Damping element system for a riding saddle and saddle arrangement

Abstract

Damping element system (100) for a riding saddle (5; 5a), in particular a horse saddle, with several damping elements (10; 10a; 10b) arranged at a distance from each other, which can be connected at least indirectly to a riding saddle (5; 5a), wherein the damping elements (10; 10a; 10b) can have different geometries and / or different elastic properties, characterized in that the damping elements (10; 10a; 10b) are made of plastic and are designed as 3D elements in an additive manufacturing process.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a damping element system for a riding saddle, in particular for a horse saddle, which is characterized by an optimized adaptation of the damping elements to the anatomy of the back of the mounted animal with regard to the areas of the back that require support or damping. Furthermore, the invention relates to a saddle assembly with a damping element system according to the invention and, optionally, a specially designed saddle pad. State of the art

[0002] To adapt a riding saddle to the anatomy of the mount, it is known in connection with a horse saddle to place cushioning elements between the saddle and the horse's back. These cushioning elements serve to compensate for specific muscular weaknesses in the horse's back or to ensure optimal comfort for the horse, thus avoiding unnecessary pain for the horse or compensating for these weaknesses. Such cushioning systems can also be used to promote optimal interaction between horse and rider.

[0003] It is known, for example, from DE 20 2007 000 002 U1 to provide a horse saddle with cushions that are adjustable in angle of inclination as damping elements, whereby the cushions are individually adapted to the horse's back or rider in terms of their geometry.

[0004] EP 2 327 657 A1 discloses a horse saddle with a support frame that includes a support element for the horse's back. Furthermore, a damping element with elastic properties is provided. The damping element is adjustable in various positions relative to the support element.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 20 2015 106 934 U1 discloses providing filling openings in a saddle pad into which filling material, such as wool, foam, or gel, can be inserted. This allows the saddle pad to exhibit locally different properties and cushioning options. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The damping element system according to the invention for a riding saddle, in particular for a horse saddle, with the features of claim 1 has the advantage of enabling a particularly advantageous possibility of individually adapting the damping elements to the animal. In particular, the damping element system according to the invention allows for the particularly simple manufacture of different damping elements and their adaptation with regard to their respective geometry and damping properties.

[0007] The invention is based on the idea of ​​forming the damping elements as 3D elements using an additive manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing processes are particularly characterized by the fact that virtually any geometry or shape of objects can be created, thus allowing for the particularly simple realization of locally optimized damping elements, even with regard to the desired local requirements.

[0008] Against the background of the above explanations, it is therefore provided in a damping element system according to the invention for a riding saddle, in particular for a horse saddle with the features of claim 1, that the damping elements consist of plastic and are formed as 3D elements in an additive manufacturing process.

[0009] Such a manufacturing process is characterized by the fact that liquefied plastic is positioned locally at the designated locations of a damping element in layers using a nozzle element. After positioning, the plastic hardens and thus becomes part of the damping element to be produced. Of course, however, the invention is not intended to be limited to such an additive manufacturing process as described above. What is essential is simply that, in particular, the use of the plastic for the damping element creates the possibility of ensuring the required elastic properties through a suitable geometry or design of the damping elements.

[0010] Furthermore, it is mentioned that the plastic material used can contain additional additives and / or fiber components to locally or globally influence the material properties. This allows, for example, locally different elasticities or stiffnesses to be achieved with the same material thickness.

[0011] Advantageous further developments of the damping element system according to the invention for a horse saddle are listed in the subclaims.

[0012] A first design configuration of the damping elements for influencing the damping properties provides that at least one of the damping elements has a sealed chamber for accommodating a liquid or gaseous damping medium. Thus, in the manner of a hydraulic or pneumatic damping element, the defined local arrangement of the damping medium, the size of the sealed chamber, and the quantity or pressure of the damping medium arranged in the sealed chamber enable a particularly simple adjustment or adaptation of the damping properties.

[0013] Alternatively, or optionally additionally, it can also be provided that at least one of the damping elements is designed like a space grid with cavities formed between the grid elements. This refers to a damping element that has cavities within its outer contour or shape to enable the elasticity or deformability of the damping element. The damping properties can be influenced by the geometry of the elements that delimit or surround the cavities, which can be designed as struts, as well as by the orientation of the elements in relation to the direction of stress.

[0014] In order to position a damping element system as described above, consisting of several individually designed damping elements, at the desired location on the animal's back, it can be provided that the damping elements are attached to a flat, flexible support element, wherein the support element can preferably be detachably connected to a riding saddle. The flat, flexible support element has the property that it can nestle against the animal's back or the riding saddle and offers the possibility of attaching the damping elements to the support element at the designated locations. Such attachment of the damping elements is preferably interchangeable, so that any changing circumstances or requirements over time can be met by newly adapted damping elements replacing damping elements previously provided on the support element, so that the support element can continue to be used.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention also encompasses a saddle assembly comprising a riding saddle and a damping element system according to the invention as described above, without the aforementioned support element, wherein the riding saddle has receiving pockets or similar receiving spaces for positioning the damping elements. Such a saddle assembly thus makes it possible to position the individual damping elements at the desired or required locations in the area of ​​the riding saddle, even without a support element.

