Patent Application
20150068167
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to a device for controlling and training animals. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved horse halter. Specifically, the present invention relates to a horse halter having a combination of flat straps and rope positioned to provide more comfort to the horse and greater control to the horse handler or trainer.
2. Background Information
Managing a horse involves communication between the horse and the human handler, trainer, owner or rider. Horses are able to learn and obey commands communicated by the handler. This learning process takes time and can be hindered or facilitated by the manner in which the handler or rider communicates with the horse. Horses have a tendency to resist or push into steady pressure when spread across a wide surface area, for example a harness collar for pulling heavy loads. For example, if a handler is signaling the horse to come to a stop by applying steady pressure, the horse may ignore the command or try to resist if it is applied with a thick, wide tool.
A great number of devices exist for performing this communication. These devices generally work by transferring some physical motion made by the handler or rider into a form of physical contact with the horse's body. Most horse-control devices are worn over a horse's head, partly because certain parts of a horse's head are particularly sensitive to contact, and the head is the best point of control for the whole animal.
Horse halters are devices placed on the heads of horses to guide and lead the horse. They are ordinarily made of a framework of leather or nylon webbing straps that lay flat against the skin surface to fit on the horse's head. This webbing-type head halter typically consists of a noseband running across the bridge of the nose and a poll strap (crown piece/headband), which runs down behind the ears and has a connected throat strap. The nose band is connected at opposite ends to respective cheek pieces, such as by means of metal hardware on nylon web halters. A lead line connected to the halter allows a handler to apply a forward, backward, left, right, and downward pressure to the horse's nose through the nose band, chin piece, cheek strap and poll strap.
Problems continue to exist with conventional webbing-type flat halters. Webbing halters are often constructed of wide nylon strap material around the nose and jaw (or jowl) of the horse. This wide material encourages the horse to lean or press against the wide strap when a command signal is given by the trainer via a lead line, rather than obeying the command signal.
Additionally, other types of halters exist. A rope halter is one that is primarily made from spun rope, or yacht rope, tied or fashioned together to lay around the horse's head. Rope halters have a nose rope that extends over the bridge of the horse's nose exerting pressure to the horse's nose when the lead line is pulled by the trainer.
Problems continue to exist with conventional rope halters. Rope halters lack handiness for the horse trainer and often cause a physically awkward dispersal of pressure on the horse's head when a control signal is given to the horse via the lead line. This is because the rope halter's simple construction and design allows the rope halter to shift relative to the horse's head and may be outside an effective pressure point range on the horse's head.
Therefore a need continues to exist for an improved halter device.
In one aspect, the invention may provide a combination of a traditional nylon webbing halter and a conventional rope halter, wherein the poll and cheek straps lie flat against to horse's head for comfort, and the nose, chin, throat, and jaw straps are rope providing greater control for the horse trainer and provide a much clearer signal from the trainer to the horse.
In another aspect, the invention may provide the convenience, comfort, personalization, and functionality of a conventional fiat webbing halter, such as stable buckles, rings, and snaps, with the control of a conventional rope halter. The invention may further provide a slide ring or connector for receiving a chin rope therethrough for providing additional signaling control by the horse trainer.
In another aspect, the invention may provide a horse halter comprising: a poll strap and a pair of cheek straps connected together and constructed of a material that lies flat against the surface of a horse's head; a nose rope, a chin rope, a throat rope, and a lower jaw rope connected together, and connected to the poll strap and pair of cheek straps via connectors, and constructed of rope; and a slide ring affixed to the forward end of the lower jaw rope for slidably receiving the chin rope.
Another embodiment of the invention may provide a horse halter comprising: a poll strap extending over a horse's poll; a pair of cheek straps connected to the poll strap via a left and a right side rear ring, each cheek strap extending along the horse's cheeks; a nose rope connected to the cheek straps via a left and right side forward ring, the nose rope extending over the bridge of the horse's nose; a flat halter snap attached to one of the left and right side rear ring; a throat rope connected to the flat halter snap and one of the left and right side rear ring not attached to the flat halter snap; a chin rope connected at each end to the left and right forward side rings, and the chin rope extending below the horse's chin; and a lower jaw rope extending between the chin rope and the flat snap, wherein the forward end of the lower jaw rope slidably receives the chin rope therethrough.
