Harnessing device with multi-component structural element

Abstract

The invention relates to a harness device (1) configured for use on an equine and to allow a user, such as a rider, to sit down, the harness device (1) comprising an internal structural element (2) configured to ensure the mechanical strength of the harness device (1) and intended to be covered with a covering, the internal structural element (2) comprising an upper element (3) made of a first material and configured to define a seat shape for the user, an intermediate element made of a second material configured to allow the covering to be attached to the internal structural element (2), and a lower element (5) made of a third material different from the first and second materials and configured to ensure at least part of the rigidity of the internal structural element (2).The intermediate element is configured to extend at least partially between the upper element (3) and the lower element (5). Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Harnessing device with multi-component structural element technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of horse riding, and more specifically to equipment intended for use on equines. State of the art

[0002] It is known from the prior art to use a harnessing device, such as a riding saddle, to enable a user to mount and sit on an equine such as a horse.

[0003] Such a device traditionally comprises an internal structure, also known as a saddle tree, made of wood and metal or injection-molded plastic. This type of device allows the user to rest on the horse in a stable and secure manner. However, such a device has major drawbacks, the first being the complexity of obtaining a symmetrical structure when made of wood and metal, and the second being the complete lack of modularity and the high cost when the structure is made of injection-molded plastic. It is also possible to make the device from composite materials, which is also expensive and requires a complex manufacturing process. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists of providing a harnessing device intended for use on an equine and configured to be of simple and economical design, while allowing greater adaptability to conditions of use.

[0005] To this end, the present invention relates to a harnessing device, such as a riding saddle, configured for use on an equine and to allow a user, such as a rider, to sit, comprising an internal structural element, such as a tree for example, configured to ensure the mechanical strength of the harnessing device and intended to be covered with a covering, the internal structural element comprising an upper element made of a first material and configured to define a seat shape for the user, an intermediate element made of a second material and configured to allow the covering to be attached to the internal structural element, and a lower element made of a third material that is different from the first and second materials and configured to ensure at least part of the rigidity of the internal structural element,the intermediate element being configured to extend at least partially between the upper and lower elements.

[0006] Such a configuration of the internal structural element makes it possible to obtain a harness device that combines the mechanical strength and adaptability necessary for equine use. Furthermore, the construction of the internal structural element in three separate parts allows for easier adaptation to the morphology of the animal or the user, for example.

[0007] The harnessing device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, which may be taken alone or in combination.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element, the intermediate element and the lower element are respectively assembled and fixed together in such a way that the internal structural element forms a saddle tree.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element is made at least partly of a polymer material, and for example of a synthetic polymer material such as plastic.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, the upper element is made at least partly of a filled polymer material, and for example of a composite material, containing carbon fiber or glass fiber for example, in the form of particles and a synthetic polymer matrix.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element is produced by 3D printing in order to make it easier to adapt the dimensions of the upper element to the conditions of use.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element is made of a second material which is identical to the first material.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element is made of a second material which is different from the first material.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element is made at least partly of a composite material comprising wood, such as a glued laminated wood assembly for example.

[0015] Such a configuration of the invention advantageously provides the necessary flexibility and strength to the saddle tree. Furthermore, the presence of wood in the intermediate element facilitates the final assembly of the harness by allowing the covering to be stapled to the intermediate element, for example.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element is made of a material that is identical to the first material.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element is made in two parts, which extend on either side of a central plane of the internal structural element. Such a configuration of the intermediate element advantageously reduces the mass of the internal structural element.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central plane is also a plane of symmetry of the harnessing device.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower element is made at least in part of a polymer matrix composite material, said polymer matrix composite material being reinforced with fibers, such as carbon fiber, for example. Such a configuration of the lower element advantageously increases the rigidity of the structural element while reducing the overall mass.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element has at least one lower recess configured to house at least part of the intermediate element. Such a configuration of the upper element facilitates the positioning and retention of the intermediate element between the upper and lower elements.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the harnessing device comprises two lower recesses, each configured to cooperate and to house a part of an intermediate element.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element is made in two independent parts.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element comprises a lower surface, the intermediate element being configured to be recessed or flush with said lower surface when the intermediate element is housed in at least one lower cavity.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element is secured to the upper element by means of an adhesive, such as mastic or glue for example, configured to extend between the intermediate element and the upper element and provided in at least one lower impression.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the harnessing device comprises at least one stirrup attachment element, and wherein the upper element comprises at least one lateral recess, the at least one lateral recess being configured to receive at least in part the at least one stirrup attachment element, such as a stirrup knife for example.

