GB2447839A

GB2447839A - Heated horse blanket

Info

Publication number: GB2447839A
Application number: GB0702523A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillip Shaw
Original assignee: ALPHATEK COMPUTERS Ltd
Current assignee: ALPHATEK COMPUTERS Ltd
Priority date: 2007-02-09
Filing date: 2007-02-09
Publication date: 2008-10-01
Also published as: GB0702523D0

Abstract

A heated horse blanket 12 having a plurality of heating circuits 14a-d, a power supply 16and a controller 17. The blanket can be used to provide heat to specific parts of the body covered by the blanket, in particular the kidney area 14b. The controller is capable of operating in various modes in order to heat various parts of the blanket and has different settings so that different parts of the blanket can be heated to different temperatures. The blanket can comprise more than one layer.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO HORSE BLANKETS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to animal blankets and in particular, but not necessarily restricted thereto, the present invention relates to horse blankets.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Horse blankets are well known and are used for keeping horses warm in wintry conditions. They generally comprise a shaped blanket of warm material having a variety :. of means to keep the blanket on the horse. Some have no such means and rely on the use of a separate girth strap to keep the blanket in place. Others have straps attached which *1 enable the blanket to be kept on the horse's back. Such straps may be disposed as a cross over surcmgle so as to reduce the pressure on a horse's back. If ordinary girth straps are :. used pressure is continuously applied and this often causes discomfort to a horse after a *:*. prolonged period of time.

In particularly cold conditions, when a normal blanket or covering for a horse does not S.....

* provide sufficient heat, it has been the practice simply to place an under-blanket underneath the normal or main blanket and fold the under blanket over the main blanket at the horse's withers in an attempt to ensure that the under blanket does not slip out between the horse's back and the main blanket. This is not necessarily a satisfactory solution because it is rather clumsy, and oftentimes the blankets do not stay in place resulting in a soiling of one or both of the blankets -it should be noted that horse blankets are typically made of a thick wool or wool-like material, and is usually far too big to be washed in a domestic washing machine.

It is also common practice to use horse blankets when transporting horses by horsebox and, in particular, before or after sport events. Conveniently, the horse blanket will cover the abdomen of the horse. Conveniently, the wrap or blanket is tailored to prevent overcooling of the animal. It is known that the kidney area is particularly susceptible to being chilled, with a consequential poor performance of the animal if not sufficiently warm. This is, of course of importance when the horse is being transported, such as in a horse box to an event. It will be appreciated that even just a half hour's journey may result in significant heat loss, which is especially dependant upon the ambient temperature.

Another form of horse blanket is used in the preparation of a horse for activity and comprises a so-called magnetic therapy rug or blanket. There are two types of magnetic therapy rugs (pulsed and static). Static comprise simple magnets retained within a rug or blanket; they are not provided with any electric field. In contrast, pulsed magnetic blankets are driven by an alternating electric current and are typically relatively heavy and cumbersome with regard to the static field tugs. Such pulsed magnetic field blankets are considered as being expensive and cumbersome.

These magnetic elements provide magnetic fields which apparently influence cell behaviour by inducing electrical changes around and within the cells. Whilst magnetic : ... therapy rugs have been an accepted form of treatment for preparing a horse -it is * beheved by some that disturbances in blood circulation and in metabolism induced by such fields play a key role in the development of diseases -there is no scientific evidence :1: that they actually work. *

S

EPA0364199 provides a generally U-shaped cover bag comprising an under-sheet and an over-sheet with an opening defined therein whereby to enable a number of sheets of * : : insulation to provide variable heat retention characteristics, but does not provide a rapid variation of heating characteristics, nor allow a reduction in heating by retained warmth, once the correct temperature has been attained. This is particularly important before and after events: a horse should not be too cold prior to an event; nor be allowed to be too hot after an event.

