Equine facial device.

Abstract

Equine facial device. Equine facial device (10), particularly for horses, ponies, or cobs, characterized in that it comprises a filtering element (1) capable of filtering bacteria or viruses expelled in the breath or saliva of an equine. Figure for the abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Facial device for equine.

[0001] The invention relates to a facial device for equines.

[0002] Respiratory viruses affect equines and cause diseases such as equine viral rhinopneumonitis. These viruses can cause virulent and dangerous epidemics in infected animals.

[0003] Few means currently exist to contain the spread of these epidemics, apart from confining sick animals. Larger-scale preventive measures are sometimes necessary and prove very restrictive because they rely on the total suspension of gatherings of equines and in particular equestrian competitions.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a device for equines that overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention makes it possible to create a device that is simple and reliable and that prevents the spread of a respiratory virus without the need to detect and isolate animals carrying the virus.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a facial device for equines, in particular for horses, ponies or cobs, comprising a filtering element capable of filtering bacteria or viruses expelled in the breath or saliva of an equine.

[0006] The filter element can be removable and / or replaceable.

[0007] The filtering element may be of type FFP1 or FFP2 or FFP3 or N95 or KN95, or may have properties similar to those of a filtering element used to make a mask of type FFP1 or FFP2 or FFP3 or N95 or KN95.

[0008] The device may include at least one fastening means for maintaining the filter element at the level of the nostrils and mouth of an equine.

[0009] The fastening means may include a first hollow, rigid and perforated frame whose envelope is substantially in the shape of a cone truncated at its apex, the first frame comprising an inner face and an outer face, the inner face of the first frame being intended to envelop the muzzle of an equine and the outer face of the first frame being intended to be inserted into the filtering element. The fastening means may further comprise a first and a second fastening element, the first fastening element connecting the first frame to a head of an equine or to equipment placed on a head of an equine, including a halter or a net or a bridle, and the second fastening element holding the filtering element around the outer face of the first frame.

[0010] The fastening means may include a third fastening element as well as a second hollow, rigid, and perforated frame, the shape of which is substantially identical to that of the first frame and the size of which is substantially larger than that of the first frame, the second frame covering at least partially the assembly made up of the first frame and the filter element, and the third fixing element connecting the second frame to the first frame.

[0011] The first frame, or the first and second frames, can be made of fabric and / or PVC and / or plastic and / or leather and / or metal and / or metal alloy.

[0012] The second fastening element and / or the third fastening element may include clips and / or carabiners and / or Velcro fasteners and / or straps made of fabric and / or rope and / or string and / or elastic material and / or leather.

[0013] A format of the device intended for horses may have the following dimensions: - the first frame may have a large diameter of about 19 centimeters, a small diameter of about 15 centimeters and a depth of about 15.5 centimeters, - the second frame may have a large diameter of about 20 centimeters, a small diameter of about 16 centimeters and a depth of about 16 centimeters, - the filtering element may have a large diameter of about 20 centimeters, a small diameter of about 15 centimeters and a depth of about 15 centimeters.

[0014] The device can allow the passage of 10 liters of air during an inspiration and / or during an expiration of an equine.

[0015] The attached drawing represents, by way of example, an embodiment of a facial device for equines according to the invention.

[0016] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents an embodiment of a facial device for equine.

[0017] An embodiment of a facial device for equid 10 is described below with reference to [Fig.1].

[0018] The device 10 is sized to equip an equine, for example a pony, a horse or a cob. The principle of the device remains the same regardless of the equine, only the dimensions of the device 10 vary to adapt to the morphology of the animal's muzzle.

[0019] In the remainder of the document, we consider an equine equipped with a device 10 according to the invention.

[0020] The device 10 includes a filter element 1. The material, shape and positioning of the filter element 1 enable it to filter bacteria or viruses expelled in the breath or saliva of the equine.

[0021] The filter element 1 is made of a filter material. The filter material has filtration properties such that they prevent particles the size of a virus or bacteria from passing through the filter material. In particular, the filtration properties of the filter material may be equivalent to those of an FFP1, FFP2, FFP3, N95, or KN95 mask. Preferably, the device is arranged so that filter at least 94% of the particles in an aerosol (including particles with a size of approximately 0.6 pm), with a total inward leakage of less than 8%.

