Horse bit with plastic coating

Abstract

Horse bit (1) with two lateral parts (3) and a one-piece bar (2) arranged between the lateral parts (3), which forms a bore (4a) at each of its outer ends for the free movable reception of one of the lateral parts (3), wherein the bar (2) has a bar core (2') with a wire rope (5) extending between the bores (4a), and the wire rope (5) is guided between the bores (4a) in a symmetrical curvature, which is sheathed with at least one layer (6a, 6b) of a plastic to form a plastic sheath (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a curved bit for horses, also known as a snaffle bit, consisting of two lateral parts, for example bit rings, which are connected to each other by a one-piece bar, also known as a bit bar. For this purpose, the bar has a bore at each of its opposite ends for the free movement of one lateral part, such as the bit ring.

[0002] Both in practice and in relevant horse books, unbroken bits (those with a one-piece mouthpiece, also known as straight bar bits) and jointed bits, especially the so-called snaffle, are widely known. A bit must generally lie painlessly in the horse's mouth and transmit the rein movement to the horse's tongue or jaw with the desired clarity (yet gently). There are bits, such as the continuous rubber bit, where the mouthpiece is made entirely of rubber and is therefore very soft for the horse's mouth, but these have the disadvantage of providing poor control and are prone to being easily bitten through.On the other hand, there is a curved metallic bar bit that has a very harsh effect on the horse, the harshness of which gradually destroys the sensitivity of the mouth as well as the horse's controllability.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a horse bit that, through improved adaptation to the anatomy of the horse's mouth, allows for more sensitive control of the horse, preserves the horse's sensitivity for as long as possible, and is inexpensive to manufacture. This objective is achieved by a horse bit according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined in any technologically meaningful way and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description, particularly in conjunction with the figures, further characterizes and specifies the invention.

[0004] The horse bit according to the invention comprises two lateral parts and a one-piece bar arranged between these parts, the bar having a bore at each of its outer ends for the freely movable mounting of one of the lateral parts. The one-piece bar is understood to be an unbroken, curved bit bar connecting the lateral parts. According to the invention, the term "one-piece" is intended only to exclude the bar from being articulated between the bores, although a multi-component construction of the bar from components rigidly connected to one another, for example, by a material bond, cannot be excluded.

[0005] According to the invention, the bracket has a core with a wire rope extending between the bores, the wire rope being guided between the bores in a symmetrical curve, preferably a central curve. The wire rope is a braided or so-called laid rope, in which the wires are made of a metallic material, formed into strands or cords, and these are then braided or twisted, i.e., laid, to form the rope. For example, the wire rope has a thickness of 1.5 to 3.0 mm, such as 2 mm.

[0006] According to the invention, the wire rope is further encased with at least one layer of a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer, in order to form a plastic sheathing of the bracket.

[0007] Due to its symmetrical curvature, the bit adapts to the central position of the tongue and gives it freedom of movement. For example, it partially encloses the tongue laterally in a widened semicircle, which then ends at both ends before passing through the corner of the mouth in a slight counter-movement in the form of a weak curvature of the right and left limbs.

[0008] The difference between a straight bit and a snaffle bit according to the invention, with its symmetrical curve that allows tongue freedom, is that different pressure points are addressed. With a straight bit not according to the invention, the sole pressure point is more or less centrally located on the tongue, whereas the snaffle bit according to the invention creates several pressure points more laterally on the tongue or on the bars of the mouth, which increases sensitivity in many horses. The symmetrical curve ensures gentle steering to the right or left while simultaneously protecting the opposite lip of the horse during predominantly one-sided rein pressure. The horse feels this predominantly one-sided rein pressure immediately in its mouth and not only after the bit has passed over the opposite lip. It can also react more sensitively.

[0009] Furthermore, the stirrup with tongue relief is better adapted to the anatomy of a horse's mouth than a straight bar, thus ensuring a more stable seat in the horse's mouth.

[0010] The plastic coating on the stirrup ensures that, especially with light rein contact, the horse experiences a relatively soft bit shape on its tongue, allowing it to comfortably lean against it and establish the necessary connection between its mouth and the rider's hand. As the contact increases and the horse exerts more resistance to the rider's hand, the wire rope provides sufficient stabilization and counter-pressure, while retaining a degree of flexibility compared to a rigid bar. This flexibility allows for more sensitive communication with the horse, preventing any risk of injury to its mouth.The increasing counter-pressure, similar to that of conventional bits, forces the horse to respect the restrained rein aid by slowing down. The flexibility of the inventive solution limits this counter-pressure, for example, caused by an overreaction or clumsiness on the part of the rider. Due to the high flexibility of the stirrup bar according to the invention, the horse's mouth remains soft for longer and is therefore more sensitive to the rein aids. Furthermore, the horse is easier for the rider to control in dangerous situations. In addition, the wire rope ensures a minimum level of control of the horse even if the plastic coating is chewed through, and its surface texture provides improved and lasting adhesion of the plastic coating.

