Respirator for horses

Abstract

A respirator for a horse may include a facepiece that sets on a muzzle of the horse and at least partially defines a chamber between an inner surface of the facepiece and an outer surface of the muzzle. The nostrils of the horse are within the chamber and a mouth of the horse is not within the chamber. An air filter may be positioned in an inlet defined by the facepiece. A valve, or multiple valves, may be positioned on the facepiece proximate to the nostrils of the horse. Air is permitted to pass through the air filter and into the chamber for breathing, and air exhaled by the horse is permitted to flow out of the valve.

Description

RESPIRATOR FOR HORSESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 552,835 filed February 13, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to respirators and, in particular, to respirators for horses.BACKGROUND

[0003] Horses commonly suffer from asthma which can range in severity from mild to severe. It is estimated that 14% of horses living in Northern cool climates are affected by severe equine asthma and up to 90% of racehorses are affected by mild asthma worldwide. Asthma in horses presents many similarities with various forms of asthma in people. Horses with severe asthma have difficulty breathing at rest, frequent coughing and wheezing that prevent them from participating in normal physical activities during periods of disease exacerbation. Horses may recover upon proper therapy and management changes; however, horses remain susceptible to disease flare-ups for life. Mild to moderate asthma is more insidious and results in occasional coughing, decreased athletic performance, and prolonged recovery after exercise.

[0004] Asthma in horses is caused by inhalation of dust particles small enough to penetrate deep in the lungs resulting in airway inflammation, increased mucus production, and airway narrowing. The criteria of small particles include particulate matter less or equal to 10 pm in diameter (PM10), PM2.5, and respirable particles. Exposure to those dust particles is common in horse barns mainly because the usual husbandry practices consisting of feeding horses dry hay and bedding them on straw generate elevated levels of exposure to organic dust such as molds, fungi, plant debris, and endotoxin. Commonly, horses spend the majority of their time housed in astall or barn and only go outside for exercise or turn out for a short period of time. Horses may also be exposed to significant particle levels outdoors when pollen and mold counts are high. Other sources of dust exposure are arenas, show grounds and trails for example. As exposure to airborne particles increases so does the degree of airway inflammation and the negative effect on horse’s performance.

[0005] Moreover, some dust particles can contain hazardous gases produced from combustion (e.g., wildfire, traffic-related, etc.), secondary particles (e.g., ammonia, sulfates, and nitrates), or animal waste (e.g., feces, urine). Those particles can cause adverse effects on respiratory and potentially other body systems (e.g., cardiovascular system). In addition to particles, gaseous pollutants can be inhaled and cause adverse health effects in unusual events like wildfire.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The embodiments may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and descriptions. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale. Moreover, in the figures, like-referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a respirator fitted over an artificial horse muzzle.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a respirator fitted over an artificial horse muzzle viewed from the front.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a respirator fitted over an artificial horse muzzle viewed from the rear.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a respirator without the artificial horse muzzle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Horses are obligatory nose-breathers and prone to a variety of respiratory disorders when they inhale dust and other noxious substances. Veterinarians treat asthma in horses similarly to human asthma using glucocorticoids and bronchodilators. Because those drugs have significant side effects when administeredsystemically (orally or injectable), aerosol therapy is recommended to maximize the amount of medication delivered to the lungs while minimizing systemic absorption and associated side effects. However, aerosol therapy in horses requires special delivery devices to allow horses to properly inhale nebulized medication or aerosol generated from a metered-dose inhaler. Those aerosol delivery devices as well as medications are very expensive and time-consuming for horse owners to administer.

[0012] Another strategy for decreasing dust exposure is using low-dust forages (e.g. steamed hay, haylage, or pelleted feed) and low-dust bedding (e.g. wood shavings, shredded paper). However, these strategies are expensive to horse owners and may adversely affect the gut health and feeding behavior of horses.

[0013] Respirators present an alternative solution to managing respiratory issues with horses. However, existing respirators are designed to fit regular muzzles and cover both the nose and mouth. Respirators for horses are often used to deliver inhaled medications to horses suffering from various respiratory diseases including asthma. However, these respirators inhibit eating, drinking, and other normal behaviors.

[0014] Described herein are examples and embodiments of a respirator for a horsehouse that does not restrict eating, drinking, or other normal behaviors. The respirator prevents inhalation of potentially harmful dust particles and gases in the barn or outdoors when conditions may harm respiratory health (e.g., high dust levels from wildfires, air pollution, or ambient allergens).

