The present invention relates to a drivable saddle cart for storage and transportation of saddles, bridles, and/or other equestrian equipment.
Saddles, saddle blankets, cool down covers, bridles, halters, and similar have to be stored and stowed in a suitable manner after use. For this purpose, typically saddle holders are being used, on which the saddles can be placed. The other equipment is being stored without any specific differences at commonly known locations, like hooks, shelves, drawers, and similar.
Especially during tournaments, however, there is the problem, that very often no suitable storage options are available. This is especially unsatisfactory for the expensive items like tournament saddles, etc., since inadequate storage means can easily cause damage to these items.
Thus it is the object of the present invention to provide a storage option, which allows an orderly and appropriate storage, in particular of saddles, and additionally also of other equipment like saddle blankets, cool down covers, horse blankets, halters, bridles, and other equipment. In particular, easy transportation shall also be associated with such storage means, and additionally the storage means itself shall also be transportable, in order to be able to use it at different locations, like e.g. at tournaments. Overall, the device provided for this purpose shall be of simple construction and easy to operate.
This object is accomplished through a drivable saddle cart with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be derived from the features of the dependent claims.
The present invention is characterized in that a frame is provided, which includes at least two wheels, so that the frame is drivable, wherein a suitable holder for holding a saddle is provided on the frame.
With such a device it becomes possible to store a saddle safely and appropriately, and simultaneously it becomes possible to transport the saddle from one place to another in a simple manner. This way, it also becomes possible to store the saddle at any location in a suitable manner. Preferably, the drivable saddle cart is equipped with two wheels, similar to a hand truck with two wheels, wherein at least one, preferably two supports are provided for parking, forming a support plane together with the two wheels.
In a further preferred embodiment, also the additional support, or the additional supports can be provided with one wheel each, so that a three-wheel or four-wheel setup ensues, which allows to drive the saddle cart and park it safely.
The saddle cart is preferably provided with a frame, similar to a hand truck, which includes a main component, extending vertically upward from the at least two wheels. However, the saddle holder is not provided at the lower end close to the wheels on the main component of the frame, but offset from the wheels in the upper section of the main component of the frame. The saddle holder is hereby disposed in an almost perpendicular direction to the main component of the frame, or at an angle to the frame, so that the saddle stored on the saddle holder is forced in the direction of the main component of the frame.
The saddle holder is hereby preferably disposed in the same direction, pointing away from the main component of the frame, like the additional supports. Compared to a hand truck, thus the function of its load surface is divided into a support function, through the supports, in addition to the at least two tires, and the holder function for the saddle, so that a U-shape of the drivable saddle cart ensues in contrast to the L-shape of the hand truck.
Besides a single saddle holder, also two or more saddle holders can be provided, in particular parallel to each other, or above each other, so that, for example, an E-shape is created with two saddle holders.
Preferably, also according to a preferred embodiment, a container for receiving equipment (equipment container) can be provided in the area of the wheels, which replaces the supports, or holds them. The equipment container preferably extends from the main component of the frame in the same direction, and is preferably provided parallel to the saddle holders.
The equipment container is preferably provided shaped as a tub from a frame design with perforated sheet metal cover.
At the upper end of the main section of the frame grips are disposed, in particular two laterally protruding stick grips, pointing in the opposite direction of the saddle holders, or of the equipment container, in order to be able to drive the saddle cart.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the saddle cart is provided collapsible, in order to assure easy transportation of the saddle cart, e.g. for tournament use. For this purpose, preferably the main component of the frame between the saddle holder or the saddle holders, on the one hand, and the equipment container and the wheels, on the other hand, is divided into a first upper frame component (carrier frame) and a second lower frame component (lower component), which can be pivoted or tilted relative to each other.
Additionally, preferably one or several saddle holders are also disposed pivotable and/or removable at the main frame component, wherein in particular a pivoting relative to the main component is possible in a manner, so that the saddle holder can be disposed substantially parallel to the main component or the first upper frame component (carrier frame). Accordingly, the saddle holder can be received after folding in a space, which is formed between the bottom of the equipment container and the carrier frame, this means the saddle holder or the saddle holders are being received in the equipment basket during transportation.
For a pivotable disposition of the first upper frame component (carrier frame) with reference to the lower frame section (lower frame), as well as the pivotable placement of the saddle holder or the saddle holders, relative to the carrier frame, all suitable rotating connections or joints can be used. It is possible, in particular, to provide simple threaded connections, pin and/or bolt assemblies, and similar.
Preferably, a locking bar is provided for arresting the upright position of the carrier frame, which can work with its locking plate in a friction locked manner, with a locking axle of the carrier frame. This way, through a simple operation, thus tilting the locking frame, which can also be performed by a foot, a locking of the carrier frame in the upright position, or an unlocking is possible.
If the tilting direction of the locking frame is preferably selected, so that the locking is performed through pressing down the locking frame, the locking frame can additionally be used in this way for operating the saddle cart, so that through the application of a load or a torque, relative to the axle of the wheels, e.g. through pressing with a foot, a rising or tilting of the saddle cart from the standing position becomes possible.
