ARTIFICIAL MANES

Abstract: Device for protecting parts (9, 12) of an animal (8) from pests, which can be releasably attached to one or more of the parts (9, 12) of the animal (8) which are to be protected, which device (1) comprises an elongate, flexible strip, from which strip one or more ribbons of flexible material (2) lead, extending on at least one side of the strip, in which device the flexible strip comprises one or more substantially dimensionally stable, curved positioning components (3) which are suitable for locating the flexible strip on substantially a central line of the part or parts (9, 12) of the animal (8) which is/are to be protected.

Description: Short title: Artificial manes The present invention relates to a device for protecting parts of an animal from pests, which can be releasably attached to one or more of the parts of the animal which are to be protected, which device comprises an elongate, flexible strip, from which strip one or more ribbons of flexible material lead, extending on at least one side of the strip. A device of this type is known in the prior art. US-A-3, 778 , 966 describes a facial fly mask for a horse. This mask comprises a belt system which can be tied around the head of the horse. One of the belts comprises a number of strands which hang down from it over the face of the horse. The strands serve to protect against pests, for example flies. The known device has a number of drawbacks. The device has to be located around the head of the horse with the aid of a number of belts. This may be unpleasant and may, for example, pinch the horse. Also, objects can get caught behind the belts, which can cause danger. These drawbacks are sometimes put up with, since a horse is often already wearing a bridle, for example for the reins to be attached to. However, the said device is not suitable for protecting other parts of a horse against pests. Particularly if the neck and/or the hindquarters of an animal, especially draught and riding animals, such as horses, is to be protected, it is difficult to locate the known device without using a large number of belts. In the event of head movements, especially to the left, to the right or downwards, there is a considerable risk of the device slipping, with the result that the protective action is to a large extent lost. It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above drawbacks, and to this end the device is characterized in that the flexible strip comprises one or more substantially dimensionally stable, curved positioning components which are suitable for locating the flexible strip on a central line of the part or parts of the animal which is/are to be protected. A device of this type can be used to protect various parts of animals against pests, such as mosquitoes, flies, etc. The substantially dimensionally stable, curved positioning components bear substantially against a central line on the surface of the body part which is to be protected and partially surround it, in this way holding the device in the correct position. The device is particularly suitable for animals which do not have a mane or other natural body protection against pests. The positioning components also make it easier to fit the device on an animal. Unambiguous contact between the positioning components and the body parts which are to be protected ensures rapid, accurate positioning. It is then easy to fix the device in place, for example by fixing it to the bridle and the saddle. In the present context, the term substantially dimensionally stable is understood as meaning that the positioning components are slightly flexible, i.e. can be deformed under a load but return to their original shape after the load is removed. Therefore, the elasticity means that the positioning components can exert a certain force, which is used when locating the device . When the device is being used, it is fitted along a central line of the body part of the animal which is to be protected. In practice, this central line is usually a part of the backbone of the animal, a part of the line between the end of the nose and the top of the head or a combination thereof. The protection provided by the device will be most effective if the flexible strip is positioned on the central line of the body part which is to be protected. However, it is also possible for the flexible strip to be arranged slightly adjacent to the central line or in a type of zigzag line along the central line. The flexible strip allows movements in all directions. This ensures unambiguous contact between the device and the body part which is to be protected in all positions. There is also a considerable freedom of movement and the device is very comfortable for the animal to wear. GB-A-1 588 707 has already disclosed a mane cover for horses. This is a device for holding the shape of styled horse's manes and comprises a piece of cloth which is tied around the neck and over the mane of the horse with the aid of belts. The cloth covering can be expected to provide some protection against pests. However, the device is attached with the aid of belts, and therefore has the drawbacks referred to in the introduction. In addition, covering with cloth is in many cases too hot. Moreover, if the cloth is selected to be very thin, in practice protection against flying insects will be low, since they can land on the cloth and therefore, since the cloth is tied onto the skin of the animal, can still reach the skin. The substantially dimensionally stable, curved positioning components of the device according to the invention may, for example, comprise a part of a circle or another curve. If part of the positioning components extend towards one side of the flexible strip and part of the positioning components extend towards the other side of the flexible strip, it is possible to achieve a sufficient locating action. In this case, sliding to either side is prevented by at least one positioning component. In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least part of the positioning components extend, starting from the flexible strip, towards both sides of this strip. In this way, a sufficient locating action can be obtained with a small number of positioning components, for example only one or a few of these components . Advantageously, one or more of the positioning components form substantially a right angle with the flexible strip. In this context, the term substantially a right angle is understood as meaning that the angle between the axis of the positioning