GB2496118A

GB2496118A - Protective cover for an animal rug

Info

Publication number: GB2496118A
Application number: GB201118721A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Janette Christina Perrett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-11-02
Filing date: 2011-11-02
Publication date: 2013-05-08
Also published as: GB201118721D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective cover 118 for an animal rug (10, Fig 2) whilst hanging on a rug rail (16, Fig 2) the cover comprising a main body having an open end and a closed end, the body being adapted to cover the animal rug in an unfolded position and a flap 120 for covering the open end. The flap may be provided with fastening means 122, 124, 126, 128 (such as hook and loop fastenings) for releasably securing the flap to the main body in a closed position. The cover may further comprise an internal support strap (230, Fig 4) adapted to retain the rug in position within the protective cover and a side opening (334, Fig 6) with closing means (336, 338, 340, 342, Fig 6) adapted to be opened and closed around the rug rail to allow the over to be placed on and taken off when the rug is in position on a rug rail.

Description

Protective Cover

Field Of The Invention

5The present invention generally relates to a protective for covering horse rugs and blankets and the like, which fits directly onto the rail system present in many stables to protect the horse rugs, blankets and the like from external and internal moisture and soiling such as mould, bird droppings, dust and dirt. The protective cover is also suitable for pony, donkey and other animal rugs and blankets and the like.

Backciround Of The Invention The storage of horse rugs and the like is important for rugs being used during the season and for those being stored off season. Horse rugs can be quite expensive l5and it is important to protect them from the possible damp and dirty conditions of many stables to keep the rugs clean and protected from mould and rot.

Currently the only protective covers for horse rugs and the like are large bags that are designed purely for the storage of folded rugs whilst they are not being used 2Oduring the season for example. The rug is folded up and placed in the bag, the bag is then designed to be stored in a cupboard or the like Such protective covers are generally made from waterproof material to keep the contents dry. However such protective covers which are fully waterproof have a tendency to result in condensation forming inside the bag as the contents sweats due to variable weather 25conditions and temperatures. The levels of moisture within the bag, along with external temperatures often result in mould forming in the item being protected in the bag. Attempts have been made to cover come this problem by providing protective covers formed from a waterproof breathable material, however such protective covers are only provided for the storage of folded rugs in a more long 3Oterm storage solution.

An attempt has been made to try to over come this problem by providing a protective cover for the storage of rugs and the like which does not require the rugs to be folded within the protective cover and which can readily be place over the rail 35system present in the stable. The problem with this protective cover is that it has been designed for use on the rail system in stables in the US, which is quite different from the rail system used in the UK and Europe. Such a protective cover is not adaptable for use in conjunction with the UK and European rail system.

Summary Of The Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a protective cover for an animal rug for use in conjunction with a rug rail, the protective cover comprising a main body having an open end and a closed end, the main body being adapted to cover the animal rug in an unfolded position and a flap for covering the open end.

Preferably the flap is provided with a fastening means for releasably securing the flap to main body in a closed position. Preferably the flap fastening means comprises a hook and loop system.

1 SPreferably the protective cover is provided with an internal support strap adapted to retain the rug in position within the protective cover. Preferably the internal support strap is provided with a releasably securing fastening means for fastening and unfastening the internal support strap.

2OPreferably the protective cover is provided with a first side opening provided with a closing means adapted to be opened and closed around the rug rail to allow for the protective cover to be placed on and taken off a rug when the rug is in position on a rug rail. Preferably the fastening means comprises a plurality of straps and most preferably each of the plurality of straps are provided with an individual fastening 25means. Preferably the individual fastening means comprises a hook and loop system.

Preferably the protective cover is provided with an upper strap and a lower strap which co-operate to from handles.

Preferably the protective cover is provided with a second side opening provided with a closing means adapted to be opened and closed around the rug rail to allow for the protective cover to be placed on and taken off a rug when the rug is in position on a rug rail. Preferably the fastening means comprises a zip.

Preferably the protective cover is provided with a storage pocket.

Preferably the protective cover is provided with an elasticated strap.

Preferably the protective cover is provided with wheels.

