EP2690056A1 - Sicherungskopfplatte für einstellbaren Sattelbaum - Google Patents

Sicherungskopfplatte für einstellbaren Sattelbaum Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2690056A1
EP2690056A1 EP13169452.3A EP13169452A EP2690056A1 EP 2690056 A1 EP2690056 A1 EP 2690056A1 EP 13169452 A EP13169452 A EP 13169452A EP 2690056 A1 EP2690056 A1 EP 2690056A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hingedly connected
saddle
displacing element
saddle tree
rotatable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP13169452.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Isidore Strauss
Lynnda Scears
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Intec Corp
Original Assignee
Intec Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/560,041 external-priority patent/US8899004B2/en
Application filed by Intec Corp filed Critical Intec Corp
Publication of EP2690056A1 publication Critical patent/EP2690056A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B68—SADDLERY; UPHOLSTERY
    • B68C—SADDLES; STIRRUPS
    • B68C1/00—Saddling equipment for riding- or pack-animals
    • B68C1/02—Saddles
    • B68C1/04—Adjustable saddles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B68—SADDLERY; UPHOLSTERY
    • B68C—SADDLES; STIRRUPS
    • B68C1/00—Saddling equipment for riding- or pack-animals
    • B68C1/02—Saddles
    • B68C1/04—Adjustable saddles
    • B68C2001/048—Adjustable saddles continuously by means of screws

