Caveson for use with horses

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6775964
  • Patent Number
    6,775,964
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, October 7, 2003
    21 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, August 17, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
A caveson which may be used with horses is disclosed in which the caveson allows for limited movement of the horse's mouth during breaking and training of the horse and thereafter. The caveson has a noseband constructed at least in part of a resilient material, allowing enough movement of the horse's mouth to prevent pain or discomfort while exerting progressive and constant pressure on the horse's nose when the horse opens its mouth or crosses its jaws, ensuring that the trainer or rider will maintain control and communication with the horse through the bit. The noseband together with an adjustable jaw strap form a circular segment that fits around the horse's nose and is maintained in position on the horse's head by a headstall which is connected at opposite ends to the circular segment and which is configured to run behind the horse's ears.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Field of The Invention




The present invention relates generally to tack, and more specifically to a caveson for use with horses in which the caveson allows for limited movement of the horse's mouth.




A bridle made of a framework of leather straps and having a bit is placed on a horse's head and used by a rider to control the horse's movement. Control or communication with the horse is achieved by pulling on the reins, which are attached to the bridle and thereby transmit pressure to the horse's head through the bridle and the bit. A caveson fits underneath the bridle to prevent the horse from avoiding the action of the bit by opening its mouth. Accordingly, training a horse to accept a bit and a bridle is essential for proper communication and control of a horse throughout its life.




A caveson is thus positioned on a horse for the purpose of ensuring that the horse holds a bit correctly in its mouth, with the caveson preventing the horse from excessively opening its mouth while being ridden. Further, a caveson aids in training a horse to accept a bridle and bit. By virtue of inhibiting the level to which the horse can open its mouth, a caveson also controls breathing and the tendency for the horse to run away with its rider.




A caveson resembles a well fitting halter and includes a circular segment comprised of a noseband and a jaw strap which together encircle the horse's jaw and a retaining strap or headstall that holds the noseband in position. The noseband, secured relatively tightly around the horse's nose by the jaw strap, acts on the horse's nasal bone to control and guide the horse. The impact on the horse is determined by the tightness of the jaw strap on the underside of the noseband.




Because of its use as a training device, the caveson noseband is traditionally made of a rigid, inelastic material, such as thick bridle leather, nylon or metal. In some instances, the caveson can include even harsher materials on the noseband such as metal studs, to encourage the horse to keep its mouth closed while being ridden. While some rigid cavesons include padding on the underside of the noseband to improve comfort, the caveson materials themselves are rigid and inelastic to prevent opening of the horse's mouth.




However, some horses are not easily trained or accepting of these rigid cavesons. Rigid or harsh cavesons used to provide negative reinforcement during training often proves unsuccessful in achieving results. The use of a rigid caveson is painful and uncomfortable for the horse, and may be ineffective in training and lead to less inverted working attitudes (head up).




It is accordingly the primary objective of the present invention to provide a caveson for use in horse training and thereafter which will allow limited movement of the horse's mouth during training and allow the horse to adapt gently to the concept of a mouth constraint. It is a related objective of the present invention to provide a caveson in which the noseband is comprised at least in part of a resilient material, allowing enough movement of the horse's mouth to prevent pain or discomfort while exerting progressive and constant pressure on the horse's nose when the horse opens his mouth or crosses his jaw, ensuring that the trainer or rider maintains control and communication with the horse through the bit.




It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a caveson with an adjustable jaw strap thereby permitting a trainer or rider to vary the circumference of the circular portion of the caveson according to the size of the horse's nose. It is a related objective of the present invention to provide a caveson with an adjustable headstall thereby permitting a trainer or rider to vary the size of such headstall allowing the caveson to be fitted and used on more than one horse.




It is a further objective of the caveson of the present invention that the caveson jaw strap may optionally be made of at least in part a resilient material to allow limited movement of the horse's mouth while acting in cooperation with the caveson noseband to exert progressive and constant pressure on the horse's nose, ensuring the horse's mouth is sufficiently closed to properly engage with the bit. It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a caveson for use in horse training and thereafter that optionally includes a headstall made at least in part of a resilient material to further provide comfort to the horse while working with the noseband and the jaw strap to maintain pressure on the horse's nose.




The caveson of the present invention must also be of construction which is both durable and long lasting, and it should also require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its lifetime. In order to enhance the market appeal of the cavason of the present invention, it should also be of inexpensive construction to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, it is also an objective that all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of the caveson of the present invention be achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The disadvantages and limitations of the background art discussed above are overcome by the present invention. With this invention, a caveson for use in horse training and thereafter is provided which consists of a circular segment that is fitted around the horse's nose and a headstall, attached to the circular segment and placed behind the horse's ears to secure the caveson on the horse's head.




The circular segment includes an upper portion consisting of a noseband, having first and second ends, and a lower portion consisting of a jaw strap, also having first and second ends, with the first ends of the noseband and the jaw strap secured to each other and the second ends of the noseband and the jaw strap secured to each other, thereby forming the circular segment. In the preferred embodiment, the noseband is secured to the jaw strap by permanently stitching the ends together.




The noseband of the caveson of the present invention is constructed, at least in part, of a resilient material, allowing the noseband to yield slightly in response to movement of the horse's mouth. In the preferred embodiment, the noseband is constructed of two layers of resilient material, placed directly on top of each other and affixed together permanently by stitching or other well-known methods. In an alternate embodiment, the noseband of the caveson of the present invention is constructed, at least in part, of a resilient material that not only exhibits elastic properties but which also imparts softness and conformability to the shape of the horse's nose at the points of contact, such as woven elasticized materials.




The jaw strap of the caveson of the present invention includes an adjustment mechanism for securing the circular segment around the horse's nose and varying the circumference of the circular segment. In the preferred embodiment, the jaw strap includes a buckle that allows the circular segment to be adjusted in circumference, depending upon the size of the horse's nose and the amount of pressure on the horse's nose required by the trainer or rider. In the preferred embodiment, the buckle is positioned within the jaw strap such that when the buckle is fastened to the desired circumference, it is located on the underside of the horse's nose.




