Dally horn wrap

The present invention is a wrap designed to protect the saddle horn when a lariat rope is dallied around it and pressure applied, as when roping cattle in the sports of team and calf roping. The horn wrap consists of a strap having desired elasticity and durability, as well as a sufficient coefficient of friction. The horn wrap can have one or two apertures at the tips which can be pulled over the saddle horn and act to attach the horn wrap to the saddle horn. Generally anticipated to be in a generally bell shape, the attachment pieces act to protect the saddle pommel near the base of the saddle horn. The horn wrap may be beveled near its edges so as to allow for smooth layers on the saddle horn which can increase the contact of the rope to the saddle horn to increase the friction resisting the dally sliding when weight is applied to the rope.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Applicants' invention relates to a device for protecting the saddle horn and swells of a saddle. More particularly, it relates to a wrap designed to protect the saddle horn and swells when a lariat rope is dallied around it and pressure applied, as when roping cattle in the sports of team and calf roping.

2. Background Information

Roping cattle from horseback is a historical process that many recognize. Branding and doctoring the cattle necessitated that cowboys capture the animals, and early ranches where this process completed without the benefit or aid or pens and specialized shoots necessitated a very specific skill of the cowboys, as well as necessitating specialized equipment. Part of this specialized equipment included development of the western saddle. These skills and equipment in practice in many places yet today.

Many people are also familiar with the transition that was made of the various roping styles to rodeo events. One of the roping styles that found its way to the rodeo arena, and continues to grow in popularity, is the sport of team roping. Team roping, as its name implies, is an event that is completed by two ropers. The first roper, called the header, ropes the animals first and either ropes the animal around the neck or, more preferably, around the horns. The second roper, called the healer, waits for the header to slow the animal and turn the animal at an approximate 90-degree angle before roping the animal's hind legs.

In a typical rodeo run, the steer is placed in a starting gate called a shoot. Behind the shoot is a three-sided area called the box in which the header and healer start on their horses. Traditionally, the header and healer were in a double-box to the rear and on the right side of the steer. However, in the last few decades, it has become most common that the header starts in a box to the rear and on the left side of the steer, while the healer starts in a box to the rear and on the right side of the steer. The header calls for the steer to be released by nodding his head or otherwise indicating his readiness. The steer is given a designated head start, called a score, and the ropers (or at least the header) are required to wait in the box until the steer reaches a certain point, at which time they can leave the box in pursuit of the steer.

Once the ropers leave the box, their horses chase the steer an attempt to close the distance between the animals. As the header gets closer to the steer, he generally attempts to arrive to the rear of the animal close enough to rope it and slightly to its left. Meanwhile, the healer rates his horse back and to the right of the steer such that he is ready to close the gap after the header ropes, but also he can attempt to help keep the steer from ducking to the right.

Once the roper has gotten close enough to the steer to rope, he ropes the steer around the horns or neck and pulls his slack to tighten the loop around the steer's horns. He then takes a couple of wraps around his saddle horn with the free end of the rope (the “dally”) so that the steer is effectively attached by the rope to the saddle of the horse and rider. The header then signals his horse to slow which also slows the steer slightly. Then he turns his head horse off to the left at approximately a 90-degree angle such that the steer is then pulled to the left as well. Once the steer changes directions, the healer is then allowed to take his throw at the heels of the steer. He attempts to rope both hind feet, although roping one hind foot is a legal catch as well, albeit one with a penalty. Once the healer ropes the hind feet, he dallies his rope as well and stops his horse. The header continues until he takes the slack out of his rope, then turns his horse to face the steer, leaving the steer immobilized between the two horses.

The western saddle was traditionally, and is still, used on working horses on cattle ranches throughout the United States, particularly in the west. They are the “cowboy” saddles familiar to movie viewers and rodeo fans. The western saddle is characterized as allowing great freedom of movement to the horse, and security to the rider and strong control of the horse. One extremely functional item is virtually always identified with the western saddle—the saddle “horn.”

