Improvements in or relating to Harness and Saddlery.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Aug., 1898-Accepted, 12th Aug., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Harness and Saddlery.
I, LEWIS PETER FORD, of Shortlands House, Shortlands, in the County of
Kent, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer
tained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in pneumatic pads for collars, saddles
and other parts of harness, in the linings covers frames and valves for the same
and in the method of securing them to each other; and also to an improved
collar frame and hinge and to improved constructions of draught saddle and
breast harness.
In carrying out the invention the rubber pad is enclosed in a covering
formed of material impermeable to moisture in order to prevent deterioration
of the rubber of the pad from the action of sweat. This covering is made of the
shape the air pad is desired to assume when inflated and is preferably inelastic
and formed with constrictions at intervals in its length. These constrictions
are not carried right across the air pad, so as to break it up into air tight com-
partments but are formed as shown in the drawings deep enough to divide the
surface up into clearly defined sections while permitting the passage of the
confined air from one part to another of the air pad. This inelastic covering
prevents the rubber pad from unduly stretching and retains it in the desired
shape. It also relieves the outer lining from excessive strain.
That portion of the rubber pad which forms the bearing surface on the animal
may be reinforced by a strip of leather or other inelastic material rigidly con-
nected to the outer surface of the pad; this causes the pad to have a flatter bear-
ing surface when inflated and also protects the pad from any cutting action of
the fastening, now to be described, used to secure it in position.
The pad, enclosed in its covering, is fastened to the frame, or to a rigid body
carried by the frame, of the collar, saddle or the like, by means of a wire, gut
or lace passing over it, preferably where the constrictions are formed in the
covering, and through holes in the frame, so placed as to permit of the wire or
lace being carried along from one constriction to the next.
In order to prevent
the gut or lace being displaced when the pad is deflated, each portion of it, as it
crosses the pad, may be fastened to the covering at one or more points. The
pad and its covering when thus connected to the frame are protected by an out-
side lining of the usual description.
The outside lining may be laced or sewn directly to the frame, the latter
being perforated round its edge for this purpose, the holes in the lining being
preferably provided with metallic eyelets when lacing is used. The holes in
the frame may be placed in a groove in the said frame if desired, so that the
laces will be placed beyond the risk of cutting by external contact with the
traces or other parts of the harness.
As an alterative the lining may be provided with studs in the place of the

page_text: metallic eyelets, the studs engaging the holes in the frame, which in this case
are formed with slots, so as to prevent the studs from becoming disengaged
when the pads are inflated.
Or the outside lining may be laced to the leather or other cover commonly
used over the front of the frame, this cover being extended to the back for the
purpose, and preferably reinforced by a thin beading where it comes behind the
frame, and provided with metallic eyelets in the holes made for the lacing; or
the lining may be provided with studs and the cover with slotted holes as de-
scribed in the preceding paragraph, or vice versa.
Preferably two or more air pads, each with its separate cover, may be placed
side by side in such portions of the harness, as require to be stuffed; by this
arrangement a flatter or broader bearing surface is obtained than when a single
pad is employed. For instance in a horse collar two or more air pads may be
employed side by side each going round the whole collar, or two or more
independent pads may be employed for each half of the collar, this latter con-
struction being preferable in hinged collars or collars made in two parts. Each
pad may be supplied with its own inflation valve, or the pads may be connected
so that one valve serves for two or more.
The air pads may be restricted to that portion of the collar or other harness
which has to bear the principal stress, the rest being padded in the ordinary way,
so that should the air pads become accidentally deflated there is no danger of
the animal being injured by coming in contact with the frame, the solid stuffing
then taking the strain.
A collar frame constructed according to this invention is made of sheet metal
stamped or otherwise formed to the desired shape; and for heavy draught it is
strengthened by the addition (either internally or externally) of an auxiliary
sheet stamping, rivetted or otherwise rigidly secured to the body of the frame
and taking the place of the ordinary hames which it closely follows in form.
