FR3141613A1 - DEVICE FOR PROTECTING AT LEAST ONE PART OF THE BODY OF AN ANIMAL OR HUMAN - Google Patents

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: DEVICE FOR PROTECTING AT LEAST ONE PART OF THE BODY OF AN ANIMAL OR HUMAN The device (40) for protecting at least part of the body of an animal or a human, characterized in that it comprises a shell (41) of rigid foam, device provided with an empty interior volume ( 42) and, opening into this volume: - a distal opening (43) suitable for enveloping a anterior or posterior limb below a joint respectively of the humerus or the femur, and - a proximal opening (44) suitable for enveloping said anterior or posterior limb above this joint. Figure for abstract: figure 7

Description

DEVICE FOR PROTECTING AT LEAST ONE PART OF THE BODY OF AN ANIMAL OR A HUMAN Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for protecting at least one part of the body of an animal or a human. It applies, in particular, to the field of devices and accessories for care or body or medical protection. It is more particularly concerned with the protection of the joints of an animal, for example a dog or a horse for curative or preventive purposes of bedsores.

State of the art

Various textile sleeves are known for protecting the fur or skin of animals. Textile sleeves are also known that can be used during the convalescence of an injured animal. However, none of these systems reduce the risk of pressure sores, skin lesions of ischemic origin linked to compression of soft tissues between a hard plane and bony protrusions. On the contrary, the different seams of these sleeves and the compression that these sleeves exert on the joints and bones of the animal promote the appearance and development of pressure sores.

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

To this end, the present invention relates to a device for protecting at least part of the body of an animal or a human, which comprises a semi-rigid shell, a device provided with an empty interior volume and, opening into this volume:
- a distal opening suitable for enveloping a forelimb or hindlimb below a joint of the humerus or femur respectively, and
- a proximal opening suitable for wrapping said fore or hind limb above this joint.

The inventor discovered that a semi-rigid shell provides better protection against pressure sores than the soft protections used to protect an injured animal, for example one that has had a fractured limb.

In embodiments, the proximal opening is further adapted to envelop, respectively, at least a portion of the scapula or at least a portion of the ilium, and this shell comprises an upper flap opposite the distal opening and defining a portion of the proximal opening.

In embodiments, the semi-rigid shell has a principal axis of inertia corresponding to a minimum moment of inertia, said principal axis of inertia passing through the distal opening and the upper flap.

The elongated shape of the device, from its distal opening to its upper flap, prevents straps or fabrics from rubbing against the animal's skin. The device that is the subject of the invention thus makes it possible to simultaneously protect two of the risk areas, a hip or a shoulder and a joint of the limb corresponding to that hip or shoulder, from the risk of pressure sores appearing.

In embodiments, the shell further comprises at least one lateral opening capable of opening onto said articulation.

The soft tissues around the bony protrusions of this joint are thus not compressed.

In embodiments, the shell further comprises at least one lateral opening capable of opening onto the shoulder or hip joint, respectively.

The soft tissues around the bony protrusions of this shoulder or hip joint are thus not compressed.

In embodiments, the distal opening completely surrounds the radius and ulna or tibia, respectively.

The risk of the limb coming out of the distal opening during the animal's movements is thus reduced.

In embodiments, the shell is symmetrical about a plane passing through the proximal and distal openings.

Thus, the device can be adapted, in an indifferent manner, to the right limb as well as to the left limb.

In embodiments, the device further comprises a removable wraparound cover configured to surround the shell leaving at least the proximal opening and the distal opening accessible.

In embodiments, the shell comprises an open-cell foam with a density of between 30 and 40 kg/m ³ .

In embodiments, the shell foam is treated with an elastic paint configured to adhere to the shell foam and seal the surface cells of the shell foam.

In embodiments, this paint or the foam forming the shell is thermochromic.

The color of the shell thus indicates the temperature of the shell and therefore of the animal.

In embodiments, the shell comprises a waterproof envelope comprising gel. The advantage of such an envelope is that it conforms to the particular morphology of each animal.

