WO2017035645A1 - Coussin conformable destiné à se placer sous une selle de cheval et procédé d'utilisation - Google Patents

Coussin conformable destiné à se placer sous une selle de cheval et procédé d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017035645A1
WO2017035645A1 PCT/CA2016/051022 CA2016051022W WO2017035645A1 WO 2017035645 A1 WO2017035645 A1 WO 2017035645A1 CA 2016051022 W CA2016051022 W CA 2016051022W WO 2017035645 A1 WO2017035645 A1 WO 2017035645A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
saddle
layer
pad
saddle pad
horse
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2016/051022
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Bruce STOVER
Dennis J. RACH
Original Assignee
Stover Bruce
Rach Dennis J
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stover Bruce, Rach Dennis J filed Critical Stover Bruce
Publication of WO2017035645A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017035645A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B68—SADDLERY; UPHOLSTERY
    • B68C—SADDLES; STIRRUPS
    • B68C1/00—Saddling equipment for riding- or pack-animals
    • B68C1/12—Bottom pads for saddles; Saddle cloths

Definitions

  • the invention generally pertains to a thermoformable/thermo-moldable foam pad, specifically for use under a horse saddle.
  • the proposed invention includes a method for forming a custom-fitted saddle pad for fitting between a horse and a saddle, said method comprising the steps of a) providing an unfitted saddle pad comprising at least one layer of thermoformable (thermo-moldable) material having a thermoforming temperature, b) heating the unfitted saddle pad to a temperature above the thermoforming temperature, c) placing the saddle pad onto the back of the horse, d) placing the saddle over of the saddle pad immediately after the step of placing the saddle pad, and tightening the saddle, and e) mounting the saddle by a rider to mold the saddle pad to the underside of the saddle and to the back of the horse.
  • thermoformable thermoformable
  • the rider sits on the horse for at least 15 minutes for the at least one layer of thermoformable material to form and cool below the thermoforming temperature.
  • the heating step may also include putting the unfitted saddle pad into a portable heater, where the portable heater is an insulated enclosure which contains an aluminum plate on top of a heating blanket, and where the heating step includes placing the unfitted saddle pad on top of the aluminum plate.
  • the unfitted saddle pad includes a layer of felt on top of the at least one layer of thermoformable material, and during the step of placing the saddle pad onto the back of the horse the layer of felt is placed against the horse and the at least one layer of thermoformable material is against the saddle. During the step of placing the saddle pad on the aluminum plate, the saddle pad is placed with the at least one layer of thermoformable material onto the aluminum plate.
  • the at least one layer of thermoformable material includes a first layer and a second layer of thermoformable material, where preferably the first layer of thermoformable material is softer than the second layer of thermoformable material.
  • the invention includes a saddle pad to fit between a horse and a saddle, comprising at least two layers, wherein the at least two layers includes a first layer of thermoformable material having a thermoformable temperature.
  • the at least two layers preferably includes a second layer of thermoformable material, wherein the second layer of thermoformable material is softer than the first layer of thermoformable material.
  • the at least two layers includes a layer of felt more proximate to the first layer of thermoformable material.
  • the invention also includes a heater for heating the above-mentioned saddle pad, the heater comprising an insulated enclosure, and a heating blanket adhered to an aluminum sheet, and placed inside the insulated enclosure, wherein the saddle pad is placed upon the aluminum sheet and is heated to the thermoformable temperature.
  • the proposed invention also includes a saddle pad fitment system, comprising a saddle pad for placement between a horse and a saddle, the saddle pad comprising at least one layer of thermoformable material having a thermoformable temperature, and a heater comprising an insulated enclosure, said heater for heating the saddle pad above the thermoformable temperature, such that when the saddle pad is positioned between the horse and the saddle, and a rider mounts the saddle, the saddle pad molds between the horse and the saddle.
  • the heater preferably comprises a heating blanket adhered to an aluminum sheet inside the insulated enclosure.
  • the saddle pad comprises at least one layer of thermoformable material having a thermoformable temperature, and a layer of felt laminated to the at least one layer of
  • thermoformable material thermoformable material
  • the system further comprises a blanket to be placed in between the horse and the saddle pad.
  • the system when used with an English style saddle pad includes a covering into which the saddle pad is placed.
  • thermoformable material including a first layer and a second layer of thermoformable material, preferably wherein the first layer of thermoformable material is softer than the second layer of thermoformable material.
  • Figure 1 is a bottom view of a Western-style saddle pad according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the Western-style saddle pad.
  • Figure 3 is a side view showing two layers of thermoformable material laminated to felt.
  • Figure 4 is a top view of an English-style saddle pad according to the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of an insulated box for heating the thermoformable material.
