Equine cap compatible with ethological halters

Abstract

The invention relates to a bonnet (100) for an equine compatible with an ethological halter comprising: a cap (101) intended to cover an upper part of the equine's head; a first and a second ear cover (102A, 102B) extending from the cap (101) and a first attachment system (103A, 103B) extending from the cap (101) and intended to surround a throat of the equine when the bonnet (100) equips it. Figure for the abstract: figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Equine bonnet compatible with ethological halters Technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is the equipment of equines and in particular caps intended for equines.

[0002] The invention thus relates to a bonnet for equines compatible with an ethological halter. State of the prior art

[0003] It is known to equip equines, and in particular horses, with bonnets 11 to protect their ears from the entry of insects, such as flies.

[0004] Such caps 10 comprise, as shown in [Fig.l], a cap 11 covering an upper part of the head 2 of the equine 1 including at least in part a forehead 5 and a nape 3 of the equine 1 and having a first and a second opening for receiving the first and the second ear 6 of the equine, and a first and a second ear cover 12 extending from the cap 11 and each intended to cover a respective ear of the equine 1.

[0005] Such caps 10 make it possible to improve the comfort of the equine during the period of insect proliferation (particularly summer) and avoid the distraction of the equine that such penetration could cause.

[0006] These bonnets are, however, mainly adapted to be used in association with particular types of equine head harness, such as for example nets or bridles, which have a headpiece and a browband resting the bonnet on the forehead 5 and the nape 3 of the equine. Thus, when the equine is not equipped with head harness, such as in the field, it is necessary to use unsightly equipment such as insect masks. In addition, there is currently no solution compatible with certain types of harness such as ethological halters. Statement of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks and thus aims to provide a cap for equines which can be fitted to the equine regardless of its head harness or in the absence of head harness, without the aesthetics of the equine being degraded as is the case with anti-insect masks.

[0008] The invention relates to this end to a cap for equines compatible with an ethological halter comprising: - a cap intended to cover an upper part of the equine's head including part of a forehead and part of the neck of the equine and having a first and a second opening for receiving the first and second ears, - first and second ear covers extending from the first and second openings respectively and each intended to cover a respective ear of the equine in order to prevent insects from entering the latter, the bonnet comprising a first attachment system extending from the crown and being intended to surround a throat of the equine when the bonnet is fitted to enable the crown to be held on the head of the equine.

[0009] With such an attachment system, the bonnet can be held in place regardless of the type of head harness or even in the absence of head harness. Thus, the bonnet according to the invention is in particular perfectly compatible with ethological halters. It will also be noted that the aesthetics of the bonnet can remain intact, since the only addition necessary for such maintenance is the first attachment system which can be produced in colors matching those of the skullcap and the ear flaps.

[0010] It should be noted that a bonnet, unlike fly masks, leaves certain parts of the horse's head free, including the eyes and jaw. Similarly, a bonnet is intended to equip the equine under the head harness and not over it as is the case with fly masks, so it is not necessary to remove it to remove or equip the equine with the head harness.

[0011] The first attachment system may comprise a first and a second lateral extension extending from the cap on either side of the cap and shaped to attach to each other at the throat of the equine.

[0012] Such a lateral portion allows easy attachment of the cap to the throat of the equine with optimized aesthetics, since such extensions can be arranged in the continuity of the cap.

[0013] The first fastening system may further comprise at least one closure element configured to secure the first and second lateral extensions to each other, the at least one closure element being preferably chosen from hook-and-loop closure systems, snap fasteners, pin buckle clasps, buttonholes, strap / button assemblies, clasps and toggles.

[0014] Such a closing element allows for easier attachment of the first attachment system. It is thus easier to securely equip the equine.

[0015] The closure element can be configured to provide a tether length adaptable to the morphology of the equine.

[0016] In this way, the same cap can equip equines of different sizes.

[0017] The cap can include a fastener intended to allow the attachment of an equine head harness, such as a halter, preferably of the ethological type, said fastener being advantageously shaped to allow the attachment of a top head of said equine head harness.

[0018] This limits the relative movements between the head harness and the bonnet which could be unpleasant for the equipped equine.

[0019] The first and second lateral extensions can be made from the same material as the cap.

[0020] This ensures aesthetic continuity between the cap and the first and second lateral extensions. In addition, the manufacture of the cap can be facilitated, since the cap and the first and second lateral extensions can be manufactured in a single piece and does not require an assembly step.

[0021] The first and second lateral extensions may be made from a material comprising an elastomer, said material preferably being identical to that of the earmuffs.

[0022] In this way, the first and second lateral extensions can have a certain elasticity facilitating the adaptation of the cap to the morphology of the equine.

