PET BLANKET WITH PROTECTIVE LAYER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an animal blanket for placement on or attached to an animal, comprising a top side and a bottom side facing the animal during use. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing, delivering, and first fitting such an animal blanket.

[0002] An animal blanket can be, for example, a saddle blanket, saddle pad or saddle rug for horses, but also a dog or cat blanket.

[0003] A saddle pad is a special blanket placed under the saddle to protect the horse's back and provide comfort. Its primary purpose is to protect the horse's back from chafing and pressure points that could be caused by the saddle. It also provides an additional layer of padding between the horse's back and the saddle to distribute pressure and minimize friction. Saddle pads are often made with padding or a special material that helps absorb shock and reduce the impact of riding on the horse's back.

[0004] Saddle pads are usually made of breathable materials such as cotton or synthetic fabrics. This helps to reduce overheating and sweating, keeping the horse's back dry.

[0005] A good saddle pad should be the right size and shape to fit the saddle and the horse's anatomy. It should cover the saddle well and extend over the horse's withers to ensure optimal protection. There are specialized dressage saddle pads, jumping saddle pads, western saddle pads, and many more, which differ in shape and design; each discipline has its own specific requirements for a saddle pad.

[0006] The publication DE 20 2008 007 770 U1 discloses a saddle blanket consisting of two layers, wherein the layer contacting the horse's back, which is preferably made of microfibers, is designed to absorb moisture and sweat during riding.

[0007] Due to the requirements described, it is often necessary to try on various saddle pads of different shapes and sizes before purchasing or using them on the horse to check the fit. Only an optimal fit will lead to the desired result. However, the problem is that the underside of the saddle pad comes into contact with the horse, which means that hair and possibly dirt can remain on the pad after removal. In the worst-case scenario, this can mean that a saddle pad that doesn't fit perfectly will have to undergo extensive cleaning after being returned to the manufacturer or retailer by the buyer or user before it can be resold.

[0008] The same applies, for example, to so-called horse or dog blankets or jackets, which are intended, among other things, to keep the animals warm in winter or protect them from flies in summer. These, too, must be the right size and shape for the animal and, for the same reasons, are first tested during a fitting before being purchased. Unsuitable horse or dog blankets or jackets, on the other hand, are returned to the retailer or manufacturer and may need to be cleaned by them.

[0009] Cleaning and / or refurbishing pet blankets, dog blankets, or jackets is time-consuming and costly. This is especially true if pet hair remains on the blanket after fitting. Removing this hair is difficult and usually only possible manually.

[0010] The object of the invention is to propose an animal blanket that avoids these disadvantages as far as possible. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to propose a method that avoids or at least reduces the aforementioned disadvantages. Finally, it is an object of the invention to specify an advantageous use of an animal blanket to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0011] According to the invention, the problem is solved by an animal blanket with the features of independent claim 1, a method with the method steps according to independent claim 8 and a use of an animal blanket according to claim 10.

[0012] According to the invention, the problem is solved by an animal blanket which is itself made of a first material and has a removable protective layer made of a second material on its underside before its first use. The protective layer is designed and arranged such that it is positioned between the animal blanket and the animal upon initial contact and is to be removed before the intended use of the animal blanket.

[0013] It should be noted that, according to the invention, the term "animal blanket" does not only refer to blankets in the literal sense, but also to other flat products that cover areas of an animal and thus come into contact with the animal during use. These can include the aforementioned animal blankets or jackets, but also, for example, leg protectors for horses.

[0014] The core idea of ​​the present invention is therefore to prevent the underside of the animal blanket from coming into contact with the animal during the initial fitting. The animal blanket is thus equipped and delivered with a removable protective layer on the underside, which comes into contact with the animal instead of the underside and prevents the actual blanket from becoming soiled. Crucially, this protective layer can be easily removed from the blanket; it is not, for example, permanently glued to it. If, during the fitting, the blanket proves to be the correct shape and size, the user can remove the blanket from the animal, detach the protective layer, and then reapply the blanket for final use.

[0015] If the pet blanket doesn't fit the animal perfectly, for example, due to geometric or aesthetic reasons, it can be returned to the manufacturer or retailer along with the protective layer still attached. They can then quickly and easily remove the protective layer if needed and resell the blanket without it. Alternatively, the protective layer, if soiled, can be removed and replaced with a new one. This process is also quicker and easier than cleaning the entire blanket, especially the time-consuming removal of pet hair. Finally, it's also possible to clean the soiled protective layer itself. Since it has a different, preferably smoother, surface than the actual underside of the blanket, cleaning is faster and requires less effort, particularly because pet hair doesn't cling to it as easily.

