Patent Grant
7178318
The present invention relates generally to saddle trees, and more particularly to a novel construction for a saddle tree system including a progressive flex headplate assembly which permits the saddle tree, and thus the saddle, to properly and comfortably fit a horse regardless shape, weight, or range of movement, but also to accommodate horses of varying sizes.
While some minor variations exist, the basic construction of a riding saddle for horses has remained virtually unchanged for the last century. Certainly, the fundamental mechanics and purpose of the saddle have remained consistent. For instance, a saddle must provide a secure seat for the rider, without inhibiting the movement of the horse's shoulder blades. A saddle must remove weight from the horse's spine and loins and distribute it evenly over the remaining area of the horse's back. A saddle must also provide a secure anchor for the stirrups.
The heart of any saddle is the saddle tree, which provides the structural framework from which the saddle is constructed. The saddle tree provides the shape of the saddle seat, determines the saddle fit for the horse, and is the main component to which all other saddle components and fittings are attached. Importantly, the saddle tree protects a horse's spine from the pressure exerted by the weight of the rider and the saddle.
The main elements of the saddle tree include a pommel portion, a cantle portion, and the bars or connecting portion therebetween. In a Western saddle, a horn, which the rider may grasp while riding, is also typically included as part of the saddle tree, and is attached to the pommel portion.
The pommel portion is located at the front of the saddle tree and provides shape and fit to the front of the completed saddle. In use, the pommel portion is situated towards the front of the horse. The pommel portion includes a reinforcing headplate and gullet plate that are typically in the shape of an inverted U. The legs of the U (called the “points” of the headplate or pommel portion) extend downwardly on each side of the horse's withers. The points of the saddle tree determine the saddle's width, and thus, are probably the most important aspect in evaluating a saddle's suitability for a particular horse. If the width of the saddle tree is not correct, the saddle does not fit. Accordingly, when fitted properly, the points of the headplate run parallel to the horse's withers.
The cantle portion is located at the back of the saddle tree and provides shape and definition to the seat back of the completed saddle. In use, the cantle portion will be situated towards the rear of the horse. The cantle portion is also configured in the shape of an inverted U, and serves as a back rest to keep the rider from slipping off the back of the horse. The bars (or connectors) connect the pommel portion to the cantle portion from front to back along both sides of the horse's spine.
The components of a saddle tree are commonly constructed of wood, resin bonded plywood laminates, metal, plastic, fiberglass, or composites thereof. The saddle tree is covered with leather, and other saddle components, such as a seat cover, stirrups, cinch straps, etc., are added to form the completed saddle.
Because the saddle tree makes up the main structural framework of a saddle, the saddle tree must properly fit the horse for which it is intended. An improperly fitted or designed saddle tree, when used in a conjunction with a saddle, can result in the horse's skin not receiving sufficient blood flow which reduces the ability of the skin to sweat. If this situation continues for a long period of time, it can result in hair loss, sore back, and possible muscle damage to the horse. Indeed, an improperly fitted saddle tree can over time cause severe injuries to the spine and/or shoulders of the horse, and can prevent a rider from having a safe and secure ride.
Moreover, an uncomfortable horse, or a horse in pain, will not perform the way the rider or trainer expects. In addition, an improperly fitted saddle may slip or slide forward, catching the rider off guard, restricting the movement of the horse, and compounding injury to the horse's neck or spine.
A traditional saddle tree is rigid, having a solid, stiff structure. Because the shape of a horse's back changes and flexes as it moves, a rigid saddle tree which does not flex with the horse digs into the horse's shoulders and places excessive pressure on the horse's kidneys. In addition, a rigid saddle tree does not permit the weight of the rider to be distributed over the large area on either side of the horse's spine along the horse's back. Rather, a rigid saddle tree causes pain at very distinct points on the withers and scapula at the front of the horse, and on the loins at the rear of the horse.
More recently, “spring” saddle trees and “flexible” saddle trees have been developed with an eye toward improved fit and comfort for the horse. These saddle trees contain flexible steel or resilient bars (denoted “springs”) which connect the pommel portion and the cantle portion and reinforce the strength of the saddle tree while also providing flexibility when the horse moves. These trees are still substantially rigid, and thus can only be designed to accommodate one horse.
While newer saddle tree designs focus on the initial saddle fit on a horse, few designs focus on the proper dynamic fit of a saddle tree as the horse moves while being ridden. In fact, the weight of the rider in combination with the movement of the horse can result in a saddle that, while appearing to be properly fitted initially, is actually a poor fit and causes the horse pain during the ride.
In addition, most saddle trees, even if encompassing springs or flexible bars, are designed to fit only one horse, and are constructed in only narrow, medium, or wide (one-fit fits many) sizes. Because the pommel portion (which includes the headplate and the points) remains rigid in these designs, this type of saddle tree is not accommodating to either the change in shape of the horse during movement of the horse, or horses of varying size.
