein said sock is assembled by folding the flat blank in half lengthwise and engaging the mating fastening means on opposing sets of tabs. 
   
   
       14 . A method for providing a limb or extremity of an animal with a ventilated non-slip mobility sock, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) placing the limb or extremity of the animal atop a flat blank cut from a planar sheet of a flexible, stretchable, porous material having a high coefficient of friction and having a generally rectangular shape, comprised of two long sides and two short sides, said flat blank further comprising a first set of tabs extending from the distal end of a first long side and second set of tabs extending from the distal end of the second long side, disposed opposite said first set of tabs, wherein said tabs are provided with mating fastening means;   (b) folding the blank in half lengthwise such that the limb or extremity rests between the two halves, thereby forming a mobility sock having three open sides (two long, one short) and one closed short end; and   (c) folding the free edges of the two long sides of the mobility sock about the limb or extremity of the animal and engaging the mating fastening means on opposing sets of tabs so as to seal the two long sides and removably secure the mobility sock to the animal's limb or extremity.