[0026] More particularly, each foot of the user rests on a stirrup, which is held by a stirrup leather made of a flexible material, such as leather or textile; the stirrup leather being connected to the harnessing device by means of the stirrup attachment element.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one stirrup fastening element is secured to the upper element by means of a mechanical fastening, such as such as screws or rivets, configured to reversibly fix at least one caliper fixing element to the intermediate element.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stirrup fixing element allows the harnessing device to be secured with a stirrup.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one stirrup fixing element is configured to be recessed or flush with a top surface of the upper element when said at least one stirrup fixing element is in a configuration of use inside the lateral recess.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one stirrup fixing element extends substantially along an extension plane.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stirrup fixing element comprises a light, such as a mortise for example, and in which the upper element comprises a retention portion, such as a tenon for example, configured to protrude from the lateral recess, such that said retention portion and said light are configured to achieve an assembly when the stirrup fixing element is in a configuration of use.

[0032] By usage configuration, we mean a configuration in which the stirrup fixing element is intended to extend at least partially inside a lateral recess of the upper element.

[0033] Such a configuration of the stirrup fastening element makes it possible to reinforce the upper element and thus prevent deformation or breakage of the upper element. In addition, the specific shape of the stirrup fastening element allows for a distribution of forces over a larger surface area.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the harnessing device comprises two lateral recesses provided respectively on either side of the upper element along a central plane, each of the lateral recesses being configured to receive at least in part a respective stirrup fixing element.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral recesses are respectively symmetrical with respect to each other along the central plane.

[0036] Such a configuration of the upper element and more particularly of the lateral recesses, makes it possible not to generate any extra thickness between the internal structural element and the covering when the stirrup knives intended for the installation of the stirrups are put in place.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element comprises a pommel and two arch tabs provided respectively on either side of the upper element along the central plane and configured to extend below the pommel when the harnessing device rests on a horizontal surface.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one stirrup attachment element is at least partially configured to extend to a height greater than the height of the respective arch support in the operating configuration. This configuration advantageously allows the stirrup attachment element to be used to stiffen the upper element by its positioning.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element comprises an anterior portion, also called the arch, and a posterior portion, also called the cantle, the posterior portion being separable from the anterior portion. Such a configuration of the upper element simplifies and reduces manufacturing costs by manufacturing the anterior and posterior portions separately, for example, by 3D printing.

[0040] Advantageously, the posterior portion can be modified as desired to suit the user.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, the front portion and the rear portion are made in one piece, that is to say that the upper element is monobloc.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower element comprises a projecting portion, formed by a boss, and arranged along an upper edge of the lower element. Such a configuration of the invention advantageously prevents deformation of the lower element by significantly increasing its rigidity.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the projecting portion has substantially a T-shape, the projecting portion being designed to extend on either side of the central plane.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element comprises at least one peripheral portion configured to be accessible from outside the internal structural element so as to allow the attachment of the cladding to said peripheral portion.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element has a through orifice, the lower element being configured to extend at least partially in relation to said through orifice.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the through orifice extends on both sides of the central plane.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element has a central recess configured to extend at least partially through the through hole and to house at least partially the protruding portion of the lower element.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central recess is configured to cooperate by complementary shape with the protruding portion of the lower element. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to secure the lower element to the upper element and thus to ensure the solidity of the components of the structural element.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper element has at least one notch configured to allow the installation of a comfort element, such as expanded foam for example.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the comfort element is made of a fourth material whose density is lower than that of the first material. This feature of the invention allows for a more comfortable seating experience for the user on the harness device.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the comfort element can be inserted into the through-hole so as to reduce friction of the user's pubic area on the upper element.