As is evident from the description of team roping above, the saddle horn is integral to roping cattle, whether it is in team roping as described above, or in branding, doctoring, tie-down calf roping, or other instances in which an animal is roped and snubbed to the roper's saddle. The saddle horn allows cowboys to control cattle by use of a rope around the neck, horns, or legs of the animal, tied or dallied around the horn. A “dally” is the term for when the rope is wrapped around the horn, without a knot, to cinch the bovine to the saddle. The free end of the rope is wrapped around the horn and held by the cowboy. The cowboy can then hold the free end tight or let it slide around the horn to best control the cow. Given that the horn must thus accept the weight of both the horse and steer, the horn is subject to extreme pressure. Likewise, as the dally is tighten, or is allowed to slide, there is an enormous amount of friction developed between the rope and the saddle horn.

The saddle horn is generally covered with leather or raw-hide and is susceptible to being damaged by the friction. As a result, cowboys often wrap their saddle horns with protective material that can be disposed of as it becomes damaged by the friction, removed, and replaced.

Probably the most common and popular of modern horn wraps are strips of rubble inner tube, where the strips are cut perpendicular to the tube so that a circle of rubber stripping is obtained. The strip is then pulled and stretched about the saddle horn until it is tight and covers the horn. It is then tied onto itself.

Other horn protective materials have been developed, such as the saddle horn friction fitting described by Jones in U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,006. The '006 patent describes a hollow cylindrical fitting piece of rubber sized with an inner diameter sufficiently undersized in relation to the saddle horn that it achieves a tight, tensioned fit over the saddle horn. In practice however, in order for the single piece unit to be sufficiently tight to keep from turning when under the stress of a daily, it is so small that it is extremely difficult to install on the saddle horn. Likewise, when it needs to be replaced, it is very hard to remove, or it must either be cut off, creating the possibility of damaging the saddle horn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention consists of a horn wrap. The present invention provides a novel apparatus that will protect the saddle horn.

The present invention also provides for a horn wrap having the following beneficial characteristics:a. even, smooth layersb. wrap is reversiblec. increased contact with rope due to uniformityd. protects pommel at base of saddle horne. easier application than traditional wraps and methodsf. increased useful lifeg. variable wrap widthh. wrap tightens when dally appliedi. allows the user to adjust the length of the wrap to fit different sized saddlesj. reversible textured surface alternatively provides increased friction or increased shock absorptionk. wrap is not twisted on saddle horn

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the figures in which like reference features indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views.

Attention is first directed toFIG. 1which illustrates Attention is first directed toFIG. 1, which illustrates a first embodiment of the horn wrap100. The horn wrap100consists generally of a strap10having a first end10aand a second end10b, and a first tip26aand a second tip26b. The strap10is an elongated piece of material that may be made from a number of materials which exhibit desired characteristics. The desired characteristics include elasticity, and durability, as well as a sufficient coefficient of friction.

In its first embodiment, the horn wrap100incorporates first and second apertures20aand20bat the first and second tips26aand26b. Additionally, the strap has a first width, while the first and second tips26aand26bmay be formed into a first bell attachment piece22aand a second bell attachment piece22b. The first and second bell attachment pieces22aand22bhave broadened, second and third widths as compared to the first width of the strap10. While a first embodiment of the first and second bell attachment pieces22aand22bhave been described herein as bell shaped, it is anticipated that the attachment pieces may be any shape that provides increased width as compared to the strap10, as such the attachment pieces could be manufactured in any of generally circular, oval, bell, square, rectangular, or other shapes.

In generally the center of the first and second bell attachment pieces22aand22bare first and second apertures20aand20b. The first and second apertures20aand20bare sized such that they fit around the saddle horn34. Further, the elasticity of the horn wrap100and the first and second bell attachment pieces22aand22ballows the first and second apertures20aand20bto stretch over the horn cap32.

