EP4015444A1 - Improved tree for saddle for horse, and method for manufacturing same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tree with a set back arch for a riding saddle, characterized in that the tree comprises at least two plates at its rear end, which plates are positioned on either side of the longitudinal line of the tree allowing thus to stabilize it when it is placed on the back of a horse, its use, manufacturing processes as well as the horse saddle incorporating such a tree.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tree for a horse saddle making it possible to improve the comfort of the horse, a method of manufacturing this tree, as well as the saddle itself.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

A pommel corresponds to the frame of a horse saddle. A saddle tree is formed in particular by two arcades (the pommel and the cantle) connected to each other, as well as a seat, which corresponds to the location where the rider sits.

It is therefore important that a saddle is both comfortable for the rider, but also for the horse, in particular in a sporting context (such as an amateur race, or an isolated sporting use), in order to optimize performance. equestrian. The parameters which influence these performances are therefore in particular the weight, the geometry and the dressing of the saddle and its tree.

If the problem of the weight of the saddle and its saddle tree has been resolved with the appearance of light and rigid composite materials, and its dressing by the use of various textile or synthetic materials, the geometry of the saddles is still not optimized. .

This problem has been recurrent since the domestication of horses.

For example, even quite contemporaneously in 1949 it is disclosed in FR59302E a harness used for hitching harness comprising two plates in light metal or wood joined together by a metal frame. However, this type of saddle, if it allows freer movement of the animal, is not suitable for a saddle (in practice, it would lack stability and comfort).

More recently and similarly, GB2282742A proposes arranging a plurality of contact panels in contact with the horse's back. However, this device lacks rigidity for sports saddles.

FR2876682A1 discloses adjustable and articulated saddle tree side bands. However, in practice, this device lacks stability, or requires adjustments that are difficult to implement for sports saddles.

WO2012131206A1 discloses a saddle tree comprising two "side cheeks" arranged on either side of a central axis in line with the horse's spine. However, this device does not make it possible to free the horse's shoulders and the “cheeks” do not make it possible to adapt to the morphology of the animal, given that it is a single rigid piece.

The object of the present invention proposes a solution to remedy these deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention relates to a tree with a set back arch for a riding saddle, characterized in that the tree comprises at least two plates at its rear end, which plates are positioned on either side of the longitudinal line of the pommel thus allowing it to be stabilized when it is placed on the back of a horse. Preferably, the saddle tree is configured so as to be in contact and have a contact surface with the back of the horse when it is placed on the back of a horse. Furthermore, preferably, the tree comprises or consists of at least one composite material comprising at least one fibrous reinforcement.

The object of the present invention also relates to a tree for a riding saddle comprising a composite material arranged around at least one central layer C so as to form a sandwich material.

1. (a) confection d'une préforme renfort de la pièce d'arçon comprenant des fibres naturelles et/ou synthétiques ;
2. (b) transfert de liant sur et/ou dans la préforme renfort de l'étape (a) ; et
3. (c) récupération de la pièce d'arçon.

The object of the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a tree piece according to the present invention, characterized in that it comprises the following successive steps:

1. (A) making a reinforcement preform for the tree piece comprising natural and/or synthetic fibres;
2. (b) transfer of binder onto and/or into the reinforcement preform of step (a); and
3. (c) recovery of the pommel.

The object of the present invention also relates to a pommel piece capable of being obtained according to the method of the present invention.

• des plaques d'extrémité postérieure, et
• des couteaux d'étrivière.

The object of the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a tree, characterized in that the tree part as defined above is assembled with:

• posterior end plates, and
• stirrup knives.

The object of the present invention also relates to a saddle tree capable of being obtained according to the above method.

The object of the present invention also relates to the use of a tree according to the present invention for a horse saddle.

The object of the present invention also relates to a horse saddle comprising a tree as defined above.

DEFINITIONS

By "rear end", it is understood in the context of the present invention the rear end of the tree or the saddle, located towards the rear of a horse, when the tree or the saddle is placed on the horse's back. The front of a horse is the side of the animal where its head is and the back of the horse is the side of the animal where its tail is.

By “longitudinal line”, it is understood in the context of the present invention the line which joins the head of a horse to its tail, passing through its vertebral column.

By “composite material”, it is understood in the context of the present invention a material comprising a reinforcement consisting of fibers and a polymer binder, making it possible to encompass and bind the various fibers together.

