Abstract:
A riding or travelling bit for horses comprising at least one rigid or articulated bit rod ( 2 ) made at least partially of metal. The inventive bit is characterized in that the bit rod has at least two different metal parts ( 4,6 ) thus creating a difference in electrical potential. This difference in electric potential creates a sour taste for the horse, encouraging it to chew and making it receptive to assistance from the reins. In one embodiment, one member ( 4 ) of the two-membered bit rod ( 2 ) is made of one type of metal and the other member is made of another type of metal. Both members are coupled together in a known manner by means of self-engaging eyelets ( 8, 10 ) in a chain-like fashion. However, at least one of the eyelets is lined ( 12 ) with electrically insulating material. In another embodiment, both metal surfaces are electrically connected to various poles of at least one commercial electric battery cell ( 94 ) which is accommodated in a tubular receptacle ( 92 ) forming one part of the bit rod ( 90 ).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a riding or travelling bit for horses consisting of known, rigid or articulated, bit rod made substantially of two different types of metal. 
     Such bits are known from the British Patent No. 2,695 and are in use in various forms. As disclosed in the British patent, inserts of steel in harness bit bars, which are otherwise made of nickel, are intended to improve the durability of the harness bit at the joints or points of articulation. It is also known to have such bits manufactured from copper or a copper alloy, as copper corrodes under the influence of air and of the horse&#39;s saliva, and the salts produced in the process make the horse chew, probably on account of their sour taste. This is desirable, as the chewing action has a positive effect on the ‘receptivity’ of the horse to ‘assistance from the reins’, ie, to commands transmitted by means of the reins (EP 0 126 210 A1; DE 43 26 550 C1). 
     It is further known that battery cells or torchlight batteries can be tested by touching both poles using the tongue. Provided a reasonably normal potential is present, the electrolysis of the saliva produces a sour taste. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Based on these facts, it is the object of the invention to design a riding or travelling bit that opens up additional and, if desired, more intense means of providing the horse with a sour taste in order to induce it to chew. 
     This object, as well as other objects which will become apparent from the discussion that follows, are achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by fashioning the bit rod of at least two parts which are electrically insulated from each other and which develop an electrical potential difference between then when in use. 
     In contrast to the known bit made of copper or copper alloy mentioned above, a preferred embodiment makes it possible to show only blank metal parts on the outside, on both sides of the horse&#39;s mouth, by using the more noble of the two metals under consideration for those parts. 
     Also known are bits where two different metals, especially stainless steel and copper, are combined. However, in this design the two metals are in immediate metallic contact with each other and, where copper is being used, it is likely to serve the purpose mentioned above. 
     For a full understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 Shows a bit according to the invention in a first embodiment in a partial cross-section. 
     FIG. 2 Shows a bit according to the invention in a different embodiment in a partial cross-section. 
     FIG. 3 Shows a bit according to the invention in yet another embodiment in a partial cross-section. 
     FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  show two cross-sections, perpendicular to each other, through the essential part of a bit according to the invention in a further embodiment. 
     FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of a bit according to the invention, essentially a cross-section. 
     FIG. 6 shows greatly enlarged, the electrically insulating lining of the metallic eyelets of bit rods consisting of several parts, as shown in FIGS. 1 to  3 . 
     FIG. 7 shows equivalent lining in a slightly different embodiment. 
     FIG. 8 shows a separate, electrically insulating eyelet for joining to the otherwise metallic bit rod section. 
     FIG. 9 shows an other separate eyelet, in a slightly different embodiment. 
     FIG. 10 shows a bit rod consisting essentially of a synthetic or ceramic material, similar in design to that of FIG. 1, with both members featuring inserts or external plates of different metals. 
     FIG. 11 shows a section of a bit rod of a curb-bit, with two outer sections made of different metals, electrically separated by an intermediate section made of ceramic or synthetic material, partial cross-section. 
     FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal cross-section through a section of the bit rod of a curb-bit made of ceramic or synthetic material, with diametrically opposed plates made of different metals. 
     FIG. 13 shows an articulated bit rod, in partial cross-section, where one member supports a sleeve made of the second metal. 
