Knitted horse blanket

Abstract

Horse blanket for protection against insects, in particular for protection against midges and horseflies and against black flies, wherein the horse blanket has at least one 3D spacer fabric and the 3D spacer fabric consists of two layers of fabric which are connected to each other by intervening threads and are kept at a distance, characterized by a 3D spacer fabric, that with a thickness of 1.5mm to 10mm at least one layer of the spacer fabric has a mesh size of less than 0.4 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.3 mm, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.25 mm at the largest meshes

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a horse blanket.

[0002] Horse blankets are available in various designs.

[0003] There are fly sheets and eczema sheets.

[0004] These blankets consist of an open mesh or net, whereby these blankets are open or closed at the stomach.

[0005] Summerrain blankets have a closed back and a mesh or net on the sides to protect them from rain.

[0006] There are outdoor blankets that are lightweight and protect against rain.

[0007] These blankets can also be open or closed on the stomach.

[0008] Winter rugs differ from outdoor rugs in that they are heavy-duty, providing adequate protection for horses even in cold weather. Textiles are measured by their so-called grammage, which is the weight per square meter. Heavy-duty versions have a grammage of up to 400 grams per square meter.

[0009] A variety of shapes and designs of horse blankets or rugs are known from the state of the art. The selection of a particular type or style of blanket can be influenced by a number of variables. These variables include, for example, --the size of the horse, --the climate in which the blanket is to be worn, --whether the horse will spend most of its time indoors or outdoors --how long the blanket should be worn.

[0010] The size of horse blankets varies greatly and ranges from very small, light blankets to relatively large blankets with a higher surface weight --Stable blankets to horse blankets for racehorses that are kept warm while they cool down after training --to turnout rugs, which are among the largest of all types of horse rugs. Turnout rugs are designed to protect a horse in cold climates and adverse weather conditions. -to blankets designed to prevent a horse from losing its condition because it has to expend large amounts of energy to keep warm --up to blankets that are called eczema blankets --up to blankets that are called fly sheets

[0011] The eczema blankets and fly rugs are usually used in summer. Summertime is insect season. There are biting insects, -which only create wounds that become inflamed and cause infections along the way. Inflamed areas cause itching and pain. -which cause infections immediately upon bite, for example by introducing germs, bacteria, viruses. -which only cause allergic reactions with redness, swelling, and itching, causing horses to bite and rub themselves in the affected areas, stamping with their hooves as much as possible, and causing infections along the way. The allergic reactions alone can make horses nervous and unpredictable. In addition, the biting and kicking can cause injuries. At the very least, unsightly coat damage can result. The mane, tail, and belly are frequently affected.

[0012] The insects to be repelled include, in particular, midges (gnats), horseflies, blackflies and other mosquitoes as well as other biting and sucking insects, e.g. deer flies (flying ticks).

[0013] Midges are also a species of mosquito, genus Culicoides. They belong to the order Diptera and the suborder Mosquitoes. Midges reproduce rapidly. Their bite is initially painless. As with black flies, saliva enters the wound. The victim's body immediately reacts to the saliva with painful itching. Since midges usually appear in swarms, each victim is covered with numerous bites. Their victims include humans and animals, including livestock such as horses. There are pictures of people whose exposed skin is covered with midge bites. Entire swarms of midges feed on free-roaming livestock. Horses are particularly sensitive. The reaction is extreme when areas covered in mosquito bites are placed under the saddle, causing them to sweat.

[0014] Midges are responsible for the development of sweet itch, especially in hypersensitive horses, as these horses are allergic to certain proteins in the midge's saliva. The resulting itching easily causes these horses to rub themselves until they bleed.

[0015] Horseflies are considerable in size. Their bite is also painful. Horseflies typically plague horses from May to September, and even longer, depending on the weather.

[0016] Although black flies are small, they always appear in large numbers at the same time. Their bite doesn't hurt immediately, but the bite also injects mosquito saliva into the skin, causing intense itching. Mass bites can even trigger cardiovascular failure.

[0017] Deer flies are known to infest wild animals, but are also increasingly attacking pets and horses. Deer flies stay on their victims for extended periods and bite repeatedly. Sensitive horses can react with panic to a bite from these parasites. The consequences of deer fly bites include skin inflammation with hives, pus-filled sores, and fever.

