WO2022120395A1 - A bit - Google Patents

Abstract

A bit (10) for a horse which includes, opposing end portions (16) which extend from a horse's mouth (not shown) in a bit receiving condition and which terminate in connecting formations (not shown) for allowing interconnection with equestrian equipment (not shown), a central portion (14) having a shape for allowing receipt thereof generally between a horse's tongue (not shown) and palate (not shown), the shape including generally arcuate peripheral edge regions (15) for minimising discomfort experienced by the horse in the bit receiving condition, connecting portions (18) for connecting the central portion (14) and opposing end portions (16) and allowing relative displacement therebetween, the portions (14), (16) and (18) being manufactured from a resiliently deformable material.

Description

A BIT

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a bit for a horse.

BACKGROUND

For the purposes of this specification, reference to the term “bars” are meant to be understood as a portion of a horse’s lower jaw which is located generally between the incisors and premolars on either side of the jaw, and is typically the part of the horse’s mouth on which a bit is seated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a bit for a horse including: - opposing end portions which extend from a horse’s mouth in a bit receiving condition and which terminate in connecting formations for allowing interconnection with equestrian equipment; a central portion having a shape for allowing receipt thereof generally between a horse’s tongue and palate, the shape including generally arcuate peripheral edge regions for minimising discomfort experienced by the horse in the bit receiving condition; connecting portions for connecting the central portion and opposing end portions and allowing relative displacement therebetween; the portions being manufactured from a resiliently deformable material.

The opposing end portions, central portion and/or connecting portions may be sized according to the dimensions of any one or more of the group including a horse’s head, skull, jaw, teeth, and tongue. More particularly, the opposing end portions, central portion and/or connecting portions may have a combined length in the range of 80mm to 200mm, preferably being in the region of 125mm. The opposing end portions, central portion and/or connecting portions may be integrally formed with each other. The opposing end portions, central portion and/or connecting portions may be manufactured from any suitable resiliently deformable material of the group including TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PP (polypropylene), and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer).

The central portion may be sized and/or shaped to fit complementally between any one or more of the group including the horse’s tongue, palate, teeth, and bars so as to minimise discomfort experienced by the horse during the bit receiving condition and/or while being ridden. The central portion may have a substantially arcuate, rounded and/or planar shape. More particularly, the peripheral edge regions of the central portion may be generally arcuate or rounded so as to minimise discomfort experienced by the horse in the bit receiving condition. Preferably, the central portion may define a pad-like body which may be sized to be received snugly between a horse’s tongue and palate. The pad-like body may have a generally soft feel, preferably being relatively easily deformable, so as to further minimise discomfort experienced by the horse during the bit receiving condition. The central portion may be positioned relative the horse’s mouth in the bit receiving condition so that opposing larger surface areas of the pad-like body rest substantially flush with the horse’s tongue and palate, respectively. The central portion may have a shape and/or degree of rigidity so as to be capable of bending when a force is applied to the opposing end portions. In particular, the central portion may have a shape and/or degree of rigidity so as to be capable of bending to a degree sufficient to form a space into which the horse’s tongue may move during the bit receiving condition and when forces are applied to the opposing end portions. It is to be appreciated that when a force is applied to the opposing end portions, typically via reins or the like, the pad-like body is capable of bending to a degree sufficient to form a space in which the horse’s tongue may move thereby substantially alleviating movement restrictions imposed on the horse’s tongue as a result of the bit being received in the horse’s mouth. Furthermore, the central portion may have a length such that upon applying forces to the opposing end portions via reins or the like, inner regions of the opposing end portions may come into contact with the horse’s bars in the bit receiving condition. More particularly, the central portion may have a length, width and thickness in the range of 25mm to 45mm, 4mm to 12mm, 15mm to 35mm, respectively, preferably being in the region of 35mm, 8mm and 25mm, respectively. It is to be appreciated that the opposing end portions take up bar pressure rather than the central portion or the connecting portions thereof. It is to be appreciated further that the size, shape and dimensions of the central portion may be custom moulded for a particular horse so as to ensure an optimum fit for maximum comfort.

