Fly mask for horses with integrated fringe structure in the eye area and mesh cover on the ears, without mesh cover over the eyes and without the need for a halter or bridle attachment

The fly mask with air-permeable mesh and nylon fringes provides effective ear protection and clear vision, addressing the limitations of existing devices by securing to the horse's head without additional attachments.

DE202025000907U1Active Publication Date: 2025-08-07STINNESBECK LEA
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE202025000907
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-15
Publication Date
2025-08-07
Estimated Expiration
2035-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing insect protection devices for horses, such as fly hoods, fly masks, and fly fringes, fail to provide effective ear protection without obstructing the field of vision or requiring secure attachment to holsters, making them unsuitable for sensitive horses or unsafe environments.

Method used

A fly mask with air-permeable mesh covering the ears, nylon fringes in front of the eyes, and a tightly fitting stretchable material for secure head fixation, ensuring protection without obstructing vision or needing additional attachments.

Benefits of technology

The mask effectively protects the ears from insects while maintaining a clear field of view and secure fit, even during movement, without the need for holsters or other equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Fly mask for horses, characterized in that it has a mesh material (1) to cover the ears.
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Description

Title of the invention

[0001] Fly mask for horses with integrated fringe structure in the eye area and mesh cover on the ears, without mesh cover over the eyes and without the need for a halter or bridle attachment Technical area

[0002] The invention relates to insect protection for horses, in particular for protecting the ears. State of the art

[0003] In the known state of the art, there are essentially three types of insect protection devices in the head area for horses: First, there are fly veils or fly hats that only cover the ears. Some have nylon fringes on the forehead to provide eye protection in addition to ear protection. This type of insect protection is primarily used while riding, as it must be attached to the bridle for secure fit. Without this additional attachment, they slip easily, especially during movement, head shaking, or rolling. Therefore, they are unsuitable for permanent use in the paddock or for horses without a bridle.

[0004] There are also conventional fly masks that cover both the ears and the eye area with mesh material. While these masks offer comprehensive protection, they restrict the horse's field of vision. The mesh material can impair the horse's vision – especially in rain – because it loses its shape when wet and can cling to the eye area. Furthermore, water droplets can settle in the mesh, obscuring or distorting the horse's field of vision in certain areas. The mesh material in front of the eyes can also impair vision in the dark.

[0005] Alternatively, there are fly tassels that can be attached to the halter with Velcro, for example, in the forehead area. While these offer protection from insects in the eye area, they do not protect the ears and also require the use of a halter, which is problematic for safety reasons in stables, pastures, and paddocks, as horses can get caught on fences or branches and, in the worst case, strangle themselves.

[0006] None of these options offer a satisfactory solution for horses with sensitive ear areas—or for situations where a halter is preferable for safety reasons. The present invention combines effective ear protection with a clear field of vision, an alternative protection solution for the eye area (nylon fringes), and a secure, halter-independent fit of the mask. Object of the invention

[0007] A fly mask should be provided that reliably protects the horse's ears from insects, allows for clear vision, and sits securely on the head without being attached to a halter – even during intense exercise, such as rolling or shaking. Particular consideration should be given to horses with particularly sensitive ears, who should wear the masks even in rain or darkness in the pasture, paddock, or stable, and for whom conventional masks are unsuitable. Solution to the task

[0008] The fly mask according to the invention has the following features: - breathable mesh material to cover the ears, - nylon fringes attached to the forehead area, which hang loosely in front of the eyes without covering them; the fringes move with the horse's natural movements and thus effectively keep insects away from the eye area without restricting or obscuring the field of vision, - completely unobstructed field of vision (no mesh cover over the eyes), - tight-fitting design made of stretchy material for fixation on the head, - no need to attach to a halter, bridle or other equipment.

[0009] This combination ensures a stable seat, even when the horse moves freely (e.g. rolling on the paddock), without the risk of injury from halters or other fixations.

[0010] To explain the invention, a preferred embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] The drawing shows a fly mask for horses in worn condition, in schematic side view.

[0012] The mask is made of an elastic, breathable material (4) that adapts flexibly to the horse's head shape and fits snugly. The material's resilience ensures a secure fit, even during movement.

[0013] A cutout (3) is provided in the eye area, leaving the horse's field of vision completely clear. There is no mesh covering the eyes.

[0014] The ear pieces are made of a breathable mesh material (1) that is securely and securely sewn. It completely encloses the ears, providing protection from insects while allowing ventilation.

[0015] A fringe structure (2) made of lightweight, flexible material is attached to the forehead. This hangs loosely in front of the eye area and moves with the horse's head movements, effectively keeping insects away without obstructing vision.

[0016] The mask is pulled over the horse's head and stays securely in place thanks to its elastic shape - without additional attachment to a halter, bridle or other equipment. List of reference symbols 1 mesh material of the ear cover 2 fringe structure 3 Recess eye area 4 Tight-fitting, elastic material

Claims

[1] Fly mask for horses, characterized by that it has a mesh material (1) to cover the ears. [2] Fly mask according to claim 1, characterized by that she has a fringe structure (2) on her forehead that hangs loosely in front of her eyes. [3] Fly mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the eye area remains free through a recess (3). [4] Fly mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is worn without being attached to the halter. [5] Fly mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is made of stretchy material and fits tightly to the horse’s head (4).