5The present invention relates to a light weight, strong, waterproof, breathable protective cover for horse, pony and donkey rugs whilst hanging on a rug rail. The protective cover's flap attaches to the bag by hook and loop fastenings, it has an integral fastening, webbing straps with hook and look fastenings, webbing handles, zips, pockets, and pocket window, netting, elastic straps, pockets, wheels.

In addition, the integral fastening which connects the rug to the cover, allows the removal of the protected rug from the rail and permits the carrying and br fastening of a folded or rolled, covered and protected rug, for alternative storage and/or transportation.

Conventional methods may be used to manufacture the protective cover in accordance with the invention. The manufacturing of the protective covers are cost effective.

2ODescrintion Of The Drawings The invention will now be described, by way of example only, referring to the accompanying drawings, in which; 25Figure 1. Illustrates an animal Rug hanging by its straps on a Rug Rail; Figure 2. Illustrates an animal Rug hanging by its straps on a Rug Rail covered with a protective cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 3OFigure 3. Illustrates a protective cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4. Illustrates a protective cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5. Illustrates an animal Rug hanging by its straps on a Rug Rail covered with a protective cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6. Illustrates a protective cover according to a fourth embodiment of the Spresent invention; Figure 7. Illustrates a protective cover according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; lOFigure 8. Illustrates a protective cover according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9. Illustrates a protective cover according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10. Illustrates a protective cover according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 11. Illustrates a protective cover according to a ninth embodiment of the 2Opresent invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only.

25These embodiments represent the best ways of pulling the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved.

Figure 1 illustrates a typical animal rug 10, such as a horse rug or a donkey rug 3Owhich is hanging by straps 12, 14 from a typical rug rail 16. In normal use the straps 12, 14 are used to secure the animal rug 10 to an animal around the front of the animal's body. The rug rail, 16 is typically mounted on the wall of a stable or the like.

35Figure 2 illustrates a protective cover 18 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in place over an animal rug 10 on a rug rail 16. The protective cover 18 fits the whole of the animal rug without the need to fold the rug 10 prior to storage. The protective cover 18 also fits over the rug rail 16 so that the rug 10 can be protected in situ on the rug rail 16 by the protective cover 18. The protective cover 18 has a flap 20 which folds over the top of the rug rail 16 to keep the 5protective cover 18 in place around the rug 10, so the that the rug 10 is fully protected.

Figure 3 illustrates a particular fastening means used in one embodiment of the protective cover 118. In this embodiment the fastening means comprise hook and lOloop fastening pads 122, 124, 126, 128 located on the main body of the protective cover 118 and the flap 20 to assist in keeping the flap in a closed position when in situ around a rug 10 on a rug rail 16. In the alternative other suitable fastening means may be used such as straps and buckles which may be in the form of plastic clips or may be in the form of traditional buckles. Further in the alternative a press 1 5stud system may be used as the fastening means. Any fastening means is suitable provided it allows for repeated fastening and unfastening of the flap 120 from the main body of the protective cover 118 and is strong enough to support the weight of the protective cover when in situ around a rug 10 on a rug rail 16. In the embodiment shown discrete individual locations are provided for the fastening 2Omeans, however in the alternative the fastening means may be provided along the full width of the flap 120 and the corresponding full width on the main body of the protective cover.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of the protective cover 218 which 25further incorporates an internal support strap 230. The internal support strap 230 is provided to thread through the straps 12, 14 of the rug 10. The internal support strap 230 provides a link between the rug 10 to be protected and the protective cover 218, such that when the rug 10 is removed from the rug rail 16 with the protective cover 218 in place the rug stays in position in the protective cover 218 3Orather than sliding down to the bottom of the protective cover. The internal strap support is provided with a fastening means 232 which may be a hook and loop system, press studs, plastic clip or a traditional buckle or any other suitable fastening means which is capable of supporting the weight of the rug 10 within the proactive cover 218 and which allows for repeated fastening and unfastening of the 35internal support strap 230.

Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the protective cover 318 provided with a side opening 334. The side opening 334 is provided to allow the protective 318 cover to slide over the rug rail 16. Rug rails in the UK and Europe are a D shape as seen in Figure 1 and thus if a protective cover is slid onto a rug whilst in position on 5a rug rail, or a rug and protective cover in combination are slid onto a rug rail a side opening is needed to allow for this to occur. The side opening 334 does not extend for the full length of the protective cover 318, but only part way down. In an alternative the side opening 334 can extend for the full length of the protective cover 318. In order to close the side opening 334 straps 336, 338, 340, 342 can be lOprovided which fasten the side opening closed when the protective cover is installed in position around a rug 10 on a rug rail 16 or whilst the protective cover is not in position and is being transported for example. The straps are provided with a fastening means which may be a hook and loop system, press studs, plastic clip or a traditional buckle or any other suitable fastening means allows for repeated 1 5fastening and unfastening of the straps.

Figure 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the protective cover 418 provided with a side opening 434. In order to close the side opening 434 straps 436, 438, 440. 442 can be provided which fasten the side opening closed when the protective cover is 2Oinstalled in position around a rug 10 on a rug rail 16 or whilst the protective cover is not in position and is being transported for example. The straps are provided with a fastening means which may be a hook and loop system, press studs, plastic clip or a traditional buckle or any other suitable fastening means allows for repeated fastening and unfastening of the straps. In addition in this embodiment the 25protective cover 418 is provided with a lower carrying strap 444 and an upper carrying strap 446 which is provided with reinforcement straps 448.

Figure 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the protective cover 518 provided with a side opening 434. In order to close the side opening 534 straps 536, 538, 540, 542 3Ocan be provided which fasten the side opening closed when the protective cover is installed in position around a rug lOon a rug rail 16 or whilst the protective cover is not in position and is being transported for example. The straps are provided with a fastening means 544, 546 which may be a hook and loop system as illustrated or in the alternative press studs, plastic clip or a traditional buckle or any other suitable 3stastening means allows for repeated fastening and untastening of the straps. In this embodiment the protective cover 518 further incorporates an internal support strap 530. The internal support strap 530 is provided to thread through the straps 12, 14 of the rug 10. The internal support strap 530 provides a link between the rug 10 to be protected and the protective cover 518, such that when the rug 10 is removed from the rug rail 16 with the protective cover 518 in place the rug stays in position in 5the protective cover 518 rather than sliding down to the bottom of the protective cover. The internal strap support is provided with a fastening means 532 which may be a hook and loop system, press studs, plastic clip or a traditional buckle or any other suitable fastening means which is capable of supporting the weight of the rug within the proactive cover 518 and which allows for repeated fastening and lounfastening of the internal support strap 530. Furthermore in this embodiment the protective cover 518 is provided with a second side opening 548 which assists in the ease of sliding the protective cover over the rug 10. The second side opening 548 is sealed with a fastening means 550 which in the embodiment shown is a zip. In the alternative a flap (not show) may be provided and the fastening means may be a 1 Shook and loop system or press studs or the like.

Figure 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the protective cover 618 provided with a side opening 434. In order to close the side opening 534 straps 640, 642 can be provided which fasten the side opening closed when the protective cover is installed 2Oin position around a rug 10 on a rug rail 16 or whilst the protective cover is not in position and is being transported for example. The straps are provided with a fastening means which may be a hook and loop system as illustrated or in the alternative press studs, plastic clip or a traditional buckle or any other suitable fastening means allows for repeated fastening and unfastening of the straps.

25Furthermore in this embodiment the protective cover 618 is provided with a second side opening 648 which assists in the ease of sliding the protective cover over the rug 10. The second side opening 648 is sealed with a fastening means 650 which in the embodiment shown is a zip. In the alternative a flap (not show) may be provided and the fastening means may be a hook and loop system or press studs or the like.

3OFurther in this embodiment pockets 652, 654, 656 are provided, which may in one alternative be provided with sealing flaps. In addition a see through window 658 is provided.

