Headgear for a horse with removable eye shield

Abstract

A headgear for a horse is disclosed, including a flexible mask that covers the eyes, forehead, and jaw, with a removable, transparent or translucent eye shield. The headgear features customizable components, including ear coverings, adjustable straps, and antimicrobial materials for enhanced comfort and fit.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1SPECIFICATION HEADGEAR FOR A HORSE WITH REMOVABLE EYE SHIELDCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 754,165, filed on February 5, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to horse headgear including a removable eye shield.

[0004] Discussion of the Background

[0005] Horses are commonly exposed to environmental elements such as dust, wind, sunlight, and noise, which can cause discomfort, stress, and potential eye damage. Conventional fly masks provide some protection but often lack versatility, comfort, or specialized filtering for different light conditions.

[0006] Horses in challenging or stressful conditions, including noisy, arid, bright, or otherwise uncomfortable environments may require additional shielding that standard fly masks do not offer. Furthermore, exposure to excessive noise can cause distress in horses, particularly in competition or transport settings.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved headgear that offers customizable protection for a horse’s eyes and ears while maintaining comfort and breathability.Attorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1SUMMARY

[0008] One aspect of the invention may provide a headgear for a horse. The headgear may include a flexible mask and an eye shield. The headgear may be configured to cover at least first and second eyes, a forehead, and a jaw of a head of the horse. The eye shield may be configured to cover at least the first eye. The eye shield may be removable from the mask. The eye shield may include a transparent or translucent portion configured to cover at least the first eye.

[0009] In some aspects, the mask of the headgear may further include ear coverings. In some aspects, the ear coverings may include one or more layers of foam, fabric, or other soundabsorbing materials. In some aspects, the ear coverings may include mesh. In some aspects, the mask of the headgear may further include a hole for forelock.

[0010] In some aspects, the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield may be a flexible material. In some aspects, the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of: (a) a clear material configured to shield against dust, dirt, allergens, and / or debris; (b) a red material configured to block blue light, promote restful sleep, and / or increase melatonin production; and (c) a violet-grey material configured to provide ultraviolet A (UVA) and / or ultraviolet B (UVB) protection from sunlight.

[0011] In some aspects, the eye shield may be configured to cover both of the first and second eyes, and the transparent or translucent portion may be configured to cover both of the first and second eyes. In some alternative aspects, the eye shield may be configured to cover both of the first and second eyes, the transparent or translucent portion may be a first transparent or translucent portion configured to cover the first eye, and the eye shield may further include a second transparent or translucent portion configured to cover the second eye. In some other alternative aspects, the eye shield may be a first eye shield configured to cover the first eye, theAttorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 transparent or translucent portion may be a first transparent or translucent portion configured to cover the first eye, the headgear may further include a second eye shield configured to cover the second eye, the second eye shield may be removable from the mask, and the second eye shield may include a second transparent or translucent portion configured to cover the second eye.

[0012] In some aspects, the mask may include a recess, and the eye shield may be configured to fit within the recess of the mask. In some aspects, the eye shield may include a fastener configured to removably attach the eye shield to the mask. In some aspects, the fastener may be a hook-and-loop fastener disposed around the edges of the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield and may be configured to interact with a corresponding hook and loop fastener of the mask. In some aspects, the fastener may include a flange extending outward from the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield, and two or more snaps that are attached to the flange and configured to interact with corresponding snaps of the mask.

[0013] In some aspects, the mask may include an adjustable strap and / or elastic fittings such that the mask may be configured to fit securely on the head of the horse. In some aspects, the mask may include mesh.

[0014] In some aspects, the mask may be further configured to cover the top of the muzzle. In some aspects, the mask may further include a fleece binding. In some aspects, the mask may further include antimicrobial or odor-resistant materials. In some aspects, the mask may further include an opening through which at least a muzzle of the horse is capable of extending. In some aspects, the opening may include a nose roll.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention may provide a kit including a flexible mask, a first eye shield, and a second eye shield. The flexible mask may be configured to cover at least first and second eyes, a forehead, and a jaw of a head of the horse, a first eye shield configured toAttorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 cover at least the first eye. The first eye shield may be removable from the mask. The first eye shield may include a first transparent or translucent portion configured to cover at least the first eye. The second eye shield may be configured to cover at least the first eye. The second eye shield may be removable from the mask. The second eye shield may include a second transparent or translucent portion configured to cover at least the first eye. The first transparent or translucent portion may be one of a clear material, a red material, and a violet-grey material, and the second transparent or translucent portion may be another one of a clear material, a red material, and a violet-grey material.

