GB2520980A - A saddle pad - Google Patents

Abstract

A saddle pad 1 comprising a T-shaped body having a central section 3 and a pair of wing sections 5, 7. The saddle pad has an aperture 9 disposed along a portion of the longitudinal axis to accommodate the spine of a horse. The saddle pad also has an upper padding layer 11 and a lower padding layer (not shown) and a plurality of discrete padding shims 13, 15 intermediate the upper padding layer and the lower padding layer. The padding shims include two or more of an outer padding shim, an intermediate padding shim, an inner padding shim and a rear padding shim. Two or more of the shims overlap to a degree. The padding layers and shims are made from low density ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. This arrangement will reduce the pressure exerted by a saddle and rider on a horse to the point that it will improve mobility and enhance performance of the horse.

Description

"A saddle pad"

Introduction

This invention relates to a saddle pad for use beneath a saddle on a horse or other equine.

In most equestrian disciplines where a horse is ridden, a saddle cloth (sometimes referred to as a numnah) is positioned on the back of the horse beneath a saddle in order to prevent abrasions and chafing, to absorb the weight of the rider and to prevent the saddle from slipping.

However, saddles and saddle pads tend to restrict the natural movement of the horse due to their position adjacent the shoulder area and the pressures they exert on the horses back. This limits the range of movement of the horses forelegs and can prevent the horse from moving with a natural and comfortable stride. Furthermore, the performance of the horse may be affected as the movement of the shoulder blade and related muscles may be restricted when the horse is ridden.

As the saddle is usually only in contact with certain points on the horses back, the weight of the rider is concentrated on those points of contact between the saddle and the horses back. This may result in pressure points and discomfort for the horse. Such discomfort may not only affect the wellbeing of the horse but can also affect the temperament of the horse. A horse with a bad temperament may often be reluctant to work or jump and may perform poorly at competitive events. This may also prove dangerous for a rider as a horse suffering from back or shoulder discomfort may attempt to throw the rider in order to relieve the pressure on their back. In addition, an uncomfortable horse or a horse with restricted movement will have to exert more energy thereby reducing stamina and performance.

In disciplines such as dressage where the movement of the horse is judged, the stride of the horse is important and a badly fitted saddle can interfere with the gait and impulsion of the horse resulting in poor competitive performance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a saddle pad that overcomes at least some of the above-identified problems, has less of a tendency to inhibit the movement of the horse, is not prone to excessive wear and tear and provides a useful choice to the consumer.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a saddle pad comprising a T-shaped body symmetrical about its longitudinal axis, the T-shaped body comprising a central section and a pair of wing sections extending outwardly therefrom, the saddle pad having an aperture disposed along a portion of the longitudinal axis to accommodate the spine cia horse, the saddle pad comprising an upper padding layer and a lower padding layer and in which there is provided a plurality of discrete padding shims intermediate the upper padding layer and the lower padding layer, the plurality of discrete padding shims including: an outer padding shim, one on each wing section located at the tip of the wing section and extending inwardly from the tip towards the central section; and an intermediate padding shim, one on each wing section located at the tip of the wing section and extending inwardly from the tip towards the central section, overlapping and extending beyond the outer padding shim protruding into the central section.