Brief description of the figures

Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device and method which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

schematically represents, in side view, an animal equipped with two devices which are the subject of the invention on the right flank,

represents, in top view, the animal illustrated in ,

represents, in front view, the animal illustrated in figures 1 and 2,

represents, in three-quarter view, a first particular embodiment of a prior or subsequent device which is the subject of the invention,

represents, in three-quarter view, a cover of the device illustrated in ,

represents, in internal side view, the cover illustrated in ,

represents, in three-quarter view, a second particular embodiment of a prior device which is the subject of the invention,

represents, in front view, the device illustrated in ,

represents, in internal side view, the device illustrated in figures 7 and 8,

represents, in internal side view, a second particular embodiment of a posterior device which is the subject of the invention,

represents, in front view, the device illustrated in ,

represents, in internal side view, a first particular embodiment of a cover of a device illustrated in figures 7 to 11,

represents, in front view, the cover illustrated in ,

represents, in developed view, a second particular embodiment of a cover of a device illustrated in figures 7 to 11,

represents, in perspective view, the cover illustrated in ,

represents, in sectional view, a particular embodiment of a device for protecting the carpal joint or the tarsus of an animal,

represents, in sectional view, a particular embodiment of a human elbow protection device,

represents, in top view, the protective device illustrated in ,

represents, in side view, the protection device illustrated in figures 17 and 18,

represents, in sectional view, a particular embodiment of a human knee protection device,

represents, in side view, a particular embodiment of a human elbow protection device,

represents, in perspective view, a third particular embodiment of a posterior device which is the subject of the invention,

represents, in partial side view, the device illustrated in on an animal,

represents, in front view, the device illustrated in figures 22 and 23,

represents, in side view, a module shell of the device illustrated in at 24,

represents, in front view, the hull illustrated in ,

represents, in top view, an animal wearing the device illustrated in Figures 22 to 26 and two anterior devices illustrated in Figures 4 to 9, and

represents, in the form of a flowchart, steps of a particular embodiment of the method which is the subject of the invention.

This description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

Throughout the description, the term “from the front” refers to what is seen when the animal is standing and seen from the front and wearing at least one device that is the subject of the invention. The term “upper” or “top” refers to what is at the top when the animal is standing. The term “lower” or “bottom” refers to what is at the bottom when the animal is standing. The term “from above” refers to what is seen from above when the animal is wearing at least one device that is the subject of the invention. These orientations therefore correspond to those of the devices when the animal is standing and wearing them.

The term "internal" or "interior" refers to that which is close to or turned towards the plane of symmetry of the animal's body, and the term "external" or "exterior" refers to that which is far from this plane or turned towards the distance from this plane. The term "proximal" refers to that which is close to the animal's trunk, for example the shoulder or the hip, and the term "distal" refers to that which is far from it, for example the elbows of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The terms right and left refer to the sides of the animal seen from this animal, as illustrated in figures 1 to 3 on which devices are affixed to the right side of the animal.

Note that Figures 1 to 27 are not to scale.

In Figures 1 to 3, an animal 30, here a dog, is seen wearing a right front protection device 40 on its front limb 34 which is the subject of the invention and a right rear protection device 50 on its rear limb 35 which is the subject of the invention. Although, in the remainder of the description, devices which are the subject of the invention are shown which are adapted to the morphology of a dog 30, the present invention is not limited to this type of animal but extends to all vertebrate animals, in particular mammals and, in particular, animals which are cared for, for example domestic animals, livestock, animals engaged in sporting activities or games and animals present in zoos, zoological reserves or protection zones. Adapting the embodiments of the device described in Figures 4 to 27 to different animals or animals of different sizes does not present any difficulty to the person skilled in the art because he only needs to know the morphological differences between the animals to know what adaptations of shapes or dimensions are necessary. Throughout the patent application, the expression “specific to” means “configured for” or “geometrically adapted to the morphology of the animal predetermined for”. As explained above, “specific to” is thus a technical definition that does not contain any ambiguity for the person skilled in the art knowing the morphology of this animal.

