EP0692450A1 - Riding saddle - Google Patents

Abstract

The saddle is made with a slot (16) passing through it transversely beneath the upper surface (18) of the seat to act as a guide for a girth or belly-band. One or two slots can be employed, situated above the surface of the saddle pad (8) and limited at the top by lengthwise straps fixed to the saddle bow frame and at the bottom by two lengthwise bands. Spacers hold the appropriate gaps between the upper and lower surfaces of the slot(s), which are covered with a material ensuring a suitable degree of slip and retention for the girth/belly-band straps. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a saddle for horses.

We know that, in some cases, we want to strengthen or improve the security of the joining of the saddle to the horse. This is the case, for example, for the polo game in which the polo player is often in an offset and unbalanced position. A similar circumstance can arise for training or for certain horse-riding activities or training.

To this end, it is known to use and implement a strap. This one "doubles" the strap which is provided with any classic saddle. It is recalled here that the two end parts for attaching the strap to the saddle itself are interposed between the quarter and the false quarter, on each side of the saddle, where they are fixed to hooking means provided for two ends of a strip arranged transversely over the tree of the saddle and fixed to it by means of nails or equivalent.

Such a strap is an accessory at the discretion of the user. It is added to the saddle itself by being placed transversely over it, that is to say by being applied to the visible external faces of the seat, of the small quarters and of the quarters.

This results, on the seat and the quarters, at the location of the overstrap, an additional thickness corresponding to the thickness of the overstrap and two projecting edges corresponding to the two longitudinal free edges of the overstrap. This extra thickness and these projecting edges are placed transversely to the saddle.

This situation is inherent in the classic constitution of saddles for horses which do not allow, because of their structure - otherwise traditionally well established - the integration of a strap.

However, the presence of an overstrap arranged as is known has many drawbacks and in particular a lack of obvious comfort for the person riding the horse (rider, polo player, etc.) whose buttocks are based on the extra thickness and , as the thighs in their flat, meet the free edges of the overstrap, especially during a relative longitudinal movement relative to the saddle, forward or backward. Another disadvantage is that the positioning in the longitudinal direction of the overstrap is not necessarily optimal, no indication of this positioning being given and the overstrap not being guided. Finally, this positioning can change as a result of a relative longitudinal sliding of the strap with respect to the saddle.

The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks.

For this purpose, it offers a saddle for horses characterized by the presence of at least one holding passage, crossing, transverse, formed below the upper external face of the seat, fully integrated into the saddle, having the functions of on the one hand the transverse passage guided from one side to the other and, on the other hand, the vertical and downward support of at least one strap or overstrap.

According to other characteristics, the saddle has either a single passage for a strap and / or a strap, or two separate passages from each other and separated from each other for a strap and a strap .

The passage is made in the tree.

More specifically, the passage is defined upwards by the longitudinal strap (s) fixed to the frame of the tree; downwards by the two rigid longitudinal bands of the tree frame; towards the pommel and towards the cantilever respectively by spacers ensuring the desired spacing between said longitudinal straps and said rigid longitudinal strips of the frame.

The side openings of the passage are normally hidden from view by the small quarters, to be placed below them.

The passage is located in or near the median part of the narrowest tree transversely.

According to a first alternative embodiment, the saddle has a single passage for a girth adjoining a transverse band placed towards the pommel and covering over the longitudinal straps of the tree, said band being intended, by means of attachment means, to the removable hooking of the saddle strap.

In this case, it is provided in the neighborhood a slot or a loop for the girth, located substantially in line with the passage of the girth.

Furthermore, still in this first variant, preferably, an L-shaped stirrup knife is provided, authorizing the introduction of the stirrup stool only as a result of a bottom-up movement between the stirrup knife and the neighborhood and its disengagement only by an opposite movement.

The invention also relates to a saddle according to this first variant with its overstrap integrated into the thickness of the saddle.

Such a saddle is more especially intended for the polo game.

In such a saddle, the overstrap is not thicker than the seat.

According to a second variant, the saddle has a single passage for the strap, this passage being located towards the pommel and the stirrup knives. In this case, the strap passes transversely through the saddle, without the need for the transverse strip provided with hooking means.

