Mouthpieces Patents (Class 54/8)
  • Patent number: 10450185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a horse bit (10, 210) comprising a shackle (20, 220) configured to be inserted into a horse's mouth. The shackle comprises at least one joint (30, 40; 230) and two side portions (50, 60, 250, 260), wherein the two side portions are connected by the at least one joint such that the side portions are pivotable to each other, and at least two eyelet members (80, 90, 100, 110; 280, 290) each having an eyelet bore (82, 92, 102, 112; 282, 292), wherein the eyelet members are interlocked with play via their eyelet bores to provide the at least one joint. Further, in a cross section in the range of one of the eyelet members along or substantially parallel to an axis of the eyelet bore a cross-sectional width (W1, W2) of the one eyelet member is larger than the inner width (W3) of the eyelet bore of the other eyelet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Neue Schule Limited
    Inventors: Graham Hugh Cross, Heather Jayne Margaret Hyde-Saddington
  • Patent number: 10450186
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Neue Schule Limited
    Inventor: Graham Hugh Cross
  • Patent number: 9950919
    Abstract: Bits for horses are provided which include a central element, suitable for being inserted in a horse's mouth, a pair of lateral rings, each connected to a respective end of the central element for connection to the reins, and a pair of rosettes for protecting the horse's lip, each traversed by an axial hole to be fitted around the central element, next to the connection to the ring. The axial hole is made in an emerging portion axially facing at least the side opposite the lateral ring. The wall which delimits said axial hole may be sized to provide a stable connection due to the friction between the rosette and the central element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ACAVALLO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mauro Benetti
  • Patent number: 9493335
    Abstract: A process for making mouthpieces for the bits of horses and draught animals includes the following steps: making the mouthpiece with titanium or titanium alloys through a turning and removal operation, sandblasting with zirconium microspheres, and passivation through oxidation of the surface titanium by means of acid solutions. The mouthpiece obtained with such a process is completely made of titanium or titanium alloys and has a passivated surface, that is, a surface that is better resistant to corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: EQUILINE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Flavio Calza'
  • Publication number: 20140260124
    Abstract: A horse bit includes attachment members to which a horse bridle is attachable, a mouthpiece connected to the attachment members, protrusions protruding from the mouthpiece. The protrusions are each positioned to apply outward pressure to a zygomaticus muscle of a horse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Vaughn A. KNUDSEN
  • Publication number: 20140223867
    Abstract: A process for making mouthpieces for the bits of horses and draught animals includes the following steps: making the mouthpiece with titanium or titanium alloys through a turning and removal operation, sandblasting with zirconium microspheres, and passivation through oxidation of the surface titanium by means of acid solutions. The mouthpiece obtained with such a process is completely made of titanium or titanium alloys and has a passivated surface, that is, a surface that is better resistant to corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: LORENZINI SNC
    Inventor: Flavio Calza'
  • Publication number: 20130312375
    Abstract: An adjustable horse bit that acts as a snaffle bit (direct-pressure) under normal circumstances and transforms into an elevator bit (leverage bit) when a threshold force is applied to a hingedly attached lever section of the horse bit cheek piece. Absent the threshold force, a retracting means acts on the lever section to transform the elevator bit back to a snaffle bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Marieke Gaudet
  • Bit
    Patent number: 8393134
    Abstract: A bit includes a mouthpiece. A tongue member is arranged on the mouthpiece such that, when the mouthpiece is received in an oral cavity of an animal, the tongue member bears against a tongue of the animal, inhibiting movement of the tongue over the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Intelligent Inventions Limited
    Inventor: Adrian Morgante
  • Publication number: 20120031057
    Abstract: A horse bit has a mouth bar and two control bars. The mouth bar is arched and is in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm in diameter and its length is dependent on the size of the horse. The control bars are formed integrally with, and from the same material as, the mouth bar and are located at opposed ends of the control bar. The mouth bar and the control bars are substantially coplanar. Each control bar is angled inwardly and makes an angle that is in the range of 75° to 90° with the adjacent portion of the mouth bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: MACRAM PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Lowell Dean STEVENSON
  • Publication number: 20110047943
