Patent Application
20220388834
The present invention relates to a frame for an equestrian saddle and to an equestrian saddle provided with the same.
In the prior art, equestrian saddles designed to be positioned on the back of an equine, such as a horse or the like, so as to allow a user to sit thereon preferably astride the animal, are known.
Equestrian saddles comprise a frame, generally rigid, and a covering element, generally soft, adapted to cover the frame so as to define a seating portion at contact with the base of the user's back. Furthermore, the equestrian saddles may comprise any additional accessory elements configured to increase the functionality thereof. As known in the prior art, examples of possible further accessory elements are a protection element which is interposed between the frame and the back of the animal, and/or flaps and under-flaps suitable to prevent the direct contact of the legs of the user with the sides of the animal, and/or lashes, and the like.
The equestrian saddle and the frame thereof are designed to maintain a correct posture of the user and to at least partially absorb the stresses transmitted in the conditions of use, thus increasing the comfort both for the user and for the animal.
Therefore, equestrian saddles generally provide for devices configured to dampen the vertical stresses the user is subjected to at the areas of contact with the seating portion of the saddle.
These devices typically comprise elements made with damping materials, such as foam rubber or the like, which are arranged in suitable areas of the frame of the equestrian saddle.
For example, patent document WO2014207672A1 describes a frame for an equestrian saddle comprising recesses, i.e. cavities, adapted to receive respective shock-absorbing inserts made of an at least partially elastically deformable material. In this condition, the damping effect is provided by the absorption of impacts and vibrations by means of the shock-absorbing insert, i.e. by means of the material it is made of.
Although this solution allows a damping of the stresses that the user is subjected to, it however reveals some drawbacks.
As a matter of fact, the degree of absorption of impacts and vibrations by means of the shock-absorbing insert is limited by the thickness of the latter. Furthermore, since the shock-absorbing insert rests on the rigid bottom of the recess formed on the frame, the degree of absorption of the impacts and vibrations by means of the shock-absorbing insert is influenced by the presence of the recess bottom. In other words, the characteristics of the material that the shock-absorbing insert is made of and which ensure the absorption of impacts and vibrations, such as for example hardness and/or degree of elasticity, are substantially influenced by the presence of the rigid bottom of the recess in which it is received.
This drawback could be solved, for example, by increasing the thickness of the shock-absorbing insert, so as to reduce or render the influence of the rigid bottom negligible. However, in this condition functional characteristics of the saddle, such as for example compactness and/or lightness, are deteriorated.
Patent document DE10123117A1, on the other hand, describes a frame for an equestrian saddle comprising a through opening adapted to receive a respective shock-absorbing insert made of a flexible material. Even in this case, the damping effect is provided by the absorption of impacts and vibrations by means of the shock-absorbing insert, or by means of the material that it is made of. However, the structure of this frame is complicated, especially during the manufacturing step, and it does not ensure a constant quality and reliability of the product. Furthermore, such structure does not allow a simple possible replacement of the elements that provide the equestrian saddle with the damping effect.
Thus, there is the need to provide a solution which overcomes the drawbacks described above.
The task of the present invention is to provide a frame for an equestrian saddle capable of providing an effective absorption of impacts and vibrations by means of shock-absorbing inserts, that is simple to produce, and which ensures a constant quality and reliability of the product.
Within the scope of the aforementioned task, an object of the present invention relates to providing of a frame provided with shock-absorbing inserts in which the degree of absorption of impacts and vibrations is not limited by the thickness of the latter.
A further object relates to providing a frame in which the characteristics of the material of the shock-absorbing insert, which ensure the absorption of impacts and vibrations, are not influenced by the shape of the frame portion in which the shock-absorbing insert is received.
A further object relates to providing a frame in which the characteristics of the shock-absorbing insert which ensure the absorption of impacts and vibrations are easily and widely selectable during the design stage.
A further object relates to providing a frame in which the shock-absorbing insert can be made of materials whose characteristics may be widely selectable and/or easily combined with each other.