The opposing end portions may be of any suitable geometric shape in crosssection, preferably being generally cylindrical. The opposing end portions may be sized according to the dimensions of any one or more of the group including a horse’s mouth, jaw, and teeth. It is to be appreciated that the size, shape and dimensions of the opposing end portions may be custom moulded for a particular horse so as to ensure an optimum fit for maximum comfort. In particular, the end portions may have a diameter in the range of 12mm to 20mm, preferably being in the region of 16mm. The opposing end portions may taper in thickness from an outermost region toward the generally central portion, preferably tapering in thickness from the end caps towards the connecting portions.

Caps may be mounted on free end regions of the opposing end portions, preferably including the connecting formation thereon for facilitating interconnection with various equestrian equipment. The caps may have a length in the range of 14mm to 22mm, preferably being in the region of 18mm. The caps may be manufactured from any suitable synthetics, plastics or metallic material, preferably being manufactured from a metallic material, further preferably being manufactured from stainless steel. The connecting formations may be in the form of holes which may be defined in, preferably through, the caps for permitting interconnection with a ring-like member or shank, typically metallic, which in turn permits interconnection with any one or more of the group including a bridle, reins, martingale and any other applicable equestrian equipment. A strengthening arrangement may be provided for strengthening the opposing end portions, central portion and/or connecting portions. The strengthening member may be in the form of a cable which may extend the combined length of the opposing end portions, central portion and/or connecting portions, preferably extending between and interconnecting the caps mounted on opposing ends of the end portions. More particularly, the cable may extend generally centrally through the opposing end portions, central portion and connecting portions. The cable may be connected to the caps via any suitable connecting arrangement, preferably being crimped to the caps, the crimp preferably being capable of withstanding a tensile force in the range of 2 000N to 6 000N, preferably being capable of withstanding a tensile force in the region of 4 000N. The cable may have a thickness in the range of 2mm to 6mm, preferably being in the region of 3mm. The cable may be manufactured from any suitable synthetic, plastic or metallic material which may be capable of bending, preferably being manufactured from a metallic material.

The connecting portions may be sized, shaped and/or configured to permit relative bending and/or twisting displacement between the central portion and the opposing end portions. The connecting portions may be in the form of resiliently deformable connectors. The connecting portions may be integrally formed with the central portion and opposing end portions. The connecting portions may have a smaller thickness than the central portion and the opposing end portions for allowing a majority of the bending to occur in the region of the connecting portions, typically when force is applied to opposing ends of the bit via reins. The connecting portions may have a diameter or thickness in the range of 5mm to 12mm. In particular, the connecting portions may taper in thickness towards the central portion. More particularly, the connecting portions may taper in diameter or thickness from about 10mm to about 8mm. The connecting portions may have a generally stepped or ridged profile for facilitating resilient bending thereof. The stepped or ridged profile may be shaped to allow a generally concertina-type bending of the connecting portions. It is to be appreciated that the advantage of having the bit bend more at the connecting portions is that bending of the central portion is limited so as to define a relatively small space for the horse’s tongue to move into, thereby alleviating restrictions on tongue movement and thereby improving the comfort experienced by the horse while being ridden. It is to be appreciated further that bending and/or twisting of the central portion relative the opposing end portions allows opposing larger surfaces of the central portion to remain substantially flush with the horse’s tongue and palate, respectively, when force is applied to the bit via reins in various directions while the horse is being controlled when ridden.

In use, when applying a force to the bit via reins connected to the cylindrical opposing end portions, the opposing end regions squeeze the sides of the horse’s mouth together thereby applying pressure to the horse’s cheek, tongue, jaw, teeth and/or bars and causing the central portion to bend slightly thereby forming a space into which the horse may move its tongue, while ensuring that pressure is applied to the bars of the horse via the opposing end portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A bit in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: -

Figure 1 is a schematic showing a side view of a bit for a horse in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a cut-away schematic showing an inner structure of the bit shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic showing a partially sectioned view of the bit shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a schematic showing a plan view of the bit shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a schematic showing a partially sectioned view of the bit shown in Figure 4; and Figures 6 to 8 are schematics showing side, plan and an oblique views, respectively, of the bit in a bent condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a bit for a horse.

The bit 10 includes, opposing end portions 16 which extend from a horse’s mouth (not shown) in a bit receiving condition and which terminate in connecting formations (not shown) for allowing interconnection with equestrian equipment (not shown), a central portion 14 having a shape for allowing receipt thereof generally between a horse’s tongue (not shown) and palate (not shown), the shape including generally arcuate peripheral edge regions 15 for minimising discomfort experienced by the horse in the bit receiving condition, connecting portions 18 for connecting the central portion 14 and opposing end portions 16 and allowing relative displacement therebetween, the portions 14, 16 and 18 being manufactured from a resiliently deformable material.