    Abstract: An equine tongue tie has a small elastic tongue loop 14 and a large elastic jaw loop 12. The two loops 12, 14 are stitched or otherwise joined at a location 18 across the width of the loops. The two loops 12, 14 can be made from a single strap 2 of elastomeric material wherein the ends are preferably folded over prior to stitching or otherwise affixing so as to form four layers of the elastomeric material at the location 18 wherein the tongue loop 14 and jaw loop 12 are joined. Alternatively, each loop can be made from a separate strap, each tongue loop 14 and jaw loop 12 having its ends overlapped and sewn together to form a separate loop and these two separate loops 12, 14 being sewn together where the sewn ends overlap creating four layers of material at the location 18 where the loops are joined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: David Lawrence Burns
  • Publication number: 20110023424
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a horse bit comprising a joint member for rotatably jointing a pair of bars while eliminating or minimizing any possible gaps between the jointed portions during the relative rotation of the bars, to thereby avoid damaging the sensitive parts of the horse's mouth, especially the horse's tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Samkyung Trading Corporation
    Inventor: Hyun Gu Kim
  • Patent number: 7775023
    Abstract: The invention relates to a horse snaffle bit with two lateral parts and a shackle, which is situated between these parts and comprises at least one joint and two lateral sections, each lateral section having an end located a distance from the joint and a borehole is made in these distal ends of the lateral sections to accommodate one of the parts in a manner that enables them to move freely. Additionally, each lateral section has a first surface area and a second surface area; the first surface area has a matte surface and extends from the joint to a distance of at least 20% and no greater than 50% of the overall length of the lateral section from the joint, and the second surface area has a high-lustrous surface and is connected to the first surface area and extends to the distal end of the lateral section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Herm. Sprenger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Valentin Völlmecke, Heinz Baumann
  • BIT
    Publication number: 20100170207
    Abstract: A bit includes a mouthpiece. A tongue member is arranged on the mouthpiece such that, when the mouthpiece is received in an oral cavity of an animal, the tongue member bears against a tongue of the animal, inhibiting movement of the tongue over the mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: INTELLIGENT INVENTIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Adrian Morgante
  • Publication number: 20090282789
    Abstract: An improved bit for controlling a horse. The mouthpiece of the horse bit comprises extensions for applying pressure to the interior of an animal's mouth. A trained animal will respond to the applied pressure as actuated by the rider via the reins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Zoe Bartron
  • Patent number: 7600361
    Abstract: A shank assembly adapted for use with an interchangeable mouthpiece wherein the shank assembly comprises upper and lower shank portions that may disconnect to permit removal or replacement of the interchangeable mouthpiece, and re-connect and lock to secure placement of the mouthpiece. An adjustable bit kit is also provided comprising sets of upper and lower shank portions of different lengths which may be combined to form various shank assembly portion ratios in accordance with the training, comfort and response needs of the bridled animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Cory Michael Craig
  • Publication number: 20090223182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a horse snaffle bit with two lateral parts and a shackle, which is situated between these parts and comprises at least one joint and two lateral sections, each lateral section having an end located a distance from the joint and a borehole is made in these distal ends of the lateral sections to accommodate one of the parts in a manner that enables them to move freely. Additionally, each lateral section has a first surface area and a second surface area; the first surface area has a matte surface and extends from the joint to a distance of at least 20% and no greater than 50% of the overall length of the lateral section from the joint, and the second surface area has a high-lustrous surface and is connected to the first surface area and extends to the distal end of the lateral section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2005
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Valentin Völlmecke, Heinz Baumann
  • Patent number: 7513094
    Abstract: The present invention provides a horse bit 1 comprising a pair of side cheeks 2,3 each having a cheek strap coupling portion 4 and a first cheek portion 5 mounting a respective end of a mouth-piece 7. A second cheek portion 8 is connected to the first 5 so as to be displaceable between first and second positions, and has a rein coupling portion 10. A resilient biasing means 24 acts between the first and second cheek portions 5,8 so as to resist displacement of the second cheek portion 8 relative to the first 5, when a user pulls on the reins 11, whereby transmission of force through the reins 11 to the mouth-piece 7 is modulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventors: Susan Denney, Simon Willis
  • Patent number: 7464524