The caveson of the present invention also includes a headstall which consists of a strap having first and second ends which are relatively secured to the circular segment of the caveson on opposite sides thereof so that the headstall forms a loop which runs from one side of the circular segment to a location behind the horse's ears, and back to the opposite side of the circular segment. The headstall also includes means for adjusting the size thereof and for ensuring that the headstall is securely fitted behind the ears of the horse. In the preferred embodiment, the headstall consists of two segments, each segment having first and second ends, wherein the first ends are each secured to the circular portion of the caveson on opposite sides of the horse's nose, and the second ends are fastened together by a buckle. In this embodiment, the length of each segment is such that when the buckle is fastened, the buckle is located on the side of the horse's head.




In alternate embodiments, either the jaw strap or the headstall, or both, may be constructed, at least in part, of a resilient material, allowing additional movement of the horse's mouth.




In yet another embodiment, the caveson is provided with an additional component, namely a crown piece strap which is connected at each end to opposite sides of the headstall, and is located so as to run along the forehead of the horse. This crown piece may be constructed of leather or any other commonly used material known in the art.




In further alternative embodiments, the caveson is provided with a second circular segment that is connected to first circular segment at a point on the noseband of the caveson that is directly on the bridge of the horse's nose and extends around the horse's chin in front of the bit, encircling the horse's nose. The second circular segment may also be constructed, at least in part, of a resilient material, allowing for additional control over movement of the horse's mouth.




It may therefore be seen that the caveson of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a comfortable and humane caveson that can be used for training horses and thereafter, wherein the noseband is constructed in part of a resilient material that allows movement of the horse's mouth while also acting in conjunction with the jaw strap to apply light and continuous pressure to the horse's nose, encouraging the horse to keep its mouth closed while being ridden. It may thus be seen that the present invention provides a caveson for use in horse training and thereafter without the need for harsh, painful, and inelastic components previously seen in the prior art.




The caveson of the present invention is of a construction which is both durable and long lasting, and which will require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its lifetime. The caveson of the present invention is also of inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of the caveson of the present invention are achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.











DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




These and other advantages of the present invention are best understood with reference to the drawings, in which:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a horse wearing a caveson constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a front view of the preferred embodiment shown in

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3

is a cross-sectional view of the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 1 and 2

, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the circular segment;





FIG. 4

is a side view of a portion of the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 1 through 3

, showing the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the circular segment, and also showing the connection of the headstall to the circular segment;





FIG. 5

is a cross-sectional view of the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 1 through 4

, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the headstall to the circular segment;





FIG. 6

is a perspective view of a horse wearing the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 1 through 5

positioned underneath a bridle;





FIG. 7

is a perspective view of a horse wearing an alternate embodiment caveson;





FIG. 8

is a front view of the alternate embodiment caveson shown in

FIG. 7

;





FIG. 9

is a perspective view of a horse wearing a second alternate embodiment caveson, which includes a crown piece;





FIG. 10

is a side view of a portion of the caveson illustrated in

FIG. 9

, showing the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the circular segment, and also showing the connection of the headstall to the circular segment;





FIG. 11

is a front view of the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 9 and 10

;





FIG. 12

is a perspective view of a horse wearing a third alternate embodiment caveson, which includes a second circular segment having an adjustment buckle;





FIG. 13

is a front view of the third alternate embodiment shown in

FIG. 12

;





FIG. 14

is a cross-sectional view of the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 12 and 13

, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the first circular segment;





FIG. 15

is a side view of a portion of the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 12 through 14

, showing the connection of the noseband to the jaw strap which forms the first circular segment, and also showing the connection of the headstall to the first circular segment;





FIG. 16

is a cross-sectional view of the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 14 through 15

, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the headstall to the first circular segment;





FIG. 17

is a partial perspective view of the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 12 through 16

, showing a detailed depiction of the connection of the second circular segment to the first circular segment;





FIG. 18

is a perspective view of a horse wearing the caveson illustrated in

FIGS. 12 through 17

positioned underneath a bridle;





FIG. 19

is a perspective view of a horse wearing a fourth alternate embodiment caveson, which includes a second circular segment without a buckle; and





FIG. 20

is a front view of the fourth alternate embodiment shown in FIG.


19


.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT





FIGS. 1 and 2

illustrate the preferred embodiment of a caveson


30


which is consistent with the teachings of the present invention. As illustrated in

FIG. 1

, the caveson


30


in its simplest form consists of a circular segment


32


that fits around the horse's nose and a headstall


34


that is connected to the circular segment


32


on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse's ears to maintain the caveson


30


in place on horse's head


36


.




The circular segment


32


of the caveson


30


consists of a noseband


38


that runs over the nasal bone of the horse and a jaw strap indicated generally at


40


that makes up the lower portion of the circular segment


32


.




The jaw strap


40


of the caveson


30


is used to adjust the size of the circular segment


32


, to accommodate different size horse noses, and to vary the amount of pressure to be applied to the horse's nose. The jaw strap


40


consists of two segments, a first segment


42


and a second segment


44


. The first segment


42


has a first end indicated generally at


46


which is attached to the noseband


38


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


48


which is connected to a buckle


50


or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment


42


to the second segment


44


. The second segment


44


has a first end indicated generally at


52


which is attached to the noseband


38


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


54


which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures


56


(best shown in

FIGS. 1 and 4

) which will receive the buckle


50


.





FIG. 2

best illustrates the manner in which the first segment


42


is provided with buckle loops


58


located close to the buckle


50


for retaining the second end


54


of the second segment


44


after the jaw strap


40


has been buckled into place. The relative lengths of each of the segments


42


and


44


of the jaw strap


40


is such that when the buckle


50


is fastened, it is located on the underside of the horse's nose.




