AU2021240105A1

AU2021240105A1 - Equine Blanket

Info

Publication number: AU2021240105A1
Application number: AU2021240105A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lesley Dalle-Nogare; Peter Dalle-Nogare
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-30
Filing date: 2021-09-27
Publication date: 2022-04-14

Abstract

A horse blanket 1 is disclosed which is fabricated from 100% natural hemp fibres. The configuration of the horse blanket is substantially conventional. An approximately 4° C temperature advantage was achieved on hot days in the 5 range 390 C - 47° C when compared with a cotton/polyester blend horse blanket. In addition, pre-existing skin irritations and scratches healed more quickly with the 100% hemp fibre horse blanket. 5739A-AU ..L/ 's 12 8 FIG. 1

Description

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FIG. 1

Equine Blanket

Field ofthe Invention The present invention relates to equine protective equipment and, in particular, to equine blankets orrugs.

Background Art Horse blankets or rugs are very well known and are used in many circumstances. The blankets are commonly used to provide warmth in cooler temperature environments and for overnight. Horse blankets are also used to minimise or reduce sun exposure and otherwise protect the back of a horse from rain and hail, and also from scratches and other abrasions that may damage the horse's hide.

More important in some parts of the world than others, horse blankets are known to be used to remove opportunities for biting insects to land and penetrate the horse's hide. These insects include many types of fly including stable fly, horse fly, botfly and midges. Gnats, mosquitoes, ticks and mites are other significant pests to horses and the use of blankets can assist in minimising attacks on a horse.

Horse blankets are generally designed to fit over the back, loin, rump and withers of a horse and often around the chest and barrel of the horse. Crest hoods are also sometimes included, as are extensions covers for the rear quarters. Horse blankets are often tied in one or more locations around the horse adjacent the thigh and the chest or forelegs, and sometimes with an additional tie over the breast. However, other types ofhorse blankets extend only from approximately the withers to the croup and are tied around the chest of the horse.

The horse blankets and rugs are typically made of a blend of cotton and synthetic fibres such as polyester. However, blankets are known to be made from wool and wool blends. Unfortunately, whilst use of a horse blanket provides significant benefits to a horse, they still can be problematic in irritating the skin, hide or hair of the horse and can make the horse feel uncomfortable. This is particularly the case when a blanket is used over an existing wound, scratch, bite or other skin irritation.

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Furthermore, the cost of horse blankets and rugs is not insignificant and they perform best with regular maintenance, cleaning and replacement.

Genesis of the Invention The Genesis of the present invention is a desire to provide a horse blanket or rug having improved comfort characteristics for a horse, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a horse blanket or rug comprising: a body having an elongate centreline configured to extend intermediate a front end and a rear end, the centreline adapted to extend parallel with part of the spine of a horse; a body inner surface configured to be disposed contiguous with or closely adjacent the skin of a horse and an opposing outer surface; body left and right sides of the centreline, said left and right sides respectively configured to extend from the centreline to terminate along or below the barrel of the horse; at least one tie member on each left hand side and right hand side and sized to releasibly engage each other around the barrel of the horse; characterised in that the blanket or rug body is formed from 100% hemp fabric.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the horse blanket or rug includes a reinforcing spine extending the length of the body centreline, the reinforcing spine being formed from a 100% hemp fabric. In other preferred embodiments, the horse blanket or rug as includes a pair of spaced apart reinforcing spines extending the length of the body centreline and adapted to be disposed either side of part of the spine of the horse, the reinforcing spines each being formed from a 100% hemp fabric.

Most surprisingly, it has been found that there is advantageously provided a horse blanket or rug formed from 100% hemp fibres whereby the blanket or rug appears to

2 5739A-AU provide improved antimicrobial properties on the skin and hair of a horse under the blanket or rug. Also horses appear to sweat less in the blanket or rug even when a silk liner is applied to an underside thereof It has also been found that the 100% hemp fibre horse blanket or rug allowed the skin of a horse to be 4° or more cooler than would be the case with the use of cotton, synthetic or cotton synthetic blended rugs or blankets.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is an elevated perspective photograph of a horse blanket according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 is an elevated perspective photograph of the blanket of Fig.1 showing dimensions thereof; Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a horse blanket according to another preferred embodiment; and Fig. 4 shows an inverted plan view of the horse blanket of Fig. 3.

Detailed Description Referring to the drawings generally, like reference numerals have been used to denote like components unless expressly denoted otherwise. The horse blanket 1 according to the preferred embodiment shown in Figs 1 & 2 is configured to be draped over, and worn by, a thoroughbred horse (not illustrated) aged 27 years and standing approximately 16.1 hands (approximately 1.63m) high at the highest point of the withers. It will be appreciated other differently sized or dimensioned blankets are used to adapt to differently sized and shaped horses. Exemplary blanket 1 dimensions are shown in Fig. 2.