  • the system and method of the proposed invention comprises a saddle pad 10, which includes a layer of thermoformable material 12 which will be heated, then placed on a horse under a saddle. The rider will then sit on the saddle to provide weight so that the thermoformable material 12 will form to the under side of the saddle and simultaneously to the contour of the horse's back so that any pressure points from the saddle will be neutralized to form an even surface on the horse's back.
  • the preferred thermoformable material 12 used is an UltralonTM Performance Foam, an Ultralon FlexalonTM Foam, and/or an Ultralon UltrastopTM Foam. These foams are a blend of Polyethlene (PE) and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foams. Although these are the preferred type of foams, any type of thermoformable material could be used.
  • PE Polyethlene
  • EVA Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
  • FIG. 1 An example of a western-style saddle pad is shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • This pad has a layer thermoformable material 12 laminated to a layer of felt 16.
  • a typical example of felt used is wool.
  • the 2 layers are enclosed in a fabric 18.
  • the fabric side 18 of the saddle pad 10 lies under the saddle.
  • the thermoformable material 12 lies under the fabric.
  • the types of fabric 18 used to cover the saddle pad 10 can be of various upholstery types such as denim, cordura, suede, wool, Schoeller ® Dynatec etc.
  • the layer of felt 16 is split in half lengthwise, so that the fabric 18 could be infolded into the slit, and then sewn to the upper edge of the felt 16.
  • the lower edge of the felt 16 has no fabric 18.
  • the underside of the pad which interfaces with the horse's back is felt 16, typically made of a wool material.
  • the felt 16 is not covered with any fabric 18 because it is a very desirable type of fabric that is compatible with the horse's skin. It is a natural fiber that absorbs sweat, breathes, and has some qualities that tend to mold the felt and aid in conforming the underside of the blanket to the horse's back.
  • Some saddle pads also include leather trim 20 to protect the blanket from excessive wear from the metal rings and leathers of the cinch attachments.
  • thermoformable material 12 is 3 ⁇ 4 inch and the thickness of the felt 16 is also 3 ⁇ 4 inch. This thickness is desirable for a western saddle pad whereby the horse and rider are riding for long distances or are riding for several hours. In some competitions, the rider wishes to have closer contact with the horse's back so that the horse can easily feel and sense the cues which the rider is giving the horse and these competition riders will wish to use a thinner layer of felt 16 and perhaps even a thinner layer of thermoformable material 12 as well.
  • thermoformable material 12 With competition western pads it is likely that the riders will choose a saddle pad 10 that has anywhere from 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick of thermoformable material 12 and 1/2 inch of felt 16 laminated to the thermoformable material 12.
  • thermoformable material 12 Long distance riders will prefer to want more protection to the horse's back and might choose a pad 10 which has a layer of thermoformable material 12 with a thickness of 3/4 inch, laminated a 3/4-inch layer of felt 16 laminated to the thermoformable material 12.
  • thermoformable material 12 and felt 16 are laminated together under pressure with an adhesive. Over time the felt 16 compresses and so its thickness is reduced.
  • thermoformable material 12 In some sporting events it may be desirable for us to laminate two or more different layers of thermoformable material together.
  • Figure 3 shows a first layer of thermoformable material 12 with a second layer 14, and with a layer of felt 16.
  • Some types of thermoformable material absorb more energy than others, some types are softer and offer a gentler feel to the ride.
  • Various equestrian disciplines may require different combinations of the thermoformable material laminated together. In all cases the thermoformable material will need to be the type that can be heated to a moldable temperature, placed on the horse, and allowed to conform to the specific conformational anatomy of the horse's back.
  • FIG. 4 An example of an English-style saddle pad 100 is shown in Figure 4. These pads are comprised of two primary types (1/4 sized pad and 1 ⁇ 2 pad).
  • the English style pads are provided in many different sizes because there are many different kinds of saddles on the market that fit onto the pads. In pretty much every situation the English pads will not be laminated onto felt as is done with the western pad. The reason for this is because English riders tend to wash their pads in a washing machine daily and felt will not tolerate that kind of treatment. For that reason, they tend to use a cotton type of covering or a cotton sheet under the saddle pad 100 to keep the horse from sweating under a synthetic pad material.
  • thermoformable material The number of hours or miles put on by a horse each day also can dictate what kind of a pad is needed as well as how much total pad thickness is needed.
  • the half pads and quarter pads do not have any felt laminated to them. They are a single unit of foam or multiple types of foam laminated together. In every case the type of foam used, either singly or laminated, will be a thermoformable material. In every case the thermoformable material will be a permanently molded imprint to the underside of the saddle. The molded pads will either be placed inside a sort of cotton "pillow" of cross-stitched material or they will simply be placed directly under the saddle and on top of a thin cover (usually of a cotton or wool material), just like a small, thin, blanket placed on the horse's back.
