LOCKING ADJUSTABLE HEADPLATE WITH MOTION RESTRICTOR FOR ADJUSTABLE SADDLE TREE

Abstract

A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree includes opposed, hingedly connected plates for securing to a saddle tree head portion and a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, wherein the rotatable displacing element assists in retaining the hingedly connected plates in a set spaced-apart configuration when not being rotated. The locking headplate further includes at least one supplemental locking mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. The locking headplate further includes a supplemental motion restrictor for restricting outward motion of the opposed hingedly connected plates to a desired range of motion. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.

Claims

1. A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree, comprising: opposed, hingedly connected plates for securing to a saddle tree head portion; a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly relative to one another, wherein the rotatable displacing element assists in retaining the hingedly connected plates in a set spaced-apart configuration when not being rotated; and a supplemental motion restrictor disposed at a juncture of the opposed, hingedly connected plates for restricting an outward displacement of the hingedly connected plates to a predetermined range of motion.

2. The locking headplate of claim 1, wherein the supplemental motion restrictor comprises at least one tab disposed on at least one of the hingedly connected plates, and adapted for contacting a surface of another of the hingedly connected plates to prevent the outward displacement of the hingedly connected plates beyond the predetermined range of motion.

3. The locking headplate of claim 1, further including at least one supplemental locking mechanism comprising at least one externally screwthreaded fastener and at least one cooperating insert configured for selectively impinging on a portion of the rotatable displacing element to prevent rotation thereof.

4. The locking headplate of claim 3, wherein the fastener compresses the at least one insert against a screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element to prevent rotation thereof.

5. The locking headplate of claim 1, wherein the opposed, hingedly connected plates include apertures for receiving a portion of the rotatable displacing element therethrough, the hingedly connected plate apertures having at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the received rotatable displacing element, thereby providing an increased range of motion of the opposed, hingedly connected plates.

6. The locking headplate of claim 5, wherein the hingedly connected plate apertures define an oval cross-sectional dimension.

7. 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 plates for securing to the body head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, wherein the rotatable displacing element assists in retaining the hingedly connected plates in a set spaced-apart configuration when not being rotated, and a supplemental motion restrictor disposed at a juncture of the opposed, hingedly connected plates for restricting an outward displacement of the hingedly connected plates to a predetermined range of motion; wherein displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly correspondingly widens or narrows at least a portion of the saddle tree body.

8. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 7, wherein the supplemental motion restrictor comprises at least one tab disposed on at least one of the hingedly connected plates, and adapted for contacting a surface of another of the hingedly connected plates to prevent the outward displacement of the hingedly connected plates beyond the predetermined range of motion.

9. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 7, further including at least one supplemental locking mechanism comprising at least one externally screwthreaded fastener and at least one cooperating insert configured for selectively impinging on a portion of the rotatable displacing element to prevent rotation thereof.

10. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 9, wherein the fastener compresses the at least one insert against a screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element to prevent rotation thereof.

11. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 7, wherein the opposed, hingedly connected plates include apertures for receiving a portion of the rotatable displacing element therethrough, the hingedly connected plate apertures having at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the received rotatable displacing element, thereby providing an increased range of motion of the opposed, hingedly connected plates.

12. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 11, wherein the hingedly connected plate apertures define an oval cross-sectional dimension.

13. The adjustable saddle tree of claim 7, wherein the body is fabricated to provide a desired degree of flexibility at least at the head portion.

14. 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 plates for securing to the body head portion and a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, wherein the rotatable displacing element assists in retaining the hingedly connected plates in a set spaced-apart configuration when not being rotated, and a supplemental motion restrictor disposed at a juncture of the opposed, hingedly connected plates for restricting an outward displacement of the hingedly connected plates to a predetermined range of motion; wherein displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly correspondingly widens or narrows at least a portion of the saddle tree body.

15. The adjustable saddle of claim 14, wherein the supplemental motion restrictor comprises at least one tab disposed on at least one of the hingedly connected plates, and adapted for contacting a surface of another of the hingedly connected plates to prevent the outward displacement of the hingedly connected plates beyond the predetermined range of motion.

16. The adjustable saddle of claim 14, further including at least one supplemental locking mechanism comprising at least one externally screwthreaded fastener and at least one cooperating insert configured for selectively impinging on a portion of the rotatable displacing element to prevent rotation thereof.

17. The adjustable saddle of claim 16, wherein the fastener compresses the at least one insert against a screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element to prevent rotation thereof.

