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| United States Patent
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7,093,413 |
| Hughes |
August 22, 2006 |
Harness system
Abstract
A harness system for aiding a mounted rider in maintaining a
substantially upright position during a riding procedure.
Additionally, it specifically provides a harness system that aids a
rider in maintaining a substantially upright position in the saddle
during the delivery of a roping procedure.
| Inventors: |
Hughes; Gabriel T.
(Avondale, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
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10/827,734 |
| Filed: |
April 19, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60463552 |
Apr., 2003 |
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| Current U.S.
Class: |
54/44.1 ;
297/465; 297/485 |
| Current
International Class: |
B68C
1/02 (20060101) |
| Field of
Search: |
54/1,44.1
297/465,485 119/770,771 434/253,255 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Swiatek; Robert P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman Law Offices, Ltd. Stoneman; Martin L. Erlick;
Benjamin K.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is a continuation-in-part of related prior
provisional application Ser. No. 60/463,552, filed Apr. 17, 2003,
entitled "HARNESS SYSTEM", the contents of which are incorporated
herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with
respect to the present invention by the mention in this
cross-reference section.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A harness system, attached to at least one anchor of a seat on a
mount, for maintaining an upper torso of a rider in a substantially
upright position, comprising, in combination: a) harness means for
harnessing such upper torso; b) attachment means, comprising at
least one first portion and at least one second portion, for
attaching said harness means to such at least one anchor; c) first
connection means for connecting said at least one first portion of
said attachment means to said harness means; d) second connection
means for connecting said at least one second portion of said
harness means to such at least one anchor; e) wherein said
attachment means comprises elastic tension means for impeding
forward movement of such upper torso in such manner as to keep such
upper torso in a substantially upright position; f) wherein said
attachment means comprises at least one automatic quick-release
connector.
2. The system according to claim 1 wherein such seat comprises a
saddle.
3. The system according to claim 2 wherein such at least one anchor
comprises at least one portion of said saddle.
4. The system according to claim 3 wherein said at least one portion
of said saddle is selected from the group of saddle portions
consisting of: a) the cantle, b) top leather portion of the cantle,
c) rear jockey, d) skirt, and e) strings.
5. The system according to claim 1 wherein said harness means is
removably secured on such rider by at least one adjustable strap and
at least one closure.
6. A harness system for maintaining an upper torso of a rider, on a
seat on a mount and adjacent at least one anchor substantially
stationary with respect to the scat, in an upright position,
comprising, in combination: a) at least one harness adapted to
harness such upper torso; b) at least one attachment, comprising at
least one first portion and one second portion, adapted to attach
said at least one harness to such at least one anchor; c) at least
one first connector adapted to connect said at least one first
portion of said at least one attachment to said at least one
harness; d) at least one second connector adapted to connect said at
least one second portion of said at least one harness to such at
least one anchor; e) wherein said at least one attachment comprises
at least one elastic tensioner for impeding primarily forward
movement of such upper torso in such manner as to keep such upper
torso in an upright position; f) wherein said at least one
attachment comprises at least one automatic quick-release connector.
7. The system according to claim 6 wherein such seat comprises a
saddle.
8. The system according to claim 7 wherein such at least one anchor
comprises at least one portion of said saddle.
9. The system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one portion
of said saddle is selected from the group of saddle portions
consisting of: a) the cantle, b) top leather portion of the cantle,
c) rear jockey, d) skirt, and e) strings.
10. The system according to claim 6 wherein said harness comprises
at least one fabric.
11. The system according to claim 6 wherein said harness means
comprises at least one adjustable strap and at least one closure.
12. The system according to claim 11 wherein said harness is
removably secured on such rider by said at least one adjustable
strap and said at least one closure.
13. The system according to claim 6 wherein said at least one
elastic tensioner comprises stretchable surgical tubing.
14. The system according to claim 6 wherein said at least one
elastic tensioner is adjustable in a plurality of locations on said
at least one attachment.
15. The system according to claim 6 wherein said at least one
automatic quick-release connector comprises at least one hook and
loop fastener.
16. The system according to claim 6 wherein said second connector
comprises at least one metal bracket.