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to saddle trees for saddles used in equitation.
  • the invention relates to a locking headplate for a saddle tree, and to saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate for providing a custom-like fit of a saddle.
  • Modern equestrian saddles possess various common elements, including a seat portion on which a rider sits, a pommel, a cantle, and side flaps. Underpinning these structures is the saddle tree, known to be a base on which the remainder of the saddle is built.
  • the saddle tree typically includes a body defining a frame for the saddle, and including a head portion, two side portions, and a cantle or end portion.
  • the saddle tree determines the width of a saddle.
  • a conventional saddle tree is manufactured of wood or a suitable synthetic material, and eventually is provided with one or more layers of padding and covered in leather or a suitable leather-like synthetic material to define the saddle. It is an important part of saddle making and saddle fitting to properly match the saddle width, determined by the saddle tree width, to the back of the horse which will be wearing the saddle. An improperly fitted saddle may result in discomfort and potential injury to the horse's back.
  • saddle width is the primary criteria by which a saddle is measured and fitted to a horse, although of course length of tree and proper balance must also be considered.
  • the saddle must clear the withers of the horse, but yet must not be so narrow as to pinch the horse's back.
  • the tree must be positioned to prevent interfering with the movement of the horse's shoulder.
  • the seat of the saddle must be positioned so that the rider, when riding correctly, is placed over the horse's center of balance. Saddle blankets or pads can assist in correcting minor fit problems, but no amount of padding can compensate for a poorly-fitted saddle.
  • Conventional saddles typically include a non-adjustable saddle tree, and for that reason a particular saddle may only fit a narrow range of horses. That is, a saddle which comfortably fits one particular horse may not fit other, larger or smaller horses, or even horses of substantially the same size but having differently-shaped backs.
  • the same saddle may not fit even the same horse for an extended period of time without adjustments.
  • the back muscles and even the underlying skeletal structures change to some degree.
  • periodic adjustments to the saddle may be necessary.
  • a horse will physically develop to a degree that a different saddle may have to be purchased.
  • an individual rider may ride a number of horses, each having a differently sized and shaped back, over the course of a riding career or even concurrently in the case of a professional rider or an upper-level amateur rider.
  • this requires that the rider return a saddle to a professional saddle fitter for adjustment, or alternatively be able to purchase or otherwise access a number of saddles of differing widths. Either option increases the expense incurred by that rider.
  • failing to properly fit the saddle to a horse risks injury to the horse.
  • Such devices are suitable for their intended purpose, that is, adjusting the position of opposed elements of a saddle tree relative to one another to allow saddle width adjustment.
  • improvements in such devices are desirable.
  • vibration and temperature extremes may cause loosening of threaded elements such as those describe for the adjusting mechanism described in the '827 patent.
  • the opposed side panels of the saddle tree may remain relatively fixed in place relative to one another only when the weight of a rider is fully on a saddle seat incorporating it.
  • the present disclosure provides devices for providing incremental adjustability to a saddle tree, and to a saddle incorporating it, allowing widening or narrowing such a saddle tree and/or saddle in accordance with the dimensions of the back of an animal on which the saddle will be placed.
  • a locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree including opposed and hingedly connected elements for securing to a saddle tree head portion.
  • the locking headplate further includes a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly.
  • the locking headplate further includes a supplemental locking mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element.
  • the supplemental locking mechanism comprises a compression mechanism including at least one threaded fastener for impinging on a portion of the rotatable displacing element to selectively prevent rotation thereof.
  • At least one insert may be provided, disposed between an end of the threaded fastener and the rotatable displacing element whereby the threaded fastener compresses the at least one insert against a screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element to prevent rotation thereof.
  • At least a screwthread of the screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element may be made of a material having a first hardness.
  • the at least one insert may be made of a material having a second hardness which is less than the first hardness.
  • adjustable saddle trees incorporating the locking headplate according to the foregoing description are provided.
  • adjustable saddles incorporating adjustable saddle trees according to the foregoing description are provided.
  • Figure 1 shows a prior art adjustable saddle tree headplate
  • Figure 2 shows a locking headplate assembly for an adjustable saddle tree according to the present invention in exploded top plan view
  • Figure 2a shows an alternate embodiment of the locking headplate assembly of Figure 2 ;
  • Figure 3 shows the locking headplate assembly of Figure 2 in bottom plan view
  • Figure 3a shows a side view of a hinged plate of the locking headplate assembly of Figure 2 ;
  • Figure 4 shows the locking headplate assembly of Figure 2 in top plan view
  • Figure 5 shows an end view of the locking headplate assembly of Figure 2 ;
  • Figure 6 shows the end view of Figure 5 , demonstrating a decrease in width of the locking headplate assembly
  • Figure 7 shows an exploded side cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism for the locking headplate assembly according to the present invention
  • Figure 8 shows the side cross-sectional view of Figure 7 , with the locking mechanism locked in place to prevent displacement of the side panels of an adjustable saddle tree;
  • Figure 9 shows the locking headplate assembly according to the present invention installed on a saddle tree.
  • Figure 1 shows a prior art adjustable saddle tree as set forth in U.S. 4,996,827 (the '827 patent) to Pellew .
  • the device according to the '827 patent includes first and second plate members 1, 2, configured to be hingedly connected by a hinge pin 5.
  • Plate members 1, 2 include apertures 11a, 11b for rotatably receiving barrels 10a, 10b therein.
  • Each of barrels 10a, 10b of the '827 patent include threaded apertures for receiving screwthread pin 12 therein.
  • Screwthreaded pin 12 includes opposingly threaded screwthreads 13, 14.
  • rotating screwthreaded pin 12 clockwise will move plate members 1, 2 relative to one another in a first direction
  • rotating pin 12 counter-clockwise will move plate members 1, 2 in the opposite direction, narrowing or widening the plate members 1, 2 and correspondingly narrowing or widening a saddle tree secured thereto as needed.
  • This mechanism accordingly relies nearly exclusively on screwthreaded pin 12 both to adjust plate members 1, 2 relative to one another, and also to prevent displacement of plate members 1, 2 relative to one another after such adjustment.
  • the weight of a rider seated on a saddle during use will "capture" the saddle and plate members 1, 2 between the rider and the horse, further reducing displacement or flexing of plate members 1, 2 relative to one another. As long as the rider's weight remains in the saddle seat, the plate members 1, 2 will not displace relative to one another.
  • screwthreaded pin 12 prevents such displacement of plate members 1, 2. It is known in the fastening arts that phenomena such as vibration, extremes of temperature, and simple metal fatigue over time may cause spontaneous loosening of threaded elements such as screwthreaded pin 12 of the '827 patent. Thus, when a rider is in a two point stance, that is, when the rider's weight is supported substantially exclusively by the stirrups rather than the saddle seat, during use such as jumping, galloping, or the like, screwthreaded pin 12 may rotate and the plate members 1, 2 may undesirably be displaced relative to one another, altering the width of the saddle tree during use.
  • the locking headplate 20 includes opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b', hingedly connected by a hinge structure 26, secured in place by a pin 28.
  • Additional retainers 30 may be provided, such as C-clips, pins, clips, or the like, for preventing withdrawal of pin 28 and separation of hinge structure 26.
  • pin 28 may simply include an enlarged head, such as a rivet-type head, at opposed ends thereof to prevent withdrawal of pin 28 and separation of hinge structure 26 (see Figure 4 ).
  • Opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' each include a throughbore for rotatably receiving an adjusting cylinder 32a, 32b.
  • Each adjusting cylinder 32a, 32b defines a first threaded receiver 36a, 36b for receiving a threaded adjuster 34 therein.
  • Each of side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' also include an aperture 36a', 36b' which, when the locking headplate 20 is assembled, substantially align with the threaded receivers 36a, 36b in adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b.
  • adjuster 34 includes opposed, oppositely threaded pins 38a, 38b and a central hub 40 with at least one adjusting aperture 42 therein, wherein threaded pins 38a, 38b are received in correspondingly threaded apertures 36a, 36b.
  • the foregoing mechanism is shown assembled in Figures 3-4 .
  • apertures 36a', 36b' define at least one cross-sectional dimension that is substantially greater than a cross-sectional dimension of threaded receivers 36a, 36b and of threaded pins 38a, 38b.
  • this feature allows an increased range of motion for the locking headplate 20, that is, for displacing opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' over an increased range of angles in comparison to apertures 36a', 36b' having a cross-sectional dimension similar to that of threaded receivers 36a, 36b and threaded pins 38a, 38b.
  • the apertures 36a', 36b' may define an oval cross-sectional dimension (see Figure 3a ), which the skilled artisan will appreciate provides an even greater range of motion (see arrows) for displacement of opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' towards or away from one another.
  • rotating adjuster 34 in a first direction via central hub 40 will cause the oppositely threaded pins 38a, 38b to displace the opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' in a first direction.
  • Rotating adjuster 34 in a second direction that is directly opposed to the first direction via central hub 40 will cause the oppositely threaded pins 38a, 38b to displace the opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' in a second direction that is directly opposed to the first direction.
  • apertures 36a', 36b' allow a greater range of motion for this displacement as explained above, that is allows adjusting width W over an increased range of motion than would be the case if apertures 36a', 36b' had a cross-sectional dimension similar to that of threaded receivers 36a, 36b and threaded pins 38a, 38b.
  • the locking headplate 20 further includes a supplemental locking mechanism for preventing displacement of opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' once the headplate 20 has been adjusted to a desired width W.
  • each adjusting cylinder 32a, 32b defines a second threaded receiver 44a, 44b for receiving a correspondingly threaded locking fastener 44a, 44b therein.
  • locking fasteners 44a, 44b are socket head screws which may be tightened and loosened by use of a conventional hex wrench. However, any suitable threaded fastener is contemplated.
  • adjusting cylinder 32a (and likewise adjusting cylinder 32b) defines a hollow interior having an interior surface 46a which is at least partially threaded. That interior threaded surface cooperatively receives a length of locking fastener 44a therein.
  • an insert 48a may be provided which is received within the interior of adjusting cylinder 32a and when included is disposed intermediate of an end of locking fastener 44a and screwthreaded pin 38a. Shown also in the view of Figure 7 is the first receiver 36a in cylinder 32a for receiving an end of the threaded pins 38a, 38b of adjuster 34.
  • insert 48a when assembled insert 48a is disposed between locking fastener 44a and threaded pin 38a (see Figure 8 ) of the adjuster 34 whereby when locking fasteners 44a are advanced into the interior of the adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b, insert 48a impinges upon the pin 38a of the adjuster 34.
  • the locking mechanism 22a is locked in place.
  • corresponding features are found in the other locking mechanism 22b, which is secured in the identical manner described for locking mechanism 22a.
  • screwthreaded pins 38a, 38b may include apertures for receiving pins or rods therethrough to prevent rotation of adjusting member 34, the pins passing through corresponding apertures in adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b transversely to a longitudinal axis of screwthreaded pins 38a, 38b.
  • at least one of apertures 42 may pass through a full cross-sectional dimension of hub 40 of the adjuster 34, and a pin or rod may be used to lock adjuster 34 in place after a width W of locking headplate 20 is set as desired.
  • the present locking headplate 20 will be fabricated of a suitable metal material, such aluminum, steel, various alloys, and the like providing a desired combination of durability and light weight. Any suitable method of manufacture for these elements of the locking headplate 20 is contemplated, such as lost-wax casting and the like.
  • At least the threads of the threaded adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b will be fabricated of a suitably durable metal having a first hardness.
  • the inserts 48a, 48b will be fabricated of a material having a second hardness that is less than that first hardness, that is, the hardness of the material of which the adjuster 34 and adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b are fabricated.
  • the adjuster 34 and adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b may be fabricated of case-hardened steel, whereas the inserts 48a, 48b are fabricated of aluminum, iron, or an alloy, with the caveat that the hardness of the material from which the inserts 48a, 48b are is fabricated is less than the hardness of the case-hardened steel from which the adjuster 34 and adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b are fabricated.
  • the arrangement including optional inserts 48a, 48b provides an additional securing mechanism, in that as the inserts 48a, 48b impinge upon the adjuster 34 threaded pins 38a, 38b, the relatively harder threads of the pins 38a, 38b will sink a short distance into the relatively softer material of the inserts 48a, 48b, thereby providing increased grip in comparison to a simple friction or interference fit.
  • additional features may be provided on the surfaces of the inserts 48a, 48b that impinge on the pins 38a, 38b, such as a cross-hatching or threading pattern formed in the material of those surfaces to still further improve the gripping contact between the two.
  • the locking fasteners 44a, 44b are positioned in an end of adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b.
  • the specific positioning of locking fasteners 44a, 44b is a matter of design preference and user convenience.
  • the locking fasteners 44a, 44b may be positioned such that the user accesses them from a top of the saddle tree 20, from a bottom of the saddle tree 20, from the front of the saddle tree 20, or from the rear of the saddle tree 20.
  • the locking fasteners 44a, 44b and adjuster 34 are disposed on or in a saddle for convenient access by the user.
  • the locking headplate 20 is contemplated for use with a saddle tree 52 such as is shown in Figure 9 .
  • a saddle tree as is known in the art, is simply a frame on which a combination of leather and padding is placed and secured to form the elements of a saddle (not shown), such as the cantle, seat, etc.
  • the saddle tree 52 may be fabricated of any suitable material, such as wood, a durable polymer, or the like. Further, the saddle tree 52 may be divided or partially divided to allow greater flexibility. Alternatively, the saddle tree 52 may include a discrete head region fabricated of a sufficiently flexible material to allow the desired degree of flexibility imposed by the locking headplate 20.
  • the saddle tree 52 may be fabricated in its entirety of a sufficiently flexible material to allow the desired degree of flexibility imposed by the locking headplate 20.
  • the saddle tree 52 may be hinged at the head portion to allow the desired degree of flexibility imposed by the locking headplate 20.
  • the locking headplate 20 is secured to the head of a saddle tree 52 whereby opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' capture the saddle tree head in the manner shown. Specifically, side plates 24a, 24a' receive one portion of the saddle tree 52 therein, and side plates 24b, 24b' receive a second portion of the saddle tree 52 therein in the manner shown.
  • Any suitable fastener may be used to secure the locking headplate 20 to the saddle tree 52, including without limitation screws, rivets, bolts, and the like.
  • the width W of the saddle tree 52 may then be adjusted in the manner described herein to accommodate a range of widths of the back areas of horses (not shown) on which the saddle is placed.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
EP13169452.3A 2012-07-27 2013-05-28 Sicherungskopfplatte für einstellbaren Sattelbaum Withdrawn EP2690056A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/560,041 US8899004B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2012-07-27 Locking headplate for adjustable saddle tree