The strap10has a strap center16of a desired thickness. At both sides of the strap center16is a shoulder14and a strap edge18. The thickness of the strap10can narrow from the shoulder14to the strap edge18. This beveling allows the horn wrap100, when the edges18of the horn wrap100are lapped over themselves to be a relatively smooth surface presented on the horn34.

The first and second bell attachment pieces22aand22bare integrated into the ends of the strap10, and are designed for attachment to the horn34or to another portion of the saddle30.

FIG. 2illustrates a second embodiment of the horn wrap100. Many of the same elements as inFIG. 1are evident. However, it is anticipated that the horn wrap100may be shaped so as to have the first and second bell attachment pieces22aand22bincorporate a curvature along the first and second bell curvature axis24aand24b. This curvature of the first and second bell attachment pieces22aand22bprovide for attachment of the horn wrap100over the horn34to fit closely against the pommel40.

FIG. 3illustrates a sectional view of the horn wrap100at the point as indicated inFIG. 1along axis A-A. This figure illustrates the greater thickness in the strap center16portion of the strap10, as well as the beveling of the strap10from the shoulder14to the strap edge18. The beveling is referred to as the strap bevel12. It is anticipated that the strap bevel12will be incorporated in to the strap10on both sides of the center axis. This will allow for the horn wrap100to be applied in either direction and with either side out from the horn34.

FIG. 4illustrates another embodiment of the horn wrap100. In this embodiment, the horn wrap100incorporates first bell attachment piece22aalong with a second straight attachment piece28b. It is anticipated that the shape of the first bell attachment piece22awould help protect the pommel40from friction and scoring applied by the rope44. However, it is also anticipated that the horn wrap100would act to protect the horn34regardless of whether the attachment pieces are straight or bell-shaped. Having a single bell attachment piece22aas shown in this figure does allow for protection of the pommel40without having a bell-shaped attachment piece at both ends of the strap10.

FIG. 5is another embodiment of the horn wrap100. In this figure, the horn wrap100is shown with first and second straight attachment pieces28aand28b. In this embodiment, the strap10has a the first width, while the first and second straight attachment pieces28aand28bhave second and third widths that are equal to the first width.

FIG. 6illustrates a saddle30having a horn34topped by a horn cap32at the front of the saddle30. The horn34is set atop a pommel40(also referred to as the swells) which is at the front of the seat38. The back of the seat38is the cantle46. The swells40are somewhat curved on the underneath creating an open area referred to as the gullet42. Where the seat38attaches to the pommel40, an opening is left near the center of the seat38where it attaches at the front to the pommel40. This aperture is referred to as the gullet slot36.

In most instances when a rope44is dallied about the horn34, it is done so in a counterclockwise direction. In this figure, the end of the rope44that is attached to the animal is at point B while the end of the rope44held by the rider is at point C. When weight is applied at the end of rope44, torque and friction is applied in a clockwise direction. In any case, torque and friction are applied in a direction opposite that of the direction of the dally taken by the rider. As stated above, it is typical that dallies are taken in a counterclockwise direction because most ropers are right-handed and right-handed ropers dally counterclockwise.

In order to best counteract the torque and friction applied to it by the weight, the horn wrap100is applied to the horn34in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow D. Applying the horn wrap100in the direction D, which is the same direction as the direction of torque as applied by the rope44results in the horn wrap100tightening about the horn34when torque and friction are applied by the rope44.

FIG. 7Ais a front view of the saddle30. It better illustrates the open area of the gullet42as circumscribed by the pommel40. It also indicates the general positioning of the horn34, horn cap32and gullet slot36.

In order to apply the horn wrap100, the first bell attachment piece22a(in a first embodiment of the horn wrap100) is applied about the horn34. The first tip26aof the horn wrap100is thus anchored to the horn34. The second tip26bof the horn wrap100can then be extended from the horn34, wrapped around the pommel40and through the gullet slot36. The horn wrap100can then be wrapped about the horn34. Once again, arrow D indicates the direction of the anticipated wrapping of the horn wrap100. However, the horn wrap100can be wrapped in either direction about the horn34, but should be wrapped in the direction opposition that the rider intends to apply the dally.

