FR2788264A1 - Horse-riding saddle adapted for physically handicapped persons has fixed base with suspension members, bucket seat, back support, head rest and harness - Google Patents

Abstract

The saddle consists of a fixed base with an arch and suspension members for a bucket seat with an adjustable back, head-rest, restraining harness, reins and a battery-powered electronic guidance system controlled by a handle pivoted to a front pommel and comprising electric motors governing the tension of the reins. The seat is made from an ergonomically-shaped fibre shell covered with foam, fitted with leg protectors and side panels.

Description

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ADAPTED RIDING SADDLE

  TO PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

  The present invention relates to a riding saddle suitable for people

  physical disabilities of the lower and / or upper limbs.

  In known devices of this kind, there is no known device.

  Not being able to stand alone, a person with physical disabilities of the limbs cannot drive a horse. It is known to date only paraplegic saddles which have the disadvantage of not being suspended to cushion the

  shock and vibration of the horse and without an assisted driving mechanism.

  The device, object of the invention, makes it possible to avoid these drawbacks. With this, it is possible for a physically handicapped rider to go horse riding in a suitable comfort without undergoing shocks and vibrations, all this by driving the horse himself via a driving system electronic and mechanical. The search for cushioning can be extended to improve the comfort of the seats

  for the disabled and other paramedical fields.

  The device which is the subject of the invention comprises a movable and suspended bucket saddle composed of a seat, an adjustable backrest provided with a retaining harness and an adjustable headrest, all suspended and connected to the tree fixed saddle, by four suspensions or silent blocks made of elastomeric foam. It is also composed of a mechanism for driving the reins placed on the pommel of the bow, lesson, a system of pace by articulated whip placed on the rear right and left quarters of the tree,

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  all connected by electric wires and controlled by an electronic control system placed behind the back of the movable bucket seat and controlled by a control lever placed on the harness. The power supply is made by a battery

  placed in a bag attached to the back of the fixed saddle.

  The passage of the electric wires is done in the padding of the fixed saddle. The fixed saddle covered with a leather trim receives a completed tree at the front and rear of four quarters to increase the stability of the entire device of the invention. The two quarters at the front of the arch each receive a support centered on the longitudinal axis of the saddle, the support comprising a fixing axis for the front suspensions. On the pommel, an axis receives the driving mechanism, on each side are fixed two fasteners for the neck. In the middle and on each side of the arch are attached straps and loops for stirrups. On the cantle is fixed a loop for the croupier and two supports centered on the longitudinal axis of the saddle, the

  supports comprising a fixing axis for the rear suspensions.

  The movable bucket saddle is made up of an ergonomic fiber seat covered in foam with a protective quarter for the legs at the front, and on the sides of the cheeks with elastic straps for lateral support of the pelvis of the rider. At the rear of the seat, a guide groove with a locking screw receives

  a slide holding the adjustable backrest.

  The adjustable, partially rigid fiber backrest is covered with foam. On the upper part of the adjustable backrest, an adjustable headrest is attached. The adjustable backrest straps are completed by ergonomic protections in foam with variable thickness and extra thickness acting as a harness supporting the

driving lever.

  The driving mechanism is made up of two motors which, according to information from the electronic control system, wind the reins around two pulleys. The motors are maintained with the isolation box by a casing connected to the axis of the pommel by a lug. The reduction in development is ensured by a reducer. The reins are tensioned by a spiral spring. The reins have to

  the end a loop of attachment to be fixed to the horse bit.

  The electronic control system fixed behind the bucket backrest is controlled by the two potentiometers of the control handle which sends a voltage

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  variable analog allowing orders to be given to a programmable digital microcontroller. The digital microcontroller processes and manages the orders from the microprocessor and sends the control instructions to two digital / analog converters which control the variators and regulate the torque of each motor. The variators manage the power supply to the motors and constitute the power part. The power supply is made by a battery placed in a bag

  attached to the back of the fixed saddle.

  The driving handle covered at its end with a foam ring is fixed on an axis through a guide placed on the front face of the harness, a screw

allowing the tightening of the axis.

  The horse's gait system is fixed on the right and left rear quarters of the arch, it is composed of an electromagnet controlled by the control system by the lever when tilted forward, and d '' an articulated whip with at its

  lower end a soft rubber pad.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, the driving mechanism is fixed to the rear part of the arc, lesson, the wiring with the battery is direct. For the passage under the tree, the reins are replaced, in this part, by sheathed metal cables, the reins are then hung at the ends of the metal cables, at the front of the tree. According to another embodiment of the invention, the driving mechanism is composed of two gear motors with electromagnetic brake, the voltage is

  cashed by the spring to its limit and then by the motor.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, the driving mechanism is composed of a motor connected to a reduction gear which, via two clutches

  and lateral springs, provide control and tension of the reins.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, on the upper part and on each side of the adjustable backrest, is fixed a plate comprising an axis on which a fiber holding plate is articulated. A spring fixed on each plate and plate

hold ensures recall.