[0023] The cap may be a crocheted piece preferably comprising cotton, the earmuffs preferably comprising a fabric including an elastomer.

[0024] These materials are particularly suitable for the comfort of the equine.

[0025] The cap may have a first portion intended to cover the neck of the equine and a second portion intended to cover the forehead of the equine and in which the second portion covers at least part of the muzzle,

[0026] the second portion having a second attachment system intended to cooperate with a noseband of a head harness of the equine.

[0027] In this way, it is possible to have cooperation between the head harness of the equine and the bonnet, thus ensuring that the bonnet holds properly.

[0028] The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a cap for equines comprising the following steps: - provision of a cap, the cap being intended to cover an upper part of the head of the equine including a part of a forehead and a part of the neck of the equine and having a first and a second opening to receive the first and the second ear, - provision of a first attachment system, the first attachment system extending from the cap and being intended to surround a throat of the equine when the bonnet is fitted to enable the cap to be held on the head of the equine, - providing first and second ear covers and arranging these first and second ear covers in such a way that they extend from the first and second openings respectively, the first and second ear covers each intended to cover a respective ear of the equine in order to prevent insects from entering the latter.

[0029] Such a method allows the manufacture of a cap according to the invention and to benefit from the advantages associated therewith. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The present invention will be better understood on reading the description of exemplary embodiments, given purely for informational purposes and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] illustrates a horse equipped with an equine bonnet according to the prior art and a bridle;

[0032] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a cap for equines according to the invention;

[0033] [Fig.3] illustrates a horse equipped with a bonnet according to the invention and a halter ethological;

[0034] [Fig.4A] illustrates the installation of a lateral extension of a fastening system according to the invention, in which this lateral extension is made from the same fabric as that of the ear covers,

[0035] [Fig.4B] illustrates a bonnet as obtained during the lateral extension installation illustrated in [Fig.4A].

[0036] Identical, similar or equivalent parts of the different figures bear the same numerical references so as to facilitate the transition from one figure to another.

[0037] The different parts represented in the figures are not necessarily on a uniform scale, in order to make the figures more readable.

[0038] The different possibilities (variants and embodiments) must be understood as not being mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other.

[0039] Detailed description of particular embodiments

[0040] [Fig.2] illustrates a cap 100 for an equine, here a horse 1 as shown in [Fig.3], according to the invention.

[0041] If in the present embodiment, the cap 100 is aimed in particular at horses 1, whatever their type, including in particular saddle horses, draft horses and ponies, the present cap 100 concerns all equines such as donkeys, mules, mules and zebras, and in particular domestic equine species. Therefore, the present teaching does not only concern horses and is applicable to all equines.

[0042] A cap 100 according to the invention comprises: - a cap 101 intended to cover an upper part of the head 2 of the horse 1 including a part of a forehead 5 and a part of the neck 3 of the horse 1 and having a first and a second opening for receiving the first and the second ear 6, - a first and a second ear cover 102A, 102B extending from respectively the first and the second opening and each intended to cover a respective ear 6 of the horse 1 in order to prevent insects from entering the latter, - a first attachment system 103A, 103B extending from the cap 101 and intended to surround a throat 3 of the horse 1 when the bonnet 100 equips it to allow the cap 101 to be held on the head 2 of the horse 1.

[0043] The cap 101 has a generally elongated triangular shape with a first portion 105 intended to cover the neck 3 of the horse 1 and a second portion 104 intended to cover the forehead 5 of the equine 1. In this triangular conformation, one of the sides, the shorter one, corresponds to the first portion 105 and is rounded, and the other two sides, having a truncated apex, correspond to the second portion 104 of the cap 101. If the cap 101 can be made of any fabric, in a usual application of the invention, the cap 101 can be a crochet piece preferably comprising cotton. As an alternative to cotton, the crochet piece can be made of another material compatible with the crochet, such as polyester.Likewise, it is conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that certain parts of the cap 101, in particular part or all of the second portion 104, are made from a fabric or include a portion of the crochet piece covered with a fabric, such as velvet.

[0044] In an example of conformation of the cap 100 according to the invention, the cap has a width L2 of 25 to 40 cm, preferably 30 to 35 cm and be, for example, equal to 32 cm, at the level of the first portion 105. The truncated top of the second portion 104 may have a width L1 of between 5 and 15 cm, or even between 7 and 13 cm and be, for example, equal to 10 cm. The height h2 of the cap 101, that is to say the distance between the end of the first portion 105 and that of the second portion 104 is between 30 and 45 cm, or even between 32 and 40 cm and be, for example, equal to 35 cm. The openings of the cap 101 intended to allow the passage of the horse's ears can be positioned at a distance h3 from the end of the first portion 105. It will of course be noted that these dimensions, and in particular the height h2, are provided for a bonnet 100 for a horse in a “short version” configuration.These dimensions may therefore differ when the cap is in a “long version” configuration as described below in the context of the second embodiment of the invention.

