Horse blanket with insect protection

Abstract

Horse blanket consisting of a textile characterized by repellents, in particular by lauric acid and with graphene and polyester, against insects.

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 are made of an open mesh or net, with the belly open or closed. Summerrain blankets have a closed back and a mesh or net on the sides for rain protection.

[0005] There are outdoor blankets that are lightweight and protect against rain.

[0006] These blankets can also be open or closed on the stomach.

[0007] 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 weight per square meter. Heavy-duty rugs have a weight of up to 400 grams per square meter.

[0008] 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 several 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.

[0009] 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 horse rug types. 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

[0010] The eczema blankets and fly rugs are usually used in the summer. Summer 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 often affected.

[0011] The insects to be repelled include, in particular, midges (gnats), horseflies, black flies and other biting mosquitoes as well as other biting and sucking insects, e.g. deer flies (flying ticks).

[0012] 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 like horses. There are pictures of people whose exposed skin is covered in 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.

[0013] Midges are responsible for the development of sweet itch, especially in hypersensitive horses, as these hypersensitive horses are allergic to certain proteins in the midge's saliva. The resulting itching easily causes these horses to rub themselves until they bleed.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 are skin inflammation with hives, pus-filled sores, and fever.

[0017] There are commercially available blankets called eczema blankets that 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 typically made of Lycra or tightly woven polyester (blend) fabric.

[0018] Lycra fabrics are usually single-layered, or woven in two layers.

[0019] From this 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 threads connecting them. 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 -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. 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 hinders the horse's ability to wear it.

[0022] It is advantageous to reduce the specific weight per unit area of ​​the spacer fabric compared to comparable commercially available spacer fabrics with increasing thickness. "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-apart layers of the fabric. The threads connecting the spaced-apart layers represent only a comparatively small portion of the fabric.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The different thicknesses of knitted fabric layers described above can be produced on conventional Raschel machines by varying the spacing of the loom beams in the machine.

[0025] 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

[0026] Using the method described, knitted fabrics can be produced whose specific weight per unit area can be adjusted, at least in some areas, from one thickness range to another. This includes maintaining the specific weight per unit area, increasing it, or even reducing it when changing / increasing the thickness.

[0027] 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 the compression strength is considered to be 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 is possible. This offers significant advantages.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Roughly speaking, for example, for each 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.

[0034] The air laden with evaporated sweat can be better channeled 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Advantageously, a blanket according to the invention can lie directly on most horses, even horses with eczema. This becomes easier the lower the surface weight of the knitted fabric is.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 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 get into the blanket but cannot penetrate the fur-side layer and reach the coat. The larger biting and stinging insects, which can penetrate the fur-side layer of the spacer fabric, are stopped by the outer layer of the spacer fabric.

[0040] Preferably, a mesh size of less than or equal to 0.3 mm is used for the fur-side layer. Common midges have a diameter of 0.4 mm.

[0041] To keep larger insects away, layers with the same mesh size can be used on the outside. The larger mesh size in the outer layer of the spacer fabric has the advantage of reducing the amount of material. The larger mesh size also has advantages in wicking away evaporated horse sweat, which provides the horse with a particularly cooling effect.

[0042] Where cooling the horse is undesirable, a narrow mesh width can also be provided on the outside. This inhibits air escape and heat flow perpendicular to the surface of the blanket.

[0043] 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

[0044] The horse blanket according to the invention can have any known cut and / or be combined with any known accessories that belong 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 side 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.

[0045] 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 covering 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 covering 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

[0046] 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 material 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.

[0047] The tensioning straps also allow you to adjust the rug's tight or loose fit. A snug fit can be achieved by ensuring it's wrinkle-free. Any creases that form when the rug is applied can be pulled out, leaving the rug wrinkle-free after the tensioning straps are attached.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 moving by the wind and the horse's movement and prevents the relevant insects from crawling under the blanket.

[0050] These curtains can consist of fringes, cords, tabs, and ribbons. Tabs and ribbons offer particular advantages. The tabs and ribbons can be created 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The flaps and bands can also be created by incisions in closed foil and textile materials. This ensures that the adjacent flaps and bands fit together practically seamlessly along the longitudinal edges.