[0022] The filter material may consist of several layers of different or identical materials. Preferably, the total thickness of the filter material is small, for example less than or equal to one millimeter.

[0023] Furthermore, the properties of the filter material are such that they do not restrict the passage of air during inhalation and exhalation by the horse. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, they allow the passage of at least 10 liters of air during an inhalation and / or exhalation by the horse.

[0024] The filter material is shaped so as to be able to envelop the muzzle of the equine, in particular so as to be able to simultaneously cover the nostrils and the mouth of the equine.

[0025] In one embodiment, the filter material is shaped or assembled to substantially take the form of a truncated cone, that is to say a cone whose upper part has for example been cut by a plane parallel or substantially parallel to its base 17. The base 17 of the cone is open to allow the insertion of the horse's muzzle into the filtering element 1.

[0026] The filter element therefore comprises a conical side wall 16 assembled to a flat circular end 15. The assembly formed by the side wall 16 and the end 15 delimits a free internal volume of the filter element 1. The internal volume is dimensioned so as to allow the insertion of the equine's muzzle.

[0027] The shape of the filter element could be slightly different. For example, the end could be convex and connected to the frustoconical shape by spokes.

[0028] The depth 13 of the free internal volume is defined to completely cover the nostrils and mouth of the equine. For example, the depth of a filter element intended for a horse may be approximately 15 centimeters.

[0029] The diameter 11 of the base 17 and the diameter 12 of the end 15 are defined to fit the muzzle of the equine. In other words, the diameters 11 and 12 must be both large enough to allow passage for the muzzle of the equine and small enough to limit the free space between the filter element 1 and the muzzle of the equine.

[0030] In order to allow the filtration of bacteria or viruses expelled in the breath or saliva of an equine, the filtering element 1 must be maintained at the level of the nostrils and mouth of said equine, in particular in a sufficiently airtight manner.

[0031] In other words, it is necessary that the arrangement of the filter element forces a large proportion of the airflow inspired and exhaled by the equine to pass through the filter element.

[0032] In particular, it is necessary to sufficiently reduce the space left free between the edges of filter element 1 and the head of the equine in order to disrupt an undesirable flow of air through this space left free.

[0033] To this end, in a first embodiment of the facial device 10, the facial device comprises the filter element 1 and a fastening means, for example, a strap, which allows it to be positioned and held in place. At least one strap may be attached directly to the head of the equine and to the filter element. Alternatively, at least one strap could be attached: - to equipment placed on the horse's head, for example a halter, bridle or bridle, and - to the filter element.

[0034] Similarly, in a second embodiment of the facial device 10, the filtering element 1 is held at the level of the nostrils and mouth of the equine by means of a fastening means 2.

[0035] The fastening means 2 may include a first hollow, rigid and perforated frame 21 whose envelope is substantially in the shape of a cone truncated at its apex.

[0036] Thus, the envelope of the first armature can have a shape substantially similar to that of the filter element 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first frame 21 has an internal face and an external face: - the inner face of the first frame 21 being designed to enclose the muzzle of the equine, and - the external face of the first frame 21 being intended to be inserted into the filter element 1.

[0038] The inner face of the first frame 21 defines a free internal volume. The depth 213 of the first frame 21, and more particularly the depth of the free internal volume, is defined to completely cover the nostrils and mouth of the equine. The large diameter 211 and the small diameter 212 of the first frame 21 are defined to fit the dimensions of the equine's muzzle.

[0039] Advantageously, the first armature 21, and more particularly its external face, also has dimensions substantially smaller than those of the filter element 1, so as to be able to fit into the filter element 1.

[0040] Different embodiments of the first frame 21 are conceivable.

[0041] For example, in an embodiment represented by [Fig. 1], the first frame 21 may comprise an assembly 214 of circular rings distributed along a longitudinal axis, the assembly of rings 214 being such that: - it includes at least two rings, - the longitudinal distribution of at least two rings determines the depth 213 of the reinforcement 21 - the diameter of at least two rings increases along the longitudinal axis, - the smallest ring determines the small diameter 212 of the frame, - the largest ring determines the large diameter 211 of the reinforcement,

[0042] According to this embodiment, the first reinforcement 21 further comprises at least two hoops 215 materializing a longitudinal structure of the reinforcement, in particular by fixing the longitudinal distribution of the rings.

