GB2590945A - A poll strap for a head collar and a head collar comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A poll strap, crownpiece or headstall for the headcollar or halter of a horse comprises snap fasteners at both ends of the strap for releasably fastening the strap to the headcollar. Each end 11 of the strap 2 may be folded back on itself to form a loop closed by a snap fastener 10 and may comprise a respective keeper 12 for holding together the doubled-up part of the strap, the keeper being movable to vary a release load of the strap according to its position. For example, the keeper may be positioned away from the folded-back end portion, between the stud fastener and the fold, and/or at one or more locations between the fastener and the tip of the folded back portion, with each keeper position marked by indicia 13, 14, 15 to signify the different release loads or coupling strengths. The snap fastened strap ends provide a safety release under excessive tensile loads that could otherwise injure the horse.

Description

A Poll Strap for a Head Collar and a Head Collar comprising the same The present invention relates to a poll strap for a head collar. In particular to such a poll strap that is detachable from a head collar upon application of a predetermined load.

A head collar, otherwise referred to as a halter, is headgear that is used to control, lead or tie up horses. It comprises a set of straps configured to fit securely on a horse's head. Specifically, it fits behind the ears (behind the poll -the "poll" being the name of the part of a horse's head immediately behind or right between the ears) and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope is attached to the head collar.

Head collars represent one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in equestrianism. Head collars have not changed significantly in design for many years. The straps of head collars generally comprise leather, synthetic materials or rope. They are typically substantially unbreakable to ensure the control of the horse However, the use of head collars can lead to injuries to horses or handlers.

In respect of horses, a horse can get their head collar hooked on a fence, catch their hoof/leg when scratching, or otherwise snag their head collar on various alternative obstructions. If this happens, the horse may panic, which can lead to physical injury, or even death. It can also cause mental scarring and undesirable behaviour.

In respect of handlers, a rope attached to a head collar can get caught around the user's body leading to the handler being dragged by a horse. In a recent, tragic, case, a handler was killed under these circumstances, when the lead rope caught around their neck and the horse bolted.

To address the issues with safety, there have been available so called, safety or "field safe" head collars, which have comprised hook and loop fastener release mechanisms, breakable rings, or otherwise. An issue with these prior art devices is that there has been no information on the opening/release/breaking strains and it seems that no testing has been done. This has led to uncertainties and very limited use.

Testing by the applicant demonstrated that the unrated prior art safety head collars released at strains between 9kg and 185kg. Testing of conventional head collars (i.e. non-safety head collars) revealed an average breaking strain of 600kg for synthetic head collars, an average breaking strain of 450kg for rope head collars and an average breaking strain of 120kg for leather head collars.

The synthetic and rope head collars with such high breaking strains pose clear safety risks to both horse and handler. The leather head collars pose less of a risk to the horse but will likely cause at least bruising to a horse struggling to get free and will allow a handler to be dragged without breaking since 120kg is typically greater than the weight of the users. The safety head collars releasing at very low strains will not be practical in the day to day handling of horses, releasing too easily, and the safety head collars releasing at the upper end of the range (up to 185kg) will pose the same risks to handlers as the conventional head collars.

The present invention arose in a bid to provide a head collar that is practical for the handling of horses whilst limiting the risk of injury to horses and/or handlers.

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a poll strap for a head collar comprising first and second end portions for attachment to the head collar, wherein the first and second end portions each comprise a snap fastener for releasing the poll strap from the head collar.

The use of snap fasteners for the releasable attachment of a poll strap to a head collar is entirely unique. The snap fasteners are re-fastenable, following release. The snap fasteners release upon application of a predetermined maximum load (dependent on the specification of the fastener) such they allow for the provision of a head collar with a consistent and repeatable release load. The release load may be selected as appropriate. The release load can be selected to be sufficient for the day to day handling of a horse but not so high that there is a risk of injury to the horse and/or handler. A range of the head collars may be provided, each with a different predetermined maximum release load, such that a suitable head collar may be selected in dependence on the weight of the horse and/or handler.

According to the present invention in a further aspect, there is provided a head collar comprising the poll strap as defined above.

Further, preferable, features are presented in the dependent claims.

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a head collar according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a testing rig with a conventional head collar in place for testing.

With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a head collar 1 comprising a poll strap 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In broadest terms, the poll strap 2 comprises first and second end portions for attachment to the head collar, wherein the first and second end portions each comprise a snap fastener 10 for releasing the poll strap from the head collar 1.

The head collar 1 comprises a set of straps configured to fit securely on a horse's head, including the poll strap 2, which is provided to extend over the poll of a horse. The poll strap 2 may otherwise be referred to as a head piece. The poll strap 2 is detachable from the remainder of the head collar 1. The poll strap is arranged to loop over the poll of a horse. It is attached to the remainder of the head collar 1 at/adjacent to its ends. It is arranged to release at both of its ends.

