Patent Description:
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. For example, <CIT> describes a muzzle for animals made of material which is moldable upon application of heat or other energy. Another example, <CIT>, describes a grazing restrictor made of a flat flexible plastic material having a body and outwardly extending segments each with openings, attachable to a halter with straps. The restrictor allows controlled restriction of grass intake whereby breathing and water intake of the animal is not impaired. What is needed is an improved design that addresses the many drawbacks with existing muzzles.

The present invention meets the above described need by providing a grazing restrictor (<NUM>) for attaching to a halter (<NUM>), as defined in claim <NUM>. The restrictor (<NUM>) includes a body portion (<NUM>) surrounding a central opening (<NUM>). A plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) extend outward from the body portion (<NUM>). The elongate segments (19a-h) have a plurality of openings (<NUM>) defined therein. The elongate segments (19a-h) are capable of being folded upward relative to the body portion (<NUM>) to form the shape of a muzzle.

A plurality of ties (<NUM>) have a first end capable of being inserted through one or more of the openings (<NUM>) in the elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) and a second end capable of extending around the halter (<NUM>) and being connected to the first end in end to end fashion such that the restrictor (<NUM>) is capable of being supported by the halter (<NUM>).

The body portion (<NUM>) and elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) are formed as a unitary member.

The body portion (<NUM>) and elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) are formed from an elastic material.

In an aspect, the body portion (<NUM>) and elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) are constructed of polyether urethane.

In an additional aspect, the restrictor (<NUM>) may further comprise a plurality of ventilation openings (<NUM>) formed in one of the body portion (<NUM>) and the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>).

In another aspect, the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) may further comprise finger-like projections having rounded edges.

In another aspect, the plurality of ties (<NUM>) comprise low profile cable ties.

In yet another aspect, the restrictor (<NUM>) further comprises one or more ventilation openings (<NUM>) in the body portion (<NUM>).

In another aspect, the restrictor (<NUM>) further comprises one or more ventilation openings (<NUM>) in the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>).

In another aspect, the central opening (<NUM>) is sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a grazing restrictor (<NUM>) is configured for attaching to a halter (<NUM>). The restrictor (<NUM>) comprises a body portion (<NUM>) surrounding a central opening (<NUM>). The central opening (<NUM>) is sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) extend outward from the body portion (<NUM>). The plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) have a plurality of openings (<NUM>) defined therein. The plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) are capable of being folded upward relative to the body portion (<NUM>) to form the shape of a muzzle. A plurality of ties (<NUM>) have a first end capable of being inserted through one or more of the openings (<NUM>) in the elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) and a second end capable of extending around the halter (<NUM>) and being connected to the first end such that the restrictor (<NUM>) is capable of being supported by the halter (<NUM>) on the horse (<NUM>).

The body portion (<NUM>) and the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) 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 present disclosure, a grazing restrictor (<NUM>) is configured for attaching to a halter (<NUM>). The restrictor (<NUM>) comprises a body portion (<NUM>) having a central opening (<NUM>) sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments (19a-h) extend outward from the body portion (<NUM>). The aspect includes means for attaching the restrictor (<NUM>) to the halter (<NUM>). And the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) are configured and arranged such that, when the restrictor (<NUM>) is attached to the halter (<NUM>), the elongate segments (19a-h) are biased outwardly from the halter (<NUM>). In another aspect of the present disclosure, a combination includes a halter (<NUM>) and a grazing restrictor (<NUM>) configured and arranged to be mounted thereon. The restrictor (<NUM>) comprises a body portion (<NUM>) surrounding a central opening (<NUM>). The central opening (<NUM>) is sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) extend outward from the body portion (<NUM>). The plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) have a plurality of openings (<NUM>) defined therein. The plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) are capable of being folded upward relative to the body portion (<NUM>) to form the shape of a muzzle. The body portion (<NUM>) and the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) 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.

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>, merely for the purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, the present embodiment provides a grazing restrictor <NUM>. The grazing restrictor <NUM> is constructed as a unitary, flat member having a body portion <NUM> located toward the center of the restrictor <NUM>. A central opening <NUM> may be disposed at the approximate center of the device. A plurality of elongate segments 19a-<NUM> extend in multiple directions from the body portion <NUM>. Segment 19a extends upward from the body portion <NUM> of the restrictor <NUM>. Segments 19b-19d extend to the right of the body portion <NUM>. Segment 19e extends downward from the body portion <NUM> and may be disposed in the opposite direction from Segment 19a. Segments 19f-<NUM> extend to the left of the body portion <NUM> and may be disposed opposite from Segments 19b-19d. Ventilation openings <NUM> may be formed in segments 19a and 19e. Additional ventilation openings may be provided in the body portion <NUM> or in the segments 19a-<NUM>.