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2690056A1 true EP2690056A1 (de) 2014-01-29

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EP13169452.3A Withdrawn EP2690056A1 (de) 2012-07-27 2013-05-28 Sicherungskopfplatte für einstellbaren Sattelbaum

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AU (1) AU2013206690B2 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3484809B1 (de) * 2016-07-15 2020-11-18 Amahorse Trading S.R.L. Sicherungskopfplatte für einstellbaren sattelbaum eines reitsattels und sattelbaum mit solch einer kopfplatte

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29079C (de) * H. BRENNEISEN in Eppingen, Baden Neuerung an Sätteln mit verstellbaren Zwieseln
US4996827A (en) 1988-02-11 1991-03-05 Wellep International (Uk), Limited Headplate and tree system for a saddle
EP2336080A1 (de) * 2009-12-16 2011-06-22 Intec Corporation Sicherungskopfplatte für einstellbaren Sattelbaum
WO2013021115A1 (fr) * 2011-08-05 2013-02-14 Merlin Michel Armature reglable pour selle a monter sans necessite de demontage

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29079C (de) * H. BRENNEISEN in Eppingen, Baden Neuerung an Sätteln mit verstellbaren Zwieseln
US4996827A (en) 1988-02-11 1991-03-05 Wellep International (Uk), Limited Headplate and tree system for a saddle
EP2336080A1 (de) * 2009-12-16 2011-06-22 Intec Corporation Sicherungskopfplatte für einstellbaren Sattelbaum
WO2013021115A1 (fr) * 2011-08-05 2013-02-14 Merlin Michel Armature reglable pour selle a monter sans necessite de demontage

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3484809B1 (de) * 2016-07-15 2020-11-18 Amahorse Trading S.R.L. Sicherungskopfplatte für einstellbaren sattelbaum eines reitsattels und sattelbaum mit solch einer kopfplatte

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Publication number Publication date
AU2013206690A1 (en) 2014-02-13
AU2013206690B2 (en) 2016-04-21

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