A further object relates to providing a frame in which the shock-absorbing inserts have a simple structure, can be coupled in a simple and effective manner with the other elements that constitute the frame, and ensure a constant quality and reliability of the product.
The aforementioned task and objects, as well as others which will be more apparent from the following description, are achieved by means of a frame for an equestrian saddle as defined in claim 1.
The further characteristics and advantages of the frame for an equestrian saddle according to the present invention will become more evident in the following description relating to an embodiment provided purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the following figures wherein:
An equestrian saddle is designed to be positioned on the back of an equine, such as a horse or the like, so as to allow a user to sit preferably astride the animal taking a correct and comfortable posture. As known, various types of equestrian saddles designed for a plurality of disciplines are available on the market. For example, an equestrian saddle can be suitable for English or American riding styles for different disciplines such as hurdling, dressage, trekking, polo, or the like.
The equestrian saddles comprise a substantially rigid frame and a substantially soft covering element adapted to cover the frame so as to define a seating portion at contact with the base of the back of the user. Furthermore, as known, the equestrian saddles may comprise possible further accessory elements configured to increase the functionality and/or comfort of the saddle, such as a protection element which is interposed between the frame and the back of the animal, and/or flaps and under-flaps, and/or lashes, and the like.
With reference to
The frame 10 comprises a substantially rigid frame body 12 which is made of a material suitably selected as a function of the application of the equestrian saddle, such as for example wood, metal, polymeric material possibly reinforced with fibres, or combinations thereof. The frame body 12 has a first upper surface 14 adapted to be operatively faced toward a user and a second lower surface 16 adapted to be operatively faced toward the back of an equine. The first surface 14 and the second surface 16 of the frame body 12 are separated from each other by a first thickness t1 of the frame body 12.
Typically, a covering element (not shown in the figures) which is generally soft and which further defines a seating portion at contact with the base of the back of the user is arranged on the first surface 14. Whereas, the second surface 16 is typically at contact with the back of the animal or provides for a protection element, such as a layer of soft material, which is interposed between the frame body 12 and the back of the animal so as to increase the comfort for the latter. However, these configurations of the first surface 14 and the second surface 16 are not limiting and further elements, such as for example a plurality of covering elements and/or protection elements, or the like, may be provided for.
The frame body 12 comprises a larger rear extension portion defining the panel portion, a front portion proximal to the head of the animal defining the fork portion, and an intermediate connecting portion between the other two and having the smaller width between the three portions. The frame body 12 is generally shaped so that in the front, rear and intermediate portions thereof there are areas adapted to support the base of the back of the user at the inguinal, ischial and sacrococcygeal region.
Specifically, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame body 12 provides for, at the ischial region, two openings 18 substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the frame body 12. The openings 18 preferably have a circular lobed shape and they are shaped, for example, by removing material from the frame body 12 using cutting or milling techniques. Alternatively, the frame body 12 is formed already provided with openings 18 which are obtained by means of a single forming step, such as for example moulding. In the most preferred embodiment, the openings 18 are through openings between the first surface 14 and the second surface 16, i.e. they are openings that pass through the first thickness t1 of the frame body 12.
Each opening 18 is adapted to receive—therein—a respective shock-absorbing insert 20 which is configured to dampen impacts and/or vibrations suffered, or perceived, by the user. Typically, impacts and vibrations are exerted under operating conditions along a vertical direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface 14 of the frame body 12.
Referring in particular to
The container 22 provides for one or more side walls 24 and a bottom wall 26 which are joined to each other defining an open base 28 opposite the bottom wall 26. The open base 28 and the bottom wall 26 are separated from each other by a height h1 of the container 22 which is substantially defined by the vertical extension of the side walls 24. Furthermore, the container 22 is configured to be received in the respective opening 18 so as to associate, in operative conditions, the open base 28 thereof with the first surface 14 of the frame body 12, or so as to direct the open base 28 thereof substantially at the first surface 14 of the frame body 12. In the preferred embodiment, the container 22 is configured to be received in the respective opening 18 so as to arrange—in operative conditions—the open base 28 thereof substantially flush with the first surface 14 of the frame body 12.