[0016] In some aspects, the kit may further include a third eye shield configured to cover at least the first eye. The third eye shield may be removable from the mask. The third eye shield may include a third transparent or translucent portion configured to cover at least the first eye. The first transparent or translucent portion may be a clear material, the second transparent or translucent portion may be a red material, and the third transparent or translucent portion may be a violet-grey material.

[0017] Further variations encompassed within the systems and methods are described in the detailed description of the invention below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0019] FIGS. 1A-C are perspective views of the front, top, and left side of a headgear embodying aspects of the present invention. FIG. 1A depicts the headgear including a removable eye shield that includes a red transparent or translucent portion. FIG. 1B depicts theAttorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 headgear including a removable eye shield that includes a violet-grey transparent or translucent portion. FIG. 1C depicts the headgear including a removable eye shield that includes a clear transparent or translucent portion.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a right side view of headgear embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a left side view of a headgear embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a right side and front of a headgear embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a right side and front of a headgear embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 6A-6C are front views of removable eye shields including a transparent or translucent portion according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6A depicts a removable eye shield including a red transparent or translucent portion. FIG. 6B depicts a removable eye shield including a violet-grey transparent or translucent portion. FIG. 6C depicts a removable eye shield including a clear transparent or translucent portion according to aspects of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a front view of a removable eye shield including a first transparent or translucent portion and a second transparent or translucent portion according to aspects of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a rear view of a headgear including a first eye shield configured to cover a first eye and a second eye shield configured to cover a second eye according to aspects of the present invention.Attorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a headgear 100 embodying aspects of the present invention. In some aspects, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the headgear 100 may include a flexible mask 200 and an eye shield 300. In some aspects, the flexible mask may be configured to cover at least a first eye. a second eye, a forehead, and a jaw of a horse’s head. In some aspects, the eye shield 300 may include a transparent or translucent portion 310 configured to cover at least the first eye. In some aspects, the transparent or translucent portion 310 may be removable from the flexible mask 200.

[0028] In some aspects, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the headgear 100 may further include ear coverings 250. In some aspects, the ear coverings 250 may include one or more layers of foam, fabric, or other sound absorbing materials 260 to help reduce noise exposure for the horse. In some alternative aspects, the ear coverings 250 may be made from mesh 270 to allow for increased airflow while still providing noise protection.

[0029] In some aspects, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the mask 200 may include a hole 280 for the forelock of the horse. In some aspects, the hole 280 may allow the horse’s forelock to pass through the hole 280 without obstruction. In some aspects, the hole 280 may improve ventilation, fit, and / or comfort. In some aspects, the mask 200 may include a recess 290 into which the eye shield 300 may be placed. In some aspects, the recess 290 may positioned the eye shield 300 in the mask 200. In some aspects, the recess 290 may ensure a safe and stable fit for the eye shield 300.

[0030] In some aspects, the mask 200 may be configured to not only cover the first and second eyes and forehead of the horse but also the top of the muzzle of the horse, which may provide extended protection from environmental elements. In some aspects, the mask 200 mayAttorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 include an opening 420 though which at least the muzzle of the horse is capable of extending, which may prevent discomfort. In some aspects, the opening 420 may include a nose roll 430. In some aspects, the nose roll 430 may provide additional padding and reduce the risk of chafing or irritation.

[0031] In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. the headgear 100 may include a single eye shield 300 configured to cover both of the first and second eyes, and the single eye shield 300 may include a single transparent or translucent portion 310 configured to cover both the first and second eyes. In some alternative aspects, as shown in FIG. 7, the headgear 100 may include a single eye shield 300, and the eye shield 300 may include a first transparent or translucent portion 312 configured to cover the first eye and a second transparent or translucent portion 314 configured to cover the second eye. In some other alternative aspects, as shown in FIG. 8, the eye shield 300 may be a first eye shield 300 configured to cover the first eye. the transparent or translucent portion may be a first transparent or translucent portion 312 configured to cover the first eye, the headgear 100 may further include a second eye shield 302 configured to cover the second eye, the second eye shield may be removable from the mask 200, and the second eye shield 302 may include a transparent or translucent portion 314 configured to cover the second eye. In some aspects including two separate eye shields, the first and second eye shields 300 and 302 may be correspondingly labeled to match labels on the underlying mask 100 such that a user could easily replace and position the eye shields 300 and 302 in their correct locations.