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bridle for an animal, such as a horse, wherein the bridle can be adjusted, and readjusted, simply, and without altering buckles, clasps, and/or fasteners. Such an adjustable bridle for mounting on the head of an animal includes a mouthpiece including an elongate bit having a first end and a second end, a first strap, a second strap and a pulley ring, wherein the first strap is shorter in length than the second strap, wherein the first strap has a first end and a second end, such that the first end of the first strap is attached to the first end of the bit, and the second end of the first strap is attached to the pulley ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Terence Pendry
  • Publication number: 20080302069
    Abstract: A horse bit (1) has a mouth bar (2) and two control bars (3). The mouth bar (2) is arched and is in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm in diameter and its length is dependent on the size of the horse. The control bars (3) are formed integrally with, and from the same material as, the mouth bar (2) and are located at opposed ends of the control bar (2). The mouth bar (2) and the control bars (3) are substantially coplanar. Each control bar (3) is angled inwardly and makes an angle that is in the range of 75° to 90° with the adjacent portion of the mouth bar (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Lowell Dean Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20080250760
    Abstract: A snaffle bit (10) comprises two side rings (12) and a shackle (14) between them. The shackle has two side portions (16) and a central lozenge portion (18). The articulation axis (30) of the lozenge and the plane (22) of articulation the side rings (12), are inclined with respect to each other by between 18° and 30°. The side portions (16) may be curved forwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Heather Jane Margaret Hyde-Saddington
  • Publication number: 20080148693
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bridle for an animal, such as a horse, wherein the bridle can be adjusted, and readjusted, simply, and without altering buckles, clasps, and/or fasteners. Such an adjustable bridle for mounting on the head of an animal includes a mouthpiece including an elongate bit having a first end and a second end, a first strap, a second strap and a pulley ring, wherein the first strap is shorter in length than the second strap, wherein the first strap has a first end and a second end, such that the first end of the first strap is attached to the first end of the bit, and the second end of the first strap is attached to the pulley ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Terence Pendry
  • Publication number: 20080047236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a double-jointed bit for horses, the bit comprising two outer lateral parts that are preferably embodied as rings, and a bit part that is arranged between the outer parts and connected thereto. The bit part has two lateral sections and an olive-shaped central section, the central section being connected to each of the two lateral sections by means of an articulated element. The articulated elements are formed by two articulated boreholes embodied in the central section and respectfully a loop provided in each lateral section. The central section comprises a base part and an additional part, the two articulated boreholes being embodied in the base part. The additional part is located essentially between the two articulated boreholes and forms an outer surface of the central section in the region of the central cross-section between the two articulated boreholes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Ernst Hoyos, Heinz Baumann, Valentin Vollmecke
  • Publication number: 20080022638
    Abstract: A bridle for horses which alleviates the problem of poor fit often encountered in conventional bridles. This invention shows a way in which bridles may be constructed so that their fit is improved, taking into account the various curvatures, dimensions and features of a horse's head and removing a potential source of irritation or distraction to the animal. The invention enhances the comfort of the horse and thus the safety of the rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Eva Charlene Sandor
  • Patent number: 6983581
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a series of embodiments of a swivel cheeked bridle bit wherein the cheek portion, comprising a dee and/or lower or curb rein attachment eye or ring, is separate from the purchase, with the purchase serving as a pintle for the swivel attachment of the cheek portion to the remainder of the bit structure. The upper harness attachment ring, for attaching a curb chain, nose strap, and/or cheek strap to the bit, is immovably affixed to the upper end of the purchase, which in turn is immovably affixed to the mouth bar of the bit. This ensures that the upper ring does not rotate or swivel as the cheek is turned, thus avoiding twisting the ends of the straps attached to the upper ring and precluding turning the edge of the attachment ring and any attached straps into the side of the face of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas L. Collins, III
  • Patent number: 6834482