[0016] The protective layer can be made of various materials, with a film material being particularly suitable. Such a film can, for example, be coated on one side with an adhesive that ensures a sufficient bond with the animal blanket while still allowing for residue-free removal of the protective layer from the blanket. In a particularly advantageous design, the use of adhesive is omitted, and a film material is used that remains bonded to the animal blanket solely through adhesion or static cling. A prerequisite for this is, among other things, that the material of the animal blanket itself is suitable for such a bond. This can be achieved by making the entire animal blanket suitable, or alternatively, it is possible to design and prepare only specific areas of the animal blanket for such adhesion.For example, areas can be provided at the edge of the underside and its surface that are sufficiently smooth to hold the protective film. Such areas can, for example, have a size of 4 cm² to 40 cm², preferably about 10-20 cm².

[0017] Instead of a protective layer made of film material, other materials can also be used to form the protective layer. For example, a protective layer made of a relatively thin fabric or non-woven material, or even a strong, durable paper, is also suitable.

[0018] The bonding process with the pet blanket is not limited to adhesive bonding; a sewn connection can also prove advantageous, particularly when using fabrics or non-woven materials. In this case, the protective layer is sewn to the pet blanket with as few stitches as possible before delivery, ensuring it is both secure and easily removable. For most applications, it is irrelevant whether the sewing threads remain in the pet blanket after the protective layer is removed.

[0019] The protective layer and the animal blanket can also be connected using hook-and-loop fasteners. In this case, areas are provided on the underside of the animal blanket that form a hook-and-loop connection with corresponding areas on the protective layer. Advantageously, the protective layer has several hook-and-loop areas distributed across its surface for this purpose, while the underside of the animal blanket has corresponding loop areas. This is advantageous because, after removing the protective layer and subsequently using the animal blanket as intended, the remaining loops, and not the relatively rough hook areas, come into contact with the animal, which is more comfortable for the animal. The areas on the animal blanket and the protective layer required for the hook-and-loop connection are preferably located at their edges and, if necessary, also in the central area of ​​the underside.

[0020] Alternatively, the underside of the pet blanket can be designed so that the entire underside forms the loops itself. In this case, special areas with loops can be omitted.

[0021] In a slightly more elaborate version, it is also possible to ensure the connection between the protective layer and the animal blanket by means of a clamping connection, for example by means of snap fasteners.

[0022] All materials used for the protective layer should ideally produce as little noise as possible when deformed or touched. Experience has shown that animals, especially horses, are particularly sensitive to rustling or crackling sounds. This is especially important when using a film material, which is why soft films, such as those made of flexible PVC or flexible PVC (polymer-plasticized PVC), are particularly suitable. These typically consist of simple monomer-plasticized PVC. A further advantage is that films made of flexible PVC or flexible PVC can be relatively easily processed or joined using a needle, thread, and sewing machine, or with plastic and metal rivets.

[0023] The protective layer can, in principle, cover the entire underside of the animal blanket, but it can also be limited to selected areas, preferably those that come into direct contact with the animal.

[0024] A method according to the invention for the manufacture, delivery and first fitting of an animal blanket comprises the following process steps: Manufacturing an animal blanket from a first material, manufacturing a protective layer from a film, detachably attaching the protective layer to the underside of the animal blanket facing the animal during use, delivering the animal blanket to a customer, placing the animal blanket on the animal with the protective layer positioned between the animal blanket and the animal, removing the animal blanket from the animal, and detaching the protective layer from the animal blanket. then either Removing the protective layer (26) from the animal blanket (20) and using the animal blanket (20) as intended with the animal, or returning the animal blanket (20) to the manufacturer or dealer of the animal blanket (20) before removing the protective layer (26).

[0025] As previously stated, the protective layer can remain on the pet blanket if it needs to be returned to the manufacturer or retailer. They can remove and / or replace it. It is essential that the protective film does not remain on the pet blanket during its intended use.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. The figures are merely schematic representations and, in particular, some are not to scale. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention; they serve only to illustrate it. They show: Figure 1: a saddle pad according to the invention from below, Figure 2: the saddle pad made of Figure 1Figure 3 shows a perspective view from the side, Figure 4 shows an animal blanket or jacket according to the invention from the side, Figure 4 shows the animal blanket or jacket made of Figure 3 opened from the bottom.

[0027] The Figures 1 to 4 show an animal blanket 20 according to the invention from different viewing directions, which Figures 1 and 2 a version as a saddle pad, which Figures 3 and 4 A version as an animal blanket or jacket. Each has a top side 22 and a bottom side 24 facing the animal during use of the animal blanket 20.

