Horse Bit

Abstract

The invention relates to a horse bit comprising a shackle (20) configured to be inserted into a horse's mouth. The shackle (20) extends along a longitudinal path (A) and has a first end (22) and a second end (24) for attachment of cheeks (120, 130, 140, 150). In a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal path (A) the shackle (20) has at least one shackle surface region (30) comprising a linear or a concave surface profile section (32, 34).

Claims

1. A horse bit comprising a shackle configured to be inserted into a horse's mouth, the shackle extending along a longitudinal path (A) and having a first end and a second end for attachment of cheeks, wherein in a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal path (A) the shackle has at least one shackle surface region comprising one of a linear surface profile section and a concave surface profile section.

2. The horse bit according to claim 1, in which the surface profile section has two end points and a chord line (C) connecting these two end points.

3. The horse bit according to claim 2, in which the surface profile section between the two end points comprises one of a straight line along the chord line to form the linear surface profile section and a concave line between the two end points to form the concave surface profile section.

4. The horse bit according to claim 3, in which the end points are one of end points of the straight line of the linear surface profile section and points of inflexion of curvature of the concave line of the concave surface profile section.

5. The horse bit according to claims 3, in which one of the chord line (C), the straight line, and the concave line has a length (L1) of between about 5 mm and about 30 mm.

6. The horse bit according to claim 1, in which the surface profile section is located at one of a lower surface side, an upper surface side, and a lateral surface side of the shackle.

7. The horse bit according to claim 1, in which the surface profile section extends over a length along the longitudinal path (A) of the shackle, wherein the length is between about 10 mm and about 150 mm.

8. The horse bit according to claim 7, in which the surface profile section is located at a distance (D) from a centre of the shackle, wherein the distance (D) is between about 0 mm and about 60 mm.

9. The horse bit according to claim 2, in which at least one of (a) a radius (R1) of curvature of the concave surface profile section is between about 5 mm and about 40 mm and (b) a maximum depth (H) of concavity of the concave surface profile section is between about 0.2 mm and 1 mm.

10. The horse bit according to claim 9, in which a ratio of the radius (R1) of curvature of the concave surface profile section and a distance between the two end points, at a point of maximum depth (H) of concavity is greater than or equal to 1.

11. The horse bit according to claim 2, in which at least one of the first end and the second end comprises a bore for receiving the cheeks and wherein an angle between a bore axis of the bore and an axis substantially parallel to the chord line (C) is in a range of between about 20° and about 75°.

12. The horse bit according to claim 11, in which one of the angle is in a range of between about 55°±5°, where the cheek acts as a member of a first type of cheek having a single rein attachment ring freely sliding through the bore, the angle is in a range of between about 65°±5°, where the cheek acts as a member of a second type of cheek having a rein attached to a ring lying below an origin of the bore, and the angle is in a range of between about 30°±5°, where the cheek acts as a member of a third type of cheek having a rein attached to a ring fixed relative to the bore and a cheek bar a longitudinal axis of which extends through the bore and wherein a cheek-piece attachment ring is provided at the end of the cheek bar.

13. The horse bit according to claim 1, in which the shackle has a curvature along the longitudinal path (A) of the shackle, wherein preferably a radius (R2) defining the curvature is oriented substantially parallel to a radius (R1) of concavity of the concave surface profile section.

14. The horse bit according to claim 1, in which the shackle comprises at least one joint and two side portions, wherein the two side portions are connected by the at least one joint such that the side portions are pivotable to each other, wherein at least one of the side portions comprises the shackle surface region.

15. A method of determining a cross-sectional surface profile of a horse bit's shackle which extends along a longitudinal path (A) and has a first end and a second end, each end comprising a bore for receiving cheeks of the horse bit, the method comprising the followings steps: determining an extension direction of a bore axis of the bore when the shackle is inserted into a horse's mouth and measuring an angle between the bore axis and a reference plane or axis of the horse's head, determining a surface profile section angle defining a surface profile section of the shackle surface profile by correcting the measured angle by a predetermined angle correction value, and setting the surface profile section at the surface profile section angle in relation to the bore axis.

16. The horse bit according to claim 3, in which one of the chord line (C), the straight line, and the concave line has a length (L1) of between about 5 mm and about 15 mm.