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a series of embodiments of a swivel cheeked bridle bit wherein the cheek portion, comprising a dee and/or lower or curb rein attachment eye or ring, is separate from the purchase, with the purchase serving as a pintle for the swivel attachment of the cheek portion to the remainder of the bit structure. The upper harness attachment ring, for attaching a curb chain, nose strap, and/or cheek strap to the bit, is immovably affixed to the upper end of the purchase, which in turn is immovably affixed to the mouth bar of the bit. This ensures that the upper ring does not rotate or swivel as the cheek is turned, thus avoiding twisting the ends of the straps attached to the upper ring and precluding turning the edge of the attachment ring and any attached straps into the side of the face of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas L. Collins, III
  • Publication number: 20040200195
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a series of embodiments of a swivel cheeked bridle bit wherein the cheek portion, comprising a dee and/or lower or curb rein attachment eye or ring, is separate from the purchase, with the purchase serving as a pintle for the swivel attachment of the cheek portion to the remainder of the bit structure. The upper harness attachment ring, for attaching a curb chain, nose strap, and/or cheek strap to the bit, is immovably affixed to the upper end of the purchase, which in turn is immovably affixed to the mouth bar of the bit. This ensures that the upper ring does not rotate or swivel as the cheek is turned, thus avoiding twisting the ends of the straps attached to the upper ring and precluding turning the edge of the attachment ring and any attached straps into the side of the face of the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas L. Collins
  • Patent number: 6761018
    Abstract: A bit having selectably adjustable rotation about the axis of the shank post and the mouth piece as well as vertical adjustable shank location for use with a variety of animals and mouth pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: TLB, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom L. Balding
  • Publication number: 20030074869
    Abstract: A bit having selectably adjustable rotation about the axis of the shank post and the mouth piece as well as vertical adjustable shank location for use with a variety of animals and mouth pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: TLB, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Balding
  • Patent number: 6546703
    Abstract: A bridle having a bit with an elongated strip of flexible candy like sweetened material spirally wrapped along the length of the bit to provide positive reinforcement to an animal wearing the bridle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: Judy Cotter, Douglas Cotter
  • Patent number: 6516593
    Abstract: A perch-shank device is disclosed as having a perch with an upper, central, and lower portion. The upper portion has an eyelet for attaching a headstall or chinstrap. The lower portion directly connects to a mouthpiece. The invention also includes a shank having an upper and lower portion, wherein the lower portion has an eyelet for attaching a rein and the upper portion of the shank is connected above the lower portion of the perch adjacent to one of the central and upper portion of the perch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Markle
  • Publication number: 20030019192
    Abstract: The invention relates to a snaffle bit (1) with a mouthpiece that is inserted in the mouth of a horse or a mule across the tongue. Said snaffle bit is provided with end portions that laterally project from the mouth and that comprise respective through-openings (7) for a pivoted ring (3), and has a downwardly extending bow shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Jean Kaufmann, Ryan Leith
  • Patent number: 6449930
    Abstract: An improved bridle bit is described that is useful for training an animal, for example, a horse. Said bit comprises a bar or bars to be received in the mouth of an animal, said bars having internally disposed therein, one or a plurality of bushings providing mouthpiece rotational movement, one or a plurality of spring elements providing return movement and cheek pieces providing traditional rein and headstall ring members for bridle assembly attachment. The invention may be used, for example, for the pinch and/or pain free training, control or correction of horses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: David Robart, Glenice Robart
  • Patent number: 6347501
    Abstract: A bridle bit is useful for training an animal, for example, a horse. This bit comprises a bar or bars to be received in the mouth of an animal, the bars having internally disposed therein, one or a plurality of bushings providing mouthpiece rotational movement, and cheek pieces providing traditional rein and headstall ring members for bridle assembly attachment. The invention may be used, for example, for the pinch and/or pain free training, control or correction of horses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: David Robart
  • Patent number: 6324821