The horse blanket 1 has a body 2 with an elongate or longitudinally extending centreline 3 disposed between a front end 4 and a rear end 5. The blanket 1 is configured to be thrown or draped over a horse and to be worn thereby where the centreline 3 is configured to extend along part of the spine of the horse. In this preferred embodiment the body 2 is configured to extend along the centreline 3 from

3 5739A-AU the withers to the croup of the horse. However, in other embodiments of the invention (not illustrated) the body 2 is configured to extend along the centreline 3, along the spine and over the back and loin of the horse. In other embodiments a crest extension can be provided.

The body 2 has an inner surface 6 (not clearly visibly in the drawings) that is adapted to be disposed or draped over the horse such that the inner surface 6, in use, is contiguous with the skin or hair of a horse. Of course, not all parts of the blanket need to be in contact with the horse and the blanket can be closely adjacent thereto such as over the lower parts of the body of the horse. The body 2 inner surface include an opposing outer surface 7 adapted, in use, to face away from the horse and essentially be exposed to the elements.

The body 2 further includes body left side 8 and right side 9 which each extend from respective sides of the centreline 3. Left side 8 and right side 9 are respectively adapted to extend from the centreline 3 to terminate along the barrel of the horse. However, it will be appreciated the sides 8 & 9 can extend below the barrel.

To retain the blanket 1 on the horse once draped over, a plurality of Velcro ties 10 are disposed in pairs along the sides 8 and 9 for releasable engagement with each other to secure the blanket sides 8 & 9 around the barrel of the horse. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 ties 10 along the front end 4 are configured to releasably engage about the point of the shoulder of the horse.

Most importantly, the blanket is formed from 100% hemp fibres and these are not blended with other fibres such as with cotton, polyester or other material. This additionally includes hemming 12 which is separately attached about the periphery of the blanket 1. The blanket of the preferred embodiment is formed from a woven hemp material with a fabric weight of approximately 260grams per square metre (GSM) or approximately 7oz per square yard. In other preferred embodiments, the hemp fabric has a weight in the range of about 21OGSM to 31OGSM, depending on environmental or other factors.

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Additionally in the preferred embodiment, blanket 1 further includes a reinforcing spine 11 extending substantially the entire length of the body centreline 3 from the front end 4 to the rear end 5. The reinforcing spine 11 is also composed of a 100% hemp fabric most preferably woven rather than knitted, but it can be either. The reinforcing spine 11 serves a locating purpose along part of the spine of the horse as well as providing additional strength to the blanket 1.

Referring now to Figs 3 & 4, these respectively show a plan view line drawing of a horse blanket 1 which is similar to that of Fig. 1 being formed from 100% hemp fibres. The blanket 1 includes no blended or other materials whether woven or threaded and in this embodiment hemming 12 is also formed from a 100% hemp thread. Similar hemp fabric characteristics to that of the first preferred embodiment are provided by the hemp horse blanket 1 of this embodiment. The blanket 1 includes a double straight surcringle 14 that is disposed on the outer surface 7 of the right side 9 whereby each surcringle 14 is spaced apart from the other along the length of the horse (ie along the centreline). Each double straight surcringle 14 includes parallel straps 15 that in use each extend a predetermined length below right side 9 of the blanket 1. In this way, the straps 15 are able to be wrapped around the underside of the horse and connect to corresponding clips 17. Most advantageously, each strap 15 is retained at or adjacent right-hand side 9 of the blanket 1 by surcringle loops 16. This allows the straps 15 to drop straight down from the horse and not been moved along the length parallel to centreline 3.

In alternative embodiments of the invention (not illustrated) the horse blanket 1 includes a pair of spaced apart reinforcing spines that extend substantially the length of the body centreline 3. This pair of spines is adapted to be disposed one to either side of part of the spine of the horse. This can significantly improve the locating of the blanket 1 on the horse when it is being draped over. As in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the reinforcing spines are formed from a 100% hemp fabric.

Also the horse blanket 1 employs various styles of stitching, however, the thread is most preferably formed from 100% hemp fibres of any preferred dimensions and characteristics.

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Although the blanket 1 of the preferred embodiments is shown to extend from the point of the shoulder rearward to the croup or haunches and tail base, the body 1 can extend any preferred length along the centreline from, or adjacent from, the withers to, or adjacent to, the croup of the horse. For example, the body 2 extends along the centreline 3 along only the back and loin of the horse and no ties 10 along front 4 are required, only ties around the barrel. Furthermore, as shown in the preferred embodiment of Figs 3 & 4 a small lamb's wool lining or patch 19 is disposed, in use, along either side of centreline 3 substantially over the withers of a horse. In the preferred embodiment shown, each patch 19 extends from a predetermined distance away from the front end 4 of the blanket 1 and is preferably provided to minimise hair wear or irritation upon contact of the blanket 1 and withers. As shown in the preferred embodiment of Fig. 4, the patches 19 are elongated and taper rearwardly from widest point adjacent the front end 4 of the blanket 1.