The invention also relates to a saddle according to this second variant with its integrated strap.

Such a saddle may or may not have a strap.

Finally, according to a third variant, the saddle has a single or double passage for the strap and the strap.

The invention also relates to a saddle according to this third variant with its integrated strap and overstrap.

The invention will be clearly understood on reading the description which follows.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are three views in side elevation of a saddle according to the invention according to a first variant with respectively (i) its strap, its stirrup stirrup and its integrated strap; (ii) its only integrated strap; and (iii) the saddle properly devoid of strap, stirrup stirrup.

Figures 4 and 5 are two side elevational views of the saddle of Figure 3 with respectively (i) the small quarter raised upwards and (ii) the quarter also raised upwards.

Figures 6 and 7 are two side elevational views of the tree of the saddle according to the invention and Figures 3 to 5, respectively with and without strap.

Figures 8 and 9 are two top views of the tree according to Figures 6 and 7.

Figures 10 and 11 are two bottom views of the tree according to Figures 6 and 7.

Figures 12 and 13 are two sectional views along lines XII - XII and XIII - XIII respectively of Figures 9 and 8, Figure 13 being shown on a larger scale.

Figure 14 is a partial detail view corresponding to Figure 4, the small quarter being directed downward but shown in phantom lines.

Figure 15 is a partial detail view, on a larger scale showing the part forming a quarter towards its upper free edge.

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 6 corresponding to a third alternative embodiment.

A saddle 1, in accordance with a first variant of the invention and as shown in the drawings, comprises an actual saddle or saddle body 2, with which are associated a strap 3, stirrup leathers 4 and a girth 5.

The overstrap 5 referred to here is intended to be positioned, like the strap 3. It is more or less parallel and is intended to come to bear under the belly of the horse.

The actual saddle 2 comprises in particular a rigid internal tree 6, a seat 7, a padding 8, two small quarters 9, two quarters 10 and two false quarters 11, all three lateral, superimposed and placed respectively from the outside towards the inside the saddle 1.

Tree 6 defines, on the saddle, a frontal arch 12, a pommel 13 and a cantle 14.

Towards the arch 12 and the pommel 13 are fixed to the tree 6, laterally, two stirrup knives 15.

In general, the shape and arrangement of the constituent elements of the saddle 1 as just described, can be the subject of variant embodiments according to the aims pursued, the morphology of the horse and the requirements of the person intended to mount it.

Saddle 1 has a general plane of symmetry P.

When the saddle is placed on the horse's back or placed in the normal waiting position, the plane P is vertical or substantially vertical while the seat 7, although curved upwards with a concavity, has a general horizontal direction. In this situation, the seat 7 is turned upwards, the padding 8 turned downwards and the small quarters 9, quarters 10 and false quarters 11 are drooping and directed downwards (as shown in the drawings) .

In the text, the qualifiers "high", "low", "upper", "lower" refer to this position. Furthermore, the qualifier "outside" refers to what is towards the outside of the saddle, that is to say opposite to the horse on which the saddle is placed. What is generally on the side of the observer looking at the saddle from the outside is outside. The qualifier "interior" is opposed to "exterior". The qualifier "transverse" designates a general direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane P. The qualifier "vertical" designates a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the seat 7 in its middle part. The vertical direction is represented by the straight line D in the figures. As for the qualifier "longitudinal", it designates a general direction that is substantially horizontal and parallel to the plane P (therefore going from the knob 13 to the cantle 14).

According to the invention, the saddle 1, 2 has a single passage 16 for the overstrap 5.

This holding passage 16 is on the one hand through, that is to say that it has at its two ends two openings 17, on the other hand transverse, relative to the plane P.

The passage 16 is formed in the tree 6, below the upper external face 18 of the seat 7 and above the lower internal face 19 of the padding 8.

The passage 16 is therefore completely integrated into the saddle 1. The same applies to the overstrap 5.

Passage 16 essentially performs two functions.

