Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to saddle trees for saddles used in equitation. In
particular, the invention relates to a locking headplate for a saddle tree, and to
saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate for providing a custom-like
fit of a saddle.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Modern equestrian saddles possess various common elements, including a seat portion
on which a rider sits, a pommel, a cantle, and side flaps. Underpinning these structures
is the saddle tree, known to be a base on which the remainder of the saddle is built.
The saddle tree typically includes a body defining a frame for the saddle, and including
a head portion, two side portions, and a cantle or end portion. Among other functions,
the saddle tree determines the width of a saddle. A conventional saddle tree is manufactured
of wood or a suitable synthetic material, and eventually is provided with one or more
layers of padding and covered in leather or a suitable leather-like synthetic material
to define the saddle. It is an important part of saddle making and saddle fitting
to properly match the saddle width, determined by the saddle tree width, to the back
of the horse which will be wearing the saddle. An improperly fitted saddle may result
in discomfort and potential injury to the horse's back.
[0003] Indeed, saddle width is the primary criteria by which a saddle is measured and fitted
to a horse, although of course length of tree and proper balance must also be considered.
The saddle must clear the withers of the horse, but yet must not be so narrow as to
pinch the horse's back. The tree must be positioned to prevent interfering with the
movement of the horse's shoulder. The seat of the saddle must be positioned so that
the rider, when riding correctly, is placed over the horse's center of balance. Saddle
blankets or pads can assist in correcting minor fit problems, but no amount of padding
can compensate for a poorly-fitted saddle.
[0004] Conventional saddles typically include a non-adjustable saddle tree, and for that
reason a particular saddle may only fit a narrow range of horses. That is, a saddle
which comfortably fits one particular horse may not fit other, larger or smaller horses,
or even horses of substantially the same size but having differently-shaped backs.
[0005] Even more, the same saddle may not fit even the same horse for an extended period
of time without adjustments. As a horse advances in conditioning, age, and training,
the back muscles and even the underlying skeletal structures change to some degree.
Thus, particularly with English saddles, periodic adjustments to the saddle may be
necessary. In some cases, a horse will physically develop to a degree that a different
saddle may have to be purchased.
[0006] Still further, an individual rider may ride a number of horses, each having a differently
sized and shaped back, over the course of a riding career or even concurrently in
the case of a professional rider or an upper-level amateur rider. With a conventional,
non-adjustable saddle tree, this requires that the rider return a saddle to a professional
saddle fitter for adjustment, or alternatively be able to purchase or otherwise access
a number of saddles of differing widths. Either option increases the expense incurred
by that rider. However, failing to properly fit the saddle to a horse risks injury
to the horse.
[0007] Seeking a compromise between cost and safety, attempts have been made in the art
to provide saddles having adjustable saddle trees, to allow incrementally widening
or narrowing the saddle tree (and the width of the saddle incorporating the tree)
to comfortably fit a range of horses. One such adjustable saddle tree is described
in
U.S. Patent No. 4,996,827 to Pellew, which teaches a saddle tree comprising plate members configured for pivotal movement,
and an adjusting mechanism for accomplishing such pivotal movement.
[0008] Such devices are suitable for their intended purpose, that is, adjusting the position
of opposed elements of a saddle tree relative to one another to allow saddle width
adjustment. However, improvements in such devices are desirable. For example, it is
known in the fastener arts that vibration and temperature extremes may cause loosening
of threaded elements such as those describe for the adjusting mechanism described
in the '827 patent. Further, in conventional saddles incorporating an adjustable saddle
tree, the opposed side panels of the saddle tree may remain relatively fixed in place
relative to one another only when the weight of a rider is fully on a saddle seat
incorporating it.
[0009] On the other hand, when the rider's weight is not fully on the saddle seat, movement
of the opposed side panels relative to one another may occur. For example, during
such activities as posting, jumping, galloping over uneven terrain, and the like a
rider frequently adopts a "two-point" stance, that is, feet in the stirrups but with
no contact between rider and saddle seat. At such times, the opposed side panels of
a conventional adjustable saddle tree may move or displace relative to one another.