[0018] There are commercially available blankets called eczema blankets, which are designed to alleviate the problems listed above. These blankets are designed to be breathable and prevent the horse from sweating. Some consider it important that the eczema blanket fits the horse perfectly. The material used is breathable fabric. Eczema blankets are usually made of Lycra or tightly woven polyester (blend) fabric.

[0019] Lycra fabrics are usually single-layered, or woven in two layers.

[0020] From a human perspective, conventional eczema blankets do provide a certain degree of protection, but they don't keep out all insects. Those with sufficiently long proboscises / biting tools can still penetrate existing tissue.

[0021] The invention is therefore based on the object of improving eczema blankets. This is achieved according to the invention with the features of the main claim. The subclaims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0022] The invention draws on the use of 3D spacer fabrics / 3D warp-knitted fabrics known per se for horse blankets. The known spacer fabrics are single-layered. A single 3D warp-knitted fabric is used. However, this 3D warp-knitted fabric consists of two layers of warp, held apart by threads. The 3D warp-knitted fabric is produced on so-called Raschel machines, which guide a polyester thread in such a way that the thread creates both spaced-apart layers and the connecting threads. However, the known horse blankets with this weight do not offer sufficient protection against insects such as horseflies, knee flies, and midges. The invention is therefore based on the consideration -to increase the thickness of the 3D spacer fabric and thus increase the blanket thickness, making it more difficult for insects to bite / sting the horse through the blanket. -Optionally, the knit fabric for the eczema blanket can be tailored to the type of insect expected to attack. Thicker knits can be chosen for horseflies, while other knit properties are important for midges. At the same time, effects on horses and others that go beyond protection against insects must be considered. -Starting from a thickness of 1.5 mm, various thicknesses can be used. Thicknesses up to 10 mm seem possible to meet all essential thickness requirements. Even thicker spacer fabrics are conceivable. However, the weight per unit area of ​​commercially available knits increases significantly with increasing thickness, making these blankets unsuitable for insect protection for many horses. The increased weight interacts with the increased stiffness of the blanket. This increased weight causes horses to sweat more quickly under the blanket. The increased stiffness hinders handling and makes it difficult for the horse to wear it.

[0023] It is advantageous to reduce the specific weight per unit area of ​​the spacer fabric with increasing thickness compared to comparable commercially available spacer fabrics. Specific means that the weight per unit area is calculated per centimeter of fabric thickness, even though the weight is not evenly distributed across the fabric thickness. A large portion of the fabric is concentrated in the spaced layers of the fabric. The threads connecting the spaced layers represent only a comparatively small portion of the fabric.

[0024] According to the invention, it is possible to produce knitted fabrics of different thicknesses, at least in certain regions, from identical threads, identically spaced layers, and the same distribution of the threads spacing the layers (but with different lengths). This results in a lower specific gravity in each of the regions with increasing thickness. Optionally, the relevant thickness ranges extend over one or more millimeters. In extreme cases, the relevant thickness range encompasses all desired different knitted layers.

[0025] The different thicknesses of knitted fabric layers described above can be produced on conventional Raschel machines by varying the spacing of the weaving beams in the machine.

[0026] With other weaving beams, you can also use the usual Raschel machines to -process other (thicker and thinner) threads -create a different thread distribution (more or fewer threads per unit area) between the spaced layers -create other spaced layers

[0027] Using the method described, knitted fabrics can be produced whose specific weight per unit area can be adjusted, at least in some areas, from thickness range to thickness range. This includes maintaining the specific weight per unit area, increasing the specific weight per unit area, or even reducing the specific weight per unit area when changing / increasing the thickness.