[0043] The rigidity of the structure is more or less important, depending on the nature of the material or materials used to manufacture the rings and hoops forming the structure.

[0044] In one embodiment, the rings and / or hoops may be made of metal wire or wire of a metal alloy, for example steel wire. The diameter of the wires may vary, for example from a few millimeters.

[0045] Alternatively or in addition, the rings and / or hoops can be made of PVC or plastic.

[0046] Alternatively or in addition, the rings and / or hoops can be made of leather, this material having a lower rigidity than PVC, plastic or a metal or metal alloy.

[0047] The structure of the frame 21 must be sufficiently rigid to maintain the filter element 1 in an optimal position, so that - the horse's breath and saliva droplets are directed towards the filter element 1, - the air inhaled and exhaled by the equine passes without resistance through filter element 1, and - the filter element should not be in direct contact with the nostrils or mouth of the equine, particularly during the equine's inhalation.

[0048] In addition, the structure of the frame 21 must be sufficiently open so as not to create resistance to the passage of air during an inspiration or expiration of the equine.

[0049] The fastening means 2 may further include a fastening element connecting the first frame 21 to the head of the equine or to equipment disposed on the head of the equine.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means 2 comprises, in addition to a first frame 21: - a first fixing element 22 connecting the first frame 21 to the head of the equine or to equipment placed on the head of the equine, and - a second fixing element 23 holding the filter element around the outer face of the first frame 21.

[0051] In other words, the filter element 1 is fixed to the first frame 21 by the second fixing element 23, the frame 21 itself being fixed to the head of the equine by the first attachment element 22.

[0052] The first fastening element 22 may include fastening loops 221 arranged at the level of the largest ring of the first frame 21. The fastening loops 221 then allow the passage of fastening straps 222 which can be attached either to the head of the equine, or to equipment placed on the head of the equine, i.e. a halter, a bridle or a net.

[0053] In this embodiment, the device 10 comprises - fixing the filter element 1 to the first frame 21, and - a fixing of the first frame 21 to the head of the equine, and / or - a fixing of the first frame 21 to equipment placed on the head of the equine.

[0054] The second fastening element 23 may include plastic clips and / or one or more elastic bands collaborating with holes 14 arranged on the filter element and / or a curved part 23 of the hoops 215 of the first frame 21.

[0055] The fastening means 2 may further include a second frame 24 intended to cover the assembly consisting of the filter element 1 and the first frame 21.

[0056] The role of the second frame 24 is to help maintain the filter element 1 in the optimal position described above. In particular, the second frame 24 protects the device 10 against displacement, damage, or detachment of the filter element 1, which may occur during the horse's movements or during friction of the device 10 against elements in the horse's environment.

[0057] In an embodiment described by [Fig.1], the second reinforcement 24 is substantially identical in shape to that of the first reinforcement 21. The size of the second reinforcement 24 is substantially larger than that of the first reinforcement 21.

[0058] In this embodiment, the second frame 24 is therefore also hollow, rigid, and perforated. Its structure may also include rings and hoops as described for the first frame 21.

[0059] In addition, the second frame 24 can be made of one or more materials chosen from among metals, metal alloys, leather, PVC and plastic materials.

[0060] Advantageously the second armature 24 has high rigidity in order to effectively protect the filter element 1 against tearing or alteration.

[0061] The fastening means 2 further includes a third fastening element 25 allowing the second frame 24 to be connected to the first frame 21.

[0062] The filter element 1 can also be fixed to the second frame without being fixed to the first frame.

[0063] In this embodiment, the device 10 comprises - fixing the filter element 1 to the second frame 24, and - a fixing of the second frame 24 to the first frame 21, and / or a fixing of the second frame 24 to the head of the equine or to equipment placed on the head of the equine

[0064] Alternatively, the filter element 1 can be held between the first and second armatures without being fixed to either of the armatures.

[0065] In an embodiment illustrated by [Fig.1] the fixing element 25 is made by the end of the hoops of the second frame which collaborates with the curved points 23 of the hoops of the first frame 21.