This movement or flexing is at the least distracting, and may potentially be injurious
to both horse and rider. For this reason, there remains a need in the art for improvements
in adjustable saddles/saddle trees.
Summary of the Invention
[0010] The above-mentioned and other problems become solved by applying the principles and
teachings associated with the hereinafter-described devices for providing adjustable
saddles and saddle trees. Broadly, the present disclosure provides devices for providing
incremental adjustability to a saddle tree, and to a saddle incorporating it, allowing
widening or narrowing such a saddle tree and/or saddle in accordance with the dimensions
of the back of an animal on which the saddle will be placed.
[0011] In one aspect, a locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree is provided, including
opposed and hingedly connected elements for securing to a saddle tree head portion.
The locking headplate further includes a rotatable displacing element for displacing
the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, and an engaging element for selectively
preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element.
[0012] In one embodiment, the engaging element includes at least one insert and a threaded
fastener for compressing the at least one insert against the rotatable displacing
element to selectively prevent rotation thereof. In embodiments wherein the rotatable
displacing element includes a screwthreaded pin, the threaded fastener compresses
the at least one insert against a screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element
to prevent rotation thereof.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, at least a screwthread of the screwthreaded pin of the
rotatable displacing element may be made of a material having a first hardness. The
at least one insert may be made of a material having a second hardness which is less
than the first hardness. Accordingly, when the threaded fastener compresses the at
least one insert against the screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element,
a portion of the material of the screwthread of the screwthreaded pin impinges into
the material of the insert. It will be appreciated that this feature improves the
contact of the insert and the rotatable displacing element, further improving the
efficacy of the described mechanism.
[0014] In other aspects, adjustable saddle trees incorporating the locking headplate according
to the foregoing description are provided. In still yet other aspects, adjustable
saddles incorporating adjustable saddle trees according to the foregoing description
are provided.
[0015] These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention
will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following description of
the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects,
advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the
instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended
claims.
Brief Description of the Drawing
[0016] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification,
illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description
serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0017] Figure 1 shows a prior art adjustable saddle tree headplate;
[0018] Figure 2 shows a locking headplate assembly for an adjustable saddle tree according
to the present invention in exploded top plan view;
[0019] Figure 3 shows the locking headplate assembly of Figure 2 in bottom plan view;
[0020] Figure 4 shows the locking headplate assembly of Figure 2 in top plan view;
[0021] Figure 5 shows an end view of the locking headplate assembly of Figure 2;
[0022] Figure 6 shows the end view of Figure 5, demonstrating a decrease in width of the
locking headplate assembly;
[0023] Figure 7 shows an exploded side cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism for the
locking headplate assembly according to the present invention;
[0024] Figure 8 shows the side cross-sectional view of Figure 7, with the locking mechanism
locked in place to prevent displacement of the side panels of an adjustable saddle
tree; and
[0025] Figure 9 shows the locking headplate assembly according to the present invention
installed on a saddle tree.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0026] With reference to the appended drawing figures, Figure 1 shows a prior art adjustable
saddle tree as set forth in
U.S. 4,996,827 (the '827 patent) to Pellew. The device according to the '827 patent includes first
and second plate members 1, 2, configured to be hingedly connected by a hinge pin
5. Plate members 1, 2 include apertures 11a, 11b for rotatably receiving barrels 10a,
10b therein. Each of barrels 10a, 10b of the '827 patent include threaded apertures
for receiving screwthread pin 12 therein.
[0027] Screwthreaded pin 12 includes opposingly threaded screwthreads 13, 14. Thus, rotating
screwthreadedpin 12 clockwise will move plate members 1, 2 relative to one another
in a first direction, and rotating pin 12 counter-clockwise will move plate members
1, 2 in the opposite direction, narrowing or widening the plate members 1, 2 and correspondingly
narrowing or widening a saddle tree secured thereto as needed.
[0028] This mechanism accordingly relies nearly exclusively on screwthreaded pin 12 both
to adjust plate members 1, 2 relative to one another, and also to prevent displacement
of plate members 1, 2 relative to one another after such adjustment. In addition,
the weight of a rider seated on a saddle during use will "capture" the saddle and
plate members 1, 2 between the rider and the horse, further reducing displacement
or flexing of plate members 1, 2 relative to one another. As long as the rider's weight
remains in the saddle seat, the plate members 1, 2 will not displace relative to one
another.