17. A harness system for maintaining an upper torso of a rider, on a
saddle on a mount and adjacent at least one anchor substantially
stationary with respect to the seat, in a substantially upright
position, comprising, in combination: a) at least one harness
adapted to harness such upper torso; b) at least one saddle
comprising at least one anchor; c) at least one restrainer,
comprising at least one detachably-mounted connector, structured and
arranged to impede forward movement of such upper torso in such
manner as to keep such upper torso in a substantially upright
position; d) wherein said at least one harness is
removably-securable on such rider; e) wherein said at least one
restrainer comprises: i) said at least one detachably-mounted
connector, i) at least one automatic quick-release connector, and
ii) at least one elastic tensioner; and f) wherein said at least one
restrainer is attached to said at least one harness with said at
least one quick-release connector and to said at least one anchor
with said at least one detachably-mounted connector.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a system for improved body
alignment while riding a horse, particularly while training as a
heeler in the sport of team roping. In the sport of team roping,
there are two ropers. One roper, the header, is responsible for
roping the horns of the steer or calf, while the second roper, the
heeler, is then responsible for roping the legs of the steer or
calf. The horse is typically moving in a forward direction when the
heeler is roping the legs of the steer or calf. The heeler adjusts
the delivery of the rope with the speed of the steer or calf and the
speed of the horse. Therefore, when the delivery of the rope is
altered in some fashion, either by the speed of the horse or angle
of delivery, the rope frequently misses the intended target.
Typically, a heeler misses the intended target because the
heeler/roper leans forward into the roping action. Leaning forward
shifts the weight on the horse's back may cause the horse to stop or
slow because of the horse's training. Therefore, it is desired to
have the roper maintain a substantially upright position in the
saddle when delivering the rope to its intended target.
Additionally, and perhaps even more importantly, the height and
angle from which the rope is thrown changes as the angle of
uprightness of the heeler/roper changes, thereby interfering with
the accuracy of the thrown rope. Moreover, over and above roping,
the ability for a rider to hold an upright and balanced posture at
all times is often critical for optimal rider control and horse
performance in any equestrian activity. This is especially true
during classical dressage riding and jumping. The smallest shift in
the rider's center of gravity, resulting from a loss of proper
alignment, may compromise the rider's control of the horse. Perhaps
even more importantly, good posture is required for best rider
appearance during equestrian competitions. Therefore, there is a
need for a system to aid riders to maintain proper posture.
Additionally, use of the present invention is not limited to
equestrian activities. The present invention may also be used on
mounts, such as, camels, mules, etc.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a system for aiding a rider in maintaining a substantially upright
position in a saddle during a riding procedure.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that also aids a rider in maintaining a
substantially upright position in the saddle during the delivery of
a roping procedure, particularly in team roping where the
roper/heeler has a tendency to lean into the delivery which often
causes the roper to miss the intended target.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a harness system for maintaining an upper torso of a rider,
on a seat on a mount and adjacent at least one anchor substantially
stationary with respect to the seat, in an upright position,
comprising, in combination: harness means for harnessing such upper
torso; attachment means, comprising at least one first end and at
least one second end, for attaching such harness means to such at
least one anchor; first connection means for connecting such at
least one first end of such attachment means to such harness means;
second connection means for connecting such at least one second end
of such harness means to such at least one anchor; wherein such at
least one attachment means comprises tension means for impeding
primarily forward movement of such upper torso in such manner as to
keep such upper torso in an upright position. Moreover, it provides
such a system wherein such seat comprises a saddle.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
anchor comprises at least one portion of such saddle. Also, it
provides such a system wherein such at least one portion of such
saddle is selected from the group of saddle portions consisting of:
the cantle, top leather portion of cantle, rear jockey, skirt,
strings. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such harness
means comprises fabric means. And, it provides such a system wherein
such harness means comprises at least one adjustable strap and at
least one closure. Further, it provides such a system wherein such
harness is removably secured on such rider by such at least one
adjustable strap and such at least one closure. Even further, it
provides such a system wherein such tension means comprises
stretchable surgical tubing. Moreover, it provides such a system
wherein such tension means is adjustable in a plurality of locations
on such attachment means. Additionally, it provides such a system
wherein such attachment means comprises at least one quick-release
connector. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
quick-release connector comprises at least one hook and loop
fastener. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such second
connection means comprises at least one metal bracket.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a harness system for maintaining an upper torso
of a rider, on a seat on a mount and adjacent at least one anchor
substantially stationary with respect to the seat, in an upright
position, comprising, in combination: at least one harness adapted
to harness such upper torso; at least one attachment, comprising at
least one first end and one second end, adapted to attach such at
least one harness to such at least one anchor; at least one first
connector adapted to connect such at least one first end of such at
least one attachment to such at least one harness; at least one
second connecter adapted to connect such at least one second end of
such at least one harness to such at least one anchor; wherein such
at least one attachment comprises at least one tensioner for
impeding primarily forward movement of such upper torso in such
manner as to keep such upper torso in an upright position. And, it
provides such a system wherein such seat is a saddle. Further, it
provides such a system wherein such at least one anchor comprises
such at least one portion of a saddle. Even further, it provides
such a system wherein such at least one portion of such saddle is
selected from the group of saddle portions consisting of: the
cantle, top leather portion of cantle, rear jockey, skirt, strings.
Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such harness comprises
at least one fabric. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein
such harness means comprises at least one adjustable strap and at
least one closure. Also, it provides such a system wherein such
harness is removably secured on such rider by such at least one
adjustable strap and such at least one closure. In addition, it
provides such a system wherein such harness is removably secured on
such rider by such at least one adjustable strap and such at least
one closure. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least
one tensioner comprises stretchable surgical tubing. Further, it
provides such a system wherein such at least one tensioner is
adjustable in a plurality of locations on such at least one
attachment. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at
least one attachment comprises at least one quick-release connector.
Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
quick-release connector comprises at least one hook and loop
fastener. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such
second connector comprises at least one metal bracket.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a harness system for maintaining an upper torso
of a rider, on a saddle on a mount and adjacent at least one anchor
substantially stationary with respect to the seat, in an upright
position, comprising, in combination: at least one harness adapted
to harness such upper torso; at least one saddle comprising at least
one anchor; at least one restrainer, comprising at least one
detachably-mounted connector, structured and arranged primarily to
restrain such upper torso from forward movement in such manner as to
keep such upper torso in an upright position; wherein such at least
one harness is removably-securable on such rider; wherein such at
least one restrainer comprises: such at least one detachably-mounted
connector, at least one quick-release connector, and at least one
tensioner; wherein such at least one restrainer is attached to such
at least one harness with such at least one quick-release connector
and to such at least one anchor with such at least one
detachably-mounted connector. Even further, it provides such a
system wherein such at least one harness comprises at least one
adjustable torso strap comprising at least one closure to secure the
harness on such rider.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of a harness system, as mounted to a saddle,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, being
used by a rider.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the harness system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the harness system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the harness system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an alternate preferred rear
arrangement of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the front of the harness
system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the harness system of FIG. 1, with the
shoulder straps in a taut position.
FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating an alternate preferred embodiment
of the harness system according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a partial diagrammatic side view of the harness system of
FIG. 8 being used by a rider and shown mounted to a saddle as in
FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view through a mount bracket of a
saddle according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of harness system 100 as mounted to
saddle 102 and being used by rider 104, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of harness system 100. Harness
101 of the harness system 100 is preferably structured similar to a
vest. Preferably, harness 101 is comprised of harness front 106,
harness rear 108, upper torso strap 120, and closure 118. Closure
118, as shown, is in a closed or locked position. Additionally,
harness system 100 preferably has quick-release connectors 114,
depicted in greater detail in FIG. 6, and shoulder straps 110.
Harness 101 is preferably sized to appropriately fit rider 104.
Preferably, harness 101 is also adjustable to fit riders of
different sizes. Preferably, a larger sized harness 101 would be
used to fit an adult-sized rider 104 and a smaller sized harness 101
would be used to fit a child-sized rider 104.
FIG. 3 is a front view of harness system 100 with closure 118 shown
in the open or unlocked position.
In some circumstances rider 104 may need to quickly release from
harness system 100, such as, for example, for safety reasons, etc.
For example, if the rider falls off the horse, the quick release
connectors automatically detach so that the rider is not dragged by
the horse. Preferably, connectors 114 used to connect restrainer
105, as shown in FIG. 5, to harness 101 are of the automatic
quick-release type. Preferably, quick-release connectors 114 are
comprised of a hook portion of the quick-release connector 124 and a
loop portion of the quick-release connector 126 (such as, for
example, the hook and loop portions of VELCRO). Upon reading this
specification, those skilled in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as
strength, cost of production, durability, etc., other quick-release
arrangements, such as, for example, quick-release hooks, snaps,
clamps, break-away portions, etc., may suffice.