[0015] The respirator described herein offers numerous technical advantages over present approaches. By way of example, the respirator is designed to fit over the tip of a horse’s nostrils while not covering the mouth. The body of the respirator may be made of semi-flexible materials and secured with stretchable straps to halter routinely worn by horses. When a horse inhales, the air passes through a filter (e.g., foam, fibrous filter, etc.) positioned in the air inlet of the respirator. The particle collection efficiency of the filter may be, in some examples, at least 90% at the most penetrating particle size (0.1 - 0.5 pm). If the gas filter is used, its gas removal efficiency is at least 99%. The respirator is comfortable, breathable, durable, and easy to clean and allows the horse to eat and drink normally. It may be made of a nonabrasive material with soft linings to prevent rubbing and chafing. The filters may be consumables that are changed daily. The design allows horses to wear the respirators whenever they areexposed to respiratory irritants that have potential health and safety risks. Alternatively, the filters may be washable such that they may be washed, rinsed, and dried for reuse.

[0016] The respirator offers protection from inhalation of particulate matter and other noxious substances and therefore, could have several potential health and safety benefits for the horse and its owner. One benefit includes a reduction of the risk of respiratory problems such as asthma (also known as heaves and inflammatory airway disease), which are caused by dust, mold, and allergens from hay and bedding. Another benefit includes the prevention of the inhalation of harmful substances such as air pollution, outdoor aeroallergens, wildfire dust, and silica dust from arena footing, which can cause lung damage, lung fibrosis, and other diseases. Another benefit includes filtering out infectious agents that cause respiratory infections (e.g. bacteria, fungi, viruses). Yet another benefit includes improving the comfort and performance of the horse by allowing it to breathe more easily and avoid irritation and inflammation of the airways. Additional benefits include saving money and time for the owner by reducing the need for veterinary care, medication, and special feed for horses with respiratory issues. Additional and alternative benefits and technical advancements are described herein.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a respirator 100 fitted over an artificial horse muzzle 102. The respirator 100 may include a facepiece 104. The facepiece 104 may set on the muzzle of the horse and at least partially define a chamber 106 between an inner surface of the facepiece 104 and an outer surface of the muzzle 102 such that the nostrils of the horse are within the chamber 106 and a mouth of the horse is not within the chamber 106. The facepiece 104 may extend from a first side of the muzzle 102 around the front of the muzzle 102 and to a second side of the muzzle 102. In addition, the facepiece 104 may extend from a first side of the muzzle 102, over the top of the muzzle 102, and to a second side of the muzzle 102. The facepiece 104 may extend down the front of the muzzle 102 past the nostrils of the horse but above the mouth.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a respirator 100 fitted over an artificial horse muzzle 102 viewed from the front. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the respirator 100 fitted over an artificial horse muzzle 102 viewed from the rear. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the respirator 100 without the artificial horse muzzle.

[0019] The facepiece 104 may include an outer shell 108. The chamber 106 (shown in FIG. 1 ) may be defined between the inner surface of the outer shell 108 and the muzzle 102 of the horse. The nostrils of the horse may be positioned within the chamber 106 whereas the mouth of the horse may be outside of the chamber 106.

[0020] The facepiece 104 may further include an inner shell 1 10. The inner shell 110 may be positioned within the outer shell 108. The inner shell 1 10 structurally rests upon the top of the muzzle 102. For example, the inner shell 110 may be a band in the form of an arc that extends from one side of the muzzle 102 to the other and rests on the top of the muzzle 102.

[0021] The facepiece 104 may define an inlet 1 12 to the chamber 106. In some examples, a portion of the chamber 106 may be further defined by the outer shell 108 and inner shell 1 10. The inlet 1 12 may be an opening defined between the inner surface of the outer shell 108 and an inner surface of the inner shell 1 10. An air filter 114 may be positioned within the inlet 1 12.

[0022] The air filter 1 14 may include a substance that restricts particles and / or gases from entering the chamber 106 while allowing oxygen to pass into the chamber 106. The material of the air filter 114 can be a polymer, metal, plant, carbon, and / or activated carbon. By way of example, the structure of the air filter 1 14 can be porous media, such as a pleated filter, non-woven fibers, woven fibers, foam, granular bed, and / or a beads bed. A combination of multiple filters or materials can be used depending on the target pollutants. Example: polymer foam filter for 1 st layer (capturing dust) + activated carbon filter for 2nd layer (adsorbing gas). Depending on the cost and quality, the air filter 1 14 may be washable or disposable.