The head collar 1, with the exception of the poll strap, is of conventional form. It is to be noted that the poll strap 2 may be used with various head collars differing in form to the head collar depicted. The present invention is not to be limited to any specific form of head collar.

The head collar 1 comprises, in addition to the poll strap 2, a nose band 3, a chin strap 4, a throat strap 5 and a plurality of connector straps 6. In the present arrangement, the connector straps 6 comprise a lower jaw strap 6a and a pair of cheek straps 6b, 6c. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the connector straps could be otherwise configured and could be varied in number.

The cheek straps 6b, 6c are arranged to extend along the horse's cheeks, the throat strap 5 is arranged to extend around the horses throat latch, the lower jaw strap 6a is arranged to extend along the bottom surface of the horse's lower jaw, the chin strap 4 is arranged to extend around the bottom of the horse's muzzle, and the nose band 3 is arranged to extend around the bridge of the zo horse's nose.

In the arrangement shown, the ends portions of the poll strap 2 are coupled to adjacent ends of throat strap 5 via first and second rings 7 that are arranged to be positioned on opposite sides of the horse's head. Of course, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art other types of connections can be employed.

A bottom ring 8 provides a connection point for connecting a lead line (not shown). The lead line can be coupled to bottom ring 8 with a conventional spring clip or other suitable mechanism. In use, the lead line can be tied to a stationary object to limit movement of an unattended horse or be held by a handler when leading the horse.

Further consideration is now given to the poll strap 2 and the fasteners 10. The poll strap 2 (as with the remainder of the head collar 1) may be formed from leather, a synthetic material (such as a synthetic leather or webbing), or otherwise. The material of the poll strap 2 is not particularly limited as long as it has sufficient strength and will not cause discomfort to the horse during wear.

The fasteners 10 are snap fasteners, which release upon application of a predetermined maximum load. In the present arrangement, as is preferred the snap fasteners comprise stud fasteners. They may comprise press stud fasteners or spring stud fasteners. They are not to be so limited, however, and may take any other form of fastener that snap fits for positive engagement and release at a predetermined load.

The first and second end portions 11 preferably each comprise a loop formed by folding the respective end portion 11 back upon itself, wherein the folded back portion is fastened in place by the fastener 10, as clearly seen in Figure 1. Such an arrangement is particularly suited to attachment to the first and second rings 7 and thereby renders the poll strap attachable to a multitude of existing conventional head collars comprising such rings. This allows the conversion of a conventional head collar into a usable safety head collar with a specific maximum release load. In alternative arrangements in which the snap fasteners take a different form, particularly where the poll strap 2 is arranged for use with a specifically designed head collar, the end portions may not be looped in the present manner.

It is preferable, as shown in Figure 1, that the first and second end portions 11 each comprise a keeper 12 for holding the folded back end portion against remainder of the strap. The keeper may, uniquely, be arranged to vary the release load of the poll strap 2 from the head collar 1 in dependence on its position.

In the present arrangement, the maximum release load has a first predetermined value when the keeper is arranged on a first (upper) side of the fastener in a first (upper) position between the fastener and the end of the strap; and the maximum release load has a second predetermined value, which is lower than the first predetermined value, when the keeper is arranged in a second position away from the folded over portion (i.e. when the keeper does not act to hold the folded back end portion against the strap, as seen in Figure 1).

A first marking 14 and a second marking 15 are preferably provided to identify the first and second positions. The first and second markings differ from one another to provide clear guidance to the user. Whilst the first and second markings could take any form, and could indicate the release load at each position as one option, they are provided by lines in the present arrangement as shown.

It is preferable that the maximum release load has a third predetermined value when the keeper is arranged in a third position. A third marking 13 is preferably provided to identify the third positon, the third marking differing from the first and second markings and again taking any suitable form.

The third position may be on a second (lower) side of the fastener 10 in a position between the fold of the strap and the fastener 10, as seem in Figure 1. It may alternatively be on the first side of the strap but spaced from the first position to be closer to the fastener 10 than the first position.

The keeper 12 is preferably elastomeric. It may be rubber. It is preferably arranged to hold the folded over portion 11 tightly against the poll strap at the desired position.

In accordance with an exemplary, non-limiting, arrangement, the first predetermined value is between 50kg and 60kg, the second value is between 30kg and 40kg and the third predetermined value is between 70kg and 80kg. It should be noted that a range of poll straps 2 may be provided that have different maximum release loads, wherein the different maximum release loads may be achieved by use of differently rated snap fasteners 10.

It should be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, there may be a single maximum release load only. The keeper 12 may be omitted, take a form that has only nominal impact on the release load, or be provided as essential for use in a single position. Regardless of whether there are multiple maximum release loads or a single maximum release load, it is preferred that a maximum release load of the poll strap 2 from the head collar 1 is 80kg or less.

