saddle

Abstract

There is a saddle having a two part saddle tree. The saddle tree has a top part and a bottom part, with the parts fitting complementarily together. There is also a means provided for securing the two parts together.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle in particular, though not exclusively for, riding horses.

[0002] A saddle is built around a saddle tree which is a rigid structure receiving upholstery and / or padding. The upholstery and padding are formed on respective opposite sides to provide both a comfortable seat for a rider and a support off the horse's back, which is comfortable for the horse.

[0003] Typically, a saddle is an integral device that can be made to fit both the horse and rider, for improved comfort during use. However, the shape of both the horse and rider can be subject to change during their time together, which impacts the fit of the saddle to the horse and the comfort of the rider.

[0004] Alternatively, a rider may outgrow or wish to change their horse. In this instance, the saddle made for the previous horse will not fit the new horse, or a saddle made for the new horse will not be comfortable for a different rider. Documents EP 1911719 A, DE 202012101416 U, GB 2549937 and DE 202010010216 U, disclose saddles, wherein the saddle tree comprises an upper and a lower part.

[0005] I have sought to provide a two-part saddle, one part that suits the rider and the other that suits the horse. It is desirable that it is also at least partly adjustable to accommodate any variations in the rider or horse's physiology.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved saddle, according to the subject-matter of independent claim 1.

[0007] The upper part can be shaped to fit an individual rider and the lower part can be shaped to fit the individual horse.

[0008] The upper and lower parts are separately padded / upholstered as if they were a conventional saddle tree, except they remain separable. Thus, the seat covering on the upper part will be turned under the upper part and secured there.

[0009] The upper and lower parts are both upholstered for comfort of both the animal and rider. The upholstery could be of any resilient material such as synthetic fibres; however, the upholstery is preferably of leather.

[0010] The projection(s) could be from the upper part downwards into the lower part but are preferably upwards from the lower part into the apertures of the upper part. The projection(s) can be solid, but in the preferred embodiment they are open centred. Conveniently, they are provided one in front of the other along the middle of the saddle.

[0011] The securing means are according to the invention both a projection at the front of the upper part into an aperture in the lower part, and a latch connection towards the rear portion of the two parts. Conceivably, the latch is further forward on the lower part along its midline, though it is preferred that the latch connection is at the rear-most position of the two parts.

[0012] It is possible that the upper and lower parts are connected by alternative means, such as magnets or hook and loop fastening. Typically, there will be more than one securing means to ensure secure interconnection of the parts during use.

[0013] The parts can have other apertures, which can be filled with padding or left void for lightening of the saddle.

[0014] To further assure coherence of the saddle, the upper part can be provided with a channel for receiving webbing or strap from which stirrups are hung. The stirrups could possibly be attached to the lower part. Webbing for a girth could also pass over the upper part, or girth end fittings are attached to the lower part. In the preferred embodiment, the end fittings are attached to straps passing over the lower part.

[0015] The girth normally has multiple positions along the upper part, typically between two and six alternative positions. However, in the preferred embodiment there are four different positions.

[0016] The parts can be coterminous at the front of the tree. However, in the preferred embodiment, the lower part extends forward of the upper part, with wings down either side of the horse's withers, without pressing down on the top of the withers.

[0017] The root of the wings is supported by a gullet bar that is typically of steel to support the portion of the lower part that is a raised shape as it extends into wings. It is conceivable that this is of polymeric materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0018] It is possible that the gullet bar be between the front ends of the wings, but it is preferred that it is held at the root of the wings. The gullet bar is preferably of on single piece, though it is possible that it is multiple pieces each supporting a particular area of the root of the wings.

[0019] Side flaps are typically fitted to a portion of the lower part extending beyond the rim of the upper part. Usually, there are upholstered side flaps on the upper part, extending downwards over the webbing and stirrups. It is possible that the upper and lower side flaps do not extend downwards to the same extent, it is preferred that they are co-extending.

[0020] The leather upholstery / padding provides for the possibility of "building-up" the upper part, for example, under the flaps for improved positioning of the rider's legs. This is provided for by the apertures in the lower part.

[0021] Importantly, the width of the lower part can be adjustable to accommodate changes to the physiology or musculature of the horse.

[0022] Typically, there is a wedge provided on the upper part of the saddle tree. Nevertheless, the wedge is preferably located on the underside of the lower part such that it is in direct contact with the horses back, thus ensuring constant pressure distribution as a result of the greater contact surface area.

[0023] Possibly, the wedge is integral with the upper or lower parts of the saddle tree, but it is preferably removeable from and connectable to the lower part to provide additional adjustability for both horse and rider.

[0024] A cantle is usually created by an increase in gradient towards the rear of the upper part. It is preferred that the cantle is a separate component and detachable from the upper part.

[0025] It is preferred that the saddle tree is of thermoplastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Nevertheless, it is conceivable that it is of polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene, or any other thermoforming plastic.

[0026] The parts of the saddle tree are preferably moulded by injection moulding, though it is possible that they are vacuum formed, pressed, moulded or any other suitable form of moulding.