GB190405572 relates to horse-blankets of the character that are designed to superinduce sweating for therapeutic and other purposes. In this horse-blanket, a sheet of asbestos, or other insulating material, forms the top portion of the blanket. An inner sheet or lining comprises a width of canvas which is pleated whereby to form pockets through which or any other material adapted to the purpose. Two suitably insulated continuous, tortuous wires are intertwisted or looped one upon the other at short intervals, and, said wires being passed through said pockets back and forth throughout the lining, with their end-portions or terminals emerging from, or near, one corner of, and projecting a suitable distance from, the blanket. However, this system was not adopted: no control of the temperature was possible -nor desired -since overheating was seen as being desirable. The electrical heating was evenly or uniformly and readily distributed throughout the blanket.

DE202004007376 provides a horse cover, whereby horses are protected against overcooling. The horse cover compnses a laminar distributed electrical heating mechanism; for the regulation of the amount of heat generated, a switch is provided.

Conveniently, electrical power is supplied by way of a vehicle or domestic electric supply; although a battery supply can be provided within a bag integrally formed within the blanket for periods of short duration. A further advantage of the invention exists in the possibility of protecting in particular the kidneys of the horse by partial heating up of the horse cover against overcooling. However, this design has not met with commercial success and no widespread take up this teaching has occurred.

: ... CA2484576 provides a horse blanket with a number of pockets whereby hot-water-bottle * .. hke heater elements can be inserted. Again, this design has not met with commercial * : * success and no widespread take up this teaching has occurred.

* . The application of heat has proven health benefits in the maintenance of health and in * the preparation of a horse for an event. However, there have not been horse blankets available which are both simple to use and maintain, whilst easily providing heat generally S.....

* S and specifically to an animal.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide a blanket for a horse or other quadruped animal which does not suffer from, or at least mitigates the effects of, the aforementioned problems.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved horse blanket. In particular, it seeks to provide a controllable, reliable and portable heating system capable of heating the large muscle areas of the horse to provide real benefits.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a horse blanket having a plurality of heating circuits; a power supply and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to operate in various modes, whereby to provide heating via the plurality of heating circuits to one or more selected areas of the blanket, whereby, in use, the blanket can provide heat to specific parts of a body covered by the blanket.

Conveniently, the blanket comprises a liner element which, in use, faces a body of a horse and an outer cover, which, in use, faces away from the body of the horse. The heater is preferably a thin film heater, which comprises part of the lining of the blanket, such as a polyester heater.

It is preferred that there is provided an insulating layer between the heater and the outer :.:: cover. The outer cover material is conveniently manufactured from a technical plastics fibre and is preferably a single or multiple layer breathable fabric * * * * S. : Conveniently, the controller has several heat settings whereby the blanket can heat different parts of the blanket to different temperatures: the present invention can * . provides heating pads operable to direct extra heat to assist a horse in maintaining * : warmth in particular body areas such as the stomach and the kidneys.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:-Figure 1 shows a view of horse fitted with a blanket in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows, in plan view, one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows how a simple circuit can be arranged in parallel for one of the heating circuits; and, Figure 4 shows a sectional portion of a horse blanket in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.

With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a first embodiment of the invention wherein there is a horse, 10, with a blanket or cover, 12. The blanket is provided with laminar heater arrangemeilLs generally and specifically!n regions to protect forelegs, I 4a; stomach, 14b kidney areas, 14c; and hind legs, 14d. A power supply, 16 is shown situated at a front skirt portion of the blanket, whilst connections with a controller 17 are situated at a position in front of an area, 18 where a saddle would be placed. Alternauvley -and perhaps more conveniently -the battery power source and heat controller are part of the same unit. In this case, the battery /controller sits inside a small external pocket for ease *::* of use and plugs Into a socket associated with a power supply cable leading to the heater * panels, which power cable socket remains which is inside the pocket.

:. Conveniently the controller has a simple to read LCD display and is attached by means of hook and loop fasteners, with a lead and socket to be operably placed in a plug : associated with wiring within the blanket. Alternative fasteners such as buttons, press- * :: studs or the like may be employed. The controller is arranged whereby heat may be applied via any one or more heaters disposed within the blanket whereby to provide heat either generally and/or specifically about the body of the horse. The present invention can thus provide general heating to provide warmth for a horse under normal conditions and, by the use of further localised heating elements can provide additional heat to accommodate the need for heat to be applied pre-activity, such as the legs or by way of recuperation where heat is applied, say, to the stomach and the kidneys and is operable to direct extra heat to such body areas.