It was found, most surprisingly, that an apparent significant advantage was provided when using the blanket 1by providing some form of improved conditions that minimise microbial infections or their symptoms. When the blanket 1 was wom by a horse having skin problems a visible improvement appeared in an unexpectedly short timeframe. In addition, the blanket 1 was observed to improve healing of minor skin irritations such as insect bites, grazes & scratches, for example, as compared to the use of cotton or cotton/synthetic blends and cotton/hemp blends formed from similar weighted fabrics (approximately 260GSM in the preferred embodiment) when wom by the same horses having the same skin conditions. Further, the results visually appeared to be the same whether a silk lining having a weight of the order of 25GSM was used to line the inner surface 6 of the blanket 1.

Also unexpected, the blanket 1 when used by different horses appeared to reduce or prevent the prevalence of colic and also provide measurable improvements over other cotton or cotton/synthetic blends and cotton/hemp blend blankets in response to heat exposure effects. This was observed in four different horses breeds, namely Thoroughbred, Quarter horse, Friesian and Clydesdale/Gypsy cob. There was a 4°C to 4.4°C difference in temperature of the horse when compared to cotton/polyester

6 5739A-AU blend horse blankets when the horses were exposed to high temperatures in the range of the order of 39°C-47°C. This was also a surprising result in addition to the improved skin appearance of horses which initially had skin irritations and scratches and other conditions.

Searches conducted after the priority date have disclosed a website entitled COLLECTIVE GEN (https//collectivegen.com/2017/08/guide-different-fabrics properties) which contained a published guide to 15 different fabrics. Various properties of each fabric were rated on the basis of a maximum of five bullet points for various properties. One of these properties was comfort and the comfort ratings were as follows:

Cotton 5 Linen 5 Silk 5

Flannel 5 Jersey 5 Hemp 1

Denim 3 Wool 1 Leather 3

Satin 5 Chiffon 5 Velvet 3

Rayon 5 Nylon 3 Polyester 3

This indicates that the website's author(s) considered hemp the least comfortable fabric of the 15 fabrics. This is in marked contrast to specialised hemp websites which have a messianic conviction that every garment or fabric article should henceforth be fabricated from hemp fibres.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of "including" or "having" and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of'.

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Claims

1. A horse blanket or rug comprising: a body having an elongate centreline configured to extend intermediate a front end and a rear end, the centreline adapted to extend parallel with part of the spine of a horse; a body inner surface configured to be disposed contiguous with or closely adjacent the skin of a horse and an opposing outer surface; body left and right sides of the centreline, said left and right sides respectively configured to extend from the centreline to terminate along or below the barrel of the horse; at least one tie member on each left hand side and right hand side and sized to releasibly engage each other around the barrel of the horse; characterised in that the blanket or rug body is formed from 100% hemp fabric.

2. A horse blanket or rug as claimed in claim 1 including a reinforcing spine extending the length of the body centreline, the reinforcing spine being formed from a 100% hemp fabric.

3. A horse blanket or rug as claimed in claim 1 or 2 including a pair of spaced apart reinforcing spines extending the length of the body centreline and adapted to be disposed either side of part of the spine of the horse, the reinforcing spines being formed from a 100% hemp fabric.

4. A horse blanket or rug as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein stitching for the blanket or rug is formed from 100% hemp thread.

5. A horse blanket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the weight of the hemp fabric is 210 grams per square metre to 310 grams per square metre, and preferably about 260 grams per square metre.

6. A horse blanket or rug as claimed in any one of claims I to 5 wherein the hemp fabric is knitted or woven.

7. A horse blanket or rug as claimed in any one of claims I to 6 wherein the body is configured to extend along the centreline from or adjacent from the withers to, or adjacent to, the croup of the horse.

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8. A horse blanket or rug as claimed in any one of claims I to 7 wherein the body is configured to extend around haunches and/or the chest of the horse.

9. A horse blanket or rug as claimed in any one of claims I to 8 wherein the body is configured to extend along the centreline along the back and loin of the horse.

10. A horse blanket or rug as claimed in any one of claims I to 9 wherein the body includes a plurality of ties about a periphery thereof the ties being configured to retain the body about or over the haunches and/or shoulders of the horse.

Dated this day 27th of September, 2021

LESLEY GAI DALLE-NOGARE & PETER JOHN DALLE-NOGARE

By FRASER OLD & SOHN Patent Attorneys for the Applicant

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