When the headplate is inappropriate in width for the particular horse, the saddle tree will not only cause pain to the horse, but can cause damage to the saddle tree, shortening the useful life of the saddle. In particular, a headplate that is too narrow will impede the horse's movement dramatically and caused observable soreness to the spine of the horse.
The points of the saddle tree should lie parallel to the withers, instead of sitting on top of the musculature. However, if the angles of the points are too narrow, the points will dig into the musculature and shoulders of the horse, also causing the middle of the saddle to be in uneven contact with the horse's back. If the angles are too wide, the saddle will tip forward or sit down too far in front of the horse which can cause pinching, or can put undue pressure on top of the withers and on the spine.
Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a headplate and saddle tree system for use in a riding saddle that properly and comfortably fits a horse throughout the horse's range of motion, and which evenly distributes the weight of the rider across the horse so as to prevent injury and irritation to the horse. In addition, it would be desirable to have a saddle that can be properly fit onto more than one size horse, thereby minimizing the need for multiple different saddles each fit for a particular horse.
It is accordingly the primary objective of the present invention to provide a headplate assembly for use in a saddle tree which permits progressive flex of the headplate points in order to permit minor adjustments of the width of the pommel portion of a saddle tree. It is a related objective of the present invention to provide a headplate that properly and securely fits a horse by providing a progressively flexible point construction that is resilient but also provides resistance in response to flexure—with the flex of the point construction progressively increasing down the length of the headplate assembly. It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a headplate assembly including progressively flexible point construction which still provides sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the saddle and the weight of the rider without deformation of the headplate.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a saddle tree including a progressive flex headplate construction that permits the saddle tree to flex with the movement of the horse while also providing sufficient resistance to maintain the saddle tree in the proper position on the horse. Accordingly, it is a related objective of the present invention to provide a saddle tree that provides a proper fitting headplate and points construction that will not cause injury or soreness to the horse. It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a saddle tree capable of properly and securing fitting horses of varying size.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a riding saddle including a saddle tree having a progressive flex headplate assembly. The saddle of the present invention must maintain a proper and secure fit under the weight of the rider while permitting full range of motion of the horse, without causing injury or soreness to the horse's neck, spine or loins.
The headplate and saddle tree assembly of the present invention must also be of construction which is both durable and long lasting, and it should also require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. In order to enhance the market appeal of the headplate and saddle tree construction of the present invention, it should also be of inexpensive construction to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, it is also an objective that all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives be achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.
The disadvantages and limitations of the background art discussed above are overcome by the present invention. With this invention, a saddle tree including progressive flex headplate assembly for use in a flexible riding saddle is provided.
The progressive flex saddle tree of the present invention includes a progressive flex headplate assembly located at the pommel portion of the saddle tree, which is located at the front of the saddle tree, towards the withers the horse. The saddle tree also includes a cantle, which is located at the back of the saddle tree towards the rear of the horse, and a connecting portion which connects the headplate assembly to the cantle.
The progressive flex headplate assembly of the present invention is configured in the shaped of an inverted V, with the apex of the V being rounded. The headplate assembly contains two legs that extend downwardly on opposite sides of the horse's withers. The ends of each leg of the headplate assembly are referred to herein as the points of the headplate assembly. The location of the points of the headplate assembly determine the size of the saddle tree, and thus the points are important to determining the proper fit of a saddle.
The headplate assembly is of multi-layered construction, and in one embodiment includes a bottom layer, a middle layer, and a top layer of narrow, flexible segments. Each of the layers differs from each the others both in length and in the width their respective ends. The layers are arranged overlaying each other so that each layer becomes increasing longer from the top layer to the bottom layer. As such, the bottom layer is the longest layer, the middle layer is the intermediate length layer, and the top layer is the shortest layer.
Each layer is provided with a small indentation in its front edge corresponding to the pommel portion of the headplate assembly. Each layer is also provided with apertures for securing the layers together to complete the headplate assembly and for securing the headplate assembly to the completed saddle tree.
Each of the layers may be constructed of nylon, vinyl, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or any similar flexible yet resilient material. Alternatively, the layers may be constructed of steel, or another metal or composite material exhibiting the flexibility and resilience required for the headplate assembly.
The headplate assembly also includes a headplate centerpiece, which is a rigid, curved segment that also contains apertures for securing the headplate assembly together. The headplate centerpiece is constructed of a rigid material in order to provide the structure to the pommel portion of the headplate assembly. Accordingly, the headplate centerpiece may be made of materials such as wood, metal (e.g. steel or iron), rigid thermoplastic or polymer material, and/or composites thereof that provide a rigid structure to the headplate assembly.
