Foam receiving envelope pad

An improved foam receiving envelope pad for use beneath a horse saddle. In one embodiment the envelope pad is interposed between a standard horse pad and the saddle; while in the second embodiment, the envelope pad is integrated into the standard horse pad. In both instances, the construction features the inclusion of an upper surface rearwardly narrowing top gusset followed by an integrated elongated flat panel, the pair of which separate each of two side envelopes from each other. Each envelope in use is downwardly disposed and is adapted to removably receive a special shock absorbing foam insert. The overall configuration of the envelope pad is correlated with the configuration of the saddle for which its use is intended.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Pads for use on horses are well known in the equestrian world. These pads 
are used to prevent chafing and scraping of the saddle against the body, 
and particularly the back of the horse. Standard or conventional pads may 
be made of wool or synthetic fibers. Oftentimes they include a pocket for 
the receipt of saddle flaps, again to prevent chafing of the horse. They 
are available in a multiplicity of shapes from a plurality of vendors. 
Generally one buys a pad to match the contour of the saddle. Thus one 
would not use a pad for an English-type saddle with a western saddle. 
Attempts have been made to improve the padding used beneath saddles. One 
such improved pad is known as the EquiGuard.TM., it is a supplementary pad 
and which is used in conjunction with a Sherpa-Fleece pad and is sold by 
Libertyville Saddle Shop of Libertyville, Ill. This supplement employs a 
layer of foam that externally mounts atop the pad. This combination device 
does little or nothing to prevent the shock from the rider's movements 
from reaching the horse. 
Another saddle pad known to applicant is marketed under the name Flow-Fit 
by High Horse of P.O. Box 11212 Reno, Nev. This unit comprises an 
enclosure configured like a tilted pear-shaped slice having a single 
closeable opening across the front with a pair of spaced opposed mirror 
image foam members placed within a single enclosure. Numerous problems 
arise from the use of this pad. Firstly, the two foam pieces often try to 
override each other since they are confined to immediately adjacent 
enclosures separated only by a thin seam. The design is not related to 
either the shape of the horse or the shape of a saddle. While the foam 
used therein has some shock absorbency, the overall design and 
construction of the unit causes the foam to quickly deteriorate. 
There is a need for a horse pad that will allow the horse's back to breath 
and which will readily and repeatedly absorb the impact from the rider's 
movement without rapid deterioration of the impact absorbing material. 
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved foam receiving 
envelope pad for use beneath a horse saddle. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a foam receiving envelope 
pad that permits air to reach and moisture to escape from the horse's 
back. 
Yet another object is to provide a foam receiving envelope pad that is 
integrated into a conventional saddle pad. 
These and other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will 
in part appear hereinafter. 
The invention accordingly comprises the product possessing the features, 
properties and the relation of components which are exemplified in the 
following detailed disclosure and the scope of the application of which 
will be indicated in the claims. 
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention 
reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in 
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
An improved foam receiving envelope pad for use beneath a horse saddle. The 
device hereinafter referred to as an FREP, may be interposed between a 
standard horse pad and the saddle; or it may be integrated into the 
standard horse pad. In both instances, the construction features the 
inclusion of an upper surface rearwardly narrowing top gusset connected as 
by stitching to an integrated elongated flat panel, the pair of which 
separate each of two side envelopes from each other. Each envelope, in 
use, is downwardly disposed and is adapted to removably receive a special 
shock absorbing foam insert. Both envelopes and inserts are both contoured 
to the back of a horse. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Reference should now be made to the Figures. The PRIOR ART device as seen 
in FIG. 1 and designated 10 comprises a standard saddle pad having two 
matching side sections 15 separated by a length of material 11. This 
length of material is capable of engaging the Velcro.RTM. strip 14 of 
saddle support 12. As is seen, the saddle support 12 is formed of a fleece 
material with this strip 14 on the underside of said support along the 
length thereof. The saddle rests on the saddle support. 