The first function is to allow the guided transverse passage of the overstrap 5 from one side to the other of the saddle 1 and, due to the integration of the overstrap 5 into the saddle, to avoid the excess thickness relative to the seat 7 known so far. In addition, the passage 16 provides transverse guiding of the overstrap 5 and its longitudinal positioning. The latter defined by the relative position of the passage 16 on the actual saddle 2, is optimized for better support. Thanks to the guidance operated by the passage 16, the overstrap 5 is prevented from sliding longitudinally and relatively with respect to the saddle 2, the optimal position being preserved.

The second function is to constitute a vertical and downward support for the overstrap 5 on the saddle itself 2 and more particularly the tree 6.

Tree 6 comprises a resistance frame, in particular of wood and metal, comprising two rigid longitudinal strips 20.

The two bands 20 are rigidly joined to one another towards the cantle 14. In contrast, they are rigidly secured to the arch 12, substantially at mid-height and substantially orthogonally.

Between the two strips 20 there is a free and empty space 21.

Two straps of general longitudinal direction 22, crossed, are stretched over and above the frame of the tree 6 between the knob 13 and the cantle 14, where they are respectively fixed for example by means of nails 22a. The straps 22 are placed in the concavity formed by the frame of the tree 6.

The tree 6 also includes an upper canvas 23, attached, applied to the straps 22, stretched, fixed to the bands 20 of the frame of the tree 6 by means of nails or equivalent.

On the straps 22 and the canvas 23 are placed a seat in quilted felt or equivalent (not shown), and, below, where appropriate, shaped parts.

A piece of leather or equivalent 24 covers the felt seat and forms, for the outside observer, seat 7.

The assembly is fixed to the tree 6 by nails 25.

To the piece 24 are fixed, by sewing, on both sides, the small quarters 9. To each of them, as to the piece 24, is fixed a piece of leather or equivalent 26 placed towards the inside of the saddle being partially covered by the upper free edge 27 of the corresponding quarter 10.

The mentioned seam, like the other seams of the saddle, is preferably of the saddler type.

The passage 16 is defined and limited upwards by the straps 22. It is defined and limited, downwards by the two bands 20. Finally, it is limited towards the pommel 13 and the cantle 14 by spacers 28, 29, respectively.

The spacers 28, 29 are interposed between and in contact respectively with the strips 20 and the straps 22. The spacers 28, 29 provide the desired spacing between the strips 20 and the straps 22 which defines the height of the passage 16. The width - in the longitudinal direction - of the passage 16 is defined by the spacing between the two spacers 28, 29.

It is also provided that the same transverse strip 30 is fixed to the strips 20 of the frame, below for example, by means of nails 30a or equivalent. This strip 30 ensures the coating, at least upwards, of the strips 20. This strip 30 joins together the two strips 20 of the frame of the tree 6 by closing the passage 16 downwards.

The material constituting the strip 30 is suitable for the passage, the support and the sliding of the overstrap 5. It is leather or equivalent.

The spacers 28, 29 are made up of solid blocks suitably cut out of sufficiently rigid plastic or equivalent material.

The spacers 28, 29 extend transversely so as to rest on the two longitudinal strips 20 of the frame of the tree 6.

Consequently, the passage 16 is closed upwards by the straps 22, towards the knob 13 and the cantle 14 by the spacers 28, 29 respectively. The strip 30 partially overlaps the spacers 28, 29. An association between them is achieved by means of a seam 34 or equivalent (example bonding).

The passage 16 is only open at the location of its two lateral openings 17.

These are located substantially in the envelope formed by the tree 6, in two planes symmetrical with respect to the plane P, inclined with respect to it upwards.

In cross section (relative to its axis), the passage 16 has a substantially rectangular or pseudo-rectangular outline. Its dimensions, namely small height dimension and large dimension in the longitudinal direction, are larger than the corresponding dimensions of the overstrap 5 (in cross section) to allow free passage of the overstrap 5 with the necessary but not excessive play.

In its length - in transverse direction - the passage 16 is curved with a concavity facing downwards, the openings 17 being in the low position and the middle part of the passage 16 in the high position. This arrangement facilitates the installation of the overstrap 5.

The two bands 20 of the frame are inclined from top to bottom and from the inside to the outside of the saddle. This inclination determines that of the previously mentioned openings 17. Being adjacent to the openings 17 which they help to delimit, the two strips 20 form a guide face for the introduction of the overstrap 5 into the passage 16. This arrangement also facilitates the introduction of the overstrap into the passage 16 even then that the openings 17 may seem difficult or poorly accessible since they are placed under the small quarters 9.