[0045] The cap 101 has between the first and second portions 105, 104 and near the two peaks associated with the side corresponding to the first portion 105 a first and a second opening for receiving the first and second ears 6 of the horse 1. The first and second ear covers 102A, 102B extend from respectively the first and second openings and are shaped to each receive a respective ear 6 of the horse 1. In order to facilitate such conformation and ensure good comfort of the horse 1, each of the first and second ear covers 102A, 102B may comprise a fabric including an elastomer.

[0046] Each of the earmuffs can have a height hl of between 12 and 25 cm, or even between 15 and 20 cm and be, for example, equal to 17 cm.

[0047] In a usual conformation of the invention, the first attachment system 103A, 103B comprises a first and a second lateral extension 103A, 103B extending from the cap 101 on either side of the cap 101 and shaped to attach to each other at the throat 3 of the horse 1. More precisely, the first and a second lateral extension 103A, 103B extend from the vertices corresponding to the side of the triangular shape of the cap 101 associated with the first portion 105. As shown in [Fig. 2], these two vertices can be truncated in order to allow their extension by the first and a second lateral extension 103A, 103B.

[0048] The first and second lateral extensions may each have an elongated triangular shape, said shape extending longitudinally from the cap 101 from its shorter side in a direction opposite to the other extension. Similarly, the long sides of the triangular shape advantageously extend in continuity with the cap 101. Each of the lateral extensions may extend from the cap by a length of between 15 and 35 cm, preferably between 20 and 30 cm, or even between 22 and 26 cm and be, for example, equal to 24 cm. With such a configuration, the total length L3 of the cup 100, from one end of the first extension 103A to one end of the second extension 103 may be between 55 and 110 cm, or even between 74 cm and 87 cm and may be, for example, equal to 80 cm.

[0049] In order to allow the attachment between the first and second lateral extensions 103A, 103B at the throat 3 of the horse 1, the first attachment system 103A, 103B further comprises at least one closure element, not shown, configured to attach the first and second lateral extensions 103A, 103B to each other, the at least one closure element being preferentially chosen from hook-and-loop closure systems, snap fasteners, pin buckle clasps, buttonholes, bridle / button assemblies, clasps and toggles. This closure element is preferentially adapted to provide an attachment length adaptable to the morphology of the equine (for example by arranging a plurality of closure elements along the first and second extensions).

[0050] In a first configuration of the invention, in order to ensure aesthetic continuity between the cap 101 and the lateral extensions 103A, 103B, the lateral extensions 103A, 103B can be made of the same material as that of the cap 101. Thus, depending on the possibility where the cap 101 comprises a hook part, the side extensions 103A, 103B can be included in this same hook part.

[0051] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, in order to facilitate the adaptation of the lateral extensions 103A, 103B to the morphology of the horse 1, the lateral extensions 103A, 103B may be made of the same material as that of the ear covers 102A, 102B. Thus, depending on the possibility in which each of the first and second ear covers comprises a fabric including an elastomer, each of the lateral extensions 103A, 103B may comprise a fabric including an elastomer.

[0052] A cap according to the invention can be manufactured according to a method comprising the following steps: - provision of a cap 101, the cap 101 being intended to cover an upper part of the head 2 of the horse 1 including a part of a forehead 5 and a part of the neck 3 of the horse and having a first and a second opening for receiving the first and the second ear 6, - providing the first attachment system 103A, 103B, the first and second lateral extensions 103A, 103B in accordance with the present embodiment, the first attachment system 103A, 103B extending from the cap 101 and being intended to surround a throat 3 of the horse 1 when the bonnet 100 equips it to allow the cap 101 to be held on the head 2 of the horse 1, - providing a first and a second ear cover 102A, 102B and arranging these first and second ear covers 102A, 102B in such a way that they extend from the first and second openings respectively, the first and a second ear cover 102A, 102B each intended to cover a respective ear 6 of the horse 1 in order to prevent insects from entering the latter.

[0053] Of course, the order of these steps is only indicative and some of them may be concomitant without departing from the scope of the invention. The step of providing the first attachment system 103A, 103B and providing a first and a second earmuff 102A, 102B can for example easily be reversed as shown in [Fig.4A] in which the lateral extensions 103A, 103B are put in place while the earmuffs are not yet fixed to the cap 101. Similarly, when the cap 101 and the lateral extensions are made of the same material, the steps of providing the cap 101 and the first attachment system 103A, 103B can be concomitant, this provision can correspond to the provision of a hook part comprising both the cap 101 and the lateral extensions 103A, 103B.