By having such an arrangement, the saddle pad will reduce pressure caused by the weight of the rider and the saddle along the back and spine area of the horse. Such a saddle pad will relieve pressure from behind the shoulder area of the horse allowing free rotation of the scapula, thereby increasing the mobility and comfort of the horse, leading to enhanced performance. Furthemiore, the saddle pad will be hard wearing and reliable in use.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which there is provided an inner padding shim, one on each wing section located at the tip of the Mng section and extending inwardly from the tip towards the central section, overlapping and extending beyond the outer padding shim and the intermediate padding shim protruding into the central section. By having such an arrangement additional padding is provided to relieve pressure towards the front of the saddle and behind the shoulder area of the horse. It is believed that this will be advantageous in circumstances where the riders weight is forward in the saddle, for example in disciplines such as showjumping or cross-country. Furthermore, it is believed that such frontal padding will assist in preventing the saddle from slipping forward.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the inner padding shim is between 4mm and 8mm thick. It is envisaged that an inner padded shim of different depths may be provided to accommodate various equestrian disciplines or saddle types.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the inner padding shim is approximately 6mm thick. By providing an inner padded shim which is approximately 6mm thick pressure on the shoulders of the horse is reduced allowing freedom of movement of the shoulders and forelegs.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the outer padding shim is between 1mm and 5mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the outer padding shim is approximately 3mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the intermediate padding shim is between 1mm and 14mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the intermediate padding shim is approximately 3mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the intermediate padding shim is approximately 6mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the intermediate padding shim is approximately 12mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the outer padding shim has an innermost boundary that extends from the leading edge of the wing section to the trailing edge of the wing section, the outer padding shim's innermost boundary being parallel relative to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the outer padding shim has an innermost boundary that extends from the leading edge of the wing section to the trailing edge of the wing section, the outer padding shim's innermost boundary being angled relative to the longitudinal axis, the innermost boundary diverging from the longitudinal axis as it travels from the leading edge towards the trailing edge of the wing section. By having such an arrangement pressure is deflected away from the horses shoulders and spinal processes.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the intermediate padding shim comprises an innermost boundary, the intermediate padding shim's innermost boundary in cranked intermediate its ends into a pair of boundary segments, a first segment extending rearwardly from the leading edge of the saddle pad substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the saddle pad and a second segment diverging from the longitudinal axis as it travels rearwardly from the junction with the first segment towards the trailing edge of the wing section.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the aftmost end of the second segment of the intermediate padding shim's innermost boundary is closer to the tip of the wing segment that the aftmost end of the outer shim's innermost boundary.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the inner padding shim comprises an innermost boundary, the inner padding shim's innermost boundary in cranked twice intermediate its ends into three distinct boundary sections, a first section extending rearwardly from the leading edge of the saddle pad substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the saddle pad, a second section diverging from the longitudinal axis as it travels rearwardly from the junction with the first section in the direction of the trailing edge of the wing section, and a third section diverging from the longitudinal axis at an angle greater than the angle of divergence of the second section as the third section travels rearwardly from the junction with the second section in the direction of the trailing edge of the wing section.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the aftmost end of the third section of the inner padding shim's innermost boundary is closer to the tip of the wing segment than the aftmost end of the outer shim's innermost boundary.

Such an arrangement of the padded shims will provide additional padding towards the front of the saddle and in the shoulder area of the horse to reduce pressure from the riders weight and unwanted pressures from the saddle tree in those areas, improving mobility and enhancing performance.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle in which the aftmost end of the third section of the inner padding shim's innermost boundary is closer to the tip of the wing segment than the aftmost end of the second segment of the intermediate padding shim's innermost boundary.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the junction of the second and third sections of the inner padding shim's innermost boundary is forward of the junction of the first and second segments of the intermediate padding shims innermost boundary.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which there is provided a pair of rear padding shims located in the central section rearward and spaced apart from the wing sections, one of which is located on one side of the longitudinal axis and the other of which is located on the other side of the longitudinal axis. By providing a pair of rear padded shims, cushioning and pressure relief is spread across the wider surface area of the rib cage therefore the riders weight and saddle pressure is reduced from the sensitive loin region of the horses back.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the rear padding shim comprises an innermost boundary, the rear padding shim's innermost boundary in cranked intermediate its ends into a pair of boundary portions, a first portion extending forwardly from the trailing edge of the saddle pad substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the saddle pad and a second portion diverging from the longitudinal axis as it travels forwardly from the junction with the first portion towards the side of the saddle pad's central section.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the rear padding shim is between 4mm and 8mm thick. Different depths of the rear padded shim may be provided in order to suit different saddle types and to accommodate various riding disciplines.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the rear padding shim is approximately 6mm thick In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which upper padding layer is between 1mm and 5mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the upper padding layer is approximately 3mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which lower padding layer is between 1mm and 5mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the lower padding layer is approximately 3mm thick.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which one or more of the padding layers and the padding shims comprises a low density ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Low density EVA foam is seen as particularly suitable as it is hard wearing and resistant to water and perspiration.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which one or more of the padding layers and the padding shims comprises a medium density EVA foam. By providing padding layers and the padding shims constructed of medium density EVA foam a saddle pad with excellent cushioning and impact absorption properties is provided.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which one of more of the padding layers and the padding shims comprises of Algefoam (Registered Trade Mark, ®). Algefoam is a registered trademark for a low density EVA foam product sold by the company A. Algeo, an English registered company (Registered number 437100) and trading under the name Algeos.com, having an address at Sheridan House, Bridge Industrial Estate, Liverpool, L24 QHB, United Kingdom. The Algefoam is used for construction of shims and base material and has excellent cushion properties and impact absorption along with light weight and durability.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which one or more of the padding layers and the padding shims comprise of Evazote ®. Evazote is a registered trademark for an EVA foam product available in densities between 25kg1m3 to SOkg!m3 and sold by the company Zotefoams plc, an English registered company (Registered number 2714645) and having an address at 675 Mitcham Road, Croydon CR9 3AL, England. Evazote ® is suitable for use in the construction of shims because of it's impact absorbing properties and although as a stand-alone product it isn't durable, layered within the pad system according to the present invention the Evazote is highly resilient.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a saddle pad in which the intermediate padding shim extends rearwardly from the wing section along the length of the central section. By providing an intermediate padding shim that extends rearwardly, additional padding is provided along the length of the seat of the saddle that will absorb the weight of the rider from the stirrup bar and the impact from the saddle tree area of the saddle. It is envisaged that such a saddle pad would be advantageous for use with a saddle, such as a racing saddle, not only where the rider adopts a forward riding position and the weight of the rider is concentrated on the back of the horse, but also in all ranges of a riders position throughout the equine training process.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a saddle pad according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a saddle pad according to the invention; Figure 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a saddle pad according to the invention; Figure 4 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a saddle pad according to the invention; Figure 5 is a side view of a third embodiment of a saddle pad according to the invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a saddle pad according to the invention; Figure 7 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a saddle pad according to the invention; Figure 8 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a saddle pad according to the invention; Referring to Figures 1 and 2 there are shown various views of a first embodiment of a saddle pad, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The saddle pad 1 comphses a T-shaped body having a central section 3 and a pair of wing sections 5. 7 extending outwardly therefrom. In use, in order to apply the saddle pad, the central section 3 is placed adjacent the back of a horse with the wing sections 5, 7 lying adjacent the shoulders and ribs of the horse. A saddle (not shown) may then be placed on top of the saddle pad 1 with the seat of the saddle adjacent the central section 3 and the saddle flaps of the saddle lying adjacent the wing sections 5, 7.