[0052] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°". Brief description of the figures

[0053] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0054] [Fig. 1] is a front perspective view of an internal structural element belonging to a harnessing device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0055] [Fig.2] is an exploded side perspective view of the internal structural element of the [Fig.l];

[0056] [Fig.3] is a top view of a top element belonging to the element internal structure of the [Fig.1];

[0057] [Fig.4] is a bottom view of the upper element of [Fig.3];

[0058] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a lower element belonging to the device harness of the [Fig.l];

[0059] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a stirrup knife configured to equip the internal structural element of the [Fig.1];

[0060] [Fig.7] is an exploded rear perspective view of the internal structural element of the [Fig.l];

[0061] [Fig.8] is a bottom view of the internal structural element of [Fig.1];

[0062] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a structural element according to a variant of the mode of the realization of the invention. Detailed description

[0063] In this document, the terms "front", "upper" and "lower" are defined with respect to normal use of the harnessing device during which said harnessing device rests on an equine.

[0064] Figures 1 to 8 depict all or part of a harness device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, such as a riding saddle, configured for use on an equine and to allow a user, such as a rider, to sit. The harness device 1 comprises an internal structural element 2, also called a tree, which is configured to ensure the stability and mechanical strength of the harness device 1 during its use and is intended to be covered with a covering traditionally made of leather.

[0065] The internal structural element 2 comprises an upper element 3, an intermediate element 4, and a lower element 5, the intermediate element 4 being configured to extend at least partially between the upper element 3 and the lower element 5. Furthermore, the upper element 3, the intermediate element 4, and the lower element 5 are respectively assembled and fixed together such that the internal structural element 2 forms a saddle tree. This configuration of the internal structural element 2 makes it possible to obtain a harness 1 combining the strength and adaptability necessary for equine use. Moreover, the construction of the internal structural element 2 in three separate parts allows for easier adaptation to the morphology of the animal and / or the user, for example.

[0066] The upper element 3 is configured to define a seating shape for the user and is made at least partially of a first material, such as a polymer material, for example, a synthetic polymer material such as plastic. Advantageously, the upper element 3 is produced by 3D printing so that its dimensions can be more easily adapted to the conditions of use. Furthermore, the first material can be made of a filled polymer material, for example, a composite material containing carbon fiber or glass fiber, for example, in the form of particles and a synthetic polymer matrix.

[0067] The upper element 3 comprises an anterior portion 6, also called the arch, and a posterior portion 7, also called the cantle; the posterior portion 7 being detachable from the anterior portion 6 so that it can be easily modified to suit the user and the horse. However, according to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the anterior portion 6 The rear portion 7 can be made in one piece, meaning that the upper element 3 is a single piece, in order to increase the mechanical strength of the upper element 3, for example. Such a configuration of the upper element 3 simplifies and reduces manufacturing costs by manufacturing the front portion 6 and the rear portion 7 separately, for example, using 3D printing.

[0068] The upper element 3 has two lower recesses 40 configured to cooperate and to at least partially accommodate the intermediate element 4. This configuration of the upper element 3 facilitates the positioning and retention of the intermediate element 4 between the upper element 3 and the lower element 5. Furthermore, the upper element 3 has a lower surface 3.1, and the intermediate element 4 is configured to be recessed or flush with said lower surface 3.1 when the intermediate element 4 is accommodated in the lower recesses 40. Moreover, the intermediate element 4 is secured to the upper element 3 by means of an adhesive, such as sealant or glue. The adhesive is configured to extend between the intermediate element 4 and the upper element 3 and is provided in each of the lower recesses 40.

