GB2511366A

GB2511366A - A Protective Harness

Info

Publication number: GB2511366A
Application number: GB201303833A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeanne Larsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-02
Filing date: 2013-03-02
Publication date: 2014-09-03
Also published as: GB201303833D0

Abstract

A protective harness for an animal comprises a cover arranged in use to cover a substantial part of the animal's undercarriage. The cover is arranged with spaced apart strapping. The strapping is arranged in use to hold the cover substantially in contact with the undercarriage. An aperture may be provided for the animals genitalia. The cover may be provided with cuff sections which surround the animals upper limbs. The cover may be formed from resiliently deformable or elastic material which is preferably breathable e.g. mesh. The cover provides protection from biting insects.

Description

A PROTECTIVE HARNESS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a protective harness, more particularly but not exclusively a protective harness for use on horses.

Background

Many animals are agitated by the presence of insects such as flies and may also be susceptible to being bitten by them. Animals such as horses typically use their tails1 limbs and mouth in order to remove the insects, however it may not be possible to prevent insects landing on the horse, laying eggs and possible biting them.

This can lead to agitation of the animal and discomfârt which may make the animal difficult to handle and potentially a danger to an owner Fly repellents may be added to the horses coat in attempt to reduce the presence of insect on the animal however these often require regular and repeated application.

Fly rugs may be placed on the horse in order to protect them from insects, however it may be difficult to cover all areas of the animal with standard rugs and flies may become caught under the rug. -

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 900 783 (ROBERTs) discloses a manure pouch, comprising a tube havingan extension at one side adapted to be Mlded under and form a bottom for the tube and be fastened to its opposite side, and an extension projecting upward frbm said opposite side of the tube.

United States patent application US 726 857 (BULLES) discloses a sectional horse-blanket, a portion fitting around the animal's neck, extending rio across and covering his breast, and overlapping on his shoulders, said overlapping portion being

I

adjustably connected with its corresponding underlying portion, substantially as set forth.

Japanese patent application JP 2009 039 008 (KOBASHI et al) provides pants for a pet, facilitating the handling, and having excellent leak-preventing properties while keeping the air-permeability and moisture-permeability. The pants for the pet have an abdomen-contacting part contacting with the abdomen of the pet when worn, waste-fixing belts formed at side edges of the abdomen-contacting part and for fixing the abdomen-contacting part by being wound around the waist of the pet When worn, a back-contacting part contacting with the back of the pet when worn, and engaged with the waist-fixing belt, and a thigh-contacting part formed between the abdomen-contacting part and the back-contacting part, and contacting with the thighs of the pet when worn. The abdomen-contacting part and the thigh-contacting part have resin cloth having a fibre layer intimately attached to the surface on one side of a resin layer. As a result, the waterproof function is possessed by the pants while keeping the air permeability and the moisture permeability to improve the leakage-preventing properties. In addition, the resin cloth can be made thin.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a protective hamess for an animal, in which the harness comprises a cover arranged in use to provide cover over a substantial part Of the animal's undercarriage said cover arranged with spaced apart strapping, said strapping arranged in use to hold the cover substantially in contact with the undercarriage In some embodiments the cover may be composed of resiliently deformable or elastic material so as to be maintained proximate to the animal undercarriage by the strapping in a plurality of conditions and locations and with respect to a plurality of movements by the animal, wherein the cover is viewed as substantially contacting.

the undercarriage by reason of approximation and coverage, wherein minimal contact areas, such as peripheral, may create maximal prevention of insects reaching the underlying undercarriage. In some embodiments therefore the cover may comprise elasticated portions or peripheries.

In this way the undercarriage or delicate parts of the undercarriage, may be protected from insects, particularly biting insects, wherein the cover is substantially maintained closely against the undercarriage.

Typically said strapping is provide at or adjacent ends of the cover, at least, wherein the cover is arranged in use to cover much of the animal's delicate areas of the undercarriage for example with particular reference to the animal's genitalia and said strapping is positioned so as to ensure that the cover is secured during movement of the animal.

In addition therefore in preferred embodiments the cover is arranged in use to cover parts of the animal's legs proximate the genitalia, said parts further enhancing ability to maintain the cover proximate and analogous to curvature of the undercarriage by acting as additional tethering points for the cover.