Thus, the different embodiments of the device which is the subject of the invention are designed for a predetermined animal known to the designer of this device. This is, here, the predetermined animal 30. In , the joints of the forelimbs 34 and hind limbs 35 are represented by circles in broken lines. As can be seen, the lateral openings of the shells are opposite the joints.

The shells are semi-rigid. For example, they deform partially and elastically under the action of forces up to 20 Newtons, preferably up to 50 Newtons, exerted manually, but they deform definitively or break before their walls surrounding an empty space come together under the effect of a compressive force.

We observe, in , a right or left anterior or posterior protection device 50 for at least one part of the body of a predetermined animal 30 (here a forelimb 34 or posterior 35), which comprises a semi-rigid shell 51. The protection device 50 covers the top of the limb 34 or 35. The posterior device 50 preferentially protects, on a posterior limb 35, the ilium, the ischium, the caudal vertebra, the head of the femur, the patella and the head of the tibia and, on a forelimb 34, the scapula, the lower head of the humerus and the upper head of the radius.

The right posterior device 50 and a left posterior device symmetrical to the first may, once positioned on the animal 30, be connected by a strap provided with self-gripping fabrics configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric 58 and its equivalent on the left posterior device. For the use of a posterior device on a single side of the animal 30, a strap, for example made of Neoprene (registered trademark) passes around the posterior limb 35 to go up on the back of the animal and be self-gripping on the device in place and hold it.

In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 4 to 7, the shell 51 further comprises at least one lateral opening 56 capable of opening onto the articulation between the humerus and the radius and/or between the femur and the tibia. Preferably, this lateral opening 56 is capable of opening onto these two articulations, by having a large diameter. In other embodiments, the shell does not comprise this lateral opening 56 but has, in the interior volume 52, a blind opening, or concavity, opposite the articulation considered.

In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 4 to 7, the shell 51 further comprises at least one lateral opening 57 capable of opening onto the hip joint of the animal. Preferably, this lateral opening 57 is also capable of opening onto the hip joint of the animal, by having a large diameter.

Thus, the device 50 is open on the openings 56 and 57 at two locations where the fragile and sensitive areas at risk of pressure sores are located, i.e. the joints. In other embodiments, the shell does not have this lateral opening 57 but has, in the interior volume 52, a blind opening, or concavity, opposite the joint in question.

In embodiments (not shown), the shell 51 is symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the openings 56 and 57. These embodiments have the advantage that the same shell can be used indifferently for each of the two front limbs or the two rear limbs of the animal 30.

The device 50 is preferably designed with anatomical shapes on the inside, and rounded on the outside. Several sizes are offered depending on the size of the animal, for example dog or horse.

In Figures 5 and 6, we see a cover 60 for the device 50. The cover 60 envelops the shell 51 with a fabric, for example neoprene. The cover 60 is configured to surround the shell 51. This cover 60 includes a pocket, or compartment 59 for housing the device 50. This cover 60 has an empty interior volume 62 and, opening into this volume 62:
- a distal opening 63 suitable for enveloping the posterior limb 35 below a joint of the femur and the anterior limb below a joint of the humerus and,
- a proximal opening 64 suitable for wrapping this posterior member 35 above this articulation.

The lower part of the cover 60 forms a bracelet into which the anterior member 34 or the posterior member 35 fits.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the proximal opening 64 is further adapted to envelop at least a portion of the ilium of the animal. In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 10 to 21, the proximal opening 64 is not adapted to envelop at least a portion of the ilium or the scapula of the animal 30.

Optionally, in embodiments such as that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover 60 further comprises an upper flap 65 opposite the distal opening 63 and defining a portion of the proximal opening 64. The upper flap 65 preferably comprises a means of connection with a strap (not shown), for example a self-gripping fabric 68 secured to the cover 60, for example sewn to the shell 60.

In other embodiments, a connection, for example, by strap or by textile insert in the upper part of the cover 60, replaces the upper flap 65.

In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 5 and 6, the distal opening 63 completely surrounds the tibia or radius.