The opposing end portions 16, central portion 14 and connecting portions 18 are sized according to the dimensions of any one or more of the group including a horse’s head, skull, jaw, teeth, and tongue (not shown). More particularly, the opposing end portions 16, central portion 14 and connecting portions 18 have a combined length in the range of 80mm to 200mm, typically being in the region of 125mm. The opposing end portions, central portion and connecting portions are integrally formed with each other. The opposing end portions 16, central portion 14 and connecting portions 18 are manufactured from any suitable resiliently deformable material of the group including TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PP (polypropylene), and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). The central portion 14 is sized and shaped to fit complementally between any one or more of the group including the horse’s tongue, palate, teeth, and bars (not shown), so as to minimise discomfort experienced by the horse (not shown) during the bit receiving condition and while being ridden. The central portion 14 has a substantially arcuate, rounded and planar shape. More particularly, the peripheral edge regions 15 of the central portion 14 are generally arcuate or rounded so as to minimise discomfort experienced by the horse in the bit receiving condition. Typically, the central portion 14 defines a pad-like body 20 which is sized to be received snugly between a horse’s tongue and palate (not shown). The pad-like body 20 has a generally soft feel, typically being relatively easily deformable, so as to further minimise discomfort experienced by the horse (not shown) during the bit receiving condition. The central portion 14 is positioned relative the horse’s mouth (not shown) so that opposing larger surface areas 22 and 24 of the pad-like body 20 rests substantially flush with the horse’s tongue and palate (not shown), respectively. The central portion 14 has a shape and degree of rigidity so as to be capable of bending when a force is applied to the opposing end portions 16. In particular, the central portion 14 has a shape and degree of rigidity so as to be capable of bending to a degree sufficient to form a space 26 into which the horse’s tongue (not shown) may move during the bit receiving condition and when forces are applied to the opposing end portions 16. It is to be appreciated that when a force is applied to the opposing end portions 16 via reins or the like, the pad-like body 20 is capable of bending to a degree sufficient to form a space 26 in which the horse’s tongue (not shown) can move thereby substantially alleviating movement restrictions imposed on the horse’s tongue (not shown) as a result of the bit 10 being received in the horse’s mouth (not shown). Furthermore, and as shown most clearly on Figures 6 to 8, the central portion 14 has a length such that upon applying force to the bit 10 via reins (not shown), inner regions 28 of the opposing end portions 16 come into contact with the horse’s bars (not shown). More particularly, the central portion 14 has a length, width and thickness in the range of 25mm to 45mm, 4mm to 12mm, 15mm to 35mm, respectively, typically being in the region of 35mm, 8mm and 25mm, respectively. It is to be appreciated that the opposing end portions 16 take up bar pressure rather than the central portion 14 or the connecting portions 18 thereof. The opposing end portions 16 are of any suitable shape in cross-section, typically being generally cylindrical. The opposing end portions 16 are sized according to the dimensions of a particular horse’s mouth, jaw or teeth. In particular, the end portions 16 have a diameter in the range of 12mm to 20mm, typically being in the region of 16mm. The opposing end portions 16 taper in thickness from an outermost region 32 toward the central portion 14, typically tapering in thickness from the caps 30 towards the connecting portions 18.

Caps 30 are mounted on the free end regions 32 of the opposing end portions 16, typically including the connecting formations (not shown) thereon for facilitating interconnection with various equestrian equipment (not shown). The caps 30 have a length in the range of 14mm to 22mm, typically being in the region of 18mm. The caps 30 are manufactured from any suitable synthetics, plastics or metallic material, typically being manufactured from a metallic material, further typically being manufactured from stainless steel. The connecting formations (not shown) are in the form of holes (not shown) which are defined through the caps for permitting interconnection with a ring-like member (not shown) or shank (not shown), typically metallic, which in turn permits interconnection with any one or more of the group including a bridle, reins, martingale and any other applicable equestrian equipment (not shown).