[0023] Referring back to FIG. 1 , the respirator 100 may further include valves 1 16. The valves 1 16 may be one-way valves that permit air to exit the chamber 106. In some examples, the valves 1 16 may be one-way exhale valves. Alternatively or in addition, the valves 1 16 may include a valve to allow evacuation of moisture / water condensation. The valves 116 may be positioned on the facepiece 104 and, in some examples, proximate to the nostrils of the horse. The facepiece 104 may include holes to receive the valves 116. The holes may be located, for example, on the outer shell 108.

[0024] The respirator 100 may further include a sealing interface 118. The sealing interface 1 18 may be positioned between the facepiece 104 and the muzzle 102. For example, the sealing interface 1 18 may conform to the perimeter of the facepiece 108. For example, the facepiece may have an edge 120 that follows a perimeter of the facepiece 104 which extends from the first side of the muzzle 102, around the front of the muzzle 102, and to a second side of the muzzle 102. When the sealing interface may stretch around the rostral end of the respirator. The sealing interface may specifically set between the nose of the muzzle 102 and the mouth of the muzzle 102. The sealing interface 118 may be a seal that rests between the facepiece 108 and the muzzle 102 along the edge 120. In some examples, the sealing interface may include a notch that receives the edge 120 of the facepiece 104.

[0025] The respirator 100 may further include a second sealing interface 122. The second sealing interface 122 may rest between the facepiece 104 and the top of the muzzle 102. For example, the second sealing interface may be positioned between the outer surface of the inner shell and the muzzle 102 and extend with the inner shell from the first side of the muzzle 102, over the top of the muzzle 102, and to the second side of the muzzle 102. The second sealing interface may extend over the top of the muzzle 102 between the eyes and the nostrils of the horse.

[0026] The facepiece 104 may attach to clips, straps, and / or halters for securing the respirator 100 to the muzzle 102 of a horse. For example, the facepiece 104 may include a hole 124 for attaching the respirator 100 to a halter. Alternatively or in addition, the facepiece 104 may include a hole with a hook, loop, clip, strap, etc, that is detachable and that couples the respirator 100 to the halter. Alternatively or in addition, the facepiece 104 may include holes 126 along an edge 120 of the outer shell 108 positioned on the first and second side of the muzzle 102, respectively. The respirator 100 may include a stretchable strap 128 that extends from a first hole, under the mandible of the horse, and up to the second hole. The strap 128 may stretch to facilitate movement of the mandible during eating.

[0027] It should be appreciated that the outer shell 108 and the inner shell 1 10, and other portions of the respirator 100 may be manufactured as one piece. Alternatively, the outer shell 108 and inner shell 110 may be coupled together, either permanently or detachably. The facepiece 104, including the outer shell 108 and inner shell 110, may be curved such that the shells approximately conform to the contour of the horse'smuzzle 102. The outer shell 108 may extend from the first side of the muzzle 102, around the front of the muzzle 102, and to the second side of the muzzle 102. The inner shell 1 10 may extend from the first side of the muzzle 102, around the top of the muzzle 102, and to the second side of the muzzle 102.

[0028] The respirator 100 is designed to cover both external nares and nasal cartilages but leaves the mouth and lips uncovered. Rostrally, it crosses the muzzle above the upper lip and above the commissure of the lips on each side. Caudally, the respirator 100 crosses over the bridge of the nose and flexible, soft material forms an airtight seal with the skin along the edge. Airflow during inhalation is through the air inlet 1 12 located on the caudal end of the respirator 100. The air filter 114 may include, in some examples, a foam pad installed in the air inlet to allow filtration of 90% - 100% of small airborne particles in some examples (PM10, PM2.5, and respirable dust). The horse can exhale through the air filter 1 14 and both exhale valves located end the rostral end of the respirator. For example, the exhale valves may be positioned in front of each nostril. The respirator 100 is secured to the horse’s muzzle via stretchable straps passing underneath the mandible and anchored to the halter.

[0029] The size of the respirator 100 may be adapted to the horse’s head size so it can fit comfortably and be worn for an extended period (24 hours). It is made of a material that is flexible and impervious to water but resilient because horses might rub their nose against the stall surfaces or their legs. The soft seal allows easy movement of the upper lip during eating because lips are essential for the prehension of feedstuff such as hay and grain. Stretchable straps will allow easy motion of the mandible during mastication while ensuring continuous air tightness around the muzzle to ensure only filtered air enters the respirator 100 during inhalation. Note that the air inlet is located away from the tip of the muzzle because horses will dunk the tip of their muzzle in the water while drinking and also to be away from the main source of dust exposure (feed). One-way exhale valves are located in front of each nostril to allow easy airflow outwards during forceful exhalation such as coughing or sneezing and to prevent dislodging of the sealed respirator.