[0028] For example, knitted fabrics with the following thicknesses and total basis weight can be produced. Total thickness Basis weight of the total thickness 1.5mm to 2mm less than or equal to 200 grams per square meter, e.g. 130 grams per square meter larger than 2mm to 2.5mm less than or equal to 250 grams per square meter, e.g. 200 grams per square meter larger than 2.5mm to 3mm less than or equal to 300 grams, preferably less than or equal to 270 grams per square meter larger than 3mm to 4mm less than or equal to 400 grams, preferably less than or equal to 300 grams, even more preferably less than or equal to 250 grams per square meter and most preferably greater than or equal to 200 grams per square meter larger than 4mm to 5mm less than or equal to 450 grams, preferably less than or equal to 350 grams, even more preferably less than or equal to 300 grams per square meter larger than 5mm to 6mm less than or equal to 500 grams, preferably less than or equal to 450 grams, even more preferably 400 grams per square meter larger than 6mm to 10mm less than or equal to 600 grams per square meter and / or the knitted fabric is adjusted so that the compression strength is greater than or equal to 50 kg per square meter, preferably greater than or equal to 100 kg per square meter. The measure of compression strength is the weight with which a test specimen of the spacer fabric provided according to the invention is loaded over its entire surface and evenly in such a way that the test specimen experiences a 40% reduction in thickness.

[0029] According to the invention, a low compression strength can be sufficient as long as the eczema blanket does not have to bear significantly more load than its own weight. Compared to conventional knitted layers, the invention results in significant material savings if the knitted fabric is designed to the required compression strength.

[0030] Compared to commercially available 3D knitted fabrics, for example, 10 mm thick with compression strengths of up to 1300 kg per square meter, the compression strength of the knitted fabric for an application according to the invention in an eczema blanket can be easily reduced to 500 kg per square meter at the same thickness. In other applications, a reduction of 90% or more can be achieved. This offers significant advantages.

[0031] Advantageously, the increase in thickness can also be used to improve moisture transport from the coat, i.e. the evaporation and removal of evaporated horse sweat.

[0032] The thickening of the knitted layer according to the invention makes it more difficult for insects with larger proboscises / biting tools to penetrate the horse blanket.

[0033] Advantageously, despite the thickened knitted layer, a comparatively low surface weight can be chosen, because the eczema blankets have to bear little more than their own weight. This reduces the pressure on the horse's coat.

[0034] Roughly speaking, for example, for every millimeter of knitted fabric thickness, a specific surface weight of less than or equal to 100 grams per square meter can be expected. This applies not only to spacer fabrics with a greater thickness than previously known knitted fabrics for horse blankets, but also to spacer fabrics with a lesser thickness than previously known knitted fabrics for horse blankets.

[0035] The air laden with evaporated sweat can be better directed through the fabric with a thicker knit. This can be demonstrated by testing a 3D knitted fabric sample with hot steam, a hairdryer, and feathers from a plumage.

[0036] Thicker conventional spacer fabrics are only available with significant surface weights and compression strengths. Furthermore, thickening conventional spacer fabrics entails considerable additional costs. To achieve a cost-effective spacer fabric despite the thickening according to the invention, the invention proposes, for example, the use of thinner polyester threads. Even with thinner polyester threads, a lower surface weight can easily be achieved. However, a lower surface weight can also be achieved with conventional polyester threads by modifying the knitting process. As a result, the 3D spacer fabrics provided by the invention can be produced with the desired thickness and lower surface weight with or without changing the Raschel machine, on which spacer fabrics with the usual thickness and surface weight are otherwise produced.This is possible as long as there are no significant demands on the deformation resistance of the knitted fabrics beyond protecting the horses from insects.

[0037] The lighter the horse blanket, the less likely the horse is to sweat underneath it. The more the horse sweats, the stronger the horse's smell becomes, and the more it attracts midges, horseflies, black flies, and other insects.

[0038] Advantageously, a blanket according to the invention can lie directly on most horses, even those with eczema. This becomes easier the lower the surface weight of the fabric is.

[0039] It may also be advantageous to provide a spacer fabric intended for the ceiling, the layers of which are connected to one another by threads and kept at a distance, with differently spaced layers of fabric.

[0040] The spaced-apart knitted layers can be produced with either the same or different mesh sizes. Surprising advantages can arise if the mesh size of the fur-side layer is smaller than the mesh size of the outer layer. With a narrow mesh size on the fur side, there is no risk of significant hairs getting caught or broken in the mesh and irritating the horse's coat. Due to the narrow mesh size, extremely small insects, such as midges, can penetrate the blanket but cannot penetrate the fur-side layer and reach the coat.

[0041] The larger biting and stinging insects that can penetrate the fur-side layer of the spacer fabric should be at least largely or completely blocked by the outer layer of the spacer fabric. For some people with eczema, a significant degree of protection from midges will be sufficient. This can be achieved with mesh sizes that are only slightly smaller than the diameter of typical midges. A person with eczema who requires more extensive protection can be accommodated with a narrower mesh size.