Although a shell and a cover have been presented with respect to FIGS. 4 to 6 for protecting the joints of the four limbs of the animal 30, in other embodiments, different shells and covers are adapted to the forelimbs and the hind limbs, on the one hand, and/or to the right limbs and the left limbs, on the other hand.

The right anterior device and a left anterior device, symmetrical to the first, can, once positioned on the animal 30, be connected by a strap provided with self-gripping fabrics configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric 68 and its equivalent on the left posterior device. For the use of an anterior device on a single side of the animal 30, a strap, for example made of Neoprene (registered trademark) passes around the forelimb 34 to go up on the back of the animal and be self-gripping on the device in place and hold it.

In Figures 7 to 9, we observe a right front protection device 40 for at least one part of the body of a predetermined animal 30 (here a front limb 34), which comprises a semi-rigid shell 41. A device (not shown) symmetrical to the device 40 with respect to a plane is intended for the protection of the left front limb of the animal.

The anterior protective device 40 covers the top of the forelimb 34. The device 40 is open on the openings 46 and 47 at two locations where the areas at risk of pressure sores, fragile and sensitive, are located. The lower part of the device 40 forms a bracelet into which the forelimb 34 is inserted. This anterior device 40 preferentially protects the scapula, the lower head of the humerus and the upper head of the radius.

The right anterior device 40 and a left anterior device symmetrical to the first may, once positioned on the animal 30, be connected by a strap provided with self-gripping fabrics configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric 48 and its equivalent on the left posterior device. For the use of an anterior device on a single side of the animal 30, a strap, for example made of Neoprene (registered trademark) passes around the forelimb 34 to go up on the back of the animal and be self-gripping on the device in place and hold it.

This shell 41 has an empty interior volume 42 and, opening into this volume 42:
- a distal opening 43 suitable for enveloping a forelimb 34 below a joint of the humerus and,
- a proximal opening 44 suitable for enveloping said anterior member 34 above this articulation.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the proximal opening 44 is further adapted to envelop at least a portion of the animal's scapula. In other embodiments, the proximal opening is not adapted to envelop at least a portion of the animal's scapula or ilium.

Optionally, in embodiments such as that shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, this shell 41 further comprises an upper flap 45 opposite the distal opening 43 and defining a portion of the proximal opening 44. The upper flap 45 preferably comprises a means of connection with a strap 36 (see ), for example a self-gripping fabric 48 secured to the shell 41, for example glued to the shell 41.

In other embodiments, a connection, for example, by strap or by textile insert in the upper part of the shell 41, replaces the upper flap 45.

In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 7 to 9, the semi-rigid shell 41 has a principal axis of inertia 49 corresponding to a minimum moment of inertia, this principal axis of inertia passing through the distal opening 43 and the upper flap 45.

In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 7 to 9, the shell 41 further comprises at least one lateral opening 46 capable of opening onto the joint surrounded by the distal 43 and proximal 42 openings. In other embodiments, the shell does not comprise this lateral opening 46 but has, in the interior volume 42, a blind opening, or concavity, opposite the joint in question.

In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 7 to 9, the shell 41 further comprises at least one lateral opening 47 capable of opening onto the shoulder joint of the animal. In other embodiments, the shell does not comprise this lateral opening 47 but has, in the interior volume 42, a blind opening, or concavity, opposite the joint in question.

In embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 7 to 9, the distal opening 43 completely surrounds the radius. In other embodiments, the shell has horizontal “horseshoe” or “C” sections, the opening of which allows, with possible elastic deformation of the lips of this opening, the passage of the forelimb 34 of the animal 30 from the outside into the interior volume 42, or conversely its exit from this interior volume 42.

In embodiments (not shown), the shell 41 is symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the proximal and distal openings. These embodiments have the advantage that the same shell can be used indifferently for each of the two forelimbs of the animal 30.

The device 40 is preferably designed with anatomical shapes on the inside, and rounded on the outside. Several sizes are offered depending on the size of the animal.