  • thermoformable material 12 can vary in thickness, consistency, and hardness. The various thicknesses and physical characteristics used will depend on the discipline in which the horse is involved, and the orthotic needs of the horse and rider combination. During initial testing we have found that the material conforms to the horse and saddle on an "as needed basis".
  • thermoformable material offers a significant improvement over regular foam pads currently on the market because they are able to adjust to abnormal contours which would otherwise be the cause of pressure points against the horse's back. Pressure points can cause severe pain to affected areas on a horse's back.
  • the method includes, the thermoformable material 12 is heated to its thermoformable temperature, which is its molding point, then the pad 10 is placed onto the horse with the fabric side 18 upwards and the saddle is placed on the horse's back and cinched up. Then the rider gets onto the saddle to add weight to the saddle so that the underside of the saddle with any of its contour defects, mold into the thermoformable material 12. This produces a very even interface of the thermoformable material 12 against the felt 16 and so the molding of the saddle against the thermoformable material 12 neutralizes any abnormal contours of the underside of the saddle and alleviates any pressure points against the felt 16.
  • thermoformable material 12 any method of heating the thermoformable material 12 to the thermoformable temperature would work, one of the preferred methods is to use an insulated enclosure. In this system this enclosure is shown as insulated box 30, although an insulated bag could function similarly.
  • a typical commercial heating blanket 34 with small electrical resistors buried within a silicone-rubber complex Inside the insulated box 30 is a typical commercial heating blanket 34 with small electrical resistors buried within a silicone-rubber complex.
  • One example is the BriskHeat ® Silicone Rubber Heating Blanket. This blanket can be heated to a temperature of 115 to 120 degrees Celsius.
  • the heating blanket 34 is adhered to the underside of a sheet of aluminum 32.
  • the heating blanket 34 heats the underside of the aluminum sheet 32 and the heat is conducted to the surface of the flat aluminum plate 32.
  • the preferred method includes the saddle pad 10 being placed in the insulated box 30 with the thermoformable material 12 face down against the aluminum plate 32.
  • the layer of felt 16 is thus on the top and not subject to much of the heat from the heating blanket 34.
  • thermoformable material 12 is placed onto the aluminum plate 32 and heated until it reaches the thermoformable temperature.
  • thermoformable material 12 Heating the thermoformable material 12 at this temperature allows the temperature to reach the entire thickness of the thermoformable material 12 and render the thermoformable material 12 to a mouldable state. Once the entire thickness of the thermoformable material 12 has reached a mouldable state it is placed onto the back of the horse. The saddle is immediately placed onto the horse's back on to the foam pad and the cinch of the saddle is tightened.
  • the rider mounts onto the saddle, they would then sit on the saddle for approximately 15 minutes. During this time the foam pad molds to the underside of the saddle and to the contour of the horse's back. As the foam cools below its thermoformable temperature it forms a permanent contoured shape. At the 15-minute mark the molding is complete.
  • the rider now has a saddle pad that forms a very even surface to the horse's back, eliminating pressure points, as well as adding protection and padding to the horse from the underside of the saddle.
  • thermoformable material could still be re-heated to a moldable state, and formed again. So if the horse owner wishes to fit the same pad to a different horse/saddle combination, or to the same horse which has changed conformation, or with a different saddle, the process can simply be repeated.
  • Another use for this type of thermoformable material is to mold to the bottom of horse's feet that get foot pain from laminitis and other painful foot conditions. In this case the foam pad would be placed inside a "boot" which is clipped onto the horse's foot.
  • thermoformable material insert would simply be inserted inside a commercially made boot and be able to alleviate foot pain in several types of foot ailments.
  • mouldable foam on the inside of protective leather wear called splint boots, which horses wear on the lower cannon bone to prevent local injury when hitting themselves with the opposite foot during sporting events.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système d'installation de coussin de selle, ainsi qu'un procédé d'utilisation, le système d'installation comprenant un coussin de selle destiné à être placé entre le cheval et la selle, le coussin de selle comprenant au moins une couche de matériau thermoformable ayant une température thermoformable, et un dispositif de chauffage comprenant une enveloppe isotherme, ledit dispositif de chauffage permettant de chauffer le coussin de selle à une température supérieure à la température thermoformable de sorte que, lorsque le coussin de selle est positionné entre le cheval et la selle, et qu'un cavalier enfourche la selle, le coussin de selle épouse la forme entre le cheval et la selle.
PCT/CA2016/051022 2015-09-01 2016-08-30 Coussin conformable destiné à se placer sous une selle de cheval et procédé d'utilisation WO2017035645A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562212939P 2015-09-01 2015-09-01
US62/212,939 2015-09-01