FIG. 2 pertains to a second prior art structure, 20 namely the one 
emanating from Reno. This device comprises a one piece bag 21, that is 
closed on three sides and which on its fourth side 22 has a Velcro.RTM. or 
related closure to permit placement of a pair of mirror image foam members 
therein through slot 23 into subsections of the bag. These foam members 
24, 25 are shown in dashed line in their respective subsection of the bag 
21. The two subsections are stitched together along central seam 26 which 
connects the upper surface to the lower surface thereof. Typically bag 21 
is made of a Lycra Spandex.RTM. material. Users of this device have 
reported significant foam deformation and stress at the dotted circle 
areas 17, 18. Thus this product has been reported to have a short life 
span. To use it, one merely folds the device up or down as may be desired 
along the central seam 26 and then places the saddle on the top of same. 
The discussion now turns to the first embodiment of this invention as seen 
in FIG. 3. Here device 30 is seen to comprise two side envelopes or 
sections 31, 32, which depend downwardly from a top section 29, and which 
will be discussed infra. 
Top section 29 includes a gusset means 27, comprising a rearwardly 
narrowing top front gusset 34, which can also be seen in FIG. 5. Gusset 34 
is defined by the side seams 44, 44' and cross seam 35. Top section 29 
also includes first panel 36, and a second panel to be discussed below. 
This first panel comprises left and right fabric strips 37, 38 each of 
which has an underside layer of a hook and pile fibrous fastener, either 
the male hook or female fiber layer, with a slot or opening 42 there 
between. One of the layers of the hook and pile fastener is found on 
surface 41, which constitutes the interior side of panel 48 per FIG. 6. 
Surface 41 includes the two spaced fastener layers with fabric in between. 
Seam 43 best seen in FIG. 6 goes through and may be seen also in FIG. 5 as 
the dashed line corresponding to the slot opening of 42. Such hook and 
pile fastener means are widely available under the Velcro.RTM. trademark 
and are seen to comprise two attaching strips, one of stiff fibers 
resembling a carpet and the other a strip comprising a large plurality of 
hook-shaped fibers. These strips mate together firmly but are not 
inseparably engaged upon being pressed together. Disengagement is effected 
by a hand peeling force. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,047,250 for 
more details. 
With specific reference here, the cutaway section 39 comprises the hook 
layer. Each strip 37, 38 is stitched to its respective side section along 
seams 44, 44' per FIG. 3. In point of construction, each strip may 
comprise a finite piece or be formed integrally with the fabric of its 
respective side section, and defined merely by the seams 44, 44'. 
Tail means 28 (see FIG. 3) comprises the first or outer tail 50 and the 
second inner tail 58 which is on the bottom side of the device and is 
coextensive with tail 50. Tail 50 is defined by side seams 44 and 44', 
second cross seam 49 and the rear edge 51. It comprises the two strips 37 
and 38 sewn together along what would be the continuation of slot 42, the 
seam extension of which is designated 52. 
Reference should now be made to FIG. 6, the underside of the device. The 
gusset means 27 also includes second gusset 54 coextensive with first 
gusset 34, and having as its inner edge, a limit defined by the cross seam 
35. Like the first gusset, the second gusset can be formed from an 
extension of the material used for the side sections or formed as a 
separate component and then sewn into place. Second panel 48 comprises two 
elongated strips 56, 57 sewn together along center seam 43. On the inside 
of each strip 56, 57 as seen in the cutaway of FIG. 5 is the opposite 
gendered mating member of the hook and pile fabric fastening means, here 
designated 40. A second tail section 58 coextensive with first tail 
section 50 comprises the extension of the two strips 56, 57 between seam 
49 and rear edge 51. 
Reference should now again be made to FIG. 3 for the discussion pertaining 
to the side sections or envelopes 31, 32. These two sections or envelopes 
are each formed of two coextensive panels; namely 60, 61 and 62, 63 
respectively. The panel pairs are sewn together along the exterior at 
periphery seam 33 and 33' respectively and at the top along side seam 44 
and 44' respectively. These side sections 31, 32 have an interior chamber 
45 for receiving a foam insert 46. 