[0032] In some aspects, the transparent or translucent portion 310 of the eye shield 300 may be made of, for example and without limitation, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polycarbonate (PC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), silicone, or acrylic, and / or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).Attorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1

[0033] In some aspects, the transparent or translucent portion 310 of the eye shield 300 may be injection molded, vacuum molded, compression molded, or 3D-printed.

[0034] In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 6A-6C, the transparent or translucent portion 310 of the eye shield 300 may be made from different materials to suit different conditions. In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 6C, the transparent or translucent portion 310 may be made from a clear material 330, which may be configured to shield against dust, dirt, allergens, and debris while maintaining full visibility. In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 4, 5, and 6A, the transparent or translucent portion 310 may be made from a red material 340, which may be configured to block blue light, promote restful sleep, and increase melatonin production. In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 6B, the transparent or translucent portion 310 may be made from a violet-grey material 350, which may be configured to provide ultraviolet A (UVA) and / or ultraviolet B (UVB) protection from sunlight. In some aspects, the violet-grey material 350 may block more than 99.9% of UVA rays. In some aspects, the violetgrey material 350 may block more than 99.9% of UVB rays.

[0035] In some aspects, the transparent or translucent portion 310 of the eye shield 300 may be made of materials which incorporate, which may be configured to automatically adjust the tint based on the level of ambient light in the environment. In some aspects, the material with photochromic properties may darken in response to sunlight exposure and return to a lighter state in lower light conditions, enhancing visibility and eye protection.

[0036] In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the eye shield 300 may include a flange 370 around the transparent or translucent portion 310. In some aspects, the eye shield 300 may be secured to the mask 200 using a fastener. In some aspects, the fastener may be, for example and without limitations, a hook-and-loop fastener disposed around the edges of the transparent orAttorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 translucent portion 310 (e.g., on the flange 370) and configured to interact with a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener on the mask 200. In some alternative aspects, the fastener may include two or more snaps on the flange 370, which may be configured to interact with the corresponding snaps on the mask 200. In some alternative aspects, the eye shield 300 may be secured to the mask 200 using one or more of a variety of means, including but not limited to adhesives, magnets, zippers, toggle-locks, or twist-locks. However, the fastener 360 is not required, and, in some further alternative aspects, the eye shield 300 may not include a fastener 360. For example, in some aspects that do not include a fastener, the eye shield 300 may be held in place by the recess 290 when positioned within the recess 290.

[0037] In some aspects, the headgear 100 may include an adjustable strap 380 and / or elastic fittings 382, which may allow for a secure fit on the horse’s head while ensuring ease of adjustment.

[0038] In some aspects, the headgear 100, including the adjustable strap 380 and / or elastic fittings 382, is designed to prevent interference with the horse’s ability to open its jaw or eat. In some aspects, the elastic fittings 382 may provide flexibility and comfort, ensuring that the headgear 100 remains secure without restricting movements. In some aspects, the fastener 360, including but not limited to the hook-and-loop fastener, snaps, zipper, magnets, or toggle-locks, may be configured as a breakaway mechanism to enhance safety. In some aspects, the breakaway feature may be designed to release under excessive force, reducing the risk of the horse becoming caught on an object and unable to free itself.

[0039] In some aspects, the mask 200 may include a fleece binding 400, which may reduce the risk of irritation and / or provides a soft, cushioned edge around the mask. In some aspects,Attorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 the mask 200 may be made with antimicrobial or odor-resistant materials 410, which may improve hygiene and / or durability.

[0040] Some aspects relate to a kit. In some aspects, the kit may include the flexible mask and two or more of first, second, and third eye shields 300. In some aspects, the first, second, and third eye shields 300 may be removable from the mask 200 and include a transparent or translucent portion 310 for covering at least the first eye 210. In some aspects, the transparent or translucent portions 310 of the first, second, and third eye shields 300 may be made of different materials. For example, in some aspects, the transparent or translucent portion 310 of the first eye shield 300 may be a clear material 330, the transparent or translucent portion 310 of the second eye shield 300 may be a red material 340, and / or the transparent or translucent portion 310 of the third eye shield 300 may be a violet-grey material 350.

