Fracture Stabilization System for Non-Human Animals

Publication ID: 24-11857447_0002_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Fracture Stabilization System for Non-Human Animals,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857447_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857447_0002_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,447.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel fracture stabilization system adapted for various non-human animal species, providing optimal healing and minimizing restrictions on movement, thereby improving animal welfare and reducing veterinary costs.

Background and Problem Solved

Current fracture treatment methods for non-human animals are often inadequate, leading to prolonged recovery times, restricted movement, and increased veterinary costs. The original patent, 'Brace for reducing and stabilizing fracture in human hand,' demonstrated the effectiveness of a splint-based system for human hand fractures. This inventive concept adapts the core technology to address the unmet needs in veterinary care, providing a solution for fracture stabilization in livestock, equine, small animals, avian species, and reptiles.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The fracture stabilization system for non-human animals comprises a splint configured to contact the fractured limb or hoove at three spaced-apart locations, stabilizing the fracture for optimal healing. The system can be adapted for various species, including livestock, equine, small animals, avian species, and reptiles, using adjustable and customizable splints. The splint may include features such as arcuate bands, side members, and foam pads to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The system enables early mobilization, reduces veterinary costs, and improves animal welfare.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original splint-based system to address the unique needs of non-human animal species. The inventive step is the recognition of the applicability of the core technology to a broader range of species, coupled with the development of species-specific design features and adaptations.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include splints with varying materials, shapes, and sizes to accommodate different species and fracture types. Variations may include adjustable splints, modular designs, and integration with other veterinary devices, such as casts or prosthetics.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The fracture stabilization system for non-human animals has significant commercial potential in the veterinary care industry, with applications in livestock farming, equine care, small animal veterinary clinics, avian and reptile sanctuaries, and zoos. The market demand is driven by the growing need for effective and humane fracture treatment solutions, as well as the increasing recognition of animal welfare as a critical aspect of veterinary care.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F5/0118

Field of Art

Medical device design and orthopedic rehabilitation technologies, specifically focusing on fracture stabilization systems for human and animal limbs, with expertise in biomechanical support and customizable splint configurations

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with knowledge of biomaterials, anatomical support structures, and adaptive medical device design principles, capable of translating human medical technologies across species and anatomical variations

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental splint design principles disclosed in the source patent for human hand fractures are directly transferable to other species' limb stabilization needs. The core technical concept of three-point contact stabilization, adjustable configuration, and removable padding represents a generalizable approach to fracture management that can be systematically adapted across different anatomical contexts with predictable engineering modifications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Splint configured to contact a finger at three spaced-apart locations
PTD Variation
Applying three-point contact stabilization to livestock hooves, equine limbs, and avian wings
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of biomechanical stabilization principle across different anatomical structures using known orthopedic engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Adjustable strap for holding finger at desired flexion
PTD Variation
Adjustable splint lengths and configurations for different animal species and limb sizes
Obviousness Reasoning
Known design adaptation technique allowing scalable medical device functionality across varied anatomical requirements
Source Patent Element
Removable foam pad insertable between splint and finger
PTD Variation
Species-specific foam pad designs for comfort and secure fit in veterinary applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine materials engineering adaptation applying established padding principles to different anatomical contexts
Source Patent Element
Lateral connection between splints for multi-digit stabilization
PTD Variation
Arcuate side members connecting splint bands for multi-limb stabilization across species
Obviousness Reasoning
Systematic translation of interconnection design principles from human hand to animal limb stabilization
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857447, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the veterinary fracture stabilization system variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the fundamental splint design principles, representing predictable engineering adaptations across anatomical contexts and thus rendering subsequent claims of novelty unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,447
TitleBrace for reducing and stabilizing fracture in human hand