Additionally, the hook portion of the quick-release connector 124,
in the preferred embodiment of this invention, is preferably
attached to the shoulder strap 110 by sewing or stitching. Upon
reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as strength, cost of production, durability, etc., other
attaching arrangements, such as, for example, glued, heat fused,
etc., may suffice.
The quick-release connectors 124 are preferably sized and positioned
such that the resultant connection provides the required effective
restraint. As shown, in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the loop portion of the quick-release connector 126 is
preferably positioned on the front of the harness 101 above the
upper torso strap 120 and below the shoulder seam 123. Additionally,
in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the loop
portion of the quick-release connector 126 is preferably about 4
inches wide by 8-3/4 inches long and the hook portion of the
quick-release connector 124 is preferably about 2 inches wide by
7-3/4 inches long. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as rider size, shoulder strength of the
rider, strength of the connector, cost of production, durability,
etc., other sizes and arrangements, such as, for example, sized
smaller for smaller riders, sized larger for extension of the loop
portion of the quick-release connector 126 over the shoulder seam of
the harness 101, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, rider 104 wears harness 101 by strapping the adjustable
upper torso strap 120 through the strap pocket 121 and attaching it
with closure 118. Preferably, the upper torso strap 120 is comprised
of woven nylon type strapping/webbing. The closure 118 is preferably
a plastic two-part side-release buckle that is sewn onto one end of
the upper torso strap 120 and interlaced, for adjustability, on the
other end of the upper torso strap 120. Upon reading this
specification, those skilled in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as
strength, cost of production, durability, etc., other closure
arrangements, such as, for example, snaps, ties, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the harness system 100 of FIG.
1. As shown, the harness system is preferably comprised of the
harness 101, including the harness rear 108, the retainer 105, and
the mounting brackets 116. The retainer 105 preferably consists of
the shoulder straps 110, the strap connectors 128, the tensioners
112, the tensioner connectors 130, and the detachable connectors
132. Preferably, the shoulder strap 110 is connected to the
tensioner 112 by a strap connector 128, as shown. The preferred
embodiment in FIG. 4 shows the use of two sets of tensioners 112,
thus, there are two strap connectors 130 connecting the shoulder
straps 110 to the tensioners 112.
Additionally, in using two sets of tensioners 112, the preferred
embodiment of the present invention also preferably uses two
tensioner connectors 130. The tensioner connectors 130 connect the
tensioners 112 to two detachable connectors 132. The detachable
connectors 132 are preferably connected to the mounting brackets 116
with mount bracket connectors 134.
In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the strap
connectors 128, tensioner connectors 130 and the mount bracket
connectors 134 are appropriately-sized metal D-rings. Upon reading
this specification, those skilled in the art will now understand
that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as
strength, cost of production, durability, ease of use, etc., other
connector arrangements, such as, for example, snaps, hook and loop
fasteners, stitched, integrally formed, etc., may suffice.
The detachable connectors 132, as shown, provide for the ability to
remove the restrainer 105 from the mounting brackets 116. This
feature allows for the mounting brackets to be semi-permanently or
permanently affixed to the saddle 102 or other object being mounted
to. Preferably, the detachable connector 132 is comprised of nylon
type strapping, preferably 1 inch wide, that is stitched to the
tensioner connector 130, looped around the mount bracket connector
134, and connected together with a snap. Upon reading this
specification, those skilled in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as
strength, cost of production, durability, etc., other connector
arrangements and materials, such as, for example, a snap hook, tied
fabric, hook and loop fastener, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, the tensioners 112 are comprised of surgical tubing,
looped around the strap connectors 128 and tied onto the tensioner
connectors 130. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the
tension resulting from the tensioners 112 can preferably be varied
by using fewer or more loops of surgical tubing or by criss-crossing
the tensioners 112 across the back of the rider 104, as shown in
FIG. 11. Additionally, the desire to vary the tension of the
tensioners 112 may depend on the skill level or age of the rider
104. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as size of the rider, strength, cost of production,
durability, etc., other tensioner arrangements, such as, for
example, stretch cording, or other attachable/removable elastomer,
etc., may suffice.
Additionally, the harness rear 108 is preferably sized such that
indicia 122 may be placed appropriately for advertising, owner
identification, etc.
