DE20214921U1 - Saddle tree for a riding saddle with costume extension piece, as well as a corresponding riding saddle - Google Patents

Description

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

Saddle tree for a riding saddle with traditional extension piece, as well as corresponding riding saddle

The invention relates to a saddle tree for a riding saddle, as well as to a riding saddle with such a saddle tree.

A saddle tree usually has several areas. The front cross section of the saddle tree is called the saddle head, the rear cross section the cantle. The saddle head is made up of one or more parts, which are preferably made of metal. The cantle and saddle head are connected by the heels, which are designed as longitudinal parts and usually lie to the right and left of the spine of the animal wearing the saddle. Saddle trees are known, for example, from DE 24 10 669 and DE 24 50 427. The saddle tree can be made of wood or plastic, in one or more pieces.

A variety of different saddle types are known from horse riding and also generally from the use of horses outside of sport. One possible saddle type is the traditional saddle, which was and is used primarily in the military, for example. In comparison to other saddles, such a traditional saddle is designed to be longer in the longitudinal direction in order to create a larger surface area for loads that can be attached to the heels compared to conventional saddles. The extension of the traditional saddle consists in the extension of the heels. Such a saddle was often used in the military, as riders there often had to carry relatively large and heavy luggage. Nowadays, traditional saddles are increasingly used in the leisure sector, as longer rides are becoming more and more common here.

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

te with relatively much luggage and thus increased load by the rider.

When using conventional heel saddles, the problem arises that on horses with relatively short backs, the extended heels rest on the horse's back in the kidney area. The constant alternating loads that occur when the rider sits in the animal's saddle can lead to painful strain on the animal's very sensitive kidney areas.
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Based on this, it is the object of the invention to provide means which have an increased transport capacity in a saddle while at the same time reducing the load on the kidney areas of the animals.

This object is achieved by a saddle tree for a riding saddle with the features of claim 1, as well as a riding saddle with the features of claim 14. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The saddle tree according to the invention for a riding saddle with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, each with a saddle head extending essentially in the transverse direction and a cantle and at least two heels extending essentially in the longitudinal direction and connecting the saddle head and cantle is characterized in that at least one heel extension piece is formed which is movably connected to at least one heel.

Such a traditional costume extension piece advantageously allows the attachment of saddlebags or similar, for example, which can be used to accommodate additional luggage. Because this traditional costume

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

If the extension parts are movably connected to a heel, or if at least one heel extension piece is movably connected to at least one heel, the load on the horse can be advantageously reduced, or the force exerted on the animal's back can be redirected to areas that are more resilient than, for example, the animal's kidney region.

According to the invention, it is possible to movably connect a costume extension piece to two costumes or to movably connect one costume extension piece to one costume. Both variants offer advantages depending on the area of application, as different configurations of the costume extension piece are possible, each of which can be adapted to the type, size and shape of the luggage to be transported, for example.

According to an advantageous design of the saddle tree, the movable connection between the heel and the heel extension piece has a joint axis that is approximately perpendicular to a main load direction. The main load direction of a riding saddle and thus also of a corresponding saddle tree is usually essentially the vertical direction in which the rider sits in the saddle. This is the main load direction of the horse's back. If the movable connection between the heel and the heel extension piece has a joint axis that is approximately perpendicular to this main load direction, i.e. in a horizontal direction, the heel extension piece moves about an essentially horizontal axis relative to the heel.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the saddle tree, the at least one heel extension piece is connected to the at least one heel in such a way that the effect of a force on the heel is essentially in

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

Main loading direction leads to movement of the at least one heel extension piece essentially in a direction opposite to the main loading direction. This means that the load on the horse's back by a force in a main loading direction can occur primarily in areas that can withstand this load. In particular, it is possible to relieve the horse's kidney region because the at least one heel extension piece rests there. If the rider now sits in the saddle or an inexperienced rider applies sudden load to it, this leads to a force on the heel essentially in a main loading direction. However, this then results in the rear part of the at least one heel extension piece moving essentially in a direction opposite to the main loading direction relative to the heel. The heel extension piece and the load attached to it thus lift off the horse and does not put load on the horse's kidney region.

In this context, it is possible to design the properties of the movable connection, especially an articulated connection, between the heel extension piece and the heel in such a way that the design of the movable connection, for example the lever arm and the resulting deflection of the movable connection, can be adapted to the expected loads that lead to weight forces acting on the heel extension piece.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the saddle tree is pre-tensioned. Pre-tensioning the saddle tree is advantageous for absorbing the forces acting on it, so that the rider achieves a certain degree of suspension comfort when sitting in the saddle or when impacts occur. In a particularly advantageous manner, this pre-tensioning can be maintained by at least one spring, preferably a leaf spring and particularly preferably a steel leaf spring and at least one longitudinal strap and/or one transverse strap. In this way,

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

the tree is provided with at least one spring which is put under tension by the at least one longitudinal girth and/or the at least one transverse girth. This advantageously allows the saddle to have a springy behavior, which increases the rider's comfort.
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According to a further advantageous embodiment of the saddle tree, the at least one heel extension piece is connected to the at least one spring in such a way that the action of a force on the heel essentially in the main loading direction leads to the movement of the rear end of the at least one heel extension piece essentially in a direction opposite to the main loading direction.