[0029] Without the weight of a rider disposed upon a saddle seat incorporating the plate
members of the '827 patent, only screwthreaded pin 12 prevents such displacement of
plate members 1, 2. It is known in the fastening arts that vibration and extremes
of temperature may cause spontaneous loosening of threaded element such as screwthreaded
pin 12 of the '827 patent. Thus, when a rider is in a two point stance, that is, when
the rider's weight is supported substantially exclusively by the stirrups rather than
the saddle seat, during use such as jumping, galloping, or the like, screwthreaded
pin 12 may rotate and the plate members 1, 2 may undesirably be displaced relative
to one another, altering the width of the saddle tree during use.
[0030] The aforementioned problem is solved by the presently disclosed locking headplate
20 (see Figure 2), wherein is provided a locking mechanism 22a, 22b for preventing
movement or flexing of opposed sides of the saddle tree 20. With reference to Figures
2-4, the locking headplate 20 includes opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b', hingedly
connected by a hinge structure 26, secured in place by a pin 28. Additional retainers
30 may be provided, such as C-clips, pins, clips, or the like, for preventing withdrawal
of pin 28 and separation of hinge structure 26. Alternatively, pin 28 may simply include
an enlarged head, such as a rivet-type head, at opposed ends thereof to prevent withdrawal
of pin 28 and separation of hinge structure 26 (see Figure 4).
[0031] Opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' each include an aperture for rotatably receiving
an adjusting cylinder 32a, 32b. Each adjusting cylinder 32a, 32b defines a first threaded
receiver 36a, 36b for receiving a threaded adjuster 34 therein. Each of side plates
24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' include an aperture 36a, 36b which, when the saddle tree 20 is
assembled, substantially align with the apertures in adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b.
As shown in Figure 5, adjuster 34 includes opposed, oppositely threaded pins 38a,
38b and a central hub 40 with at least one adjusting aperture 42 therein, wherein
threaded pins 38a, 38b are received in correspondingly threaded apertures 36a, 36b.
The foregoing mechanism is shown assembled in Figures 3-4.
[0032] As the skilled artisan will appreciate, rotating adjuster 34 in a first direction
via central hub 40 will cause the oppositely threaded pins 3 8a, 3 8b to displace
the opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' in a first direction. Rotating adjuster
34 in a second direction that is directly opposed to the first direction via central
hub 40 will cause the oppositely threaded pins 38a, 38b to displace the opposed side
plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' in a second direction that is directly opposed to the
first direction. Thus, as an example, depending on the threading directions of pins
38a, 38b, turning central hub 40 in a clockwise direction may increase the width W
of the locking headplate 20, whereas turning central hub 40 in a counter-clockwise
direction may decrease the width W of the locking headplate 20. This is shown in Figures
5 and 6. Thus, the user, by incrementally adjusting the saddle tree width W as described,
can customize the fit of a saddle incorporating locking headplate 20 as desired.
[0033] Structures for preventing further movement of opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b,
24b' once the user has adjusted the locking headplate 20 to a desired width W will
now be described, with reference to Figures 2, 7, and 8. As shown in those drawing
figures, each adjusting cylinder 32a, 32b defines a second threaded receiver 44a,
44b for receiving a correspondingly threaded locking fastener 44a, 44b therein. In
the depicted embodiment, locking fasteners 44a, 44b are socket head screws which may
be tightened and loosened by use of a conventional hex key wrench.
[0034] As shown in Figure 7, being a cross-sectional view of an adjusting cylinder 32a,
adjusting cylinder 32a (and likewise adjusting cylinder 32b) defines a hollow interior
having an interior surface 46a which is at least partially threaded. That interior
threaded surface cooperatively receives a length of locking fastener 44a therein.
Also provided is an insert 48a which is received within the interior of adjusting
cylinder 32a. Shown also in the view of Figure 7is the first receiver 50a in cylinder
32a for receiving an end of the pins 38a, 38b of adjuster 34.