Referring for the moment to

FIG. 3

, the preferred embodiment of the noseband


38


consists of a first layer


60


and a second layer


62


of a resilient material of identical width and length, stitched or otherwise joined together permanently in a manner known to those skilled in the art, forming a single reinforced band of resilient material. The noseband


38


has a first end indicated generally at


64


and a second, opposing end indicated generally at


66


, in which ends


64


and


66


are used to connect the noseband


38


to the jaw strap


40


. In an alternate embodiment, one or more layers of the noseband


38


may be constructed of a material that is not only elastic but also is soft and conforms to the shape of the horse's nose at the points of contact.




In accordance with the present invention, the noseband


38


is connected to the jaw strap


40


, forming the circular segment


32


(shown in FIGS.


1


and


2


).

FIG. 3

also illustrates a detailed view of the connection of the noseband


38


to the jaw strap


40


of the preferred embodiment. The first end


46


of the first segment


42


of the jaw strap


40


is split into two layers, namely a first layer


68


and a second layer


70


. The first end


64


of the noseband


38


is inserted between the first layer


68


and the second layer


70


, and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art.




Likewise, the second end


52


of the second segment


44


of the jaw strap


40


is split into two layers, namely a first layer


72


and a second layer


74


. The second end


66


of the noseband


38


is inserted between the first layer


72


and the second layer


74


, and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the jaw strap


40


is constructed of leather, although it could instead be made of any other appropriate material that either has two layers or may be split into two layers as previously described. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the jaw strap


40


may instead be constructed of one or more layers of resilient material, nylon, rope or any other appropriate material and connected to the noseband


38


to form the circular segment


32


by stitching or in any other manner known to those skilled in the art.




Referring again to

FIGS. 1 and 2

, the headstall


34


consists of two segments, a first segment


76


and a second segment


78


. The first segment


76


has a first end indicated generally at


80


which is attached to the circular segment


32


on the side thereof which will be located on the right side of the nose of the horse's head


36


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


82


which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures


84


. The second segment


78


has a first end indicated generally at


86


which is attached to the circular segment


32


on the side thereof which will be located on the left side of the nose of the horse's head


36


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


88


which is connected to a buckle


90


or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment


76


to the second segment


78


. The apertures


84


will receive the buckle


90


when the headstall


34


is fastened onto the horse's head


36


.





FIG. 1

illustrates the preferred embodiment of the caveson


30


in which the second segment


78


is provided with a first buckle loop


92


located close to the buckle


90


for retaining the second end


82


of the first segment


76


, and a second buckle loop


94


located a distance away from the buckle


90


for further retaining the first segment


76


when the headstall


34


is fastened in place. The relative lengths of each of the segments


76


and


78


is such that when the buckle


90


is fastened, the buckle


90


will rest on the side of the horse's head


36


.




Referring now to

FIGS. 4 and 5

in addition to

FIGS. 1 and 2

, detailed views of portions of the caveson


30


of the present invention showing the connection of the headstall


34


to the circular segment


32


is provided. The first segment


42


of the jaw strap


40


contains an elongated aperture


96


for receiving one end of the headstall


34


. The first end


80


of the first segment


76


of the headstall


34


is looped through the elongated aperture


96


and stitched directly onto itself (as shown in FIGS.


4


and


5


), or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art.




Likewise, the second segment


44


of the jaw strap


40


contains an elongated aperture


98


for receiving the other end of the headstall


34


. The first end


86


of the second segment


78


of the headstall


34


is looped through the elongated aperture


98


and stitched directly onto itself (as shown in FIGS.


4


and


5


), or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Note that the elongated apertures


96


and


98


are located on opposite sides of the circular segment


32


, and will be respectively located on the right and left sides of the horse's head


36


when the caveson


30


is installed thereupon. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the headstall


34


may be connected to the circular segment


32


as described, or alternatively, by stitching it directly to the circular segment


32


, or by any other mechanism known to those skilled in the art.




Referring now

FIG. 6

, the preferred embodiment of the caveson


30


is shown on the horse's head


36


located underneath a bridle


100


as would be customary when used in horse training.




Referring next to

FIGS. 7 and 8

, a first alternate embodiment caveson is shown in which caveson


102


consists of a circular segment


32


that fits around the horse's nose and a headstall


104


which is connected to the circular segment


32


on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse's ears to maintain the caveson


102


in place on horse's head


36


.




In this embodiment, the headstall


104


of the caveson


102


consists of three segments, a first segment


106


, a second segment


108


and a third segment


110


. The first segment


106


of the headstall


104


has a first end indicated generally at


112


which is looped through the elongated aperture


96


on the circular segment


32


and stitched directly onto itself, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


114


which is connected to a first buckle


116


or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment


106


to the second segment


108


.




Likewise, the third segment


110


has a first end indicated generally at


118


which is looped through the elongated aperture


98


on the circular segment


32


and stitched directly onto itself, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


120


which is connected to a second buckle


122


or similar mechanism for removably fastening the third segment


110


to the second segment


108


. Both the first segment


106


and the third segment


110


are provided with first buckle loops


124


located close to buckles


116


and


122


respectively for retaining the second segment


108


in place. In addition, both the first segment


106


and the third segment


110


are provided with second buckle loops


126


located a distance away from buckles


116


and


122


respectively for further retaining the second segment


108


in position.




The second segment


108


has a first end indicated generally at


128


and a second end indicated generally at


130


. Ends


128


and


130


each contain a series of regularly spaced apertures


132


for receiving buckles


116


and


122


respectively when the caveson


102


is fastened onto to the horse's head


36


. The relative lengths of each of the segments


106


,


108


and


110


is such that when buckles


116


and


122


are fastened, buckle


116


will be located on the right side of the horse's head


36


and buckle


122


will be located on the left side of the horse's head


36


.




Referring next to

FIGS. 9 through 11

, a second alternate embodiment is shown in which a caveson


134


is provided consisting of a circular segment


136


that fits around the horse's nose, a headstall


138


which is connected to the circular segment


136


on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse's ears to maintain the caveson


134


in place on the horse's head


36


, and a crown piece


140


which is connected to the headstall


138


on opposite sides of the horse's head


36


, running along the forehead of the horse.