Preferably, the device 40 further comprises a removable enveloping cover. This cover envelops the shell 41 with a fabric, for example neoprene, self-gripping on the upper parts of the shell 41. This cover is configured to surround the shell 41 while leaving at least the proximal opening 44 and the distal opening 43 accessible, through cover openings. This cover preferably has lateral openings in geometric correspondence with the lateral openings 46, 47, to allow air to reach the skin of the animal. The cover also comprises an upper flap to cover the flap 45, provided with a self-gripping fabric configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric 48.

Of course, a similar adaptation of the anterior device 40 to a posterior limb does not pose any difficulty for the person skilled in the art. It is therefore not detailed here, for the sake of brevity.

Figures 10 and 11 show a particular embodiment of a device 70 for protecting the right joint of the carpus or tarsus of an animal, respectively in side view and in sectional view. The device 70 consists of two half-shells 71 (see ) semi-rigid surrounded and connected by a cover (see figures 12 to 15) or a single shell having an extensible opening for passage of the member from the outside to the interior volume of this shell 71, as illustrated in figures 10 and 11 preferably surrounded by a cover.

This shell 71 has an empty interior volume 72 and, opening into this volume 72:
- a distal opening 73 suitable for wrapping the limb below the tarsus of the hind limb 35 or the carpus of the fore limb 34 and,
- a proximal opening 74 suitable for enveloping the limb above the tarsus of the hind limb 35 or the carpus of the fore limb 34.

The device 70 is open on the cylindrical openings 76 and 77 whose axes intersect in the interior volume 72 at the level of the joint to be protected. These openings 76 and 77 are positioned at the location where the fragile and sensitive areas at risk of pressure sores are located, i.e. the joint.

The general shape of the device 70 is an ovoid, pierced with regard to the protruding bones. The main axis of inertia 79 corresponds to a minimum moment of inertia of the device 70. This main axis of inertia 79 crosses the distal opening 73 and the proximal opening 74. The device 70 allows the reduction, or even the elimination, of the risky pressures while allowing the limb to bend without difficulty. The same device 70 can be suitable for the four limbs, anterior and posterior of the animal. For the anterior limbs, the protected areas are the lower head of the radius and the ulna, the carpus, the metacarpus and the phalanges. For the posterior limbs, the protected areas are the lower head of the tibia, the tarsus, the metatarsus and the phalanges. Different sizes of the device 70 are proposed depending on the animal to be protected.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 to 14, the cover 130 takes the form of an elastic band provided with openings 131 to 133 and self-gripping fabrics 134 to 137. In the embodiment illustrated in , the cover 140 takes the form of an elastic sheath provided with openings 141 to 143. Of course, the openings 131 to 133 and 141 to 143 are intended to cover the openings of the shell 71.

There represents, in sectional view, a particular embodiment of a device 80 for protecting a human elbow. The represents, in top view, the protective device illustrated in . There represents, in side view, the protection device illustrated in figures 17 and 18. The device 80 is made up of two semi-rigid half-shells 81.

This shell 81 has an empty interior volume 82 and, opening into this volume 82:
- a distal opening 83 suitable for wrapping the limb below the elbow and,
- a proximal opening 84 suitable for wrapping the limb above the elbow.

The device 80 is open on the cylindrical openings 86 and 87 whose axes cross in the interior volume 82 at the elbow. These openings 86 and 87 are positioned at the location of the fragile and sensitive areas at risk of pressure sores. The lower part of the device 80 forms a bracelet into which the patient's arm is inserted.

The general shape of the device 80 is an ovoid, pierced at the point of the protruding bones. The main axis of inertia 89 corresponds to a minimum moment of inertia of the device 80. This main axis of inertia 89 passes through the distal opening 83 and the proximal opening 84. The device 80 allows the reduction, or even the elimination, of risky pressures while allowing the elbow to bend without difficulty. The two half-shells 81 are connected by a self-gripping fabric (not shown). The same device 80 can be suitable for both elbows of the patient. Different sizes of the device 80 are offered depending on the size of the patient to be protected.

There represents, in sectional view, a particular embodiment of a human knee protection device 90. The represents, in side view, a particular embodiment of a human elbow protection device 90.