Figure 10 illustrates a further embodiment of the protective cover 718 provided with 35a side opening 734. In order to close the side opening 734 straps 736, 738, 740, 742 can be provided which fasten the side opening closed when the protective cover is installed in position around a rug 10 on a rug rail 16 or whilst the protective cover is not in position and is being transported for example. The straps are provided with a fastening means which may be a hook and loop system as illustrated or in the alternative press studs, plastic clip or a traditional buckle or any other suitable 5fastening means allows for repeated fastening and unfastening of the straps. In addition in this embodiment the protective cover 718 is provided with a lower carrying strap 744 and an upper carrying strap 746 which is provided with reinforcement straps 748. Further in this embodiment the protective cover 718 is provided with a lower netting pocket 768, an elasticated strap 764 and wheels 760, 10762.

Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of the protective cover 818 folded up and the relationship between the upper strap 846 and the lower strap 844 which come together to form handles.

The different elements shown in each of the embodiments are shown in relation to specific embodiments but the various elements can be used in the combination suitable for the particular protective cover needed by the end user.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. A protective cover for an animal rug for use in conjunction with a rug rail, the protective cover comprising a main body having an open end and a closed end, the 5main body being adapted to cover the animal rug in an unfolded position and a flap for covering the open end.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flap is provided with a fastening means for releasably securing the flap to main body in a closed position.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A protective cover as claimed in claim 2 wherein the flap fastening means comprises a hook and loop system.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim further provided with an l5internal support strap adapted to retain the rug in position within the protective cover.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A protective cover as claimed in claim 4 wherein the internal support strap is provided with a releasably securing fastening means for fastening and unfastening 2Othe internal support strap.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim provided with a first side opening provided with a closing means adapted to be opened and closed around the rug rail to allow for the protective cover to be placed on and taken off a 25rug when the rug is in position on a rug rail.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A protective cover as claimed in claim 6 wherein the fastening means comprises a plurality of straps.</claim-text> <claim-text>308. A protective cover as claimed in claim 7 wherein each of the plurality of straps are provided with an individual fastening means.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A protective cover as claimed in claim 8 wherein the individual fastening means comprises a hook and loop system.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim provided with an upper strap and a lower strap which co-operate to from handles.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim provided with a second 5side opening provided with a closing means adapted to be opened and closed around the rug rail to allow for the protective cover to be placed on and taken off a rug when the rug is in position on a rug rail.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A protective cover as claimed in claim 11 wherein the fastening means lOcomprises a zip.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A protective cover a claimed in any preceding claim provided with a storage pocket.1514. A protective cover a claimed in any preceding claim provided with an elasticated strap.15. A protective cover a claimed in any preceding claim provided with wheels.2016. A protective cover as substantially herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A protective cover for an animal rug for use in conjunction with a rug rail, the protective cover comprising a main body having an open end and a closed end, the main body being adapted to cover the animal rug in an unfolded position and a flap for covering the open end wherein the protective cover is further provided with an internal support strap adapted to retain the rug in position within the protective cover.
2. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flap is provided with a fastening means for releasably securing the flap to main body in a closed position.
3. A protective cover as claimed in claim 2 wherein the flap fastening means comprises a hook and loop system.(Y)
4. A protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the internal support strap is provided with a releasably securing fastening means for fastening C) and unfastening the internal support strap.
5. A protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim provided with a first O side opening provided with a closing means adapted to be opened and closed around the rug rail to allow for the protective cover to be placed on and taken off a rug when the rug is in position on a rug rail.
6. A protective cover as claimed in claim 5 wherein the fastening means comprises a plurality of straps.
7. A protective cover as claimed in claim 6 wherein each of the plurality of straps are provided with an individual fastening means.
8. A protective cover as claimed in claim 7 wherein the individual fastening means comprises a hook and loop system.
9. A protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim provided with an upper strap and a lower strap which co-operate to from handles.
10. A protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim provided with a second side opening provided with a closing means adapted to be opened and closed around the rug rail to allow for the protective cover to be placed on and taken off a rug when the rug is in position on a rug rail.
11. A protective cover as claimed in claim 10 wherein the fastening means comprises a zip.
12. A protective cover a claimed in any preceding claim provided with a storage pocket.
13. A protective cover a claimed in any preceding claim provided with an elasticated strap.
14. A protective cover a claimed in any preceding claim provided with wheels.
15. A protective cover as substantially herein described with reference to the C) accompanying figures. (0</claim-text>