When the collar is hinged a strengthening piece is used for each half of the
frame, and the extremities of these pieces are utilized for the purpose of the
hinge. In the case of collars for light draught they are strengthened by stamp-
ing out the frame itself so as to form a rib corresponding to the hames.
When a hinged collar is employed, the hinge is preferably placed at the
bottom, the two halves of the frame being pivoted on a pin placed vertical to the
plane of the frame ends with which it is engaged. By this arrangement great
strength can be given to the hinge, and the hinge is not affected when the pull
of the load comes upon the collar.
When used for double harness the "kidney link" may be formed integral with
the hinge.
When a collar frame such as above described is used with pneumatic pads,
instead of placing the inflation valve at or about the top of the collar as is the
practice generally followed the valve is inserted in front of the collar preferably
so as to be protected by the trace hook attachment, and is constructed in such a
manner as to project but slightly above the face of the frame. When an auxiliary
stamping is employed the valve is placed beneath it, a small opening being left
to operate the valve, or in light draught collars the valve is placed beneath or
within the strengthening rib when such is employed.
In constructing a heavy draught saddle according to this invention the plates
carrying the padding, which may be pneumatic or otherwise, are of metal and
connected by light metal brackets and studs with a metal chain race and a metal
frame which supports a light top cover.
The improved breast harness constructed according to this invention, com-
prises two side pads, which carry the attachments for the traces and take the
draught strain, connected together by a throat piece. The whole is formed of
sheet metal, stamped to the proper shape and may be provided with pneumatic
or other padding. It is held in position by straps connected either over the
withers or directly to the front of the saddle. For light draught these pads may

page_text: be small and so shaped as to be adapted to an ordinary breast strap, instead of
being rigidly connected by a throat piece.
The accompanying drawings show convenient forms of harness constructed
according to this invention.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hinged collar, a part of the lining and padding
being cut away to show the internal arrangement.
Fig. 2 is a cross section of the collar frame, taken on the line - of Fig. 1.
Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are similar cross sections showing alternative methods of
strengthening the frame.
Figs. 6 and 7 are full size details of the hinge shown in Fig. 1.
Figs. S and S are diagrammatic views of a method of fastening the outside
lining to the frame.
Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic cross section of one half of a collar showing a
method of connecting the outside lining and front cover on the frame.
Fig. 9 is an alternative detail of part of Fig. 9.
Figs. 10 and 11 are perspective views respectively of a light and heavy draught
saddle,
Fig. 11 is a front view of a saddle such as shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view showing the method of placing the pneumatic
pads in a riding saddle.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a breast harness.
Fig. 14 is a similar view of a portion of a breast harness fitted with pneumatic
padding, the lining being partly removed to show the arrangement of the pads.
Fig. 15 shows a method of attaching pneumatic pads to an ordinary breast
strap, and
Fig. 16 is a cross section of an inflation valve.
Like letters indicate like parts in all the figures.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 2 the collar frame is formed of sheet metal, in two
halves A A, on to each of which is rivetted or otherwise rigidly secured a
strengthening piece A2; these extend the whole length of each half of the frame,
taking the place of the hames usually used, and have the trace hooks and rings
atttached to or formed integral with them.
The bottom ends of the frame halves may be further strengthened by short
plates A3 fixed on the inside. The bottom end of one half of the frame, say A',
and its strengthening pieces, A2 A3, end together in a semicircular curve and
are received between the strengthening pieces A2 A3, of the other half frame,
say A, which are extended beyond the end of the frame plate for the purpose, the
whole being pivoted together on a pin B, placed vertical to the faces of the
plates A", forming a hinge joint capable of flexure in the plane occupied by that
portion of the frame which forms the joint. In other words the pin B is at an
angle, varying between 30° and 60°, to an imaginary line, which may be called
the axis of the collar, drawn from the centre of the top to the centre of the
bottom of the collar.
In hinged collars, as hitherto constructed the hinge-pin has been placed in
the same plane, or in a plane parallel with the face of the collar ends forming
the joint.