17. The horse bit according to claim 1, in which the surface profile section extends over a length along the longitudinal path (A) of the shackle, wherein the length is between about 70 mm and about 120 mm.

18. The horse bit according to claim 17, in which the surface profile section is located at a distance (D) from a centre of the shackle, wherein the distance (D) is between about 20 mm and about 40 mm.

19. The horse bit according to claim 9, in which a ratio of the radius (R1) of curvature of the concave surface profile section and a distance between the two end points, at a point of maximum depth (H) of concavity is between 1 and 8.

20. The horse bit according to claim 2, in which at least one of the first end and the second end comprises a bore for receiving the cheeks and wherein an angle between a bore axis of the bore and an axis substantially parallel to the chord line (C) is in a range of between about 25° and about 70°.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0037] In the following the invention will be explained, by way of preferred embodiments, in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a horse bit according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a side portion of the shackle of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and its position when lying on a horse's tongue.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cross-section of the side portion shown in FIG. 2 along line III-III in FIG. 2.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the side portion shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an enlarged and partial cross-sectional view of the side portion shown in FIG. 3, 4.

[0043] FIG. 6 is an enlarged and partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 of a shackle according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a more detailed cross-sectional view of the side portion of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, 5.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a side view of the shackle according to the first embodiment of the present invention having a first type of cheek mounted to the shackle.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a schematic principal side view of the first type of cheek and bore of the shackle.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a schematic principal side view of the second type of cheek and bore of the shackle.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a schematic principal side view of the third type of cheek and bore of the shackle.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the side portion of the shackle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7 to 12 show a first embodiment of a horse bit 10 according to the present invention. In FIGS. 10 and 11 the first embodiment is shown with alternative cheeks. FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a horse bit 10 according to the present invention.

[0051] The horse bit 10 according to the first embodiment comprises a shackle 20 configured to be inserted into a horse's mouth such that the shackle 20 extends over the horse's tongue and lies between the horse's tongue and the horse's palatine (as indicated in FIGS. 2 and 12). The shackle 20 extends along a longitudinal path A. Preferably, the longitudinal path A is at least slightly curved and/or extends along the centre line of the shackle 20 (or its parts). An upper surface side 26 of the shackle 20 faces to the horse's palatine and a lower surface side 27 of the shackle 20 faces to the horse's lower jaw. Further, the shackle surface includes two lateral surface sides 28. Before defining the shackle surface and its cross-sectional profile in more detail first the single parts of the horse bit 10 are described.

[0052] The shackle 20 comprises a first end 22 and a second end 24. Each end 22, 24 comprise a bore 58, 68 which will be described in further details below. The ends 22, 24 and thus the bores 58, 28 are configured to receive the cheeks of the horse bit, in particular rings 120,130 which are explained in more detail in connection with FIGS. 8 to 11. FIG. 1 shows a first ring 120 for attachment of reins and which extends through the bore 58 such that the ring 120 is free to slide through the bore 58. Further, there is a second ring 130 for attachment of reins. The second ring 130 extends through the bore 68 such that the ring 130 is free to slide through the bore 68. Preferably, the axes 59, 69 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal path of the shackle 20.

[0053] Further, the shackle 20 comprises two side portions 50, 60 and a central portion 70 between the two side portions 50, 60, wherein the two side portions 50, 60 are connected via the central portion 70 and two joints 40, 42 such that the side portions 50, 60 are pivotable to each other and/or to the central portion 70. The two joints 40, 42 connect the central portion 70 to the side portions 50, 60. Preferably, the two side portions 50, 60 are arm-shaped.

[0054] The central portion 70 comprises an end section 72 and end section 74 and a central section 76 connecting the end sections 72, 74, wherein the central portion 70 preferably is a one-piece integral member.

[0055] Further, the shackle 20 comprises four eyelet members 80, 90, 100, 110 which are preferably ring-shaped.

[0056] To this end, the inner end 52 of side portion 50 is shaped as the eyelet member 80 having the eyelet bore extending along an eyelet bore axis. Correspondingly, the inner end 62 of side portion 60 is shaped as the eyelet member 90 having the eyelet bore extending along an eyelet bore axis.