As best illustrated in

FIG. 11

, the circular segment


136


consists of a noseband


38


and a jaw strap indicated generally at


142


. In this embodiment, the jaw strap


142


consists of two segments, a first segment


144


and a second segment


146


. The first segment


144


has a first end indicated generally at


148


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


150


. The first end


148


of the first segment


144


is split into two layers, namely a first layer


152


and a second layer


154


. The first end


64


of the noseband


38


is attached to the jaw strap


142


by inserting end


64


between layers


152


and


154


of the first segment


144


and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The second end


150


of the first segment


144


is connected to a friction-lock buckle


156


or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment


144


to the second segment


146


and for adjusting the size of circular segment


136


.




Likewise, the second segment


146


has a first end indicated generally at


158


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


160


. The first end


158


of the second segment


146


is split into two layers, namely a first layer


162


and a second layer


164


. The second end


66


of the noseband


38


is attached to the jaw strap


142


by inserting end


66


between layers


162


and


164


of the second segment


146


and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The second end


160


of the second segment


146


will be fed through the friction-lock buckle


156


when the caveson is fastened onto the horse's head


36


. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any appropriate fastening mechanism may be used to adjust the size of the circular segment


136


in place of the friction-lock buckle


156


.




As best illustrated in

FIGS. 9 and 10

, the circular segment


136


is provided with a first metal ring


162


and a second metal ring


164


located on opposite sides of the circular segment


136


. The first metal ring


162


is attached to the first segment


144


of the jaw strap


142


near the first end


148


by stitching or otherwise permanently joining in a manner known to those skilled in the art the first metal ring


162


to the jaw strap


142


. The first metal ring


162


is joined to the jaw strap


142


in a manner such that the first metal ring


162


is only partially sewn into the jaw strap


142


, as shown in FIG.


10


.




Likewise, the second metal ring


164


is attached to the second segment


146


of the jaw strap


142


near the first end


158


by stitching or otherwise permanently joining in a manner known to those skilled in the art the second metal ring


164


to the jaw strap


142


. The second metal ring


164


is joined to the jaw strap


142


in a manner such that the metal ring is only partially sewn into the jaw strap


142


, shown in FIG.


10


. Note that the metal rings


162


and


164


are located on opposite sides of the circular segment


136


, and will be respectively located on the right and left sides of the horse's head


36


when the caveson


134


is installed thereupon.





FIGS. 9 and 10

illustrate detailed views of the caveson


134


of the present invention showing the connection of the headstall


138


to the circular segment


136


. The headstall


138


consists of two segments, a first segment


166


and a second segment


168


. The first segment


166


has a first end indicated generally at


170


and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


172


which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures


174


. The first end


170


of the first segment


166


is connected to the first metal ring


162


on the circular segment


136


located on the right side of the nose of the horse's head


36


by inserting the first end


170


through the first metal ring


162


and stitching or otherwise permanently joining the first end


170


directly onto itself, forming a loop.




The second segment


168


of the headstall


138


has a first end indicated generally at


176


and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


178


which is connected to a buckle


180


or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment


166


to the second segment


168


. The first end


176


of the second segment


168


is connected to the second metal ring


164


on the circular segment


136


located on the left side of the nose of the horse's head


36


by inserting the first end


176


through the second metal ring


164


and stitching or otherwise permanently joining the first end


176


directly onto itself, forming a loop. The second segment


168


is further provided with a first buckle loop


182


located close to the buckle


180


and a second buckle loop


184


located a distance away from the buckle


180


for retaining the first segment


166


when the headstall


138


is fastened into place.




As best illustrated in

FIG. 9

, the crown piece


140


has a first end


186


indicated generally at and a second end indicated generally at


188


which are connected to the headstall


138


on opposite sides of the horse's forehead. The first end


186


is looped around the first segment


166


of the headstall


138


at a location that will be located on the right side of the horse's head


36


immediately in front of the ears and stitched or otherwise permanently joined directly onto itself. Likewise, the second end


188


is looped around the first segment


166


of the headstall


138


at a location that will be located on the left side of the horse's head


36


immediately in front of the horse's ears and stitched or otherwise permanently joined onto itself. The positions of the ends


186


and


188


of the crown piece


140


may be slidably adjusted on the first segment


166


of the headstall


138


.




Referring next to

FIGS. 12 through 17

, a third alternate embodiment is shown in which a caveson


190


is provided consisting of a first circular segment


192


that fits around the horse's nose, a second circular segment


194


that connects to the first circular segment


192


and fits around the horse's nose at a point closer to the mouth of the horse than the first circular segment


192


, and a headstall


196


that is connected to the first circular segment


192


on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse's ears to maintain the caveson


190


in place on horse's head


36


.




The first circular segment


192


of the caveson


190


consists of a noseband


198


that runs over the nasal bone of the horse and a jaw strap indicated generally at


200


that makes up the lower portion of the first circular segment


192


.




As best illustrated in

FIGS. 12 and 13

, the jaw strap


200


of the caveson


190


is used to adjust the size of the first circular segment


192


, to accommodate different size horse noses, and to vary the amount of pressure to be applied to the horse's nose. The jaw strap


200


consists of two segments, a first segment


202


and a second segment


204


. The first segment


202


has a first end indicated generally at


206


which is attached to the noseband


198


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


208


which is connected to a buckle


210


or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment


202


to the second segment


204


. The second segment


204


has a first end indicated generally at


212


which is attached to the noseband


198


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


214


which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures


216


(best shown in

FIGS. 12 and 15

) which will receive the buckle


210


.





FIG. 13

best illustrates the manner in which the first segment


202


is provided with buckle loops


218


located close to the buckle


210


for retaining the second end


214


of the second segment


204


after the jaw strap


200


has been buckled into place. The relative lengths of each of the segments


202


and


204


of the jaw strap


200


is such that when the buckle


210


is fastened, it is located on the underside of the horse's nose.