components and the axis of the flexible strip at the location of their connection forms an angle of at least 60°, preferably of 90°. With an angle of this type between the positioning components and the flexible strip, a good locating action is achieved in an effective way. Preferably, all the positioning components form substantially a right angle with the flexible strip. The shape of the positioning components is not particularly limited. Preferably, however, the curvature of one or more of the positioning components substantially follows the local curvature of the part or parts of the animal which is/are to be protected substantially perpendicular to the central line thereof. In this embodiment, the contact between the positioning component and the one or more parts of the animal which is/are to be protected is optimum, yet ensuring that the device is very comfortable to wear. However, it is also possible for the positioning components to be shaped differently, for example to be V-shaped, which can provide a lightly clamping action for most sizes of the body parts which are to be protected. Advantageously, one or more positioning components are provided, the curvature of which substantially does not follow the local curvature of the part or parts of the animal which is/are to be protected perpendicular to the central line thereof. By way of example, a positioning component of which the curvature substantially follows the local curvature of the part or parts of the animal which is/are to be protected perpendicular to the central line thereof is alternated with one or more positioning components of which the curvature substantially does not follow the local curvature of the part or parts of the animal which is/are to be protected perpendicular to the central line thereof. In this embodiment, the positioning components of which the curvature does not follow that of the body part can keep at least a section of the ribbons of flexible material away from the skin of the animal over at least a section of their length. Not only does this increase the comfort for the animals wearing the device, but also is particularly effective since this increases the distance between at least a section of the ribbons of flexible material and the skin of the animal. As a result, insects are unable to reach the skin of the animal even after they have landed on the ribbons of flexible material. Moreover, the ribbons can move even more easily on account of reduced contact with the skin of the animal. In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least one of the ribbons of flexible material is connected, over a section of its length, to one or more positioning components. In this way, the ribbons of flexible material can be effectively oriented at least in the region of where they are connected to the flexible strip. This provides a high level of protection against the ribbons of flexible material becoming tangled with one another. Moreover, the connection to the positioning components ensures that the ribbons of flexible material, at least over the length of the connection to the positioning components, follow the curvature thereof. This prevents ribbons of flexible material getting between positioning components whose curvature does not at that location follow the curvature of the body part which is to be protected and therefore still reaching the skin of the animal. This could cause the protective action of the particular curvature of the positioning component to be locally reduced. The one or more ribbons of flexible material are not particularly limited in terms of their shape. In principle, it is possible to select only one wide ribbon of flexible material which extends over substantially the entire length of the flexible strip. Movements of the animal can ensure that the strip folds over towards that part of the body where protection against pests is desired. The device preferably comprises a plurality of ribbons of flexible material, more preferably a large number of ribbons of flexible material. In this way, it is possible to ensure a good level of protection against pests. Even slight movements of the animal cause the ribbons of flexible material to move, so that they move with respect to one another relatively quickly. Because of the arbitrary and frequent contact between the ribbons of flexible material, there is no steady surface available for pests. As a result, these pests will always go away, for example fly off. The width of the ribbons of flexible material may in principle be selected as desired. A good pest-repelling action is preferably achieved if the ribbons of flexible material are between 0.1 cm and 5 cm wide, more preferably between 1 and 3 cm wide, and most preferably approximately 1.5 cm wide. The most suitable width is to some extent dependent on the material used for the ribbons of flexible material. For example, a long ribbon of a heavy material will have considerable mobility, and therefore will be highly effective, even when it is of a small width. By contrast, a short strip of a light material will require a somewhat greater width if it is still to be able to effectively drive away pests and is not to be stopped from functioning by the wind, for example. The length of the ribbons of flexible material is also not subject to any particular limitations. It may, for example, be between 10 cm and 160 cm, depending on the dimensions of the animal and/or the body parts which are to be protected. For example, on the body of a horse or a cow, a length of the ribbons of flexible material of approximately 150 cm will be more effective than a length of 10 cm. By contrast, when they are used to protect the head of a small pony, the ribbons have to be no longer than, for example, 25 cm. In principle, the device can be of standard design, with ribbons of flexible material of uniform length. The length selected is preferably a great length, for example 150 cm, so that it is still possible to cut the ribbons to size. This creates a device which can easily and effectively be adapted to the particular animal which is to be protected. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the ribbons of flexible material may be adapted to the mean dimensions of the type of animal which is to be protected. For example, certain breeds of horse and the like have average dimensions. The length of the ribbons at the location of the body parts which are to be protected is preferably adapted to the dimensions of these parts. For example, the ribbons will be relatively short at the level of the head, slightly longer at the level of the neck and longest, in relative terms, at the level of the body. In this way, it is possible to provide a wide range of devices which are ready to use. The ribbons of flexible material may, for example comprise strips of flexible plastic, for example rubber. Strands of leather, cord, synthetic hair, etc. are also eminently satisfactory; thin metal link chains can also be employed. The ribbons of flexible material preferably comprise strips of flexible plastic. The plastic can be selected from all types of plastic, such as polypropylene material, polyethylene material, etc. The plastics material is advantageously selected from polyvinyl chloride material. Plastics of this type are very simple and can be produced at low cost in any desired colour and design. The material for the ribbons of flexible material may be solid but is preferably a porous material. In this context, the term porous is understood as meaning that the material includes holes and/or continuous openings. One advantage of this is that there is even better ventilation of the skin. This is important in particular for those parts of the animal which are covered by contact with the ribbons of flexible material for a relatively high proportion of the time. Moreover, the porous material has the advantage that it can be treated very effectively using a pest-repellent substance. Substances of this type are commercially available, for example in the form of a liquid or an atomized mist. The porous material can be treated with the pest-repellent substance, in such a manner that this substance is absorbed by or in the porous material. As a result of the insect-repellent substance being absorbed in the porous material, the substance can continue to act for a much longer time, on account of slow but prolonged evaporation. In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the ribbons of flexible material extend on both sides of the flexible strip. This effectively creates a very good level of protection against pests. In this embodiment, many fewer movements of the body part which is to be protected are required in order to drive away pests . The device according to the invention may, for example, be arranged over the neck of an animal, for example of a horse. Other riding and draught animals, and/or cows and the like, can also be protected in this way. For this purpose, the device may be provided with a set of belts at both ends of the flexible strip. A set of belts is used to attach the device to, for example, the bridle of the horse, while the other set of belts is used to attach the device to the saddle. In this case, the flexible strip preferably extends substantially along the cervical vertebrae of the horse. The ribbons of flexible material hang, for example, on either side of the neck and protect it from pests. Other methods of attachment which are known in the prior art are also possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to protect the hindquarters of animals, for example of horses, against pests. For this purpose, a device according to the invention, which is once again provided with, for example, two sets of belts, is attached, for example, to the rear side of a saddle and to the start of the tail. Obviously, the curvature and, if appropriate, also the length of the positioning components have to be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the body part which is to be protected. Although when the animal is stationary the protection provided with this embodiment is slightly reduced, the protection when the animal is moving is ensured sufficiently by the movements of the hindquarters. In addition, it is also possible, for unsaddled animals, to use a device which extends from the top of the head to the start of the tail. In this case too, the curvature and dimensions of the positioning components should preferably be adapted to the shape of the animal. In the case of animals which are provided with a nose ring, for example cows, it is also possible, if desired, for the head, in particular the face, to be protected from pests. For this purpose, a device according to the invention can be attached to the nose ring and to any bridle which may be present or to the start of the tail. In this case, the flexible strip extends over the centre of the face and, if appropriate, along the backbone. Obviously, the device has to be used with care in this situation. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the flexible strip comprises one or more elastic stretchable components. The one or more elastic stretchable components enable the length of the flexible strip to be changed under load. This is advantageous since the distance between, for example, the top of the head and the saddle may change if the animal moves its head to the left, to the right, upwards or downwards. The device is located effectively if, by changing in length, it can follow the central line of the body part which is to be protected without impeding the movement of the animal. The elastic stretchable components may be designed in various ways. For example, one or more elastic components, for example springs or pieces of elastic, may be arranged in the vicinity of the ends of the flexible strip. In addition, it is possible for the flexible strip itself to be produced from an elastic material, for example an elastic plastic, or a sheathed spring. Furthermore, it is possible to design the flexible strip as a set of connecting pieces between the separate positioning components. One or more of these connecting pieces can then be designed as an elastic stretchable component. The invention will be explained in more detail below with the aid of the appended drawing, in which: Fig. 1 shows a cross section through a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an example of the use of a device according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a cross section through a device 1 according to the invention. In this figure, 2 denotes a ribbon of flexible material, 3 denotes a substantially dimensionally stable, curved positioning component, and 4 denotes a flexible strip. The ribbons of flexible material 2 may consist of all kinds of materials, for example plastic, leather, hair, cord, synthetic hair, etc. They must be able to move flexibly, so that an animal to which the device is fitted can easily drive away any pests by moving its neck or other body parts. The positioning component 3 is used to locate the device on the body part. For