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 hingedly connected plates include apertures for receiving a portion of the rotatable displacing element therethrough, the apertures defining at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the rotatable displacing element. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority as a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/560,041 filed on Jul. 27, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/639,585 filed on Dec. 16, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,230,666, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/160,436, filed on Mar. 16, 2009, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    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 
       [0003]    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&#39;s back. 
         [0004]    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&#39;s back. The tree must be positioned to prevent interfering with the movement of the horse&#39;s shoulder. The seat of the saddle must be positioned so that the rider, when riding correctly, is placed over the horse&#39;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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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. Pat. 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. 
         [0009]    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 &#39;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. 
         [0010]    On the other hand, when the rider&#39;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 
       [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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 assists in retaining the hingedly connected plates in a spaced-apart configuration (as set by the user) when not being rotated or used to adjust the hingedly connected plates. The locking headplate further includes a supplemental locking mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. In one embodiment, the supplemental locking mechanism comprises a compression mechanism including at least one threaded fastener for impinging on a portion of the rotatable displacing element to selectively prevent rotation thereof. 
         [0013]    Optionally, at least one insert may be provided, disposed between an end of the threaded fastener and the rotatable displacing element whereby the threaded fastener compresses the at least one insert against a screwthreaded pin of the rotatable displacing element to prevent rotation thereof. 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]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art adjustable saddle tree headplate; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a locking headplate assembly for an adjustable saddle tree according to the present invention in exploded top plan view; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2   a  shows an alternate embodiment of the locking headplate assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  shows the locking headplate assembly of  FIG. 2  in bottom plan view; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3   a  shows a side view of a hinged plate of the locking headplate assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  shows the locking headplate assembly of  FIG. 2  in top plan view; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  shows an end view of the locking headplate assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  shows the end view of  FIG. 5 , demonstrating a decrease in width of the locking headplate assembly; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded side cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism for the locking headplate assembly according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      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; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  shows the locking headplate assembly according to the present invention installed on a saddle tree. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    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 &#39;827 patent) to Pellew. The device according to the &#39;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  11   a ,  11   b  for rotatably receiving barrels  10   a,    10   b  therein. Each of barrels  10   a ,  10   b  of the &#39;827 patent include threaded apertures for receiving screwthread pin  12  therein. 
         [0029]    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. 
         [0030]    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&#39;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. 
         [0031]    Without the weight of a rider disposed upon a saddle seat incorporating the plate members of the &#39;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 &#39;827 patent. Thus, especially when a rider is in a two point stance, that is, when the rider&#39;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. 
         [0032]    The aforementioned problem is solved by the presently disclosed locking headplate  20  (see  FIG. 2 ), wherein is provided a supplemental locking mechanism  22   a ,  22   b  for preventing undesired movement of the headplate. With reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the locking headplate  20  includes opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′, 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 ). 
         [0033]    Opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′ each include a throughbore for rotatably receiving an adjusting cylinder  32   a,    32   b.  Each adjusting cylinder  32   a,    32   b  defines a first threaded receiver  36   a,    36   b  for receiving a threaded adjuster  34  therein. Each of side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′ also include an aperture  36   a ′,  36   b ′ which, when the locking headplate  20  is assembled, substantially align with the threaded receivers  36   a ,  36   b  in adjusting cylinders  32   a,    32   b.  As shown in  FIG. 5 , adjuster  34  includes opposed, oppositely threaded pins  38   a,    38   b  and a central hub  40  with at least one adjusting aperture  42  therein, wherein threaded pins  38   a,    38   b  are received in correspondingly threaded apertures  36   a,    36   b.  The foregoing mechanism is shown assembled in  FIGS. 3-4 . By adjusting a distance between side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′ using threaded adjuster  34 , the headplate  20  is made adjustable to a variety of widths. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment (see  FIGS. 3 ,  3   a ,  5 , and  6 ), apertures  36   a ′,  36   b ′ define at least one cross-sectional dimension that is substantially greater than a cross-sectional dimension of threaded receivers  36   a,    36   b  and of threaded pins  38   a,    38   b.  As will be appreciated, this feature allows an increased range of motion for the locking headplate  20 , that is, for displacing opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′ over an increased range of angles in comparison to apertures  36   a ′,  36   b ′ having a cross-sectional dimension similar to that of threaded receivers  36   a,    36   b  and threaded pins  38   a,    38   b.  The apertures  36   a ′,  36   b ′ may define an oval cross-sectional dimension (see  FIG. 3   a ), which the skilled artisan will appreciate provides an even greater range of motion (see arrows) for displacement of opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′ towards or away from one another. 
         [0035]    As the skilled artisan will also appreciate, rotating adjuster  34  in a first direction via central hub  40  will cause the oppositely threaded pins  38   a,    38   b  to displace the opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′ 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  38   a,    38   b  to displace the opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b ,  24   b ′ in a second direction that is directly opposed to the first direction. Thus, as an example, depending on the threading directions of pins  38   a,    38   b,  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 . 