[0069] The upper element 3 has two lateral recesses 8 provided on either side of a central plane PI of the harness device 1, said central plane PI being configured to act as a plane of symmetry for said harness device 1. Each lateral recess 8 is configured to partially house a stirrup attachment element 9, such as a stirrup bar, for example. In the field of the invention, the stirrup bars connect and secure the stirrups to the internal structural element 2. More particularly, each foot of the rider rests on a stirrup, which is held by a stirrup leather made of a flexible material, such as leather or textile; the stirrup leather being connected to the harness device 1 by means of the stirrup attachment element 9.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the stirrup fastening elements 9 are secured to the upper element by means of a mechanical fastener, such as screws or rivets, for example. The mechanical fastener is advantageously configured to reversibly fix at least one stirrup fastening element 9 to the intermediate element 4.

[0071] Advantageously, the lateral recesses 8 are configured such that each respective stirrup mounting element 9 is recessed or flush with an upper surface 3.2 of the upper element 3 when said stirrup mounting element 9 is in a configuration of use inside the lateral recess 8. By configuration of use is meant a configuration in which the stirrup mounting element 9 is intended to extend at least partially inside a Lateral recess 8 of the upper element 3. Such a configuration of the upper element 3 and more particularly of the lateral recesses 8, makes it possible not to generate any extra thickness between the internal structural element 2 and the covering when the stirrup knives intended for the installation of the stirrups are put in place.

[0072] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, each stirrup fastening element 9 extends along an extension plane and includes slots 10 (see [Fig. 6]), such as mortises, for example, and the upper element 3 has retention portions 11, such as tenons. Each retention portion 11 is configured to protrude from its respective lateral recess 8, such that each retention portion 11 and each respective slot 10 are configured to form an assembly when the stirrup fastening element 9 is in its operating configuration. Such a configuration of the stirrup fastening element 9 strengthens the upper element 3 and thus prevents deformation or breakage of the upper element 3.Furthermore, the specific shape of the stirrup fixing element 9 allows for a distribution of forces over a larger area compared to a localized fixing point.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the upper element 3 comprises a pommel 20 and two arch tabs 30 provided respectively on either side of the upper element 3 along the central plane PI and configured to extend below the pommel 20 when the harness device 1 rests on a horizontal surface. The stirrup attachment elements 9 are partially configured to extend to a height greater than the height of the respective arch tab 30 in the operating configuration. This configuration of the invention advantageously allows the stirrup attachment elements 9 to be used to stiffen the upper element 3 by their positioning.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element 4 is configured to allow the covering to be attached to the internal structural element 2 and is made of a second material that is different from the first material. The intermediate element 4 is made at least partially of a composite material comprising wood, such as a glued laminated timber assembly, for example. Such a configuration of the invention advantageously provides the necessary flexibility and strength to the saddle tree. Furthermore, the presence of wood in the intermediate element 4 facilitates the final assembly of the harness device 1 by allowing the covering to be stapled to the intermediate element 4, for example. However, according to another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate element 4 can be made of a second material that is identical to the first material, so as to simplify the manufacture of the harness device 1, for example.

[0075] The intermediate element 4 is made in two parts, which extend on either side of the central plane PI of the internal structural element 2. Such a configuration of the intermediate element 4 advantageously allows the mass of the internal structural element 2 to be reduced.

[0076] As shown more specifically in [Fig. 8], the intermediate element 4 comprises at least a peripheral portion 50 configured to be accessible from outside the internal structural element 2 so as to allow the cladding to be attached to said peripheral portion. The cladding can advantageously be attached to the peripheral portion 50 by means of staples, for example.

[0077] According to the embodiment of the invention, the lower element 5 is configured to provide at least part of the rigidity of the internal structural element and is made of a third material that is different from the first and second materials. The lower element 5 is made at least partly of a polymer matrix composite material, said polymer matrix composite material being reinforced with fibers, such as carbon fiber, for example. Such a configuration of the lower element 5 advantageously increases the rigidity of the structural element while reducing the overall mass.