The connection of the at least one heel extension piece to the spring, which serves to maintain the pre-tension, makes it easy to create a movable connection between the heel extension piece and the heel, so that the rear end of the heel extension piece moves essentially in a direction opposite to the main load direction. This makes it possible, for example, to relieve the animal's kidney area and at the same time to increase the saddle's carrying capacity in terms of accessories and thus to a certain extent to increase the saddle's possible load.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the saddle tree, a bend is formed on the heel extension piece to connect the heel extension piece to the spring, which engages behind the spring. This connects the heel extension piece to the spring in a very simple and effective manner.

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the saddle tree, the at least one heel extension piece is designed as a single piece. A single-piece design of the at least one heel extension piece advantageously allows the stability of the heel extension piece to be increased, as weak points are avoided. A heel extension piece designed in this way therefore increases both the service life and the everyday suitability of the saddle tree and thus also of the riding saddle.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the saddle tree, the heel extension piece is made of an elastic, reversibly deformable material, preferably metal. The formation of the heel extension piece from metal, in particular in one piece, advantageously allows the formation of a high-strength heel extension piece, the material properties of which, namely elasticity, can be used to form the movable connection. This is particularly advantageous if the one-piece, metallic heel extension piece is connected to a metallic spring that is used to pre-tension the saddle tree. It is thus possible in a simple manner to form a heel extension piece in such a way that when the heel is loaded in a vertical direction, the rear end of the heel extension piece moves in the opposite direction relative to the heel.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the saddle tree, the movable connection between the costume extension piece and the costume is formed by a plurality of connection points in a connection area between the costume extension piece and the costume. In conjunction with a metallic costume extension piece, this advantageously allows the formation of the movable connection between the costume and the costume extension piece by utilizing the material properties of the metal, and point-

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

wise connection of the heel extension piece to the heel. If there is a spring to build up pre-tension within the saddle tree, it is possible and in accordance with the invention to connect the plate-shaped, metallic heel extension piece to the spring using suitable measures, for example by forming a bend on the heel extension piece that engages under the spring. The movement of the spring when loaded thus leads to a movement of the heel extension piece around the axis formed by the connection points, so that the rear end of the heel extension piece moves in the opposite direction to the spring.

Under the conditions under which a riding saddle and therefore also the associated saddle tree are used, a metal is usually in the Hooke area. This means that the metal of the heel and/or heel extension can be reversibly deformed and thus serve to form an articulated connection between the heel and the heel extension.

In this context, it is particularly preferred that the connection points are formed by screws or rivets, preferably by screws. The formation of the connection points by screws or rivets advantageously allows the connection between the costume extension piece and the costume to be made in a simple manner.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the saddle tree, a buffer layer made of a deformable material, preferably plastic or leather, particularly preferably leather, is formed in the connection area between the heel extension piece and the heel. By forming a deformable buffer layer, it is possible to limit the deflection of the heel extension piece to predetermined areas. If the heel extension piece moves relative to the heel, the buffer layer is deformed.

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S8O895GBM KA/HN/zi

This buffer layer makes it possible to specify a maximum deflection of the movable connection between the heel extension piece and the heel, which requires significantly more force to be exceeded. It is advantageous to match this maximum possible deflection range to the material properties of the material or materials from which the heel extension piece is made. In this context, it is particularly advantageous to limit the deflection so that the deflection of the heel extension piece is still in the Hooke range of the material if it was manufactured as a single piece in plate form. The formation of the buffer layer from leather is advantageous because leather is one of the most important components of a conventional and also a traditional saddle. In this respect, it is advisable to also form this buffer layer from leather because leather is usually used in the production process of the saddle tree and the saddle anyway and the formation of this buffer layer can thus be easily integrated into the production process of the saddle. In addition, leather has particularly good durability properties and prevents the creation of noise when the joint moves.

According to a further aspect of the inventive concept, a riding saddle with a saddle tree according to the invention is proposed.

Further details and advantages of the invention are explained using the embodiments shown in the drawing, without the invention being limited to these. They show:

Fig. 1 a saddle tree in side view;
Fig. 2 a saddle tree viewed from below;

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

Fig. 3 a costume extension piece with separate support in plan view;

Fig. 4 a costume extension piece with mounted support in top view; 5

Fig. 5 shows a section through the costume extension piece when connected to the costume;

Fig. 6 a saddle tree according to the invention in side view; and 10

Fig. 7 shows a saddle tree according to the invention in bottom view.