[0042] Preferably, a mesh size of less than or equal to 0.3 mm is provided, or less than or equal to 0.25 mm if greater protection is required. According to the invention, if mesh sizes vary within a layer of the spacer fabric, the largest meshes in the layer are also less than 0.4 mm, less than or equal to 0.3 mm, or less than or equal to 0.25 mm. Common midges have a diameter of 0.4 mm.

[0043] To keep larger insects away, layers with larger mesh sizes may be sufficient. Depending on the size of the insects, these mesh sizes can be larger by 1 mm to, for example, 5 mm. In this case, the layers are arranged on the outside. The larger mesh size in the outer layer of the spacer fabric has the advantage of using less material. The larger mesh size also has advantages in wicking away evaporated horse sweat. This is synonymous with a particularly cooling effect for the horse.

[0044] Where cooling the horse is undesirable, or even unwanted, a small mesh size can be provided on the outside. This small mesh size not only keeps out small insects, but also large ones. The small mesh size inhibits air escape and the flow of heat perpendicular to the surface of the blanket. It's conceivable to place the blanket on the outside of the horse for cooling in summer, i.e., with a large mesh size, and on the outside of the horse for warming in winter, i.e., with a smaller mesh size.

[0045] However, where the horse is particularly sensitive, the blanket according to the invention can be provided with a suitable textile layer on the fur side. Suitable textiles could be: -Polyester silk -other breathable, but appropriately woven textiles. The horse blanket according to the invention can have any known cut and / or be combined with any known accessories belonging to a known cut. This can, for example, concern -Neck cover -Head cover -Tail cover -Abdominal cover -Connection of overlapping ends of the blanket and overlapping ends of the blanket with accessory ends. Preferably, such overlaps are provided on the sides of the horse, with an end of the blanket coming from above overlapping the end of the blanket coming from below in such a way that water coming from above cannot penetrate the connection point. The connection can be, for example, a Velcro connection, a strap connection, or a hook connection. -Devices for tensioning the blanket, allowing for a tight or loose fit. This includes every known type and arrangement of tensioning devices on horse blankets.

[0046] The blanket according to the invention can also be a one-piece design with a neck cover, head cover, tail cover, and belly cover. In both a multi-piece and a one-piece design, it is advantageous to create a seal between the blanket material and the horse. Multiple seals are very advantageous, for example, -on the horse's mouth with a blanket that covers the horse up to the mouth -behind the horse's head at the end of the horse's neck with a blanket that covers the horse at least up to the head -in front of the forehand at the beginning of the horse's neck with a blanket covering the horse at least up to that point -at the beginning of the horse's neck with a blanket that covers the horse at least up to that point -behind every forehand -in front of each hindquarters -on each forearm -on each lower leg -on the cannon bone

[0047] The seal is preferably created by tensioning straps that press against the horse blanket from the outside. The tensioning straps can be made entirely or partially of rubber. Belt buckles can be used to create controlled tension. Internal sealing strips on the blanket can also be helpful for sealing. The sealing strips can be made of natural materials or plastic. Open-pore materials are advantageous, as they allow air and gas to pass through but do not allow the relevant insects to pass through. Therefore, strips of spacer fabric, as is intended for horse blankets, can also be used as seals.

[0048] The tensioning straps also allow you to adjust the rug's tight or loose fit. A snug fit can be achieved by ensuring a wrinkle-free fit. Any wrinkles that form when the rug is applied can be pulled out, leaving the rug wrinkle-free after the tensioning straps are attached.

[0049] To create a looser fit, the blanket can be applied while simultaneously forming folds. These folds can be easily created by hand. The folds can also be prepared, for example, by securing a desired fold with a clip before applying the blanket. After applying the blanket and releasing the clips, the fold can allow the horse room to move.

[0050] It is also advisable to have a curtain at least at the ends of the horse blanket on each forearm and each lower leg, which is kept in motion by the wind and the movement of the horse and prevents the relevant insects from crawling under the blanket.