[0028] The animal blanket 20 is made of a first material and is connected to its underside 24 with a detachable protective layer 26. In the illustrated embodiment, two areas of the underside 24 of the animal blanket 20 are each covered with a protective layer 26; alternatively, several different areas can each be covered with a protective layer 26, and in particular, the protective layer 26 can extend over almost the entire area of ​​the underside 24, i.e., it can be continuous in the middle.

[0029] The protective layer 26 according to the invention can be bonded to the underside 24, but an embodiment with a sewn connection is shown. Several seams 28 are visible, through which the respective protective layers 26 are connected to the animal blanket 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the seams 28 run in the edge region of the underside 24 of the animal blanket 20. However, this arrangement is only exemplary; in particular, further seams 28 can also be provided in the surface area, i.e., essentially in the center.

[0030] Figure 2This illustrates how the saddle pad is placed on a horse (not shown). It is evident that it is not the underside 24, but rather the protective layers 26 attached to it that come into contact with the horse's back. If the saddle pad 20 matches the horse in shape and color, the protective layer 26 can be quickly and easily removed, and the saddle pad 20 can be used as intended. Otherwise, the saddle pad 20 or the protective layer 26 can be quickly and easily cleaned or replaced. The same applies to the [unclear - possibly referring to the following]. Figures 3 and 4 Animal blanket or jacket shown

[0031] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but also includes further embodiments that make use of the invention.

Claims

1. An animal blanket (20) for placement on or at an animal, having an upper side (22) and a lower side (24) facing the animal during use of the animal blanket (20), wherein the animal blanket (20) itself is made of a first material characterized in that before its first use, the animal blanket (20) has a detachable protective layer (26) made of a film on its lower side (24), which is designed and arranged in such a manner that it is positioned between the animal blanket (20) and the animal upon initial contact with the animal and is to be removed before the intended use of the animal blanket (20).

2. The animal blanket (20) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connection of the detachable protective layer (26) with the animal blanket (20) is formed by a type of connection from the group consisting of sewing connection, adhesive connection, hook-and-loop connection or clamping connection.

3. The animal blanket (20) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the film is configured as an adhesive film which adheres to the animal blanket (20) without adhesive.

4. The animal blanket (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the detachable protective layer (26) is detachably bonded to the animal blanket (20) by an adhesive in such a manner that the detachable protective layer (26) can be peeled off without any residue.

5. The animal blanket (20) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the connection of the detachable protective layer (26) to the animal blanket (20) is effected by a hook-and-loop connection, wherein hooks of the hook-and-loop connection are arranged on the detachable protective layer (26) and corresponding loops are thus arranged on the animal blanket (20).

6. The animal blanket (20) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the first material of the animal blanket (20) itself forms the loops.

7. The animal blanket (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the film is deformable and / or touchable with low noise.

8. A method for manufacturing, supplying and first fitting an animal blanket (20) which comprises an upper side (22) and a lower side (24) facing the animal blanket (20) during use, wherein the animal blanket (20) itself is made of a first material and has a detachable protective layer (26) made of a film on its lower side (24) before its first use, which is designed and arranged in such a manner that this is arranged between the animal blanket (20) and the animal upon first contact of the animal blanket (20) with the animal and should be removed before the intended use of the animal blanket (20), comprising the method steps - producing an animal blanket (20) from a first material, - producing a protective layer (26) from a film, - detachable attachment of the protective layer (26) to a lower side (24) of the animal blanket facing the animal during use of the animal blanket (20), - supplying the animal blanket (20) to a customer, - placing the animal blanket (20) on the animal, wherein the protective layer (26) is arranged between the animal blanket (20) and the animal, - removing the animal blanket (20) from the animal, then either - detaching the protective layer (26) from the animal blanket (20) and use of the animal blanket (20) with the animal as intended or - returning the animal blanket (20) to the manufacturer or dealer of the animal blanket (20) before detaching the protective layer (26).

9. The method according to Claim 8, characterized in that after return of the animal blanket (20) to the manufacturer or dealer of the animal blanket (20) before detaching the protective layer (26), detachment of the protective layer (26) from the animal blanket (20) and a renewed detachable attachment of a new protective layer (26) to a lower side (24) facing the animal during use of the animal blanket (20) takes place at the manufacturer and the animal blanket is then supplied anew to a customer.

10. Use of an animal blanket (20) for placement on or at an animal during a first fitting, wherein - the animal blanket (20) has an upper side (22) and a lower side (24) facing the animal during the fitting of the animal blanket (20), - the animal blanket (20) itself is made of a first material and before the first fitting has a detachable protective layer (26) made of a film on its lower side (24) which is designed and arranged in such a manner that during the first fitting of the animal blanket (20) with the animal this is arranged between the animal blanket (20) and the animal, - after the first fitting and before the intended further use of the animal blanket (20) on or at an animal the protective layer (26) is removed.