Details of an exemplary testing method are now provided: A testing rig comprising a frame 100 of welded box steel sections was constructed, as shown in Figure 2. The overall dimensions of the frame were 60cm x 60cm x 210cm (width x depth x height). The upright and base sections were constructed from 5cm x 5cm steel box lengths. The top section was constructed from 9cm x 5cm sections (height x width). A section of 5cm x 5cm steel was fixed across the base and a 15cm diameter round steel tube was fixed parallel to this across the top. Two of the sides of the frame had 3mm polycarbonate sheets attached with bolts to the frame to protect the operator from projectiles due to head collar failure under load. An electric hoist A with a maximum rating of 1000kg when used in double cable mode and a nominal output of 1600W was attached to the bottom box section (Model 240VEHA1000, Warrior Winches, Wigan, WN6 OXQ, UK). The winch hook 102 was attached to the bottom of a battery-operated crane scale 103 with a maximum rating of 100kg (Model OCS-S1, Huanyu Group Zhejiang High Tech Co. Ltd, Wenzhou Bridge Industrial Zone, Zhejiang, China) by a 14cm x 1.2cm diameter galvanised steel carabiner hook 104 rated at 510kg (WK 1NLL DIN 5299 510kg J28, Kleinsorge, 57439 Attendorn, Germany).

The poll strap/headpiece 2 of the head collar to be tested was passed over the top of the 16cm steel tube, as shown in Figure 2. The top of the crane scale was connected to the ring of the head collar (where a lead rope would normally be attached) by a second steel carabiner clip 105, identical to the first carabiner clip 104. Elastic bungee ropes with a rating of 40kg (Master Lock Bungi Cords, Master Lock Europe SAS, A92 400 Courbevoie, France) were used to stabilise the crane scale so that on failure of a head collar the crane scale would not be damaged.

Head collars to be tested were attached to the top round steel tube 101 and 5 the top of the crane scale 103. The scale was then zeroed. Tension was applied by briefly activating the winch using the remote-control unit. After each application of tension the scale was allowed to stabilise (1-2s) and the reading in kg noted. The process was repeated until the head collar/poll strap being tested either failed (non-safety head collars) or released. The process was repeated 6 times. For non-10 safety head collars a new product was used each time. For safety devices, if undamaged, testing was repeated on the same unit.

The poll strap may be adjustable in length. For such purposes, the fasteners 10 may each comprise a first part for snap fitting with any of a plurality of second parts that are spaced from one another along the poll strap. In alternative arrangements, however, there may be a single first part and a single second part only.

The invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, given by way of example only. It will be appreciated that many different arrangements of are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. Claims 1. A poll strap for a head collar for a horse, the poll strap comprising first and second end portions for attachment to the head collar, wherein the first and second end portions each comprise a snap fastener for releasing the poll strap from the head collar.
2. 2. A poll strap as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first and second end portions each comprise a loop formed by folding the end portion back upon itself with the 10 folded back portion fastened in place by the fastener.
3. 3. A poll strap as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the first and second end portions each comprise a keeper for holding the folded back end portion against a remainder of the strap, the keeper being arranged to vary the release load of the poll strap from the head collar in dependence on its position.
4. 4. A poll strap as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the release load has a first predetermined value when the keeper is arranged on a first side of the fastener in a first position between the fastener and the end of the strap, and has a second predetermined value when the keeper is arranged in a second position away from the folded over portion, the second predetermined value being lower than the first predetermined value.
5. 5. A poll strap as claimed in Claim 4, wherein first and second markings are provided to identify the first and second positons, the first and second markings differing from one another.
6. 6. A poll strap as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, wherein the release load has a third predetermined value that is higher than the first and second predetermined values when the keeper is arranged in a third predetermined position, the third predetermined position being either on the first side of the fastener in a position between the fastener and the end of the strap that is closer to the fastener than the first position or on a second side of the fastener 10 in a position between the fold of the strap and the fastener.
7. 7. A poll strap as claimed in Claim 6, wherein a third marking is provided to identify the third position, the third marking differing from the first and second markings.
8. 8. A poll strap as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the poll strap is adjustable in length and comprises a first part for snap fitting with any of a plurality 10 of second parts that are spaced from one another along the poll strap.
9. 9. A poll strap as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastener comprises a stud fastener.
10. 10. A poll strap as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a maximum release load of the poll strap from the head collar is 80kg or less.
11. 11. A poll strap as claimed in Claim 4 orb, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the first predetermined value is between 50kg and 60kg and the second 20 value is between 30kg and 40kg.
12. 12. A poll strap as claimed in Claim 6 or 7, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the third predetermined value is between 70kg and 80kg.
13. 13. A head collar for a horse comprising a poll strap as claimed in any preceding claim.