GB2517150A

GB2517150A - Headpiece for a bridle

Info

Publication number: GB2517150A
Application number: GB1314391.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vanessa Fairfax
Original assignee: FAIRFAX SADDLES Ltd
Current assignee: FAIRFAX SADDLES Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-12
Filing date: 2013-08-12
Publication date: 2015-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2033-08-12
Also published as: GB2540305B; GB2540305A; GB201314391D0; GB2517150B; GB201617863D0

Abstract

A headpiece 10 for a bridle for an animals head, having a first 12 and second 14 end and a connecting portion 16. The headpiece includes at least one spacing member 20a/b positioned underneath the end portions for spacing the end portion away from the animals head. The spacing is designed to sit behind the animals ear. The spacing may be wedge shaped or rectangular in shape. The spacing maybe deformable i.e. padded. The connecting member may include a cushioning layer. Also described is a headpiece for a bridle wherein the connecting portion is wider in the leading/front edge (fig 1, 16a) direction than the first and second end portions. A guide part positioned at a leading edge of the connecting member to guide the animals musculature underneath the connecting portion may be included.

Description

Ref: Al 3366GB Title: Headpiece for a Bridle Descrirtion of Invention This invention relates to a headpiece for a bridle, and to a bridle including such a headpiece. In particular, this invention relates to a headpiece for attaching to a head of an animal, for example a horse. It should be appreciated that the invention could be utilised for non-equine animals.

A bridle is attached to a horse's head in order to permit a rider to restrain or control the horse and its movements. Bridles are typically manufactured from leather, although they can be made from synthetic materials. A typical bridle includes (although certain parts are not always used): a headpiece (also known as a crownpiece or headstall), which extends over the horse's head behind its ears; a browband; cheekpieces; a throatlatch (also known as throatlash); a noseband; a bit; and reins.

Prior art headpieces are typically made from leather and during use can often give rise to undesirable pressures on the horse's head. In an effort to increase the comfort of the headpiece to the horse, some prior art headpieces have been provided with a cushioning on an underside thereof, or have been made larger in surface area, but this has provided no clear improvement in performance. Indeed, larger surface area headpieces often suffer from a further problem of moving during use such that they dig in to the horse in the space between its skull and neck (the wing of the atlas), which can be very uncomfortable for the horse. The present invention has been devised to address these problems and to provide an improvement in the comfort and performance of a horse.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a headpiece for a bridle for an animal's head having first and second end portions and a connecting portion extending therebetween, wherein the headpiece includes at least one spacing member connected to or positioned at an underside of one of the first or second end portions for spacing a portion of the first or second end portion away from the animal's head.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a headpiece for a bridle for an animal's head having first and second end portions and a connecting portion extending therebetween, wherein the connecting portion is wider in the leading edge direction than the first and second end portions.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a headpiece according to the second aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of the headpiece of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a bridle including a headpiece according to either the first, second or third aspects of the invention.

Further features of the various aspects of the invention are set out in dependent claims 2 to 11 and 13 to 19 appended hereto.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a headpiece for a bridle according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of a headpiece according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a headpiece according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the headpiece of the first embodiment in situ on a horse's head; Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the headpiece of the second embodiment in situ on a horse's head; Figures 6 to 9 are tables showing the results of experiments undertaken to show the advantages of the headpiece of the invention; Figures 10 to 13 are tables showing the results of further experiments undertaken to show the advantages of the headpiece of the invention; and Figures 14a to 14d are side views of a horse through progressive phases of one side in trot.

Referring firstly to figure 1, this shows a plan view of a headpiece 10 for a bridle for an animal's head 100. The headpiece 10 in this particular embodiment is for a horse's head 100, but it should be appreciated that the headpiece 10 in accordance with the present invention could be used for a bridle for many other types of animals.

The headpiece 10 has first 12 and second 14 end portions which are generally elongate and which are connected by a generally elongate connecting portion 16. The connecting portion 16 widens at its midpoint. Essentially, the headpiece 10 is symmetrical about a midline which extends transversely through the connecting portion 16.

The headpiece 10 includes connection means 51, 52 connected to each of the first 12 and second 14 end portions which enable the headpiece 10 to be connected to other component parts of a bridle. In this particular embodiment there are two straps each with respective rows of apertures for engaging with corresponding buckles on the other components of the bridle, but it should be appreciated that fewer or greater number of straps could be provided. Indeed, buckles could be provided at the ends of the straps 51, 52.

Figures 2 and 3 show side views of first and second embodiments of a headpiece 10, 10'. Features of the second embodiment which are common to the first embodiment have been given the same reference numeral with the additional prime symbol.