[0054] According to a second embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the second portion 104 may cover at least part of the chamfer 7 and thus have a second portion that is larger than that of the first embodiment. A bonnet 100 according to this second embodiment differs from a bonnet 100 according to the first embodiment in that the second portion 104 covers at least part of the chamfer 7 of the horse 1 and in that the second portion 104 has a second attachment system, not illustrated, intended to cooperate with the head harness 8, 9 equipping the horse 1.

[0055] Thus, in accordance with this second embodiment, the second portion 104 may have a portion end 104A, shown in dotted lines in order to distinguish it from the configuration of the first embodiment, which extends at least partly above the chamfer. This portion end 104A comprises the second attachment system. This second attachment system may be provided in the form of a loop through which a noseband of the head harness 8, 9 is intended to pass. Alternatively, this portion end 104A may be made of fabric or comprise a portion of the hook piece covered with a fabric, such as velvet.

[0056] It will be noted that if in the present embodiments, the first attachment system 103A, 103B is provided by means of two lateral extensions 103A, 103B, it can take another form without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, in a variant not illustrated, the first attachment system 103A, 103B can for example comprise two straps, for example made of leather, in place of the lateral extensions 103A, 103B, or even have only one lateral extension (or strap) which is attached to an opposite part of the cap 101.

Claims

Claims

1. Bonnet (100) for equine (1) compatible with ethological halter (9) comprising: - a cap (101) intended to cover an upper part of the head (2) of the equine (1) including a part of a forehead (5) and a part of the nape (3) of the equine (1) and having a first and a second opening for receiving the first and the second ear (6), - a first and a second ear cover (102A, 102B) extending from respectively the first and the second opening and each intended to cover a respective ear of the equine (1) in order to prevent the entry of insects into the latter, the bonnet (100) being characteristic in that it comprises a first attachment system (103A, 103B) extending from the cap (101) and being intended to surround a throat (3) of the equine (1) when the bonnet (100) equips it to allow the cap (101) to be held on the head of the equine (1).

2. Equine cap (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment system (103A, 103B) comprises a first and a second lateral extension (103A, 103B) extending from the cap (101) on either side of the cap (101) and shaped to attach to each other at the throat (3) of the equine (1).

3. Equine cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first attachment system (103A, 103B) further comprises at least one closure element configured to attach the first and second lateral extensions (103A, 103B) to each other, the at least one closure element being preferably chosen from hook-and-loop closure systems, snap fasteners, pin buckle clasps, buttonholes, strap / button assemblies, clasps and frogs.

4. Equine cap (100) according to claim 3, wherein the closure element is configured to provide an attachment length adaptable to the morphology of the equine.

5. Equine cap (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 4, in which the cap comprises a fastener (106) intended to allow the attachment of an equine head harness (8, 9), such as a halter (9) preferably of the ethological type, said fastener (106) being advantageously shaped to allow the attachment of a headpiece (9A) of said equine head harness (8, 9).

6. Equine cap (100) according to claim 2 taken alone or in combination with any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the first and second lateral extensions (103A, 103B) are made of the same material as that of the cap (101).

7. Equine bonnet (100) according to claim 2 taken alone or in combination with any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the first and second lateral extensions (103A, 103B) are made of a material comprising an elastomer, said material preferably being identical to that of the ear covers.

8. Cap (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the cap (101) is a crochet piece preferably comprising cotton, the earmuffs preferably comprising a fabric including an elastomer.

9. Cap (100) for equine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the cap has a first portion (105) intended to cover the nape (3) of the equine (1) and a second portion (104) intended to cover the forehead (5) of the equine (1) and in which the second portion (104) covers at least part of a muzzle (7), the second portion (104) having a second attachment system intended to cooperate with a noseband of a head harness (8, 9) of the equine (1).

10. A method of manufacturing a cap for an equine comprising the following steps: - providing a cap (101), the cap (101) being intended to cover an upper part of the head (2) of the equine (1) including a part of a forehead (5) and a part of the nape (3) of the equine (1) and having a first and a second opening for receiving the first and second ears (6), - providing a first attachment system (103A, 103B), the first attachment system (103A, 103B) extending from the cap (101) and being intended to surround a throat (3) of the equine (1) when the cap (100) is fitted to allow maintaining the cap (101) on the head of the equine (1), providing a first and a second ear cover (102A, 102B) and arranging these first and second ear covers (102A, 102B) in such a way that they extend from the first and second openings respectively, the first and a second ear cover (102A, 102B) each intended to cover a respective ear of the equine (1) in order to prevent insects from entering the latter.

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