this purpose, it is substantially dimensionally stable and curved, preferably so as to follow the curvature of the body part which is to be protected. It may be made, for example, from a dimensionally stable plastic or a metal part which is coated with a plastic or other material which is tolerated by the animal . The design with the metal core has the advantage that, in use, it is possible to adapt the curvature of the positioning component 3 to the curvature of the body part which is to be protected by overstretching it slightly. The flexible strip 4 serves as a connecting element for the ribbons 2 and also the positioning elements 3. For this purpose, the flexible strip may be arranged on the ribbons 2, on the positioning elements 3 or between them. It is also possible for the one or more ribbons 2 and the flexible strip 4 to be made from a piece of flexible material, the strip 4 being formed by the connected central sections of the ribbons 2. Figure 2 shows a plan view of a device 1 according to the invention. A flexible strip 4 ends on both sides in a set of belts 5. In each case one of these belts 5 is provided with a clasp 6. A set of ribbons of flexible material are denoted by 2, and a number of curved, substantially dimensionally stable positioning components are denoted by 3. Two elastic stretchable components are indicated by 7. The ribbons of flexible material 2 start from the flexible strip 4. Over a section of the length of the ribbons 2, they are connected to the positioning components 3. As a result, the ribbons of flexible material 2 will not become tangled at least in the region of where they are attached to the flexible strip 4. The positioning components 3 form a right angle with the flexible strip 4. The elastic components 7 are used to absorb differences in length of the parts which are to be protected when the animal is moving. For example, when a horse bends down in order to drink, the distance between the top of the head and the saddle point increases. The stretchable components 7 are, for example, pieces of elastic material or springs which, for example, are sheathed in cloth. The sheath is desirable in order to prevent hair or even pieces of skin of the animal becoming trapped between turns of the spring. The device may be provided with means for adjusting the length (when stationary) . As a result, a single device can be used for animals of different sizes. This can be achieved, for example, by connecting the belts 5 to the flexible strip 4 using a clasp (not shown) which can be moved and fixed in place. The length of the ribbons of flexible material 2 should be selected in such a manner that the body part which is to be protected is substantially completely covered by the ribbons 2. If the ribbons 2 are too long, they can easily be shortened, for example by cutting them. In Fig. 3, 8 diagrammatically indicates a horse. The horse 8 is provided with two devices 1 according to the invention. Both devices 1 comprise a set of positioning components 3, a set of ribbons of flexible material 2 and a set of belts 5. A device is arranged over the neck 9 of the horse 8 and is attached to a bridle 10 and a saddle 11. A second device runs along the hindquarters 12 of the horse 8 and is attached to the saddle 11 and around the start of the tail 13. The positioning components 3 each run along part of the backbone. The ribbons of flexible material 2 in each case protect part of the horse 8 , namely the neck 9 and the hindquarters 12. To attach the device 1, it is possible to use the belts 5 and clasps 6 which are shown in Fig. 2. By way of example, the belts 5 can be fitted around a strap of the bridle 10 and around the point of the saddle 11. It is also possible to use cords, clips, etc. Thus equipped, the horse 8 is effectively protected against pests, in particular flying pests, such as horseflies and mosquitoes. When using the devices 1 in the manner shown in Fig. 3 , it will be easy to remove any pests resting on the neck 9 or the hindquarters 12 or moving towards them by a simple movement of the body part in question. Since the ribbons of flexible material 2 brush over the skin as a result of movement of the body part, any pest will be removed effectively. This is particularly advantageous for animals which do not have a mane or have a mane which is too short or whose mane has been made into a specific, non-functioning style. The device is also particularly suitable for animals without tail hair or whose tail is unsuitable for combating pests. In particular, consideration may be given to draught horses.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Device for protecting parts (9, 12) of an animal (8) from pests, which can be releasably attached to one or more of the parts (9, 12) of the animal (8) which are to be protected, which device comprises an elongate, flexible strip (4), from which strip one or more ribbons of flexible material (2) lead, extending on at least one side of the strip (4), characterized in that the flexible strip ( 4 ) comprises one or more substantially dimensionally stable, curved positioning components (3) which are suitable for locating the flexible strip (4) on substantially a central line of the part or parts (9, 12) of the animal (8) which is/are to be protected. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of the positioning components (3), starting from the flexible strip (4), extend towards both sides thereof. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that one or more of the positioning components (3) form substantially a right angle with the flexible strip (4). 4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curvature of one or more of the positioning components (3) substantially follows the local curvature of the part or parts (9, 12) of the animal (8) which is/are to be protected, perpendicular to the central line thereof. 5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the ribbons of flexible material (2) is joined to one or more positioning components (4) over a section of its length. 6. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ribbons of flexible material (4) extend on both sides of the flexible strip (4). 7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible strip (4) comprises one or more elastic stretchable components ( 7 ) . 1/3 Fig 1 2/3 3/3

Inventors: SCHWIETERS PETER HERMANUS, SCHWIETERS, PETER, HERMANUS
Applicants: SCHWIETERS PETER HERMANUS, SCHWIETERS, PETER, HERMANUS
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A01K13
IPC codes: A01K13