18. The adjustable saddle of claim 14, wherein the opposed, hingedly connected plates include apertures for receiving a portion of the rotatable displacing element therethrough, the hingedly connected plate apertures having at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the received rotatable displacing element, thereby providing an increased range of motion of the opposed, hingedly connected plates.

19. The adjustable saddle of claim 18, wherein the hingedly connected plate apertures define an oval cross-sectional dimension.

20. The adjustable saddle of claim 14, wherein the saddle tree body is fabricated to provide a desired degree of flexibility at least at the head portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] 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:

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a prior art adjustable saddle tree headplate;

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a locking headplate assembly for an adjustable saddle tree according to the present invention in exploded top plan view;

[0020] FIG. 2a shows an alternate embodiment of the locking headplate assembly of FIG. 2;

[0021] FIG. 3A shows the locking headplate assembly of FIG. 2 in bottom plan view;

[0022] FIG. 3B shows a side view of a hinged plate of the locking headplate assembly of FIG. 2;

[0023] FIG. 4 shows the locking headplate assembly of FIG. 2 in top plan view;

[0024] FIG. 5 shows an end view of the locking headplate assembly of FIG. 2;

[0025] FIG. 6 shows the end view of FIG. 5, demonstrating a decrease in width of the locking headplate assembly;

[0026] FIG. 7 shows an exploded side cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism for the locking headplate assembly according to the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 8 shows the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, with the locking mechanism locked in place to prevent displacement of the side panels of an adjustable saddle tree;

[0028] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a supplemental motion restrictor for a locking headplate according to the present disclosure; and

[0029] FIG. 10 shows the locking headplate assembly according to the present invention installed on a saddle tree.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] With reference to the appended drawing figures, FIG. 1 shows a prior art adjustable saddle tree as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 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.

[0031] Screwthreaded pin 12 includes opposingly threaded screwthreads 13, 14. Thus, rotating screwthreaded pin 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.

[0032] This mechanism accordingly relies 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 tend not to displace relative to one another, although some rotation of screwthreaded pin 12 and therefore some movement between the plate members is still possible due to vibration and flexing incurred during use.

[0033] 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 phenomena such as vibration, extremes of temperature, and simple metal fatigue over time may cause spontaneous loosening of threaded elements such as screwthreaded pin 12 of the '827 patent. Thus, especially 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 be displaced relative to one another, undesirably altering the width of the saddle tree during use.

[0034] The aforementioned problem is solved by the presently disclosed locking headplate 20 (see FIG. 2), wherein is provided a supplemental locking mechanism 22a, 22b for preventing undesired movement of the headplate. With reference to FIGS. 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 FIG. 4).

[0035] Opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ each include a throughbore 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′ also include an aperture 36a′, 36b′ which, when the locking headplate 20 is assembled, substantially align with the threaded receivers 36a, 36b in adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b. As shown in FIG. 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 FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. By adjusting a distance between side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ using threaded adjuster 34, the headplate 20 is made adjustable to a variety of widths.

[0036] In an embodiment (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5, and 6), apertures 36a′, 36b′ define at least one cross-sectional dimension that is substantially greater than a cross-sectional dimension of threaded receivers 36a, 36b and of threaded pins 38a, 38b. As will be appreciated, this feature allows an increased range of motion for the locking headplate 20, that is, for displacing opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ over an increased range of angles in comparison to apertures 36a′, 36b′ having a cross-sectional dimension similar to that of threaded receivers 36a, 36b and threaded pins 38a, 38b. The apertures 36a′, 36b′ may define an oval cross-sectional dimension (see FIG. 3B), which the skilled artisan will appreciate provides an even greater range of motion (see arrows) for displacement of opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ towards or away from one another.

[0037] As the skilled artisan will also appreciate, rotating adjuster 34 in a 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 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 FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0038] 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. The increased cross-sectional dimension of apertures 36a′, 36b′ allows a greater range of motion for this displacement as explained above, that is allows adjusting width W over an increased range of motion than would be the case if apertures 36a′, 36b′ had a cross-sectional dimension similar to that of threaded receivers 36a, 36b and threaded pins 38a, 38b. In turn, when the mechanism is not being adjusted the interaction between threaded adjuster 34 and threaded receivers 36a, 36b, 36a′, 36b′ will retain opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another at the user-set width, although as noted above the side plates may be displaced relative to one another by vibrations incurred during use, undesirably altering the width of the headplate during use.