An aperture 9 is provided along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the saddle pad 1 to accommodate the spine of the horse. The aperture 9 relieves pressure from the weight of the rider and the saddle on the horse's spine thereby increasing mobility and comfort for the horse.

The saddle pad 1 is provided with an upper padding layer 11 and a lower padding layer (not shown) and a plurality of discrete padding shims 13, 15, (shown in dashed outline) intermediate the upper padding layer 11 and the lower padding layer. An outer padding shim 13 is provided on each wing section located at the tips 17, 19 of the wing sections 5, 7 and extending inwardly from the tips 17, 19 towards the central section 3. The outer padding shim 13 has an innermost boundary 21 which is parallel relative to the longitudinal axis of the saddle pad and extends from the leading edge 23 to the trailing edge 25 of the wing sections 5, 7. These shims are skived along boundary 21 with a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary towards the aperture 9. An intermediate padding shim 15 extends rearwardly from the wing sections 5, 7 along the length of the central section 3. The intermediate padding shim has an innermost boundary 27 which is parallel relative to the longitudinal axis and extends from the leading edge 29 of the central section 3 to the trailing edge 31 of the central section 3. The intermediate padding shim is skived adjacent the innermost boundary 27 with a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary towards the aperture 9.

In this embodiment the saddle pad 1 preferably comprises an upper layer 11 of 3mm thick medium density ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam and a lower layer of 3mm thick low density EVA foam (in this case Algefoani ®).The upper layer of medium density EVA foam will provide a resilient surface for a saddle to sit on while the lower layer of low density EVA foam will provide cushioning and comfort for the horse. An intermediate padding shim of 12mm thick low density EVA foam (in this instance comprising a 6mm layer of Algefoam ® and a 6mm layer of Evazote ®) and an outer padding of 3mm thick medium density EVA foam are provided intermediate the upper padding layer 11 and the lower padding layer. It should be noted from a front and rear viewpoint, that due to the skiving of the shims, the pad appears to have a seamless finish. -10-

It is envisaged that the saddle pad 1 will be provided for use as a "race saddle pad" in disciplines such as horse racing where the rider's weight is concentrated along the spine and upper back region of the horse as the padding shims 13, 15 will absorb and reduce the pressure in these areas thereby allowing freedom of movement of the horse's shoulders and forelegs and enabling the horse to reach maximum speeds. Furthermore, the aperture 9 will reduce pressure caused by the half tree race exercise saddle along the horses spine thereby improving the mobility of the horse.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 there are shown various views of a second embodiment of the saddle pad, indicated generally by the reference numeral 41, where like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before. The saddle pad 41 differs from the previous embodiment of a saddle pad 1 in that the outer padding shims 13 innermost boundary 21 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis and diverges from the longitudinal axis as it travels from the leading edge 23 to the trailing edge 25 of the wing sections 5, 7.