Referring for the moment to

FIG. 14

, the noseband


198


consists of a first layer


220


and a second layer


222


of a resilient material of identical width and length, stitched or otherwise joined together permanently in a manner known to those skilled in the art, forming a single reinforced band of resilient material. The noseband


198


has a first end indicated generally at


224


and a second, opposing end indicated generally at


226


, in which ends


224


and


226


are used to connect the noseband


198


to the jaw strap


200


. In an alternate embodiment, one or more layers of the noseband


198


may be constructed of a material that is not only elastic but also is soft and conforms to the shape of the horse's nose at the points of contact.




In accordance with this embodiment, the noseband


198


is connected to the jaw strap


200


, forming the first circular segment


192


(shown in FIGS.


12


and


13


).

FIG. 14

also illustrates a detailed view of the connection of the noseband


198


to the jaw strap


200


of this embodiment. The first end


206


of the first segment


202


of the jaw strap


200


is split into two layers, namely a first layer


228


and a second layer


230


. The first end


224


of the noseband


198


is inserted between the first layer


228


and the second layer


230


, and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art.




Likewise, the second end


212


of the second segment


204


of the jaw strap


200


is split into two layers, namely a first layer


232


and a second layer


234


. The second end


226


of the noseband


198


is inserted between the first layer


232


and the second layer


234


, and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the jaw strap


200


is constructed of leather, although it could instead be made of any other appropriate material that either has two layers or may be split into two layers as previously described. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the jaw strap


200


may instead be constructed of one or more layers of resilient material, nylon, rope or any other appropriate material and connected to the noseband


198


to form the first circular segment


192


by stitching or in any other manner known to those skilled in the art.




Referring again to

FIGS. 12 and 13

, the headstall


196


consists of two segments, a first segment


236


and a second segment


238


. The first segment


236


has a first end indicated generally at


240


which is attached to the first circular segment


192


on the side thereof which will be located on the right side of the nose of the horse's head


36


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


242


which contains a series of regularly spaced apertures


244


. The second segment


238


has a first end indicated generally at


246


which is attached to the first circular segment


192


on the side thereof which will be located on the left side of the nose of the horse's head


36


, and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


248


which is connected to a buckle


250


or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first segment


236


to the second segment


238


. The apertures


244


will receive the buckle


250


when the headstall


196


is fastened onto the horse's head


36


.





FIG. 12

illustrates the manner in which the second segment


238


of the caveson


190


is provided with a first buckle loop


252


located close to the buckle


250


for retaining the second end


242


of the first segment


236


, and a second buckle loop


254


located a distance away from the buckle


250


for further retaining the first segment


236


when the headstall


196


is fastened in place. The relative lengths of each of the segments


236


and


238


is such that when the buckle


250


is fastened, the buckle


250


will rest on the side of the horse's head


36


.




Referring now to

FIGS. 15 and 16

in addition to

FIGS. 12 and 13

, detailed views of portions of the caveson


190


of the present invention showing the connection of the headstall


196


to the first circular segment


192


are provided. The first segment


202


of the jaw strap


200


contains an elongated aperture


256


for receiving one end of the headstall


196


. The first end


240


of the first segment


236


of the headstall


196


is looped through the elongated aperture


256


and stitched directly onto itself (as shown in FIGS.


15


and


16


), or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art.




Likewise, the second segment


204


of the jaw strap


200


contains an elongated aperture


258


for receiving the other end of the headstall


196


. The first end


246


of the second segment


238


of the headstall


196


is looped through the elongated aperture


258


and stitched directly onto itself (as shown in FIGS.


15


and


16


), or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Note that the elongated apertures


256


and


258


are located on opposite sides of the first circular segment


192


, and will be respectively located on the right and left sides of the horse's head


36


when the caveson


190


is installed thereupon. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the headstall


196


may be connected to the first circular segment


192


as described, or alternatively, by stitching it directly to the first circular segment


192


, or by any other mechanism known to those skilled in the art.




As best illustrated in

FIGS. 12 and 13

, the second circular segment


194


has a first end indicated generally at


260


and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


262


. First end


260


is connected to a buckle


264


or similar mechanism for removably fastening the first end


260


to the second end


262


. The second end


262


contains a series of regularly spaced apertures


266


(best shown in

FIG. 12

) which will receive the buckle


264


. The first end


260


is provided with buckle loops


268


located close to the buckle


264


for retaining the second end


262


of the second circular segment


194


in place. In this embodiment, the second circular segment


194


is constructed of leather, although it will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the second circular segment


194


may instead be constructed of one or more layers of a resilient material, nylon, rope or any other appropriate material known to those skilled in the art.





FIGS. 12 and 17

illustrate how the second circular segment


194


is attached to the first circular segment


192


. In this embodiment, a connecting segment


278


is provided having a first end indicated generally at


280


and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


282


. Ends


280


and


282


of connecting segment


278


are inserted between the first layer


220


and the second layer


222


of the noseband


198


and the resulting joint is stitched or otherwise permanently joined together in a manner known to those skilled in the art, forming a loop with aperture


284


. Note that the connecting segment


278


is attached to the first circular segment


192


at a point on the noseband


198


that is directly on the topside or bridge of the horse's nose (approximately 180 degrees from the horse's chin).




As best illustrated in

FIG. 12

, the second circular segment


194


is attached to the first circular segment


192


by inserting the second end


262


of the second circular segment


194


through the aperture


284


created by the connecting segment


278


and the ends


260


and


262


of the second circular segment


194


are fastened together by the buckle


264


.




Referring now also to

FIG. 18

, the third alternate embodiment of the caveson


190


is shown on the horse's head


36


located underneath a bridle


100


as would be customary when used for horse training. Note that the second circular segment


194


encircles the horse's nose around the chin and in front of the bit when the caveson


190


is installed on the horse's head


36


(as shown in FIGS.


12


and


18


). It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the second circular segment


194


may instead be directly connected to the first circular segment


192


at a point on the noseband


198


that is directly at the bridge of the horse's nose (approximately 180 degrees from the horse's chin) by stitching or in any other manner known to those skilled in the art.