It is known in humans that warmth to the kidneys can provide benefit to those working in cold ambient conditions. The present invention can provide a similar benefit to this need in horses, which is not specifically catered for in known blankets. In particular, by the use of feedback temperature indicators, a specific temperature can be provided and maintained or varied as prescribed. The kidneys of a horse are situated on either side of the spine, just beneath the last few ribs and slightly behind the area that a saddle typically covers Whilst the kidneys are protected from impact and injury by a cushioning layer of fat, a layer of bone and several inches of muscle, the two organs, can benefit from the application of heat when a horse is unwell; the kidneys are in contact with other organs notably with the diaphragm, which may be affected by cold weather more than some of the other organs.

The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, urilises polyester heating elements.

These heating elements can be powered by small batteries such as lithium-ion batteries or similar and provide sufficient heating for half an hour or longer, dependant upon temperature increase required and the areas of the blanket being heated. A typical unit can comprise at least a 4400mAh Lithium-Ion battery and such an electrical battery can provide sufficient electrical energy to heat a basic circuit with 6 pairs of heating elements on a maximum heat setting for 2,5 hours and 7 hours on a minimum setting. It is envisaged that various battery options can be utilised; a larger capacity battery which is :.:: commonly available has a 8000mAh capacity and can provide an increase in heating times. The blanket, as described above is conveniently arranged such that one circuit can provide a background level of heating over all the surface area of the blanket, with the :. several subsidiary heating circuits being arranged to heat specific parts of the horses *.* body.

With reference to Figure 2, there is shown an example of the present invention in plan view. The several subsidiary heating circuits 14 a-d are arranged in a duplicate parallel fashion. Whilst only one compartment 16, for one or more electrical cells is shown, it will be appreciated that there may be several such pockets. Additionally, the blanket may be powered by a separate power source, for example, from a vehicle battery or through a mains transformer arrangement, for use within a stable, a socket being proximate the controller, or battery holder.

Whilst many types of electrical heating arrangements can be employed, it is preferred that non-metallic systems are employed; typical polyester film heating systems can be cleaned in suitably sized washing machines, without any particular dry-cleaning process being employed; certainly, ferrous heaters would oxidise quickly and could not be incorporated into a blanket permanently. Non-metallic carbon polyester based and so are strong flexible and waterproof. Each circuit can conveniently contain from I to 6 pairs of heating strips dependent on required battery duration. Heating strips are enclosed by in cloth structures sewn into the inside of the rug so that they are invisible and free from damage and wear. Whilst there is, in theory, no limit to the number of heating circuits or strips that can be used in the rug, it is envisaged that in practise no more than 4 batteries would be used to heat heating a working maximum of 24 pairs of heating strips, which may be arranged such that a background heat is provided all over the blanket, with pairs of heating circuits arranged around centres of particular need, such as the rump, fore legs, and the kidney area. Heating strips are arranged in pairs and connected by wires inside the rug in circuits. Each circuit is conveniently connected to a lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery operating at safe low 7.4 volts.

Each circuit can be heated independeiidy ui siniuitancculy. That is to sy, each circuit can be heated at different temperatures by selecting any one of a range of heat settings available from a controller. It may be that the desired operating characteristic of the blanket are well defined and a single programme controller may be suitable.

:. A significant advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that by the use of heating circuits which are operable to heat specific circuits and thereby specific s body parts of an animal, lower capacity electrical cells can be employed the blanket can *. be completely portable as it contains it's own safely mounted power source. This means *. that horse can easily be heated prior to performing in equestrian competitions to aid * performance and reduce chance of injury. Once the blanket has been heated up to its set * * operating condition, then a system of thermo-couple elements or similar will be able to * S operate in a feedback circuit. Each heating circuit can be controlled and monitored independently.