In general the vertical leading edge of the side sections is of greater 
elevation than that of the trailing edge. There is however no specific 
relationship of one to the other. The point being that commercial success 
has been had with the FREPS of this invention because we have configured 
the pad to a specific type of saddle with which the FREP is to be employed 
in addition there has been commercial success because the FREP, no matter 
the saddle type, is contoured to fit the back of a horse. See the Figures. 
Thus it is recognized among equestrians that the main saddle types include 
among others dressage; jumping or forward seat; all purpose; show; 
American endurance; Australian endurance; English and Western. In all of 
these the side skirt configuration and their location on the saddle vary. 
Applicants' pads conform to these variations. Thus by reference to FIG. 8 
it is seen that there is no defined relationship between the leading and 
trailing edge in either elevation or angularity for the foam inserts 
utilized in this invention. 
Reference should now be made to this 8th FIG. Here six different patterns 
are set out for the foam inserts that fit into and conform in shape to 
envelopes 31, 32. (Obviously the numbers 31, 32 are exemplary sinCe in 
reality, the envelopes are configured the same as the foam insert, what 
ever shape that might be.) These have been labeled, I; II; III; IV; V and 
VI. Insert I would be used in an FREP intended for use with a Western 
saddle. The shape of II is for use with an Australian endurance saddle. 
The highly inclined leading edge model III is for use with a close contact 
saddle. 
The unit configured with a vertical leading edge and a rearwardly inclined 
second edge, model IV is for use with an arabian show horse saddle. The 
next unit, V, is for a dressage saddle. Whereas the foam insert 
configuration VI which corresponds to the shape of the envelope of FIG. 3 
where it would be inserted is for use with an all purpose saddle. 
Up until this time no mention has been made of the nature of the material 
used in the foam inserts 46. Since the material used here is the same as 
used in the device of the next embodiment, discussion will be reserved 
till later, on this aspect of the invention. 
The reader's attention is now turned to FIG. 4, which depicts the second 
embodiment of this invention. Here the FREP features are integrated into 
the construction of a conventional saddle pad. This device 78 comprises a 
top section 79, which is similarly constructed as the top section 29 of 
the previous embodiment, in having gusset means, first and second 
elongated panels and tail means, and which top section is connected to a 
pair of side sections 81, 82. 
Top section 79's gusset means 59 includes the inwardly narrowing gusset 84 
defined by front edge 97, side seams 94 and 94' this last not being 
visible in FIG. 4, and cross seam 85. A first panel 86 extends therefrom 
to the tail 90 which commences at the end thereof, i.e., second cross seam 
99 to rear edge 97'. 
The side sections 81 and 82, or envelopes, are each formed of two 
coextensive panels; namely 100, 103 and 100' (not seen) and 103' 
respectively. The panel pairs are sewn together along the exterior at 
periphery seam 83 and 83' respectively and at the top along side seam 94 
and 94' respectively. These side sections 81, 82 have an interior chamber 
95 for receiving a foam insert 96. 
Whereas the envelope or chamber in the first embodiment was coextensive 
with the interior dimensions of the total pad such is not the case here. 
Here seam 83 the periphery seam defines three sides or edges of the 
chamber 95 for receipt of the foam insert 96, which insert is configured 
in like fashion. See FIG. 4. 
Thus it is to be seen that the outer side panels 100, 100' are comprised of 
first portion 101 which includes therein the envelope aforesaid, access to 
which is gained through slot 92 in top section 79; and these outer side 
panels also include lower portion 104. Lower portion 104 is seamed to the 
inner panel along edge seam 105 which runs between two different point 
locations on the periphery seam 83, which is the periphery of the 
envelope, around the remainder of the outer edge of the side panel, namely 
from point 105A to point 105B. Seam 83 defines the bottom edge of first 
portion 101 adjacent open or unstitched top edge 102 of pocket 107. 
A pocket 107, which is open at top edge 102, is defined by the lower 
portion 104 which is stitched to inner panel 103 along said edge seam 105. 