In this way the harness acts to enable protection from biting insects in relation to tender areas of the animal, providing an animal insect protector comprising: a cover for covering at least a portion of the animal's undercarriage wherein the cover ends are arranged in use to form cuffs around at least one of the animal's upper limbs.

The cover may be arranged so that the cover ends form cuffs around at least two of the animal's upper limbs. A plurality of straps may be provided for securing the animal insect protector about the animal's body.

Said cover is typically formed from breathable material, for example comprising substantial sections of mesh dimensioned to prevent through passage of insects.

In this way the animal insect protector serves to protect the delicate undercarriage and upper limbs areas of animals such as horses which are susceptible to biting by insects such as flies due to lesser hair coverage and sensitive skin, which can lead to discomfort and agitation of the horse and potentially open wounds which are liable to infection.

Typically a horse will aim to remove insects by swishing their tail, lifting their limbs to brush against affected areas or reaching around with their mouth to itch affected areas and remove the insects. However it may be difficult for some animals, [3 particularly elderly animals to be able to do this particularly in relation to hard-to-reach areas such as between upper hind limbs.

In preferred embodiments the cover is a longitudinal, dimensioned to cover areas of the undercarriage and upper limbs which are typical!y most sensitive, hard to reach by the animal and areas not covered by standard rugs which tend to be placed over the animal's body covering the back, chest, sides and optionally the neck.

Ideally the cuffs are integrated with the cover and encompass at least a pair of the animal's limbs so as to cover the undercarriage and wrap around a pair of upper limbs. Advantageously the cuffs also serve to secure the cover in place limiting movement in use by providing areas cover that are in a fixed, fluid and analogous relationship with curvature of the undercarriage.

In preferred embodiments the cuffs are arranged in use to encompass the hind limbs of an animal. The limbs may typically include more delicate skin and less hair. In some other embodiments cuffs may be provided on the cover so as to be arranged in use to encompass foreiimbs. For example cuffs may be provided on the cover for all limbs.

In some embodiments the cover may provide one pair of cuffs. The pair of cuffs may be joined together by a small cover which is arranged in use to connect one cuff to the other. In this manner, the cover may be provided in order to protect specifically the upper limbs and region between the limbs. In preferred embodiments the cover may further comprise an deformable or elastic portion which may be arranged in use to stretch to the forelimbs.

In preferred embodiments the cover and cuffs are formed from a lightweight, flexible elastic, breathable material that will prevent flies from being able to land on and bite the animal whilst being flexible so as to allow unrestricted movement of the animal.

Typically the material may be a synthetic fine mesh which does not to absorb or hold moisture, should the animal become wet, for example due to rain, In some embodiments the mesh may be impregnated with insect repellent so as to actively repel insects.

In preferred embodiments the cuff may be provided as an inverted frusto conical shape so as to match the upper limb arrangement of an animal. The cuff may have a top aperture which is wider than a bottom aperture and the cuff may be shaped and dimensioned so as to receive and comfortably engage around the upper limbs of an animal. The cuff may be arranged in use to be positioned above the knee on the fore limbs and above the hock on the hind limbs of the animal. In this arrangement, the cover may protect the elbow and stifle areas respectively.

Ideally the cuff may be adjustably arranged in use about the limb by means of an opening which enables the cuff to be wrapped around the limb and secured in position at the desired tightness so as no allow access flies but so as not to restrict movement of the animal. Advantageously this means there is no requirement to lift the animal's limbs in order to don the protective harness.

Typically said opening may be adjustable by for example hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark), Ideally the opening is provided on the limb's outer side so as to not to be liable to brushing against the other limb in use, which may lead to rubbing. Furthermore the opening may be readily azid safely adjusted by the user.

In preferred embodiments the strapping or straps are used to secure the insect protector to the animal preventing it from falling off or becoming tangled in the animal's limbs.

In preferred embodiments the cover may be dimensioned to pass between the animal's forelimbs to the chest. In this way there may be implemented orthogonal strapping to further limit movement from the animal. For example wherein the cover is connected to strapping arranged in use to pass around either side of the neck forming a loop around the animal's neck.

Preferably each cuff is attached to one strap so as to enable the strap to pass upwards and over the animals back in use thereby serving to hold the cuffs in position on the animal's limbs. For example holding the cuff around the limb upper so as not to slip down and interfere with the knee or hock joints which may otherwise limit movement of the animal.

