A sensor array pad for sensing the pressure distribution under a saddle on the back of a horse includes a membrane made of first and second, identical substantially non-stretchable, flexible membrane portions. The membrane portions have adjacent facing edges that are joined at two spaced-apart tabs. A plurality of sensors are distributed substantially uniformly on the membrane, with each sensor occupying a predetermined surface area. Conductors are mounted on the membrane to extend between the sensors and a position along the perimeter of the associated membrane portion to provide for external connection with monitoring equipment. The membrane portions further each have a pair of slits extending from a mid-region spaced from the respective facing edge outwardly in diverging directions along lines passing outside the predetermined areas of the membrane occupied by the sensors. The slits define an upper section extending generally along the spine of a horse and a side section extending down the side of the horse away from the spine. When placed on the back of a horse with the facing edges extending along the spine, the membrane generally conforms to the back of the horse with the upper and side sections separating by spreading of the slits. The membrane may also be stretchable between the individual sensors. Pressures sensed by the sensors are input to a computer which generates a display of the pressure distribution.
Systems and methods for measuring a contour match between adjacent components are disclosed. In one embodiment, at least two pressure sensors are located between adjacent components. Each pressure sensor is adapted to obtain a pressure measurement at a location a predetermined distance away from the other pressure sensors, and to output a pressure measurement for each sensor location. An output device is adapted to receive the pressure measurements from at least two pressure sensors and display the pressure measurements. In one aspect, the pressure sensors include flexible thin film pressure sensors. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, a method is provided for measuring a contour match between two interfacing components including measuring at least one pressure applied to at least one sensor between the interfacing components.
This invention is a simple device and method of measurement that employs a mechanical device having articulated transverse linkages comprising a parallelogram assembly having the first arm as one link, an opposing link, and further comprising a hub member, with transverse opposing wings each of the wings being pivotingly joined to the hub member for defining shape and indicia to determine a series of angles, and thereby be able to describe angles and arcs in order to determine the convex and concave portions of polyform shapes--in this preferred embodiment relating to animal backs and their corresponding saddles. A method and formula to adjust the shape of such a device to compensate for the weight of the rider relative to the weight of the animal as well as additional factors is also provided by this process. Additional calibration can also be refined by employing interface pressure measurement.
This invention relates to a saddle support device to compensate for the variations between the compound curved surfaces of animal backs and the corresponding compound curved surfaces of saddles. This invention includes a method of manufacturing that employs a measurement device with transverse linkages for defining the compound curved surface of the animal's back, that can have an additional adjustable form jig mechanism attached to create a fair curve between the transverse linkages, so that a moldable plastic can be draped over the adjustable form jig, to create a compound curved saddle support device. Employing the preferred method of manufacturing, a semi-rigid saddle support device comprising a two distinct panel structure with a single alignment arch can be made that will fit over the animal's back, to protect the loaded animal from the higher pressures caused by the variations in the saddle construction.
A method of customizing a saddle to fit the back of a particular horse by using shims of various shapes and sizes between the underside of the saddle and pad. These shims are attached to the underside of the saddle and to the pad by a hook and loop fastening system. Different types molding or rebounding pads may be used. The rebounding pads are useful to allow the interchange of saddles between different horses while achieving a perfect fit on each horse.
A method for customizing the fit of a saddle to a given horse and apparatuses thereof. The method comprises a step of inserting under a saddle disposed on the horse's back, a cushion pad previously shaped to uniformly distribute the pressure of the saddle on the horse. The method may further comprise a step of shaping the cushion pad by disposing on the horse's back an impression pad which contains a putty-like material to imprint the relief pattern of the pressure distribution of a saddle disposed on the horse's back. This is followed by setting the saddle on the impression pad, by riding the horse to imprint a relief pattern of the pressure distribution of the saddle on the impression pad, and by shaping the cushion pad by reproducing the relief pattern of the impression pad.