    Abstract: A riding or travelling bit for horses comprising at least one rigid or articulated bit rod (2) made at least partially of metal. The inventive bit is characterized in that the bit rod has at least two different metal parts (4,6) thus creating a difference in electrical potential. This difference in electric potential creates a sour taste for the horse, encouraging it to chew and making it receptive to assistance from the reins. In one embodiment, one member (4) of the two-membered bit rod (2) is made of one type of metal and the other member is made of another type of metal. Both members are coupled together in a known manner by means of self-engaging eyelets (8, 10) in a chain-like fashion. However, at least one of the eyelets is lined (12) with electrically insulating material. In another embodiment, both metal surfaces are electrically connected to various poles of at least one commercial electric battery cell (94) which is accommodated in a tubular receptacle (92) forming one part of the bit rod (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Georg Kieffer Sattlewarenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Bauer, Curt Merker, Hjalmar Konzet
  • Publication number: 20010037628
    Abstract: An improved bridle bit is described that is useful for training an animal, for example, a horse. Said bit comprises a bar or bars to be received in the mouth of an animal, said bars having internally disposed therein, one or a plurality of bushings providing mouthpiece rotational movement, one or a plurality of spring elements providing return movement and cheek pieces providing traditional rein and headstall ring members for bridle assembly attachment. The invention may be used, for example, for the pinch and/or pain free training, control or correction of horses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: DAVID ROBART, GLENICE ROBART
  • Patent number: 6105346
    Abstract: A bit has two cheeks which are rotatably mounted in respective sleeves. The sleeves are connected to one another by a mouth having an adjustable width. Each of the sleeves is rotatable independently of the other on an axis extending in a direction from one of the sleeves to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Eastwest International Enterprises
    Inventor: Chang Hsi-Chang
  • Patent number: 5885377
    Abstract: An equestrian bit is manufactured with a nickel-free alloy containing copper in the range of 85-90 wt %, aluminum in the range of 8-11 wt %, and ferrite in the range of 2-4 wt %. The bit has mechanical strength comparable to prior-art components built with copper alloys containing nickel and is more readily accepted by horses because of its high-copper and nickel-free composition. The preferred composition of the alloy is approximately 88 wt % copper, 10 wt % aluminum, and 2 wt % ferrite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eastwest International Enterprises
    Inventor: Chang Hsi-Chang
  • Patent number: 5822950
    Abstract: A first mouthpiece having a flat heel surface 12 which rests directly on a horse's bars, a tongue porte 14 of sufficient size to receive a horse's tongue and of such height so as not to interfere with most horse's palates, a horizontal tongue shelf 16 of sufficient length to provide a comfortable resting place for the tongue, a rotation mechanism 32 and a rotation stop 30 embedded in the inside end 48 of a right mouthpiece extension 46 to protect the tongue. Rotatable right and left mouthpiece extensions 46 and 40 are coupled to the cannons 10 to isolate rotation of bridle reins from the cannons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventors: Jorge de Moya, Albert E. Basso
  • Patent number: 5809939
    Abstract: A positive reinforcement bridle bit is described that is useful for training an animal, for example, a horse. Dispensing, at will, a pleasant tasting fluid therefrom, permits the immediate reward of the animal for performing a desired behavior or calming a fear. The invention may be used, for example, for the training of an unbroken colt or green-broke animal, for correction and retraining of problem horses and for further training of previously trained horses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventors: Glenice Robart, Dave Robart
  • Patent number: 5669210
    Abstract: A copper alloy for bridle bits and similar items including 81-88%, by weight, of copper, less than 4%, by weight, of silicon, and the remainder zinc including impurities. The alloy is characterized by high strength and readily stimulates the horse to chew on the bit. The lack of nickel in the alloy is also safer for the horses. A method of manufacturing including casting the bridle bit from the copper alloy. A method of using the bridle bit includes casting the bridle bit, placing it into a horse's mouth, stimulating the horse to quick chewing on the bridle bit and controlling the horse's pace and speed due to the stimulation to quick chewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Herm, Sprenger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Valentin Vollmecke, Heinz Baumann
  • Patent number: 5566645
    Abstract: A method for animal training. More specifically, this invention provides a method for rapidly and effectively training horses and other animals by facilitating the delivery of a primary reinforcement reward substance to the animal simultaneously with, or immediately following the exhibition of desired behavior by the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Toni H. Cole
  • Patent number: 5528884