[0053] The curtains are effective at a length of just 10cm to 15cm. Lengths greater than 20cm don't seem necessary.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] For antistatic treatment, appropriate blend components are available, which are mixed into the polyester blend for extruding polyester threads. A different method of producing antistatic treatment can also be chosen. All threads can be antistatic. Antistatic threads can also be blended with other threads.

[0057] The threads can be fully or partially antistatic.

[0058] Possible electrostatic finishes also include coatings of the polyester threads / polyester twines and, if necessary, coatings of the spacer fabrics.

[0059] When referring to threads in the following, 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.

[0060] Various other threads are known for antistatic treatment in spacer fabrics. These include threads, carbon threads, or other carbon-containing threads, such as graphene, carbon nanotube, or fullerene threads, in or on the spacer fabric / spacer textile or in or on adjacent layers. From now on, only threads and spacer fabrics are mentioned. This includes carbon threads and other carbon-containing fabrics and other spacer textiles.

[0061] The thread is optionally guided like a polyester thread during the knitting of the spacer fabric. Optionally, the 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 core thread, as well as an even distribution of polyester threads and threads in the cross-section of special threads.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The threads can also be attached in and / or on the spacer fabric in other ways. Depending on the process, the threads can rest entirely or partially on the spacer fabric and / or extend partially into the fabric. Suitable processes include sewing, embroidery, crocheting, quilting, and overlocking. Additional threads can also be used to secure the 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.

[0064] Where sewing is referred to below, this term also includes all other processes for guiding the threads in and / or on the spacer fabric.

[0065] 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.

[0066] For a visible arrangement, the threads are preferably sewn onto the cutout for the eczema blanket. The cutout is created when the spacer fabric, as the starting material, is cut in such a way that the remaining part of the spacer fabric takes on the desired shape after being placed on the horse.

[0067] Optionally, the 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 an inclined thread pattern.

[0068] Other thread arrangements are also possible. Optionally, the threads can be visible on the blank and arranged in a straight line lengthwise. A gap is provided between the different threads.

[0069] The spacing of the threads depends on how much voltage can build up between them. The spacing also depends on the conductivity of the threads. The conductivity of the threads is also determined by whether and how the threads are grounded, or how a discharge is dissipated.

[0070] On a horse, for example, the threads run horizontally when viewed from the side. The various horizontal threads are connected by at least one thread. This connecting thread can run in any direction, even vertically when viewed from the side.

[0071] In principle, the thread connecting the horizontal threads can be placed anywhere. However, it is preferred that it be placed near the withers and / or croup. These are the usual grip points, the places where the horse blanket is most often held.

[0072] It is also conceivable to arrange the threads connecting the horizontal threads between the withers and the croup differently, or to arrange the connecting threads from the withers laterally to the shoulder and on the croup to the hip.

[0073] In another embodiment, a plurality of spaced threads run vertically on the horse blanket when viewed from the side. Additionally, at least one thread is provided that runs horizontally in the view and connects the vertical threads. The same applies to the threads connecting the vertical threads as above. The connecting threads can also run in any desired direction.

[0074] Preferably, the threads run entirely or partially in the form of waves or arches. As with the straight threads, the threads running in waves or arches can be connected to at least one other thread. This connecting 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 threads can also be placed so that they touch each other. This can be done in the area of ​​the withers and / or the croup. Alternatively, the threads can also touch between the withers and the croup.

[0076] The 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, incorrect 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 threads. In addition, the metals can be curved and / or straight in many other variations.

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

[0079] The threads already partially balance the charge in the polyester. Furthermore, the invention further promotes a discharge by absorbing tension from the threads when the eczema blanket is applied and removed and dissipating it into the floor. By distributing the tension, 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 threads according to the invention, it is sufficient if the threads are directly or indirectly connected to one another. A single connection point may be sufficient. Optionally, more connections can be provided. It is advantageous to guide at least one thread along at least one grip point and to expose it so that contact is established between the person applying or removing the thread and this 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] Handles are preferably provided at these points, which facilitate positioning the blanket and are therefore readily accepted. The handles can be molded parts into which the at least one conductive thread is embedded. The handles can also be simple loops or the like, for example. The at least one thread can also be exposed in loops, allowing contact 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 single thread.