Figure 3 shows a simple circuit 30 comprising a pair of heater strips 33, 35 each having a heater element 36, 38. The heater elements receive input power via leads 32, 34, arranged in parallel. Each pair of circuits, 14a -14d can comprise a substantially similar arrangement -for simplicity of product supply and reduction of unit cost (although this is not a requirement) -by varying power and using a thermocouple feedback temperature, the temperature can be controlled, dependent upon position of heater circuit upon the horse's body and also dependent upon the control setting. The thermocouple and feedback elements have not been shown, for clarity.

Polyester film heaters are comprised of thin layers of varying materials bonded to form heater laminates. The electro-thermal conductive inner layer comprise a coated silver and carbon based paste and is typically laminated between a heat conducting outer layer, and an insulating layer that seals and protects. It is preferred that the outer layer materials exhibit good thermal conductivity, while being essentially electrical non-conducting; polyester film heaters provide these characteristics. Other types of thin film heaters exist, such as expanded graphite foil. Because of it's thermal conductivity, the inner layer of the rug itself which is in contact with the horse is likely to be made from polyester.

The inner layer of both polyester film heaters and similar systems such as flexible expanded graphite foil provides full electrical conductivity, eliminating the need for wire elements, metal etchings or heat conductive fibres. Typical heating films can have a base resistivity of approximately I to S x 10-4 ohm-in., wliich is 5 to 25 times greater than that of metallic elements. When used in conjunction with an electrical cell, say a Lithium-ion battery, operating at 7.4V/2200mAh then a heater film may be provided with a 3A input current; with a charging current typically being a third of this.

:. It will be appreciated that the heating circuit is, in fact, completely independent of the material used in the blanket or rug. The blanket or rug can be manufactured from any number of "technical" fabrics e.g. polyester, Cordura Lycra and other such fabrics.

The features of the rug may be varied so that heating can easily be permitted whist :. ventilation may also be permitted, which is important after, for example, intensive exercise, whilst preventing precipitation or condensation from settling upon the animal, prior to returning to ambient rest temperature. Additionally, it will be appreciated that many high performance fabrics, such as Goretex do allow perspiration to wick from an animal's body, being both waterproof and breathable. It will be appreciated that the shape and size of the rug can be independent on the heating performance.

Moisture management garments insulate best. Moisture from perspiration -while the body is active or inactive -can soak fabric and form a barrier that can trap body heat, which can cause over heating and excess energy loss through perspiration during exertion. When exertion stops, the moisture can cool and chill the body. Under normal, ambient conditions a horse can stay comfortable by perspiring to a minimum yet necessary degree; an amount required to maintain proper body temperature. Energy is conserved and body heat loss through perspiration is restricted.

This provides a substantially windproof and highly water resistant garment that keeps the cold and wetness out and the heat in. With reference to Figure 4, there is shown a portion of a horse blanket 40, comprising four layers; an outer layer, 42, being a rugged material, conveniently breathable (a thermal gradient allows the transfer of water molecules through the material). Conveniently the outer material can be formed from a rugged fabric for example a technical nylon fabric such as Cordura ; the Cordura being preferably coated on the outside with Teflon and on the inside with urethane.

Conveniently "ripstop" properties are deirable. Layer 43 comprises an insulating material, comprising one or more layers of: polyester, Thinsulate , goose down, a microfibre or hollow fibre material. This insulating layer is in contact with heater element/panel layer 44 and so limits conduction of heat towards the outside of the b1nket. Layer 45 comprises a lining layer, conveniently of a material such as a polyester fabric, a polyarnide, or a mix with cotton, which lining material is in contact with the horse hair 46. A water droplet 47 is indicated as being repelled by the fabric by arrow.

Wires and elements are enclosed in the rug or blanket, so no wiring needs to be removed to clean the rug or blanket. As will be appreciated, the blanket can be made in any size from the largest horse the smallest pony and can also be adapted for smaller animals.

: ... The operating characteristics of a blanket may be such that it has five thermostatically S...

**** controlled power settings, each with the controller being able to indicate at what level the setting is at. Conveniently, the controller will have pre-set operating conditions, for : example, at 25%; 45%; 65: 80% and 100% power outputs. In addition the controller will conveniently operate the different heating circuits to provide pre-set conditions, :..: specifically for warm-up periods, cool-down periods, and other operating modes.