Referring next to

FIGS. 19 and 20

, a fourth alternate embodiment is shown in which a caveson


290


is provided consisting of a first circular segment


192


that fits around the horse's nose, a second circular section


292


that connects to the first circular segment


192


and fits around the horse's nose at a point closer to the mouth of the horse than the first circular segment


192


, and a headstall


196


that is connected to the first circular segment


192


on opposite sides thereof and runs behind the horse's ears to maintain the caveson


190


in place on horse's head


36


.




Note that in this embodiment, the first circular segment


192


and headstall


196


of caveson


290


are constructed in the manner described for the third alternate embodiment. Likewise, the noseband


198


of the first circular segment


192


is provided with connecting segment


278


in the manner previously described, which forms a loop with aperture


284


located at a point on the noseband


198


that is directly at the bridge of the horse's nose (approximately 180 degrees from the horse's chin).




Referring now to

FIG. 20

, the second circular segment


292


has a first end indicated generally at


294


and a second, opposite end indicated generally at


296


. The second circular segment


292


is attached to the first circular segment


192


by inserting the end


294


of the second circular segment


292


through the aperture


284


created by the connecting segment


278


and ends


294


and


296


of second circular segment


292


are stitched together or otherwise joined in a manner known to those skilled in the art. It will at once be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the second circular segment


292


may be directly connected to the first circular segment


192


by stitching or joining them together in any other manner known to those skilled in the art. Note that the second circular segment


292


may be constructed of one or more layers of a resilient material, nylon, rope or any other appropriate material known in the art.




It may therefore be appreciated from the above detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention that the noseband is manufactured, at least in part, of a resilient material as described, while the material used in other components of the caveson may vary depending on the specific use or application thereof.




Although an exemplary embodiment of the caveson of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention.