The headplate assembly of the present invention is constructed by arranging the top, middle, and bottom layers overlaying each other, starting with the longest layer on the bottom, with the intermediate length layer as the middle layer, overlying the bottom layer, and with the shortest layer as the top layer, overlying the middle layer. The headplate centerpiece is then positioned overlying the top layer, with the apertures in the headplate centerpiece being aligned with the securing apertures in each of the three layers. In one alternate embodiment of the present invention, the headplate centerpiece, rather than being positioned overlaying the top layer, is positioned overlaying the bottom layer with the apertures in the headplate centerpiece again being aligned with the securing apertures in each of the layers.
The headplate assembly is secured together using a series of rivets which pass through the aligned apertures in the headplate centerpiece and the top layer, the middle layer, and the bottom layer. Washers may be used to prevent the riveted end of the rivets from pulling through the apertures in the layers. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that any type of fastening or binding mechanism including, but not limited to, staples, clamps, bolts, pins, clips, nuts, screws, nails, or tacks may be used to secure the headplate assembly together.
The progressive flex headplate assembly of the present invention resembles, in both form and function, a mechanical leaf spring. The flexible, resilient layers provide each of the legs of the headplate assembly with a progressive flex capability. Each leg can be flexed to accommodate horses having withers of differing widths. Nonetheless, in combination with the headplate centerpiece, the flexible legs/points of the headplate assembly also are provided with variable resistance in response to flexure of the legs. As constructed, the legs are permitted to progressively flex, with the flexing capability increasing (and resistance decreasing) down the length of each leg—with maximum flexure (and minimum resistance) occurring near the points of each leg. Thus, the headplate assembly is provided with a non-linear resistance function, similar to that of a mechanical leaf spring. Therefore, the headplate assembly is afforded the capability to accommodate different sizes of horses.
The headplate assembly, and thus the saddle tree and the saddle constructed therewith, can properly fit horses of varying widths. Indeed, this feature allows the points of the saddle tree to lie parallel to the withers regardless of the width of the horse. Because the headplate assembly is designed to progressively flex and yet contains a rigid headplate centerpiece, the saddle tree constructed therewith provide a better fitting saddle, with the saddle tree and the headplate assembly being able to adjust to account for movement of the horse's body—with the resistance of the headplate assembly maintaining the saddle in proper position without pinching or putting pressure on top of the withers or on the horse's spine.
Depending on the desired amount of progressive flex, the type of saddle, and the materials of construction, the number of narrow, flexible segments or layers included in the headplate assembly of the present invention may vary. Preferably, there are from two to five layers in the headplate assembly of the present invention. In addition, the length of each layer and the length of the headplate centerpiece may vary depending on the desired amount of rigidity or progressive flex, the type of saddle, and/or the size of the horse.
The connecting portion of the saddle tree of the present invention connects the cantle portion to the headplate assembly, without the use of rigid rails that are connected to both the pommel portion and cantle as traditionally done in the prior art. Rather, the connecting portion used to connect the headplate assembly and the cantle of the present invention is constructed of leather or another flexible, yet rugged materials(s).
Thus, the connecting portion connects the cantle to the pommel/headplate assembly without inhibiting the progressive flexibility of the legs and the points of the headplate assembly. Further, the connecting portion also provides the suspension system necessary to support the flocking and/or foam, the seat, and the other panels necessary to construct a saddle therefrom. In the completed progressive flex saddle tree of the present invention, the flexible connecting portion permits the cantle and the pommel portion/headplate assembly to move and flex independently from each other in response to movement of the horse during riding.
In alternate embodiments, the saddle tree and headplate assembly of the present invention may additionally include flexible connecting rails. The flexible connecting rails may be formed integrally with one of the flexible, resilient layers of the headplate assembly, and are positioned on either side of the pommel portion of the headplate assembly. Preferably, the connecting rails are formed within the top layer of the headplate assembly and extend from the headplate assembly to the cantle of the saddle tree.
Each of the connecting rails may be constructed of nylon, vinyl, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or any similar flexible yet resilient material. Alternatively, the connecting rails may be constructed of steel, or another metal or composite material exhibiting the flexibility and resilience required for the headplate assembly. While the connector rails are constructed of a flexible resilient material, the connector rails provide some added stability to the saddle tree without obstructing or interfering with the progressive flex function of the headplate assembly.
Because the connecting rails are formed integrally with one of the layers in the headplate assembly, the connecting rails permit the saddle tree, and thus the saddle formed therewith, to properly fit a wide variety of different sized horses. The connector rails move proportionally with the legs of the headplate assembly, and as such, are always in the correct position along the horse's back—without pinching or pressing against the horse's spine.
Consistent with the broader aspects of the present invention, the flexible connector rails may instead be formed as separate pieces and secured at one end to one of the layers of the headplate assembly and secured at the other end to the cantle of the saddle tree.