The inner panel 103 can be seen in the cutaway of the pocket. This pocket 
107 is intended to receive side skirts from the saddle. Such pockets are 
well known since they appear in conventional saddle pads. 
The inner panel 103' is also seen in this Figure. It comprises a full one 
piece panel coextensive with the combination of over panel 100's first 
portion in combination with the pocket forming lower portion, 104. 
A second tail section 91, not seen, but coextensive with first tail section 
90 comprises the extension of the sewn two strips between second cross 
seam 99 and rear edge 97'. 
The device of this embodiment may be made of any material such as fleece, 
cotton or other breathable materials. While the second embodiment has been 
described as having pockets 107, it is also to be understood that a 
similarly configured FREP can be made without the pockets. 
Also, the pocket area 107 is seen to have an arcuate bottom edge. It is 
also contemplated to employ a pocket area with a more squared off pocket 
as well. 
The discussion turns now to the special foam that is employed for the 
inserts 46 and 96. This foam is a medium density, open-celled polyurethane 
foam which is capable of absorbing up to about 90+ percent of impact 
energy without bottoming out. In addition to high impact absorption we 
require a slow rate of return from deflection. Minimal energy is to be 
returned to the impacting body. Such a foam is sold under the brand name 
Confor.TM. foam by Specialty Composites Corporation. We have found that 
the company's C-47, C-50 and C-52 foams provide the amount of stiffness 
and load carrying ability that give the best results. 
Some of the physical characteristics for the least stiff of the three, 
namely C-47 include: 
Density -- 102.4 kg per cu m 
Tensile Strength -- 45 psi 
Ultimate Elongation -- 17% 
Compression set at 50% -- 1% 
Indentation Force Deflection 25% IFD value -- 65 ILD Pounds 
The chief reason why these foams work best is that their use eliminates 
pressure points because under pressure the foam cells partially collapse 
to equalize the pressure over the entire bearing surface. Pressure is 
distributed evenly over the entire contact area of the horse. This way, 
the saddle does not ride on high points on the horse thus causing further 
abrasion and irritation to the horse. Since this foam softens on contact 
with a warm body, i.e. the horse, pressure is readily distributed over the 
entire area of the pad. Even after prolonged use there is a complete 
return to its original form even after 90% compression. 
While the medium stiffness grade, C-45, which is blue in color, could be 
employed, we find that the C-47, 50 and 52 are far superior. We have also 
utilized a medical grade of the C-47 foam, which is designated T-47. It 
has a lower density of 91-96 kg/cu. m. The tensile strength of T-47, which 
is green, is 21 psi. 
We readily believe that we are the first foam receiving envelope pad to use 
the maximum stiffness C-47 foam for the inserts and we know we are the 
first to use C-50 and 52 foam. At best the competition utilizes a blue 
grade. 
References should be made to FIG. 8. Here it is seen that the FREP 200 has 
its top section 229 resting easily on the back of a horse 300. The two 
side sections 231 and 232 depend gently down from the top section. The 
molding to the curvature of the back of a specific horse arises from the 
molding on the inserts by the pressure from the legs of the rider. 
In recapitulation what sets our pads apart from other FREPs of the 
marketplace are the following: 
a. The gusset as seen in FIG. 4 creates a gap which allows air to enter and 
move along the back of the bone of the horse, when the device is in 
position for utilization. 
b. The use of the top section to segregate the two side sections from each 
other such that the side sections will lay better on the sides of the 
horse. 
c. The top location of the access to the envelope, which prevents the 
inserts from attempting to carry out the peeling operation to break open 
the Velcro.RTM. bond during frontal lurches, jumps and other moVes. There 
is better confinement of the insert within the chamber or envelope because 
the saddle prevents the foam from moving upward and outward. 
d. The conforming of the total pad shape, FIG. 3, or the insert portion and 
its envelope in the integrated pad, FIG. 4, to the specific style of 
saddle to be utilized therewith for maximum shock absorption. 
e. The contouring of all FREP's, no matter which saddle style a particular 
one is designed to be used with, to the back of a horse. See FIG. 8. 
Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus without departing 
from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all 
matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying 
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.