Modular saddle pad

Abstract

Modular saddle pad (1), which is designed to be placed under the riding saddle of an animal, extending to two sides of the riding animal, with a base layer (3) and a top layer (4), between which filling layers (7) can be arranged, wherein at least one openable chamber (6) is designed to receive filling layers (7), which extends to both sides of the riding animal when the saddle pad (1) is in place, characterized in that at least two removable, superimposed filling layers (7) are arranged movably relative to each other in the chamber (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular saddle pad designed to be placed under the riding or pack saddle of an animal, extending to two sides of the animal. It comprises a base layer and a top layer, between which filling layers can be arranged.

[0002] Saddle pads are used to protect the back of a riding animal, such as a horse. If saddles are not optimally fitted to a horse's anatomy, pressure points and chafing can occur. Some horses are so sensitive that riding with a saddle is then almost impossible.

[0003] A simple solution that has proven effective in the cavalry is to place a folded blanket (woilach) between the horse's back and the saddle. However, this method has a problem: a horse's back is not straight, so creases can form, which in turn can lead to pressure points and chafing.

[0004] To eliminate this problem, it is known, for example, from DE 101 33 751 A1, to arrange a dimensionally stable intermediate layer made of plastic between a horse's back and a saddle, wherein the plastic part consists of a curable plastic material and can thus be very well adapted to the anatomy of the horse.

[0005] However, another difficulty lies in the fact that the anatomy of a horse's back changes with age, but also depending on the season (feed condition).

[0006] US Patent 6 050 067 A discloses a saddle pad with a chamber into which, for example, an inflatable or foam pad can be inserted.

[0007] From CA 2 382 678 A1 a saddle pad with a multi-part cushion is known, in which different segments are arranged next to each other.

[0008] The GB 2 090 512 A shows a saddle pad with an air cushion which can be inserted into a chamber of the saddle pad.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a saddle pad which ensures optimized pressure distribution and also prevents chafing.

[0010] This problem is solved by a saddle pad according to claim 1.

[0011] The saddle pad according to the invention is a modular system that can be adapted to a horse's anatomy by the number and type of filling layers. Because the filling layers are held in a chamber, no additional fastening is required. This allows the filling layers to move relative to each other, as well as relative to the base layer and the top layer, and in particular to slip relative to each other. Friction therefore does not primarily occur between the horse's back and the saddle pad or the saddle pad and the saddle, but also within the saddle pad itself, between the filling layers, between a filling layer and the base layer, or between a filling layer and the top layer. The more filling layers are used, the lower the percentage of friction between the horse's back and the saddle pad.

[0012] Another advantage is that the filling layers can be removed and the rest of the saddle pad, or even just the base layer, can be washed or replaced if necessary.

[0013] Because the friction is distributed across many points, the stress on the material is reduced. This makes it possible to use purely natural materials, which do not have the same durability as blended fabrics made from natural and synthetic fibers.

[0014] Another advantage of using natural material in multiple layers is that it can absorb a lot of sweat, thus reducing heat build-up under the saddle under stress compared to using synthetic fibers.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous if the saddle pad has an insert rim to form the chamber, which is positioned between the base layer and the top layer and connected to them, with at least one of the connections being detachable. The insert rim can be designed to be more robust than the base layer in order to ensure the necessary mechanical strength. At the same time, the base layer can be designed to be soft enough to provide a high level of comfort.

[0016] It is also advantageous if the filling layers are anatomically shaped, for example by sewing two parts together in the middle, so that a shape is created that takes into account the curvature of the horse's back in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the filling layers are of different sizes. This prevents the edges from overlapping and results in better pressure distribution. A particular benefit is that this allows for good lateral contact between the rider's leg and the horse's side, while providing better cushioning on the top of the horse's back, which is important due to the greater pressure there.

[0018] Further improved adaptability is achieved when correction layers are provided which extend only in a partial area between two filling layers, or a filling layer and the top layer, or a filling layer and the base layer.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary figures. These show: Fig. 1 an embodiment with a cross-section through a horse with a saddle pad placed on it, Fig. 2 the components of a modular saddle pad with multiple filling layers and Fig. 3 further components of a modular system for forming an improved, anatomically adaptable saddle pad.

[0021] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a saddle pad 1 placed on the back of a horse 2. However, the invention is not limited to use with a horse, but can also be applied to other riding animals.

[0022] The invention can also be applied to seating surfaces for people in areas of use where friction occurs which is undesirable for seating comfort, e.g. as a pad for tractor seats.

[0023] The saddle pad 1 has a multi-layered structure. A chamber 6 is formed between a base layer 3 and a top layer 4, which is bounded on its sides by an insert rim 5. Filling layers 7 are placed in the chamber 6 thus formed. In the illustration of Fig. 1. Five filling layers 7 are used, extending to both sides of the horse 2. The bottom filling layer 7 is large enough to fill the chamber 6. The layers 7 above it are cut smaller and laid on top of each other like bricks.

[0024] In the Fig. As can be seen in image 1, the saddle pad is significantly thinner at the sides than at the top. This ensures good contact between rider and horse, which is advantageous for giving aids.

[0025] The filling layers 7 are not connected to each other, so they are movable relative to each other across their entire area. Movements of the horse relative to a saddle pad 1 placed on top of the saddle pad 1, in the Fig. The padding (not shown) is distributed across numerous transitions between each pair of layers, thus preventing chafing on the horse's back. As shown in later figures, the padding layers are anatomically shaped. This also prevents the padding layers from shifting laterally, even though they are not mechanically connected to each other, for example, by a seam.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the filling layers could also be joined together with a loose seam. However, this would restrict the modular design, as layers could then no longer be easily added or removed, nor could they be taken out for washing.