[0027] To help understanding of the invention, a specific embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of an assembled saddle tree of a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lower part of the saddle tree; Figure 3 is a side view of the lower part of the saddle tree; Figure 4 is a top view of the lower part of the saddle tree; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a tree loop; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tree hook; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an unshaped gullet bar; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the upper part of the saddle tree; Figure 9 is a side view of the upper part of the saddle tree; Figure 10 is a top view of the upper part of the saddle tree; Figure 11 is a front view of a wedge; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the wedge of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a front view of a locking mechanism; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a clasp bracket; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an assembled saddle tree; Figure 17 is a top view of the second embodiment of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an assembled saddle tree; Figure 19 is a top view of the third embodiment of Figure 18; Figure 20 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an assembled saddle tree; and Figure 21 is a rear view of the fourth embodiment of Figure 20.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1 there is provided a first embodiment of an assembled saddle tree 1. There is a lower part 2 and an upper part 3 that fit complementarily together.

[0029] Figures 2 to 4 show the lower part 2 which has left and right oppositely reaching flexible wings 4, 5 respectively. The roots of the wings are separated by a raised gullet section 6. The lower part 2 is at least partially curved around the longitudinal axis, resulting in the wings extending down the withers of the horse.

[0030] The surface of the wings is marked with dimensions should the shape or width of the wings need to be adjusted in the event of a change to the horse's musculature.

[0031] The root of the respective wings has a recess 7, 8 into which supportive shims 9, 10 can be placed. These allow for the depth of the wings to be 'built-up' which adjusts the position of the rider's knees and hip flexors during use. The number of shims to be used depends upon how much rider's position needs to be adjusted.

[0032] On either side of the gullet section 6, there is an aperture 11 for locating a tree loop 12. The loop is arch-shaped with oppositely extending flanges 13, 14. Each end of the flange has an aperture 15 for receipt of a screw 16. The screws 16 pass through each aperture on the gullet section 6 and each end of the flanges 13, 14, to be held in place by a nut 17 on the gullet's upper face. Due to the raised nature of the gullet section 6, the faces of the screws do not rub against the horse's back during use.

[0033] Figures 5 and 6 show a tree hook 18 which connects with the tree loop 12. The hook has a flared portion 19 at its rear, with a flat trunk section 20. At the top of the trunk section there is an upwardly extending hook portion 21 that connects with the loop 12. The flared portion has apertures 22 through which the tree hook can be screwed to the upper part 3.

[0034] A gullet bar 60 is shown in Figure 7 before it has been shaped. It is attached to the wings by screws through the apertures 61 on the gullet bar body. In this way, it can be shaped to the specific curvature of the horse.

[0035] Along the longitudinal midline of the lower part 2 there is a first substantially triangular aperture 23. Behind this aperture, there is a second aperture with a protruding circumferential rim 24 for location of the upper part 3 on the lower 2 via a reciprocally shaped aperture on 240.

[0036] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, there is provided the upper part 3 of the saddle tree. At the front end of the upper part there are two rectangular apertures 25, 26 that fit around reciprocally shaped protrusions 250, 260 on the lower part to locate the upper part to the lower.

[0037] On either side of the front of the upper part there are left and a right apertures 27, 28 respectively, onto which stirrup webbing is attachable.

[0038] There are substantially circular left and right sloping cut-outs 29, 30 on either side of the longitudinal midline of the upper part 3 the shape of the cut-outs matching those on the lower part 31, 32. A shim support 33 is held within each cut-out 29, 30 of the upper part, one shim on the right side and one on the left side. There is an additional substantially triangular sloped aperture 230 that matches the shape of the aperture in the lower part 23. These shims assist in support and location of the rider's buttocks during use.

[0039] Within the slopes of the cut-outs there are indents 34 that fit reciprocal protrusions 35 on the circumference of shims 33.

[0040] The rear of the upper part 3 inclines to a substantially vertical position with a gradually increasing gradient and decreasing thickness. Onto this rear portion a cantle 36 is frangibly attached. The cantle has extending lips 37 that click into reciprocal apertures 38 in the upper part 3 to be held therein during use. The shape and height of the cantle is made to fit certain types of riding activity, depending upon how much support the rider needs.

[0041] The attachment mechanism of the cantle 36 to the upper part 3 is frangible and considered as a deliberate area of weakness. In this way, should there be a traumatic event, such as the horse rolling over, the lips 37 will snap allowing the cantle to come away from the saddle tree preventing harm to either the rider or the horse. The cantle will fracture upon sudden impact, preventing catastrophic injury.

[0042] The upper part will fracture as a result of the deliberate area of weakness at the apertures where the cantle lips attach. In order to ensure fracture occurs, the thickness of the upper part at this point of connection is usually 5mm, but no more than 10mm.

[0043] As the upper and lower parts 2, 3 respectively are made of plastics, they too would fracture in such an event and avoid excessive damage to the horse's back.

[0044] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, there is provided a wedge 38 which connects to the underside of the lower part 2 such that the wedge is in direct contact with the horse's back. The wedge 38 gradually increases in thickness towards its rear, with the gradient of increase being adjustable and bespoke to the horse. In this way, the wedge can accommodate the different musculature and curvature of a horse's back.