In yet another embodiment, one aspect may provide a horse halter comprising: an elongated flexible poll member including a flat horse engaging portion in cross section; an elongated flexible nose member including a convex horse engaging portion in cross section; and at least one flexible cheek member extending between the poll member and the nose member.
Additionally, one aspect may provide a horse halter comprising: a first flexible elongated member including a horse engaging linear portion in cross section; a second flexible elongated member including a horse engaging curved portion in cross section; and at least one flexible cheek member extending between the first member and the second member.
A sample embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
The halter of the present invention is shown in
Poll strap 52 is an elongated flexible member extending between a first end 52a and a second end 52b. Poll strap 52 may include a first segment and a second segment, First segment 53a of poll strap 52 may include a plurality of apertures formed in the first segment 53a. The apertures formed in the first segment 53a of poll strap 52 are configured to receive a tongue of buckle 54 therethrough. Buckle 54 is attached to second segment 53b of poll strap 52. First segment 53a may be thread through buckle 54 and is selectively adjustable by moving the tongue into a desired aperture to adjust the overall length of poll strap 52. Preferably first end 52a defines an end of first segment 53a and second end 52b defines one end of second segment 53b of poll strap 52. The ends 52a, 52b of poll strap 52 are coupled to left and right side rings 66a, 66b on opposite sides of the horse's head.
As shown in
Outer surface 80 is preferably parallel to flat horse engaging surface 82 therebetween forming a thickness 84. Thickness 84 defines the height of strap 52 left side wall 86 and right side wall 88. The thickness 84 height is less than the width of strap 52, wherein the width (also known as the first width, or width of strap) is measured from sidewall 86 to sidewall 88. Preferably the material comprising poll strap 52 is uniform across this cross section; however, clearly other non-uniform materials are contemplated. One exemplary uniform material is leather formed of a single hide and one exemplary non-uniform material may be a web of woven strap of nylon material. The woven nylon web material having a woven configuration which when viewed in a microscopic level may not be continuous.
Similar to poll strap 52, cheek straps 56a, 56b each include an outwardly facing top surface 80 and inwardly facing inner surface 82. Each inner surface 82 of cheek straps 56a, 56b is flat when viewed in cross section. The flat inner surface 82 of each cheek strap 56a, 56b lies against the skin 201 horse's cheek 206. Similar to the poll strap 52, the flat inner surface of cheek straps 56a, 56b is important to the comfort of the horse.
A forward end 63a, 63b of each cheek strap 56a, 56b is coupled to each respective left and right forward ring 68a, 68b on opposite sides of the horse's head. The ends of nose rope 58 are coupled to the left and right forward rings 68a, 68b allowing nose rope 58 to flexibly extend over the bridge of the horse's nose. The ends of chin rope 62 are coupled to left and right forward rings 68a, 68b allowing chin rope to arcuately extend below the horse's chin. The forward rings 68a, 68b can be formed with slots, or openings and dimensioned to receive the ends of cheek straps 56a, 56b, nose rope 58, and chin rope 62, respectively. Lower jaw rope 64 extends from throat rope 61 to chin rope 62 below the horse's jaw 216.
Snap 60 is coupled to left ring 66a and extends downward therefrom. One end of throat rope 61 is connected to snap 60 through a slot 101 formed therein and the other end of throat rope 61 is coupled to right ring 66b, permitting throat rope 61 to arcuately extend below the horse's throat 214. A rear end 57a, 57b of each cheek strap 56a, 56b is coupled to each respective rear ring 66a, 66b permitting the cheek straps 56a, 56b to extend forwardly along the side of the horse's cheeks 206.
Nose rope 58 is an elongated flexible member extending between a first end 58a and a second end 58b. Nose rope 58 is shown as a single member; however, it may be adjustable in a manner which would incorporate an adjustment buckle or end slide knots.