[0083] The border is optionally 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, which can be easily accommodated in a handle.

[0085] Instead of or in addition to the conventional threads, threads / fibers made from insect repellent or threads / fibers with insect repellent can be used. Alternatively, the insect repellent can be used as an alternative or in addition to the mixture in the production of the threads.

[0086] There are chemical and natural insect repellents. Chemical insecticides have been around for a long time and have become widely used. The disadvantages of chemical insecticides later became apparent. These disadvantages have led to various bans.

[0087] A proven insect repellent is permethrin. Permethrin is known in the human field for impregnating textiles. In veterinary medicine, permethrin is used to combat lice, fleas, mites, and ticks in powders, sprays, shampoos, emulsions, and solutions. However, it is also known to have harmful effects on cats. Pemethrin is a contact poison that kills insects. Permethrin is the subject of various studies / investigations. Final results are still pending.

[0088] Therefore, natural insect repellents, which are avoided by insects, are preferably used. These repellents are called repellents. These include essential oils from lavender, basil, savory, mint, sage, calendula, and thyme (all from the mint family), as well as eucalyptus, cloves, and tea tree (all from the myrtle family), citronella (citronella oil is used successfully as a spray), neem oil (neem oil is extracted from the seeds and fruits of the neem tree. Neem oil is similarly effective to citronella oil), and palmarosa (from the grass family). Coconut, almond, watermelon, and bourbon scents are particularly effective in repelling insects.

[0089] According to the invention, lauric acid is particularly preferably used as a repellent. Lauric acid also has antibacterial, antiviral, and fungicidal properties. Lauric acid is generally approved as a food flavoring and is therefore considered safe. Lauric acid is found in vegetable and animal fats. Lauric acid is extracted from these fats in a known chemical manner.

[0090] However, there are also essential oils with the opposite effect, i.e., attracting mosquitoes. Examples of such oils include violet scent, lily of the valley scent, pineapple scent, and woody floral scent.

[0091] It is therefore important to use the right repellent.

[0092] If plants provide the repellent, fibers from these plants can be used to produce threads / yarns, which are then used to make textiles.

[0093] If the threads / yarns are extruded from plastic, other plant components can also be used as fibers in the extrusion mixture, which release the corresponding fragrance.

[0094] The horse blankets manufactured here are available in single-layer and multi-layer versions. The scents are particularly released in the area exposed to the greatest heat load. On a horse, this is the outer surface of the blanket. Where longer-lasting insect protection is required, the invention provides for the repellents to be distributed throughout the thickness of the blanket.

[0095] It is also advantageous to reinforce the insect protection in those areas of the horse blanket where the risk of insect access is greater than in other places. If necessary, it is planned to concentrate on the corresponding weak points.

[0096] Weak points in insect protection arise at the openings for the legs, neck and hindquarters. Openings remain in these places. In some designs the neck opening is largely closed off by a neck piece. This shifts the opening towards the head. Sealing against insects is difficult. Sealing around the legs and hindquarters is even more difficult. Preferably, increased insect protection is provided there. When using uniform repellents, this is achieved, for example, by accumulating the repellents. The repellents can be incorporated in a seam. Horse blankets are usually hemmed at the edges. When hemming, a strip of material is placed around the cut edge of the horse blanket so that the strip of material encloses the edge. This provides an opportunity to place repellents in clusters in the seam, particularly in the area of ​​the legs, hindquarters and neck.Very beneficial results can be achieved by placing the repellents only at the edges. It may even prove sufficient to place the repellents only at the openings in the blanket, near the neck, forelegs, and hindquarters.

[0097] Alternatively, other containers for the repellents can be provided on the ceiling. These containers can have different shapes and materials, such as pockets, pouches, strips, bands, or tubes. Hollow spaces can be provided for solid repellents and absorbent components for liquid repellents.

[0098] The containers can be attached detachably, allowing for easy replacement. This detachability can be achieved through removable adhesive, a hook-and-loop fastener, or some other method.

[0099] The detachability not only makes it easier to clean / wash the blanket, but also to replace the containers.