Conveniently, there are five heating levels, to provide a convenient and easily regulated *5**** * S output power: In view of the use of electrical cells, which could cause harm by virtue of the high current handling capabilities; several safety features should be taken into account; the lithium battery should be protected by way of a fuse; if the system detects an abnormal load, then a power limiter or similar circuit should operate to prevent harm or danger.

As described above, the hearing circuits are advantageously supplied with electrical power using pulse width modulation cycles. This has been shown to efficiently regulate the power, with an operating efficiency of 99%. Once the blanket has been secured in place, conveniently by way of straps with hook and loop fastening means, an initial heating cycle to bring the blanket to operating temperature will be required; this process may take up to six minutes. Again, the controller will have a specific switch arrangement to enable this to be performed simply. The display will indicate the status, conveniently by the use of led lights and/or an LCD display message, to indicate a transient warm-up phase.

Specifically, where a power controller comprise a pulse-width modulated (PWM) power switch, over a unit time period -typically one second, then the PWM controller provides current to the heater elements from about 90% of their capacity to about lO% of their rated capacity over a cycle for a 50% heat setting. The cycle can be varied, in a similar way that a rheostat can vary the power supplied to n electrical circuit, but without the heat loss that is generally associ2ted wth rheostat. For a I 2V, 32 W heater a typical rheostat would wastel6W power when operated at a 50% heat setting; by the use of a pulse-width modulated controller, then the heat loss would be equivalent to about 0.1W or less.

In the case of a horse transporter or a trailer to be pulled by a vehicle, an accessories :. socket of the vehicle -of the type commonly referred to as a cigar lighter socket -can * conveniently be used to provide a current supply for the heater. Heating can be targeted *S,* at specific areas and can be adjusted up or down in these areas or completely switched *: * off. The blanket or rug is lightweight and can be used in conjunction with heavier stable * and turnout rugs. The blanket or rug provides enormous benefits to horse before *.* activity to improve performance and prevent risk of injury particularly at events such as show jumping where horse is inactive while waiting to perform.

S.....

* It has been shown to the inventor that there are several benefits which have not been realised before in a horse blanket: the blanket can be heated up quickly in specific areas whereby to protect the horse from cold; it is easily washed; the system can be reliably used with veterinarian's prescription, to provide benefits in terms of physiotherapy with regard to injury recuperation. The present invention provides significant benefits in both comfort and performance. Further, the blanket, by being little different in weight to a standard blanket and by being easily cleaned can be used by a horse owner or trainer on a daily basis before exercising a horse in cold weather. By having the blanket provided with integrally retained wiring, the blanket is made both efficient and prompt in action, which is quite flexible and of light weight, allowing the blanket to be both simple and easy to maintained, aired and cleaned.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A horse blanket having a plurality of heating circuits; a

power supply and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to operate in various modes, whereby to provide heating via the plurality of heating circuits to one or more selected areas of the blanket, whereby, ui use, the blanket can provide heat to specific parts of a body covered by the blanket.
2. A blanket according to claim 1, wherein the blanket comprise a liner element which, in use, faces a body of a horse and an Outer cover, which, in use, faces away from the body of the horse.
3. A blanket according to claim 2, wherein the heater is a thin film heater, which comprises part of the lining of the blanket.
4. A blanket according to claim 2, wherem the heater is a microwire heater, which comprises part of the lining of the blanket. * S *.*
5. A blanket according to claim 3 or 4, wherein there is provided an insulating layer *:*. between the heater and the outer cover.

S *5*

I
6. A blanket according to claim 1, wherein the outer cover material is manufactured *..: from a technical plastics fibre.

5*5*55 * *
7. A blanket according to claim 6, wherein the outer cover material comprises a single or multiple layer breathable fabric
8. A blanket according to any one of Claims I -8, wherein the lining material is selected from one of the group comprising one or more of the following fibres: polyester, polyamide and cotton.
9. A blanket according to any one of Claims I -7, wherein the controller has several heat settings whereby the blanket can heat different parts of the blanket to different temperatures.