Nose rope 58 includes a left and right knot 59a, 59b formed along the length of rope 58. Knots 59a, 59b are disposed above the corner surface of the horse's nose where the nose bridge 204 meets the cheek 208. Knots 59a, 59b may be referred to herein as a bulb member(s). As shown in the figures, knots 59a, 59b may be tied using a single length of rope, i.e., the same length of material defining rope 58, or knots 59a, 59b may be tied to nose rope 58 from distinct and separate pieces of material. Further, while knots 59a, 59b are contemplated as being pieces of rope material, they could clearly be satisfactorily attached pieces or members configured to exert pressure to the skin surface of the horse's head, such as a bulbous clip, ball or clamp. Knots 59a, 59b have a cross section diameter greater than the cross section diameter of rope 58. Knots 59a, 59b may include multiple knots or raised braiding. Knots 59a, 59b are preferably stationary, and not-slidable, along nose rope 58.
Further, as depicted in the figures, nose rope 58 is shown as a single piece of rope material looped back through left and right forward ring 68a, 68b creating two rope segments extending over the nose bridge. Nose rope 58 is coupled to left and right forward side rings 68a, 68b at each respective end. Coupling the ends of nose rope 58 to left and right forward side rings 68a, 68b may be accomplished by tying knots 65a, 65b or sewing, however other coupling manners are clearly possible. When end knots 65a, 65b couple rope 58 to side rings 68a, 68b, there are then four knots positioned along rope 58. End knots 65a, 65b may be slidable along the length of nose rope 58.
As shown in
The width of rope 58 is equal to the rope's diameter. The width of the rope (also known as the second width; wherein the first width is measured from sidewall 86 to sidewall 88) is smaller or less than the first width. The first width of the poll member 52 substantially contacts the horse. Only a portion of the second width contacts the horse.
Chin rope 62 includes a left segment and a right segment 62a, 62b which make up the chin rope 62 respectively. Chin rope 62 is coupled to left and right forward side rings 68a, 68b at each respective end. Coupling the ends of chin rope 62 to left and right forward side rings 68a, 68b may be accomplished by tying knots or sewing, however other coupling manners are clearly possible. When chin rope 62 is coupled to rings 68a, 68b by tying knots 77a, 77b, the halter 50 has additional knots formed in rope different than nose rope 58. Further, rope 62 could include bulb members as well. Segments 62a, 62b are designated as representing the portions of chin rope 62 on each side of ring 70 that slidably receives rope 62 therethrough. Namely, segments 62a, 62b are continuous portions of a single rope 62. Ring 70 may slide up and to the left along segment 62a in the direction of Arrow A (
Lower jaw rope 64 includes a looped rear end 64a forming an aperture 64b for slidably receiving throat rope 61 therethrough permitting rope 64 to slide up and to the right, and up and to the left along throat rope 61. Alternatively, jaw rope 64 could be fixedly attached to throat rope 61. When fixedly attached, jaw rope 54 and throat rope 61 may be one continuous piece of rope. Slide ring 70 is fixedly attached to the forward end 64c of jaw rope 64. Slide ring 70 slidably receives chin rope 62. Slide ring 70 forms an aperture 70a receiving rope 62 therethrough. Slide ring 70 is aligned sagittally with the horse's head.
With reference to
When the snap halter snap 60 and ring 66a are attached, the curved member permits rigid member 60 to rotate relative to ring 66a without becoming disconnected. Rigid halter snap 60 further includes a retaining member or a slot formed 101 in the bottom end configured to receive and couple with an end of throat rope 61. An exemplary flat halter snap 60 is commercially available for sale under the name “Halter Snap Brass Plated” by Big Dees of Northfield, Ohio. Alternative embodiments to snap 60 are rings, dees, buckles, and clips, as understood in the art.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention as herein described above, halter 50 comprises straps 52, 56a, 56b and ropes 58, 61, 62, 64. Straps 52, 56a, 56b comprise a flat surface that is adjacent the horse's skin. The flat surface of straps provides comfort for the horse. Ropes 58, 61, 62, 64 have a rounded or convex surface and do not have a flat surface, that lays adjacent the horse's skin. The ropes provide greater control for the trainer when halter 50 is fitted to the horse's head and connected via lead line 80.