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WO2017035645A1 true WO2017035645A1 (fr) 2017-03-09

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019058183A3 (fr) * 2017-09-18 2019-06-13 Versal Manufacturing, Inc. Selles de bicyclette moulables, procédés d'ajustement et technologies associées
US11173974B2 (en) 2017-09-18 2021-11-16 Versal Manufacturing, Inc. Moldable bicycle saddles, external saddle heaters, fitting procedures, and related technologies

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4974397A (en) * 1989-10-16 1990-12-04 Jim Ricken Anti-stress saddle pad for horses
WO1993005675A1 (fr) * 1991-09-26 1993-04-01 U.S.A. Retama, Inc. Element constitutif de semelle de chaussure et procede de fabrication de celui-ci
DE102006039777A1 (de) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Angela Meier Durch Erwärmung anpassbare Sattelunterlage

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4974397A (en) * 1989-10-16 1990-12-04 Jim Ricken Anti-stress saddle pad for horses
WO1993005675A1 (fr) * 1991-09-26 1993-04-01 U.S.A. Retama, Inc. Element constitutif de semelle de chaussure et procede de fabrication de celui-ci
DE102006039777A1 (de) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Angela Meier Durch Erwärmung anpassbare Sattelunterlage

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019058183A3 (fr) * 2017-09-18 2019-06-13 Versal Manufacturing, Inc. Selles de bicyclette moulables, procédés d'ajustement et technologies associées
US10399626B2 (en) 2017-09-18 2019-09-03 Versal Manufacturing, Inc. Moldable bicycle saddles, fitting procedures, and related technologies
US11173974B2 (en) 2017-09-18 2021-11-16 Versal Manufacturing, Inc. Moldable bicycle saddles, external saddle heaters, fitting procedures, and related technologies
US11654992B2 (en) 2017-09-18 2023-05-23 Reform Technologies Inc. Moldable bicycle saddles, external saddle heaters, fitting procedures, and related technologies

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