[0051] These curtains can consist of fringes, cords, tabs, and ribbons. Tabs and ribbons offer particular advantages. The tabs and ribbons can be produced by cutting roll material to length. Tabs and ribbons produced in this way can be overlapped along the long edges. An overlap of no more than 5 mm is preferred, even more preferably no more than 3 mm, and most preferably no more than 1 mm.

[0052] If an arrangement of the tabs and bands with spaced longitudinal edges of adjacent tabs and bands is provided, the distance is preferably a maximum of 0.3 mm.

[0053] The flaps and bands can also be created by incisions in closed film and textile materials. This ensures that the adjacent flaps and bands fit together practically seamlessly along the longitudinal edges.

[0054] The curtains are effective at lengths as low as 10cm to 15cm. Lengths greater than 20cm do not appear necessary.

[0055] Furthermore, a ground clearance, i.e. a distance from the ground, is provided that is sufficient to prevent the curtain from getting caught in the usual vegetation.

[0056] Electrostatic charging often occurs with plastic in horse blankets. This also applies to polyester, a common plastic used for spacer fabrics. Electrical charges can lead to uncontrolled discharges. The higher the charge, the more unpleasant this can be. The invention aims to prevent this. According to the invention, this is achieved either through an antistatic finish or through constant / repeated electrostatic discharge.

[0057] For antistatic treatment, appropriate blend components are available, which are mixed into the polyester blend for extruding polyester threads. A different method of antistatic treatment can also be chosen. All threads can be antistatic. Antistatic threads can also be blended with other threads.

[0058] The threads can be fully or partially antistatic.

[0059] Possible electrostatic finishes also include coatings of the polyester threads / polyester twines and, if necessary, coatings of the spacer fabrics.

[0060] Whenever reference is made to threads, this term also includes processable twines, yarns, cords, and ribbons of any cross-section. This also includes threads that are composed of multiple parts in cross-section. This applies both to threads with a core surrounded by other parts, and to threads with multiple parts without an internal core.

[0061] The invention opens up another approach for spacer fabrics, using metal threads or carbon threads in or on the spacer fabric. From now on, only metal threads will be mentioned. This includes carbon threads.

[0062] The metal thread is optionally guided like a polyester thread during the knitting of the spacer fabric. Optionally, the metal threads are twisted / twisted with polyester threads to form a special thread. This includes special threads in which outer polyester threads surround a centrally arranged metal thread as a core, as well as an even distribution of polyester threads and metal threads in the cross-section of special threads.

[0063] To simplify the handling of the special thread, one or more thinner polyester threads can be used for twisting / twisting, so that the resulting special thread has the same diameter as the other polyester threads.

[0064] The metal threads can also be attached in and / or on the spacer fabric in other ways. Depending on the process, the metal threads can lie completely or partially on the spacer fabric and / or partially extend into the spacer fabric. Suitable processes include sewing, embroidery, crocheting, quilting, and overlocking. Additional threads can also be used to attach the metal threads in and / or on the spacer fabric. The threads can be routed in different ways, for example, in a straight seam, a zigzag seam, and / or as a curved seam.

[0065] Where sewing is referred to below, this term also includes all other processes for guiding the metal threads in and / or on the spacer fabric.

[0066] The visible seams on the spacer fabric make it easy to clearly identify which eczema rug belongs to which horse. This is important to ensure that horses with eczema are always provided with the correct rug.

[0067] For a visible arrangement, the metal threads are preferably sewn onto the cutout for the eczema blanket. The cutout is created by cutting the spacer fabric as the starting material so that the remaining part of the spacer fabric exhibits the desired shape after being placed on a horse.

[0068] Optionally, the metal threads form a visible grid, preferably with an electrically conductive surface. This grid can be arranged on the horse blanket in any way you like, with vertical and / or horizontal threads and / or with inclined threads. Other thread arrangements can also be considered

[0069] Optionally, the metal threads are visible on the cut and arranged in a straight line lengthwise. A gap is provided between the various metal threads. On a horse, for example, the metal threads run horizontally when viewed from the side. The various horizontal metal threads are connected by at least one metal thread. This connecting metal thread can run in any direction, even vertically when viewed from the side.

[0070] In principle, the metal thread connecting the horizontal metal threads can be positioned anywhere. However, it is preferably positioned near the withers and / or croup. These are the usual grip points, the places where the horse blanket is most often handled.