A plurality of openings <NUM> are disposed in the segments 19a-<NUM>. The openings <NUM> on each segment 19a-<NUM> are arranged in linear fashion from a first opening <NUM> disposed closer to the center of the device to a last opening <NUM> disposed near a distal end <NUM> of the respective segment.

The restrictor <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be formed from a polyether urethane film or sheet. The film/sheet may be approximately <NUM>-<NUM> thick. Other thicknesses of film or sheet may also be suitable. The restrictor <NUM> may be die cut to form a unitary member. The restrictor may be approximately twenty (<NUM>) to twenty-eight (<NUM>) inches in diameter. The restrictor <NUM> may be formed from a thin, lightweight and elastic material that is capable of laying flat as shown in <FIG>. The restrictor <NUM> is formed from an elastic material such that when it is removed from the state shown in <FIG>, it returns to its original flat shape shown in <FIG>. The restrictor <NUM> may be formed from a clear material and may be provided with a plurality of openings to increase ventilation.

Turning to <FIG>, the elongate segments 19a-<NUM> can be folded upward (i.e., normal to the page with respect to the orientation shown in <FIG>) from the end of the body portion <NUM> to from a muzzle for mounting around the mouth of a horse <NUM>. Although the restrictor <NUM> is shown in connection with a horse <NUM>, the restrictor <NUM> may be configured and arranged for use with other animals. The muzzle is formed by attaching the elongate segments 19a-<NUM> to a halter <NUM> by means of low profile cable ties <NUM> that may be inserted through the openings <NUM>. The cable ties <NUM> are one example of elongate members having a first end and a second end configured to extend through the openings <NUM> in the elongate segments 19a-h and around the halters <NUM> and to connect in end to end fashion to attach the restrictor <NUM> to the halter <NUM>. 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 <NUM> is adjustable by means of the plurality of openings <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the arrangement of the openings <NUM> in a line provides for a single size for the restrictor <NUM> configured for use with various sizes of animals and halters.

The present disclosure also provides a combination that includes a halter <NUM> and a grazing restrictor <NUM> configured and arranged to be mounted thereon. The restrictor <NUM> comprises a body portion <NUM> surrounding a central opening <NUM>. The central opening <NUM> is sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments 19a-<NUM> extend outward from the body portion <NUM>. The plurality of elongate segments 19a-<NUM> have a plurality of openings <NUM> defined therein. The plurality of elongate segments 19a-<NUM> are capable of being folded upward relative to the body portion <NUM> to form the shape of a muzzle. The body portion <NUM> and the plurality of elongate segments 19a-<NUM> 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 <NUM> allows for more airflow which inhibits bacterial growth. Also, the spring-like properties of the restrictor <NUM> provide that when the restrictor <NUM> is attached to the halter <NUM> the elongate segments 19a-h are configured and arranged such that they are biased away from the halter <NUM>. As a result, the spring-like properties of the elastic materials used for construction keep the restrictor <NUM> from laying on the nose of the horse <NUM> thereby preventing and or reducing rubbing and irritation. The spring-like properties of the restrictor <NUM> also provide for minimal skin contact on any portion of the horse <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A grazing restrictor (<NUM>) for attaching to a halter (<NUM>), the restrictor (<NUM>) comprising:
a body portion (<NUM>) having at least one central opening (<NUM>);
a plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) extending outward from the body portion (<NUM>), the elongate segments having a plurality of openings (<NUM>) defined therein, the plurality of openings (<NUM>) being arranged in linear fashion from a first opening disposed closer to the central opening (<NUM>) to a last opening disposed near a distal end (<NUM>) of each respective segment, the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) configured and arranged to fold upward relative to the body portion (<NUM>) to form the shape of a muzzle; and,
a plurality of ties (<NUM>) configured to be inserted through one or more of the plurality of openings (<NUM>) and around the halter (<NUM>), wherein the plurality of ties (<NUM>) can be associated with the first opening or the last opening to permit adjusting the fit of the grazing restrictor (<NUM>),
wherein the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) are configured to position the body portion (<NUM>) relative to the halter (<NUM>),
wherein the body portion (<NUM>) and the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) are formed as a unitary, elastic member configured and arranged to lay flat in a first configuration and to be folded into the shape of the muzzle by folding the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) upward relative to the body portion (<NUM>) in a second configuration and attached to the halter (<NUM>), and
wherein the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) are configured and arranged such that, when the restrictor (<NUM>) is removed from the halter (<NUM>), the plurality of elongate segments (19a-<NUM>) return to the first configuration.