[0016] Alternatively, in connection with the use of a support element for attaching the damping elements, it can also be provided that the saddle assembly comprises a riding saddle and a damping element system as described above with a support element, wherein the damping element system is connected to the riding saddle. This is achieved via the support element, which is connected to the riding saddle at defined points by means of known connecting elements, preferably detachably.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention also encompasses a saddle assembly that additionally features a saddle pad. The saddle pad can provide desired additional properties, such as disinfectant or odor-inhibiting properties, which, in conjunction with the use of the saddle, enable improved use and comfort of the saddle.

[0018] In a preferred development of such a saddle arrangement comprising a saddle pad, it is provided that the saddle pad has at least two layers of different materials bonded together, a first layer on the side of the saddle pad facing away from the horse's saddle, which is designed to absorb moisture, and a second layer, which is designed to enable moisture to be transported from the first layer to the environment.

[0019] In a further development of such a saddle arrangement, it can also be provided that at least one third layer having damping properties is arranged between the at least two layers.

[0020] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the first layer contains smartcel™ fiber material. Smartcel™ fiber material is known to have antibacterial and odor-inhibiting properties, which are based on the fiber material's special composition.

[0021] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the drawings. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows a side view of a damping element system placed on a schematically represented horse, Fig. 2 a sectional view through the damping element system along the section plane II - II of the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows a simplified sectional view of differently designed damping elements, Fig. 5 a sectional view of a damping element system which is arranged integrated in a saddle and Fig. 6 a section through a part of a saddle blanket. Embodiments of the invention

[0022] Identical elements or elements with the same function are provided with the same reference numbers in the figures.

[0023] In the Fig. 1 shows the back area of ​​a horse P, on which a damping element system 100 is applied. The damping element system 100 serves to compensate for anatomical deficiencies X, such as muscular weaknesses or the like, in order to, on the one hand, spare the horse P unnecessary strain and, on the other hand, to prevent further expansion or worsening of the deficiencies X or the like during use in equestrian sports.

[0024] The damping element system 100 is characterized by the fact that it can basically be adapted or used for different equestrian sports, i.e. that the anatomy of the horse P is optimally supported both during cross-country riding and during dressage tasks or jumping tasks.

[0025] It should also be noted that the damping system 100 is not only suitable for horses P, but in principle for all riding animals. For the sake of simplicity, however, the invention will be described exclusively with reference to a horse P as a riding animal.

[0026] The prerequisite for this is that, using suitable analysis methods known from the state of the art, in a preceding and not further described procedure, the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 have been localized with designated defects X. The defects X are characterized by the fact that damping elements 10 for a corresponding compensation or support in connection with the use of a Fig. 2. The shape or size of the damping elements 10 is individually adapted to the respective defect X. Depending on the defect X, a wide variety of designs of the damping elements 10 are conceivable, but overall they are characterized by the fact that the damping elements 10 are formed by an additive manufacturing process as a 3D element made of plastic, possibly with additives or fiber components.

[0027] In the Fig. 3 shows a damping element 10a having a closed outer wall 12. A cavity 14 is formed within the damping element 10a, wherein the positioning and size of the cavity 14, as well as the geometry of the damping element 10a outside the cavity 14, are optimized with regard to the respective defect X. A damping medium 16 is arranged within the cavity 14. The damping medium 16 can be, for example, a liquid or a gas or air, which influences or adjusts the damping properties of the damping element 10a in the desired manner in the direction of the double arrow 18 (stress direction). The only essential requirement is that the damping element 10a is sealed to the outside in order to ensure that the damping medium remains permanently in the cavity 14.

[0028] The Fig. In contrast, the damping element 10b shown in Figure 4 is designed in the form of a space lattice body. Within its open or closed outer contour, struts 22 are arranged, for example, between which cavities 23 are formed. The geometry, orientation, and local number of struts 22, which influence the stiffness or elasticity of the damping element 10b in the direction of the double arrow 24, are also individually adapted or optimized using calculation methods.

[0029] It should also be noted that other shapes and configurations of the damping elements 10, 10a, 10b are conceivable. The only important thing is that they are designed as 3D elements and made of plastic.

[0030] For example, it is conceivable for the damping element 10b to be designed as an active damping element 10b. For this purpose, it can be provided that the damping element 10b achieves a targeted deformation of the damping element 10b by means of an electrically operated actuator 25, which either acts in the sense of a massage, or in conjunction with a sensor system 26 assigned to the damping element 10b, which detects the topography of the defect X, effects an adjustment of the damping properties of the damping element 10b. This is advantageous, for example, when the surface changes. When using an actuator 25 and / or a sensor system, corresponding information can be transmitted via an interface 27, preferably wirelessly, and can either be displayed directly to the rider or transmitted to a mobile phone or another communication unit.The application-specific app also makes it possible to specifically change the damping properties.

[0031] Such an active influencing of the damping properties is of course also conceivable for the damping element 10a, for example by actively influencing / changing a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure of the damping medium 16 in the cavity 14.