[0071] It is also conceivable to arrange the metal threads connecting the horizontal metal threads between the withers and the croup differently, or to arrange the connecting metal threads from the withers laterally to the shoulder and on the croup to the hip.

[0072] In a further embodiment, a plurality of spaced metal threads run vertically on the horse blanket when viewed from the side of the horse.

[0073] Additionally, at least one metal thread running horizontally in the view is provided, connecting the vertically running metal threads. The same applies to the metal threads connecting the vertical metal threads as above. The connecting metal threads can also run in any other direction.

[0074] Preferably, the metal threads run entirely or partially in the form of waves or arches. As with the straight metal threads, the metal threads running in waves or arches can be connected to at least one other metal thread. This connecting metal thread can be arranged in the area of ​​the withers and / or croup. An arrangement between the withers and / or croup is also possible.

[0075] Optionally, the metal threads can also be positioned so that they touch each other. This can be done in the area of ​​the withers and / or the croup. Alternatively, the metal threads can also touch between the withers and the croup.

[0076] The metal threads can converge at the withers and / or croup and run between the withers and croup in various curves along the sides and belly. When applying the blanket, improper use becomes apparent at the latest when the areas of the blanket intended for the withers and croup do not rest on the withers or croup.

[0077] The waves and arches contain an area for the metal threads. In addition, the metals can be curved and / or straight in many other variations.

[0078] It is advantageous to use a zigzag seam to secure the necessary metal threads to the spacer fabric. The stitches of the zigzag seam can always be placed on both sides of the metal thread. This allows even thicker threads to be easily sewn onto the spacer fabric.

[0079] The metal threads already partially balance the charge in the polyester. Furthermore, the invention further generates a discharge by absorbing the voltage when the eczema blanket is applied and removed, which is then transferred to the floor. By distributing the voltage, the voltage level in the blanket is significantly reduced. Accordingly, the perceptibility of a discharge is reduced.

[0080] To absorb or dissipate the tension from the metal threads according to the invention, it is sufficient if the metal threads are directly or indirectly connected to one another. A single connection point can be sufficient. Optionally, more connections can be provided. It is advantageous to guide at least one metal thread along at least one grip point and to expose it so that contact is established between the person applying or removing the eczema blanket and this metal thread. The grip points for the eczema blanket are located primarily on the withers and on the croup. This is where the eczema blanket is pulled into position; in the horse's longitudinal direction, either backwards in the croup area or forwards in the withers area.

[0081] Preferably, handles are provided at these locations to facilitate positioning of the blanket and are therefore readily accepted. The handles can be molded parts in which the at least one conductive metal thread is embedded. The handles can also be simple loops or the like, for example. The at least one metal thread can also be exposed in loops, so that contact occurs with the person applying or removing the eczema blanket.

[0082] Alternatively, the handle can also be formed by a braid. In this design, the braid forms the handle. The braid can easily run from one shoulder over the withers to the other shoulder. A braid that runs over a longer length, preferably the entire length of the horse blanket edge, is also possible. In this case, it is also advantageous to cover the entire braid with a metallic thread.

[0083] The border can optionally be formed by a strip of material wrapped around the edge of the spacer fabric, allowing the border to serve as a connecting metal strip along the entire edge of the blanket. This strip of material can be provided with a visible metal strip, which is touched when the border is grasped.

[0084] Preferably, a voltage limiter, e.g., in the form of an electrical resistor, is also built into the handle to ensure that any resulting currents remain harmless, preferably below the stimulation threshold during the discharge. The resistor is built into the line through which a discharge is intended. Resistors also conduct current, but to a lesser extent than the other lines. Such resistors are commercially available, both uncontrolled and controlled. Controlled resistors allow adaptation to the respective charging situation, as well as to other situations. Advantageously, small-sized resistors are also commercially available and can be easily accommodated in a handle.

[0085] The horse blanket according to the invention does not require impregnation against UV exposure if the polyester or synthetic threads used for the spacer textiles are already treated with appropriate stabilizers. This is preferably done during the production of thermoplastic blends before the blend is sprayed into the threads, which are then processed into a knitted fabric.

[0086] It is not necessary to equip the horse blanket according to the invention with a waterproofing agent against rain if the natural drying ability of the 3D spacer fabric can be used.