The damping element 30, on the other hand, is preferably formed distinct from the container 22 and is adapted to be received in the latter on the bottom wall 26 thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the damping element 30 has a shape corresponding to that of the bottom wall 26 and it has a second thickness t2 suitably dimensioned so that, in operative conditions, the damping element 30 is flush with the first surface 14 of the frame body 12, i.e. flush with the open base 28 of the container 22.
Specifically, in the present invention, the bottom wall 26 of the container 22 is made of a first elastically deformable material configured to dampen impacts and/or vibrations, in the operative conditions, and the damping element 30 is made at least partially with a second at least partially elastically deformable material configured to dampen impacts and/or vibrations in the operative conditions.
As used herein, the term “at least partially elastically deformable material” comprises both materials having elastic properties (elastic materials) and materials having viscoelastic properties (viscoelastic materials). Specifically, a material having elastic properties is configured to be deformed, when—in operative conditions—a stress such as an impact and/or vibration is applied thereon, and subsequently rapidly recover the initial shape at the end of the application of the stress. On the other hand, materials that have viscoelastic properties simultaneously have viscous and elastic properties, in a given relationship with respect to each other. In other words, without wishing to be bound by theory, when materials having viscoelastic properties are subjected to a stress applied very rapidly, they are subjected a deformation proportional to the stress and provide for recovery if the stress is removed very rapidly. If the stress is applied slowly or for a long period of time, materials having viscoelastic properties behave to a certain degree as a viscous liquid providing continuous deformation over time and in which the degree of deformation is proportional to the applied stress. Thus, an elastomeric polymeric material such as, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermosetting elastomer have substantially elastic properties and thus they are elastically deformable materials; instead, a gel or a slow shape memory material have substantially viscoelastic properties and therefore they are at least partially elastically deformable materials.
The first material of the bottom wall 26 and the second material of the damping element 30 may be selected from a group comprising polymeric materials. Specifically, the first and second material are selected so as to provide the shock-absorbing insert 20 with desired characteristics, such as adequate mechanical strength for supporting the weight of the user and adequate elastic/viscoelastic properties to dampen impacts and/or vibrations. Advantageously, in this condition it is possible to combine different characteristics of the first and of the second material with each other.
In the preferred embodiment, the first material of the bottom wall 26 is an elastomeric polymeric material, preferably thermoplastic, such as for example soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and the second material of the damping element 30 is a gel.
In this condition, advantageously the damping element 30 is made of a material having excellent damping characteristics thanks to its viscoelastic properties but poor mechanical strength characteristics, and at the same time the bottom wall 26 is made of a material having good damping characteristics and excellent mechanical strength characteristics for, for example, supporting the weight of the user and the durability at multiple deformation steps.
Specifically, the soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) provides for characteristics such as preferably a tensile modulus of elasticity lower than 600 MPa (ISO 527) and a hardness comprised between 15 ShoreA and 80 ShoreD (ISO 7619), and the gel provides for characteristics such as preferably a hardness lower than 20 ShoreA (ISO 7619), even more preferably a hardness from 40 to 60 VLRH (ISO 27588). However, this selection is non-limiting and the first material and the second material can be widely and suitably selected. In other words, according to the present invention, it is advantageously possible to widely choose the damping characteristics of the second material even when it provides for poor mechanical strength characteristics since the latter are possibly compensated by the mechanical resistance characteristics of the first material.
Furthermore, advantageously, thanks to the structure of the frame 10 according to the present invention the degree of absorption of impacts and vibrations by the shock-absorbing insert 20 is not limited by the thickness thereof and by the configuration of the portion of the frame 10 in which it is received. As a matter of fact, the bottom wall 26 can be freely deformed, possibly beyond the first thickness t1 of the frame body 12, at the respective opening 18, i.e. it can be deformed beyond the second surface 16 of the frame body 12.
In the preferred embodiment, the container 22 has a configuration suitable to be received in the respective opening 18 by means of shape coupling, i.e. it has a shape complementary to that of the respective opening 18. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, wherein the openings 18 have a lobed circular shape, the respective containers 22 each provide for a bottom 26 having a shape substantially complementary to that of the respective opening 18 and from which a single side wall 24 departs defining the open base 28.