The device 90 is made up of two semi-rigid half-shells 91. This shell 91 has an empty interior volume 92 and, opening into this volume 92:
- a distal opening 93 suitable for wrapping the limb below the elbow and,
- a proximal opening 94 suitable for wrapping the limb above the elbow.

The device 90 is open on the cylindrical openings 96 and 97 whose axes intersect in the interior volume 92 at the knee. These openings 96 and 97 are positioned at the location of the fragile and sensitive areas at risk of pressure sores. The lower part of the device 90 forms a bracelet into which the patient's leg is inserted.

The general shape of the device 90 is an ovoid, pierced at the point of the protruding bones. The main axis of inertia 99 corresponds to a minimum moment of inertia of the device 90. This main axis of inertia 99 passes through the distal opening 93 and the proximal opening 94. The device 90 allows the reduction, or even the elimination, of risky pressures while allowing the knee to bend without difficulty. The two half-shells 91 are connected by a self-gripping fabric (not shown). The same device 90 can be suitable for both knees of the patient. Different sizes of the device 90 are offered depending on the size of the patient to be protected.

Below are examples of materials that can be used to make a 40, 50, 70, 80 or 90 device. The cover is made of neoprene two centimeters thick. This material is soft enough not to create pressure or scratches, flexible but with a certain hold for easy installation and a durable closure and corresponding to the correct foot size. The bias is an elastic fabric strip useful for finishing the cover. The cover comprises, for example, a technical foam and velvet fabric for laminated velcro. The shell comprises, for example, an open-cell foam, for example polyurethane ("PU") with a density of between 35 and 40 kg/m ³ . The foam is preferably treated with an elastic paint configured to adhere to the shell foam and close the surface cells of the shell foam.

All of the devices 40, 50, 70, 80 and 90 are, for example, composed of low-density polyurethane foam and a projected surface skin. In the case of a polyurethane foam shell, it can be treated with a smooth and satiny single-component “sole vanter” polyurethane elastic paint to be projected which adheres to the polyurethane foam and forms a surface “skin”. Alternatively, this paint or the foam forming the shell is thermochromic. It contains an adjuvant whose color varies with the temperature, in particular around 37.5 °C for a human and 40 °C for a dog. For example, this adjuvant is of the registered trademark “Naxagoras Technology”. The surface skin facilitates the use of a simple foam by its closure and use. It makes the device more reliable on the limb, guarantees regulatory standards concerning in particular toxicity, safety for the animal or patient, cleaning and disinfection.

In embodiments, the shell includes a sealed envelope containing gel. The shell may include both a sealed envelope containing gel and foam. The envelope and/or the gel may include thermochromic components.

Figures 22 to 24 show a third particular embodiment of a posterior device 100 which is the subject of the invention. The device 100 comprises a belt 105 provided with adjustable fasteners 106, for example with self-gripping fabrics, and carrying a compartment, or pocket, 107 for housing a shell 101 (see Figures 25 and 26) continuing on a front flap 108 also connected to the belt 105. Once the animal is dressed in this device 100, the shell 101 comes over the ischium, as illustrated in . The device 100 is provided with an empty interior volume 102 and, opening into this volume:
- a distal opening 103 suitable for enveloping a posterior limb 35 below a femur joint, and
- a proximal opening 104 suitable for enveloping said anterior or posterior limb above this joint.

There represents, in side view, a hull 101 module of the device 100, the vertical section of which in the plane of symmetry of the device 100, takes the shape of a comma to adapt to the curvature of the hindquarters of the animal. represents, in front view, the hull 101 illustrated in . Its shape is triangular and resembles that of a guitar pick. It has two openings opposite the prominent points of the ischium.

There represents, in top view, an animal wearing the device illustrated in Figures 22 to 26 and two anterior devices illustrated in Figures 4 to 9. In this embodiment, a garment 120 connects the different devices around the animal's trunk.

