Therapeutic animal harness system and methods of use

Abstract

Systems and methods for treating and rehabilitating animals are provided. The systems and methods include harnesses and related devices, including compresses and heating/icing devices. The devices further include and comprise features to enable the device to be contoured to and secured to an animal. Animals contemplated for use with devices and methods of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, canines and humans.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A therapeutic device for an animal comprising:
 a flexible compress member having a plurality of wells;   wherein each of the plurality of wells comprises a first internal volume and an upper end of the wells comprises an overhang;   a plurality of fluid-containing modules, wherein each of the plurality of fluid-containing modules is operable to be provided within the first internal volume of a well;   wherein each of the fluid-containing modules comprises a second internal volume, the second internal volume being less than the first internal volume;   a fluid provided within the second internal volume;   wherein the overhang comprises at least one of a flexible and an elastic component that is operable to selectively receive and at least partially secure a portion of a fluid-containing module; and   wherein the device is operable to act as a heating or cooling agent for an animal body part.   
     
     
         2 . The therapeutic device of  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises silicone rubber. 
     
     
         3 . The therapeutic device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fluid-containing modules comprise silicone rubber. 
     
     
         4 . The therapeutic device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wells are arranged in a grid. 
     
     
         5 . The therapeutic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover member. 
     
     
         6 . The therapeutic device of  claim 5 , wherein the cover member extends along the upper end of the wells and comprises a seal for at least some of the plurality of wells. 
     
     
         7 . The therapeutic device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid-containing modules comprise sealed modules. 
     
     
         8 . A therapeutic device for an animal comprising:
 a flexible compress member having a plurality of wells;   wherein each of the plurality of wells comprises a first internal volume and an upper end of the wells comprises an overhang;   a plurality of fluid-containing modules, wherein each of the plurality of fluid-containing modules comprises a second internal volume and is operable to be provided within the first internal volume of a well;   a material provided within the second internal volume;   wherein the overhang is operable to selectively receive and at least partially secure a portion of a fluid-containing module.   wherein the device is operable to act as a heating or cooling agent for an animal body part.   
     
     
         9 . The therapeutic device of  claim 8 , wherein the device comprises silicone rubber. 
     
     
         10 . The therapeutic device of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of fluid-containing modules comprise silicone rubber. 
     
     
         11 . The therapeutic device of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of wells are arranged in a grid. 
     
     
         12 . The therapeutic device of  claim 8 , wherein at least some of the fluid-containing modules comprises substantially rectangular cubes. 
     
     
         13 . The therapeutic device of  claim 8 , further comprising a cover member extending along the upper end of the wells and comprising a seal for at least some of the plurality of wells. 
     
     
         14 . The therapeutic device of  claim 8 , wherein the fluid-containing modules comprise sealed modules. 
     
     
         15 . A therapeutic device for an animal comprising:
 a flexible member comprising at least one well;   wherein the at least one well comprises a plurality of sidewalls, a bottom portion, and a first internal volume;   a fluid-containing module that is operable to be provided within the at least one well;   wherein the fluid-containing module comprises a substantially rectangular cube having an upper end, a lower end, a plurality of sidewalls and a second internal volume, the second internal volume being less than the first internal volume;   a fluid provided within the second internal volume;   wherein the at least one well comprises at least one of a flexible and an elastic component that is operable to selectively receive and at least partially secure a portion of a fluid-containing module;   wherein the device is operable to act as a heating or cooling agent for an animal body part.   
     
     
         16 . The therapeutic device of  claim 15 , wherein the device comprises silicone rubber. 
     
     
         17 . The therapeutic device of  claim 15 , wherein the fluid-containing module comprises silicone rubber. 
     
     
         18 . The therapeutic device of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of wells are arranged in a grid. 
     
     
         19 . The therapeutic device of  claim 15 , wherein an upper end of the well comprises at least one of an overhang and a constriction operable to at least partially secure a fluid-containing module. 
     
     
         20 . The therapeutic device of  claim 15 , wherein the fluid-containing module comprises a sealed module.