[0057] Further, end section 72 of the central portion 70 comprises an eyelet member 100 with an eyelet bore extending along an eyelet bore axis. Correspondingly, end section 74 comprises an eyelet member 110 with its eyelet bore extending along an eyelet bore axis.

[0058] The eyelet members 80 and 100 are interlocked with play via their eyelet bores to provide the joint 40 and the eyelet members 90 and 110 are interlocked with play via their eyelet bores to provide the joint 42. In other words, the two joints 40, 42 are formed by the four eyelet members 80, 90, 100, 110.

[0059] Generally speaking, the shackle 20 extends along the longitudinal path A formed by the length path of side portion 50, the length path of the central portion 70 and the length path of the side portion 60. An outer end 54 of the side portion 50 provides the first end 22 of the shackle 20 and an outer end 64 of the side portion 60 provides the second end 24 of the shackle 20. As further shown, the side portions 50, 60 have a curved shape along their length paths. Preferably, the curvature is convex such that the center of curvature lies below the horse's tongue. Each side portion 50, 60 can have several adjacent sections having different but continuously merging curvatures. Thus, the overall longitudinal path of the shackle 20 as a whole can adopt a curved orientation in the horse's mouth, which will be described further below in connection with FIG. 12.

[0060] Now, the shackle surface and its cross-sectional profile are described in more detail and referring to FIGS. 2 to 7.

[0061] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the side portion 50 having the improved shackle surface region 30 placed onto a model of the horse's tongue T and aligned as if during riding. The lower surface side 27 is aligned parallel to the plane of the tongue T. A perspective view of a cross-section of the side portion 50 having the improved shackle surface region 30 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows the cross-sectional surface profile of the shackle according to the invention, namely the shackle surface region 30 comprising a concave surface profile section 32 which is provided at the lower surface side 27 of the side portion 50. The cross-section is taken perpendicular to the longitudinal path A of the shackle 20.

[0063] As can be seen in enlarged and more detailed FIGS. 4 and 5 the concave surface profile section 32 has two end points P1 and P2 and a chord line C. The imaginary chord line C connects the two end points. Preferably, the chord line C is parallel to or coincides with the axis or plane of cross-section.

[0064] FIG. 3 further shows that the chord line C is parallel to a line drawn normal to the transverse section of the horse's tongue. This parallel line can be designated the tongue plane line TL.

[0065] Referring back to FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the concave surface profile section 32 comprises (or consists of) a concave line section between the two end points P1, P2 to form the concave surface profile section 32. The end points P1, P2 preferably are points of inflexion of curvature of the concave line of the concave surface profile section 32. The remaining surface profile section 36 of the shackle surface profile preferably is convex, circular or elliptical. Preferably, the concave line has a length L1 of between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, preferably between about 5 mm and about 15 mm.

[0066] Further, the concave surface profile section 32 extends over a length along the longitudinal path A of the shackle 20, wherein the length is preferably between about 10 mm and about 150 mm, preferably between about 30 mm and about 130 mm. In the present example, the minimum length over which the concave surface profile 32 extends is about 60 mm.

[0067] Preferably, the concave surface profile section 32 is located at a distance D from the centre of the shackle, wherein the distance D is preferably between about 20 mm and about 40 mm. The centre can be identified as the centre of the central portion 70 (seen along the longitudinal path A). In the present example, the concave surface profile section 32 is located at a distance D of about 35 mm.

[0068] Preferably, the maximum depth H of concavity of the concave surface profile section 32 is between 0.2 mm and about 1 mm. Preferably, the point of maximum depth of concavity lies at a distance of about 40 mm (±10 mm) from the centre of the shackle 20.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, the chord line C preferably is a chord of a circle external to the cross-section and having the average radius R1 of the concavity. Preferably, the chord line C intersects at a tangent the two points of inflexion of the cross-section profile edge. The ratio of the average radius of curvature of the concave surface profile section 32 and the distance L between the points of inflexion, at the point of maximum depth H of concavity is between 1 and infinity. Preferably, the length of the chord line C is not less than 5 mm.