The fabric 23 is suitably cut to spare the passage 16 leaving its openings 17 uncovered. The same is true of the felt seat or equivalent.

Regarding the part 26 it is cut to have downward a tongue 31 which is folded inside the passage 16 and upwards of the latter.

The two tongues 31 (for the two parts 26) are therefore spaced apart, above and opposite the strip 30. They also help to facilitate the introduction of the overstrap 5 into the passage 16 and its transverse sliding.

A tongue 31 has its free edge interposed between the strap 22 and the felt seat or equivalent. Furthermore, a tongue 31 is also rigidly associated by gluing or equivalent to the saddle body 2.

As regards the two quarters 10, their respective upper free edges 27 are also cut and / or folded to leave the two openings 17 uncovered. For example (FIG. 15), a fold along line 35 (shown in dashed lines) is produced on each quarter 10, this line 35 passing just below the opening 17.

The passage 16 is located in or near the median part of the tree 6 which is narrowest transversely. The longitudinal position of passage 16 is determined for maximum effectiveness of the overstrap 5.

It should be observed that this longitudinal position is adjustable by longitudinally adjusting the position of the spacers 28, 29.

This allows the saddle to be perfectly adapted to the morphology of the horse as well as to the requirements of the person riding it and the activity practiced.

The openings 17 are normally hidden from view by the small quarters 9 placed above them. In particular, the openings 17 are located near the lower free edges 32 of the small quarters 9.

In the first variant considered, the passage 16 adjoins a transverse strip 33 placed towards the knob 13 and overlapping the straps 22 by crossing them.

The strip 33 is fixed to the strips 20 of the frame of the tree 6 by means of nails 33a or equivalent.

At its two ends, the strip 33 includes hooking means 36 for the removable hooking of the strap 3. These means are, for example, rings or straps or the like.

In this situation, the strip 33 covers the spacer 28 and is placed in line with the latter.

Similarly, the fabric 23 covers the spacer 29 and is placed in line with it.

Thus, going from the knob 13 towards the cantle 14, along the straps 22, we first meet the yoke 12, the stirrup knives 25, the band 33 and below the spacer 28, the passage 16 and below the strip 30 and, finally, the fabric 23 and below the spacer 29.

This first variant is more specifically intended for the polo game. In fact, thanks to the overstrap 5 integrated into the saddle 1, the saddle 1 is securely attached to the horse carrying it. The safety and comfort of the polo player are increased.

In this embodiment, provision is preferably made in the neighborhood for a slot or a loop 37 for the overstrap 5, situated substantially in line with the passage 16 of the overstrap 5, in particular at about half height.

Furthermore, to avoid any untimely disengagement of the stirrup 4 from its knife 15, there is preferably provided an L shaped stirrup knife. Combined with the tree 6 with which it is associated with its two free ends, the knife of stirrup tree 15 forms a closed passage over its entire periphery. This embodiment authorizes the passage of the stirrup stirrup 4 only as a result of a movement from bottom to top between the stirrup knife 15 and the quarter 10 in the said passage closed on its periphery. (See arrow F in figure 6).

Under these conditions, the slit or passage 37 for the overstrap 5 can also act as a slit or passage for the stirrup 4.

Reference is again made to FIG. 1 which illustrates the overstrap 5 integrated into the thickness of the saddle 1 and which, thus in place, crosses the passage 16, emerges from its two lateral openings 17, is placed on the face visible exterior of the two quarters 10 between said openings and the slots or passers-by 37, and is placed under the two quarters 10 while being hidden from view between the slots or loops 37 and the lower free edges 38 of the quarters 10.

The respective dimensions of the passage 16 and the overstrap 5, namely the small dimension in height (thickness for the overstrap 5) and large dimension in the longitudinal direction (width of the overstrap 5) are related to allow both the introduction , sliding for passage, guiding without possibility of substantial relative longitudinal displacement of the overstrap 5 in or relative to passage 16.