[0087] However, the horse blanket according to the invention can also be treated in any known way to protect it against rain and UV radiation.

[0088] For conventional horse blankets, the same waterproofing agents are used as those used for the care of awning fabrics and parasol fabrics. However, care must be taken to ensure that these waterproofing agents do not contain harmful amounts of irritants. Irritants include, for example, -2-Propanol -Isopropyl alcohol -Isopropanol

[0089] An example of a waterproofing agent that is free of irritants is wax.

[0090] Various embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing.

[0091] Fig. 1 shows one half of a cut-out 1 for a horse blanket in a view as it results from the side when the cut-out 1 is hung vertically.

[0092] This means that there is another half of the cut hidden by the half of the cut shown.

[0093] The other half of the horse blanket, belonging to the depicted half, has the same characteristics as the depicted half. When the horse blanket is spread out to view both halves together, the other half mirrors all the characteristics of the depicted half.

[0094] Fig. 2 shows a section of the blank 1. It can be seen that the blank 1 consists of a layer 2 of 3D knitted fabric with a thickness of 4 mm and a surface weight of 280 grams per square meter.

[0095] Layer 2 has a textile edging 4. The textile is sewn to layer 2.

[0096] Cutting 1 is optionally -made UV-resistant with an impregnation / coating and / or -provided with creases and / or folds at the front joint and / or -provided with straps and / or buckles and / or -provided with a rain cover and / or -with connections for accessories and / or -Provided with seals for the space between the eczema blanket and the horse at the edge of the blanket

[0097] After Fig. 1.1, in a further embodiment, the blank 1 is provided with horizontally running copper threads 10 with a cross-section of 0.2 square millimeters at regular intervals of 20 cm, which are conductively connected to one another in the withers area by a vertically running thread 12 of the same material. Likewise, the threads 10 are conductively connected to one another in the croup area by a thread 11 of the same material. All threads 10, 11, and 12 are sewn onto the blanket using a cross-stitch and synthetic thread. The stitches are placed on both sides of the threads so that the threads are not punctured by the needle.

[0098] If the blanket becomes electrostatically charged when it moves across the horse's coat, the charge is significantly reduced by threads 10, 11, and 12. Any remaining voltage is reduced by the person applying or removing the blanket, who usually touches the blanket in the area of ​​the withers and croup. Threads 11 and 12 are exposed there, allowing contact.

[0099] The embodiment according to Fig. 1.2 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 1.1 by providing vertical threads 14 of the same material instead of the horizontally extending threads 10, which are connected to each other by a horizontally extending thread 13 of the same material. Here, too, the threads contribute to the reduction of electrical voltage, and a residual discharge occurs via the threads 11 and 12.

[0100] The embodiment according to Fig.1.3 differs from the examples according to Fig. 1.1 and 1.2 in that threads 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 of the same material run in a square curve on blanket 1. The dimensions are graduated so that the curves lie within each other; the base 15 is on the outside, the curve 19 is on the inside. In the area of ​​the withers and croup, the curves 15 to 19 are joined together so that the curves touch together when removing and replacing the blanket.

[0101] In a further embodiment not shown, the arches are not square but curved.

[0102] In still other embodiments not shown, the threads forming the arches 15 to 19 are led beyond the withers into a neck part of the blanket.

Claims

[1] Horse blanket for protection against insects, in particular for protection against midges and horseflies and against black flies, whereby the horse blanket has at least one 3D spacer fabric and the 3D spacer fabric consists of two layers of fabric which are connected to each other by intervening threads and are kept at a distance, characterized by a 3D spacer fabric, that with a thickness of 1.5mm to 10mm at least one layer of the spacer fabric has a mesh size of less than 0.4 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.3 mm, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.25 mm at the largest meshes [2] Horse blanket according to claim 1, characterized by that the spacer fabric has two layers with different mesh sizes, -wherein the mesh size of one layer is less than 0.4 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.3 mm and particularly preferably less than or equal to 0.25 mm and -the other layer has a larger mesh size [3] Horse blanket according to claim 2, characterized by that the layer with the smaller mesh size is arranged on the fur side and the layer with the larger mesh size is on the outside of the horse. [4] Horse blanket according to claim 2, characterized by that there is a layer with a smaller mesh size on the outside of the horse.

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