[0070] FIG. 6 shows the cross-sectional surface profile of the side portion of a shackle according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged and partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5. The only difference between the above explanations relating to the first embodiment is that according to the second embodiment the shackle surface region 30 comprises a linear surface profile section 34 instead of the concave surface profile section 32.

[0071] As can be seen in FIG. 6 the linear surface profile section 34 has two end points P1 and P2 and a chord line C. The chord line C connects the two end points P1, P2. Preferably, the chord line C is parallel to or coincides with the axis or plane of the cross-section. In FIG. 6 a straight line is shown along the profile edge of the strictly flat surface section 34 where the line length is bounded between the two end points P1, P2 which also can be designated as points of departure. Like in FIG. 3, again the chord line C is parallel to the tongue plane line TL drawn normal to the transverse section of the horse's tongue. The linear surface profile section 34 comprises (or consists of) the straight line section between the two end points P1, P2 to form the linear surface profile section 34. The end points P1, P2 are points of departure of the curvature of the remaining surface profile section 36 which is convex, circular or elliptical. Preferably, the straight line has a length L1 of between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, preferably between about 5 mm and about 15 mm.

[0072] Further, the linear surface profile section 34 can extend over a length along the longitudinal path A of the shackle 20, wherein the length is preferably between about 10 mm and about 150 mm, preferably between about 30 mm and about 130 mm. In the present example, the minimum length over which the linear surface profile 34 extends is about 60 mm. Preferably, the linear surface profile section 34 is located at a distance D from the centre of the shackle, wherein the distance D is preferably between about 20 mm and about 40 mm. The centre can be identified as the centre of the central portion 70 (seen along the longitudinal path A). In the present example, the linear surface profile section 34 is located at a distance D of about 35 mm.

[0073] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the definition of a specific angle θ (θ.sub.1, θ.sub.2, θ.sub.3) between the bore axis 59, 69 of the ends 22, 24 of the shackle and the chord line C. FIG. 8 shows this angle θ in general. To effect the parallel alignment of the chord line C and tongue plane line TL during normal riding, the design of the cheeks and the method of transfer of forces from the bridlework to the mouthpiece must be taken into account.

[0074] To this end, in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 three different cheek types/arrangements are shown each having a specific angle θ.sub.1, θ.sub.2, θ.sub.3 between the bore axis 59, 69 of the bore 58, 68 and an axis substantially parallel to the chord line C. In general, the angle θ is in a range of between about 20° and about 75°, more preferably in a range of between about 25° and about 70°.

[0075] A first class of cheek type is shown in FIG. 9 which is class A. The cheek acts as a member of a first type of cheek having a single rein attachment ring 120. The ring 120 is free to slide through the bore 58 of the shackle 20 and through the attached ends of the bridlework so that forces may be transferred from the bridlework to the ring 120 along vectors defined by FR and FC respectively. The force FC is created by the tensioning of a piece of bridlework known as the cheek-piece. The magnitude of this force is usually less than 5 N and serves to suspend the mouthpiece in the mouth with some extra tension usually determined by observing creases in the corners of the lips of the horse. Without rein tension, the initial angle θ between the bore axis 59 of the mouthpiece and the tongue plane line TL is dominated by this small tension and is approximately 90°. When rein tension FR of a magnitude greater than FC is applied through the reins from the rider's hands the mouthpiece reorients itself to a new equilibrium position and relative orientation and remains in this fixed orientation regardless of any change in magnitude of FR provided it remains higher than FC and that the rider's hands do not move much from their normal riding position. Therefore, the angle θ.sub.1 between the bore axis 59 and the tongue plane line TL is substantially constant in all relevant riding situations. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 9 where the ring 120 (cheek) acts as a member of Class A, the angle θ.sub.1 between the bore axis 59 and chord line C is θ.sub.1=55°±5°.