However, this embodiment is not limiting and each opening 18 can have any desired shape, as a function of the corresponding anatomical area of the user that it supports, and the respective container 22 can have one or more side walls joined to the bottom wall 26, depending on the shape of the latter.
Once again referring in particular to
Specifically, the flanged portion 32 extends along a direction at least partially parallel to the first surface 14 of the frame body 12 and it is configured to abut against a rim portion 34 peripheral to the opening 18 of the frame body 12 when the latter receives the respective container 22 of the shock-absorbing insert 20. In the preferred embodiment, the flanged portion 32 and the side wall 24 from which they depart are formed in single piece with each other with a third substantially rigid material. Alternatively, the side wall 24, made of a third substantially rigid material, and the flanged portion 32, made of a fourth substantially rigid material, can be formed distinct and subsequently joined together for example by welding, adhesive means, fixing elements or the like.
The third side wall material 24 may be selected from a group comprising substantially rigid polymeric materials. Specifically, the third material is selected so as to provide the container 22 with desired characteristics, such as an adequate structural stability adapted to ensure that the position of the shock-absorbing insert 20 in the respective opening 18 is maintained in operative conditions.
In the preferred embodiment, the third material of the side wall 24 is a polymeric material, preferably thermoplastic, such as for example rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polypropylene (PP).
For example, the rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), optionally reinforced with fibres or the like, has characteristics such as preferably a flexural elastic modulus comprised between 1000 and 2500 MPa (ISO 178), or the polypropylene (PP) provides for characteristics such as preferably a flexural elastic modulus of between 1000 and 1500 MPa (ISO 178). However, this selection is non-limiting and the third material may be widely and suitably selected.
In the preferred embodiment, the side wall 24 and the bottom wall 26 of the container 22 are joined to each other by over-moulding, bi-injection moulding or welding. Therefore, in this case, the first material of the bottom wall 26 and the third material of the side wall 24 are selected depending on the chemical nature thereof so as to ensure the joining thereof by means of overmoulding, bi-injection moulding or welding.
Furthermore, once again referring in particular to
Advantageously, this condition allows to prevent the formation of a projection on the first surface 14 of the frame body 12, due to the flanged portion 32, which could deteriorate the comfort of the user. Furthermore, the abutment step 36 advantageously acts as a seat adapted to facilitate and maintain the positioning of the shock-absorbing insert 20, i.e. of the container 22, in the opening 18.
In the preferred embodiment, the container 22 has a height h1, i.e. a distance between the bottom wall 26 thereof and the open base 28 thereof, which is equal to or slightly greater than the first thickness t1 of the frame body 12 at the respective opening 18 which houses it. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the damping element 30 preferably has a second thickness t2 suitably dimensioned so that, in operative conditions, the damping element 30 is flush with the open base 28 of the container 22, i.e. it is flush with the first surface 14 of the frame body 12.
Advantageously, this condition allows to prevent the formation of a projection on the first surface 14 of the frame body 12, due to the damping element 30, which could deteriorate the comfort of the user.
Furthermore, since the container 22 has a height h1 substantially equal to or slightly greater than the first thickness t1 of the frame body 12, advantageously a constant thickness of the frame 10 is maintained, i.e. the compactness thereof is maintained. In other words, a first thickness t1 of the relatively small frame body 12 does not limit the degree of absorption of impacts and vibrations by the shock-absorbing insert 20 since the bottom wall 26 of the container 22 can be freely deformed, possibly beyond the first thickness t1 of the frame body 12, i.e. beyond the second surface 16 of the frame body 12.
It is clear that further embodiments of the frame 10 for the equestrian saddle can be provided with respect to what has been described so far, without departing from the claimed scope of protection.
For example, in the embodiment described above, the frame body 12 provides for, at the ischial region, two openings 18 which are substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the frame body 12; however, this embodiment is not limiting. As a matter of fact, an embodiment in which there is a single opening 18 symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame body 12 and shaped at the ischial region, may be provided for.