It may therefore be seen that the saddle tree including the progressive flex headplate of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a headplate assembly, as well as a saddle tree and a saddle constructed therewith, having progressive flex that permits the saddle to fit more than one size horse. Accordingly, it may been seen that the progressive flex headplate assembly of the present invention provides a better fitting saddle tree and saddle by allowing flexure of the legs/points in order to accommodate movement of the horse during riding, thereby eliminating soreness and injury to the horse.
The saddle tree including the progressive flex headplate assembly of the present invention is of a construction which is both durable and long lasting, and which will require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. The saddle tree including the progressive flex headplate assembly of the present invention is also of inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of the saddle tree including the progressive flex headplate assembly of the present invention are achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.
These and other advantages of the present invention are best understood with reference to the drawings, in which:
Consistent with the teachings of the present invention, the heart of a progressive flex saddle tree 28 is a headplate assembly 30 of novel construction, as illustrated in
As best illustrated in
Referring back to
The middle layer 38 of the headplate assembly 30 has a top side 72, a bottom side 74, and opposing ends 76 and 78. The middle layer 38 also has a front edge 80 and a back edge 82. A small, curved indentation 84 is formed within the front edge 80 of the middle layer 38 which will be located at the pommel portion 44 of the completed head plate assembly 30. Further, a plurality of apertures 86 are formed within the middle layer 38 for securing the components of the headplate assembly 30 together. Two apertures 88 are also formed within middle layer 38 to secure the completed headplate assembly 30 to a saddle when the saddle tree 28 is complete.
As illustrated in
The top layer 40 of the headplate assembly 30 has a top side 90, a bottom side 92, and opposing ends 94 and 96. The top layer 40 also has a front edge 98 and a back edge 100. The top layer 40 has a small, curved indentation 102 formed within the front edge 98 of the top layer 40 which will be located at the pommel portion 44 of the completed head plate assembly 30. A plurality of apertures 104 are formed within the top layer 40 for securing the headplate assembly 30 together. Two apertures 106 are also provided within the top layer 40 to secure the completed headplate assembly 30 to a saddle when the saddle tree 28 is complete.
As illustrated in
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the layers 36, 38, and 40 may, rather than becoming narrower at their respective ends from the top layer 40 to the bottom layer 36, have a uniform width from top layer 40 to the bottom layer 36.
The layers 36, 38, and 40 of the present invention may be made of nylon, vinyl, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or any similar flexible yet resilient material. Consistent with the broader aspects of the present invention, the layers 36, 38, and 40 may also be constructed of steel, or any other metal or composite material exhibiting the appropriate flexibility and resilience.
Referring back to
As illustrated in
The headplate assembly 30 is secured together using a series of rivets 118 and washers 120, as illustrated in the
As best illustrated in
The progressive flex provided to each of legs 46 and 48 permits the headplate assembly 30, and thus the saddle tree 28 and saddle constructed therefrom, to conform to the bodily shape of the horse and therefore to properly fit horses of varying widths and shapes. Indeed, this feature allows the points 50 and 52 of the saddle tree 28 to lie parallel to the withers regardless of the width of the horse. Because the headplate assembly 30 is designed to progressively flex and yet contains a rigid headplate centerpiece 42, the saddle tree 28 and saddle constructed therefrom provides a better fitting saddle, allowing the saddle tree 28 and the headplate assembly 30 to adjust to account for movement of the horse's body—with the resistance of the headplate assembly 30 maintaining the saddle in proper position without pinching, or putting pressure on top of the withers or on the horse's spine.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the number of layers included in the headplate assembly 30 may vary depending on the desired degree of progressive flex, the type of saddle, and the materials used in the construction of the headplate assembly. Preferably, there are from two to five layers in the headplate assembly 30 of the present invention. In addition, the length of each layer and the length of the headplate centerpiece 42 may vary depending on the desired amount of rigidity or progressive flex desired, the type of saddle, and/or the size of the horse.
It will be further appreciated by one skilled in the art that the headplate assembly 30 may be constructed as one integral piece of flexible, resilient material having the pommel portion 44, legs 46 and 48, and points 50 and 52, wherein the headplate assembly 30 is constructed to be thicker at the pommel portion 44 and gradually becoming thinner down the length of each leg 44 and 46, with the thinnest portion of the headplate assembly 30 being located near the points 50 and 52 of each of the legs 46 and 48—thereby providing the same effect as a multi-layered headplate assembly.
Referring again to
A support member 128, also in the shape of an inverted U, is mounted to the bottom side 124 of the cantle portion 32 to provide additional rigidity to the cantle portion 32. The support member 128 may be constructed of metal, plastic, or any other material known to those skilled in the art to provide a sufficient amount of rigidity to the cantle portion 32. Consistent with the broader aspects of the present invention, the cantle portion 32 may be constructed of a material, such as plastic, wood or metal, in which a support member is integrally formed within the cantle portion 32, or instead, the cantle portion 32 may be constructed, depending on the material of construction, without a support member 128.