[0041] Aspects of the present invention have been fully described above with reference to the drawing figures. Although the invention has been described based upon these preferred aspects, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions could be made to the described aspects within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Attornev Docket No. 4235-0110WO1CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A headgear for a horse, said headgear comprising:a flexible mask configured to cover at least first and second eyes, a forehead, and a jaw of a head of the horse; andan eye shield configured to cover at least the first eye, wherein the eye shield is removable from the mask and comprises a transparent or translucent portion configured to cover at least the first eye.

2. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the mask further comprises ear coverings.

3. The headgear of claim 2, wherein the ear coverings comprise one or more layers of foam, fabric, or other sound-absorbing materials.

4. The headgear of claim 2 or 3, wherein the ear coverings comprise mesh.

5. The headgear of any one of claims 1-4. wherein the mask further comprises a hole for forelock.

6. The headgear of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield is a flexible material.Attorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 7. The headgear of any one of claims 1-6. wherein the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield is injection molded, vacuum molded, compression molded, or 3D-printed.

8. The headgear of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield is made from a material selected from the group consisting of:a) a clear material configured to shield against dust, dirt, allergens, and / or debris; b) a red material configured to block blue light, promote restful sleep, and / or increase melatonin production; andc) a violet-grey material configured to provide ultraviolet A (UVA) and / or ultraviolet B (UVB) protection from sunlight.

9. The headgear of any one of claims 1-8. wherein the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield is made from a material configured to have photochromic properties.

10. The headgear of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the eye shield is configured to cover both of the first and second eyes, and the transparent or translucent portion is configured to cover both of the first and second eyes.

11. The headgear of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the eye shield is configured to cover both of the first and second eyes, the transparent or translucent portion is a first transparent or translucent portion configured to cover the first eye. and the eye shield further comprises a second transparent or translucent portion configured to cover the second eye.Attorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 12. The headgear of any one of claims 1-9. wherein the eye shield is a first eye shield configured to cover the first eye, the transparent or translucent portion is a first transparent or translucent portion configured to cover the first eye, the headgear further comprises a second eye shield configured to cover the second eye, the second eye shield is removable from the mask, and the second eye shield comprises a second transparent or translucent portion configured to cover the second eye.

13. The headgear of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the mask comprises a recess, and the eye shield is configured to fit within the recess of the mask.

14. The headgear of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the eye shield comprises a fastener configured to removably attach the eye shield to the mask.

15. The headgear of claim 14, wherein the fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener disposed around the edges of the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield and is configured to interact with a corresponding hook and loop fastener of the mask.

16. The headgear of claim 14, wherein the fastener comprises:a flange extending outward from the transparent or translucent portion of the eye shield: andtwo or more snaps that are attached to the flange and configured to interact with corresponding snaps of the mask.Attorney Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 17. The headgear of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the mask further comprises an adjustable strap and / or elastic fittings such that the mask is configured to fit securely on the head of the horse.

18. The headgear of claim 17, wherein the adjustable strap and / or elastic fittings further comprise a breakaway feature.

19. The headgear of claim 1, wherein the mask comprises mesh.

20. The headgear of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the mask is further configured to cover the top of the muzzle.

21. The headgear of any one of claims 1 -20, wherein the mask further comprises a fleece binding.

22. The headgear of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the mask further comprises antimicrobial or odor-resistant materials.

23. The headgear of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the mask further comprises an opening through which at least a muzzle of the horse is capable of extending.

24. The headgear of claim 23, wherein the opening comprises a nose roll.Attornev Docket No. 4235-0110WO1 25. A kit comprising:a flexible mask configured to cover at least first and second eyes, a forehead, and a jaw of a head of the horse;a first eye shield configured to cover at least the first eye, wherein the first eye shield is removable from the mask and comprises a first transparent or translucent portion configured to cover at least the first eye; anda second eye shield configured to cover at least the first eye, wherein the second eye shield is removable from the mask and comprises a second transparent or translucent portion configured to cover at least the first eye;wherein the first transparent or translucent portion is one of a clear material, a red material, and a violet-grey material, and the second transparent or translucent portion is another one of a clear material, a red material, and a violet-grey material.

26. The kit of claim 25, further comprising a third eye shield configured to cover at least the first eye, wherein the third eye shield is removable from the mask and comprises a third transparent or translucent portion configured to cover at least the first eye, the first transparent or translucent portion is a clear material, the second transparent or translucent portion is a red material, and the third transparent or translucent portion is a violet-grey material.

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