FIG. 7Cillustrates the horn wrap100further applied to the horn34. In this figure, the horn wrap100has been attached to the horn34via the first bell attachment piece22A. The horn wrap100has been wrapped around the pommel40through the gullet42and the gullet slot36. It has then been wrapped around the horn34in an even layering of the strap10. The second tip26bcan now be extended through the gullet slot36around the pommel40and through the gullet42, then applied around the horn cap32and anchored about the horn34. Applied in this manner, the horn wrap100presents a smooth surface on the horn34about which dally wraps may be taken. The smooth surface allows for virtually one hundred percent contact of the rope44to the horn wrap100. This allows for greater friction to be applied by the horn wrap100to the rope44helping to stop the animal at the end of rope44. Because both either of the first or second attachment pieces may be applied to the saddle horn34first, the horn wrap100may be used in orientation until such time as it becomes scorched and the rider wishes to remove it, flip it over and attach it as in a second orientation using the opposite attachment piece for the first attachment to the horn34. Likewise, the double strap bevel12allows for this secondary use as well. The horn wrap100and its first and second bell attachment pieces22aand22bact to protect both the horn34and the pommel40. The horn wrap100is easier to apply than traditional wraps because of the attachment pieces built into the horn wrap100itself. Further, because of the smooth, even layers of the horn wrap100as it is applied to the horn34, the horn wrap100enjoys a comparatively longer useful life.

Finally, the width of the strap10can be varied. A narrow strap10width allows for many turns by the strap10about the horn34, whereas a wider strap10width provides for quick application and only a few turns about the horn34.

FIG. 8illustrates the horn wrap100in an embodiment that makes it sizable to the saddle30and horn34. The swell40shape and size of a saddle30will vary between different saddles30. The horn wrap100may have multiple first apertures20aat the strap first end10a, and multiple second apertures20bat the strap second end10bin order to allow for more efficient sizing when applying the horn wrap100to the horn34.FIG. 8illustrates an embodiment with four (4) first apertures20aand two (2) second apertures20b, however it is anticipated that the horn wrap100may have additional or fewer apertures (not shown) at the strap first and second ends10aand10b. The multiple apertures20aand20balso allow the user to add or subtract wraps of the horn wrap100around the horn34, thus making for thicker or thinner finished, wrapped dally horns34. Excess strap10may be cut off for better fit. Multiple apertures may be built into the horn wrap100at either the strap first end10aor strap second end10b. Beginning the wrapping process at varying first apertures20anear the strap first end10awill cause the effective length of the strap10to be lengthened or shortened, and thus allow for more exact and user determined sizing of the horn wrap100on the horn34. The first apertures10amay be called sizing holes.

The second apertures10bmay be called keeper holes. The second apertures10bare used to make the final attachment of the horn wrap100to the horn34and finish the application. Having multiple second apertures10ballows the user to reapply the wrap if the outermost second aperture10bis damaged, thus prolonging the useful life of the horn wrap100.

The horn wrap100is made from a rubber compound or other elastic material. The elasticity helps maintain the constriction of the horn wrap100about the horn34, as well as size the horn wrap100to the horn34. The material also has a certain softness. The elasticity and softness of the horn wrap100give the horn wrap100its coefficient of friction or “bite” against the rope44when a dally is taken and weight is applied against the livestock rope end B. The horn wrap's100elasticity may be measured as a percent of elongation, or, how much the material will stretch in size before failing. The present invention anticipates horn wraps100having elasticities that range from 100% elongation to 2500% elongation. However, in a preferred embodiment, the horn wraps100having elasticities that range from 400% elongation to 1600% elongation.