Claims
  • 1. A caveson comprising:a noseband constructed of elasticized, resilient material; a jaw strap, wherein said jaw strap is attached to said noseband to form a circular segment that will fit around the bridge of a horse's nose, said circular segment having right and left side portions which will be respectively located on the right and left sides of the horse's nose; and a headstall having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment at said right side portion and said second end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment at said left side portion, said headstall being arranged and configured to extend behind the horse's ears when said caveson is installed; wherein the resilience of said noseband permits movement of the horse's mouth or jaws while at the same time exerting progressive and constant pressure in response to movement of the horse's mouth or jaws.
  • 2. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said noseband is comprised of two layers of resilient material.
  • 3. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said noseband is comprised of at least one layer of a woven elasticized material that conforms to the shape of a horse's nose at points of contact.
  • 4. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said noseband has a first end and a second end and said jaw strap has a first end and a second end, and wherein said first end of said noseband is attached to said first end of said jaw strap by stitching them together, and wherein said second end of said noseband is attached to said second end of said jaw strap by stitching them together.
  • 5. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said noseband has a first end and a second end and said jaw strap has a first split end and a second split end, and wherein said first end of said noseband is inserted into said first split end of said jaw strap and stitched together, and wherein said second end of said noseband is inserted into said second split end of said jaw strap and stitched together.
  • 6. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said jaw strap comprises an adjustment mechanism for varying the length of said jaw strap, thereby permitting the size of said circular segment to be adjusted depending on the desired amount of pressure to be applied to the horse's nose.
  • 7. A caveson as defined in claim 6, wherein said jaw strap comprises a first segment and second segment, said first segment having a buckle, and said second segment having a plurality of apertures for receiving said buckle to vary the length of said jaw strap, thereby permitting the size of said circular segment to be adjusted to vary the amount of pressure to be applied to the horse's nose.
  • 8. A caveson as defined in claim 6, wherein said jaw strap comprises a first segment and second segment, said first segment having a friction buckle that will receive said second segment to allow the length of said jaw strap to be varied, thereby permitting the size of said circular segment to be adjusted to vary the amount of pressure to be applied to the horse's nose.
  • 9. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said jaw strap is constructed at least in part of a resilient material.
  • 10. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said headstall is constructed at least in part of a resilient material.
  • 11. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said headstall comprises at least one adjustment mechanism for adjusting the size of said headstall.
  • 12. A caveson as defined in claim 11, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a buckle.
  • 13. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said headstall has a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment by inserting said first end of said headstall into a first aperture located on said right side portion of said circular segment and stitching said first end of said headstall over onto itself, and said second end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment by inserting said second end of said headstall into a second aperture located on said left side portion of said circular segment and stitching said second end of said headstall over onto itself.
  • 14. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said headstall has a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment by stitching said first end of said headstall directly to said circular segment on said right side portion of said circular segment, and said second end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment by stitching said second end of said headstall directly to said circular segment on said left side portion of said circular segment.
  • 15. A caveson as defined in claim 1, said caveson further comprising:a crown piece having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said crown piece is attached to said headstall at a first location which will be located on the right side of the horse's head and said second end of said crown piece is attached to said headstall which will be located at a second location on the left side of the horse's head so that said crown piece runs across the forehead of the horse.
  • 16. A caveson as defined in claim 1, wherein said crown piece is constructed at least in part of a resilient material.
  • 17. A caveson as defined in claim 1, said caveson further comprising:a second circular segment, wherein said second circular segment is attached to said noseband at a point at the bridge of said horse's nose and encircles said horse's jaw when said caveson is installed thereupon.
  • 18. A caveson as defined in claim 17, wherein said second circular segment is constructed at least in part of one or more layers of a resilient material.
  • 19. A caveson as defined in claim 17, wherein said second circular segment has first and second ends and is attached to said noseband by a connecting segment, wherein said connecting segment is attached to said noseband and forms a loop in which said first end of said second circular segment is fed through said loop and said ends of said second circular segment are joined together.
  • 20. A caveson as defined in claim 17, wherein said second circular segment comprises at least one adjustment mechanism for adjusting the size of said second circular segment.
  • 21. A caveson as defined in claim 17, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a buckle.
  • 22. A caveson comprising:a noseband constructed of two layers of a resilient material, said noseband having a first end and a second end; a jaw strap, said jaw strap having a first split end and a second split end, wherein said first end of said noseband is inserted into said first split end of said jaw strap and permanently joined together and said second end of said noseband is inserted into said second split end of said jaw strap and permanently joined together, forming a circular segment that will fit around the bridge of a horse's nose, said circular segment having right and left side portions which will be respectively located on the right and left sides of the horse's nose; a first adjustment mechanism located within said jaw strap for adjusting the size of said circular segment; a headstall having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment at said right side portion and said second end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment at said left side portion, said headstall being arranged and configured to extend behind the horse's ears; and a second adjustment mechanism located within said headstall for adjusting the size of said headstall to fit a particular horse.
  • 23. A caveson as defined in claim 22, wherein said jaw strap comprises at least one layer of resilient material.
  • 24. A caveson as defined in claim 22, wherein said resilient noseband is constructed of two layers of resilient material.
  • 25. A caveson as defined in claim 22, wherein said jaw strap comprises an adjustment mechanism for varying the size of said jaw strap to allow said circular segment to be adjusted.
  • 26. A caveson as defined in claim 22, wherein said headstall comprises at least one layer of resilient material.
  • 27. A caveson as defined in claim 22, wherein said headstall comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the size of said headstall.
  • 28. A caveson comprising:an elasticized, resilient noseband having a first end and a second end; a jaw strap having a first and a second end wherein said first end of said noseband is permanently attached to said first end of said jaw strap and said second end of said noseband is permanently attached to said second end of said jaw strap forming a circular segment; and a headstall having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is attached to said circular segment at one side thereof and said second end is attached to said circular segment at an opposite side thereof, said headstall being arranged and configured to extend behind the horse's ears; wherein the resilience of said noseband permits movement of the horse's mouth or jaws while at the same time exerting progressive and constant pressure in response to movement of the horse's mouth or jaws.
  • 29. A caveson comprising:a circular segment for encircling the nose of a horse when said caveson is installed, said circular segment being made at least in part of an elastic, stretchable material to exert resistance when the horse attempts to open its mouth; and a headstall having a first and second ends which are respectively attached to said circular segment at opposite sides thereof, said headstall being arranged and configured to extend behind the horse's ears to retain said circular segment on the horse's nose; wherein the elasticity of said circular segment permits movement of the horse's mouth or jaws while concurrently exerting progressive and constant pressure in response to movement of the horse's mouth or jaws.
  • 30. A method of making a caveson, comprising:providing a noseband of an elasticized, resilient material, said noseband having first and second ends; attaching first and second ends of a jaw strap to said first and second ends of said noseband, respectively, to form a circular segment that will fit around the bridge of the nose of a horse when said caveson is installed, said jaw strap having a first adjustment mechanism which allows the size of said jaw strap to be adjusted; attaching a first end of a headstall having first and second ends to said circular segment at a first location and attaching said second end of said headstall to said circular segment at a second, opposite location; and installing a second adjustment mechanism in said headstall for adjusting the size of said headstall; wherein the resilience of said noseband permits movement of the horse's mouth or jaws while concurrently exerting progressive and constant pressure in response to movement of the horse's mouth or jaws.
  • 31. A caveson comprising:a circular segment for encircling a horse's muzzle when said caveson is installed, said circular segment having upper and lower hemispherical portions, wherein at least one of said upper and lower hemispherical portions of said circular segment is constructed at least in part of an elasticized, resilient material, the elasticity of said circular segment permitting limited movement of the horse's mouth or jaws while concurrently exerting progressive and constant pressure in response to movement of the horse's mouth or jaws; a headstall having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment at a first location which will be located on the right side of the horse's muzzle and said second end of said headstall is attached said circular segment at a second location which will be located on the left side of the horse's muzzle.
  • 32. A caveson as defined in claim 31, wherein said elasticized, resilient material is at least one layer of elasticized fabric.
  • 33. A caveson as defined in claim 32, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a buckle.
  • 34. A caveson as defined in claim 31, wherein said resilient material is at least one layer of rubber.
  • 35. A caveson as defined in claim 31, wherein said circular segment further comprises at least one adjustment mechanism for varying the size of said circular segment depending on the amount of pressure to be applied to the horse's nose.
  • 36. A caveson as defined in claim 35, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a buckle.
  • 37. A caveson as defined in claim 31, wherein said headstall further comprises at least one adjustment mechanism for adjusting the size of said headstall.
  • 38. A caveson as defined in claim 31, wherein said first end of said headstall is attached to said first location on said circular segment by stitching and said second end of said headstall is attached to said second, opposite location by stitching.
  • 39. A caveson comprising:a circular segment for encircling a horse's nose and jaw when said caveson is installed on a horse's head, said circular segment having right and left said portions and at least one elasticized, resilient portion, wherein said elasticized, resilient portion of said circular segment permits limited movement of the horse's mouth or jaws while at the same time exerting progressive and constant pressure on the horse's nose without completely restricting movement of the horse's jaw; and a headstall having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment at said right side portion and said second end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment at said left side portion, said headstall being arranged and configured to extend behind the horse's ears when said caveson is installed.
  • 40. A caveson as defined in claim 39, wherein said resilient portion is constructed of at least one layer of elasticized fabric.
  • 41. A caveson as defined in claim 39, wherein said resilient portion is constructed of at least one layer of rubber.
  • 42. A caveson as defined in claim 39, wherein said circular segment further comprises at least one adjustment mechanism for varying the size of said circular segment depending on the amount of pressure to be applied to the horse's nose.
  • 43. A caveson as defined in claim 42, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a buckle.
  • 44. A caveson as defined in claim 39, wherein said headstall further comprises at least one adjustment mechanism for adjusting the size of said headstall.
  • 45. A caveson as defined in claim 44, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a buckle.
  • 46. A caveson as defined in claim 39, further comprising:a crown piece having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said crown piece is attached to said headstall at a first location which will be located on the right side of the horse's head and said second end of said crown piece is attached to said headstall which will be located at a second location on the left side of the horse's head so that said crown piece runs across the forehead of the horse.
  • 47. A caveson as defined in claim 46, wherein said crown piece is constructed at least in part of a resilient material.
  • 48. A caveson comprising:a circular segment for encircling a muzzle of an animal, said circular segment including at least one resilient section, wherein said at least one resilient section of said circular segment is constructed at least in part of an elastic material, wherein said at least one resilient section of said circular segment permits said circular segment to yield when the animal attempts to open its mouth while at the same time providing progressive and constant resistance to the animal opening its mouth or jaws in response to movement of the horse's mouth or jaws; and a headstall having a first and second ends which are respectively attached to said circular segment at opposite sides thereof, said headstall being arranged and configured to extend behind the animal's ears to retain said circular segment on the animal's nose.
  • 49. A caveson as defined in claim 48, wherein said resilient section is constructed of at least one layer of elasticized fabric.
  • 50. A caveson as defined in claim 48, wherein said resilient section is constructed of at least one layer of rubber.
  • 51. A caveson as defined in claim 48, wherein said circular segment further comprises at least one adjustment mechanism for varying the size of said circular segment depending on the amount of resistance to be exerted by said circular segment on the animal's muzzle.
  • 52. A caveson as defined in claim 51, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a buckle.
  • 53. A caveson as defined in claim 48, wherein said headstall further comprises at least one adjustment mechanism for adjusting the size of said headstall.
  • 54. A caveson as defined in claim 53, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a buckle.
  • 55. A caveson comprising:a noseband portion constructed at least in part of an elasticized, resilient material; a jaw strap portion constructed at least in part of resilient material, wherein said jaw strap is attached to said noseband to form a circular segment for encircling a horse's muzzle, said circular segment having right and left side portions which will be respectively located on the right and left sides of the horse's muzzle, the elasticity of said circular segment permitting movement of the horse's mouth or jaws while at the same time exerting progressive and constant pressure in response to movement of the horse's mouth or jaws; and a headstall constructed at least in part of an elastic material, said headstall having a first end and a second end; wherein said first end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment at said right side portion and said second end of said headstall is attached to said circular segment at said left side portion, said headstall being arranged and configured to extend behind the horse's ears when said caveson is installed.
  • 56. A caveson as defined in claim 55, wherein said noseband portion, said jaw strap portion and said headstall are constructed of at least one layer of elasticized fabric.
  • 57. A caveson as defined in claim 55, wherein said noseband portion, said jaw strap portion and said headstall are constructed of at least one layer of rubber.
IDENTIFICATION OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/137,596, entitled “Caveson for Use With Horses,” which was filed on May 2, 2002, now abandoned the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