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  The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, an embodiment of the

  device according to the present invention.

  As shown in Figure 1, the known fixed saddle (1) is covered with a leather trim (2), the passage of the electrical wires is done through the padding (3) of the fixed saddle (1). The known fixed saddle (1) comprises a tree (4) completed at the front of two quarters (5), a support (6) comprising a fixing pin (7) for the front suspensions. In the middle of the pommel (8), an axis (9) receives the driving mechanism, on each side of the pommel (8) are fixed two fasteners (10) for the neck. In the middle and on each side of the tree (4) are fixed straps (Il 1) and loops (12) for stirrups. On the troussequin (13) is fixed a loop (14) for the croupier and two supports (15) comprising an axis (16) for fixing the rear suspensions. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat (17) forms a shell with an ergonomic profile in fiber covered with foam, with a leg protection area (18) on each side (18) on each side of the seat (17 ), cheeks (19) with elastic fastening straps (20) passing through slots (21). The two cheeks (19) are connected by straps (22) to maintain the rider at the level of the pelvis. The groove

  guide (23) receives a slide (25).

  As shown in Figure 3, on the upper part of the adjustable backrest (26), is fixed an adjustable headrest (27). The adjustable backrest straps (28) (26) are completed by ergonomic protections (29) made of foam.

  thickness and excess thickness held by fabric flanges (30).

  As shown in Figure 4, alternatively on the upper part and on each side of the adjustable backrest (26), is fixed a plate (31) having an axis (32) on which is articulated a retaining plate (33) fiber. Two springs fixed on

  each plate (31) and retaining plate (33) ensure the return.

  As shown in Figure 5, the seat (17) is suspended from the tree (4) by four suspensions (34) fixed at their ends on an axis (35) mounted on a support (36) bolted and / or in variant with four silenblocks (37) made of elastomeric foam. At the rear of the seat (17) a guide groove (23) with a locking screw (24) receives a

  slide (25) holding the adjustable backrest (26).

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  As shown in FIG. 6, as a variant, two silenblocks (37) are fixed, on the front quarters of the tree (4) and under the front part of the seat (17), two silenblocks (38) are fixed by a tab (39) at the rear of the arch (4) and behind the

seat back (17).

  As shown in Figure 7, the pipe handle (40) is covered at its end with a foam ring (41), it is fixed by an axis (42) through a guide (43) placed on the plate (44), a screw (45) allowing the tightening of the axis. On the upper part of the plate (44), two hooks (73) allow the assembly to be placed

on the harness straps.

  As shown in Figure 8, alternatively, the plate (44) is partially pierced

  upper of two slots (46) for the passage of adjustable straps (28).

  As shown in Figure 9, the driving mechanism is fixed to the tree (4) by a pin (47) mounted at the end of a lug (48). The driving mechanism is composed of a motor (49) which, according to the information from the electronic control system, wraps the reins (50) around a pulley (51). The motor (49) is held on the lug (48) by a housing (52). The tension of the reins (50) is ensured by the spring (53). The reins (50) have at the end a fastening loop (54) to attach to the

horse bit.

  As shown in Figure 10, the horse's gait system is composed of a whip (55) articulated on an axis (56) fixed on the arch (4). The whip (55) is provided at its lower end with a soft rubber pad (57). The whip (55) is actuated by an electromagnet (58) fixed on the arc, lesson (4) and controlled by

electronic control system.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the electronic control system fixed behind the bucket backrest is controlled by the two potentiometers of the lever (40)

  which sends a variable analog voltage allowing orders to be given to a micro-

  programmable digital controller (59). The digital microcontroller (59) processes and manages orders in assembly language to the microprocessor and sends the control instructions to two digital / analog converters (60) which control the variators (61) and regulate the motor torque. The drives (61) manage the power

  motors (49) and constitute the power part.

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  As shown in FIG. 12, as a variant, the driving mechanism is mounted at the rear of the extended arch (4). The battery (62) is placed in a bag

  (63) fixed to the rear of the extended arch (4).

  As shown in FIG. 13, as a variant, the driving mechanism is composed of two motors (49), the reduction is ensured by the screw / nut connection (64), the

  fixed tension is achieved by the spring (65).

  As shown in FIG. 14, as a variant, the driving mechanism is composed of two motor-reducers (66) with electromagnetic brake, the tension is collected by the spiral spring (67) to its limit and then by the motor. -reducer

(66).