[0011] Preferably, the shackle, and in particular the shackle core, has two eyelets that are attached to the ends of the wire rope and form the bores. Preferably, the eyelets are each formed as turned parts to simplify manufacturing.

[0012] For example, the wire rope can be permanently attached to the eyelets at its opposite ends, particularly by welding. However, if the weld is faulty, this weld can represent a weak point: if individual wires come loose at the weld, injuries can occur. If the wire rope comes completely loose, the horse can bite through the plastic, and the horse will no longer be at least controllable.

[0013] To minimize this risk, however, the wire rope with its opposite ends is simply guided around the eyelets, preferably without a material-bonded connection to the eyelet, such as welding or soldering, to form a terminal loop in each case.

[0014] Preferably, the opposite ends of the wire rope are each connected to a wire rope connector, forming a loop, by means of a crimp clamp. More preferably, the free end of the wire rope is not recessed beyond the crimp clamp, but rather flush with the crimp clamp or contained within the crimp clamp itself.

[0015] Preferably, each eyelet forms a groove on its outer surface that at least partially surrounds the bore, in which the wire rope is at least partially received.

[0016] Preferably, the wire rope and / or the eyelets are each made of stainless steel, preferably rust-free stainless steel.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the axes of the bores are aligned parallel to each other in a common plane, wherein the at least one symmetrical curvature is described by a radius of curvature lying in a plane of curvature, and wherein the plane of curvature and the plane common to the bores enclose an angle of 30.0° to less than 45.0°, preferably 40.0° to 43.0°, more preferably 41.0° to 42.0°, for example 41.36°. For example, the maximum clear distance of the yoke from an imaginary connecting line linking the respective geometric centers of the eyelets is located centrally between the bores of the eyelets and is, for example, 10.0 to 20.0 mm, more preferably 15.0 to 18.0 mm.

[0018] Preferably, the plastic coating is designed such that, in addition to the wire rope, the eyelets are also coated in a direction circumferential to the axis of the bores, while allowing the bores to remain open.

[0019] Preferably, the bracket between the eyelets has a substantially uniform cross-section, particularly over a central section comprising 90% of its total length from axis to axis. The central section is defined as the portion of the bracket between the eyelets that lies outside the thickening surrounding each eyelet. For example, the cross-section is round, and the diameter is in the range of 10.0 to 15.0 mm, such as 12.0 mm.

[0020] Preferably, the plastic sheathing is formed by several layers consisting of an inner first plastic layer and an outer second plastic layer, which are, for example, bonded together. For example, the inner first plastic layer serves to pre-fix the wire rope during the manufacturing process. Preferably, the plastic of the outer second plastic layer has a Shore D hardness in the range of 40 to 50, more preferably 46 to 47, for example 45.

[0021] Preferably, the outer second plastic layer of the plastic coating, i.e., forming the outer surface of the bracket, is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0022] The invention permits further particularly advantageous embodiments, some of which are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, "above" means the area adjacent to the horse's ears, "below" the area of ​​the muzzle, "front" the area of ​​the nasal bone, and "back" the area of ​​the lower jaw. The drawings show: • Fig. 1a a view from a front, slightly downward-shifted viewing position of a first embodiment of the denture 1 according to the invention; • Fig. 1b a view from a front view position of a second embodiment of the denture 1 according to the invention; • Fig. 2 a perspective exploded view of the bracket 2 used in the first and second embodiments from a rear, upper, side view position; • Fig. 3 a perspective view of the ironing core 2' used in the inventive method from a rear, upper, side view position; • Fig. 4 a perspective view of the stirrup core 2' arranged in a shaping tool 10 in the inventive method; • Fig. 5 a perspective line drawing of the bracket 2 produced according to an embodiment of the inventive method; • Fig. 6 a side view of the bracket produced according to the invention 2.

[0023] The in Fig. The bit 1 shown in Figure 1a has the form of a solid bar 2 that is essentially closed at both ends. At each end of the bar 2, the bit 1 is provided with a bore 4a for a side piece 3, which, when inserted into the Fig. The first version shown in 1 is designed as a round bit ring made of stainless steel or silver and is guided through the respective bore 4a and is freely movable therein. The in Fig. In the second embodiment of the inventive denture 1 shown in 1b, the side part 3 is designed as a D-shaped denture ring.