By "reinforcement preform", it is understood in the context of the present invention a reinforcement as defined above, in which the fibers are arranged in so as to form a pre-established shape before being sealed by one or more binders. The preform can therefore be considered as a reinforcing material comprising synthetic and/or natural fibers which can be obtained by the methods of the art, for example from fabrics cut, arranged and/or attached to each other by a/ fastening means (glue, staple(s), seams, etc.). In addition, the preforms can comprise one or more binders, for example by pre-impregnation (eg of thermosetting polymers), before being molded to form a tree according to the present invention. Thus, a reinforcing preform can mean a preform comprising composites combining at least one reinforcing fiber (for example flax fibers combined with carbon fibers) and at least one thermoplastic fiber (for example chosen from poly-lactic acid "PLA", polypropylene "PP", polyamide "PA", etc).

By “reinforcing fiber”, it is understood in the context of the present invention a fiber ensuring a structural contribution and an increased rigidity of the composite material. Such a reinforcing fiber can be synthetic or natural.

By “thermoplastic fiber”, it is understood in the context of the present invention a fiber which will lose rigidity, or even lose its initial structure when it is heated. The interest is to be able to incorporate within the preform a material whose physico-chemical properties can be subsequently modulated simply by heat, whether during the manufacture of the tree, its use, or its recycling in end of life.

By “natural fibers”, it is understood in the context of the present invention a fiber directly extracted from the natural environment, such as cellulosic fibers typically derived from plants. A typical example according to the invention is flax fiber.

By “synthetic fibers”, it is understood in the context of the present invention fibers which have been manufactured and which are not found in the natural environment. A typical example according to the invention is a carbon fiber.

By “stirrup leather knives”, it is understood in the context of the present invention a part of a horse saddle. A horse saddle conventionally comprises a saddle tree, a seat, two stirrup leather knives or stirrup leather holders, two panels, two quarters and false quarters, counter-girths and removable inserts, straps, sur-girths, stirrup leathers and stirrups. The stirrup leather knives are used to suspend the stirrup leathers which support the stirrups.

FIGURES

[ Fig.1 ] The figure 1 shows a 3D view of a horse saddle according to the present invention, seen from behind. It can be seen the horizontal plane PH and the vertical plane PV in which the saddle is placed. On the upper part of the saddle thus defined, the rear arch located at the front can be seen. The two plates PL1, PL2 are dressed here and the seam lines are shown in dotted lines. The plates PL1, PL2 are each provided on their underside with shock absorbers AM1, AM2 made for example of densified polyurethane foam. The angle A between the plate PL1 and the horizontal, is represented on the left half of the figure (the same angle can be found on the right part for PL2). These plates may be referred to as "posterior end plates" or "raising plates".

[ Fig.2 ] The figure 2 shows a perspective view of a saddle tree according to the present invention. The anterior (or front) end EA and the posterior (or rear) end EP are indicated on the figure 2 . The seat AS is typically placed on the central portion and the arch AR placed towards the anterior end. The pommel is represented in the picture 2 in a horizontal plane PH and a vertical plane PV, in the same way as for the figure 1 . The median plane of the arch then forms an angle B with the vertical. In the representation of picture 2 , the plates PL1, PL2 as found on the figure 1 are not represented: these are either hidden under the saddle tree, or not installed (the plates can be attached by a fixing means such as glue or a screw).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Tree

The object of the present invention relates to a tree with set back arch for a riding saddle, characterized in that the tree comprises at least two plates PL1, PL2 at its rear end, in particular on its underside. The plaques are positioned on either side of the longitudinal line of the tree, thus allowing it to be stabilized when it is placed on the back of a horse.

These plates PL1, PL2 can be molded with the tree or added after manufacture of the tree (consisting of the seat-arch) by attaching them to the underside of the tree by a fixing means, such as glue (e.g. epoxy), a screw, a staple, etc.

Advantageously, the shape of the plates PL1, PL2 does not include any salient angle which can be in contact with the animal.

Plates PL1, PL2 are advantageously flat or slightly arched to hug the horse's back.

The plates PL1, PL2 are flat or arcuate, advantageously of a more or less stretched round or oval shape.

The plates PL1, PL2 according to the invention advantageously each have a contact surface with the animal greater than or equal to 3cm ² , which surface can be covered with a damping material (which is then therefore in direct contact with the animal) .

Advantageously, the plates PL1, PL2 according to the invention each have a contact surface with the animal comprised between 5cm ² and 150cm ² , for example comprised between 20cm ² and 130cm ² , comprised between 50cm ² and 120cm ² , comprised between 70cm 2 ² and 100cm ² , or between 80cm ² and 90cm ² . Preferably, the plates PL1, PL2 according to the invention each have a contact surface with the animal of 85cm ² ±5cm ² . By “contact surface”, it is understood in the context of the present invention the surface intended to be in contact with the back of the horse, that is to say the lower surface of the plates PL1, PL2.