The pin B may be secured in place in any suitable manner, a convenient form
being shown in Figs. 6 and 7, in which the pin B has a flat head B' on one
end (preferably placed on the inside of the collar) and is screw-threaded at
the other to receive a nut B2 the nut and pin being further secured together by a
split pin B3. This split pin may be fastened to the nut by a string B as shown
in the figures.
The nut B2 may be hexagonal or otherwise shaped to take a spanner, pre-
ferably, it is formed with arms B, as shown in full lines in the figures; or these
arms may be extended to form an oblong or flattened ring 136, carrying a ring B7,
as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6, constituting a kidney link" for connecting
the collar to the pole of the vehicle when used for double harness.
66

page_text: The upper end of the frame portions may be connected by any suitable catch, or
preferably by a strap or by straps as shown in Fig. 1.
Although preferably placed on the outside of the frame, as shown in Figs. 1
and 2, the strengthening pieces A2 may be fixed on the inside as shown in cross
section in Fig. 3; or the frame itself may be strengthened by being stamped
out so as to form raised or indented ribs A corresponding to the strengthening
pieces A². These ribs A may project beyond the outer surface of the frame,
as shown in Fig. 4, or form a depression within the body of the collar as shown
in Fig. 5.
The collar is provided with the usual outside lining C, a separate lining being
used in a hinged collar for each half of the frame, and a convenient method of
securing the lining thereto is by sewing or lacing as shown in Fig. 1, a row of
holes A+ being provided round the edge of the frame, the turned over edge of the
lining having metallic eyelet holes to correspond. As shown in the figure the
metal frame has no front cover; if such be employed the same holes A* may
be used for attaching both cover and lining to the frame. In this case the
stitching or lacing could be made to show in a continuous line round the front edge
of the frame instead of alternating with spaces as shown at A5 Fig. 1.
If desired the holes A' may be placed in the bottom of a groove formed in
the frame, so that the lace, being below the general level of the frame surface,
is protected from chafing or cutting by contact with the traces or other bodies,
such a groove is shown at A Fig. 3.
An alternative method of securing the outside lining to the frame is shown in
Figs. 8 and 8. In this case the eyelet holes in the lining are replaced by studs
having heads slightly larger than their shanks. The holes A' in the frame are
provided with slots A as shown in Fig. 8, the holes being of size to receive the
heads while the slots will only allow the shanks of the studs to enter them.
A further method of securing the outside lining to the frame when a front
cover is employed is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 9 in which the front
cover is carried over to the back of the frame A and sewn or laced to the out-
side lining, metal eyelet holes being desirably provided both in the cover and
lining. Preferably the cover is reinforced by a thin beading D¹, where it comes
behind the frame, and the lining may be fastened to the beading or a short pro-
longation of the cover beyond the beading as shown in Fig. 9. Or the arrange-
ment of studs and slotted holes described in the preceding paragraph may be
employed the holes on the lining being replaced by studs engaging in slotted
eyelet holes in the cover as shown in Fig. 9 or vice versa.
"It is evident that the form of collar frame above described may be stuffed or padded
in any usual manner, preferably pneumatic pads are employed comprising two or
more thin rubber tubes E, reinforced, as shown in Fig. 9, by a strip of leather E
rigidly attached so as to form part of the substance of the pad and covering the
whole surface of that portion of the pad which takes the bearing on the animal.
The tubes E are placed side by side, each tube being enclosed within an inelastic
cover shaped approximately to the form it is desired the tube E should assume
when inflated. This cover may be made impermeable to moisture, and formed
with constrictions at intervals throughout its length. These constrictions
are preferably formed by cutting or otherwise shaping the canvas when forming
the cover, or auxiliary strips of canvas may be secured round the cover in any
convenient manner. In order to secure the tubes E in position, short grooves AⓇ,
open at each end, are stamped in the frame, corresponding in position with the
constrictions in the cover F, and forming tubular eyes to receive a gut wire or
the like material G passing alternately over each tube in the manner plainly
indicated in Fig. 1, where the outside lining and the pad and its cover are
shown cut away for this purpose. In order to prevent the relative positions of
the gut or lacing and pad and its cover from becoming altered when the tubes
are deflated each portion of the gut is preferably fastened to the cover where
it crosses the latter, say at G¹ Fig. 1.