We observe, in , a method 170 for producing and using a device according to the invention. During a step 171, semi-rigid shells are produced by molding. For example, these semi-rigid shells are made of open-cell foam with a density of between 30 and 40 kg/m ³ . The molding is carried out, for example, by cold injection of two-component with twelve hours of rest. At the end of the hardening of the foam, the two external molds are removed, then the internal mold.

During a step 172, a skin projection is carried out on the molded shells. For example, an elastic paint configured to adhere to the foam of the shell and close the surface cells of the foam of the shells, for example liquid polyurethane, is sprayed. This material has the advantage of being washable by smoothing, flexible, disinfectable, reinforced on the face, dry in twelve hours and having a smooth appearance. Preferably, this paint or the foam forming the shell is thermochromic. The molding of the shell is preferably done in an elastically deformable material with shape memory configured so that the shell is deformable.

Alternatively, at least one shell comprises a gel in a sealed envelope produced during a step 178 of constituting the envelope and a step 179 of filling the envelope with gel. Preferably, this gel or this envelope comprises thermochromic pigments.

During a step 173, covers are made with fastening means and, optionally, belt strands, with cutting and sewing of textile, bias and self-gripping fabrics. For example, the covers are made of fabric, preferably Neoprene (registered trademark) for its waterproof, elastic, tolerance and comfort qualities. The covers are removable from the shells, thanks to openings preferably closed by self-gripping fabrics. Optionally, a garment 120 is also made with means for retaining a shell or a cover comprising a shell.

During an optional step 174, the shells and covers are assembled. During an optional step 175, a garment 120 is assembled. During a step 176, the animal is dressed in the device, possibly with its garment 120 and its additional shells.

Claims (12)

Device (40, 50, 70, 80, 90, 100) for protecting at least part of the body of an animal (30) or a human, characterized in that it comprises a semi-rigid shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91, 101), device provided with an empty interior volume (42, 52, 72, 82, 92, 102) and, opening into this volume:
- a distal opening (43, 53, 73, 83, 93, 103) suitable for enveloping a forelimb (34) or posterior limb (35) below an articulation of the humerus or femur respectively, and
- a proximal opening (44, 54, 74, 84, 94, 104) suitable for enveloping said anterior or posterior limb above this articulation. Device (40) according to claim 1, in which the proximal opening (44, 54, 74, 84, 94) is, in addition, adapted to envelop, respectively, at least a portion of the scapula or at least a portion of the ilium, and this shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91) comprises an upper flap opposite the distal opening (43, 53, 73, 83, 93) and defining a portion of the proximal opening. Device (40, 50, 70, 80, 90) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the semi-rigid shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91) has a main axis of inertia (49, 59, 79, 89, 99) corresponding to a minimum moment of inertia, this main axis of inertia passing through the distal opening (43, 53, 73, 83, 93) and the upper flap. Device (40, 50, 70, 80, 90) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91) further comprises at least one lateral opening capable of opening onto said articulation. Device (40, 50) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91) further comprises at least one lateral opening capable of opening onto the shoulder or hip joint, respectively. A device (40, 50) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distal opening (43, 53, 73, 83, 93) completely surrounds the radius and the ulna or the tibia, respectively. Device (40, 50, 70, 80, 90) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91) is symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the proximal (44, 54, 74, 84, 94) and distal (43, 53, 73, 83, 93) openings. Device (40, 50, 70, 80, 90) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which further comprises a removable enveloping cover (60) configured to surround the shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91) while leaving accessible at least the proximal opening (44, 54, 74, 84, 94) and the distal opening (43, 53, 73, 83, 93). Device (40, 50, 70, 80, 90) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91) comprises open-cell foam with a density of between 30 and 40 kg/m ³ . The device (40, 50, 70, 80, 90) of claim 9, wherein the shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91) is treated with an elastic paint configured to adhere to the shell foam and close the surface cells of the shell foam. Device (40, 50, 70, 80, 90) according to claim 10, in which this paint or the foam forming the shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91), is thermochromic. Device (40, 50, 70, 80, 90) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the shell (41, 51, 71, 81, 91) comprises a sealed envelope containing gel.