Alternatively, further embodiments in which one or more openings 18 are shaped at least partially corresponding to the inguinal and/or ischial and/or sacrococcygeal region of the user may be provided for depending on the design of the equestrian saddle and as a function of the application thereof. Specifically, each opening 18 is adapted to receive a respective shock-absorbing insert 20 having the characteristics according to the present invention, and described previously.
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the container 22 simply abuts, through the flanged portion 32 thereof, on the abutment step 36 of the rim portion 34 of the respective opening 18. This advantageous simple structure allows to maintain the positioning of the shock-absorbing insert 20, i.e. of the container 22, in the opening 18 since the first surface 14 of the frame 12 is typically covered with a covering element (not shown in the figures) which further ensures that the position of the shock-absorbing insert 20 is maintained, holding it. However, an embodiment in which the container 22 does not provide for a flanged portion 32 but is provided with fixing elements, such as screws or coupling portions, or adhesive means suitable for fixing, such as for example, the side wall 24 of the container 22 to the frame body 12, may be provided for. Alternatively, an embodiment in which the container 22 provides both a flanged portion 32 and fixing elements or adhesive means to further ensure the position of the shock-absorbing insert 20 in the opening 18 may be provided for.
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the container 22 provides for a single flanged portion 32 which extends continuously from the side wall 24. However, an embodiment in which the flanged portion 32 consists of a plurality of projecting portions distributed along the side wall 24 and which are adapted to abut against a corresponding plurality of abutment steps 36 of the rim portion 34 of the respective opening 18, may be provided for.
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the container 22 provides for a flanged portion 32 which is configured to abut against a rim portion 34 peripheral to the opening 18 of the frame body 12. However, an embodiment in which a flanged portion 32 extends from the thickness wall of the frame body 12 defining the opening 18, along a direction at least partially parallel to the first surface 14, may be provided for. Specifically, in this embodiment, the flanged portion 32 is configured to abut against a rim portion 34 peripheral to the bottom wall 26 of the container 22.
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the container 22 provides for an open base 28 opposite the bottom wall 26. However, an embodiment in which the container 22 further comprises a lid configured to close, preferably removably, the open base 28, may be provided for. In this embodiment, the cover is made of an elastically deformable material configured to dampen impacts and/or vibrations, such as the bottom wall 26, or an at least partially elastically deformable material configured to dampen impacts and/or vibrations, such as the damping element 30.
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, each opening 18 is a through opening between the first surface 14 and the second surface 16, i.e. an opening that passes through the first thickness t1 of the frame body 12. However, an embodiment in which the opening 18 is a recess, i.e. a cavity or blind opening, having a depth less than the first thickness t1 and greater than the height h1 of the container 22, may be provided for. Specifically, in this embodiment the container 22 is configured to be housed in the respective blind opening 18 so as to arrange the bottom wall 26 thereof spaced from the bottom of the blind opening 18. A free deformation of the bottom wall 26 of the container 22 may be ensured in this condition, like in the embodiment described above, but it is necessary to provide relatively high values of the first thickness t1 of the frame body 12.
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the damping element 30 is a single element formed distinct from the container 22 and suitable to be housed in the latter on the bottom wall 26. However, an embodiment in which each shock-absorbing insert 20 comprises a plurality of damping elements 30 adapted to be housed in the container 22 on the bottom wall 26, may be provided for. Specifically, an embodiment in which two or more damping elements 30 are arranged stacked or side by side, providing a differential damping effect in different areas of the shock-absorbing insert 20, may be provided for.
Furthermore, an embodiment in which the damping element 30 is joined, for example by means of adhesive means, to the bottom wall 26 of the container 22 or it is formed in single piece or integral with the bottom wall 26 of the container 22, may be provided for. In the latter case, preferably the first material of the bottom wall 26 and the second material of the damping element 30 are the same material.
