Patent Publication Number: US-2023159320-A1

Title: Grazing restrictor

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. Pat. Application No. 16/442,674, filed Jun. 17, 2019, and entitled “Grazing Restrictor,” which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/688,910 filed Jun. 22, 2018, and entitled “Equine Grazing Restrictor,” which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of products for use on animals, and more particularly to a device for restricting the intake of forage for a grazing animal. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Muzzles for grazing horses are known. The existing designs are relatively heavy, expensive to manufacture, and many cause irritation to the skin of the horse which requires extra padding or wrapping the surface of the muzzle to hinder rubbing. Some of the designs are rigid and need to be heated and formed to the shape of the horse. What is needed is an improved design that addresses the many drawbacks with existing muzzles. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention meets the above described need by providing a grazing restrictor ( 10 ) for attaching to a halter ( 34 ). The restrictor ( 10 ) includes a body portion ( 13 ) surrounding a central opening ( 16 ). A plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) extend outward from the body portion ( 13 ). The elongate segments ( 19   a - h ) have a plurality of openings ( 25 ) defined therein. The elongate segments ( 19   a - h ) are capable of being folded upward relative to the body portion ( 13 ) to form the shape of a muzzle. 
     A plurality of ties ( 37 ) have a first end capable of being inserted through one or more of the openings ( 25 ) in the elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) and a second end capable of extending around the halter ( 34 ) and being connected to the first end in end to end fashion such that the restrictor ( 10 ) is capable of being supported by the halter ( 34 ). 
     In one aspect, the body portion ( 13 ) and elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) are formed as a unitary member. 
     In one aspect, the body portion ( 13 ) and elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) are formed from an elastic material. 
     In yet another aspect, the body portion ( 13 ) and elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) are constructed of polyether urethane. 
     In an additional aspect, the restrictor ( 10 ) may further comprise a plurality of ventilation openings ( 22 ) formed in one of the body portion ( 13 ) and the plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ). 
     In another aspect, the plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) may further comprise finger-like projections having rounded edges. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of ties ( 37 ) comprise low profile cable ties. 
     In yet another aspect, the restrictor ( 10 ) further comprises one or more ventilation openings ( 22 ) in the body portion ( 13 ). 
     In another aspect, the restrictor ( 10 ) further comprises one or more ventilation openings ( 22 ) in the plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ). 
     In another aspect, the central opening ( 16 ) is sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, a grazing restrictor ( 10 ) is configured for attaching to a halter ( 34 ). The restrictor ( 10 ) comprises a body portion ( 13 ) surrounding a central opening ( 16 ). The central opening ( 16 ) is sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) extend outward from the body portion ( 13 ). The plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) have a plurality of openings ( 25 ) defined therein. The plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) are capable of being folded upward relative to the body portion ( 13 ) to form the shape of a muzzle. A plurality of ties ( 37 ) have a first end capable of being inserted through one or more of the openings ( 25 ) in the elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) and a second end capable of extending around the halter ( 34 ) and being connected to the first end such that the restrictor ( 10 ) is capable of being supported by the halter ( 34 ) on the horse ( 31 ). 
     The body portion ( 13 ) and the plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) are formed from a unitary, elastic member capable of laying flat in a first configuration and then being folded into the shape of a muzzle in a second configuration. In another aspect of the invention, a grazing restrictor ( 10 ) is configured for attaching to a halter ( 34 ). The restrictor ( 10 ) comprises a body portion ( 13 ) having a central opening ( 16 ) sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - h ) extend outward from the body portion ( 13 ). The aspect includes means for attaching the restrictor ( 10 ) to the halter ( 34 ). And the plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) are configured and arranged such that, when the restrictor ( 10 ) is attached to the halter ( 34 ), the elongate segments ( 19   a - h ) are biased outwardly from the halter ( 34 ). 
     In another aspect of the invention, a combination includes a halter ( 34 ) and a grazing restrictor ( 10 ) configured and arranged to be mounted thereon. The restrictor ( 10 ) comprises a body portion ( 13 ) surrounding a central opening ( 16 ). The central opening ( 16 ) is sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) extend outward from the body portion ( 13 ). The plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) have a plurality of openings ( 25 ) defined therein. The plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) are capable of being folded upward relative to the body portion ( 13 ) to form the shape of a muzzle. The body portion ( 13 ) and the plurality of elongate segments ( 19   a - 19   h ) are formed from a unitary, elastic member capable of laying flat in a first configuration and then being folded into the shape of a muzzle in a second configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a plan view of one embodiment of the grazing restrictor of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG.  1    attached to a halter on a horse. 
         FIG.  3    is another perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG.  1    attached to a halter on a horse. 