     FIG. 14 shows an electrically insulating intermediate member linking two metal bit rod members extending to both sides. and 
     FIG. 15 shows an electrically insulating eyelet similar to that shown in FIG. 8, but being fitted with a metal insert. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-15 of the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are designated with the same reference numerals. 
     The bit shown in FIG. 1, a snaffle bit, features a customary two-part bit rod  2 , whose two members  4  and  6  are joined in an articulated, chain-link type connection by means of interlocking eyelets  8  and  10 . Immediate metallic contact. inside the eyelets  8  and  10  is prevented, however, in that one of the eyelets,  8  in this embodiment, is fitted with a lining  12  made of an electrically insulating material, such as a synthetic or ceramic material, if necessary in porous form. 
     Further, the two members  4  and  6  consist of different metals or metal alloys, which are located at a distance from each other in the electrochemical series and which possess adequate strength, such as copper or zinc. In this way an electrical potential can develop between the two members  4  and  6  under the influence of the horse&#39;s saliva acting as an electrolyte, and this causes a sour taste to develop in the horse&#39;s mouth, which in turn induces the horse to chew. 
     Additional metals to be considered are precious metals, such as silver, gold and platinum on the one hand, and on the other numerous heavy metals, such as iron, manganese, chromium, nickel and cobalt, but also light metals, such as aluminium, titanium, magnesium and beryllium, as well as alloys of these metals, such as bronze, brass or stainless steel. 
     Also in customary fashion, diagonal bore holes in the outer ends of the two members  4  and  6  receive the rings  14  and  16 , by means of which the bit is suspended on the snaffle, and on which the reins are attached. 
     FIG. 2 shows a snaffle bit featuring a bit rod  20  that is divided twice, where members  22 ,  24  and  26  are successively coupled together by means of eyelets  28  and  30 , and  32  and  24  respectively. Eyelets  28  and  34  once again feature electrically insulating linings  36 , as is the case with eyelet  8  in the example in FIG.  1 . The two outside members  22  and  26  are preferably made of the more precious of the two types of metal. This will result in a positive electrical potential on these two outside members, while the intermediate member  24  assumes a negative potential, as shown by the symbols + and − next to the relevant members. This in turn causes the members protruding from the horse&#39;s mouth,  22  and  26 , to be kept in polished condition by galvanic means. Furthermore, they appear to be the same to the eye of an observer, as is the custom. 
     Yet another option for the multiple-section bit rod is to connect the voltaic cells formed by the succession of metallic members in series, which results in a greater potential difference. This type of embodiment is shown in FIG.  3 . In the relevant bit rod  40  the members  42  and  44 , as well as  46  and  48 , which are once again linked by means of eyelets, are insulated from direct metallic contact with each other, while members  44  and  46  are making direct metallic and hence conductive contact. Under the influence of the horse&#39;s saliva, it is possible in this way for a potential difference to build up between members  42  and  48  that is double that of the potentials between members  42  and  44 , and between members  46  and  48 . To prevent a short circuit from forming by way of the horse&#39;s saliva (which, on the other hand, is indispensable in the generation of the potential difference due to its role as an electrolyte) the middle section of the bit rod  40  that is located between members  42  and  48  is covered by a sleeve made of an electrically insulating material, preferably a somewhat flexible plastic, which contains two interior chambers  52  and  54  which are insulated from each other by means of, for example, a silicone plug  56 . The sleeve does, however, allow the horse&#39;s saliva access to the junction points between the members  42  and  44 , as well as  46  and  48  by way of the sleeve ends  58  and  60 . 
     FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  show, in two cross-sections lying in a perpendicular arrangement to each other, a bit rod or a bit rod section  70  where the voltaic cells are connected in series using a different kind of design. The bit rod or the bit rod section  70  consists essentially of a bundle of sheet metal strips, for example, made of copper and zinc, and ,encased between these, layers of absorbent insulating material made of a porous plastic or similar. More specifically, such a insulating layer  76  is located between each strip of sheet copper  72  and each strip of sheet zinc  74 , whereby two each of the strips of sheet copper and sheet zinc  72  and  74 , with the exception of the two outside strips, are plated together. In this way, the four voltaic cells in example shown are connected in series, causing their potential differences to be summed. 