In this embodiment the saddle pad 41 preferably comprises an upper layer 11 of 3mm thick medium density ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam and a lower layer of 3mm thick low density EVA foam, in this case provided by way of Algefoam ®. An intermediate padding shim of 6mm thick low density foam and an outer padding shim of 3mm thick medium density EVA foam are provided intermediate the upper padding layer and the lower padding layer. The intermediate padding shim comprises Algefoam ®. Both the intermediate padding shim and the outer padding shim are skived along their respective boundaries 27, 21 with a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary towards the aperture 9.

It is envisaged that the saddle pad 41 will be provided as an alternative "race saddle pad" in disciplines such as horse racing.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there are shown various views of a third embodiment of the saddle pad, indicated generally by the reference numeral 61, where like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before. The saddle pad 61 comprises a T-shaped body having a central section 3 and a pair of wing sections 5, 7 extending outwardly therefrom. The saddle pad is provided with an upper padding layer 11 and a lower -11 -padding layer (not shown) and a plurality of discrete padding shims 13, 15, 33, 35 (shown in dashed outline) intermediate the upper padding layer 11 and the lower padding layer.

An outer padding shim 13 is provided on each wing section 5, 7 located at the tips 17, 19 of the wing sections 5, 7 respectively and extending inwardly from the tips 17, 19 towards the central section 3. The outer padding shim 13 has an innermost boundary 21 which is parallel relative to the longitudinal axis and extends from the leading edge 23 to the trailing edge 25 of the wing sections 5, 7. In this instance, the outer padding shim comprises 3mm medium density EVA. The innermost boundary 21 of the outer padding shim is skived adjacent the boundary 21 with a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary towards the aperture 9.

An intermediate padding shim 15 is provided on each wing section 5, 7 located at the tips 17, 19 of the wing sections 5, 7 and extending inwardly from the tips 17, 19 towards the central section 3 and overlapping and extending beyond the outer padding shim 13 protruding into the central section 3. The intermediate padding shim 15 has an innermost boundary 37 which is cranked intermediate its ends into a pair of boundary segments 39, 41. The first boundary segment 39 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the saddle pad 61 and extends rearwardly from the leading edge 23 of the wing sections 5, 7. The second boundary segment 41 travels rearwardly from the junction with the first boundary segment 39 and it diverges from the longitudinal axis as it travels towards the trailing edge 25 of the wing sections 5, 7. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate padding shim 15 is constructed from 3mm thick Algefoam ® and the shim is skived adjacent its boundary 37 in a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary towards the aperture 9.

An inner padding shim 33 is provided on each wing section 5, 7 located at the tips 17, 19 of the wing sections 5, 7 and extending inwardly from the tips 17, 19 towards the central section 3 overlapping and extending beyond the outer padding shim 13 and the intermediate padding shim 15 into the central section 3. The inner padding shim 33 has an innermost boundary 43 which is cranked twice intermediate its ends into three boundary sections 45, 47, 49. The first boundary section 45 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the saddle pad and extends rearwardly from the leading edge 23 -12 -of the saddle pad 61. The second boundary section 47 diverges from the longitudinal axis and travels rearwardly from the junction with the first boundary section 45 in the direction of the trailing edge 25 of the wing sections 5, 7. The third boundary section 49 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and travels outwardly from the junction with the second boundary section 47 in the direction of the trailing edge 25 of the wing sections 5, 7. The third boundary section 49 diverges from the longitudinal axis at an angle greater than the angle of divergence of the second boundary section 47. The aftmost end of the third boundary section 49 is closer to the tips 17, 19 of the wing sections 5, 7 than the aftmost end of the outer shims 13 innermost boundary 21. In the embodiment shown, the inner padding shim 33 is constructed from Evazote ® foam having a thickness of between 6mm and 9mm and the shim is skived adjacent its boundary 43 in a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary towards the aperture 9.

A pair of rear padding shims 35 are provided at the rear of central section 3, one located on each side of the longitudinal axis of the saddle pad 61. The rear padding shims 35 have an innermost boundary 51 which is cranked intermediate its ends into a pair of boundary portions 53, 55. The first boundary portion 53 extends forward from the trailing edge 31 of the central section 3 and runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The second boundary portion 55 diverges from the longitudinal axis and travels forwardly towards the side of the saddle pad 57. It is envisaged that the rear padding shims 35 will provide cushioning over the loin area of the horses back and absorb pressure from the weight of the rider in the seat of the saddle. Furthermore, it is envisaged that rear padding shims of different sizes and depths may be provided to suit different saddle types and riding styles. In the embodiment shown, the rear padding shim 35 is constructed from 6mm thick Algefoam ® and the shim 35 is skived adjacent its boundary 51 in a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary towards the aperture 9.