Furthermore, the overstrap 5 being masked by the quarters 10 below the slits or passers-by 37, it does not, at this point, constitute discomfort for the thighs of the person riding the horse. Indeed, it does not form an extra thickness.

According to a second variant, not shown, the saddle has a single passage 16 for the strap 3, this passage 16 being located relative to that described in relation to the first variant, more towards the pommel 13 and the stirrup knives 15 and further away from the cantle 14.

The passage 16 thus considered is located at the right of the strip 33, as it has been described in the first variant.

The band 33, instead of being rigidly fixed to the tree 6, as in the first variant, is mounted, in the passage 16 provided for this purpose, with free transverse sliding.

In this second variant, the saddle 1 therefore comprises, in addition, a strap 3 mounted integrated in the thickness of the saddle 1. Either this strap 3 is of the conventional type and is fixed to the hooking means provided for this purpose on the strip 33 itself of conventional type; either the strip 33 is merged with the strap 3.

If, in this second variant, an overstrap must be used, it is in accordance with usual practice, in excess thickness on the seat 7 and the quarters 10.

In a third variant shown diagrammatically in FIG. 16, the saddle 2 has a single or double passage for the strap 3 and the overstrap 5.

The saddle 1 then further comprises a strap 3 and a girth 5 both integrated into the thickness of the saddle 1.

In the case where the strap 3 or overstrap 5 is integrated into the saddle, this strap 3 or overstrap 5 can be of the type comprising an elastic section.

Although the description has been made in relation to leather parts, these can be a substitute for leather, or any material considered to be equivalent.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method of producing a saddle as just described.

This process is such that during the manufacturing and mounting of the saddle, at least one passage 16, crossing, transverse, is cut in the tree 6, suitably cutting and / or folding the felt seat, the canvas 23, the part 26 and the free edge 27 of the quarter 10 and by interposing spacers 28, 29 between the bands 20 of the frame of the tree 6 and the straps 22.

Claims (36)