Preferably, also locking mechanisms for the unfolded state of the saddle holder and/or the folded state of the saddle cart are provided, wherein simple methods of securing through holder rings, fixated bolts or pins, as well as, elastic clamping, relative to holding pins and similar, are conceivable.
Further benefits, characteristics, and features of the present invention become apparent in the subsequent detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the appended drawings. The figures hereby show in a schematic manner in:
The saddle cart according to
The entire frame 41, and in particular the main component 42, with the carrier frame 8 and the lower part 43, are created from a tubular frame assembly 5.
As it becomes apparent in particular from the additional
The lower section 43 of the main component 42 of the frame 41 is formed by two vertical tubular sections 45 and by an axle housing 47, connecting these tubular sections 45 with a lateral beam 48, extending in parallel to it (see
At the lower part 43 of the frame 41, an equipment container or equipment basket 1 is provided, whose framework 5 is partially provided through the vertical tube sections 45, and the lateral beam 48. In particular, as it is apparent from
Perforated sheets 6 are used for filling the side walls, which are characterized by low weight, protected containment of the equipment and easy cleaning.
The carrier frame 8 of the frame 41 is pivotably connected via the rotating connections 44 to the lower part 43, wherein either the frame design of the carrier frame 8 at the main frames 19, and/or the vertical tubular sections 45 of the lower frame part 43 include flat mounting ears 7, which were created through squeezing, which are perforated for performing bolted connections or similar. This way, a secure rotating connection can be manufactured in a simple manner. Certainly also other joints or other rotating connections are conceivable.
At the carrier frame 8, a saddle holder or a saddle support 15 is provided in the shown embodiment of
The longitudinal tubes 36 are connected amongst each other through the lateral connector tube 37 and connected to the saddle holder frame 17 through the connection spout 50.
The saddle holder frame 17 is provided slightly bent, so that its end, which is remote from the carrier frame 8, and connected with the longitudinal tubes 36 via the connections frames 39, can be run upwards and is further removed from the plane of the longitudinal tubes 36, than the end at the side of the carrier frame.
As it is apparent in particular from
At the carrier frame 8, at the upper end at the main frames 19, two grips 32 are provide as tubular spouts with rubber caps, or other covers suitable for a grip. The grips 32 are similar to the bent frames 27, run out in a laterally protruding manner from the plane of the main frames 19.
An additional grip 26 is also formed through providing a rubbery material at the uppermost lateral tube 33.
At the bent tubular frame 27, two curved hooks are provided as halter or bridle holder 28, which are offset from each other.
The halter and the bridle, which are received by the halter and bridle holder 28, can be secured via a rubber band, which is not shown, which can be hooked into the rings, which are disposed on the carrier frame 8. Furthermore, a rope, a chain, or a rubber band 30 can be provided in the rings 29, in order to hold the halter hanging downward in the direction of the carrier frame 8, so that it does not get into the way, when the saddle cart is pushed.
At the carrier frame 8 at the lower end of the main frames 19, a respective long nut and bolts with counter nuts 10 are provided, which abut to the ground supports 11 in the unfolded drivable state of the saddle cart. Through adjustment of the bolts, the distance of the lower end of the ground supports 11, with reference to the lower frame component 43, or to the lateral beam 48, on which the long nuts 9 are provided, can be adjusted. This is advantageous, since at the ears 18, which are provided at the axle housing 47, offset from each other (
The ground supports 11 have rubber caps 21 at their respective ends or protective caps made from another suitable material, so that the saddle cart in a folded state, as can be seen in
As can be seen from
Besides that, the embodiment of
Both preferred embodiments shown are foldable saddle carts. However, the present inventions comprises saddle carts that cannot be folded, since they are e.g. intended for a stationary stable use, and unlike tournament saddle carts, do not have to be transported. In these saddle carts, the design can be varied in a manner, so that no rotating joints 44, 52, and 53 are provided, but the respective parts are connected in a rigid manner. This can be accomplished e.g. through welded joints.
The shown saddle carts can be manufactured from any suitable material, in particular steel, and in particular stainless steel, wherein also the perforated sheet 16 can be made from stainless steel.
Through the exhibited design of the foldable saddle cart, simple handling is assured, wherein only the carrier frame 8 has to be raised in order to set up the saddle cart, which can be performed in a simple manner by using the saddle blanket holder 16 as a grip, in order to disengage the carrier frame 8 from the locking through the bolt 14 and raising it into the vertical position.
The carrier frame 8 can be locked in the upright position through folding the lock frame 13 and clamping the lock plate 51 with the lock axle 12, whereby the carrier frame 8 is secured in its vertical position. Subsequently, the saddle holder 15 or the double saddle holder 35 is brought into a horizontal position through pivoting and they are secured through the bolt 18 and the safety ring 25, or the shackle. In this position, the saddle cart is completely set up, and can be loaded with the equipment in the equipment basket 1, the saddle blanket on the saddle blanket holder 16, and with the saddle on the saddle holder 15, or the double saddle holder 35. Additionally, the halter and the bridle can be inserted at the halter- and bridle holder 28 and can be secured via a rope, a chain or a rubber band 30.