[0035] When assembled, insert 48a is captured between locking fastener 44a and threaded
pin 38a (see Figure 8) of the adjuster 34, whereby when locking fasteners 44a are
advanced into the interior of the adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b, insert 48a impinges
upon the pin 38a of the adjuster 34. In that manner, once the final user adjustments
have been made to adjuster 34, and the locking fastener 44a is advanced into the interior
of the adjusting cylinder 32a as described, the locking mechanism 22a is locked in
place. Of course, corresponding features are found in the other locking mechanism
22b, which is secured in the identical manner described for locking mechanism 22a.
Thus, opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' cannot move relative to one another,
and the width W of saddle tree 20 will remain substantially fixed until changed by
the user.
[0036] Certain particularities of the device will now be described. Of course, a variety
of conventional materials are known for fabricating a headplate such as is set forth
herein. Typically, the present locking headplate 20 will be fabricated of a suitable
metal material, such aluminum, steel, various alloys, and the like providing a desired
combination of durability and light weight. Any suitable method of manufacture for
these elements of the locking headplate 20 is contemplated, such as lost-wax casting
and the like.
[0037] Desirably at least the threads of the threaded adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b will
be fabricated of a suitably durable metal having a first hardness. The inserts 48a,
48b will be fabricated of a material having a second hardness that is less than that
first hardness, that is, the hardness of the material of which the adjuster 34 and
adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b are fabricated. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the
adjuster 34 and adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b may be fabricated of case-hardened steel,
whereas the inserts 48a, 48b are fabricated of aluminum, iron, or an alloy, with the
caveat that the hardness of the material from which the inserts 48a, 48b are is fabricated
is less than the hardness of the case-hardened steel from which the adjuster 34 and
adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b are fabricated.
[0038] The skilled artisan will realize that this provides an additional securing mechanism,
in that as the inserts 48a, 48b impinge upon the adjuster 34 threaded pins 38a, 38b,
the relatively harder threads of the pins 38a, 38b will sink a short distance into
the relatively softer material of the inserts 48a, 48b, thereby providing increased
grip in comparison to a simple friction or interference fit. Of course, additional
features may be provided on the surfaces of the inserts 48a, 48b that impinge on the
pins 38a, 38b, such as a cross-hatching or threading pattern formed in the material
of those surfaces to still further improve the gripping contact between the two.
[0039] In the depicted embodiment, the locking fasteners 44a, 44b are positioned in an end
of adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b. However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that
the specific positioning of locking fasteners 44a, 44b are a matter of design preference
and user convenience. For example, the locking fasteners 44a, 44b may be positioned
such that the user accesses them from a top of the saddle tree 20, from a bottom of
the saddle tree 20, from the front of the saddle tree 20, or from the rear of the
saddle tree 20. The sole requirement is that sufficient space be available to provide
inserts 48a, 48b for capturing between locking screws 44a, 44b and the threaded pins
38a, 38b of adjuster 34.
[0040] The locking headplate 20 is contemplated for use with a saddle tree 52 such as is
shown in Figure 9. A saddle tree, as is known in the art, is simply a frame on which
a combination of leather and padding is placed and secured to form the elements of
a saddle (not shown), such as the cantle, seat, etc. The saddle tree 52 may be fabricated
of any suitable material, such as wood, a durable polymer, or the like. Further, the
saddle tree 52 may be divided or partially divided to allow greater flexibility. Alternatively,
the saddle tree 52 may include a discrete head region fabricated of a sufficiently
flexible material to allow the desired degree of flexibility imposed by the locking
headplate 20. Still yet further, the saddle tree 52 may be fabricated in its entirety
of a sufficiently flexible material to allow the desired degree of flexibility imposed
by the locking headplate 20. In yet another embodiment, the saddle tree 52 may be
hinged at the head portion to allow the desired degree of flexibility imposed by the
locking headplate 20.
[0041] In use, the locking headplate 20 is secured to the head of a saddle tree 52 whereby
opposed side plates 24a, 24a', 24b, 24b' capture the saddle tree head in the manner
shown. Specifically, side plates 24a, 24a' receive one portion of the saddle tree
52 therein, and side plates 24b, 24b' receive a second portion of the saddle tree
52 therein in the manner shown. Any suitable fastener may be used to secure the locking
headplate 20 to the saddle tree 52, including without limitation screws, rivets, bolts,
and the like. The width W of the saddle tree 52 may then be adjusted in the manner
described herein to accommodate a range of widths of the back areas of horses (not
shown) on which the saddle is placed.