Ideally the cuff straps are linked to the neck straps by means a spinal strap which passes along the animal's spine stopping the neck and cuff straps from slipping off the animal. For example preventing the neck strap passing over the animal's head, such as when the animal is grazing.

It may be envisaged that the straps may be provided as one continuous integrated piece of fabric or material wherein the straps are removably attached to the cover and/or cuffs by connectors so as to be readily fitted and adjusted about the animal thereby reducing the requirement for additional points of attachment from one strap to another, which points may cause rubbing of the animal. Therthore the straps may be separated from the cover and cuffs.

Typically the strap ends connect to the cover or cuffs by the connectors. The connectors may be clips for example carabineer clips, interlocking hooks and loops or buckles so as to removably attach the cover or cuffs to the straps, enabling them to be positioned and secured in the optimal arrangement. Preferably the connectors are arranged so as to lie flat against the animal's skin in use so as not to cause rubbing.

Preferably the straps are formed from lightweight, flexible, durable material such as synthetic webbing. Typically the straps include means of adjustment such as buckles or hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark) so that the strap length may be adjusted to the animal thereby ensuring the insect protector fits snugly. In some embodiments a portion of the strap may be elasticated for optimal fit and comfort.

Advantageously the adjustment means are positioned so as not to rub the animal for example being outward facing on the strap and preferably avoiding areas with bones close to the skin surface such as the spine or pelvis which may more easily become rubbed and sore.

Additionally the cuffs on the hind limbs may include a band which passes substantially horizontally above the cuff top around the hind limb rear which serves to secure the cuff in position preventing slippage in use whilst allowing maximal movement. Typically the band is adjustable for example by a buckle or hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark) which serves to keep the cuff top snug to 6.

the horse's skin to prevent access to insects. Ideally the band may be elasticated so as to comfortably fit the animal's limb, In preferred embodiments the cover may be adapted for: -male animals to include a defined urination aperture through which the animal may urinate whilst donning the insect protector -or female animals which have suckling young so as to include a feeding aperture to enable their young to feed whilst the animal dons the insect protector.

In other embodiments the cover does not include an aperture so as to more fully protect the undercarriage. In yet further embodiments the aperture may be displaceable, for example hinged or detachable to allow access as required.

In some other embodiments the connectors may be used to secure the insect protector to standard rugs or tack therefore removing requirement for neck, back and spine straps and wherein said strapping attaches directly to the tack. For example the connectors on the insect protector may be accepted to attachment points, such as rings provided on the rug so as to connect the insect protector to the rug and thereby removing the requirement for the straps. Typically the protective harness is attached to the rugs inner side so as limit likelihood of the connectors becoming caught for example on fencing or vegetation.

Advantageously the protective harness, and optionally with inclusion of the rug, is preferably fitted snugly to the animal making it less likely for insects to be able to come into contact with the animal where they in use.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the harness in use; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a view from below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures in preferred embodiments the cover 1 extends in use from the animal's chest between the animal's forelimbs, to the rearmost limbs, where cuffs 3 surround the upper rear limbs.

Strapping 2 and 6 surrounds firstly the animal's girth (2) and rear (6). Said strapping 2 is adjustable with buckles 4, and hook and loop. Said buckles 4 allow articulation so as to allow movement of the limbs without dislodging of the cover 1.

The cuffs are ideally provided in flexible or elastic material, particularly in sections 5 which allow flexure and a close fit to the limbs In addition or the alternative sections may comprise hook and loop portions.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A protective harness for an animal, in which the harness comprises a cover arranged in use to provide cover over a substantial part of the animal's undercarriage, said cover arranged with spaced* apart strapping, said strapping arranged in use to hold the cover substantially in contact with the undercarriage.
2. A protective harness according to claim 1 wherein the cover provides an aperture arranged in use for placement over the animal's genitalia.
3. A protective harness ccording to claim 1 or 2 wherein the cover includes a displaceable portion.
4. A protective harness according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the harness further comprises cuffs arranged in use for positioning over animal limbs.
5. A protective harness according to claim 4 wherein the cuffs are contiguous with the cover.
6. A protective harness substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.