US Referenced Citations (27)
Number Name Date Kind
200720 Henkell Feb 1878 A
250019 Venable Nov 1881 A
293108 Sutphen Feb 1884 A
565681 Hutton Aug 1896 A
1015165 Fox Jan 1912 A
2630660 Thomas Mar 1953 A
3949538 Woodruff Apr 1976 A
3998033 Watkins et al. Dec 1976 A
4337610 Taylor Jul 1982 A
4343136 Le Tixerant et al. Aug 1982 A
4459795 Le Tixerant Jul 1984 A
4472925 Woodruff Sep 1984 A
4480427 Conrad Nov 1984 A
4495752 Simpson Jan 1985 A
4495753 Simpson Jan 1985 A
4524569 Hanna Jun 1985 A
4565055 Simpson Jan 1986 A
4722171 Meroth Feb 1988 A
4798043 Wyse Jan 1989 A
4852336 Gammill Aug 1989 A
4999980 McGowan Mar 1991 A
5079904 Berube Jan 1992 A
5086611 Purdy Feb 1992 A
5174097 Muratore Dec 1992 A
5615539 Graham Apr 1997 A
5660031 Clark Aug 1997 A
6202393 Myler et al. Mar 2001 B1
Foreign Referenced Citations (4)
Number Date Country
29720858 Jan 1998 DE
19731635 Feb 1998 DE
2264218 Aug 1993 GB
2310123 Aug 1997 GB
Non-Patent Literature Citations (12)
Entry
Lea & Sachs, Inc.—“Woven & Knit Elastic”—www.leasachs.com—May/2002, pp. 1-3, U.S. -Internet.
State Line Tack, Inc., Catalog pp. 128, 131, 179, 180, 72, 73—Available as of Mar. 2002, U.S.
State Line Tack, Inc., “State Line Tack Premium Nylon Halter with Snap”—Jul. 23, 2002—www.statelinestack.com—U.S. -Internet.
Congress Leather, 'Arabian show Halters—www.congressleather.com—pp. 1-3—-U.S. -May 22, 2002 -Internet.
Exclusively Arabian, “Brown and Gold Halter”—www.Egyption-erabian.com—May 22, 2002—pp. 1-3 -Internet.
Show Stopper Tack, Inc., “SS Weymouth Show Bit”—www.showstoppertack.com-13 Jul. 19, 2002—pp. 1-3—U.S. -internet.
Diamond R. Saddlery, “Curb Chains, Strape & Headstalls”—www.diamondrsaddlery.com—Jul.19, 2002—pp. 1-6—U.S. -Internet.
Turners's Saddlery & Western Wear, “BITS”—www.tumersaddlery.com—Jun. 20, 2002 —pp. 1-4—U.S. -Internet.
Horse Data, “Points of a Bridle”—www.horsedata.co.uk/points_of_a_bridle.htm—2-2—UK -Intarnet.
Brown Paula, “The Humble Halter—Worth a Second Look”—www.clipciop.com—May 22, 2002—pp. 1-3—U.S. -Internet.
Horse Health USA, “Riveted Leather Halters”—www.horsehealthusa.com—May 22, 2002—pp. 1—U.S. -internet.
An English Translation of German Patent DE 19731635.
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 10/137596 May 2002 US
Child 10/680640 US