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a saddle tree 1, with a saddle head 2 and a cantle 3. Saddle head 2 and cantle 3 are designed to extend essentially in a transverse direction 9. Saddle head 2 and cantle 3 are connected by two straps 4, which extend essentially in a longitudinal direction 8. The saddle tree 1 also has a seat 5, which can preferably be made of plastic. The saddle tree 1 also has transverse straps 6, which together with longitudinal straps 11 and strap rails 12 (not shown here) serve to pre-tension the saddle tree 1. Straps 4, cantle 3 and saddle head 2 can be made of wood, for example, but also of a plastic. Saddles that are not pre-tensioned can also be designed according to the invention.
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The saddle tree 1 also has springs 7 in which the stirrups (not shown) are held when the saddle is being assembled. In the event of a fall, these springs allow the stirrups to be released so that the rider can be separated from the horse.

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

The pre-tensioning of the saddle tree 1 is also achieved by leaf springs 11, not shown here. When riding, the saddle tree is essentially loaded in a main load direction 10, since this is the direction in which the rider sits in the saddle and shocks from inexperienced riders also act essentially in this direction. The saddle tree 1 has two heel extension pieces 15, which are described in detail below.

The saddle head 2 is adapted to the anatomy of the horse in the area of the withers and shoulder. The seat 5 is also adapted to the anatomy of the rider.

Fig. 2 shows a saddle tree 1 viewed from below. The saddle head 2 is formed in the front area and the cantle 3 in the rear area. The saddle head 2 and cantle 3 are connected by the heels 4. The saddle tree 1 is pre-tensioned by the cross straps 6, the longitudinal straps 11 and the heel rails 12. This increases comfort for the rider, as the relative movement of the rider against the saddle is dampened. The saddle head 2 is reinforced by the gullet plate 14. This can preferably be made of stainless steel. The heels 4 and the cantle 3 are reinforced by the reinforcement strip 13, which is preferably made of stainless steel. The heel rails 12 are also preferably made of stainless steel. These are designed as leaf springs. The saddle tree 1 has two heel extension pieces 15, which are shown in detail in the other figures and described below.

Fig. 3 shows a costume extension piece 15 and a support 17. The costume extension piece 15 is made in one piece from a metal, preferably stainless steel or aluminum. The costume extension piece 15 has connection points 16. At these connection points 16, the

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

Costume extension piece 15 with the costume 4 (not shown) by means of connecting means, for example by means of screws or rivets. The connection points 16 are essentially in line. Due to the elasticity of the costume extension piece 15 and costume 4, the formation of the connection points 16 results in a movable connection. The linear formation of the connection points 16 results in a joint-like connection between the costume extension piece 15 and the costume 4.

This line therefore represents the joint axis around which the heel extension piece 15 is movable. If the heel extension piece 15 is now connected to a heel rail 12 (not shown) via the crank 18 by being pushed under it, a deflection of the heel rail 12 causes a deflection of the heel extension piece 15 around the line defined by the connection points 16.
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The support 17 can be connected to the costume extension piece 15 so that the edges of the costume extension piece 15 are covered for further assembly, thus making further assembly of the saddle easier and increasing the service life of the product. The support 18 can have holes 19 through which a connection to the costume extension piece 15 can be formed using connecting means, for example screws or rivets. The support 17 is preferably made of plastic.

Fig. 4 shows the costume extension piece 15 with the support 17 mounted. Support 17 and costume extension piece 15 are connected by the connection points 16 and also by the hole 19. The connection can be made by forming connecting means, e.g. screws or rivets. The connection points 16 are used to connect the costume extension piece 15 to the costume 4 and also to connect the costume extension piece 15 to the support 17, while the

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S8O895GBM KA/HN/zi

ing piece 15 with the support 17, while the connecting means in the bore 19 only serves to connect the heel extension piece 15 with the support 17.

Fig. 5 shows a section along the line V-V in Fig. 4 in the state connected to the heel 4. The crank 18 engages behind the heel rail 12, which is designed as a leaf spring.

Fig. 6 shows a saddle tree 1 according to the invention in side view. A heel extension piece 15 with support 17 is attached to the heel 4. The connection between the heel extension piece 15 and support 17 is made by connecting means, for example screws 23 in connection points 16. A buffer layer 20 (not shown) is formed between the heel 4 and the heel extension piece 15, which is made of a deformable material, preferably leather. When the heel extension piece 15 moves, the buffer layer 20 is compressed or can stretch. A movement of the heel rail 12 thus causes a movement of the rear end of the heel extension piece 15 essentially in an opposite direction.
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For example, a movement of the heel 4 causes a movement of the heel rail 12 (not shown) in the first direction of movement 21 and a movement of the rear end of the heel extension piece 15 in the second direction of movement 22, which is essentially opposite to the first direction of movement 21. If the rider falls back into the saddle while riding, this causes a movement of the heel rail 12 in the first direction of movement 21, so that the heel extension piece 15, together with the loads hanging on it, is then moved in the second direction of movement 22 and thus away from the animal. This means that when the rider gets into the saddle, not

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

nor the heel extension pieces 15, which may rest on the kidney region of the animal, fall back onto the animal with great force. This advantageously relieves the animal's load.