In operation as shown in
When the horse complies with the handler's command (e.g., the horse walks in the direction signaled by the handler), the tension in lead line 80 is removed, which immediately causes knots 59a, 59b to reduce pressure on the horse's nose 208 and bridge 204. Hence, the reduction or removal of tension from lead line 80 results in an immediate reduction or removal of the pressure applied to the horse's nose by the knots 59a, 59b.
Like many animals, horses are capable of learning by conditioning. This process can be guided by providing negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement. The immediate reaction of halter 50 to a reduction of tension on lead line 80 facilitates training a horse to respond properly to control signals from the trainer, rider, or handler. Tightening or engaging knots 59a, 59b (or knots 65a, 65b, 77a, 77b) such that they press against the horse's nose 208 represents negative reinforcement. In order to associate this negative reinforcement with a particular behavior, the timing of the negative reinforcement must be precisely controlled. Halter 50 regulates the discomfort for the horse so that it becomes meaningful negative reinforcement. When the horse is responding properly to control signals, nose rope 58 comfortably on the horse's nose and the horse experiences little or no discomfort. Nose rope 58 causes discomfort to the horse via knots 59a and 59b contact the bridge 204 of the nose 208 as tension is applied to lead line. Since the discomfort is quickly relieved as tension is removed from the lead line, the horse more readily learns how to properly respond to signals from the handler.
The amount of force that must be applied to lead line 80 to cause the nose rope 58 to apply pressure to the horse's nose can be adjusted to suit the particular horse or handler. For example, when training a horse for the first time, it may be desirable to adjust the halter so that less force is required to apply pressure to the horse's nose. On the other hand, when handling a trained horse, it may be desirable to adjust the halter so that more force is required to apply pressure to the horse's nose.
As used herein the term “web material” refers to a material having a planar portion that lies flat against the horse's skin for comfort. Some exemplary materials web used in the construction of halter 50 include nylon material conventionally used in webbing-type halters for the construction of the poll strap 52 and the cheek straps 56a, 56b. Alternatively, the web material of the strap portions 52, 56a, 56b may be constructed from leather. The nose rope 58, throat rope 61, chin rope 62, and lower jaw rope 64 are preferably constructed of a rope material having a circular cross section similar to a conventional rope halter. As used herein the term “rope material” refers to a material having a rounded or convex portion (when viewed in cross-section) contacting the horse's skin 201, imparting more control to the rider or trainer. Some exemplary rope materials include, but are clearly not limited to, yacht rope, lariat rope, mohair, horsehair, jute, cotton, leather or nylon rolled to resemble rope.
Additionally, with reference to components of halter 50, some materials may have suitable alternatives which are fully contemplated. For example, while the poll strap is preferably a web material, or flat leather, or other leathers having at least a flat horse engaging portion, there may be an additional type of material having a flat horse engaging surface. With regards to the cheek straps, while webbing material having a flat horse engaging surface is preferred, the cheek straps may be slightly padded or filled with lining which causes a slight curvature to the horse engaging surface. Padded cheek straps may further be adorned with embroidered designs or other fancy adornments. With regard to the nose rope, chin rope, throat rope, and lower jaw rope, there may be instances where these ropes are made from rolled leathers, braided leathers, braided rawhides, cables, chains, or other materials having a convex horse engaging surface. With respect to the side rings, other shapes are clearly contemplated, such as square, oval, octagon, and other irregular or regular shapes. With regards to snap 60, other additional snaps are clearly contemplated, including but not limited to a panic snap, trigger snap, gaiter clasp, and a bolt snap. Further with regards to buckle 54, while a standard tongue buckle is contemplated, clearly other buckles are entirely possible, including but not limited to a Johnson buckle, a belt loop, and a Conway buckle.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred embodiment of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/876,300, filed Sep. 11, 2013; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61876300 | Sep 2013 | US |