[0030] The respirator 100 can be easily cleaned once removed from the horse’s muzzle. Cleaning should be done at least once a day to remove mucus and moisture that will deposit on the internal surface from condensation of the moist exhaled air and airway mucus. Hydrophobic coating inside the respirator housing will protect it fromwater damage. An option would be to insert a drain port (small one-way valve for water) for removing condensed water. The air filter 114 is washable and can be replaced once a day with a clean and dry filter insert. The respirator 100 is durable and can be worn by horses over the year and only removed prior to exercising or while being turned outside if air quality allows. Some parts may need replacement because of normal wear and tear such as straps, seals, and air filters.

[0031] To clarify the use of and to hereby provide notice to the public, the phrases "at least one of , , ... and <N>" or "at least one of , , ... <N>, or combinations thereof" or ", , ... and / or <N>" are defined by the Applicant in the broadest sense, superseding any other implied definitions hereinbefore or hereinafter unless expressly asserted by the Applicant to the contrary, to mean one or more elements selected from the group comprising A, B, ... and N. In other words, the phrases mean any combination of one or more of the elements A, B, ... or N including any one element alone or the one element in combination with one or more of the other elements which may also include, in combination, additional elements not listed.

[0032] While various embodiments have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are examples, not the only possible embodiments and implementations.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A respirator for a horse, comprising:A facepiece configured to set on a muzzle of the horse and at least partially define a chamber between an inner surface of the facepiece and an outer surface of the muzzle such that the nostrils of the horse are within the chamber and a mouth of the horse is not within the chamber; an air filter received in an inlet defined by the facepiece; and a valve positioned on the facepiece, wherein air is permitted to pass through the air filter and into the chamber for breathing, and air exhaled by the horse is permitted to flow out of the valve.

2. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the facepiece extends from a first side of the muzzle, around a front of the muzzle and to a second side of the muzzle, wherein the facepiece further extends from the first side, over the top of the muzzle, and to a second side of the muzzle.

3. The respirator of claim 1 , further comprising a strap attached to the facepiece that extends under a mandible.

4. The respirator of claim 3, wherein the strap is stretchable.

5. The respirator of claim 1 , further comprising an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the inner shell rests on a muzzle of the horse and the outer shell receives the muzzle to define a chamber between the outer shell and the muzzle.

6. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the inlet is defined between the inner shell and the outer shell.

7. The respirator of claim 1 , further comprising a sealing interface that extends along a permiter of the facepiece from a first side of the muzzle, around the front of the muzzle between the nostril and the mouth, and to a second side of the muzzle.

8. The respirator of claim 2, further comprising a sealing interface that extends along the facepiece on a first side of the muzzle, around the top of the muzzle, and to the second side of the muzzle.

9. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises a first valve and a second valve positioned proximate to the rostral end of the respirator.

10. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the valve is positioned proximate to the rostral end of the respirator and the inlet is positioned proximate to the caudal end of the respirator.11 . The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the valve is a one-way valve.

12. A respirator for a horse, comprising: a facepiece having an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the inner shell rests on a muzzle of the horse and the outer shell receives the muzzle to define a chamber between the outer shell and the muzzle such that nostrils of the horse are within the chamber and a mouth opening of the horse is not within the chamber; a first sealing interface received by the outer shell and at least partially positioned between the outer shell and the muzzle; a second sealing interface positioned between the inner shell and the muzzle; wherein air passes through the chamber via an inlet defined between the outer shell and inner shell and air passes out of the chamber via an outlet defined on the surface of the outer shell.

13. The respirator of claim 12, further comprising a filter in the inlet.

14. The respirator of claim 12, further comprising a one-way valve positioned in the outlet.

15. The respirator of claim 12, further comprising a strap attached to the facepiece that extends under a mandible.

16. The respirator of claim 12, wherein the inlet is defined between the inner shell and the outer shell.

17. The respirator of claim 12, further comprising a first one-way valve and a second one-way valve positioned proximate to the rostral end of the respirator.

18. The respirator of claim 12, wherein the outlet is positioned proximate to the rostral end of the respirator, and the inlet is positioned proximate to the caudel end of the respirator.19 The respirator of claim 12, wherein the first sealing interface extends along a permiter of the outer shell from a first side of the muzzle, around the front of the muzzle between the nostril and the mouth, to a second side of the muzzle.

20. The respirator of claim 12, wherein the second sealing interface extends along an edge of the outer shell on a first side of the muzzle, around a top of the muzzle, and to a second side of the muzzle.

Images