[0024] The bracket 1 of the first and second embodiments is, as a whole, curved upwards and forwards from a plane parallel to the plane of the paper, which is spanned by the axes A extending through the two bores 4a, in order to form a curved region 2c extending symmetrically over the center Z of the bracket 2. More precisely, the bracket 2 extends on each side over a thickening 2a surrounding the bore 4a, a slightly curved leg region 2b immediately adjoining the thickening 2a, with a curvature direction reversed compared to the central curved region 2c, and then transitions into the central curved region 2c, which is symmetrically curved with respect to the center Z. Here, the stirrup has an essentially identical cross-section over the central area defined by the leg areas 2b and the central curvature area 2c, which makes up at least 90% of the total length from axis A to axis A.Here, the cross-section is round, and the diameter is in the range of 10.0 to 15.0 mm, such as 12.0 mm. The curved bar 2, even without rein pressure, points towards the horse's palate with its central curve 2c and is bent around the tongue in such a way as to provide sufficient clearance. This shape of the bit 1, and especially of the bar 2, has no sharp edges on its outer circumference, is consistently smooth, and allows sufficient freedom of movement when the reins are loose. The lateral shank sections 2b of the bit 1, located on both sides of the center Z, before they reach the area of ​​the lips, must have a slight counter-curve to protect the lips. The central curve 2c, bent around the tongue, essentially holds the bit 1 in the center of the mouth when rein pressure is increased on one side, thus making it difficult for the bit 1 to slip through the gaps in the horse's mouth.

[0025] How Fig. As further shown in Figure 2, the bracket 2 has a bracket core 2' with a wire rope 5 extending between the bores 4a, wherein the wire rope 5 is guided between the bores 4a in the central symmetrical curve to define the central curvature region 2c. The wire rope 5 is a braided or so-called laid rope, in which the wires are made of a metallic material and formed into strands or strands, and these are then braided or twisted, i.e., laid, to form the rope. For example, the wire rope has a wire rope diameter of 1.5 to 3.0 mm, such as 2 mm. The bracket 2, in particular the bracket core 2', has two eyelets 4 formed as turned parts, which are attached at the ends of the wire rope 5 and which form the bores. The wire rope 5 and the eyelets 4 are each made of stainless steel, preferably rust-free stainless steel.

[0026] To minimize the risk of injury to the horse from individual wire breakage, the wire rope 5 is guided with its opposite ends around the respective eyelet 4 in a groove 4b circumferential to the respective eyelet 4, i.e. without any material connection between wire rope 5 and eyelet 4, in order to form a terminal loop 5a in each case.

[0027] As the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. As further shown in Figure 5, the opposite ends of the wire rope 5 are each connected to a connecting piece of the wire rope 5, forming a loop 5a, by means of a crimp clamp 7. The free end of the wire rope 5 is either flush with the crimp clamp 7 or contained within the crimp clamp 7 without protruding beyond it.

[0028] How Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the bracket core 2', which includes the wire rope 5 and the eyelets 4, is encased with two layers 6a, 6b, each made of a plastic, namely a thermoplastic, to form a plastic sheath 6. The plastic sheath 6 is designed such that, in addition to the wire rope 5, the eyelets 4 are also encased in a direction circumferential to the axis A of the bores 4a, while allowing access to the bores 4a.

[0029] The outer, i.e., forming the outer surface of the bracket 5, second plastic layer 6b of the plastic sheathing 6 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore D hardness in the range of 40 to 50, preferably 46 to 47, for example 45.

[0030] The plastic coating 6, in particular the second plastic layer 6b made of thermoplastic elastomer, of the stirrup 2 ensures that the horse, especially when the reins are held lightly, encounters a comparatively soft bit shape on its tongue, against which the horse can comfortably lean to establish the necessary connection between its mouth and the rider's hand. The increasing counter-pressure, similar to conventional bits, compels the horse to respect the restrained rein aid by slowing down, whereby the flexibility of the solution according to the invention limits the counter-pressure, for example, caused by an overreaction or clumsiness on the part of the rider. Due to the high flexibility of the stirrup 2 according to the invention, the horse's mouth remains soft for longer and is thus more sensitive in its reactions to the rein aids. Furthermore, the horse is easier for the rider to control in dangerous situations.Furthermore, the wire rope 5 ensures a minimum level of control over the horse in the event of a chewing through of the plastic coating 6 and, due to its surface structuring, provides improved and permanent adhesion of the plastic coating 6.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows the yoke core 2' prepared for the inventive method. For this purpose, the wire rope 5 is loosely guided with its opposite ends around the respective eyelet 4 in a groove 4b circumferencing the respective eyelet 4 in order to form an end loop 5a. The opposite ends of the wire rope 5 are each crimped to the connecting piece of the wire rope 5 connecting the eyelets 4 by means of a crimping clamp 7, forming the loop 5a. The free end of the wire rope 5 is received without protrusion beyond the crimping clamp 7, but rather flush with the crimping clamp 7 or lying inside the crimping clamp 7.