     Both ends of the bundle  78  concerned are glued into two matching insulating caps  80 , which in turn are fitted with transverse bore holes  82  whose purpose it is to receive additional members, such as members  22  and  28  in FIG. 2, or directly joined rings, such as the rings  14  and  16  in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 shows a bit with a bit rod  90 , with a tube-shaped central member  92  which forms a container for two storage battery cells  94 , connected in series, of a type available commercially and known as round cells (R 6 ). The member  92  consists of two metal end sections  96  and  98  which are screwed onto an intermediate section  100  made of an electrically insulating material, preferably synthetic. A spiral coil spring enclosed together with the storage battery cells  94  inside member  92 , more specifically, inside the end section  96 , forms an electrical connection between the end section  96  and the negative pole and the end section  98  and the positive pole of the storage battery cells assembly  94  as well as between the storage battery cells  94  themselves, so that the end sections  96  and  98  are subjected to twice the potential difference in respect to each other than they would be from each individual storage battery cells  94 . 
     To both end sections  96  and  98  are connected in an articulated fashion, in this example by means of ball-and-socket joints  104 , outer members  106  and  108 , whose outer ends in turn receive rings  110  and  112 , in similar fashion to the rings  14  and  16  in FIG.  1 . In this example, the end sections  96  and  98  of member  92 , together with the members  106  and  108  as well as the rings  110  and  112  are advantageously made of the same metal, to prevent the formation of voltaic cells and hence corrosion. 
     In an alternative embodiment to that of FIG. 5, storage battery cells  94 , or in this case more advantageously button cells (R 9 ), can also be located outside the bit rod or the bit, for example, on a snaffle strap, and connected to two electrically insulated sections of the bit rod by means of wires or similar means. 
     It is worth noting that in the last two examples, the discharge of the storage battery cells ceases automatically once the bit rod is removed from the horse&#39;s mouth, thus interrupting the electrical connection provided by means of the horse&#39;s saliva between the parts having a potential difference between them. Of course, the electrolytic conversion of the two metals employed, such as copper and zinc, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to  4  also ceases within a relatively short time after removal of the bit rod from the horse&#39;s mouth. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7 show the annular linings, as for example in FIG. 1, for the metal eyelets of bit rods consisting of multiple members. The linings concerned, with their circular central opening  120  an da peripheral groove  122 , shaped similarly to a cable guide role, are made of a wear-resisting, viscoplastic synthetic material, such as nylon, and are split at one point on their circumference. The two embodiments differ in the plane of this joint  124 , or  126  respectively. While the joint  124  in FIG. 6 lies in a plane that is inclined in related to the central axis  128 , the joint  126  in FIG. 7 lies in a plane that is parallel but eccentric to the central axis. 
     In either case the joint,  124  or  126  respectively, allows the lining concerned to be bent open, in order to slide it over the shank, for example, of eyelet  10  in FIG. 1, and to let the two ends  132  and  134 , or  136  and  138  respectively, that are located on either side of the joint, slide over each other in order to press the lining concerned into the appropriate eyelet, such as  8  in FIG. 1, where it snaps into place as a result of its own residual stress. 
     Under certain circumstances, a joint may be omitted if the lining concerned is of sufficient elasticity for it to be pressed into the appropriate eyelet without the benefit of ends capable of sliding over each other. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9 show separate eyelets  140  and  160  respectively for bit rod members, the latter indicated in the FIGS. 8 and 9 by means of dotted lines and labelled  142  and  162  respectively. The eyelets  140  and  160 , once again made of a wear-resisting, viscoplastic synthetic material, such as nylon or even a polyacetal synthetic, such as that as marketed by the company Du Pont under -the brand name “Delrin”, are designed with a annular section  144  or  164  respectively, which is joined radially to a shaft  146  or  166 . As shown, the annular section and the shaft may be split along an axial centre plane in relation to the annular section and the to the shaft (joint  148  or  168  respectively), to allow the eyelet to be bent open for the purpose of fitting it over the shank of a metal eyelet belonging to the subsequent bit rod member. In an alternative embodiment such an eyelet may also be designed without a split, provided the eyelet of the subsequent bit rod member consist—as is often the case—of a material that is malleable, allowing it to be split to begin with and then closed around the shank of the synthetic eyelet discussed here. 