A plurality of screws 130 are used to secure the support member 128 to the cantle portion 32. However, any other securing device or fastening mechanism such as bolts, rivets, staples, or nails may be used to secure the support member 128 to the cantle portion 32. In addition, any appropriate type of adhesive may instead be used to secure the support member 128 to the cantle portion 32.
As also illustrated in
The connecting portion 34 of the saddle tree 28 has a top side 132, a bottom side 134, a back end 136, a tapered portion 138 and a front end 140. The back end 136 of connecting portion 34 is substantially the same shape as but slightly larger than the cantle portion 32. Substantially in the middle of the connecting portion 34, the connecting portion 34 narrows to form the tapered portion 138. At the front end 140, the connecting portion 34 becomes wider and assumes substantially the shape of the pommel portion 44. The connecting portion 34 can optionally include a generally rectangular-shaped cover 142 for covering the headplate centerpiece 42 in the completed saddle tree 28.
To complete the saddle tree 28 of the present invention, the connecting portion 34 is placed top side 132 down so that it is lying flat and the cantle portion 32 is positioned top side 122 down on top of the connecting portion 34 and aligned with the back end 136 of the connecting portion 34. An edge 144 of the back end 136 of the connecting portion 34 is wrapped around the top side 122 of the cantle portion 32 and is folded over onto the bottom side 124 of the cantle portion 32, conforming to the inverted U shape of the cantle portion 32. The edge 144 is secured to the bottom side 124 of the cantle portion 32 using staples. Alternately, the edge 144 may be secured to the bottom side 124 of the cantle portion 32 using tacks, nails, an adhesive, or any other securing mechanism known to those skilled in the art.
Next, the headplate assembly 30 is aligned with the front end 140 of the connecting portion 34 such that the headplate centerpiece 42 and the pommel portion 44 are in contact with the bottom side 134 of the connecting portion 34 with the bottom side 56 of the layer 36, the bottom side 74 of the layer 38, and the bottom side 92 of the top layer 40 facing away from the bottom side 134 of the connecting portion 34. An edge 146 of the front end 140 of the connecting portion 34 is wrapped around the headplate assembly 30 and is folded over on to the bottom side 56 of the bottom layer 36. The edge 146 is secured to the bottom side 56 of the bottom layer 36 of the headplate assembly 30 using staples. However, the edge 146 may be secured to the bottom side 56 of the bottom layer 36 of the headplate assembly 30 using tacks, nails, an adhesive, or any other securing mechanism known to those skilled in the art.
As will be appreciated by those in the art, the connecting portion 34 not only connects the cantle portion 32 to the pommel portion 44 and the headplate assembly 30 of the present invention, it also provides the suspension system necessary to support the flocking and/or foam, the seat, and the other panels necessary to construct a saddle therefrom. The flexible connecting portion 34 of the present invention permits the cantle portion 32 and the pommel portion 44 and the headplate assembly 30 to move independently from each other.
Next, the cover 142 is added to the saddle tree 28. The cover 142 includes opposing edges 148 and 150. The edge 148 is joined to the bottom side 134 of the connecting portion 34 at a position adjacent to the headplate assembly 30. The edge 148 is preferably joined to the connecting portion 34 by stitching; however, it may be joined using staples, tacks or any other securing mechanism known to those skilled in the art.
The cover 142 is then folded over the headplate centerpiece 42 and the edge 150 is secured to the bottom side 56 of the bottom layer 36, covering the headplate centerpiece 42. The edge 150 is secured to the bottom side 56 of the bottom layer 36 of the headplate assembly 30 using staples; however, tacks, nails, adhesive or any other securing mechanism known to those skilled in the art may also be used to secure the edge 150 to the bottom side 56 of the bottom layer 36.
As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, because the connecting portion 34 of the saddle tree 28 of the present invention is constructed of a leather material and therefore flexible, the saddle tree 28 can flex about a center axis C (illustrated in
In preparation for use in a riding saddle of the present invention, the saddle tree 28 includes a strap 152 positioned on the bottom side 134 of the connecting portion 34 adjacent the headplate assembly 30. The strap 152 is formed in a loop and joined at two locations 154 and 156 to the bottom side 134 of the connecting portion 34. In this way, the strap 152 forms two opposing loops 158 and 160 (on opposite sides of axis C, as shown in
Referring for the moment to
An exploded view of a completed saddle 166 of the present invention is illustrated in
The cantle portion 32 and the pommel portion 44 are then tightly covered with a seat panel 168, to form a seat 170. As illustrated in
After installation of the seat panel 168, skirt panels 178 and 180 are then added to the saddle tree 28 by stitching, or otherwise securing the side panels 178 and 180 to the seat panel 168 or to the saddle tree 28 itself. The skirt panels 178 and 180 are included in the saddle 166 to cover the stirrup bars 162 and 164. The seat panel 168 and skirt panels 178 and 180 are preferably constructed of leather; however, any material known to those skilled in the art for use in riding saddles may be used in accordance with the present invention. In addition, the seat panel 168 and the skirt panels 178 and 180 may be constructed of a single integral unit and attached to the saddle tree 28 in any manner known to those skilled in the art.
