Patent Publication Number: US-2011049131-A1

Title: Horse bit warmer

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/236,868 filed Aug. 25, 2009, which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of horse tack accessories. More particularly, the invention relates to a device that warms a bit for a horse. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A bit is a device placed in a horse&#39;s mouth, kept on a horse&#39;s head by means of a headstall. There are many types, each useful for specific types of riding and training. The mouthpiece of the bit does not rest on the teeth of the horse, but rather rests on the gums or “bars” of the horse&#39;s mouth in an interdental space behind the front incisors and in front of the back molars. It is important that the style of bit is appropriate to the horse&#39;s needs and is fitted properly for it to function properly and be as comfortable as possible for the horse. 
     Horse bridle bits are commonplace riding equipment used by the majority of equestrians for purposes of controlling and directing a horse as it is ridden. Bridle bits are conventionally made from stainless steel or a combination of metals which inherently exhibit relatively high thermal conductivity and thus tend to assume the same temperature as the ambient temperature within a stable. Unfortunately, the average equestrian facilities are typically unheated, such that the metal mouth piece of the bridle quickly assumes the temperature of the surrounding room, with the unpleasant result that the bit can generate a strong sensation of cold when placed into the mouth of the horse. This cold sensation can frequently be a shock to the horse, causing discomfort and recoil. 
     Horse trainers agree that an ice cold bit can make a horse bit-shy, resistant to and/or afraid of being bridled, or might even injure the horse&#39;s gums, tongue, and lips. One method of warming a bit is to dip it into a bucket of hot water for a minute or two. Another method is to wrap the bit in a warm wet washcloth. Yet another method of warming the bit is for the rider to place it in their hands and to breathe on it. Alternatively, the rider could place it inside their shirt, pants or other area of clothing. The disadvantages of these methods are that they require a physical action from the rider. Riders have also used a method wherein they place the bit in front of the vent of a car heater. The disadvantage here is that the rider&#39;s vehicle may not be in the vicinity of the barn where the horse is being tacked. 
     There are other bit warmer devices. One is an electrical unit that mounts to the wall of a barn. Another is a chemical gel pack that requires manual activation by kneading, then reactivation by boiling it in hot water or microwaving it. Other warmers contain non toxic materials that still require activation by microwaving. The disadvantages of these devices are that barns are often not equipped with hot water, hot plates, stoves, or microwave ovens to activate and/or reactivate the gel pack. As a result, the gel pack does not retain enough heat to warm the bit once the rider has transported it to the barn from the location where it has been activated and/or reactivated. Another disadvantage is that the gel pack may potentially leak chemicals if damaged. All of these devices also have the disadvantage of being inconvenient, environmentally unfriendly and/or have a significant ongoing operating expense. 
     Thus, there is a need for bit warmer device that allows a user to tack a horse quickly and efficiently without discomfort to the person or the horse. There is also a need for an alternative device which can be repeatedly used easily, reliably, and inexpensively to warm a bridle bit to a suitable temperature compatible with a horse&#39;s body temperature. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is a goal of the present invention to provide a bit warmer device that is easy to transport, reusable, and non toxic. 
     It is another goal of the present invention to provide a bit warmer device that does not require the user to be in physical contact with the bit. 
     It is yet another goal of the present invention to provide a bit warmer that does not require manual activation on the part of the user. 
     It is a further goal of the present invention to provide a bit warmer that does not require activation of an external heat source. 
     Accordingly, such a bit warmer is provided. The bit warmer has a carbon heating element that is contained within a water resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cover. The carbon heating element has an electrical plug connected to it. Optionally, a piece of insulation is adhesively attached to the carbon heating element. The carbon heating element is then placed in a nylon fabric pouch. The nylon fabric pouch is fastened by a hook and loop fastener. The encased carbon heating element is plugged into an available outlet, then wrapped around the bit. The pouch containing the carbon heating element is then fastened so that the bit is enveloped by the pouch. 
     The present invention is a simple, convenient, and easy-to-use device for achieving a warmed temperature of a cold steel horse bit that&#39;s compatible with a horse&#39;s normal body temperature. The bit warmer of the present invention is a self contained unit made with an electronically powered heating pad as its heat source which is insulated with a foam tube and covered in a nylon material. The bit warmer opens at the center of the tube and a cold bit can be laid across the center of the tube. The tube is then secured around the bit with a closure strap and the heating element is then plugged in. Within minutes, while the rider is grooming, saddling up, and preparing their horse for their ride, the cold bit is being warmed to a comfortable temperature for the horse. 
     The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and features and advantages, other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear view of the bit warmer of the present invention in an open position. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the bit warmer of the present invention in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a right front view of the bit warmer of the present invention in a closed position. 
         FIG. 4  is a left front view of the bit warmer of the present invention in a closed position. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the bit warmer of the present invention wrapped around a bit. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bit warmer of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the bit warmer of the present invention illustrating the relationship between the carbon heating element and the pouch. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings in general and to  FIGS. 1-7  in particular, there is provided a bit warmer  100 . Bit warmer  100  has a carbon heating element  10  that is contained within a water resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cover. Carbon heating element  10  has an electrical plug connected to it. Alternatively, other power sources, such as batteries, may be used. The wattage of carbon heating element  10  may range from 4 to 10 watts. In an alternative embodiment, a piece of insulation (not shown) is adhesively attached to carbon heating element  10 . Carbon heating element  10  is then placed in a nylon pouch  20  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Pouch  20  may be made of other fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, microfiber, suede, imitation leather, leather, and/or vinyl. The fabrics may be natural or synthetic. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , pouch  20  has an exterior side  22  and an interior side  24 . Pouch  20  is secured by a hook and loop fastener  25 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the loop portion of fastener  25  is positioned on a bottom edge of exterior side  22  of pouch  20 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , the hook portion of fastener  25  is positioned on a top edge of interior side  24  of pouch  20 . The pouch may be secured by other means, such as snaps, zippers, and/or buttons. Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  6 , pouch  20  is tri-folded. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the encased carbon heating element is plugged into an available outlet, then wrapped around the mouth piece of the bit. Pouch  20  containing  10  carbon heating element  10  is then fastened so that the bit is enveloped by pouch  20 . Bit warmer  100  fits all types and sizes of bridle bits. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.