Advantageously, the rigid plate parts (made for example of composite material with carbon) are not in direct contact with the horse, but are in contact through a damping material.

Advantageously, the saddle tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the median plane of the plates PL1, PL2 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by an angle A whose value is less than or equal to 45°.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the median plane of the plates PL1, PL2 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by an angle A whose value is less than or equal to 30°, less or equal to 20°, less than or equal to 15°, less than or equal to 10°, less than or equal to 9°, less than or equal to 8°, less than or equal to 7°, less than or equal to 6°, less than or equal to 5°, less than or equal to 4°, less than or equal to 3°, less than or equal to 2° or even less than or equal to 1°.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the median plane of the plates PL1, PL2 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by an angle A whose value is 3.3° ± 1° .

In one embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the arch has a median angle B greater than or equal to 20° according to the vertical-longitudinal plane inscribed in the tree.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the arch has a median angle B along the vertical-longitudinal plane inscribed in the tree greater than or equal to 30°, greater than or equal to 40°, greater than or equal to 45°, greater than or equal to 50° or even greater than or equal to 55°.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the arch has a median angle B along the vertical-longitudinal plane inscribed in the tree of a value of 53°±5°.

The tree according to the present invention is particularly well suited to be incorporated into a racing saddle. Thus the object of the present invention relates to a saddle tree for racing riding.

In a particular embodiment, the tree according to the present invention is a racing tree.

The object of the present invention therefore also relates to a racing saddle incorporating a tree according to the present invention.

A racing tree must be as light as possible. The composite materials according to the present invention are therefore particularly well suited to the manufacture of a racing tree.

More particularly, the integration of a sandwich material, for example comprising a central layer C of a material having cavities filled with gas, such as a foam and/or a cellular material can make it possible to reduce the weight of the tree for the benefit of the rider's comfort - this characteristic is not only limited to racing pommels.

Preferably, a racing tree is therefore of the smallest possible size.

Preferably, the length between the arch and the rear end of the tree according to the present invention (preferably a racing tree) is less than or equal to 80cm, less than or equal to 70cm, less than or equal to 60cm, less or equal to 50cm, less than or equal to 40cm, or even less than or equal to 30cm.

Preferably, a racing tree is therefore as light as possible.

Preferably, the weight of a tree according to the present invention is less than or equal to 50 kg, less than or equal to 40 kg, less than or equal to 30 kg, less than or equal to 20 kg, less than or equal to 15 kg, or even less than or equal at 10kg.

In a particular embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises at least one material having a Young's modulus value of between 0.1 and 250 GPa, preferably between 1 and 35 GPa.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises at least one material having a Young's modulus value of between 0.2 and 200GPa, between 0.3 and 180GPa, between 0, 4 to 160GPa, between 0.5 and 150GPa, between 0.6 and 140GPa, between 0.7 and 130GPa, between 0.8 and 120GPa, between 0.9 and 100GPa, between 0.7 and 80GPa, between 0.8 and 60GPa, between 0.9 and 50GPa, between 1 and 30GPa, between 1.5 and 20GPa, between 2 and 10GPa, between 2.5 and 8GPa or even between 3 and 7GPa.

In one embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises at least one material having a Young's modulus value of 100 GPa ± 10 GPa.

In one embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises at least one material having a Young's modulus value of 10 GPa ± 5 GPa.

For example, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises carbon (e.g. carbon fibers) having a Young's modulus value of less than 250GPa, for example between 0.1 and 230GPa, preferably between 10 and 200GPa.

Thus, advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises carbon having a Young's modulus value of between 1 and 220 GPa, between 2 and 210, between 3 and 200, between 4 and 190, between 5 and 180, between 6 and 170GPa, between 7 and 160GPa, between 8 and 150GPa, between 9 and 140, between 10 and 130GPa, between 11 and 120GPa, between 12 and 110GPa, between 13 and 100GPa, between 14 and 90GPa, between 15 and 80GPa or even between 20 and 50GPa.

For example, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises flax (e.g. flax fibers) having a Young's modulus value of less than 50GPa, for example between 0.1 and 40GPa, preferably between 1 and 30GPa.

Thus, advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises flax (e.g. flax fibers) having a Young's modulus value of between 0.5 and 25GPa, between 2 and 20, between 2.5 and 15 or even between 5 and 10GPa.

The object of the present invention relates to a saddle tree as described herein, characterized in that the plates PL1; PL2 are also provided with a damping material placed on the face intended to be in contact with the back of a horse.

Preferably, the present invention relates to a tree as described presently, characterized in that the plates PL1; PL2 are made of a material having a Young's modulus value greater than or equal to 10 GPa ± 5 GPa, such as a metal or a composite material.

In one embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises or consists of at least one composite material comprising at least one fibrous reinforcement and at least one binder.

In one embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that said at least one fibrous reinforcement comprises natural fibers and/or synthetic fibers.

In one embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that said at least one binder is a thermosetting resin and/or a thermoplastic resin.

Thus, the object of the present invention relates to a tree as described herein, characterized in that the composite material comprises a thermosetting polymer (for example in the form of resin) and/or a thermoplastic polymer (for example in the form of resin) and/or an elastomer.

Indeed, in one mode, the tree can comprise several assembled parts having different properties and natures, and therefore combine one or more parts comprising a thermosetting polymer (for example in the form of a resin) and one or more parts ( s) comprising a thermoplastic polymer (for example in the form of a resin).

In addition, in one embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises or consists of a bio-based or partially bio-based polymer, for example in the form of a resin.

By “bio-sourced”, is understood in the context of the present invention a material or a product manufactured, entirely or partially, from one or more materials of biological origin.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises or consists of a bio-sourced, or partially bio-sourced, thermosetting polymer, for example a bio-sourced resin, or partially bio-sourced , thermosetting.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises or consists of a bio-sourced, or partially bio-sourced, thermoplastic polymer, for example a bio-sourced, or partially bio-sourced resin, thermoplastic.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the tree as described presently can be characterized in that the composite material thermosetting is included in the list consisting of polymers (for example in the form of resins) epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, PFA (polymer of polyfurfuryl alcohol - "poly furfuryl alcohol" in English) and / or methacrylate.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the tree as described herein can be characterized in that the thermoplastic composite material is included in the list consisting of polymers (for example in the form of resins) polyamide, polypropylene, polyacid lactic.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the tree as described here can be characterized in that it comprises plant fibers and/or synthetic fibers.

It has been observed that the synthetic fibers make it possible to provide resistance in the composite materials used in the context of the present invention.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the synthetic fibers make it possible to provide resistance to the tree according to the present invention.

It has been observed that natural fibres, and in particular vegetable fibres, make it possible to provide damping properties in the composite materials used in the context of the present invention.

In a particular embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises a composite material comprising a fiber of plant origin arranged around at least one central layer C, said layer C comprising a material having cavities filled with gas, such as a foam and/or a cellular material, so as to form a sandwich material.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the natural fibres, and in particular plant fibres, make it possible to provide damping properties to the tree according to the present invention.

In a particular embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises carbon fibers.

More particularly, the arch (of the tree) can mainly comprise carbon fibers as fibrous reinforcement.

For example, the arch (of the tree) can comprise a proportion of carbon fibers greater than or equal to 50% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

Advantageously, the arch (of the tree) can comprise a rate of carbon fibers greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 90%, greater than or equal to 95%, or even greater than or equal to 97% by mass with respect to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

Preferably, the arch (of the tree) can comprise a proportion of carbon fibers of approximately 100% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the carbon fibers continuously follow the curve of the arch, taking the shape of an inverted U, so as to surround the horse.

For example, the seat (of the tree) can include a carbon fiber content of between 0.05% and 5% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

Advantageously, the seat (of the tree) can comprise a carbon fiber content of between 0.1% and 4.8%, between 0.2% and 4.6%, between 0.3% and 4.4%, between 0.4% and 4.2%, between 0.5% and 4%, between 0.6% and 3.8%, between 0.7% and 3.6 %, between 0.8% and 3.4%, between 0.9% and 3.2%, between 1% and 3%, between 1.1% and 2.8%, between 1, 2% and 2.6%, between 1.3% and 2.4%, between 1.4% and 2.2%, between 1.5% and 2%, between 1.6% and 1 .9%, or even between 1.7% and 1.8%, by weight relative to the entire fibrous reinforcement of the seat.

Preferably, the arch (of the tree) may include a carbon fiber content of less than or equal to 5% by weight relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

Preferably, the present invention relates to a tree as described presently, characterized in that the plates PL1; PL2 are made of a composite material with a carbon fiber content greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 90%, greater than or equal to 95%, or even greater than or equal to 97% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the plates PL1, PL2.