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an alternate preferred rear
arrangement of the harness system 100 of FIG. 1. The harness system
100 in an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention is
preferably comprised of harness 101, including the harness rear 108,
the restrainer 105, and mounting bracket 116. The restrainer 105
preferably consists of shoulder straps 110, yoke 136, tab 138, strap
connector 128, tensioner 112, tensioner connector 130, and
detachable connector 132.
As shown, the restrainer 105 is preferably in the form of a "Y".
Depending on the rider 104, the "Y" form of the restrainer 105 may
provide sufficient tension and more suitable comfort and
flexibility. The yoke 136 is preferably triangularly shaped and
positioned such that the wider end is closest to the shoulder straps
110 and the narrower end closest to the tensioner 112. Preferably,
the shoulder straps 110 are sewn or stitched onto the yoke 136. In
the preferred embodiment of this invention, the yoke 136 is
preferably made of a canvas type material similar to that of the
harness material. Additionally, in the alternate preferred
embodiment of this invention, tab 138 is preferably made of the same
strapping material as shoulder straps 110 and is preferably sewn or
stitched to yoke 136.
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the front of the harness
system 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 illustrates the functioning of a
quick-release connector 114, as shown. The removal of the hook
portion of the quick-release connector 124 from the loop portion of
the quick-release connector 126 is depicted by the upward direction
of the arrow, as shown.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the harness system 100 of FIG. 1, with the
shoulder straps 110 in a taut position. As shown, the quick-release
connector 114 is essentially layered. The layer closest to the
harness 101 is preferably the hook portion of the quick-release
connector 126. Placed on the top, or outer side, of the loop portion
of the quick-release connector 126 is preferably the hook portion of
the quick-release connector 124. Preferably, the shoulder strap 110
is attached, as discussed in the description of FIG. 4, to the top,
or outer side, of the hook portion of the quick-release connector
124.
FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating an alternate preferred embodiment
of the harness system 100 according to the present invention. As
shown, the harness 201 is preferably a full-length vest that ends at
essentially the waist of the rider 104, not at the upper torso of
the rider 104. In the alternate preferred embodiment of the present
invention the upper torso strap 120 and the upper torso strap pocket
121 are preferably on the inside of the harness 101, thus enhancing
the look of a full-length harness 201.
FIG. 9 is a partial diagrammatic side view of the harness system 100
of FIG. 8 being used by a rider 104 and shown mounted to a saddle
102 as in FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As shown, the mounting of the harness system 100, by the
mount bracket 116, to the saddle 102 is preferably on the cantle 103
portion of saddle 102. Upon reading this specification, those
skilled in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as strength, cost of
production, durability, etc., other mounting arrangements of the
saddle 102, such as, for example, an alternate arrangement of the
top leather portion of the cantle 148 as shown in FIG. 11, rear
jockey 140, skirt 142 or strings 144, etc., may suffice. A more
detailed illustration of the mount bracket 116 in relation to the
cantle 103 is shown in FIG. 10.
Additionally, the mount bracket 116 is preferably made from light
grade steel and preferably provides 2 positions for screw mounting.
The mount bracket 116 is preferably flexible to aid rider
installation of the mount bracket 116 with ease and in various
locations. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art
will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as strength, cost of production, durability,
etc., other mount materials, such as, for example, any flexible,
durable, strong material, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view through a mount bracket 116
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As
shown, the mount bracket 116 is preferably affixed into the
underside of the cantle 103 by mount screws 146. This placement of
the mounting allows for the mount screws 146 to be inserted into to
wood of the cantle 103, preferably permitting a stronger mount. Upon
reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as rider ease, strength, cost of production, durability, etc.,
other mounting arrangements, such as, for example, riveted, bolted,
etc., may suffice.
FIG. 11 is a photographic perspective view of yet another alternate
preferred embodiment of the rear of the harness system 100 of FIG.
1. As discussed in the description of FIG. 4, FIG. 11 shows the
tensioners 112 criss-crossed over the back of the rider 104. Also
shown, as discussed in the description of FIG. 9, is an alternate
mounting of the mount brackets 116 on the top leather portion of the
cantle 148 of the saddle 102.
Although Applicant has described Applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes,
arrangements, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below
claims as read in connection with the above specification.
Furthermore, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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