[0032] In order to position the damping elements 10 at the desired location on the horse's back P, the damping element system 100 further comprises a support element 30. The support element 30 is made of a flexible, flat material that conforms particularly to the shape of the horse's back. At the locations provided for the damping elements 10, the support element 30 has fastening options, for example in the form of Velcro fasteners 32, snap fasteners, or similar fastening elements, which enable interchangeable positioning or fixation of the damping elements 10. This allows for the counteracting of anatomical changes or changes in the defects X that occur over time with one and the same support element 30 by using adapted damping elements 10.

[0033] The damping element system 100 described so far can also be part of a saddle arrangement 1 which, in addition to the damping element system 100, has the Fig. 2, the horse saddle 5 is only partially symbolically illustrated. The horse saddle 5 is connected to the damping element system 100 on the side facing the damping element system 100, in particular by a (releasable) fastening of the support element 30 to the horse saddle 5 (not shown).

[0034] Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that a saddle arrangement 1a without a carrier element 30 according to the Fig. 5 is used. In this case, for example, a horse saddle 5a is used, which provides receiving pockets 40 or similar at the locations of the defects X for positioning the damping elements 10. Here, too, an interchangeability of the damping elements 10 is possible through a suitable geometry of the receiving pockets 40 or similar.

[0035] Furthermore, a saddle arrangement 1, 1a described so far can additionally have a saddle cover 50. The saddle cover 50 has, as shown in the Fig.6 has a multi-layer structure. A 3-layer structure comprising three layers 51 to 53 is shown as an example. The first layer 51, facing away from the damping element system 100 or facing the back of the horse P, preferably consists of a moisture-absorbing, antibacterial, and odor-inhibiting material, preferably a smartcel™ fiber material. The first layer 51 is connected, for example, to a layer 52 having elastic properties as an intermediate layer. The additional, preferably moisture-conducting intermediate layer is connected, on the side facing the damping element system 100 or the horse saddle 5, 5a, to a layer 53, which consists of a material that enables moisture to be transported away from the first or second layer 51, 52 to the environment.

[0036] It should also be noted that the material of the first layer 51 can comprise other materials in addition to the smartcel™ fiber material to achieve the desired properties. Layer 53 is, in particular, a nonwoven material. Furthermore, the intermediate layer 52 can also be designed, for example, to accommodate measuring elements such as strain gauges or similar pressure sensors to detect the load during riding.

[0037] The damping element system 100 described so far can be modified in a variety of ways without deviating from the inventive concept. Thus, the invention was explained above using the horse saddle 5, 5a. However, the invention is generally also applicable to other riding saddles, for example, riding saddles for donkeys, camels, etc. Reference symbol 1, 1a Saddle arrangement 5, 5a Horse saddle 10, 10a, 10b Damping element 12 exterior wall 14 Cavity 16 Damping medium 18 Double arrow 22 Strut 23 Cavity 24 double arrow 25 Actuator 26 Sensor technology 27 Interface 30 support element 32 Velcro 40 Recording pocket 50 saddle pad 51 Location 52 Location 53 Location 100 Damping element system P Horse X defect QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2007 000 002 U1

[0003] EP 2 327 657 A1

[0004] DE 20 2015 106 934 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Damping element system (100) for a riding saddle (5; 5a), in particular a horse saddle, with a plurality of damping elements (10; 10a; 10b) arranged at a distance from one another, which can be connected at least indirectly to a riding saddle (5; 5a), wherein the damping elements (10; 10a; 10b) can have different geometries and / or different elastic properties, characterized by that the damping elements (10; 10a; 10b) are made of plastic and are formed as 3D elements in an additive manufacturing process. [2] Damping element system according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one of the damping elements (10a) has a sealed space (14) for receiving a liquid or gaseous damping medium (16). [3] Damping element system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat at least one of the damping elements (10b) is designed like a space grid with cavities (23) formed between preferably strut-like elements (22). [4] Damping element system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the damping element (10a; 10b) has an active adjustment of the damping properties by means of an actuator (25), in particular in conjunction with a sensor system (26). [5] Damping element system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the damping elements (10; 10a; 10b) are fastened to a flat, flexible support element (30), wherein the support element (30) is preferably detachably connectable to a horse saddle (5). [6] Saddle arrangement (1a), with a riding saddle (5a) and with a damping element system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the riding saddle (5a) has receiving pockets (40) or similar receiving spaces for positioning the damping elements (10; 10a; 10b). [7] Saddle arrangement (1), with a riding saddle (5) and with a damping element system (100) according to claim 5, which is connected to the riding saddle (5). [8] Saddle arrangement (1; 1a) according to claim 6 or 7, additionally comprising a saddle cover (50). [9] Saddle arrangement according to claim 8, characterized by in that the saddle pad (50) has at least two layers (51, 53) made of different materials bonded to one another, a first layer (51) on the side of the saddle pad (50) facing away from the riding saddle (5; 5a), which is designed to absorb moisture and which in particular contains smartcel™ fiber material, and a second layer (53) which is designed to enable moisture to be transported from the first layer (51) to the environment. [10] Saddle arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by that at least one third layer (52) having damping properties is arranged between the at least two layers (51, 53).

Images