Most preferably, the present invention relates to a saddle tree as described herein, characterized in that the plates PL1; PL2 are made of a composite material having a carbon fiber content equal to 100%, by mass relative to all of the fiber reinforcement of the plates PL1, PL2.

In a particular embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises flax fibres.

More particularly, the seat (of the tree) can mainly comprise flax fibers as fibrous reinforcement.

For example, the seat (of the tree) may include a flax fiber content greater than or equal to 50% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

Advantageously, the seat (of the tree) can comprise a rate of flax fibers greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 90%, greater than or equal to 95%, or even greater than or equal to 97% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the seat.

Preferably, the seat (of the tree) may comprise a flax fiber content of approximately 100% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the seat.

Advantageously, the seat (of the tree) according to the present invention can be characterized in that the flax fibers continuously follow the curve of the seat, taking the shape of an inverted U, so to surround the horse.

In addition, the arch (of the tree) may include a flax fiber content of between 0.05% and 20% by weight relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

Advantageously, the arch can comprise a rate of flax fibers of between 1% and 19%, between 2% and 18%, between 3% and 17%, between 4% and 16%, between 5% and 15%, between 6% and 14%, between 7% and 13%, between 8% and 12%, or even between 9% and 11%, by mass relative to the whole of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

Preferably, the arch may comprise a proportion of flax fibers equal to 10% ± 0.5% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

In particular, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the flax fibers are present in a higher rate than the rest of the tree at the contour of the tree.

For example, the outline of the tree may mainly comprise flax fibers as fibrous reinforcement.

For example, the outline of the tree may include a flax fiber content greater than or equal to 50% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the arch.

Advantageously, the outline of the saddle tree may include a rate of flax fibers greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 90%, greater than or equal to 95% , or even greater than or equal to 97% by mass with respect to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the contour of the tree.

Preferably, the outline of the tree can comprise a proportion of flax fibers of approximately 100% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the outline of the tree.

Advantageously, the contour of the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the flax fibers continuously follow the curve of the contour of the tree so as to surround the horse.

In addition, the contour of the tree may include a flax fiber content of between 0.05% and 20% by mass relative to all of the fibrous reinforcement of the contour of the tree.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the composite material comprises cork.

More particularly, the seat (of the tree) can mainly comprise cork at the level of the seat (of the tree).

For example, the seat (of the tree) may comprise a cork content greater than or equal to 5% by mass relative to the total of the constituents of the seat (of the tree).

Advantageously, the seat (of the tree) can comprise cork at a rate greater than or equal to 10%, greater than or equal to 20%, greater than or equal to 30%, greater than or equal to 40%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 60%, or even greater than or equal to 70% by mass relative to the total of the constituents of the seat (tree).

Preferably, the seat (of the tree) can comprise a cork content at a rate of between 50 and 70% by mass relative to the total of the constituents of the seat (of the tree).

In a preferred embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that said tree comprises cork and/or linen in its structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the composite material comprises cork and/or linen.

Preferably, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the cork is included in, or consists of, a central layer C so as to form a sandwich material and/or that the linen is included in a fibrous reinforcement .

Alternatively, the seat (of the tree) can be free of cork.

In addition, the arch (of the tree) may include a cork content of less than or equal to 5% by mass relative to the total of the constituents of the arch (of the tree). Preferably the arch (of the tree) can be free of cork.

In a particular embodiment, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the composite material is arranged around at least one central layer C so as to form a sandwich material.

Thus, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises or consists of at least one composite material comprising at least one fibrous reinforcement, comprising for example fibers and/or synthetic fibers, and at least one binder , such as a thermosetting polymer (for example in the form of a resin) and/or a thermoplastic polymer (for example in the form of a resin), the composite material being preferentially arranged around at least one central layer C so as to form a sandwich material.

In a particular embodiment, the tree fully or partially comprises one or more sandwich materials having at least one central layer C.

In the case where there are several central layers C, these can be of identical or different natures.

In a particular embodiment, the tree is free of sandwich materials.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the central layer C is a material having a density less than or equal to 700 kg/m ³ , preferably less than 300 kg/m ³ ·

More particularly, the density of the material of layer C is less than or equal to 500 kg/m ³ , less than or equal to 450 kg/m ³ , less than or equal to 400 kg/m ³ , less than or equal to 350 kg/m ³ , less than or equal to 300 kg/m ³ , less than or equal to 250 kg/m ³ , less than or equal to 225 kg/m ³ , or even less than or equal to 200 kg/m ³ , as is the case for cork for example.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the central layer C is a material having cavities filled with gas, such as a foam and/or a cellular material.

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention can be characterized in that the central layer C comprises or consists of cork.