Horse saddle characterized by the presence of at least one transverse, transverse holding passage (16) formed below the upper external face (18) of the seat (7), fully integrated into the saddle, having the following functions on the one hand the transverse passage guided from one side to the other and, on the other hand, the vertical and downward support of at least one strap (3) or over-strap (5). Saddle according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a single passage (16) for a strap (3) and / or a strap (5). Saddle according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises two passages (16) distinct from each other and separated from one another for a strap (3) and a strap (5). Saddle according to claim 1 characterized in that the passage (16) is formed above the lower inner face (19) of the padding (8) associated with the seat (7). Saddle according to claim 1 characterized in that the passage (16) is formed in the tree (6). Saddle according to claim 5 characterized in that the passage (16) is defined upwards by the longitudinal strap (s) (22) fixed to the frame of the tree (6); downwards by the two longitudinal strips (20) of the frame of the tree (6); towards the pommel (13) and towards the cantle (14) respectively by spacers (28, 29) ensuring the desired spacing between the longitudinal straps (22) and the longitudinal bands (20) of the frame of the tree (6). Saddle according to claim 6 characterized in that, in the passage (16), the two longitudinal bands (20) of the frame of the tree (6) are coated, at least upwards, with a suitable material when passing, sliding and supporting a strap (3) or over-strap (5). Saddle according to Claim 7, characterized in that the two longitudinal strips (20) of the frame of the tree (6) are joined to one another by a transverse strip (30), fixed to the said strips ( 20) of the frame, in a material suitable for passing, sliding and supporting a strap (3) or overstrap (5). Saddle according to claim 7 or 8 characterized in that the same transverse band (30), in leather or equivalent, ensures the covering of the two longitudinal bands (20) of the frame of the tree (6) and joins them together to each other, closing the passage (16) downwards. Saddle according to claim 6 characterized in that the spacers (28, 29) consist of solid blocks suitably cut out of plastic or equivalent. Saddle according to claim 10 characterized in that the block-shaped spacers (28, 29) extend transversely so as to rest on the two longitudinal strips (20) of the frame of the tree (6). Saddle according to claim 6 characterized in that the passage (16) is closed upwards, downwards, towards the pommel (13) and towards the cantle (14) and has only two lateral openings (17) located substantially in the envelope formed by the tree (6). Saddle according to claim 1 characterized in that the passage (16) on the one hand has a profiled shape having, in cross section, a substantially rectangular or pseudo-rectangular outline; and, on the other hand, has a generally curved shape, the lateral openings (17) being in the low position and the central central part in the high position. Saddle according to Claim 6, characterized in that the tree (6) comprises an added top canvas (23) cut out to provide the passage (16) and leave its lateral openings (17) uncovered. Saddle according to claim 6 characterized in that on the longitudinal straps (22) and the canvas (23) of the tree (6) is placed a seat in felt or equivalent quilted leaving the side openings (17) of the passage (16 ) discoveries. Saddle according to claim 6 characterized in that to each small quarter (9) is fixed a piece of leather or equivalent (26) placed towards the inside of the saddle being partially covered by the upper free edge (27) of the quarter (10), this piece (26) comprising a tongue (31) cut and folded inside the passage (16) and upwards. Saddle according to claim 15 characterized in that the tongue (31) is rigidly associated by gluing or the like. Saddle according to claim 15 characterized in that the free edge of the tongue (31) is interposed between the longitudinal straps (22) of the tree (6) and the seat in felt or equivalent. Saddle according to claim 6 characterized in that the side openings (17) of the passage (16) are normally hidden from view by the small quarters (9), to be placed below them. Saddle according to Claim 18, characterized in that the lateral openings (17) of the passage (16) are located near the lower free edges (32) of the small quarters (9). Saddle according to claim 5 characterized in that the upper free edges (27) of quarters (10) are cut and / or folded to leave the openings (17) of the passage (16) uncovered. Saddle according to claim 1 characterized in that the passage (16) is located in or near the median part of the tree (6) which is narrowest transversely. Saddle according to claim 1 characterized in that it has a single passage (16) for a overstrap (5) adjoining a transverse strip (33) placed towards the pommel (13) and covering over the longitudinal straps (22) of the tree (6), the said strip (33) being intended, by means of means 'hooking (36), to the removable hooking of the strap (3) of the saddle (1). Saddle according to Claim 23, characterized in that a block-shaped spacer (28) is placed in line with the said transverse strip (33). Saddle according to claim 23 characterized in that there is formed, in the quarter (10) a slot or a pass (37) for the girth (5), located substantially in line with the passage (16) of the girth (5). Saddle according to claims 25, 26 characterized by an L-shaped stirrup knife (15) allowing the stirrup (4) to pass only as a result of a bottom-up movement between the stirrup knife (15) and the district (10), in a closed passage on its periphery. Saddle according to claim 23 characterized in that the slit or pass (37) for the strap can also act as a slit or pass for the stirrup (4). Saddle according to claim 23 characterized in that it further comprises a strap (5) integrated in the thickness of the saddle (1) which passes through the passage (6), emerges from its two lateral openings (17) , is placed on the visible external face of the two quarters (10) between said openings and the slots or passers-by (37), and is placed under the two quarters (10) while being hidden from view between the slots or passers-by (37) and the lower free edges (38) of the quarters (10). Saddle according to claim 28 characterized in that it is more especially intended for the polo game. Saddle according to claim 29 characterized in that the overstrap (5) is not oversized relative to the seat (7) or relative to the quarters (10) below the slots or passers-by (37). Saddle according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a single passage (16) for the strap (3), this passage (16) being located towards the pommel (13) and the stirrup knives (15). Saddle according to claim 31 characterized in that it further comprises a strap (3) integrated into the thickness of the saddle (1). Saddle according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a single or double passage (16) for the strap (3) and the strap (5). Saddle according to claim 33 characterized in that it further comprises a strap (3) and a strap (5) both integrated in the thickness of the saddle (1). Saddle according to claims 23, 34 characterized in that the strap (5) is more or less parallel to the strap (3) and comes under the horse's belly. Method for producing a saddle (1) according to Claims 1 to 35, characterized in that, during its manufacture and assembly, at least one passage (16), crossing, transverse, is formed in the tree (6) appropriately cutting and / or folding the felt seat, the fabric (23), the part (26) and the free edge (27) of the quarter (10) and by interposing spacers (28, 29) between the bands ( 20) of the tree structure and the straps (22).

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