[0027] The insert edge 5 is connected to the cover layer 4 via a hook and loop fastener 8. Because of this design, the cover layer 4 can be easily separated from the insert edge 5, making the removal of the filling layers 7 very simple.

[0028] From the presentation of Fig. Figure 2 clearly shows the anatomical shape of the individual layers, which are shown in a side view. When the components of the modular system are assembled, the insert edge 5 is sewn to the base layer 3. When assembling a saddle pad 1 that fits a specific horse, the required number of filling layers 7 are stacked on top of each other. Generally, at least three filling layers are needed. The bottom filling layer should be large enough to fill the chamber 6. The layers 7 above it should be smaller to achieve the desired layering. Due to the anatomical shape of the filling layers 7, they do not shift against each other in the sense that they move to one side and become compressed. Small movements between the filling layers 7 are, however, expressly desired and are not hindered by the anatomical shape.

[0029] When sufficient filling layers 7 have been placed in the chamber 6, the chamber 6 is closed by placing the cover layer 4 on top, which is connected at several points on the insert edge 5, for example with a Velcro fastener.

[0030] The modular system, as it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the effect can be further improved by using correction layers. Anterior correction layers 9, posterior correction layers 10, and central correction layers 11 can be used. The correction layers are firmly connected to a filling layer 7 above or below them. It is advantageous if the correction layer 9, 10, or 11 is sewn to the filling layer 7 to prevent forward or backward slippage. The correction layers 9, 10, or 11 are preferably made of the same material as the filling layers 7, so that there are no disadvantages regarding the movement of the filling layers 7 relative to each other.

[0031] Another possible improvement is to use an anti-slip layer 12. This layer has a raised ridge 13 at its front. This ridge acts as a stop for a saddle placed on top. This prevents the saddle from slipping forward, which can occur in some horses due to their movement or anatomy.

[0032] An additional improvement is to provide a recess 14 in the front central area of ​​the top layer or the padding layers, which reduces pressure in this area for horses with a particularly prominent withers. No special adaptation is usually required for the spine itself, as saddles already have a cavity in this area. Due to its soft design, the saddle pad according to the invention adapts to the shape of the spine and does not generate problematically high pressure on the spine in this area. The two parts of the top layer are connected at a distance with a thinner material, so that this layer is somewhat thinner in the spinal area than in the contact area of ​​the saddle.

[0033] Natural materials are suitable, although synthetic fiber-reinforced materials can also be used. Sticking with natural materials, faux fur, wool cloth, or cotton flannel are suitable for the base layer 3, as this layer should be soft and relatively thin to protect the horse's back. Wool felt or other more robust materials are suitable for the top layer 4. This layer requires sufficient durability and an attractive appearance, as it is the visible side of the saddle pad. As mentioned above, the top layer 4 can be attached to the insert edge 5 using Velcro or ties.

[0034] A firm cotton fabric or a wool cloth is suitable for the insert edge 5, which is sewn to the base layer 3. It forms the surrounding edge of the cover, to which the top layer 4 is fixed and which holds the filling layers 7 together.

[0035] The filling layers 7 preferably consist of a wool felt.

[0036] A typical thickness for the filling layers 7 is 2 mm, with the bottom layer 7 being slightly thicker, for example 3 mm. The top layer 4, which should be particularly durable and stiffer, is preferably about 5 mm thick. This can optionally be attached to a saddle with straps to prevent the saddle from slipping relative to the saddle pad 1.

[0037] Further variations regarding the materials and material thicknesses are possible and encompassed by the invention, even if they are not explicitly mentioned here.

Claims

[1] Modular saddle pad (1), which is designed to be placed under the riding saddle of an animal, extending to two sides of the riding animal, with a base layer (3) and a top layer (4), between which filling layers (7) can be arranged, wherein at least one openable chamber (6) is designed to receive filling layers (7), which extends to both sides of the riding animal when the saddle pad (1) is in place, characterized by , that in the chamber (6) at least two removable, superimposed filling layers (7) are arranged to be movable relative to each other. [2] Modular saddle pad according to claim 1, characterized by , that for the formation of the chamber (6) an insert edge () is provided which is arranged between the base layer (3) and the cover layer (4) and connected to them, wherein at least one of the connections is a detachable connection. [3] Modular saddle pad according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the filling layers (7) are anatomically shaped. [4] Modular saddle pad according to claim 3, characterized by , that a filling layer (7) consists of two parts which are connected to each other in the middle. [5] Modular saddle pad according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the filling layers (7) do not have a connection to each other or to the base layer (3) or the top layer (4). [6] Modular saddle pad according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the filling layers (7) have different sizes. [7] Modular saddle pad according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the detachable connection is a Velcro connection. [8] Modular saddle pad according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the base layer (4) consists of a faux fur, a woolen cloth or a cotton molton. [9] Modular saddle pad according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the filling layers (7) consist of a wool felt. [10] Modular saddle pad according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the top layer (4) is made of a more stable material than the filling layers (7). [11] Modular saddle pad according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the insert edge (5) has a firm cotton fabric or a woolen cloth. [12] Modular saddle pad according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that a correction layer (9, 10, 11) is provided, which is arranged in a partial area between two filling layers (7) or a filling layer (7) and the cover layer (4) or a filling layer (7) and the base bearing (3). [13] Modular saddle pads according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, that an anti-slip layer (12) with a bead at the edge (13) is arranged between the top layer (4) and the underlying filling layer (7). [14] Modular saddle pad according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the top layer (4) has a recess (14) in its area adjacent to the withers of a riding animal.

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