As illustrated in
As also illustrated in
Consistent with the present invention, the elongated members 188 and 190 are preferably constructed in the form of leather pockets wherein each of the elongated members 188 and 190 are stuffed with flocking, foam or another stuffing material to produce a cushioned, padded area that will help insulate the horse's back from the saddle tree 28 and the weight of the rider, as illustrated in
The elongated member 188 has opposing side edges 192 and 194. Likewise, the elongated member 190 also has opposing sides 196 and 198. The elongated members 188 and 190 may be joined directly together at their side edges 192 and 196, respectively, or the elongated members 188 and 190 may be joined with a narrow leather strip (not shown in
Leather underflaps 200 and 202 are provided and lie over opposite sides of the horse when the saddle is in use. The leather underflaps 200 and 202 are designed to protect the sides of the horse's body from the stirrup bars 162 and 164, from the girth strap and from friction of the rider's movement. The leather underflap 200 is secured to the elongated member 188 at the side 194 thereof. Likewise, the leather underflap 202 is secured to the elongated member 190 at the side 198 thereof. The underflaps 200 and 202 are preferably secured to the elongated members 188 and 190 by stitching; however, any conventionally used method for joining the leather underflaps 200 and 202 to the elongated members 188 and 190 may be used.
Each of the leather underflaps 200 and 202 is provided with a pocket 204 and 206 (the pocket 206 is in a location on leather underflap 202 similar to the location of the pocket 204 on underflap 200, although not shown on
Girth tabs 208 and 210 are also provided on each side of the saddle 166 and are secured on top of each underflap 200 and 202 on opposing sides of the saddle 166. The girth tab 208 is secured to the saddle 166 at the seam of the underflap 200 and the elongated member 188 at the side 194 thereof. Likewise, the girth tab 210 is secured to the saddle 166 at the seam of the underflap 202 and the elongated member 190 at the side 198 thereof. The girth tabs 208 and 210 are provided on opposite sides of the horse in order to attach the girth strap when the saddle is installed on to the horse.
To complete the saddle 166 of the present invention, leather saddle flaps 212 and 214 are provided. Each of the saddle flaps 212 and 214 include an aperture 216 to help secure the lower portion 186 of saddle 166 together with the saddle tree 28. The saddle flap 212 is secured to the elongated member 188 at the side 192 thereof. Likewise, the saddle flap 214 is secured to the elongated member 190 at the side 196 thereof. The saddle flaps 212 and 214 are preferably secured to the elongated members 188 and 190 by stitching; however, any conventionally used method for joining the saddle flaps 212 and 214 to the elongated members 188 and 190 may be used.
Knee pads 218 and 220 may be provided on each of the saddle flaps 212 and 214, as shown in
Finally, as illustrated in
Referring next to
The bottom layer 304 of the headplate assembly 302 has a top side 322, a bottom side 324, and opposing ends 326 and 328. The bottom layer 304 also has a front edge 330 and a back edge 336. A small, curved indentation 334 is formed within the front edge 330 of the bottom layer 304 which will be located at the pommel portion 312 of the completed headplate assembly 302. In addition, a plurality of apertures 336 are formed within the bottom layer 304 for securing the components of the headplate assembly 302 together. Two apertures 338 are also provided within the bottom layer 304 to secure the completed headplate assembly 302 within a constructed saddle when the saddle tree 300 is complete.
The middle layer 306 of the headplate assembly 302 has a top side 340, a bottom side 342, and opposing ends 344 and 346. The middle layer 306 also has a front edge 348 and a back edge 350. A small, curved indentation 352 is formed within the front edge 348 of the middle layer 306 which will be located at the pommel portion 312 of the completed head plate assembly 302. Further, a plurality of apertures 354 are formed within the middle layer 306 for securing the components of the headplate assembly 302 together. Two apertures 356 are also formed within the middle layer 306 to secure the completed headplate assembly 302 to a saddle when the saddle tree 300 is complete.
As indicated in
The top layer 308 of the headplate assembly 302 has a top side 358, a bottom side 360, and opposing ends 362 and 364. The top layer 302 also has a front edge 366 and a back edge 368. The top layer 308 has a small, curved indentation 370 formed within the front edge 366 of the top layer 308 which will be located at the pommel portion 312 of the completed head plate assembly 302.
