Patent Publication Number: US-2009223181-A1

Title: Bridle

Description:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to horse equipment and accessories, and more particularly to a bridle. 
     A bridle is a device for controlling, guiding or restraining a horse. It fits over a horse&#39;s head and gives the rider or driver control over the horse. Typically, a bridle includes a bit for positioning in the horse&#39;s mouth. 
     ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to various aspects of the present invention. 
     One aspect of the present invention includes a bridle having a head piece with first and second end portions, and brow and nose bands operably connected to the head piece. An auxiliary strap extends in a channel in the head piece, and passes through the thickness of the head piece adjacent the first and second end portions thereof. A cushion is provided on the underside of the head piece. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a bridle having a head piece with first and second end portions, a throat piece operably connected to the head piece, and a nose band strap. A portion of the nose band strap extends in a channel provided between first and second laterally spaced head straps of the head piece. A cushion, on the underside of the head piece, is operably connected to the portion of the nose band strap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       One of the above and other aspects, novel features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) invention, as illustrated in the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the bridle of the present invention, shown mounted on a horse&#39;s head; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the bridle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial enlarged view of the head piece of the bridle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a partial, exploded view, similar to  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the bridle B of the present invention includes a head piece  10 , a brow band  12 , and a nose band  14 , interconnected in a known manner. Throat and cheek pieces  16  and  18 , respectively, are preferably continuous with the head piece  10  and each includes a buckle  20  for varying the length thereof. Left and right nose band straps  22  and  24 , respectively, are adjustably connected to the nose band  14 , and include a common nose band portion  26  that forms a part of the head piece  10 , described below in more detail. 
     The head piece  10  includes left and right end portions  28  and  30 , adjacent to where the brow band  12  is positioned ( FIG. 2 ). 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , the head piece includes laterally spaced head straps  32  and  34 , defining therebetween a channel or slot  36 . Preferably, the channel  36  extends through the thickness of the head piece  10  and spans between the left and right end portions  28  and  30  thereof. 
     As best shown in FIGS.  2  and  3 - 6 , a cushion  38  is provided on the underside of head piece  10  and extends between the left and right end portions  28  and  30 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the cushion  38  is preferably attached to the head straps  32  and  34 , by individual stitching  40  and  42 , respectively. One of the main purposes of the cushion  38  is to provide comfort to the horse by reducing or preventing friction or irritation caused by direct contact of the head piece  10  with the horse&#39;s head. To improve this comfort, the cushion  38  includes a preferably centrally positioned resilient mass  44 , and open chambers  46  and  48 , one on either side thereof. The cushion  38  is connected to the common nose band portion  26  by a stitching  50 . 
     Preferably, the thickness of each of the head straps  32  and  34 , and nose band common portion  26 , are substantially the same so as to have a uniform thickness T 1 , forming a planar or substantially planar top surface  52 . The thickness T 2  of the cushion  38  is preferably more than the thickness T 1 , and is preferably twice as much. Preferably, the widths W 1  and W 2  of the head straps  32  and  34 , respectively, are substantially the same. However, the width W 3  of the nose band common portion  26  is preferably more than each width W 1  and W 2 . On the other hand, preferably the width W 4  of the cushion  38  is substantially equal to or more than the combined total width (W 1 +W 2 +W 3 ) of the head straps  32  and  34  and the nose band common portion  26 . It is noted herewith that the foregoing dimensions illustrate a preferred embodiment, and can be varied. For instance, widths W 1 , W 2 , and W 3  can be same or substantially the same. Likewise, the thicknesses T 1  and T 2  can be also be same or substantially the same, and the width W 4  can be less than the combined total width (W 1 +W 2 +W 3 ) of the head straps  32  and  34  and the nose band common portion  26 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the nose band common portion  26  is recessed in channel  36 , and passes through the thickness of the head piece  10  adjacent head piece end portions  28  and  30 , so as to run thereunder. 
     It is noted therewith that it is within the scope of this invention to change the number and/or position of the stitching to assemble the head piece. Likewise, it is within the scope of the invention to use other techniques or structures to complete the assembly of the head piece. Along the same lines, the overall structure/components of the cushion can be varied. 
     While this invention has been described as having preferred sequences, ranges, steps, materials, structures, features, components, or designs, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as those come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention.