PERFORMANCE SADDLE

Abstract: A saddle is constructed around a tree (50) designed using data points based on X, Y, and Z axes which correspond to the configuration of a horse's back. Two pairs (62, 64) of torsion springs, attached with specifically placed rivets (68), sandwich the tree (50) providing structural support. To cushion and maintain the equidistant configuration of the tree (50), panels (500) are carefully constructed using a six pound foam. The thickness of the panel (500) lessens as it reaches the edge of the tree (50), preventing bunching when the leather is attached. A withers wedge (504) is secured to the panel (500) adjacent the withers, serving as a sub-support and buffering the contact between the tree (50) and the horse's withers. The cantle wedge (506) is set into the panel (500) to control the slant and angle of the saddle. The stirrup bar (300) is an elongated V-shape body (302) which places the area of greatest pressure directly under the securing rivets (68).

Description: PERFORMANCE SADDLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The invention relates to an improved performance saddle designed to enhance the optimum performance of a horse. Brief Description of the Prior Art A major problem in fitting a saddle is that the saddle, including the tree and panels, tends to concentrate weight over localized areas, creating pressure points. Excessive weight concentration can lead to the development of sores, pinching of the withers, and other painful conditions that can reduce the performance of the horse. U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,734 discloses a saddle which distributes a riders weight distribution through the use of spring loaded panels. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An equine saddle having a tree, with an arced head, a cantle and a pair of side bars. The pair of side bars, each have a first surface, a second surface, a first edge and a second edge. The said side bars connect the head and the cantle; the head, cantle and second edge of the side bars enclosing an open seating area. The curvature of the tree is defined along X, Y and Z axes. The Y axis extends the length from the cantle to the head, contains multiple Y data points along the Y axis which correspond to predetermined calculations. The Z axis extends from the Y axis at about a 90 degree angle, and multiple Z data points are located along the Z axis which correspond to predetermined calculations. The X axis extends the width between end points of the head and multiple X data points placed along the X axis correspond to predetermined calculations. The tree is formed from a series of symmetrical arcs, the apex of these arcs being the highest value on the Z axis and having a constant value on the X axis. The ends of the arcs being maximum and minimum points on the X axis for a particular Y value and the minimum Z point for the particular Y value. This forms a three dimensional tree having a height, width and length based on a pair of at least about 6,000 mirror image data points. These data points are based on the configuration of a horse's back. Less than all data points can deviate less than ten (10%) percent and all data points can deviate, in ratio, less than twenty (20%) percent. A pair of flexible upper torsion springs, are placed proximate the first surface of the tree and a pair of flexible lower torsion springs placed proximate the second surface of the tree. The upper torsion springs has an interior edge and an exterior edge, an upper spring width between said interior edge and said exterior edge and a length. Preferably the width of said upper torsion springs is greater proximate the tree head and decreases to a lesser width proximate the cantle. The interior edge is proximate the second edge of the side bars. The lower torsion springs have an interior edge and an exterior edge, a lower spring width formed between the interior edge and the exterior edge and a length. The interior edge extends beyond the second edge of the side bar into said open seating area. Preferably multiple rivets are used to secure the springs, at least two pairs of rivets are staggered proximate the head, penetrating the top plate, upper torsion spring, tree, gullet notch and lower torsion spring. At least three pairs of rivets are staggered proximate the top plate, penetrating the upper torsion spring, tree and lower torsion spring. At least five rivets are placed along the upper torsion spring, penetrating the upper torsion spring, tree and lower torsion spring. A pair of support panels have an upper panel edge which is curved and substantially equal to the length of the tree. A lower panel edge has a cantle curvature, a bar curvature and a head curvature, the head curvature extending beyond the head arc end points. A foam body has a flat surface and a contoured surface. The contoured surface has a first thickness at the cantle curvature, a second thickness at the bar curvature and a third thickness at the head curvature. The first thickness is greater than the third thickness and the third thickness is greater than the second thickness. A support panel has a periphery approximately equal to, or slightly less than, the periphery of body foam body and is affixed to the flat surface of the foam body. The contoured surface of the foam body, proximate the cantle extends over the support panel by the cantle curvature and is tapered downwardly to the support panel proximate the upper panel edge. The foam body proximate the head apex has a thickness greater than the thickness proximate the end points, the end points being tapered downwardly toward the support panel. The panels prevent said tree from coming into contact with a horse's body and spread the rider's weight evenly over said horse's back. The support panel can further have a buffer sheet affixed to the support panel. The support panels further have a withers wedge proximate the apex of the arced head between the foam body and support panel. The withers wedge is beveled around its periphery and has a density greater than the foam body. A cantle wedge is proximate the cantle curvature at the lower panel edge between the foam body and the support panel. The cantle wedge extends to the periphery of the support panel and has a density greater than the foam body. The support panels further have a cover layer, adjacent the curvature surface proximate the arced head. The cover layer reduces shearing of said foam body during use. The head can further have graphite reinforcement. When the is manufactured from laminated wood, at least two non-adjacent layers of graphite are placed between wood layers. The tree further comprising stirrup bars in a modified "V" shape. One leg of said V modified to be affixed to the tree bars proximate the head, thereby placing the area of greatest pressure directly under affixing means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages of the instant disclosure will become more apparent when read with the specification and the drawings, wherein: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a prior art saddle tree; FIGURE 2 is a top view of the data points of the disclosed tree; FIGURE 3 is a side view of the data points of the tree; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the performance tree; FIGURE 5 is a perspective side view of the performance tree illustrating the placement of the torsional spring rivets; FIGURE 6 is a cutaway front view of the preferred tree layering; FIGURE 7 is a perspective top view of the tree data points; FIGURE 8 is a front view of the arcs created by the data points; FIGURE 9 is a front view of the disclosed stirrup bar; FIGURE 10 is a top view of the interior of the disclosed panel; FIGURE 11 is a side view of the panel of Figure 10; FIGURE 12 is a cutaway side view of the panel at the withers; FIGURE 13 is a cutaway side view of the panel at the cantle; FIGURE 14 is a top view of the exterior of the saddle panel; FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of the drilling templates; and FIGURE 16 is a chart depicting the optimum X, Y, Z data points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The disclosed Performance Saddle™ differs from prior art saddles in that the precise shape, composition and construction of the underside of the saddle accommodates the physiological requirements of the sport horses' back. The design of the Performance Saddle™ creates an inducement for the horse to lift it's back, raise it's withers and fully use it's shoulders through incorporation of the natural curvature of a horse's back in movement. The shaping of the top side of the saddle accommodates the physiological needs of the rider, creating an inducement for the rider to achieve a more comfortable and athletic balance, thereby producing a tool to allow optimal performance of both the horse and the rider. While logic would dictate that each horse needs a custom fit saddle, a phenomena exists in that a few trees have been made that have the ability to give a good general fit for a large number of horses. These trees, however, have been fitted to the standing horse. The disclosed saddle has taken this general fit and refined the concept by producing a saddle designed to fit the moving horse, thereby producing a dynamic model versus a static model. The performance tree is designed to anticipate the relaxed athletic frame and/or movement of the horse and reward this relaxed position by a comfortable fit, evenly distributing the rider's weight along the under surface of the saddle. The following definitions will be used herein. Tree head refers to the curved center portion of the tree which is proximate the top of the horse's withers. Tree bars describe the area of the tree over which the rider sits. Cantle refers to the portion of the tree which up turned at the back of the tree. Gullet plate is the metal insert placed in the tree head, preventing the head from spreading. Torsion springs the curved single piece spring steel springs which are disclosed herein. Optimal performance can best be described as the relationship between a rider and horse that allows for a maximum range of motion, freedom from pain while not encumbering the balancing process. To accomplish the reproduction of the horse's back, the disclosed tree is divided into a series of lateral arcs crossing the horse's spine, from front to back in conjunction with the side to side curvature corresponding to the horses back when engaged in optimal performance. When the under surface of the saddle is closely contoured to the horse's back, avoiding any contact with the horse's spine, the rider's weight is spread equally over the load bearing surface. Although the tree is referred to herein as being wood, the tree can be manufactured from any material which will meet the criteria herein. The performance tree 50 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 is shown as a CDA/SPRINT print out, illustrating the data points which form X (width or bar to bar), Y (length head to cantle) and Z (height or lowest to highest points) axis of the saddle. For ease of explanation, the bars 57 are divided into three parts, 57a, 57b and 57c, representing the front, mid and back portions respectively. This division is required due to the fact that the saddle is not only curved on the Z - Y plane but the X - Y plane as well. Thus, in a cross section on the X - Z plane, the end points of each lateral arc varies on the Y axis, from the end points of adjacent arcs. This is illustrated in more detail hereinafter in Figures 7 and 8 wherein several points of the tree 50 are compared from a top and bottom view. As can be seen from these Figures, the tree 50 is divided into points which form a grid. Each of these points has been created on the computer and represents a specific dimension of the tree 50. This adjustment can produce a size variation, such as the length deviation along the Y axis which can be up to about thirty (30%) percent. However, the deviation from the shape created by the X and Y axis must be no greater than a twenty (20%) percent deviation and preferably ten (10%) percent or less. A shift in all data points is defined as a 0% deviation. A twenty (20%) percent deviation is understood to mean a twenty (20%) percent deviation of less than all data points. In addition to the Y - Z curvature, shown in Figure 3, there is the Z - X arcing illustrated in Figure 8. The apex of each of the lateral arcs must follow the Y - Z curvature while the ends of each arc move in the X - Z plane and the Y - Z lane. It is critical to maintaining the design of the tree 50 so that both the Z - Y curvature and the X - Z arcing are followed. To facilitate the description of the tree curvatures, references will be made to the Y - Z and X - Y planes. The tree 50 is designed and configured to remain approximately parallel to a horse's back, along the Z - Y plane underline 100, except at the back bars 57C, where the arc end points are moved away from one another an equal distance from the apex to accommodate for the muscular change of the working posture. The term approximately equidistant is used as the tree may not always be exactly a consistent equal distance from the back. The disclosed tree design, when properly placed on a horse's back, is not at odds with the horse's conformation. To accomplish this, the Z - Y and X - Z planes are configured to correspond to the shape of the horse when in the postures of optimum performance. When a horse is in a relaxed working frame, the muscles along the croup and loins expand as the neck and head are lowered and the back rounded. When a horse is in this frame, the natural expansion of the back and loin muscles brings the muscles into approximately parallel alignment with the back bars 57C. The tree 50 is comprised of 180 independently determined lateral arcs, placed along the Y axis, whose position relative to adjacent arcs is determined by the configuration of a horse engaged in optimal performance. As seen more clearly in Figures 7 and 8, each lateral arc is centered relative to one another on the X, Y plane with each end point region of each arc having a consistent slope to form mirror images of each other. That is if a plumb line was dropped from the apex of the arc, the first end point 900 and the second end point 902 of each arc would be an identical distance from the plumb line. These lateral arcs are positioned in a longitudinal curvature which follows along the back bone of the animal on the Y, Z plane. In contrast to the arc apex along the X axis, the arc apex along the Y, Z plane does change. To ensure that the lateral arcs and longitudinal curvature are repeatable, master molds are created onto which the tree is formed. To maintain the desired tree 50 accuracy level, it is preferable that a separate mold for each size be manufactured directly from the computer generated configuration for that specific size. The head 60 of the performance tree 50 is designed to maintain an approximately parallel configuration to a horse's withers, thereby avoiding pressure points. Preferably the gullet plate 56 is beveled to maintain a smooth under surface. Although it is important to maintain a smooth under surface, the integrity of the tree head 60 cannot be jeopardized and beveling the gullet plate 56 eliminates routing the tree head 60. The tree head 60 is further locked in place through use of top plate 46, which is placed opposite the gullet plate 56. This locks the tree head 60 between two unmovable metal plates, greatly reducing any spreading of the tree head 60. In order to provide further reinforcement to the tree head 60, the material used for the head 60 is strengthened with strips of uni-directional graphite 70, as illustrated in Figure 6. In wooden trees, the graphite 70 is preferably placed between the wood layers 72, forming a composite consisting of, layered top to bottom, wood, graphite, three layers of wood, graphite and wood. Although this composite is a preferred embodiment, other composite combinations can also be used. The width of the graphite is preferably about 1-1/2 inches, although this can vary. Alternatively, the graphite can be applied as top and/or bottom layers in the form of a unidirectional tape. The performance tree 50 is reinforced using two pairs of torsion spring supports. The upper torsion spring supports 62 and lower torsion spring supports 64 are generally .020 inch steel, although the gauge can be altered. The torsion spring supports 62 and 64 extend from the back bars 57C to the tree head 60. Some trees are manufactured with a point of connection between the bars and the head, creating a weak point subject to high stress. If this design is used, the upper torsion spring support 62 must cover this stress point to provide optimum strength to this weak point. To obtain maximum strength benefit from the gullet plate 56, a Up must be formed at approximately a 45° angle to the gullet plate 56 body. To accommodate lip, the tree head 60 is notched at gullet plate notch 49 rather than reducing the width of the front bars 57a. The structural strength provided by the addition of the gullet plate 56 and top plate 46 further weakens the front bars 57a by rigidly reinforcing the head 60 while the bars 57 are allowed to flex, thereby increasing the torque pressure applied to the bar 57a adjacent the gullet plate notch 49. The addition of the combination of torsion spring supports 62 and 64 serve to compensate for the increased torque pressure caused by the gullet plate 56. The outside edge 62a of the upper torsion spring support 62 follows the curve of the bars of the performance tree 50. The distancing from the tree edge is based on the requirements for attachment of the leather. The inner edge 62b of the upper torsion spring 62 follows the interior curve of the bars 57 to prevent the upper torsion spring 62 from interfering with the rider's seat. The length of the upper torsion spring 62 preferably extends from the cantle 52 to the head 60 * The width of the upper torsion spring 62 widens as it approaches the head 60 in order to provide maximum structural support at the weakest area. It is critical that the upper torsion spring 62 overlaps the gullet plate notch, both horizontally and vertically, by approximately 3/4 inch. The width of the upper torsion spring 62 at the head 60 must not, however, interfere with the mounting of the stirrup bars. To maintain structural integrity, the width of the upper torsion spring 62 should not be less than 1/2 inch, and is preferably in the range of 1 to 1 1/2 inches. The outer edge of the lower torsion spring 64 follows the outside curve of the tree 50 with the inner edge of the torsion spring 64 preferably being straight to provide a broad, flat surface bearing area. The lower torsion springs 64 extend from the cantle 52 to the furthest point of the head 60, covering the gullet plate 56 on the under side of the tree 50. The upper torsion springs 62 and lower torsion springs 64 combination serve to lock in the curvature of the tree 50 by supporting the tree 50 while maintaining flexibility. The combination of materials is critical to the performance of the saddle. The tree must be molded from a semirigid, material which can be conformed to the appropriate shape. The use of spring steel, in com- bination with a suitable tree material, allows for the tree to flex while providing support. The design of the torsion springs 62 and 64 not only enhance the strength of the tree but also provide active, or dynamic, torsional forces. The upper and lower torsion springs 62 and 64, as illustrated, are secured to the tree 50 through the use of rivets 68. Although rivets are illustrated herein, it should be noted that other means can be used, such as screws, nuts and bolts special adhesives or another method which will securely affix the torsion springs to the material used for the tree. The rivets 68 are placed at intervals along the torsion springs 62 and 64 to secure the springs 62 and 64 to the tree 50 without creating fracture hnes within the tree 50. The torsion springs 62 and 64 are affixed to the tree 50 through the use of a single rivet 68 per location in order to create the desired steel I-beam effect. In this way, maximum strength is achieved while maintaining the integrity of the tree and reducing the saddle weight and costs. The positioning of the rivets in the "lead" rows is critical in order to reduce localized stress points and prevent fracture lines. Although the top plate 46 is required, for clarity Figure 5 illustrates the placement of the rivets A, B, C and D without the top plate 46. The rivets 68 A, B, C and D are placed through the top plate 46, upper torsion spring 62, tree 50, gullet plate 56 and lower torsion spring 64. Although the placement of all rivets 68 are critical, the placement of the two lead row rivets can be only be varied slightly. As can be noted, none of the lead row rivets 68, A, B, C or D, are in a direct hne of any other lead row rivet 68. This staggered configuration spreads the pressure over a larger area and prevents fracture lines of occurring. The placement must further take into consideration the width of the top plate 46 and gullet plate 56. Although the overall number of rivets 68 can vary, as disclosed further herein, the number must be sufficient to maintain the close contact between the upper and lower spring supports 62 and 64 and the performance tree 50. This close contact is not only for stability reasons, but to maintain the smooth inner surface of the performance tree 50. Generally 18 rivets 68 per side, provides the required stability, however an approximate minimum 12 - 16 could be used on an average saddle. It should be noted that a child's saddle would require fewer rivets and the optimum number of rivets required will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The lower torsion springs 64 are secured to the tree 50 over the gullet plate 56, thereby maintaining a smooth under surface. The upper torsion springs 62 are designed to either clear the top plate 46 or, alternatively be mounted below the top plate 46. The optimal placement of the rivets 68 within the upper torsional springs 62 is illustrated in Figure 5. Although the disclosed placing provides optimum placement of the rivets 68, it is provided as a preferred example and some movement and variation can be used. Rivets A - D are placed, in pairs, at the head of the springs 62 which, although the placement of the pair can vary slightly, the distance between the rivets within the pair remains approximately the same. Rivets E - J are also placed in pairs, with the lower rivets F, H and J being placed off-set and between the upper rivets E, G and I. At the cantle end of the springs 62, rivets R, Q and P are positioned an equal distance from one another, with rivet O spaced somewhat further. The spacing between middle rivets, N, M, L and K can be reduced is required, however, less than 1/4 inch is not recommended. In the optimum embodiment, rivets are placed at the following approximate distances: R, Q and P 3/4 in. apart; O is spaced 1-1/2 in. from P; 0 - N are 1-3/4 in. apart; N - K are 1-1/4 in. apart; I - G are 1-1/8 in. apart; G - E are 3/4 in. apart; E - F are 1-1/8 in. apart; G and H 1-1/4 in. apart; I and J 1-1/4 in.; A and B 5/8 inch; A and D 7/8 inch; C and D 1/2 inch; and C and B 1 inch apart. These distances are the preferred embodiment, and do not limit the scope of the invention. The body 302 of the V-shaped stirrup bar 300 is a one piece, relatively concave unit which maintains the smooth exterior surface of the saddle. The stirrup bar 300 places the rider's weight, as received through the stirrup leather 310, directly under the top supports 304 eliminating torqu- ing. The top supports 304 are supplemented by a pair of side supports 306 which help maintain the stirrup bar 300 flush with the tree 50 and provide additional support. The edges of the body 302 are preferably beveled to further reduce any protrusions. The top supports 304 and side supports 306 go through full thickness of the wood tree 50 and the gullet plate 56. The stirrup bar 300 is not routed into the tree 50, to maintain tree strength. Once the foundation has been established, the performance tree 50 is covered with nylon straps, or webs as is standard with saddle preparation. A seat wedge, having the outside configuration of the tree 50 and extending approx. 3/4 the length of the saddle, is placed over the webbing. An example of a material which provides the desired results is Plastizotes LD45. An initial layer of firm material, such as 3/16 inch MC1900, is placed over the seat wedge. A secondary, softer layer, such as Rubatex 4981, is then placed over the initial layer. As a final layer, 2 or 3 sheets of 1/16 thick material, such as XL65 is applied for rider comfort. The final layer sheets should be shaved to provide a smooth edge and reduce bulk at the edge of the saddle. The saddle is then covered with the desired grade of leather. In order to maintain the approximately parallel configuration of the tree 50, the panels 500 are carefully constructed. The panel 500, as illustrated in Figures 10 - 13, is formed through use of a press cutter which allows for reproducibility. The two piece master form is constructed so that the bottom form has the desired perimeter and the top form has the desired depth and configuration. Foam, preferably six (6) pound, is placed over the bottom form and the top form pressed down, thereby creating a foam duplicate having the desired depth, configuration and perimeter of the form. The foam duplicate is sliced, at the lower edge of the bottom form, thereby taking on the desired configuration and perimeter. To accommodate the rear wedge 506 and withers wedge 504, the body 502 is wrapped around the wedges 504 and 506, and glued in place. As seen in Figure 13, the high point of the wedge 506 is directly over the edge of the support board 518. This method increases the foam density at these two critical areas and allows for the desired curvature adjacent the support board 518. Alternatively, the areas receiving the wedges 504 and 506 could be cut from the main body 502, by either a press cutter, hand cutting, or other means known in the industry. The dimensioning of the panels disclosed are based on the foam 502 being wrapped around the wedges, in the event the foam is cut to receive the wedges,compensation must be made for the 1st foam density, height changes, etc. The height of the panels 500 must be within about ten (10%) percent of the optimum configuration. The preferred height of the panels 500 at the withers is about 1 3/4 inches, (arrow A) and about 2 inches at the cantle, (arrow B) in the side view of Figure 11. The lateral length of the panels 500 are dimensioned to correspond to the size and style of the saddle, however the height of the panels 500 will only vary slightly with the size and/or style of the saddle. Although the surface shape is critical, the configuration along the perimeter of the panels 500 is of equal importance. The foam panel body 502 smoothly arches to the support board 518 which forms the structural support for the underside of the panel 500 and prevents the body 502 from deforming when the leather is mounted. The support board 518 is manufactured from a stiff supporting material, such as the mid-sole material used in shoes. Felt cloth 520, or similar material, is glued onto the support board 518, or buffer sheet. In the cantle area, shown in Figure 13, the support board 518 and cloth 520 have a periphery slightly smaller than the outer perimeter of the foam 502, approximately equal the rear wedge 506. The exterior periphery of the foam body 502 is rounded, curving down to meet with the felt board 518. The widest point of the panel 500 is at the cantle, with the width narrowing around the mid-point to accommodate the rider's leg, and then increasing again at the withers area. By providing the curved periphery, the hard edges of the felt board 518 are prevented from pressing into the horse. Additionally, the curvature of the foam body 502 prevents the leather from bunching or ridging. A cross section of the interior of the panels 500 is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 illustrates the withers portion of the panel 500 with the withers wedge 504 secured to the foam body 502 by adhesive or other means. The withers wedge 504 serves as a sub-support and must be placed so it spans the edge of the performance tree 50, thereby buffering the contact between the head 54 of the tree 50 and the horse's withers. The withers wedge 504 must not, in any way, change it's cushioning capabilities. Since the material does not change or shift it's dimensions, the edges must be beveled and exactly configured with only about a 1/32 inch tolerance. As can be seen in Figure 12, the thin wedge 512 is beveled to provide a smooth transition between the withers wedge 504 and the surrounding, unwedged area. The withers wedge 504 has been beveled from a maximum center height to a thin layer at the edges. The reduction from the high center point within thin wedge 512 to the edges of the thicker wedge 510 must be consistent and smooth with no ridges or sudden reductions. The rear wedge 506 is set into the panel body 502 and serves to control the slant and angle of the saddle, and therefore rider balance. In order to maintain the performance tree 50 approximately parallel to the horse's back, the rear wedge 506 must be exact, thereby maintaining even pressure during movement of the horse and rider. The front side of the panel 500, illustrated in Figure 14 can be provided with an optional cover layer 508, which is a thin skin of material, such as LD45. The cover layer 508 provides additional cell structure to the foam forming the panel body 502. Due to the structure of a saddle, the withers section is subject pressure at 45 to 75 degrees from the horizontal. By placing the cover layer 508 in the areas subjected to angled pressure, the shear factor of the foam is nearly eliminated. To be effective, the cover layer 508 must have a high memory level, and resist shearing and imprinting. The cover layer 508 has a thickness of about 1/16 to 1/8 inch and is preferably glued onto the panel body 502. The cover layer 508 is not always desired and in instances where the saddle is being fitted to an extremely wide horse, the cover layer 508 is not used. This allows the withers area of the saddle to slide down, leveling the tree along the horse's back. The following X, Y, Z points provide the optimum tree configuration, however any one of the following points can have about a plus or minus 10% deviation and optimally the deviation should not vary by plus or minus 5%. Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered hmited to the example chosen for the purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims: What is Claimed is: 1. An equine saddle having a tree, said tree having a first surface and a second surface and comprising: an arced head, said arced head having end points, said end points being the ends of said arced head, a cantle, a pair of side bars, each of said pair of side bars having a first surface, a second surface, a first edge and a second edge, a said side bars connecting said head and said cantle, said head, said cantle and said second edge of said side bars enclosing an open seating area, a gullet notch, said gullet notch being within said pair of side bars proximate said head; a gullet plate, said gullet plate having a Up, said Up dimensioned to fit within said gullet notch, said gullet plate being proximate said second surface of said head; a top plate, said top plate being proximate said first surface of said head; The curvature of said tree being defined along X, Y and Z axes, wherein: said Y axis extending a length from said cantle to said head, and multiple Y data points along said Y axis which correspond to predetermined calculations, said Z axis extending from said Y axis at about a 90 degree angle, and multiple Z data points along said Z axis which correspond to predetermined calculations, said X axis extending a width between said end points and multiple X data points along said X axis which correspond to predetermined calculations, wherein said tree is formed from a series of symmetrical arcs, the apex of said arcs being the highest value on said Z axis and having a constant value on said X axis and the ends of said arcs being maximum and minimum points on said X axis for a particular Y value and is the minimum Z point for said particular Y value, thereby forming a three dimensional tree having a height, width and length based on a pair of at least about 6,000 mirror image data points, said data points being based on the configuration of a horse's back. 2. The tree of claim 1 wherein the X, Y and Z values are determined the the chart of Figure 16. 3. The tree of claim 2 wherein less than aU data points can deviate less than ten (10%) percent and all data points can deviate, in ratio, less than twenty (20%) percent. 4. The tree of claim 1 further comprising a pair of flexible upper torsion springs, said pair of upper torsion springs being proximate said first surface of said tree and said pair of flexible lower torsion springs being proximate said second surface of said tree, said upper torsion springs having an interior edge and an exterior edge, an upper spring width between said interior edge and said exterior edge and a length, said interior edge being proximate said second edge of said side bars, said length being less than said tree length and said upper spring width being less that the distance between said side bar first edge and said side bar second edge. said lower torsion springs having an interior edge and an exterior edge, a lower spring width formed between said interior edge and said exterior edge and a length, said interior edge extending beyond said second edge of said side bar into said open seating area, said length being less than said tree length. 5. The tree of claim 4 wherein said width of said upper torsion springs is greater proximate said tree head and decreases to a lesser width proximate said cantle. 6. The tree of claim 4 further comprising affixing means, said affixing means securing said upper torsional springs and said lower torsional springs to said tree, thereby supporting said first surface and said second surface of said tree. 7. The tree of claim 6 wherein said affixing means are multiple rivets, at least two pairs of said multiple rivets are staggered proximate said head, said staggered rivets penetrating said top plate, said upper torsion spring, said tree, said guUet notch and said lower torsion spring, at least three pairs of rivets staggered proximate said top plate, said at least three pairs of rivets penetrat- ing said upper torsion spring, said tree and said lower torsion spring, at least five rivets placed along said upper torsion spring, said at least five rivets penetrating said upper torsion spring, said tree and said lower torsion spring. 8. The tree of claim 1 further comprising a pair of support panels, each of said support panels having: an upper panel edge, said upper panel edge being curved and substantially equal to the length of said tree; a lower panel edge, said lower panel edge having a cantle curvature, a bar curvature and a head curvature, said head curvature extending beyond said head arc end points; a foam body, said foam body having a flat surface and a contoured surface, said contoured surface having a first thickness at said cantle curvature, a second thickness at said bar curvature and a third thickness at said head curvature, said first thickness being greater than said third thickness and said third thickness being greater than said second thickness; a support panel, support panel having a periphery approximately equal to, or slightly less than, said periphery of said foam body, a first side of said support panel being affixed to said flat surface of said foam body; said contoured surface of said foam body proximate said cantle extending over said support panel proximate said cantle curvature and said foam body proximate said upper panel edge being tapered downwardly to said support panel; and said foam body proximate said head apex having a thickness greater than the thickness proximate said end points, said end points being tapered downwardly toward said support panel, whereby said panels prevent said tree from coming into contact with a horse's body and spread the rider's weight evenly over said horse's back. 9. The tree of claim 8 further having a buffer sheet, said buffer sheet being proximate a second side of said support panel. 10. The tree of claim 8 wherein each of said support panels further have a withers wedge, said withers wedge being proximate the apex of said arced head between said foam body and said support panel, said withers wedge being beveled around its periphery and having a density greater than said foam body. 11. The tree of claim 8 where each of said support panels further comprises a cantle wedge, said cantle wedge being proximate said cantle curvature at said lower panel edge between said foam body and said support panel, said cantle wedge extending to the periphery of said support panel and having a density greater than said foam body. 12. The tree of claim 1 wherein said head further having graphite reinforcement. 13. The tree of claim 1 wherein said tree is manufactured from laminated wood, said laminated wood containing at least two non-adjacent layers of graphite between wood layers. 14. The tree of claim 1 further comprising stirrup bars, said stirrup bars being a modified "V" shape, said stirrup bars having one leg of said V modified to be affixed to said tree bars proximate said head, thereby placing the area of greatest pressure directly under affixing means. 15. The tree of claim 8 wherein said support panels further having a cover layer, said cover layer being adjacent said curvature surface of said foam body proximate said arced head, said cover layer reducing shearing of said foam body during use. 16. The method of manufacturing a tree for use as a substrate for an equine saddle, said tree having: a first surface and a second surface an arced head, said arced head having end points, said end points being the ends of said arced head, a cantle, a pair of side bars, each of said pair of side bars having a first surface, a second surface, a first edge and a second edge, a said side bars connecting said head and said cantle, said head, said cantle and said second edge of said side bars enclosing an open seating area, the curvature of said tree being defined along said X, Y and Z axes, wherein: said Y axis extending a length from said cantle to said head, and multiple Y data points along said Y axis which correspond to predetermined calculations, said Z axis extending from said Y axis at about a 90 degree angle, and multiple Z data points along said Z axis which correspond to predetermined calculations, said X axis extending a width between said end points and multiple X data points along said X axis which correspond to predetermined calculations, comprising the steps of: determining the curvature of a saddle tree to correspond to the muscle positions of a horse in an engaged, optimal performance position; creating a computer model of said tree using Y as a base axis, Z as a height axis and X as a width axis, plotting data points along said X, Y and Z axes to form about 180 symmetrical arcs comprising about 12,000 data points, the apex of said symmetrical arcs being the highest value on said Z axis and having a constant value on said X axis and the ends of said arcs being maximum and minimum points on said X axis for a particular Y value and is the minimum Z point for said particular Y value; manufacturing a model representing said data points; molding said tree to said mold; wherein said tree reflects the data points.

Inventors: COFFIN EDMUND, COFFIN, EDMUND
Applicants: COFFIN EDMUND, COFFIN, EDMUND
Application year: 1997
Main classification: B68C1
IPC codes: B68C1