Fig. 7 shows a saddle tree 1 according to the invention in a bottom view. Two heel extension pieces 15 are connected to two heels 14 by connecting means in the connection points 16. The heel extension pieces 15 are provided with supports 17 with which they are connected in the connection points 16 and the bore 19.

Each heel extension piece 15 engages with the bend 18 under a heel rail 12, which are designed as leaf springs. The cross straps 6 and the longitudinal straps 11, in conjunction with the heel rails 12, create a pre-tension that leads to increased suspension comfort for the rider. If the rider hits the saddle, this leads to a movement of the heel rails 12, which, due to the articulated connection formed by the bend 18 and the connection points 16 located in a linear area, leads to a movement of the rear end of the heel extension pieces 15 away from the animal.

A saddle tree according to the invention and a riding saddle according to the invention have an increased load capacity with reduced strain on the animal wearing the saddle. In this way, traditional saddles can advantageously be designed that are gentle on the animal.

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September 24, 2002 Joh's Stubben KG S80895GBM KA/HN/zi

List of reference symbols

1 Saddle tree 2 Saddle head 3 Cantle 4 Traditional costume 5 Seat 6 Cross strap 7 Fall spring 8th Longitudinal direction 9 Transverse direction 10 Main load direction 11 Longitudinal belt 12 Leaf spring 13 Reinforcement bar 14 Gullet 15 Traditional costume extension piece 16 Connection point 17 Edition 18 Crank 19 drilling 20 Buffer layer 21 first direction of movement 22 second direction of movement 23 screw

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Claims (14)

1. Saddle tree ( 1 ) for a riding saddle with a longitudinal direction ( 8 ) and a transverse direction ( 9 ), each with a saddle head ( 2 ) and a ledge ( 3 ) extending substantially in the transverse direction ( 9 ) and at least two heels ( 4 ) extending substantially in the longitudinal direction ( 8 ) and connecting the saddle head ( 2 ) and the ledge ( 3 ), characterized in that at least one heels extension piece ( 15 ) is formed which is movably connected to at least one heels ( 4 ). 2. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable connection between the heel ( 4 ) and the heel extension piece ( 15 ) has a joint axis which is formed approximately perpendicular to a main loading direction ( 10 ). 3. Saddle tree (I) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one heel extension piece ( 15 ) is connected to the at least one heel ( 4 ) in such a way that the action of a force on the heel ( 4 ) essentially in the main loading direction ( 10 ) leads to the movement of the at least one heel extension piece ( 15 ) essentially in a direction opposite to the main loading direction ( 10 ). 4. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the saddle tree ( 1 ) is pre-tensioned. 5. Saddle tree according to claim 4, characterized in that the pre-tension is maintained by at least one spring ( 12 ), preferably a leaf spring and particularly preferably a steel leaf spring, and at least one longitudinal strap ( 11 ) and/or one transverse strap ( 6 ). 6. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one heel extension piece ( 15 ) is connected to the at least one spring ( 12 ) in such a way that the action of a force on the heel ( 4 ) substantially in the main loading direction ( 10 ) leads to the movement of the rear end of the at least one heel extension piece ( 15 ) substantially in a direction opposite to the main loading direction ( 10 ). 7. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that for connecting the heel extension piece ( 15 ) to the spring ( 12 ), a crank ( 18 ) is formed on the heel extension piece ( 15 ), which engages behind the spring ( 12 ). 8. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one heel extension piece ( 15 ) is formed in one piece. 9. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one heel extension piece ( 15 ) is plate-shaped. 10. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heel extension piece ( 15 ) is made of an elastic, reversibly deformable material, preferably metal. 11. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the movable connection between the heel extension piece ( 15 ) and the heel ( 4 ) is formed by a plurality of connection points ( 16 ) in a connection region between the heel extension piece ( 15 ) and the heel ( 4 ). 12. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the connection points ( 16 ) are formed by screws ( 23 ) or rivets, preferably by screws ( 23 ). 13. Saddle tree ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the connection area between the heel extension piece ( 15 ) and the heel ( 4 ) a buffer layer ( 20 ) made of a deformable material, preferably plastic or leather, particularly preferably leather, is formed. 14. Riding saddle with a saddle tree ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13.