The softness of the horn wrap100material is measured in durometers. Durometer is typically used as a measure of hardness in polymers, elastomers and rubbers, and have a value between 0 and 100, with higher values indicating a harder material. A udometer measures the depth of an indentation in the material created by a given force. The present invention anticipates horn wraps100having a softness that ranges from 30 to 60 durometers on the A scale. However, in a preferred embodiment, the horn wraps100have a softness that ranges from 40 to 55 durometers on the A scale.

By vary the softness and the elasticity of the horn wrap100material, the user can effectively select the general amount of bite or slide the horn wrap100will have. A horn wrap that is softer and more elastic will create a greater coefficient of friction and more bite, but will not have as long of a useful life. While a horn wrap that is harder and less elastic will create a lesser coefficient of friction and less bite, but will have a relatively longer useful life.

Other preferred characteristics of the horn wrap100material may be having a melting point temperature of 125° to 300° F., with the preferred embodiment having a melting point temperature of 125° to 225° F.; a tear strength of 125 to 325 psi, with the preferred embodiment having a tear strength of 170 to 225 psi; and a tensile strength of 1000 to 3500 psi, with the preferred embodiment having a tensile strength of 1500 to 2500 psi.

FIG. 9illustrates the horn wrap100having an area of surface texturing48. The texturing48of the horn wrap100can be used in varying ways as chosen by the user. The user's choice is made by how the user installs the horn wrap100. The user may choose to install the horn wrap100with the texturing48facing out, away from the saddle horn34, or with the texturing48facing in, toward the saddle horn34. The texturing48of the strap10may take many embodiments—ridges, bumps, grooves, lines, and may be patterned or irregular.

When the user takes a dally, and the rope44is wrapped around the horn34, the user holding the rope44at the rider rope end C anchors the rope as force is applied to the livestock rope end C. The livestock is able to be secured by the user, despite the weight of the livestock and the movement of the horse, due to the wraps of the rope44about the horn34and the friction of the rope44, created by the wraps, against the horn34and strap10. In order to enhance or minimize the coefficient of friction of the strap10, the horn wrap100is applied to the saddle horn34with the texturing48facing out. The type of texturing48may be varied so as to further increase or decrease the strap's10coefficient of friction.

Conversely, if the user installs the texturing48facing inward toward the horn34, then the texturing48will act to increase the shock absorbency of the horn wrap100. As is illustrated, the texturing48may be positioned along the strap10so that it will become the outermost layers of the horn wrap100when the strap10is installed on the saddle horn34.

FIG. 10illustrates an embodiment of the texturing48. The raised and recessed portions of the texturing48provide for increased/decreased friction or shock absorption depending upon whether the texturing is installed toward the horn34, or away from the horn34.

FIG. 11illustrates the horn wrap100installed on a horn34. In this figure, the texturing48has been installed facing away from the horn34. Although there is a relatively small portion of the strap10that has texturing48(seeFIG. 9), the texturing48is placed on the strap such that when applied to the horn34the texturing48ends up being the outer layer50of the horn wrap100.

Application of the horn wrap100is accomplished by, from the seat38, inserting the strap first end20athrough the gullet42and placing the first aperture20aover the horn34. the remainder of the strap10is wrapped clockwise (as viewed from above looking toward the front of the saddle30) about the horn34until a short amount remains. It is generally advisable to wrap the first layer very tight, making sure there gaps or air bubbles. The remaining turns are kept tight, but not overly stretched, and keeping air from between the layers. On the outer wrap50, lower the strap10so that the strap edge18of the outer wrap50extends out over the swell40. From the right side of the horn34, insert the strap second end10bthrough the gullet42and place the second aperture20bover the horn34. The strap edge18that extends out over the swell40is rolled upward, and the strap10adjacent to the second aperture20bis snugged up close to the horn34. The strap edge18is rolled back down and out over the swell40. If there are multiple second apertures20b(or keeper holes), then this last step may be repeated. The horn wrap100as applied to a horn34, is a multilayered covering with no twists. Making the finished application's outer layer50relatively smooth. Further, the application process will create a covering that is somewhat concave, tending to urge the dally of a rope44toward the middle of the horn34.