page_text: Preferably the pneumatic pads only occupy the central portion of each side
of the collar (as shown in Fig. 1) the top and bottom portions being stuffed with
any ordinary padding H.
The pads E may be entirely independent of each other; preferably the two pads
on the same side are connected by a short tube in any convenient position, so
that one inflation valve serves for both pads.
The inflation valve I may be placed in any convenient position and is so con-
structed as to project but slightly above the surface of the frame. Preferably
it is placed, as shown, beneath the strengthening piece A, a hole being provided
in the latter to enable the valve to be operated, and in this case instead of a cover
fixed on to the valve as is the usual practice, a hinged or other flat may be
provided on the strengthening piece so as to cover the opening. When no
strengthening piece is used it may be placed between extensions of the trace
hook, by which the latter is fastened to the frame, such as are shown in dotted
lines in Fig. 1, and these extensions may if desired be constructed so as to
entirely surround the valve.
A construction of inflation valve which provides a strong valve not likely
to get out of order and projecting to the least possible extent beyond the surface
of the metal frame is shown in cross section in Fig. 16.
The valve body I is formed with a flat or rounded head 12, having an orifice 13
for the admission of air to the pad, and is threaded externally to receive lock-
nuts II for securing it to the air tube and frame respectively. The valve
spindle I is carried loosely in a sleeve I', in the lower end of which is formed
the valve seat, the upper end of the sleeve is threaded, at 18, for the attachment
of the inflation pump, and is provided immediately below this thread with a
flange I, shaped to receive a spanner; the body of the sleeve is cylindrical and
works in the gland I10 secured within the body of the valve; the lower end of
the sleeve is also threaded at I", to engage with a thread formed inside the
valve body, so that the sleeve 18 can be moved up or down to give the valve play
on, or lock it against, its seat. The spindle 16 and sleeve I are so constructed
that when the sleeve is screwed down so as to lock the valve on its seat they
do not extend above the top of the valve body I¹.
The lock nut 15 is threaded externally to receive the cover I¹² when a cover
is used.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a gig or light draught saddle fitted with
pneumatic pads according to this invention.
The saddle is provided with the usual heavy leather frame J on the underside
of which is secured, by stitching or otherwise, flat metal plates K, one on each
side, extending over that portion of the saddle which takes a bearing on the
animal when in use as shown at the left hand side of Figure 10, the outside cover
and part of the padding being removed for the purpose. The pneumatic pads
are arranged on and connected to these plates in the manner above described
with reference to the pneufimatic collar, comprising two tubes E, enclosed in an
elastic water-proof cover F, secured by lacing G engaging in tubular eyes A
formed in the plates K. The tubes E on each plate K are preferably connected
together by a short tube, say at 1, and one inflation valve is provided for each
half of the saddle. Padding H, of flock or such material, is employed above and
below the pneumatic tubes, and the outside lining C may be secured to the
leather frame by stitching or by one of the methods above described with
reference to a collar.
Figure 11 and 11 are views of an improved saddle for heavy draught. The
shaft chain-race L is constructed of metal and rigidly connected to a metal
frame M, on to which is stitched or otherwise secured a light water-proof
cover N, replacing the usual heavy leather top.
Below these are two oblong plates 0), connected by a cross piece of preferably
formed integral with them, and secured to the chain race L by metal brackets O
and to the frame M by studs 0³.

page_text: The cross piece may be only slightly curved and covered by a small pad 0',
stuffed in any suitable manner as shown in Figure 11 or, for use with a horse
having a high back, it may be given a more pronounced curve as shown in
Fig. 1.
The pad is not intended to have any bearing on the animal under normal
conditions but to prevent injury to the animal's back in case of accidental
deflation of the pneumatic pads.
The pneumatic pads are arranged on and connected to the plates 0 sub-
stantially in the manner above described with reference to the gig or light
draught saddle. The plate O on the left hand of Figure 11 is shown partially
cut away and with the pneumatic pad and lining also partly removed to show a
convenient position for attaching the inflation valve I, a hole N¹ being made in
the top cover to enable the valve to be operated for inflating or deflating the
pads. The hole N¹ may be provided with a plug or cover if desired.
Figure 12 shows diagrammatically the arrangement of the pneumatic tubes
in a riding saddle; the two sides of the saddle being independent of each other
and the tubes with their covers held in place by being secured to the saddle tree in
a manner similar to that already described.
Figure 13 is a front view of an improved form of breast harness constructed
according to this invention comprising a frame P', stamped or otherwise shaped
of sheet metal, so as to form side-pads, to bear when in use on the shoulders of
the animal and take the draught strain, rigidly connected by a curved throat
piece, the whole preferably formed in one piece as shown in the figure. The
frame may be strengthened by a strengthening piece Q rivetted or otherwise
rigidly fixed to and carried entirely round the frame, and when such strengthen-
ing picce is employed the trace hooks may be formed integral with or attached
to it; or ribs may be stamped in the frame similar to those described in con-
nection with the collar.
The breast harness is held in position by straps R, connected either over
the withers or carried direct to the front of the saddle as shown in full and
dotted lines respectively in Fig. 13.
The frame may be stuffed with any suitable padding held in place by an
outside lining, such as is employed in horse collars, conveniently attached to the
frame by sewing or lacing, holes being formed round the edge of the frame
for this purpose, or any of the methods above described in connection with a
horse collar may be employed.
The frame may be fitted with pneumatic pads, preferably however these are
confined to the sides of the frame, the throat portion being stuffed with flock or
like material H as shown in Fig. 14, which is a perspective view of the back of
one side of a breast pad with the outside lining partly removed, the arrangement
of the pneumatic padding and its inflation valves being similar to that in the
horse collar before described.
Fig. 15 shows a form of breast harness adapted for light work. In this case
the pads are formed independent of each other and each comprises a metal plate l'
with the pneumatic tubes attached thereto and arranged substantially in the
same manner as in the form of pad just before described, the plates 1' being
rivetted or otherwise secured to an ordinary breast strap.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is-
1. In pneumatic harness the combination with an inflatable elastic pad of an
inelastic cover completely enclosing it and having constrictions at intervals
throughout its length substantially as described.
2. In pneumatic harness reinforcing a portion of the elastic pad by a strip of
inelastic material E substantially as and for the purpose described."

page_text: 3. In pneumatic harness securing an inflatable elastic pad to a rigid body which
may be the frame of the harness by means of a lacing substantially as described.
4. In pneumatic harness the inflation valve substantially as described and
illustrated in Figure 16 of the accompanying drawings.
5. In a pneumatic collar or breast harness having a metal frame protecting
the inflation valve by placing it substantially as described.
6. The pneumatic light draught saddle substantially as described and illus-
trated in Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.
7. In a heavy draught saddle the combination with the chain run of a light
outer cover and a supporting frame substantially as described.
8. The complete heavy draught saddle substantially as described and illustrated
in Figure 11 and in Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.
9. In a hinged horse collar the placing of the hinge pin angularly with
reference to the axis of the collar at such an inclination as facilitates the yield-
ing of the hinge under the working strain upon the collar as described and illus-
trated in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.
10. In a hinged collar a "kidney link" forming a part of the hinge substantially
as described and illustrated in Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.
11. The horse collar substantially as described or illustrated in Figure 1 of the
accompanying drawings.
12. The improved breast harness substantially as described or illustrated in
Figure 13 or in Figure 14 or in Figure 15 of the accompanying drawings.
Total this 19th dox of duoust 1808
L. P. FORD.
Boult & Wade,
Agents for the Applicant.
L. P. FORD.
Boult & Wade,
Agents for the Applicant.