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the first material of the bottom wall 26 is soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and the second material of the damping element 30 is a gel; however, this selection is non-limiting. As a matter of fact, the first material and the second material may be suitably selected from a group comprising elastomeric polymeric materials of the thermoplastic or thermosetting type, or natural elastomeric polymeric materials. For example, the first material and the second material may be selected from a group comprising elastomeric polymeric materials of the thermoplastic type, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyolefin elastomers (POEs), styrene elastomers (SBS, SEBS) or the like, and/or they may be selected from a group comprising elastomeric polymeric materials of the thermosetting type, such as for example silicone or the like, and/or they may be selected from a group comprising natural elastomeric polymeric materials, such as for example natural rubber (NR) or the like. Possibly, the first material and the second material may be materials having the same chemical nature, such as for example soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), but having different characteristics, such as for example a different hardness and a different degree of elasticity.
Alternatively, the second material of the damping element 30 may be a shape memory material suitable for recovering an initial shape at the end of a stress. Furthermore, the first material of the bottom wall 26 may be a material selected from a group comprising natural materials, such as leather, or from a group comprising synthetic materials imitating natural materials, such as artificial leather.
Furthermore, an embodiment in which the damping element 30 comprises a closable bag, made of an elastically deformable material, and containing therein a viscous material, such as a fluid or a liquid with a given viscosity, for example, water or a substance/composition having low or high viscosity, may be provided for. In this condition, the damping element 30 has viscoelastic properties and it is at least partially made of an at least partially elastically deformable material.
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the third material of the side wall 24 is a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polypropylene (PP); however, this selection is non-limiting. As a matter of fact, the third material may be suitably selected from a group comprising thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric materials, metallic materials, or natural materials. For example, the third material may be selected from a group comprising thermoplastic polymeric materials, such as polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA6, PA66, PPA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) or the like, and/or it may be selected from a group comprising thermosetting polymeric materials, such as epoxy resins or the like, and/or it may be selected from a group comprising metals, such as aluminium or the like, and/or it may be selected from a group comprising natural materials, such as wood or the like.
It is clear that, depending on the selection of the first material and the third material, the bottom wall 26 and the side wall 24 are joined to each other forming the container 22 by means of suitable solutions, such as for example adhesive means, fixing elements, welding, overmoulding, bi-injection moulding, or the like.
In the light of the above description, it is clear that significant results have been achieved, overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art, allowing to provide a frame 10 which provides an effective absorption of impacts and vibrations by means of the shock-absorbing inserts 20, whose structure is simple to manufacture and it ensures constant quality and reliability of the product.
Furthermore, the degree of absorption of impacts and vibrations by the shock-absorbing inserts 20 is not limited by the thickness thereof since the combination of the characteristics of the first material of the bottom wall 26 and of the second material of the damping element 30 guarantee an effective damping effect even at reduced values of the second thickness t2 of the damping element 30 and of the height h1 of the container 22.
Furthermore, the degree of absorption of impacts and vibrations by the shock-absorbing inserts 20 is not influenced by the configuration of the respective opening 18 which, on the contrary, in the present invention allows a free deformation of the bottom wall 26 of the container 22.
Furthermore, the materials that the bottom wall 26 of the container 22 and the damping element 30 are made of may be easily and widely selected to confer the shock-absorbing insert 20 suitable desired characteristics such as an adequate mechanical strength for supporting the weight of the user and suitable elastic/viscoelastic properties for damping impacts and/or vibrations. Specifically, different characteristics of the first and of the second material, respectively, of the bottom wall 26 and of the damping element 30 may be combined to each other.
Lastly, the frame 10 has a simple structure, it is easy to manufacture and it ensures a constant quality and reliability of the product. Specifically, the shock-absorbing inserts 20 have a simple structure and they can be coupled in a simple and effective manner with the frame body 12 maintaining a constant quality and reliability of the product. Possibly, the shock-absorbing inserts 20 may be replaced in a simple manner, for example for maintenance of the frame 10, maintaining the reliability of the product.
Naturally, the materials and equipment used to implement the present invention, as well as the shape and dimensions of the individual components, may be the most suitable depending on the specific requirements.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102019000020769 | Nov 2019 | IT | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2020/059878 | 10/21/2020 | WO |