         FIG.  4    is another perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG.  1    attached to a halter on a horse at a different position on the plurality of elongate segments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, debris, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof, (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or of rotation, as appropriate. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , merely for the purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, the present embodiment provides a grazing restrictor  10 . The grazing restrictor  10  may be constructed as a unitary, flat member having a body portion  13  located toward the center of the restrictor  10 . A central opening  16  may be disposed at the approximate center of the device. A plurality of elongate segments  19   a - 19   h  may extend in multiple directions from the body portion  13 . Segment  19   a  extends upward from the body portion  13  of the restrictor  10 . Segments  19   b - 19   d  extend to the right of the body portion  13 . Segment  19   e  extends downward from the body portion  13  and may be disposed in the opposite direction from Segment  19   a . Segments  19   f - 19   h  extend to the left of the body portion  13  and may be disposed opposite from Segments  19   b - 19   d . Ventilation openings  22  may be formed in segments  19   a  and  19   e . Additional ventilation openings may be provided in the body portion  13  or in the segments  19   a - 19   h . 
     A plurality of openings  25  may be disposed in the segments  19   a - 19   h . The openings  25  on each segment  19   a - 19   h  may be arranged in linear fashion from a first opening  25  disposed closer to the center of the device to a last opening  25  disposed near a distal end  28  of the respective segment. 
     The restrictor  10  may be formed from an elastomer such as a thermoplastic urethane or similar plastic polymer or other thin, lightweight material having elastic properties. The material is preferably mildew and UV resistant. For example, the restrictor  10  may be formed from a polyether urethane film or sheet. The film/sheet may be approximately 2-5 mm thick. Other thicknesses of film or sheet may also be suitable. The restrictor  10  may be die cut to form a unitary member. The restrictor may be approximately twenty (20) to twenty-eight ( 28 ) inches in diameter. The restrictor  10  may be formed from a thin, lightweight and elastic material that is capable of laying flat as shown in  FIG.  1   . The restrictor  10  may be formed from an elastic material such that when it is removed from the state shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , it returns to its original flat shape shown in  FIG.  1   . The restrictor  10  may be formed from a clear material and may be provided with a plurality of openings to increase ventilation. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the elongate segments  19   a - 19   h  can be folded upward (i.e., normal to the page with respect to the orientation shown in  FIG.  1   ) from the end of the body portion  13  to from a muzzle for mounting around the mouth of a horse  31 . Although the restrictor  10  is shown in connection with a horse  31 , the restrictor  10  may be configured and arranged for use with other animals. The muzzle is formed by attaching the elongate segments  19   a - 19   h  to a halter  34  by means of low profile cable ties  37  that may be inserted through the openings  25 . The cable ties  37  are one example of elongate members having a first end and a second end configured to extend through the openings  25  in the elongate segments  19   a - h  and around the halters  34  and to connect in end to end fashion to attach the restrictor  10  to the halter  34 . Other elongate members constructed from materials such as cloth or fabric or other flexible materials having connecting means at opposite ends may also be suitable. The fasteners at the ends of the elongate members may include buttons, quick connect couplings, or the like or could be attached by hook and loop fasteners. Alternatively, the opposite ends of the elongate member could be tied together. The restrictor  10  is adjustable by means of the plurality of openings  25 . As best shown in  FIG.  4   , the arrangement of the openings  25  in a line provides for a single size for the restrictor  10  configured for use with various sizes of animals and halters. 
     The present invention also provides a combination that includes a halter  34  and a grazing restrictor  10  configured and arranged to be mounted thereon. The restrictor  10  comprises a body portion  13  surrounding a central opening  16 . The central opening  16  is sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments  19   a - 19   h  extend outward from the body portion  13 . The plurality of elongate segments  19   a - 19   h  have a plurality of openings  25  defined therein. The plurality of elongate segments  19   a - 19   h  are capable of being folded upward relative to the body portion  13  to form the shape of a muzzle. The body portion  13  and the plurality of elongate segments  19   a - 19   h  are formed from a unitary, elastic member capable of laying flat in a first configuration and then being folded into the shape of a muzzle in a second configuration. 
     The present invention provides many advantages including reduced weight and increased ventilation. The open design of the restrictor  10  allows for more airflow which inhibits bacterial growth. Also, the spring-like properties of the restrictor  10  provide that when the restrictor  10  is attached to the halter  34  the elongate segments  19   a - h  are configured and arranged such that they are biased away from the halter  34 . As a result, the spring-like properties of the elastic materials used for construction keep the restrictor  10  from laying on the nose of the horse  31  thereby preventing and or reducing rubbing and irritation. The spring-like properties of the restrictor  10  also provide for minimal skin contact on any portion of the horse  31 . 
     The present invention contemplates that many changes and modifications may be made. Therefore, while the presently-preferred form of the grazing restrictor has been shown and described, and several modifications and alternatives discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.