[0042] The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen
and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention
and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to
utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are
within the scope of the invention as determined by the foregoing description when
interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which it is fairly, legally and equitably
entitled.
1. A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree, comprising:
opposed, hingedly connected elements for securing to a saddle tree head portion;
a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly
or outwardly; and
an engaging element for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing
element, the engaging element comprising at least one insert and a threaded fastener
for compressing the at least one insert against the rotatable displacing element to
selectively prevent rotation thereof.
2. The locking headplate of claim 1, wherein the threaded fastener compresses the at
least one insert against a screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element to
prevent rotation thereof.
3. The locking headplate of claim 2, wherein at least a screwthread of the screwthreaded
pin of the rotatable displacing element is made of a material having a first hardness,
and the at least one insert is made of a material having a second hardness which is
less than the first hardness;
whereby when the threaded fastener compresses the at least one insert against the
screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element, a portion of the material of
the screwthread of the screwthreaded pin impinges into the material of the insert.
4. An adjustable saddle tree, comprising:
a body defining a saddle frame and including a head portion, first and second side
portions, and a cantle portion; and
a locking headplate for securing to the body head portion, the locking headplate comprising
opposed, hingedly connected elements for securing to the body head portion, a rotatable
displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly,
and an engaging element for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing
element, the engaging element comprising at least one insert and a threaded fastener
for compressing the at least one insert against the rotatable displacing element to
selectively prevent rotation thereof;
wherein displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly correspondingly
widens or narrows at least a portion of the saddle tree body.
5. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 4, wherein the threaded fastener compresses the
at least one insert against a screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element
to prevent rotation thereof.
6. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 5, wherein at least a screwthread of the screwthreaded
pin of the rotatable displacing element is made of a material having a first hardness,
and the at least one insert is made of a material having a second hardness which is
less than the first hardness;
whereby when the threaded fastener compresses the at least one insert against the
screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element, a portion of the material of
the screwthread of the screwthreaded pin impinges into the material of the insert.
7. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 4, wherein the body is divided at least at the
head portion to provide a desired degree of flexibility.
8. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 4, wherein at least the body head portion is fabricated
of a suitably flexible material providing a desired degree of flexibility.
9. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 4, wherein at least the body head portion is hinged
to provide a desired degree of flexibility.
10. An adjustable saddle, comprising:
an adjustable saddle tree having a body defining a saddle frame and including a head
portion, first and second side portions, and a cantle portion;
at least one layer of padding for improving comfort of the saddle;
a covering overlaying the adjustable saddle tree and the padding; and
a locking headplate for securing to the body head portion, the locking headplate comprising
opposed, hingedly connected elements for securing to the body head portion, a rotatable
displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly,
and an engaging element for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing
element, the engaging element comprising at least one insert and a threaded fastener
for compressing the at least one insert against the rotatable displacing element to
selectively prevent rotation thereof;
wherein displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly correspondingly
widens or narrows at least a portion of the saddle tree body.
11. The adjustable saddle of claim 10, wherein the threaded fastener compresses the at
least one insert against a screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element to
prevent rotation thereof.
12. The adjustable saddle of claim 11, wherein at least a screwthread of the screwthreaded
pin of the rotatable displacing element is made of a material having a first hardness,
and the at least one insert is made of a material having a second hardness which is
less than the first hardness;
whereby when the threaded fastener compresses the at least one insert against the
screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element, a portion of the material of
the screwthread of the screwthreaded pin impinges into the material of the insert.
13. The adjustable saddle of claim 10, wherein the body is divided at least at the head
portion to provide a desired degree of flexibility.
14. The adjustable saddle of claim 10, wherein at least the body head portion is fabricated
of a suitably flexible material providing a desired degree of flexibility.
15. The adjustable saddle of claim 10, wherein at least the body head portion is hinged
to provide a desired degree of flexibility.