Alan J Gatto

US Patent:

6539898, Apr 1, 2003

Filed:

Oct 29, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/016145

Inventors:

Alan J. Gatto - Pomona CA

Assignee:

Custom Made Saddlery, Inc. - Pomona CA

International Classification:

A01K 1300

US Classification:

119850, 54 792, 54 793, 54 794

Abstract:

An outer layer of mesh material is used to loosely cover the exterior of an animal blanket to provide a protective buffer against damage caused by impact and abrasion experienced during use. The mesh material utilized in the manufacture of the outer protective layer is made with a high-strength polyester yarn that has been extrusion-coated with a polyvinyl chloride sheath. This fiber material has been found to have physical characteristics that are particularly advantageous for this protective application. Specifically, in addition to the light weight, strength and flexibility provided by the inner core of the fiber, the PVC coating provides temperature stability and resistance to color fade, abrasion, flame, and mildew.

US Patent:

63180545, Nov 20, 2001

Filed:

Aug 31, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/386770

Inventors:

Alan J. Gatto - Pomona CA

Assignee:

Custom Made Saddlery, Inc. - Pomona CA

International Classification:

B68G 500

US Classification:

54 794

Abstract:

An outer layer of mesh material is used to loosely cover the exterior of a horse blanket such as to provide a protective buffer against damage caused by impact and abrasion experienced during use. The mesh material is preferably connected to the blanket through releasable fasteners only along its edges, thereby leaving it relatively free to slide over the blanket's outer sheet in case of entanglements. The mesh is selected of sufficient density to essentially prevent contact of the blanket's surface with abutting objects, but also with mesh openings sufficiently large to prevent a reduction of the blanket's aeration and to minimize the impact of additional weight. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an all-purpose blanket includes multiple layers suitable for all weather conditions. The inner layer of the blanket consists of a soft permeable material to provide breathability and comfort. The next, intermediate layer is an insulating quilted-liner to cover the top and flanks of the animal for warmth.