As most clearly shown in Figures 2,3 and 5, a strengthening arrangement 34 is provided for strengthening the portions 14, 16, and 18. The strengthening arrangement 34 is in the form of a cable 36 which extends the length of the opposing end portions 14, central portion 12, and connecting portions 18, typically extending between and interconnecting caps 30 mounted on opposing ends 32 of the end portions 16. More particularly, the cable 36 extends generally centrally through the portions 14, 16, and 18. The cable 36 is connected to the caps 30 via any suitable connecting arrangement 38, typically being crimped to the caps 30, the crimp typically being capable of withstanding a tensile force in the range of 2 000N to 6 000N, typically being capable of withstanding a tensile force in the region of 4 000N. The cable has a thickness in the region of 2mm to 6mm, typically being in the region of 3mm. The cable 36 is manufactured from a metallic material which is capable of bending.

The connecting portions 18 are sized, shaped and configured to permit relative bending and twisting displacement between the central portion 14 and the opposing end portions 16. The connecting portions 18 are in the form of resiliently deformable connectors 40. The connecting portions 18 are integrally formed with the central portion 14 and opposing end portions 16. The connecting portions 18 have a smaller thickness than the central portion 14 and the opposing end portions 16 for allowing a majority of the bending of the bit 10 to occur in the region of the connecting portions 18, typically when force is applied to opposing ends 32 of the bit 10 via reins (not shown). The connecting portions 18 have a diameter in the range of 5mm to 12mm. In particular, the connecting portions 18 taper in thickness towards the central portion 14. More particularly, the connecting portions taper in diameter from about 10mm to about 8mm. The connecting portions 18 have a generally stepped or ridged profile 42 for facilitating resilient bending thereof. The stepped profile is shaped to allow a generally concertina-type bending of the connecting portions 18. It is to be appreciated that the advantage of having the bit 10 bend more at the connecting portions 18 is that bending of the central portion 14 is limited so as to define a relatively small space 26 for the horse’s tongue (not shown) to move into, thereby alleviating restrictions on tongue movement and thereby improving the comfort experienced by the horse (not shown) while being ridden. It is to be appreciated that bending and twisting of the central portion 14 relative the opposing end portions 16 allows opposing larger surfaces 22 and 24 of the central portion 14 to remain substantially flush with the horse’s tongue and palate (not shown), respectively, when force is applied to the reins (not shown) in various directions while the horse (not shown) is being controlled when ridden.

In use, when applying a force to the bit 10 via reins (not shown) connected to the cylindrical opposing end portions 16, the opposing end regions 16 squeeze the sides of the horse’s mouth (not shown) together thereby applying pressure to the horse’s cheek, tongue, jaw, teeth and bars (not shown) and causing the central portion 14 to bend slightly thereby forming a space 26 into which the horse (not shown) may move its tongue (not shown), while ensuring that pressure is applied to the bars (not shown) of the horse (not shown) via the opposing end portions 16.

It is, of course, to be appreciated that the bit 10 in accordance with the invention is not limited to the precise constructional and functional details as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and which may be varied as desired.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence form part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified. It is further to be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

The inventor believes that the bit in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in that it bends to conform to a shape of a horse’s mouth while applying pressure to the horse’s bars, typically when applying force to reins used to control the horse. Allowing a bit to conform to the horse’s mouth, more particularly the tongue and palate, reduces discomfort experienced by the horse as a result of having a bit in its mouth. Furthermore, as pressure applied to a horse’s tongue causes the horse to experience a large degree of discomfort, the bit in accordance with the present invention creates a space for the horse’s tongue to move into when the bit bends as a result of force applied via reins, thereby alleviating restrictions on tongue movement and thus improving comfort experienced by the horse.

Claims

1. A bit for a horse including: - opposing end portions which extend from a horse’s mouth in a bit receiving condition and which terminate in connecting formations for allowing interconnection with equestrian equipment; a central portion having a shape for allowing receipt thereof generally between a horse’s tongue and palate, the shape including generally arcuate peripheral edge regions for minimising discomfort experienced by the horse in the bit receiving condition; connecting portions for connecting the central portion and opposing end portions and allowing relative displacement therebetween; the portions being manufactured from a resiliently deformable material.

2. A bit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opposing end portions, central portion and connecting portions are sized according to the dimensions of any one or more of the group including a horse’s head, skull, jaw, teeth, and tongue.

3. A bit as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the opposing end portions, central portion and connecting portions have a combined length in the range of 80mm to 200mm.

4. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the opposing end portions, central portion and connecting portions are manufactured from any suitable resiliently deformable material of the group including TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PP (polypropylene), and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer).

5. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion is sized and shaped to fit complementally between any one or more of the group including the horse’s tongue, palate, teeth, and bars, so as to minimise discomfort experienced by the horse during the bit receiving condition.

6. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion has a substantially rounded shape.

7. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion has a substantially planar shape.

8. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion has a substantially rounded and planar shape.

9. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion defines a pad-like body which is sized to be received snugly between a horse’s tongue and palate.

10. A bit as claimed in claim 9 wherein the pad-like body has a generally soft feel, the pad-like body being relatively easily deformable, so as to minimise discomfort experienced by the horse during the bit receiving condition

1 1. A bit as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the central portion is positioned relative the horse’s mouth in the bit receiving condition so that opposing larger surface areas of the pad-like body rest substantially flush with the horse’s tongue and palate, respectively.

12. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion has a degree of rigidity so as to be capable of bending when a force is applied to the opposing end portions of the elongate member.

13. A bit as claimed in claim 12 wherein the central portion has a degree of rigidity so as to be capable of bending to a degree sufficient to form a space into which the horse’s tongue may move during the bit receiving condition and when forces are applied to the opposing end portions of the elongate member.

14. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion has a length such that upon applying forces to opposing end portions via reins or the like, inner regions of the opposing end portions come into contact with the horse’s bars during the bit receiving condition.

15. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion has a length in the range of 25mm to 45mm.

16. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion has a width in the range of 4mm to 12mm.

17. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the central portion has a thickness in the range of 15mm to 35mm.

18. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the opposing end portions are generally cylindrical in shape.

19. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the opposing end portions are sized according to the dimensions of any one or more of the group including a horse’s mouth, jaw, and teeth.

20. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the end portions have a diameter in the range of 12mm to 20mm.

21. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the opposing end portions taper in thickness from an outermost region toward the central portion of the elongate member.

22. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein caps are mounted on free end regions of the opposing end portions, the caps including the connecting formation thereon for facilitating interconnection with various equestrian equipment.

23. A bit as claimed in claim 22 wherein the caps have a length in the range of 14mm to 22mm.

24. A bit as claimed in claim 22 or 23 wherein the connecting formations are in the form of holes which are defined through the caps for permitting interconnection with a ring-like member which in turn permits interconnection with any one or more of the group including a bridle, reins, martingale, and any other applicable equestrian equipment.

25. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein a strengthening arrangement is provided for strengthening the end portions, central portion and connecting portions.

26. A bit as claimed in claim 25 wherein the strengthening member is in the form of a cable which extends the length of the end portions, central portion and connecting portions.

27. A bit as claimed in claim 25 or 26 wherein the strengthening member extends between and interconnects the caps mounted on opposing ends of the end portions.

28. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the claims 25 to 27 wherein the cable extends generally centrally through the end portions, central portion and connecting portions.

29. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the claims 25 to 28 wherein the cable is connected to the caps via any suitable connecting arrangement.

30. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the claims 25 to 29 wherein the cable is crimped to the caps.

31. A bit as claimed in claim 30 wherein the crimp is capable of withstanding a tensile force in the range of 2 000N to 6 000N.

32. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the claims 25 to 31 wherein the cable has a thickness in the range of 2mm to 6mm.

33. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions are sized, shaped and configured to permit relative bending displacement between the central portion and the opposing end portions of the elongate member.

34. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions are sized, shaped and configured to permit relative twisting displacement between the central portion and the opposing end portions of the elongate member.

35. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions are sized, shaped and configured to permit relative bending and twisting displacement between the central portion and the opposing end portions of the elongate member.

36. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions are in the form of resiliently deformable connectors.

37. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions are integrally formed with the central portion and opposing end portions.

38. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions have a smaller thickness than the central portion and the opposing end portions for allowing a majority of the bending to occur in the region of the connecting portions, typically when force is applied to opposing ends of the bit via reins.

39. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions have a thickness in the range of 5mm to 12mm.

40. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions taper in thickness towards the central portion.

41. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions taper in thickness from about 10mm to about 8mm.

42. A bit as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portions have a generally stepped or ridged profile for facilitating resilient bending thereof.

43. A bit as claimed in claim 42 wherein the stepped or ridged profile is shaped to allow a generally concertina-type bending of the connecting portions.