The present invention thereby characterized in particular through providing a comfortable transportation means for saddles and equestrian equipment in riding and tournament operations, suitable for English, Western, and recreational riding. The functionality and the driving comfort of the saddle cart in combination with a modern varied design facilitate the individualism of the rider and his identification with the equestrian sport, so that the attraction of the equestrian sport is additionally improved.
According to the present preferred embodiment both wheels can have air inflated or solid rubber tires. The standard tires correspond to the norm 3.00/4. For functionality reasons, larger and smaller tire sizes are possible. The equipment basket simultaneously also serves as a support in the standing, unfolded state. It is framed by a 59 cm long, 42 cm wide, and 17 cm (front) or 25 cm (rear) high tubular frame, and includes, among other things, two rubber stops at the side opposite to the wheels. The bottom and lateral parts are made from perforated, easy to clean stainless steel sheets. The main carrier frame (in the unfolded position) is formed by a 9.5 cm long, 42 cm wide, and 103 cm tall longitudinal tubular frame with lateral connections and an arresting frame disposed transversal to the wheel axle, locking with the outer tube of the wheel axle, depending on the load, during locking operations, thereby, providing a dynamic adaptation and an increase in stability, depending on the different loads. The locking frame relative to the carrier frame can be adjusted through two locking screws, without clearance, for a further increase in transportation stability. The grips in the upper section of the main carrier frame (two opposing grips, one grip at the very top) allow an operation of the saddle cart with one hand, as well as with two hands. The upper of a total of four frames of the horse blanket- and saddle holder is formed so that the center of gravity of the saddle is oriented towards the main carrier frame. The horse blanket is placed over the lower frame, which is open from the front (horse blanket rod).
Each saddle cart is outfitted with its own recordable production number, which is applied e.g. through laser printing at a suitable location. Furthermore, a respective suitable device for replaceable individually designed name plates is mounted. The saddle carts can also be produced with the additional function of a trailer, e.g. for quads. According to requirements, the saddle carts can be manufactured in various colors, coatings (e.g. powder coating), and degrees of luster (e.g. matte or shining). An advantageous property of a saddle cart is also its universal usability, not only for saddles and equipment, but additionally, also for transportation of feed materials (sack or barrel), or cases with beverages.
The tubular steel frame of the saddle cart is manufactured from steel, stainless steel, high strength aluminum or titanium, (as a noble version for tournaments). Basically there are three variants of saddle carts, as a stable saddle cart (two wheels, not foldable), tournament saddle cart (two wheels, foldable), and saddle cart with four wheels for two saddles simultaneously. In the initial state, the saddle cart can be stored upright or flat. For empty transportation it is lifted at the upper handle, or at the two side handles, and raised into a respective ergonomically tilted position, depending on body position and body height, and pulled or pushed.
For transporting the saddle and the equipment, the saddle cart is set up in the following sequence: the saddle cart is placed on the ground on the two rubber stoppers of the equipment basket in horizontal position, so that it rests on both wheels and on both rubber stoppers. With one hand, the saddle blanket holder, which is disposed in the equipment basket during empty transportation, is raised up to the stop. In a further operation, the main carrier frame is brought into a vertical position up to its stop, and locked with the locking frame either via foot or via hand, so that a folding back or rolling away of the saddle cart is not possible anymore. Now the combined saddle and saddle blanket holder is brought into a horizontal position with one hand at the uppermost preformed bar up to the stop. The holding ring made from stainless material or the holding shackle is placed over the protruding locking pin with safety cap at the second lateral connection from the top and secured therewith. In case of a shackle design, the associated axle pin is screwed tight. Since the shackle version greatly protects the material and the paint, it is more abrasion resistant and thus also more durable at this location. Via the bridle and halter holder, which is located at the upper lateral tube in the middle between the grips on both sides on the side opposite to the saddle holder, now the holder and the bridle are inserted and tightened through the overreaching rubber band, in order to secure the halter and the bridle against sliding off. The link chain in the center of the two support tubes of the main carrier frame, which can also be provided as a band or rope from various materials, is placed from the outside around the holder and the bridle, and thus avoids a cumbersome hanging down of the halter and the bridle. In the equipment basket the following equipment and items can be stored, as e.g. a complete cleaning kit, riding and transport gators, horse care products, and cool down blankets (horse blankets). Eventually the saddle blanket is placed over the lower frame of the combined saddle blanket and saddle holder, which is open at the front. The saddle is now placed from the top onto the preformed and sliding inhibited saddle holder. During transportation, the saddle cart can be pulled or pushed, using the weight distribution, which is ergonomically most comfortable. A falling off of the saddle is not possible in this position, as well as in steeper positions.
Thus, the saddle cart is characterized in particular by:
A saddle cart, characterized in that above the lateral tube (24) at the main frame, on the left, and on the right, on the outside two tubular spouts are welded which are bent backwards, which are covered with rubber grips (32), and which serve as grips for driving in an unfolded state.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
10 2004 020 296.4 | Dec 2004 | DE | national |
10 2005 045 962.5 | Sep 2005 | DE | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP05/57193 | 12/28/2005 | WO | 00 | 2/14/2008 |