As also illustrated in
Each of the connector rails 372 and 374 extends from the back edge 368 of the top layer 308 such that the first ends 376 and 378 extend rearwardly back from the top layer 308 on both sides of the pommel portion 312. The connector rails 372 and 374 run substantially parallel to each other along the length of the saddle tree 300 and each of the second ends 380 and 382 of connector rails 372 and 374 connect to the cantle portion of the completed saddle tree 300 (as shown in
A plurality of apertures 384 are formed within the top layer 308 for securing the components of the headplate assembly 302 together. Two apertures 386 are also provided within the top layer 308 to secure the completed headplate assembly 302 to a saddle when the saddle tree 300 is complete.
As illustrated in
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the layers 304, 306 and 308 may, rather than becoming narrower at their respective ends from the top layer 308 to the bottom layer 304, have a uniform width from the top layer 308 to the bottom layer 304.
The layers 304, 308 and 308, including the connector rails 372 and 374, of the present invention may be nylon, vinyl, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or any similar flexible yet resilient material. Consistent with the broader aspects of the present invention, the layers 304, 308 and 308 and/or the connector rails 372 and 374 may be constructed of steel, or any other metal or composite material exhibiting flexibility and resilience.
As can be seen from
To construct the headplate assembly 302, the layers 304, 308 and 308 are arranged overlaying each other, starting with the bottom layer 304 (which is the longest layer), with the middle layer 306 (the next longest layer) overlying the bottom layer 304, and then with the top layer 308 (the shortest layer) overlying the middle layer 306, as described above. Next, the headplate centerpiece 310 is positioned overlaying the top layer 308 such that the bottom side 390 of the headplate centerpiece 310 is adjacent to the top side 358 of the top layer 308 with the apertures 396 of the headplate centerpiece 310 being aligned with the apertures 384 of the top layer 308, the apertures 354 of the middle layer 306, and the apertures 336 of the bottom layer 304.
Consistent with the broader aspects of the present invention, the headplate centerpiece 310 may alternately be mounted underneath the bottom layer 308. In this configuration, the top side 388 of the headplate centerpiece 310 is adjacent to the bottom side 364 of the bottom layer 304 with the apertures 396 of the headplate centerpiece 310 being aligned with the apertures 336 of the bottom layer 304.
In either configuration, the headplate assembly 310 is secured together using a series of rivets 398 and washers 400, as illustrated in the
As illustrated in
The progressive flex provided to each 314 and 316 permit the headplate assembly 302, and thus the saddle tree 300 and saddle constructed therewith, to conform to the bodily shape of the horse and therefore to properly fit horses of varying widths and shapes. Indeed, such feature allows the points 318 and 320 of the saddle tree 300 to lie parallel to the withers regardless of the width of the horse. Because the headplate assembly 302 is designed to progressively flex and yet contains a rigid headplate centerpiece 310, the saddle tree 300 and saddle constructed therefrom provides a better fitting saddle, allowing the saddle tree 300 and the headplate assembly 302 to adjust to account for movement of the horse's body—with the resistance of the headplate assembly 302 maintaining the saddle in proper position without pinching, or putting pressure on top of the withers or on the horse's spine.
Further, because the headplate assembly 302 is designed to flex to fit horses of different widths and because the connector rails 372 and 374 are integrally formed within the top layer 308 of the headplate assembly, the connector rails 372 and 374 also flex as the headplate assembly 302 is progressively flexed to fit different size horses. As the progressive flex headplate assembly 302 adjusts to fit a particular size of a horse, the connector rails 372 and 374 will flex proportionally to the flex of the top layer 308 of the headplate assembly 302, and therefore the connector rails 372 and 374 will be properly aligned on the horse's back on either side of the horse's spine.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the number of layers included in the headplate assembly 302 may vary depending on the desired degree of progressive flex, the type of saddle, and the materials used in the construction of the headplate assembly. Preferably, there are from two to five layers in the headplate assembly 302 of the present invention. In addition, the length of each layer and the length of the headplate centerpiece 310 may vary depending on the desired amount of rigidity or progressive flex desired, the type of saddle, and/or the size of the horse.
Referring again to
A support member 410, also in the shape of an inverted U, is mounted to the bottom side 408 of the cantle portion 402 to provide additional rigidity to the cantle portion 402. Importantly, the second ends 380 and 382 of the flexible connector rails 372 and 374 will be mounted to the cantle portion 402. The connector rails provide some additional rigidity to the saddle tree 300, while also remaining resilient and flexible to not only conform to the shape of the horse's back but also to permit progressive flexibility and resistance to the saddle tree 300 in response to movement of the horse. The connector rails 372 and 374 may be mounted to either side of the support member 410.