  As shown in FIG. 15, as a variant, the driving mechanism is composed of a motor (68) connected to a reduction gear (69) which by means of two lateral clutches (70) and springs (71) ensure the control and tension of the reins (50). As shown in FIG. 16, as a variant, the driving mechanism is composed of two motor-reducers (66) with electromagnetic brake, the variable voltage is controlled by the motor-reducer (66), the fixed voltage is ensured by the

spiral spring (72).

  The device which is the subject of the invention can be used for driving a horse by a person suffering from a physical motor handicap of the arms and legs. The disabled rider must be able to fully control the mobility of his head, his weight must be less than 80 daN. It can be used at different gaits from the horse,

  walk, too much and gallop in an area without obstacle and without risk for the rider.

  It can also be used to improve the comfort of armchairs for

  disabled in other paramedical fields.

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Claims (15)

  1. Assisted driving device of a horse characterized by a riding saddle comprising a fixed saddle (1) comprising a tree (4) provided with quarters, which supports by means of four suspensions (34), a bucket saddle suspended composed of a seat (17), an adjustable backrest (26), an adjustable headrest (27) provided with a harness, a driving mechanism, a gait system by articulated whip (57), the whole connected by electric wires and controlled by an electronic control system controlled by a driving lever (40), supplied by a battery (62).   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tree (4) modified with four quarters comprises at the front a pommel (8) receiving a pin (9) supporting the driving mechanism, two quarters (5) on each of which is fixed a support (6) comprising an axis (7) for fixing the front suspensions, at the rear a cantilever (13) on which are fixed two supports (15) centered on the longitudinal axis of the saddle , comprising a pin (16) for fixing the rear suspensions, in the middle and   on each side straps (11) and loops (12) for stirrups.   3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat (17) forms a shell with an ergonomic profile in fiber covered with foam, with in the front part and on each side a quarter (18) of protection of the legs, each side of the seat (17) of the cheeks (19) for retaining with fastening straps (20) supplemented by ergonomic protections (29) in variable thickness and extra thickness maintained by flanges (30), and in the dorsal part a groove guide (23) with a screw   blocking (24) receiving a slide (25) holding an adjustable backrest.   4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat (17) is suspended above the tree by four suspensions (34) fixed at their ends on   an axis (35) mounted on a support (36) linked to the tree (4).   5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the driving mechanism is linked in rotation by a pin (47) mounted at the end of a lug (48) fixed to the tree (4), that it is actuated by a motor (49), which, according to information from the electronic control system, wraps the reins (50) tensioned by a spring (53) around a pulley (51), and a driving lever (40) covered at its end 8 2788264   a round (41) foam, fixed by an axis (42) through a guide (43) placed on the   front face of a plate (44), a screw (45) allowing the tightening of the axis (42).   6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (40) of conduct fixed on the plate (44), rests by two hooks (73) on the straps of the harness, which consists of four straps (28) the ends of which are provided with Velcro strap for closure.   7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the horse's gait system is composed of a whip (55), articulated on an axis (56) fixed on the tree (4), provided at its lower end of a pad (57) made of soft rubber, and that it is actuated by an electromagnet (58) controlled by an electronic control system. 8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control system is controlled by the two potentiometers of the lever (40) which send a variable analog voltage making it possible to give orders to a digital microcontroller (59) programmable which processes and manages orders using the assembly language of the microprocessor and sends the control instructions to two digital / analog converters (60) which control the variators (61) and regulate the motor torque, the variators (61) manage the supply motors (49) and constitute the power part.   9. Device according to claim 1, characterized alternatively in that the seat (17) is suspended above the tree (4) by four silenblocks (37) made of elastomeric foam. 10. Device according to claim 1, characterized alternatively in that the handle (40) for driving fixed on the plate (44) is held by the adjustable straps (28), passing in the upper part of the plate (44) through two slots (46). 11. Device according to claim 1, characterized alternatively by a driving mechanism composed of two motors (49), the reduction is ensured by the connection   screw / nut (64), the fixed tension is produced by the traction spring (65).   12. Device according to claim 1, characterized alternatively by a driving mechanism composed of two gear motors (66) with electromagnetic brake, the 9 2788264   tension is absorbed by the spiral spring (67) to its limit then by the motor - reducer (66).   13. Device according to claim 1, characterized alternatively by a driving mechanism composed of a motor (68) connected to a reduction gear (69) which by means of two clutches (70) and springs (71) lateral ensure the control and voltage reins (50).   14. Device according to claim 1, characterized alternatively by a driving mechanism composed of two gear motors (66) with electromagnetic brake, the variable voltage is controlled by the gear motor, the fixed voltage is provided by the spiral spring (72).   15. Device according to claim 1, characterized in a variant that on the upper part and on each side of the adjustable backrest (26), is fixed a plate (31) comprising an axis (32) on which a retaining plate is articulated ( 33) fiber, two   springs fixed on each plate (31) and retaining plate (33) ensure the return.