[0032] How Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the bracket core 2' is arranged in a cavity 11 of a tool half 10 of the forming tool, wherein positioning pins 12 of the forming tool are provided as a positioning aid for the eyelets 4, in each case when the bracket core 2' is arranged as intended.

[0033] For example, the yoke core 2' is overmolded several times, possibly after adjustment or change of the molding tool. The first plastic layer 6a, produced by the first overmolding, serves to fix the wire rope 5. In the second overmolding, the second plastic layer 6b is produced, so that the yoke core 2', which has the wire rope 5 and the eyelets 4, is encased with two plastic layers 6a and 6b, each made of a different plastic, namely a thermoplastic, to form a plastic sheath 6. The plastic sheath 6 is designed such that, in addition to the wire rope 5, the eyelets 4 are also encased in a direction circumferential to the axis A of the bores 4a, while allowing access to the bores 4a, in order to prevent the wire rope 5 from being encased. Fig. To obtain the 5 shown brackets 2.

[0034] The outer, i.e., the outer surface of the bracket, second plastic layer 6b of the plastic sheathing 6 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer which has a Shore D hardness in the range of 40 to 50, preferably 46 to 47, for example 45.

[0035] How Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the axes A of the bores 4a of the eyelets 4 are aligned parallel to each other in a common plane, wherein the at least one symmetrical curvature is described by a radius of curvature lying in a plane of curvature C, and the plane common to the axes A and the plane of curvature C encloses an angle of 30.0° to less than 45.0°, preferably 40.0° to 43.0°, more preferably 41.0° to 42.0°, for example 41.36°. As shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig.Figure 6 shows that the largest clear distance I of the bracket 5 from an imaginary connecting line connecting the respective geometric centers of the eyelets 4 is prescribed in the center Z between the bores 4a of the eyelets 4 and is, for example, 10.0 to 20.0 mm, preferably 15.0 to 18.0 mm.

Claims

[1] Horse bit (1) with two lateral parts (3) and a one-piece bar (2) arranged between the lateral parts (3), the bar forming a bore (4a) at each of its outer ends for the free movement of one of the lateral parts (3), the bar (2) having a bar core (2') with a wire rope (5) extending between the bores (4a), and the wire rope (5) being guided between the bores (4a) in a symmetrical curve, which is sheathed with at least one layer (6a, 6b) of a plastic to form a plastic sheath (6). [2] Horse bit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bracket (2) has two eyelets (4) which are attached at the ends of the wire rope (5) and which form the bores (4a). [3] Horse bit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the eyelets (4) are each designed as a turned part. [4] Horse bit (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the wire rope (5) is guided with its opposite ends around the eyelets (4) to form a terminal loop (5a) in each case. [5] Horse bit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opposite ends of the wire rope (5) are each connected to a connecting piece of the wire rope (5) connecting the eyelets (4) by means of a crimp clamp (7) forming the loop (5a). [6] Horse bit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the free end of the wire rope (5) is received in the crimp clamp (7) without protrusion, such as flush or lying inside. [7] Horse bit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each eyelet (4) forms a groove (4b) at least partially circumferentially around the bore (4a) in which the wire rope (5) is at least partially received. [8] Horse bit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wire rope (5) and / or the eyelets (4) are each made of stainless steel, preferably rust-free stainless steel. [9] Horse bit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axes (A) of the bores (4a) are aligned parallel to each other in a common plane and a radius of curvature defining the symmetrical curvature lies in a plane of curvature (C) which forms an angle of 30.0° to less than 45.0°, preferably 40.0° to 43.0°, more preferably 41.0° to 42.0°, for example 41.36° with the plane common to the axes (A). [10] Horse bit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic coating (6) is designed such that the eyelets (4) are coated in a direction circumferential to the axis (A) of the bores (4a) while releasing the bores (4a). [11] Horse bit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic coating (6) between the eyelets (4) has a substantially the same diameter. [12] Horse bit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic coating (6) is formed by several layers (6a, 6b) consisting of an inner first plastic layer (6a) and an outer second plastic layer (6b). [13] Horse bit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a plastic of the outer second plastic layer (6b) has a Shore D hardness in the range of 40 to 50, preferably 46 to 47, for example 45.

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