The sandwich material comprising layer C is preferably placed in the portions of the tree that need damping, such as the seat or the contour of the tree.

Advantageously, the seat (of the tree) can comprise a layer C at a rate greater than or equal to 10%, greater than or equal to 20%, greater than or equal to 30%, greater than or equal to 40%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 60%, or even greater than or equal to 70% by mass relative to the total of the constituents of the seat (of the tree).

Advantageously, the outline of the tree can comprise a layer C at a rate greater than or equal to 10%, greater than or equal to 20%, greater than or equal to 30%, greater than or equal to 40%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 60%, or even greater than or equal to 70% by mass relative to the total of the constituents of the contour of the tree.

In a particular embodiment, the amount of arch flax is 10% ± 5% by volume on the arch relative to the total arch constituents.

In a particular embodiment, the amount of flax in the seat is between 30% and 50% by volume relative to the total constituents of the seat, the remainder being cork.

For a mass conversion of these ratios in a flax-carbon reinforcement preform, 10% by volume corresponds to approximately 8% by mass; 30% by volume corresponds to approximately 25% by mass and 50% by volume corresponds to approximately 44% by mass.

Thus, 10% by flax volume in a flax-carbon reinforcement preform corresponds to 8% by weight of flax and 92% by weight of carbon.

In a particular embodiment, the amount of linen in the seat is 100% by weight and the seat is cork-free.

• un poids inférieur ou égal à 10 kg, préférentiellement inférieur ou égale à 5 kg ;
• un aspect en fibres naturelles ;
• une arcade ayant une épaisseur inférieure ou égale à 20 mm, préférentiellement inférieure ou égale à 16 mm ; et/ou
• une répartition adaptée de sa rigidité à la morphologie de l'animal et/ou du cavalier.

Thus, by using the composite materials according to the above proportions, it is possible to obtain a tree according to the present invention having:

• a weight less than or equal to 10 kg, preferably less than or equal to 5 kg;
• a natural fiber look;
• an arch having a thickness less than or equal to 20 mm, preferably less than or equal to 16 mm; and or
• an adapted distribution of its rigidity to the morphology of the animal and/or the rider.

The object of the present invention therefore relates to a saddle tree comprising a composite material as defined above, preferably having a set back arch and/or preferably at least two plates PL1, PL2 at its rear end.

Manufacturing process

1. (a) confection d'une préforme renfort de l'arçon ou de la pièce d'arçon comprenant des fibres naturelle et/ou synthétiques ;
2. (b) transfert de liant sur et/ou dans la préforme renfort de l'étape (a) ; et
3. (c) récupération de l'arçon ou de la pièce d'arçon.

The object of the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a tree or a tree piece as defined above. This method can be characterized in that it comprises the following successive steps:

1. (a) making a reinforcement preform for the tree or for the tree piece comprising natural and/or synthetic fibres;
2. (b) transfer of binder onto and/or into the reinforcement preform of step (a); and
3. (c) recovery of the pommel or pommel.

In particular, the manufacturing process according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises a first additional step (a1) between step (a) and (b) in which the preform is deposited in a mold, and a second step (b1) between step (b) and (c) where the tree piece is removed from the mold and possibly trimmed.

In a particular embodiment, the preforms may comprise composites, for example of natural and/or synthetic reinforcing fibers. Thus, it is possible to modulate the characteristics of hardness, rigidity/flexibility of the pommels according to the present invention. Typically flax and carbon fiber composites can be used in the present invention.

In a particular embodiment, the preforms can comprise composites of reinforcing fiber with (of) thermoplastic fibers. Thus, by heating the preform, it is possible to melt the thermoplastic fibers and thus reduce the migration distance of the binders (the thermoplastic being the binder). This will therefore increase the ease and speed of manufacture, or even increase the sturdiness of the pommels (limitation of the number and/or size of internal cavities).

Advantageously, the tree according to the present invention comprises composites with at least two types of reinforcing fibers (for example linen and carbon) and at least one fiber (of) thermoplastic (PLA, PP, PA, or other).

Advantageously, the manufacturing method according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises an additional step (a2) between step (a1) and (b) in which the mold is closed with a flexible tarpaulin and/or a against rigid or semi-rigid mould. It is also possible to thermo-regulate the mould.

In particular, in the additional step (a2) it is possible to thermo-regulate the mould.

In a particular embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention can be characterized in that step (b) involves a increase in temperature to induce, for example, thermo-hardening and/or thermo-plasticization.