     In any case, the synthetic eyelet concerned is inserted with its shaft  146  or  166  respectively into a corresponding bore hole  150  or  170  respectively of the appropriate bit rod member  142  or  162  respectively. While the shaft  146  and the bore hole  150  in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 are designed with matching threads  152  or  154  respectively, the shaft  166  in FIG. 9, designed with a number of circular grooves  172  arranged in succession and set at a distance from each other, is cemented into the bore hole  170 . Of course, cementing may also be used in the embodiment according to FIG.  8 . In any case, a bit rod member fashioned in this manner will possess a traditional shape, or one similar to that of member  6  in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 10 shows a two-member bit rod  180  of a snaffle bit made essentially of synthetic or ceramic material, where both members  182  and  184  feature inserts or platings  186 , or  188  respectively, made of different metals, such as copper and zinc. In this case, too, the horse&#39;s saliva is capable of producing a potential difference between the two metals. 
     FIG. 11 shows the central member of a bit rod  190  of a curb-bit, of which the two end sections  192  and  194 , made of different metals, are linked rigidly, yet insulated electrically from each other, by means of a intermediate section  196  made of a synthetic or ceramic material. The connections at locations  198  and  200  may be fashioned in similar manner to those in FIGS. 8 or  9 , by means of threaded joints and/or cementing. 
     FIG. 12 shows a section of bit rod or a bit rod member  202 , essentially made of a synthetic or ceramic material, on which platings  204  and  206 , made of different metals, are located on diametrically opposite sides. To ensure a smooth and even external surface  208 , the two plates  204  and  206  are set into corresponding recesses  210  and  212 . 
     FIG. 13 shows a three-member bit rod  214 , largely similar to that of FIG.  2 . Here, too, the two outer members,  216  and  218 , consist of the same, preferably the more noble of the two metals. The central member,  220 , consists of an inner member  222  that is shaped similarly to central member of ordinary three-member bit rods, which is covered by a sleeve  224  made of a second metal. If the inner member  222  consist of a metal—preferably the same metal as the two outer members  216  and  218 —then an insulating intermediate layer  226 , which may be porous in order to allow the saliva access, is placed as shown between the member  222  and the sleeve  224 . The sleeve  224  may surround the member  222  and the intermediate layer  226  loosely, in the manner of a roll. To allow the sleeve  224  to be fitted to the member  222 , and to allow it to be replaced if applicable, the member  222  may be split, as is shown also, whereby the two parts may be connected by means of a threaded joint. 
     Of course, it is equally possible to have a section of a rigid bit rod or a bit rod member made of one metal to be encased by an insulated sleeve similar to sleeve  224  made of a different metal. 
     FIG. 14 shows an electrically insulating intermediate member  230  (in its outer shape similar to the bit rod  20  according to FIG. 2 or the bit rod  214  according to FIG. 13) of a three-part bit rod (not shown) whose outer members are made of different metals. For the purpose of reinforcement, the intermediate member  230  may contain a core  232  made of metal which, contrary to the other metals discussed here, only needs to meet criteria of strength. Equally, an electrically insulating eyelet  240  according to FIG. 15, similar in shape and function to the eyelet  140  in FIG. 8, may contain a reinforcing core  242  made of metal. In this case it is advantageous if, as shown, the shaft  244 , by means of which the eyelet  240  is inserted into a corresponding bore hole  246  of the bit rod member  248  concerned, consists of metal only. In a departure from the representation shown in FIG. 15, the core  242  of eyelet  240  may be limited essentially to the shaft  244  only. In each case the coating  234 , or  250  respectively, or the entire intermediate member  230 , may consist once again of a ceramic or synthetic material. 
     There has thus been shown and described a novel riding or travelling bit for a horse which fulfills all the objects and advantages sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments thereof. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is to be limited only by the claims which follow.