Protective gaiter for a horse's leg

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective gaiter (10) for the leg (M) of a horse (C). The protective gaiter (10) comprises a series of heat-sealed layers, namely: - a first layer (20) made of a non-thermoplastic, waterproof cellular material, - a second layer (30) made of a thermoplastic composite resin, comprising a polymer and a textile weave, and - a third layer (40) made of a thermoplastic polymer material. Figure for the abstract: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Protective gaiter for a horse's leg Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of protective gaiters for the leg of a horse. State of the art

[0002] In the field of protective equipment for horses, gaiters play an essential role by providing a barrier against impacts, injuries and friction.

[0003] Currently, the majority of gaiters available on the market are made from materials such as neoprene, combined with a layer of PVC.

[0004] These gaiters, although robust, have some notable limitations, particularly in terms of adaptability and comfort.

[0005] Traditional leg wraps are indeed designed with standardized shapes that do not take into account the specific anatomy of each horse. This can lead to unsuitable fits, thus limiting mobility or causing uncomfortable pressure points.

[0006] In this context, there is a need for protective gaiters that combine effective protection with increased personalization to fit each horse. Presentation of the invention

[0007] In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the prior art, the present invention proposes a protective gaiter for a horse's leg, offering several advantages:

[0008] - personalized adaptability: thanks to the use of thermoplastic materials, the The gaiter can be thermoformed to precisely fit the specific morphology of each horse. This customization allows for an optimal fit, improving comfort and safety while reducing the risk of pressure points or excessive friction;

[0009] - Increased comfort: the thermoforming capability eliminates the need for adjustments Standardized, often uncomfortable traditional gaiters. By perfectly conforming to the contours of the horse's leg, the invention guarantees a uniform distribution of pressure, which improves comfort, even during intensive physical activity;

[0010] - Superior protection: the materials used offer increased resistance to shocks. These gaiters are capable of effectively absorbing impacts during horse movements, thus reducing the risk of injury caused by collisions between limbs;

[0011] - Maintenance and reuse: the thermoplastic materials used can be They are remodeled several times, allowing for readjustment or reuse of the boots for other horses if necessary. This offers flexibility of use while extending the product's lifespan.

[0012] More particularly, the invention proposes a protective gaiter for a horse's leg, which gaiter comprises a superposition of heat-sealed layers, namely:

[0013] - a first layer made of an impermeable, non-cellular material thermoplastic,

[0014] - a second layer made of a thermoplastic composite resin, comprising a polymer and a textile weave, and

[0015] - a third layer made of a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0016] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows:

[0017] - the waterproof cellular material is made of cellular rubber;

[0018] - the thermoplastic composite resin of the second layer is an assembly of a polymer selected from polycaprolactones, combined with a textile weave chosen from polyester and / or linen;

[0019] - the thermoplastic polymer material of the third layer is selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE), preferably low-density polyethylene (LDPE);

[0020] - the gaiter includes an inclusion fixed to the outer face of the third layer, for example an embroidered decorative element, allowing aesthetic personalization of the product while maintaining its functional efficiency;

[0021] - means for attaching to the horse's limb are also provided, such as elastic bands combined with quick fastening means, advantageously self-gripping bands, guaranteeing quick fitting and secure retention of the gaiter during the horse's activity;

[0022] - the second and third layers are thermoplastic at a temperature of melting temperature less than or equal to 100°C, which allows for easy and secure thermoforming to perfectly fit the gaiter to the horse's leg.

[0023] The present invention also proposes a method for manufacturing and fitting this protective gaiter.

[0024] The manufacturing process includes a step of supplying the different constituent layers, followed by a step of heat-welding said layers, thus ensuring a homogeneous and durable structure without the need for visible seams.

[0025] The installation process comprises:

[0026] - a step of heating the gaiter to bring the second and third layers in a thermoformable state

[0027] - a shaping step by direct application of the gaiter onto the limb of the horse,

[0028] - a step of applying an adhesive strip, advantageously stretchable, ensuring a optimal support during thermoforming.

[0029] Of course, the various features, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0030] In addition, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:

[0031] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a protective gaiter according to the invention, reported on the limb of a horse;

[0032] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a protective gaiter according to the invention, illustrated in isolation and flat (before its thermoforming);

[0033] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional and schematic view of the gaiter according to [Fig.1], illustrating these different layers.

[0034] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0035] The present invention thus relates to a protective gaiter 10 for the limb M of a horse C, designed to offer optimal protection while being comfortable and easy to put on.

[0036] The "limbs of a horse" refers to the anatomical parts of the horse which include the legs, i.e. the forelegs (front legs) and the hindlegs (rear legs).