[0100] Disposable containers are also available if they are removable. This includes not only textile containers, but also non-textile containers, such as paper. Self-adhesive paper strips soaked in liquid repellent are cost-effective, for example. These paper strips can be attached to the ceiling using plastic strips, creating advantageous adhesive surfaces from which the paper strips can be removed without leaving any residue after the liquid repellents have evaporated.

[0101] Optionally, tapes can also be provided at the sealing points. The tapes are attached to the horse blanket at one end and are otherwise flexible, allowing them to move with the horse's movement and any breeze. The tapes are at least 10 cm long, preferably at least 30 cm long, and even more preferably at least 50 cm long. Instead of a tape curtain, curtains made of cords, strings, or threads can also be used. A tape curtain is easy to make and install by cutting a piece of fabric and sewing it on.

[0102] 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.

[0103] It is not necessary to treat 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.

[0104] However, the horse blanket according to the invention can also be treated in any known way to protect it against rain and UV radiation.

[0105] For conventional horse blankets, the same waterproofing agents are used as those intended 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

[0106] An example of a waterproofing agent that is free of irritants is wax.

[0107] The drawing shows various embodiments of the invention.

[0108] 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.

[0109] This means that there is another half of the cut hidden by the half of the cut shown.

[0110] The other half of the horse blanket, corresponding 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 features of the depicted half.

[0111] Fig. 2 shows a section of the cut 1. It can be seen that the cut 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.

[0112] Layer 2 has a textile edging 4. The textile is sewn to layer 2.

[0113] 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 gap between the eczema blanket and the horse at the edge of the blanket

[0114] After Fig. 1.1, in a further embodiment, the cutout 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 caught by the needle.

[0115] If the blanket builds up an electrostatic charge when it moves across the horse's coat, the charge is significantly reduced by threads 10, 11, and 12. Any remaining electrostatic charge 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 to occur.

[0116] 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 running threads 10, which are connected to each other by a horizontally running 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.

[0117] 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 staggered so that the curves overlap; 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 when removing and replacing the blanket.

[0118] In a further embodiment not shown, the arches are not square but curved.

[0119] 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.

[0120] In a further embodiment not shown, threads with incorporated repellents are provided instead of the threads 10, 11, 12; 13; 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

[0121] In yet another embodiment not shown, instead of the threads (10, 11, 12; 13; 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) bands are sewn on, under which repellents against biting insects are located.

[0122] Optionally, in yet another embodiment, adhesive surfaces are provided on the ceiling to which self-adhesive strips soaked with liquid repellent can be attached.

[0123] Where the blanket borders the neck, forequarters or hindquarters, an accumulation of repellents is provided, which increases the deterrence of biting insects.

Claims

[1] Horse blanket, consisting of a textile, characterized by Repellents, especially lauric acid and graphene and polyester, against insects. [2] Horse blanket according to claim 1, characterized in that the repellents are incorporated into the threads or fibers of the textiles. [3] Horse blanket according to claim 1, characterized by that the repellents are positioned under bands on the ceiling. [4] Horse blanket according to claim 1, characterized by that the repellents are provided in a border of the ceiling. [5] Horse blanket according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by an accumulation of the repellents at the connection of the blanket at the neck, forequarters and hindquarters. [6] Horse blanket according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by Containers for holding the repellents. [7] Horse blanket according to claim 6, characterized bythat the containers are designed to hold liquid and / or solid repellents and to release the fragrances. [8] Horse blanket according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the containers are removable and / or replaceable [9] Horse corner according to claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the containers must be opened. [10] Horse blanket according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by a Velcro or adhesive connection on the containers. [11] Horse blanket according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by that the containers are at least partially absorbent. [12] Horse blanket according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized by Paper strips as containers. [13] Horse blanket according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by a self-adhesive strip. [14] Horse blanket according to claim 13, characterized by a plastic strip as adhesive surfaces on the ceiling. [15] Horse blanket according to claim 6, characterized by Bags and / or pouches and / or bands and / or tubes as containers. [16] Horse blanket according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by Curtains made of ribbons and / or cords and / or strings and / or threads at the points where the blanket joins the forequarters and hindquarters.

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