[0078] As shown more specifically in Figures 2 and 5, the lower element 5 advantageously comprises a projecting portion 12, formed by a boss, and arranged along an upper edge 13, which coincides with the central plane PI, of the lower element 5. The projecting portion 12 has substantially a T-shape, and is designed to extend on either side of the central plane PL. Such a configuration of the invention advantageously prevents deformation of the lower element 5 by significantly increasing the rigidity of the lower element 5.

[0079] Furthermore, the upper element 3 has a through-hole 14 (see Figures 1 and 3) extending on either side of the central plane PI and a central recess 15 configured to extend partially around the through-hole 14. The lower element 5 is configured to extend opposite the through-hole 14, while the central recess 15 is configured to accommodate at least partially the projecting portion 12 of the lower element 5. Such a configuration of the internal structural element 2 ensures good relative positioning of the upper element 3 with the lower element 5 and thus facilitates the fixing of the lower element 5 with the upper element 3; this contributes to the strength of the assembly forming the internal structural element 2.

[0080] According to a variant of the embodiment of the invention, shown in [Fig. 9], the upper element 3 has two notches 60 configured to extend on either side of the central plane PL. Such notches 60 are configured to allow the The invention incorporates a comfort element 70, such as expanded foam, the comfort element 70 being made of a fourth material with a lower density than the first material. This feature of the invention provides a more comfortable seat for the user.

[0081] According to the variant of the embodiment of the invention, the comfort element 70 can also be inserted into the through orifice 14 so as to reduce friction of the user's pubic area on the upper element 3.

[0082] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Harness device (1) configured for use on an equine and to allow a user, such as a rider, to sit, the harness device (1) comprising an internal structural element (2) configured to provide the mechanical support of the harness device (1) and intended to be covered with a covering, the internal structural element (2) comprising an upper element (3) made of a first material and configured to define a seat shape for the user, an intermediate element (4) made of a second material and configured to allow the covering to be attached to the internal structural element (2), and a lower element (5) made of a third material that is different from the first and second materials and configured to provide at least part of the rigidity of the internal structural element (2),the intermediate element (4) being configured to extend at least partially between the upper element (3) and the lower element (5).

2. Harnessing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the upper element (3) is made at least partly of a polymer material.

3. Harnessing device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the intermediate element (4) is made at least partly of a composite material comprising wood.

4. Harnessing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower element (5) is made at least in part of a polymer matrix composite material, said polymer matrix composite material being reinforced with fibers.

5. Harnessing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper element (3) has at least one lower recess (40) configured to house at least part of the intermediate element (4).

6. Harnessing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which includes at least one stirrup attachment element (9), and in which the upper element (3) includes at least one lateral recess (8), the at least one lateral recess (8) being configured to receive at least in part the at least one stirrup attachment element (9).

7. Harnessing device (1) according to claim 6, wherein at least one stirrup attachment element (9) is configured to be recessed or flush with an upper surface (3.2) of the upper element (3) when said at least one stirrup attachment element (9) is in a configuration of use inside at least one lateral recess (8).

8. Harnessing device (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the stirrup attachment element (9) has a light (10) and wherein the upper element (3) has a retention portion (11) configured to protrude from the lateral recess (8), such that said retention portion (11) and said light (10) are configured to achieve an assembly when the stirrup attachment element (9) is in a usage configuration.

9. Harnessing device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, which includes two lateral recesses (8) provided respectively on either side of the upper element (3) along a central plane (PI), each of the lateral recesses (8) being configured to receive at least in part a respective stirrup fastening element (9).

10. Harnessing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper element (3) comprises an anterior portion (6) and a posterior portion (7), the posterior portion (7) being separable from the anterior portion (6).

11. Harnessing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lower element (5) comprises a projecting portion (12), formed by a boss, and arranged along an upper edge (13) of the lower element (5).

12. Harnessing device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the upper element (3) has a through hole (14), the lower element (5) being configured to extend at least partially opposite said through hole (14).

13. Harnessing device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the upper element (3) has a central indentation (15) configured to extend at least partially through the through orifice (14) and to house at least partially the protruding portion (12) of the lower element (5).

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