In this embodiment the saddle pad 61 comprises an upper layer 11 of 3mm thick medium density ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam and a lower layer of 3mm thick Algefoam ®. An inner padding shim 33 of 6mm thick Evazote ®, an intermediate padding shim of 3mm thick Algefoam ®, and an outer padding shim of 3mm thick medium density EVA foam are provided intermediate the upper padding layer and the lower padding -13-layer. A rear padding shim 35 of 6mm thick low density Algefoam ® is also provided. It is envisaged that such a saddle pad 61 may be provided as a]umping saddle pad" for use in disciplines such as showjumping where the weight of the rider is often concentrated towards the horses scapula. The arrangement of the padding shims according to this embodiment will provide cushioning and pressure dispersal from the stirrup bar area and more evenly spread across a wider load bearing surface such as the rib cage. It should be noted from a front and rear viewpoint, that due to the skiving of the shims, the pad appears to have a seamless finish.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 there are shown various view of a fourth embodiment of the saddle pad, indicated generally by the reference numeral 71, where like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before. The saddle pad 71 differs from the third embodiment of a saddle pad 71 in that the third boundary section 49 of the inner padding shims 33 innermost boundary 43 is angled rearwardly rather than perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis as it travels rearwardly towards the trailing edge 29 of the wing section 5, 7. Furthermore, the aftmost end of the second boundary segment 41 of the intermediate padding shims innermost boundary 37 is closer to the tip 17, 19 of the wing sections 5, 7 than the aftmost end of the outer shims innermost boundary 21. A pair of rear padding shims 35 are provided at the rear of central section 3, one located on each side of the longitudinal axis of the saddle pad 71. The rear padding shims 35 have an innermost boundary 51 which is cranked intermediate its ends into a pair of boundary portions 53, 55. The first boundary portion 53 extends forward from the trailing edge 50 of the saddle pad 71 and runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second boundary portion 55 diverges from the longitudinal axis and travels forwardly towards the side of the saddle pad 71.

In the embodiment shown, the inner padding shims 33 are constructed from Evazote ® and are typically between 6mm and 9mm thick. The inner padding shim 33 innermost boundary 43 is skived adjacent to the boundary sections 45, 47, 49 with a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary towards the aperture 9. The intermediate padding shim 15 comprises 6mm Algefoam ® and the innermost boundary 37 is skived adjacent to the boundary sections 39, 41 with a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary towards the aperture 9. The outer shim 13 comprises 3mm thick medium density EVA and the -14 -innermost boundary 21 is skived in a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary 21 towards the aperture 9. The rear padding shims 35 are between 6mm and 9mm thick Evazote ® foam and the innermost boundary 51 is skived in a feathered edge that tapers inwardly from a point 1cm to 2cm from the boundary 51 towards the aperture 9.

In this embodiment the saddle pad 71 comprises an upper layer 11 of 3mm thick medium density ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam and a lower layer of 3mm Algefoam ® which is low density. It is envisaged that the saddle pad 71 may be provided for use as a "polo saddle pad" for use in disciplines such as polo, where the weight of the rider will be unevenly distributed across the shoulders and spinal processes of the horse, as this arrangement of the padded shims provides a greater area of padding towards the leading edge of the wing sections. Additionally, the rear padding shims 35 will provide extra support for the saddle and redistributes pressure more evenly across the horses back as the rider leans from side to side.

Other thicknesses of padding shims are also envisaged and the thicknesses shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative of the preferred saddle pad that could be provided. Algefoam is a low density blown EVA, it's specific gravity is 0.07-0.5 grammes / cc, and it is classed as shore A 20. Evazote has a shore of 25. However, 3mm Evazote has a shore density as low as 4. Medium density EVA has a shore of 50 and it's specific gravity is 0.07-0.5 grammes / cc. Shore is the hardness measure of the material.

In the embodiments described, reference is made to low, medium and high density foams. Generally speaking, a low density foam will be considered to be one having a shore density of between 25 and 44, although it may be less than 25, a medium density foam will be considered to be one having a shore density of between 45 and 64 and a high density foam will be one having a shore density of between 65 and 75.

In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation. The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims. -15-