[0045] There is at least one protrusion on the left and right side of the wedge, 39 and 40 respectively. These are typically on the circumferential rim. The protrusions are held securely within reciprocally shaped apertures in the lower part 41, thus ensuring contact between the wedge and lower part during use. A separate central protrusion 42 on the longitudinal axis of the wedge is to locate the device in the lower part and assist in securing it place.

[0046] A locking mechanism 43 is provided at the rear of the saddle tree and shown in Figures 13 and 14. The mechanism is used to connect the upper part 3, the lower part 2, the wedge 38 and the cantle 36 together. There is a channel 430 in the rearmost portion of the wedge to accommodate the locking mechanism 43. A hook 431 at the bottom end of the mechanism is used to connect under the rim of the wedge.

[0047] There is a clasp bracket 44 is shown in Figure 15 and is connected to the rear of the cantle 36, onto which the mechanism attaches. A rear faceplate 45 on mechanism has two apertures 46 for the screws to pass through and hold the mechanism in place. There is a hinge 47 system that acts as a sprung latch to open and close the mechanism, allowing easy disassembly of the component parts.

[0048] Alternative embodiments of the assembled saddle tree are shown in Figures 16 to 21. The second embodiment is shown in Figures 16 and 17 wherein a cantle 360 is frangibly connected to the upper part. The cantle is of substantially rectangular shape with a reduced height. This shape of cantle is typically used for jumping.

[0049] The third embodiment is shown in Figures 18 and 19 and includes a cantle 361 of substantially the same rectangular shape of the second embodiment, though the incline gradient is greater so that the height of the cantle is higher, providing greater support for the rider. This type of cantle is typically used for hacking.

[0050] The final embodiment of the saddle tree is shown in Figures 20 and 21 with an alternative gullet bar 48. There is a single rigid bar 49, each end of which has a substantially rounded disk, 50 and 51 respectively. Each disk connects to the respective wing of the lower part, preventing excessive movement across the horse's withers during use.

[0051] The cantle 362 of this final embodiment is rounded at the top edge and does not extend high up the riders back. It is typically used for dressage events.

[0052] The invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above described embodiment. For example, a gullet bar can be used to hold the front of the wings together in a more rigid position, preventing any excessive splaying of the wings down the horse's withers.

[0053] The gullet bar could be of any shape to connect the two wings, such as arcuate or rectangular. It will typically be formed of thermoplastic material and screwed to each wing.

Claims

1. A saddle, the saddle comprising: • a two part saddle tree (1) having • an upper part (3) and a lower part (2), the parts fitting complementarily together and being provided with means for securing them together and characterized in that the securing means comprises: • a projection (21) at the front of the upper part into an aperture (12) in the lower part, and • a latch connection (43) towards a rear portion of the two parts or further forward on the lower part along its midline.

2. A saddle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the latch connection (43) is at the rear-most position of the two parts.

3. A saddle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a tree hook (18) extends from the upper part (3), having an upwardly extending hook (21) from its end.

4. A saddle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the hook (21) passes through a loop bracket (12) connected to the lower part.

5. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a wedge (38) is provided under the lower part (2) or upper part (3) for bespoke adjustment of the saddle tree (1).

6. A saddle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wedge (38) has at least two protrusions (39, 40) on its surface for location in respectively shaped apertures in the lower part (41) and preferably the wedge has at least one aperture in its body.

7. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is a removable cantle (36) provided at the rear of the upper part (3).

8. A saddle according to claim 7, wherein the cantle (36) is frangibly attached to the rear of the upper part (3).

9. A saddle as claimed in claim 7 or 8 as appendant to claim 6, wherein there is a locking mechanism (43) at the rear of the cantle that holds the upper part (3), the lower part (2), the cantle (36) and the wedge (38) together in use.

10. A saddle as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the cantle (36) has at least two protruding lips (37) on its lower edge that fit into reciprocally shaped apertures (38) on the upper part (3).

11. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein more than one securing means to ensure secure interconnection of the parts during use.

12. A saddle as claimed in claim 11, including alternative means by which the upper (3) and lower (2) parts are connected, such as magnets or hook and loop fastenings.

13. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lower part (2) has at least two protrusions to fit into reciprocally shaped apertures on the upper part (3), or wherein the upper part (3) has at least two protrusions to fit into reciprocally shaped apertures on the lower part (2).

14. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lower part (2) extends forward into two oppositely reaching, flexible wings (4, 5) and preferably the lower part (2) is at least partially curved about the longitudinal axis.

15. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there are at least two recessed apertures (29-32) in the lower part and upper part and preferably there is at least one shim (33) within the respective apertures of the upper and lower parts.

16. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an area of deliberate weakness is provided in the cantle (36) and / or upper part (3) to allow fracture upon sudden impact.

17. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the saddle tree (1) is built up by upholstery and padding to better fit the rider and horse.

18. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a gullet bar (60) is provided on the lower part (2) for support during use, the bar being shaped to the curvature of the horse.

19. A saddle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper (3) and lower (2) parts are moulded of thermoplastics material, preferably by injection moulding or possibly by vacuum or press moulding.

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