[0037] Generally, protective leg wraps for horses are used to prevent injuries to the limbs M during equestrian activities. They must be shock-resistant, while allowing some flexibility so as not to hinder the horse's movements C.

[0038] By "protective gaiters" is advantageously understood a device intended to be placed around the limbs of a horse, in particular at the level of the cannon bone and / or the fetlock, in order to protect them against shocks, injuries during equestrian activities and to support the tendons during exertion.

[0039] They can be used both during mounted work (show jumping, dressage, cross country, etc.) and during transport.

[0040] In general, the invention thus proposes a protective gaiter 10 which is distinguished by its heat-welded multilayer structure, in which the materials cooperate to achieve an optimal balance between protection, comfort and adaptability.

[0041] To this end, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the invention relates to a protective gaiter 10 for the limb M of a horse C, which protective gaiter comprises a superposition of heat-sealed layers, namely:

[0042] - a first layer 20 made of an impermeable, non-cellular material thermoplastic,

[0043] - a second layer 30 made of a thermoplastic composite resin, comprising a polymer and a textile weave, and

[0044] - a third layer 40 made of a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0045] In practice, the first layer 20 advantageously forms an inner layer, intended to be on the side of the member M to be protected. And the third layer 40 advantageously forms an outer layer, intended to form a protective layer.

[0046] Advantageously and unexpectedly, the combination of the second layer 30 (thermoplastic composite resin) and the third layer 40 (thermoplastic polymer material) provides high-quality thermoforming. First layer 20

[0047] The first layer 20 is thus made of an impermeable, non-thermoplastic cellular material.

[0048] This first layer 20 is specifically designed to absorb shocks during impacts with other parts of the horse. By incorporating this material, the gaiter offers effective protection, thus reducing the risk of bruising and tissue damage, while ensuring the horse's comfort and safety during its activities.

[0049] By "impermeable cellular material", advantageously means a material which combines a cellular or alveolar structure (i.e. containing cavities filled with air or gas) with water impermeability properties.

[0050] By "non-thermoplastic," advantageously means a material which, unlike thermoplastics, does not soften or become malleable when heated. In other words, it cannot be repeatedly melted and reshaped by heat.

[0051] Generally, the first layer 20 is for example made of cellular rubber.

[0052] By "cellular rubber", advantageously means an elastomeric material having an alveolar structure: a multitude of small cavities, called cells, distributed in a rubber matrix.

[0053] Cellular rubber is obtained by expanding a mixture of natural or synthetic rubber with a blowing agent.

[0054] This material also has the advantage of not conducting heat, which prevents overheating of the tendon.

[0055] Preferably, this first layer 20 has a thickness adapted to ensure optimal protection, while preserving sufficient flexibility to conform to the limb during thermoforming. Second layer 30

[0056] The second layer 30 is made of a thermoplastic composite resin, comprising a polymer and a textile weave.

[0057] By "thermoplastic composite resin", advantageously means a composite material consisting of a thermoplastic matrix (the polymer) reinforced by a textile weave.

[0058] In this context, the thermoplastic matrix is ​​advantageously a polymer which softens and becomes malleable when heated, allowing it to be shaped and assembled with the textile weave.

[0059] Furthermore, the textile weave gives the material improved mechanical properties, such as increased resistance to tension, bending or impact.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic composite resin of the second layer is an assembly of:

[0061] - a polymer selected from polycaprolactones, combined with

[0062] - a textile weave chosen from polyester and / or linen.

[0063] By "polycaprolactones" (PCL), we advantageously mean a family of aliphatic, biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastic polyesters. Third layer 40

[0064] The third layer 40 is made of a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0065] By "thermoplastic polymer material", advantageously means a plastic material composed of long macromolecular chains, which softens and becomes malleable when heated, and hardens when cooled.

[0066] Examples of thermoplastic polymer materials include polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyamide (PA).

[0067] It may preferably be PVC or PE, preferably even more so LDPE (low density polyethylene).

[0068] The “low density” of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) refers to its density, which is lower than that of other types of polyethylene, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0069] The density of PELD is generally between 0.910 and 0.925 g / cm³. Inclusion 50

[0070] The protective gaiter 10 according to the invention may further include an inclusion 50 fixed on an external face of the third layer 40.

[0071] By "external face", advantageously means a face of the third layer 40 which is opposite the second layer 30.

[0072] This inclusion 50 consists, for example, of a decorative embroidered element for personalization.

[0073] This inclusion 50 is advantageously heat-sealable into the mass of the third layer 40. Hanging methods 60

[0074] The protective gaiter 10 may also include fastening means 60 for attaching it to the leg M of the horse C.

[0075] The fastening means 60 allow in particular the protective gaiter 10 to be closed around the leg M of the horse C, thus ensuring a secure hold and a precise adjustment.