The support member 410 may be constructed of metal, plastic, or any material known to those skilled in the art to provide a sufficient amount of rigidity to the cantle portion 402. Consistent with the broader aspects of the present invention, the cantle portion 402 may be constructed of a material, such as plastic, wood or metal, in which a support member is integrally formed within the cantle portion 402, or instead, the cantle portion 402 may be constructed, depending on the material of construction, without a support member 410.
A plurality of screws 412 secure the support member 410 to the cantle portion 402. However, any other securing device or fastening mechanism such as bolts, rivets, staples, or nails may be used to secure the support member 410 to the cantle portion 402.
The connecting portion 404 of the saddle tree 300 is shown in
The connecting portion 404 of the saddle tree 300 has a top side 414, a bottom side 416, a back end 418, a tapered portion 420 and a front end 422. The back end 418 of connecting portion 404 is substantially the same shape as but slightly larger than the cantle portion 402. At the tapered portion 420, the connecting portion 404 narrows, as illustrated in
To complete the saddle tree 300 of the present invention, the connecting portion 404 is placed top side 414 down so that it is lying flat and the cantle portion 402 is positioned top side down on top of the connecting portion 404 and aligned with the back end 418 of the connecting portion 404. An edge 424 of the back end 418 of the connecting portion 404 is wrapped around the top side of the cantle portion 402 and folded over on to the bottom side 408 of the cantle portion 402, conforming to the inverted U shape of the cantle portion 402. The edge 424 is secured to the bottom side 408 of the cantle portion 402 using staples. Alternatively, the edge 424 may be secured to the bottom side 408 of the cantle portion 402 using tacks, nails, adhesive or any other securing mechanism known to those skilled in the art.
Next, the headplate assembly 302 is aligned with the front end 422 of the connecting portion 404 such that the headplate centerpiece 310 and the pommel portion 312 are in contact with the bottom side 416 of the connecting portion 404 and with the bottom sides 390, 360, 342, and 364 of the layers 308, 306, and 304 are facing away from the bottom side 416 of the connecting portion 404. An edge 426 of the front end 422 of the connecting portion 404 is wrapped around the headplate assembly 302 and folded over on to the bottom side 364 of the bottom layer 304. The edge 426 is secured to the bottom side 364 of the bottom layer 304 of the headplate assembly 302 using staples. However, the edge 426 may instead be secured to the bottom side 364 of the bottom layer 304 of the headplate assembly 302 using tacks, nails, adhesive or any other securing mechanism known to those skilled in the art.
As will be appreciated by those in the art, the connecting portion 404 not only connects the cantle portion 402 to the pommel 312 and the headplate assembly 302 of the present invention, it also provides the suspension system necessary to support the flocking and/or foam, the seat and the other panels necessary to construct a saddle therefrom. The connecting portion 404 and connector rails 372 and 374 of the present invention permit the cantle portion 402 and the pommel portion 312 and the headplate assembly 302 to flex independently from each other in response to movement of the horse. The resilience of the material of the connector rails 372 and 374 also helps retain the saddle tree 300 in proper shape and configuration in order to ensure the saddle constructed therewith properly fits the horse.
Saddle tree 300, as illustrated in
Further, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
Layers 36, 38 and 40 of the headplate assembly 502 are arranged and configured as illustrated in
The saddle tree 500 is provided with connector rails 516 and 518 which extend from the headplate centerpiece 508 to the cantle portion 504. Each of the connector rails 516 and 518 has a first end 520 and 522 and a second end 524 and 526, respectively. The first end 520 of the connector rail 516 is secured to the headplate centerpiece 508 at the leg 512 and the second end 524 of the connector rail 516 is secured to the cantle portion 504. Likewise, the first end 522 of the connector rail 518 is secured to the headplate centerpiece 508 at the leg 510 and the second end 526 of the connector rail 518 is secured to the cantle portion 504.
The connector rails 516 and 518 may be secured to the headplate centerpiece 508 and the cantle 502 using screws, rivets or any securing device known to those skilled in the art. The connector rails 516 and 518 may be constructed of nylon, vinyl, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or any similar flexible yet resilient material. Consistent with the broader aspects of the present invention, the connector rails 416 and 418 may be constructed of steel, or any other metal or composite material exhibiting flexibility and resilience.
Saddle tree 500, as illustrated in
It may therefore be appreciated from the above detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that the novel headplate assembly is constructed to provide a saddle tree and a saddle constructed therefrom having progressive flex and resistance in order to accommodate a wide variety of different sized and shaped horses with a single saddle. Further, it will be appreciated that the headplate assembly of the present invention provides a better fitting saddle tree which accounts for movement of the horse's body, and thus, minimizes soreness and injury to the horse.
Although the foregoing description of the saddle tree including the progressive flex headplate assembly of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, variations, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20050120683 A1 | Jun 2005 | US |