Firstly, referring to figure 2, it can be seen that the headpiece 10 includes a pair of spacing members 20a, 20b which are in this embodiment connected to respective undersides of the first 12 and second 14 end portions. The purpose of the spacing members 20a, 20b is to space the ends of the first 12 and second 14 end portions away from the animal's head in use. For the embodiment shown in figure 2 this can be seen in figure 4, which is a rear perspective view of the headpiece 10 in situ on a horse's head 100. It can be seen that the spacing member 20a, which is a rectangular cuboid, is positioned such that it sits adjacent or close to the horse's ear 101. In particular, the spacing member 20a sits rearwardly of the horse's ear 101 and ensures that a portion of the first end portion 12 is spaced away from the horse's head 100. This spacing is provided by the gap C as indicated in figure 4.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a headpiece 10' in accordance with the present invention. Here the only change with respect to the first embodiment 10 is that the spacing members are wedge-shaped. In other words, the spacing members 20'a 20'b are substantially triangular in cross- section when viewed from the side, with the sloping surface of each wedge-shape tapering towards its respective end portion as it extends towards the connecting portion 16. Again, as was the case with the first embodiment, the wedge-shaped spacing members 20'a, 20'b provide for spacing of a portion of the first 12' and second 14' end portions away from the horse's head. Figure 5 shows this spacing, where it can be seen that a gap C' is provided outwardly of the wedge-shaped spacing member 20'a close to the location of the straps 51'.

Whilst in the embodiments shown in figures 2 and 3 the spacing members 20a, 20b, 20'a, 20'b are integrally connected to the first and second end portions, it should be appreciated that they may be removably connected to their respective end portion (rather than permanently so) such that they may be positionable by a user along the length of each end portion. This would ensure that a user could have some degree of customisation of the headpiece depending on the horse's individual anatomy.

In both the first and second embodiment the spacing members 20a, 20b, 20'a, 20'b are resilient deformable and are preferably made by a resiliently deformable foam material, so as to provide some form of cushioning. In addition, the first and second end portions and the connecting portion of each of the first and second embodiments may also be manufactured from a resiliently deformable material, again so as to provide some cushioning. In the present embodiment the straps 51, 52 are provided at remote ends of an elongate portion of leather which extends over and is connected to an upper surface of the first and second end portions and the connecting portion. It should be appreciated that this leather strap may be integrally formed with the first and second end portions and the connecting portion or it may be removably connectable thereto. In addition, it can be made from any other

suitable material.

As can be seen in the figures, particularly figure 1, the connecting portion 16 is wider in the leading edge direction than the first and second end portions 12, 14. The term "leading edge" as used herein refers to an edge of the connecting portion which when the headpiece 10 is positioned on a horse's head, faces and is closest to a forward direction of travel of the horse.

As can be seen from figure 1, the headpiece 10 has an elongate axis A which extends generally transversely of the animal's spine when the headpiece is positioned on a horse's head. It can be seen that the connecting portion 16 has a greater surface area to one side of the axis A. In particular, the connecting portion 16a is greater in surface area toward the leading edge side of the axis. It can be seen that the surface area 1 6b of the connecting portion at the opposite side of the axis A is smaller.

In the plan view in figure 1 it can be seen that the headpiece 10 is constructed such that the connecting portion 16 provides a resilient guide part 16c positioned at a leading edge thereof. The guide part 16c is deformable so as to guide the animal's musculature underneath the connecting portion 16 during use.

The headpiece 10, 10' in accordance with the present invention has been devised in order to relieve pressures from around the horse's head in order to improve performance of the horse. Such performance gains are envisaged to have being achieved due to either permitting the horse's muscular around its head to move more freely and/or providing for reduced neural pathway "noise" (e.g. interference). As can be seen from figures 6 through 13, the headpiece in accordance with the present invention provides for significantly improved performance of the animal due to one or both of these characteristic being improved.

Figures 6 to 9 show a set of experimental data relating to the angular movement of the horse's anatomy with prior art versions of headpiece and with the headpiece in accordance with the present invention. There are three prior art headpieces, "Prior Art 1", "Prior Art 2" and "Prior Art 3". There are two data for each graph for the headpiece in accordance with the present invention.

"Invention 1" is a headpiece substantially in accordance with figures 1 and 2 (i.e. in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention). "Invention 2" is a headpiece substantially in accordance with figures 1 and 2, but with the spacing members removed therefrom, but still with the widened connecting portion (i.e. in accordance with the second aspect of the invention).

In order to explain the results of these graphs, figures 14a through 14d show the angles which are being measured.

Figure 14a shows the relevant angle eFL for measuring the degree of fore limb protraction of the horse when its (right or left) fore limb has reached their extended state (i.e. the data shown in figures 6 and 10). The angle subtended by the fore limb with respect to the vertical indicates the amount of protraction that has occurred. The larger the angle, the larger the degree of protraction and muscle movement obtained. A large extension of its fore limb means that the horse's muscles are in an optimal extended state so that its fore limb substantially forms a straight line. Conversely, if the fore limbs do not extend as far, i.e. do not extend to form a straight line, then the movement of the fore limb is sub-optimal.