         [0036]    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  36   a ′,  36   b ′ 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  36   a ′,  36   b ′ had a cross-sectional dimension similar to that of threaded receivers  36   a,    36   b  and threaded pins  38   a,    38   b.  In turn, when the mechanism is not being adjusted the interaction between threaded adjuster  34  and threaded receivers  36   a,    36   b,    36   a ′,  36   b ′ will retain opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′ 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. 
         [0037]    To solve this problem, the locking headplate  20  further includes a supplemental locking mechanism for preventing displacement of opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b ,  24   b ′ 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  32   a,    32   b  defines a second threaded receiver  44   a,    44   b  for receiving a correspondingly threaded locking fastener  44   a,    44   b  therein. In the depicted embodiment, locking fasteners  44   a,    44   b  are socket head screws which may be tightened and loosened by use of a conventional hex wrench. However, any suitable threaded fastener is contemplated. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , being a cross-sectional view of an adjusting cylinder  32   a,  adjusting cylinder  32   a  (and likewise adjusting cylinder  32   b ) defines a hollow interior having an interior surface  46   a  which is at least partially threaded. That interior threaded surface cooperatively receives a length of locking fastener  44   a  therein. Optionally, an insert  48   a  may be provided which is received within the interior of adjusting cylinder  32   a  and when included is disposed intermediate of an end of locking fastener  44   a  and screwthreaded pin  38   a.  Shown also in the view of  FIG. 7  is the first receiver  36   a  in cylinder  32   a  for receiving an end of the threaded pins  38   a,    38   b  of adjuster  34 . 
         [0039]    In embodiments including the optional inserts, when assembled insert  48   a  is disposed between locking fastener  44   a  and threaded pin  38   a  (see  FIG. 8 ) of the adjuster  34  whereby when locking fasteners  44   a  are advanced into the interior of the adjusting cylinders  32   a,    32   b,  insert  48   a  impinges upon the pin  38   a  of the adjuster  34 . In that manner, once the final user adjustments have been made to adjuster  34 , and the locking fastener  44   a  is advanced into the interior of the adjusting cylinder  32   a  as described, the supplemental locking mechanism  22   a  is locked in place. Of course, corresponding features are found in the other supplemental locking mechanism  22   b,  which is secured in the manner described for locking mechanism  22   a.  Thus, once the supplemental locking mechanism  22   a  is locked in place the opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′ 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  48   a  and  48   b  are optional, and that locking fastener  44   a  may simply impinge directly on threaded pin  38   a  to prevent undesired rotation thereof and concomitant undesired movement of opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b′.    
         [0040]    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  44   a,    44   b  may impinge on a different portion of threaded pins  38   a,    38   b.  Alternatively, screwthreaded pins  38   a,    38   b  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  32   a,    32   b  transversely to a longitudinal axis of screwthreaded pins  38   a,    38   b.  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. 
         [0041]    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. 
         [0042]    In embodiments including optional inserts  48   a,    48   b,  desirably at least the threads of the threaded adjusting cylinders  32   a,    32   b  will be fabricated of a suitably durable metal having a first hardness. The optional inserts  48   a,    48   b  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  32   a,    32   b  are fabricated. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the adjuster  34  and adjusting cylinders  32   a ,  32   b  may be fabricated of case-hardened steel, whereas the inserts  48   a,    48   b  are fabricated of aluminum, iron, or an alloy, with the caveat that the hardness of the material from which the inserts  48   a,    48   b  are is fabricated is less than the hardness of the case-hardened steel from which the adjuster  34  and adjusting cylinders  32   a,    32   b  are fabricated. 
         [0043]    The skilled artisan will realize that the arrangement including optional inserts  48   a,    48   b  provides additional security, in that as the inserts  48   a,    48   b  impinge upon the adjuster  34  threaded pins  38   a,    38   b,  the relatively harder threads of the pins  38   a,    38   b  will “bite” or sink a short distance into the relatively softer material of the inserts  48   a,    48   b , 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  48   a,    48   b  that impinge on the pins  38   a,    38   b,  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. 
         [0044]    In the depicted embodiment, the locking fasteners  44   a,    44   b  are threaded into an end of adjusting cylinders  32   a,    32   b.  However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the specific positioning of locking fasteners  44   a,    44   b  is a matter of design preference and user convenience. For example, the locking fasteners  44   a,    44   b  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  44   a,    44   b  and adjuster  34  are disposed on or in a saddle in a manner providing convenient access by the saddle user. 
         [0045]    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 . 
         [0046]    In use, the locking headplate  20  is secured to the head of a saddle tree  52  whereby opposed side plates  24   a,    24   a ′,  24   b,    24   b ′ capture the saddle tree head in the manner shown. Specifically, side plates  24   a,    24   a ′ receive one portion of the saddle tree  52  therein, and side plates  24   b,    24   b ′ 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. 
         [0047]    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.