[0039] To solve this problem, the locking headplate 20 further includes a supplemental locking mechanism for preventing displacement of opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ once the headplate 20 has been adjusted to a desired width W. In an embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 2, 6, 7, and 8, 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 wrench. However, any suitable threaded fastener is contemplated.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 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. Optionally, an insert 48a may be provided which is received within the interior of adjusting cylinder 32a and when included is disposed intermediate of an end of locking fastener 44a and screwthreaded pin 38a. Shown also in the view of FIG. 7 is the first receiver 36a in cylinder 32a for receiving an end of the threaded pins 38a, 38b of adjuster 34.

[0041] In embodiments including the optional inserts, when assembled insert 48a is disposed between locking fastener 44a and threaded pin 38a (see FIG. 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 supplemental locking mechanism 22a is locked in place. Of course, corresponding features are found in the other supplemental locking mechanism 22b, which is secured in the manner described for locking mechanism 22a. Thus, once the supplemental locking mechanism 22a is locked in place the opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ cannot move relative to one another, and the width W of saddle tree 20 remains fixed as set until changed by the user. Of course, as noted above the skilled artisan will appreciate that inserts 48a and 48b are optional, and that locking fastener 44a may simply impinge directly on threaded pin 38a to prevent undesired rotation thereof and concomitant undesired movement of opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′.

[0042] Other alternative supplemental locking mechanisms (not shown) are contemplated for preventing undesired rotation of adjusting member 34. For example, as discussed in greater detail below fasteners 44a, 44b may impinge on a different portion of threaded pins 38a, 38b. Alternatively, screwthreaded pins 38a, 38b may include apertures for receiving pins or rods therethrough to prevent rotation of adjusting member 34, the pins passing through corresponding apertures in adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b transversely to a longitudinal axis of screwthreaded pins 38a, 38b. In yet another alternative configuration, at least one of apertures 42 may pass through a full cross-sectional dimension of hub 40 of the adjuster 34, and a pin or rod may be used to lock adjuster 34 in place after a width W of locking headplate 20 is set as desired.

[0043] It is further contemplated to provide mechanisms preventing excessive opening of the locking headplate 20, i.e. excessive outward rotation of the opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′. It will be appreciated that the interaction of the threaded adjuster 34, adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b, and apertures 36a′, 36b′ of side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ will act as a first outward motion restrictor. However, it is contemplated to also provide a supplemental motion restrictor 50 to prevent excessive outward rotation of the opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, the supplemental motion restrictor 50 may be disposed near top surfaces 51, 53 of the opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ and substantially at the juncture wherein the side plates are connected by the hinge structure 26 as described above. As will be appreciated, these opposed top surfaces 51, 53 rotate away from one another during inward rotation/narrowing of the locking headplate 20 and rotate towards one another during outward motion of the side plates/widening of the locking headplate.

[0044] In the depicted embodiment, the supplemental motion restrictor 50 is defined by at least one tab 55 defined by or disposed on a first opposed side plate (24b, 24b′ in the depicted embodiment). A cooperating receiver 57 may be defined by or disposed on a second opposed side plate (24a, 24a′ in the depicted embodiment). It will be appreciated that one tab 55/cooperating receiver 57 may be provided or multiple tabs 55/cooperating receivers 57 may be provided at the juncture of the opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′. By the interaction of the tab(s) 55/cooperating receiver(s) 57, an outward motion of the opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ caused by rotating the threaded adjuster 34 is allowed to proceed only until a face of the tab 55 contacts a surface of the cooperating receiver 57. By this feature, widening of the locking headplate 20 caused by outward motion of the opposed side plates 24a, 24a′, 24b, 24b′ is restricted to a desired outward range of motion.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In embodiments including optional inserts 48a, 48b, 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 optional 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.

[0047] The skilled artisan will realize that the arrangement including optional inserts 48a, 48b provides additional security, 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 “bite” or 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.

[0048] In the depicted embodiment, the locking fasteners 44a, 44b are threaded into an end of adjusting cylinders 32a, 32b. However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the specific positioning of locking fasteners 44a, 44b is 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. Desirably, the locking fasteners 44a, 44b and adjuster 34 are disposed on or in a saddle in a manner providing convenient access by the saddle user.

[0049] The locking headplate 20 is contemplated for use with a saddle tree 52 such as is shown in FIG. 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.

[0050] 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. As described above, however, the supplemental motion restrictor 50 may be provided to restrict width W to a predetermined and desired maximum width W, thus reducing the potential for displacement of the hingedly connected plates from the threaded adjuster, or mechanical damage.

[0051] 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.