The thermo-hardening that can be used in the context of the present invention can be chosen from RTM type ("Resin Transfer Molding" in English - i.e. resin transfer molding), infusion or infu-jection (combination of infusion and injection).

The thermo-plasticization that can be used in the context of the present invention can be thermo-compression.

In a particular embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention can be characterized in that step (a) of making involves an automated embroidery technique ("TFP - tailored fiber placement" in English - placement of fiber on measurement which is a technique of embroidering a fiber on a support), or even stapling, of at least two parts to constitute the reinforcement preform.

The object of the present invention also relates to a tree or a tree piece that can be obtained according to a method as described above.

• des plaques PL1, PL2,
• des couteaux d'étrivière.

In addition, the manufacturing process according to the present invention can be characterized by an assembly step in which the tree or the tree piece obtained according to the above process is assembled with:

• plates PL1, PL2,
• stirrup knives.

Advantageously, the plates PL1, PL2 are made of a composite material as described above.

For example, the plates PL1, PL2 are made of carbon fiber with a polymer like those described above, for example an epoxy resin, as a binder.

The object of the present invention thus relates to a tree or a tree piece that can be obtained according to the above assembly method.

Preferably, the assembly step, in particular of the plates PL1, PL2, is done before the binder is added to the fiber reinforcement, thus making it possible to obtain a tree in one piece with the plates PL1, PL2.

Use and saddle

The object of the present invention further relates to a use of a tree or a tree piece as defined above for a horse saddle.

The object of the present invention thus relates to a horse saddle comprising a tree or a tree piece as defined above.

Advantageously, the horse saddle according to the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a covering material, such as a flexible material such as a textile or leather.

EXAMPLES Example 1 : making the pommels

In a non-limiting manner with respect to the present invention and by way of illustration, several saddle trees and horse saddles have been produced. These examples of tree are grouped in the following tables. Table 1 concerns the geometry of the pommels and the nature of the binder. The geometry of the pommels is that as represented in the figures 1 and 2 , having the geometric characteristics as indicated in Table 1: [Table 1] Example No. Angle B Angle A THE EA ES Binder 1 53° 3.3° 464 15 8 HAS 2 53° 3.3° 449 15 8 HAS 3 53° 3.3° 449 15 8 B 4 53° 3.3° 464 15 8 VS 5 53° 3.3° 449 15 2 VS 6 30° 5° 479 20 2 D

• « Angle B » : comme défini dans la partie descriptive ci-dessus
• « Angle A » : comme défini pour les plaques PL1, PL2 dans la partie descriptive ci-dessus
• LA : longueur de l'arcade (mm), partant de son extrémité au niveau d'un flanc, à l'autre extrémité sur l'autre flanc de l'arçon
• EA : épaisseur de l'arcade (mm)
• ES : épaisseur de l'assise (mm)
• Liant A : résine époxy partiellement avec de l'Infugreen 810^™ et du durcisseur 8822^™ avec comme proportions 100g d'infugreen 810^™ pour 31g de durcisseur 8822^™
• Liant B : résine polyester partiellement biosourcée Enviroguard^™ avec comme proportions 100 g de résine enviroguard pour 2 g de catalyse type PMEC.
• Liant C : Polyamide.
• Liant D : Infugreen 810^™ avec du durcisseur 8822^™ avec comme proportions 100g d'Infugreen 810^™ pour 31g de durcisseur 8822^™.

In table 1 above, the acronyms represent:

• “Angle B”: as defined in the descriptive part above
• “Angle A”: as defined for plates PL1, PL2 in the descriptive part above
• LA: length of the arch (mm), starting from its end at one side, at the other end on the other side of the saddle tree
• EA: thickness of the arch (mm)
• ES: seat thickness (mm)
• Binder A: epoxy resin partially with Infugreen 810 ^™ and hardener 8822 ^™ with the proportions of 100g of infugreen 810 ^™ for 31g of hardener 8822 ^™
• Binder B: partially biosourced Enviroguard ^™ polyester resin with the proportions of 100 g of enviroguard resin for 2 g of PMEC type catalysis.
• Binder C: Polyamide.
• Binder D: Infugreen 810 ^™ with 8822 ^™ hardener with the proportions of 100g of Infugreen 810 ^™ for 31g of 8822 ^™ hardener.

Infugreen 810 ^™ and 8822 ^™ hardener are partially bio-based epoxy resin constituents.

Enviroguard ^™ is a partially biobased polyester resin.

The bio-sourced/partially bio-sourced resins/polymers mentioned have similar or even identical characteristics to synthetic resins/polymers (from petrochemicals).