[0076] Such fastening means 60 consist for example of elastic bands 61 associated with quick fastening means 62 (advantageously hook and loop bands), for easy installation and secure retention.

[0077] Preferably, these fastening means 60, and in particular the elastic bands 61, are heat-welded directly into the mass of the second layer 30. Thermoplasticity

[0078] The second layer 30 and the third layer 40 are thermoplastic, advantageously with a melting temperature ranging from 90°C to 150°C, with an application temperature advantageously of 100°C.

[0079] This feature has the advantage of:

[0080] - to facilitate the heat sealing of the layers, and

[0081] - to allow thermoforming of the protective gaiter 10, for adaptation optimal for the morphology of the M limb of horse C.

[0082] In other words, the second layer 30 and the third layer 40 are able to soften and become malleable when heated, and then harden upon cooling.

[0083] This property allows them to be thermoformed, that is to say, to be molded and adjusted to specific shapes adapted to the morphology of the horse's limb. Manufacturing process

[0084] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a protective gaiter 10 according to the invention.

[0085] This process advantageously comprises:

[0086] - a step of supplying the aforementioned layers, then

[0087] - a heat-sealing step of said layers.

[0088] The supply step consists of preparing the different layers that will make up the protective gaiter 10.

[0089] These layers can be cut according to the desired shape for the gaiter.

[0090] The heat-welding step consists of assembling the different layers by heat-welding.

[0091] The layers are superimposed in the desired order: preferably, the first layer 20 is in contact with the horse's leg, and the third layer 40 constitutes the outer layer of the gaiter.

[0092] The layers are then pressed together and heated to a temperature sufficient for the materials to soften and fuse together.

[0093] Pressure and heat are maintained for a sufficient time to ensure a strong and durable bond between the layers.

[0094] After cooling, the layers are firmly assembled, thus forming the protective gaiter.

[0095] This manufacturing process has several advantages:

[0096] - Simplicity: it requires only two main steps and can be easily put into artwork ;

[0097] - speed: heat sealing is a fast and efficient technique;

[0098] - strength: the bond obtained by heat welding is strong and durable.

[0099] The heat-sealing process makes it possible to obtain a multi-layered protective gaiter, in which the layers cooperate to contribute to the overall properties of the gaiter. Fitting a protective gaiter 10

[0100] The invention finally relates to a method for putting on a protective gaiter 10 according to the invention.

[0101] This process includes a step of heating said protective gaiter 10, so as to bring said second layer 30 and said third layer 40 into a thermoformable state.

[0102] This process is continued by a shaping step, by applying said protective gaiter 10 in a "thermoformable" or "malleable" state, onto the limb M of the horse C.

[0103] This application allows the protective gaiter 10 to wrap around the limb, forming a U-shaped piece. This configuration ensures an optimal fit around the limb, providing complete and customized protection. The ability of the thermoplastic layers 30, 40 to mold precisely to the contours of the limb guarantees even pressure distribution, thus improving the horse's comfort and safety during its activities.

[0104] This process further advantageously includes a step of applying an adhesive strip, which allows the optimal shape of the gaiter to be maintained during the cooling time of the latter.

[0105] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the annexed claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Protective gaiter (10), for the limb (M) of a horse (C), which protective gaiter (10) comprises a superposition of heat-welded layers, namely: - a first layer (20) made of a non-thermoplastic, impermeable cellular material, - a second layer (30) made of a thermoplastic composite resin, comprising a polymer and a textile weave, and - a third layer (40) made of a thermoplastic polymer material.

2. Protective gaiter (10), according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof cellular material is made of cellular rubber.

3. Protective gaiter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermoplastic composite resin is an assembly of: - a polymer selected from polycaprolactones, and - a textile weave selected from polyester and / or linen.

4. Protective gaiter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermoplastic polymer material is selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE), preferably low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

5. Protective gaiter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an inclusion (50) fixed on an external face of the third layer (40), for example an embroidered decorative element for personalization.

6. Protective gaiter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising attachment means (60) on the limb (M), for example elastic bands (61) associated with quick-release fastening means (62), advantageously hook and loop fasteners.

7. Protective gaiter (10), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second layer (30) and said third layer (40) are thermoplastics with a melting temperature less than or equal to 100°C.

8. A method for manufacturing a protective gaiter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which method comprises: - a step of supplying said layers (20, 30, 40), then - a step of heat-sealing said layers (20, 30, 40).

9. A method for fitting a protective gaiter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - a step of heating said gaiter, so as to bring said second layer (30) and said third layer (40) into a thermoformable state, - a shaping step, by applying said gaiter to the limb (M) of the horse (C), - a step of applying an adhesive strip.