Figure 14b shows the relevant angle ØHL of protraction of the hind (right or left) limb of the horse as the hind limb is extended when its bottom point rests on the ground (i.e. the data shown in figures 8 and 12). The angle °HL is a measure of the extent of hind limb protraction. eHL is measured as the angle subtended from the vertical when the bottom point of the hind limb rests on the ground. The larger the angle, the greater the extent of hind limb protraction, thus giving the horse greater freedom of movement.

Figure 14c shows the relevant angle for carpel flexion ØGF (also known as knee flexion) when the front (right or left) limb of the horse has been lifted to its maximum extent during trotting (i.e. the data shown in figures 7 and 11). °CF is measured as the angle subtended between the part of the front limb above the knee and the part of the front limb below the knee when the front limb is in the position shown. A smaller measured angle corresponds to a greater amount of flexion, which is desirable for improved performance, e.g. in dressage movement.

Figure 14d shows the relevant angle 0TF for measuring the tarsal or hock flexion of the horse when the hind (right or left) limb of the horse has been lifted to its maximum extent during trotting (i.e. the data shown in figures 9 and 13). 81F is measured as the angle subtended between the part of the hind limb above the knee and the part of the hind limb below the knee when the hind limb is in the position shown. A smaller measured angle corresponds to a greater amount of flexion, which is desirable for improved performance, e.g. in dressage movement.

Thus, it can be seen from figure 6 that the headpieces of invention 1 and 2 provide for significantly improved performance in forelimb protraction. Figure 7 highlights a significant improvement in carpel flexion by a significant reduction in the value thereof. Figure 8 shows a significant improvement in hind limb protraction with the first and second aspects of the present invention and finally figure 9 shows a significant decrease in hock or tarsal flexion, which is indicative of improved performance as mentioned above.

Figures 10 through 13 are directed at a comparison between Prior Art 1" and "Invention 2" (i.e. a headpiece in accordance with the second aspect of the invention). It can be seen, again, from figure 10 that there is a significant improvement in forelimb protraction. Figure 11 also shows an improvement in carpel flexion by a significant reduction in the value thereof. Figure 12 shows an improvement in hind limb protraction, and figure 13 shows a significant improvement in hock or tarsal flexion by a significant reduction thereof.

It will be seen from each of figures 6 to 13 that there is a significant improvement in the movement of the horse when utilising the headpiece in accordance with the first and/or second aspects of the invention. Such significant increases/decreases in the movement angles of the horse's limbs/anatomy are envisaged to be the result of reduced pressure on the horse's head near the location of the spacing members (i.e. in the gaps provided at G, G'), which result in improved transition of neural signals between the animal's brain and its muscles which operates its limbs.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A headpiece for a bridle for an animal's head having first and second end portions and a connecting portion extending therebetween, wherein the headpiece includes at least one spacing member connected to or positioned at an underside of one of the first or second end portions for spacing a portion of the first or second end portion away from the animal's head.
2. A headpiece according to claim 1 including first and second spacing members, the first spacing member being connected to or positioned at an underside the first end portion and the second spacing member being connected to or positioned at an underside of the second end portion.
3. A headpiece according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the or each spacing member is positionable by a user along the length of its respective end portion.
4. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein the or each spacing member is removably connectable to its respective end portion.
5. A headpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the or each spacing member is permanently connected to its respective end portion.
6. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein the or each spacing member is positioned or is positionable relative to its respective end portion such that in use the spacing member sits adjacent or close to the animal's ear.
7. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein the or each spacing member is positioned or is positionable relative to its respective end portion such that in use the spacing member sits rearwardly and close to the animal's ear.
8. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein the or each spacing member is substantially wedge-shaped.
9. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein the or each spacing member is substantially triangular in cross-section.
10. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein the or each spacing member is substantially cubiodal, preferably a rectangular cuboid.
11. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein the or each spacing member is resiliently deformable.
12. A headpiece for a bridle for an animal's head having first and second end portions and a connecting portion extending therebetween, wherein the connecting portion is wider in the leading edge direction than the first and second end portions.
13. A headpiece according to claim 12 wherein the headpiece has an elongate axis which is use extends transversely of the animal's spine, and wherein the connecting portion is greater is surface area to one side of said axis.
14. A headpiece according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the connecting portion is greater in surface area to a leading edge side of said axis.
15. A headpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 11 including one or more or all of the features of the headpiece of claims 12 to 14.
16. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein an underside of the connecting portion includes a cushioning layer.
17. A headpiece according to claim 16 wherein the cushioning layer is resiliently deformable.
18. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein the connecting portion includes a resilient guide part positioned at a leading edge thereof, the guide part being deformable for guiding the animal's musculature underneath the connecting portion.
19. A headpiece according to any preceding claim wherein the headpiece includes connection means at or near each end of the first and second end portions for connecting the headpiece to other component parts of a bridle.
20. A bridle including a headpiece according to any one of claims ito 19.
21. A headpiece substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
22. A bridle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
23. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.