The pommels were made with flax and carbon fibers, optionally with a layer of cork of variable thickness sandwiched. Here, the thickness was set at 5 mm (all-purpose average value), but could very well have been increased or decreased according to the desired stiffness.

At the level of the seat, the distribution of the fibers was done in a variable way as illustrated, etc.

Table 2 below relates to the chosen distribution of fibers and materials at the level of the seat, the arch for the examples in table 1. [Table 2] Example No. Mass rate of carbon in the arch (%) Mass content of flax in the seat (%) Cork thickness (mm) (placed at seat level) 1 93 100 5 2 93 100 5 3 93 100 5 4 93 100 5 5 93 100 - 6 70 80 -

In Table 2 above, only flax and carbon fibers were used as reinforcement. Thus, the arch of Example 1 comprises 93% by mass of carbon fibers and 7% by mass of flax fibers. The same is true for examples 2 to 5. Example 6 comprises 30% flax fiber at the level of the arch and 20% carbon fiber at the level of the seat. Examples 5 and 6 do not include a cork layer.

The manufacture of these trees was carried out by placing a reinforcement preform on a mould, then by adding an epoxy resin of the type indicated in the table so as to obtain a thickness of composite materials as described above. The mold was then brought to temperatures of between 20° C. and 80° C. for times varying from 10 minutes to 60 minutes depending on the nature of the binder considered (and conventionally applied in the art).

Another technique for manufacturing these trees was carried out by placing a reinforcement preform on a mould, then adding a polyester resin of the type indicated in the table so as to obtain a thickness of composite materials as described above. The mold was then brought to temperatures of between 20° C. and 40° C. for times varying from 10 minutes to 60 minutes depending on the nature of the binder considered (and conventionally applied in the art).

After demoulding, the tree was sanded to remove the various imperfections.

The carbon fiber plates PD1, PD2, 85 cm ² in size (each) were then added here by screwing them into the tree and adjusting them to obtain the angles indicated above.

Example 2: comparative test of the pommels

The pommels of the examples have been integrated into horse saddles using the same types of classic materials for all (leather, plastic materials, steel on the accessories, etc.). The saddles were then tested on horses.

Table 3 below relates to the feeling of the rider of each saddle compared to a classic saddle (reference value 0), having a classic geometry and construction (i.e. without plates, an angle B of arch of approximately 10° and wood/steel construction). [Table 3] Example No. Comfort felt 1 +++ 2 +++ 3 ++ 4 ++ 5 + 6 + 7 0

• +++ : Excellent
• ++ : Très bien
• + : Bien
• 0 : moyen, typique d'une selle classique.

In table 3 above, example 7 corresponds to the classic saddle and the acronyms represent the following assessments:

• +++: Excellent
• ++: Very good
• +: good
• 0: average, typical of a classic saddle.

The saddles thus produced all have improved characteristics compared to a conventional saddle.

Claims (15)

Arcade tree (AR) set back for riding saddle characterized in that the tree comprises at least two plates (PL1, PL2) at its rear end, which plates (PL1, PL2) are positioned on either side of the longitudinal line of the pommel thus allowing it to be stabilized when it is placed on the back of a horse. Tree according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the said tree comprises at least one material having a Young's modulus value of between 0.1 and 250 GPa, preferably between 1 and 35 GPa. Tree according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that it comprises or consists of at least one composite material comprising at least one fibrous reinforcement and at least one binder, the composite material is preferably arranged around at least one central layer C of so as to form a sandwich material. Tree according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said at least one fibrous reinforcement comprises natural fibers and/or synthetic fibres. Tree according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the said at least one binder is a thermosetting resin and/or a thermoplastic resin. Tree for a riding saddle comprising a composite material arranged around at least one central layer C so as to form a sandwich material. Tree according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the said tree comprises cork and/or linen in its structure. Tree according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the cork is included in, or consists of, a central layer C so as to form a sandwich material and/or that the flax is included in a fibrous reinforcement. Tree according to any one of Claims 1 to 8 for a racing riding saddle. Method of manufacturing a tree piece according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that it comprises the following successive steps: (A) making a reinforcement preform for the tree piece comprising natural and/or synthetic fibres; (b) transfer of binder onto and/or into the reinforcement preform of step (a); and (c) recovery of the pommel. Piece of pommel obtainable according to claim 10. Method of manufacturing a tree , characterized in that the tree piece according to claim 11 is assembled with: - plates (PL1, PL2) at the rear end (EP), and - stirrup knives. Tree obtainable according to claim 12. Use of a tree according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and 13 for a horse saddle. Horse saddle comprising a tree according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and 13.

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