    Abstract: A bit for use with domestic riding animals, such as horses, has a mouthpiece including an arcuate portion curved in a plane oriented at between about 15 degrees to 75 degrees, and preferably at an angle of about 45 degrees, with respect to the jaw plane of the animal, and a pair of spaced apart cheekplates connected to the mouthpiece at slotted shank ends thereof. The cheekplates each include a central ring portion positioned along the major axis of the cheekplate having a rein slot; a shaft collinear with the major axis intersecting the ring portion; an integral bridle attachment at an end of the shaft; and an integral curbstrap attachment offset from the shaft intermediate the ring portion and the bridle attachment. The cheekplates are semi-rigidly connected to the mouthpiece by the engagement of the shaft with the slots and retained therein by a bolt and washer assembly such that each cheekplate can freely fit between about -5 degrees to +5 degrees about the major axis of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Donald R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5128518
    Abstract: This invention is a device that warms a horse bit while holding the bit assembly. The bit is placed on top of a cylindrical, or other shaped housing that captures the heat from an internal heat source. The housing is attached to a heat element base. The heating element that attaches to the base creates the internal heat source for the housing. The housing and base combined are secured to a vertical member or wall. All of the included parts are non-combustible under the standard of the art regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Stanley W. Reifel
  • Patent number: 4941312
    Abstract: A bridle bit including a bit member having its outer ends coupled to a pair of bow-shaped connector members journaled to the shafts of a pair of rein lever members to permit free pivotal and elevational movement of the bit member in the horse's mouth. The bow-shaped members are connected to sleeves journaled on the rein lever shafts and are adapted to be vertically adjusted on the shaft and retained in the adjusted positions by the corresponding placement of tubular spacer members on the shaft, either above or below the journal sleeves. The bit member further includes detachable weights at the outer ends of the bit member to permit the bit member to assume different positions in the horse's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: Ralph N. Old, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4631906
    Abstract: A bridle arrangement for a horse or like animal to control the animal's movement and behavior generally include a headstrap for maintaining the bridle arrangement in its proper position and a pair of mouth-pieces connected to the headstrap and disposed within the corners of the animal's mouth. The mouth-pieces comprise a planar body having a flange extending outwardly therefrom to which a snaffle ring and the control reins are connected. Disposed on the inwardly disposed face of the planar body is a tubular member having a rectangular throughbore extending parallel to the planar body and through which the headstrap is secured. Extending from one end of the tubular member is an elongated tongue which is generally U-shaped such that the remote second end of the tongue is parallel to the planar body and the first end of the tongue. The second end of the elongated tongue extends into the animal's mouth when the mouth-piece is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Rudolph J. Hermann, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4587797
    Abstract: A bridoon bit with curb arms is provided with a thickened center portion having a curved lateral axis, and with end portions outwardly thereof having an opposite curvature in order that the bit may best conform to the anatomy of a horse's mouth, avoiding pressure points and preventing the horse's mouth from becoming insensitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Ulrich Conrad
  • Patent number: 4566254
    Abstract: The bit for horses comprises a bit bar formed from a moulded article with an oval or circular cross-section and made from a resilient-elastic material having a high abrasive resistance, which conically widens from the center of the two moulded article ends provided with the through-bores for rings for fixing the reins, accompanied by the formation of a central, narrow, resilient-elastic web extending over a short section and has frontally flattened horse tongue contact surfaces, which leads to a bit bar with high abrasive resistance, adequate central mobility and which is advantageous for the horse's tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Inventor: Reimer Nagel
  • Patent number: 4380888
    Abstract: A mouthplate is disclosed which includes a support member having a depending flange for insertion into the mouth of a horse or the like during such times as a bridle with bit is worn by the horse. As pressure is applied to the bit the interior cheeks of the horse are prevented from being abraded by the rough edges of the outer vertical walls of the teeth by the depending flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1983
    Assignee: Raymond M. Williams
    Inventor: Dennie C. Lanham
  • Patent number: D506580
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Action Japan, Inc.
    Inventor: Keizo Nishimura
  • Patent number: RE44516
    Abstract: A perch-shank device is disclosed as having a perch with an upper, central, and lower portion. The upper portion has an eyelet for attaching a headstall or chinstrap. The lower portion directly connects to a mouthpiece. The invention also includes a shank having an upper and lower portion, wherein the lower portion has an eyelet for attaching a rein and the upper portion of the shank is connected above the lower portion of the perch adjacent to one of the central and upper portion of the perch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Markle