[0066] The fastening element 25 may further include clips and / or carabiners and / or Velcro fasteners and / or straps made of fabric and / or rope and / or string and / or elastic material and / or leather.

[0067] The third fixing element 25 advantageously allows the filtering element 1 to be removed and / or replaced without detaching the first fixing element 22 connecting the first frame 21 to the head of the equine or to equipment placed on the head of the equine.

[0068] Advantageously, the filter element 1 is removable and / or replaceable regardless of the embodiment of the facial device 10.

[0069] In this embodiment, the device 10 comprises - a fixing of the filter element 1 to the first frame 21 and / or a fixing of the filter element 1 to the second frame 24, and / or a fixing of the filter element 1 to the head of the equine or to equipment placed on the head of the equine, and - a fastening of the first frame 21 to the head of the equine, and / or a fastening of the first frame 21 to equipment placed on the head of the equine, and - a fixing of the second frame 24 to the first frame 21, and / or a fixing of the second frame 24 to the head of the equine or to equipment placed on the head of the equine.

[0070] The dimensions of the various elements constituting the device 10 may vary depending on the type of equine. In particular, the dimensions of the filter element 1, the first frame 21 and the second frame 24 may vary depending on the type of equine.

[0071] By way of example of dimensions, in an embodiment intended for horses, a facial device 10 could have the following dimensions: - the first frame 21 could have a large diameter 211 of approximately 19 centimeters, a small diameter 212 of approximately 15 centimeters and a depth 213 of approximately 15 centimeters, - the second armature 24 could have a large diameter 241 of approximately 20 centimeters, a small diameter of approximately 16 centimeters (242 cm) and a depth of approximately 16 centimeters (243 cm). - the filter element could have a large diameter 11 of about 20 centimeters, a small diameter 12 of about 15 centimeters and a depth 13 of about 15 centimeters.

Claims

Demands

1. Equine facial device (10), in particular for horse, pony or cob, characterized in that it comprises a filtering element (1) capable of filtering bacteria or viruses expelled in the breath or saliva of an equine.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the filter element (1) is removable and / or replaceable.

3. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the filter element (1) is of type FFP1 or FFP2 or FFP3 or N95 or KN95, or has properties similar to those of a filter element used to make a mask of type FFP1 or FFP2 or FFP3 or N95 or KN95.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one fastening means (2) for maintaining the filter element (1) at the level of the nostrils and mouth of an equine.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (2) comprises a first hollow, rigid and perforated frame (21) whose envelope is substantially in the shape of a cone truncated at its apex, the first frame comprising an inner face and an outer face, the inner face of the first frame being intended to envelop the muzzle of an equine and the outer face of the first frame being intended to be inserted into the filter element (1), in that the fastening means (2) further comprises a first and a second fastening element (22, 23) and in that the first fastening element (22) connects the first frame (21) to a head of an equine or to equipment disposed on a head of an equine, in particular a halter or a net or a bridle, and the second fastening element (23) holds the filter element around the outer face of the first frame (21).

6. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fastening means (2) comprises a third fastening element (25) and a second hollow, rigid, and perforated frame (24), the shape of which is substantially identical to that of the first frame (21) and the size of which is substantially larger than that of the first frame (21), in that the second frame (24) at least partially covers the assembly formed by the first frame (21) and the filter element (1), and in that the third fastening element (25) connects the second armature (24) to the first armature (21).

7. Device according to claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the first frame (21), or the first and second frames (21, 24), are made of fabric or PVC or plastic or leather or metal or metal alloy.

8. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the second fastening element (23) or the third fastening element (25) comprises clips or carabiners or Velcro fasteners or straps of fabric or rope or string or elastic material or leather.

9. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a format of the device intended for horses has the following dimensions: - the first frame (21) has a large diameter (211) of about 19 centimeters, a small diameter (212) of about 15 centimeters and a depth (213) of about 15.5 centimeters, - the second frame (24) has a large diameter (241) of about 20 centimeters, a small diameter (242) of about 16 centimeters and a depth (243) of about 16 centimeters, - the filtering element has a large diameter (11) of about 20 centimeters, a small diameter (12) of about 15 centimeters and a depth (13) of about 15 centimeters.

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