[0076] A second class of prior art cheek type is defined as that depicted in FIG. 10 and is class B. The cheek acts as a member of a second type of cheek having a rein attachment to a ring 120, that lies below an origin 160 of the bore 58. The cheek-piece attaches to a ring 150. Preferably, both rings 120, 150 are connected to a cheek bar 140. Without rein tension, the cheek-piece force suspends the mouthpiece such that the angle θ.sub.2 between the bore axis 59 and tongue plane axis TL is approximately 0°. The rein force is applied some distance below the origin 160 of the bore 58 such that the line of action of the rein force FR is therefore not always directed through the origin of the mouthpiece bore. As such a torque on the mouthpiece is produced tending to produce a rotation of the mouthpiece around its longitudinal path with the axis of rotation centred on the origin 160 of the bore 58. Upon application of forces such that FR>FC and upon reaching equilibrium (either determined by the cancelling of opposing torques or the attainment of a rotation of the cheek that leads to line of action of FR passing through the origin 160 of the bore 58) the bore axis 59 attains an angle θ.sub.2=65°±5° with respect to the tongue plane line TL. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 10 where the cheek acts as a member of Class B, the angle θ.sub.2 between the bore axis 59 and chord line C is θ.sub.2=65°±5°.

[0077] A third class of prior art cheek type is defined as that depicted in FIG. 11 and is class C. The cheek acts as a member of a third type of cheek having a rein attached to a ring 120 fixed relative to the bore 58 and a cheek bar 140 the longitudinal axis of which extends through the bore 58. The cheek-piece is attached to the ring 150 provided at the end of the cheek bar 140. The line of action of the cheek-piece force FC is directed along the mouthpiece bore axis without rein tension. Upon application of forces such that FR>FC and upon reaching equilibrium where FR passes through the origin 160 of the bore 58 the mouthpiece bore axis attains an angle θ.sub.3=30°±5° with respect to the tongue plane line TL. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 11 where the cheek acts as a member of Class C, the angle θ.sub.3 between the bore axis and chord line is θ.sub.3=30°±5°.

[0078] Whilst these three classes of cheek type have been identified to exemplify the invention it is recognised that further classes may be found or alternative arrangements of bridlework may be used that define different angles θ to those described.

[0079] In FIG. 12 a further benefit can be seen according to which the overall arched profile of the shackle 20 is shown. The shackle 20 can be arranged to fit over the whole tongue so that the tongue is held under the mouthpiece arch when sufficient rein tension is applied. To achieve this objective, the shackle 20 has a curvature along the longitudinal path A of the shackle, wherein the radius R2 defining the curvature of the mouthpiece arch is oriented substantially parallel to the radius R1 of concavity of the concave surface profile section 32 and in the x-y plane as shown in FIG. 12. Both R1 and R2 lie in the x-y plane. The required angle between the radius of the mouthpiece arch and the bore axis is therefore 90-θ.

[0080] According to a further advantage the central portion 70 has a top surface 79 (related to the horse palatine) which is flattened and which is enlarged compared to the end sections 72, 74 and/or the eyelet members 80, 90 of the side portions 50, 60. Moreover, the curved shape prevents any sharp edges. The shape of the central portion 70 is particularly preferred due to the provision of an enlarged, flattened and/or curved upper surface 79 to reduce the pressure that may be applied to the sensitive roof of the mouth of the horse. Removing pressure from the roof of the mouth is a beneficial feature for the comfort of the horse.

[0081] Due to the symmetrical configuration of the side portions 50, 60 and the central portion 70, the above explanations as to the cross-section and cross-sectional surface profile of side arm 50 apply in the same manner also to the cross-section and cross-sectional surface profile of side arm 60 for all above mentioned embodiments.

TABLE-US-00001 List of Reference Signs 10 horse bit 20 shackle 22 first end 24 second end 26 upper surface side 27 lower surface side 28 lateral surface side 30 shackle surface region 32 concave surface profile section 34 linear surface profile section 36 surface profile section 40 joint 42 joint 50 side portion 52 inner end 54 outer end 58 bore 59 bore axis 60 side portion 62 inner end 64 outer end 68 bore 69 bore axis 70 central portion 72 end section 74 end section 76 central section 79 top surface 80 eyelet member 90 eyelet member 100 eyelet member 110 eyelet member 120 ring 130 ring 140 bar 150 ring 160 origin of the bore 58 A longitudinal path C chord line P1 end point P2 end point L1 length D distance H depth R1 radius of concavity R2 radius of curvature T tongue TL tongue plane line θ angle θ.sub.1 angle θ.sub.2 angle θ.sub.3 angle x axis y axis z axis