Method and apparatus to store equestrian riding gear on a transportable tack rack

Abstract

A portable, disassembleable tack rack for use on uneven terrain is disclosed. The length and width of Applicant's tack rack can be adjusted. In addition, the lengths of a plurality of supporting legs are each independently adjustable such that Applicant's apparatus can be used on sloping terrain.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable apparatus and, more particularly, to a sturdy equestrian tack rack apparatus, which can be quickly assembled and used on uneven terrain, and which can be easily and quickly disassembled for transportation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In conjunction with professional equestrian activities, such as mountain search and rescue operations or livestock management, there is often a need to quickly erect on uneven terrain an apparatus for holding and arranging riding gear such as saddles, saddle blankets, combs, bridles, halters, and the like.

[0003] Prior art tack racks fail to provide all the features required. The shortcomings of these prior art devices include expense, difficulty in setup and removal, inability to be used on uneven terrain, and non-portability. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,521 teaches a portable tack rack that fails to meet the criteria set forth above.

[0004] Specifically, the tack rack of the '521 patent cannot be used on uneven terrain. The '521 tack rack comprises “two rigid rectangular frames hingedly connected such that the frames fold one against the other and unfold such that at least one of the frames sit upright from a support surface.” Col. 1/1. 35-38. As FIG. 1 shows, the lengths of the legs of the '521 tack rack are not adjustable. Therefore, while the '521 tack rack may be stable on a flat surface, this apparatus cannot be used on uneven terrain. Rather, the '521 tack rack is unstable when placed on uneven terrain.

[0005] There remains a need for a portable, easily assemblable/disassemblable, low cost, tack rack that can be used on uneven terrain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Applicant's invention includes an apparatus for storing equestrian riding gear. Applicant's apparatus can be easily assembled at remote locations, and can be used on uneven, i.e. sloping terrain. Applicant's apparatus is releaseably erected from a plurality of rigid members, and optionally, one or more flexible mesh components. After use, Applicant's apparatus can be easily disassembled for ease of transportation. When disassembled, the components of Applicant's apparatus can be stored and/or transported in a conventional duffel-type, i.e. cylindrical, bag.

[0007] Applicant's invention also includes a method to erect a portable tack rack apparatus for use on uneven terrain. A first rectangular frame is releaseably assembled from component parts. That first rectangular frame is then releaseably connected to a plurality of vertical support members, such that the lengths of a plurality of legs are each independently adjustable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference designators are used to designate like elements, and in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of Applicant's invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first rectangular frame component of Applicant's apparatus;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of Applicant's apparatus wherein the first rectangular frame includes a mesh structure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of a first component of an attachment means used in Applicant's invention;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of a second component of the attachment means used in Applicant's invention;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of both components of the attachment means used in Applicant's invention;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an alternate embodiment of Applicant's apparatus;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing Applicant's saddle support apparatus;

[0017] FIG. 9 summarizes Applicant's method to assemble and store equestrian gear using Applicant's apparatus on uneven terrain; and

[0018] FIG. 10 summarizes a further embodiment of Applicant's method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Turning to FIG. 1, disassemblable tack rack 10 comprises first rectangular frame 20 having first corner 22, second corner 24, third corner 26, and fourth corner 28. Tack rack 10 further includes first vertical support member 30, second vertical support member 40, third vertical support member 50, and fourth vertical support member 60. Vertical support members 30, 40, 50, and 60 may comprise 2-sided, 3-sided, and/or 4-sided assemblies wherein the sides are of approximately the same or different dimension. In all these embodiments, vertical members 30, 40, 50, and 60 can be formed from any rigid material, including wood, metal, and/or plastic.

[0020] First vertical support member 30 includes first end 32 and second end 34. First vertical support member 30 is releaseably connected to first corner 22 of first rectangular frame 20 at first connection point 36. The distance between first connection point 36 and first end 32 of first vertical support 30 is first leg length 38.

[0021] Second vertical support member 40 includes first end 42 and second end 44. Second vertical support member 40 is releaseably connected to second corner 24 of first rectangular frame 20 at second connection point 46. The distance between second connection point 46 and first end 42 of second vertical support 40 is second leg length 48.

[0022] Third vertical support member 50 includes first end 52 and second end 54. Third vertical support member 50 is releaseably connected to third corner 26 of first rectangular frame 20 at third connection point 56. The distance between third connection point 56 and first end 52 of third vertical support 50 is third leg length 58.

[0023] Fourth vertical support member 60 includes first end 62 and second end 64. Fourth vertical support member 60 is releaseably connected to fourth corner 28 of first rectangular frame 20 at fourth connection point 66. The distance between fourth connection point 66 and first end 62 of fourth vertical support 60 is fourth leg length 68.

[0024] When used on flat terrain, first leg length 38, second leg length 48, third leg length 58, and fourth leg length 68 are about the same. When used on uneven, i.e. sloping, terrain, however, the lengths of each leg are independently adjustable such that first rectangule frame 20 remains level.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, first rectangular frame 20 is formed from first member 200 having first end 202 and second end 204, second member 210 having first end 212 and second end 214, third member 220 having first end 222 and second end 224, and fourth member 230 having first end 232 and second end 234. First member 200, second member 210, third member 220, and fourth member 230 can be formed from any rigid material, including wood, metal, plastic, and combinations thereof.

[0026] First end 202 of first member 200 is releaseably connected to first end 212 of second member 212 thereby forming first corner 22. Second end 204 of first member 200 is releaseably connected to first end 222 of third member 220 thereby forming second corner 24. Second end 214 of second member 210 is releaseably connected to first end 232 of fourth member 230 thereby forming third corner 26. Second end 224 of third member 220 is releaseably connected to second end 234 of fourth member 230 thereby forming fourth corner 28.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment of Applicant's apparatus mesh structure 300 is releaseably attached to first rectangular frame 200. In FIG. 3, mesh structure 300 is shown disposed above frame 200 for clarity. In actual use, first side 302 of mesh structure 300 is releaseably attached to first member 200. Second side 304 of mesh structure 300 is releaseably attached to second member 210. Third side 306 of mesh structure 300 is releaseably attached to third member 220. Fourth side 308 of mesh structure 300 is releaseably attached to fourth member 230.

[0028] Mesh structure 300 is formed from either metal or plastic. In one embodiment, when not attached to frame 200, mesh structure can be rolled into a cylindrical shape for ease of transportation.

[0029] Certain embodiments of Applicant's apparatus include a second rectangular frame. Referring again to FIG. 1, second rectangular frame 70 is shown disposed above first rectangular frame 20. Second rectangular frame 70 is formed in the manner described above for first rectangular frame 20. In certain embodiments, second mesh structure 80 is releaseably attached to second rectangular frame 70 in the manner described above.

[0030] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the components of a first attachment means whereby the above-described releaseable attachments and connections are formed. Referring to FIG. 4, a portion 400 of one side of vertical support member 30 is shown. Six reverse teardrop attachment slots 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, and 412 are disposed in portion 400 as shown. These six attachment slots are arranged as three sets of two parallel slots. Each reverse teardrop slot comprises two intersecting circular holes, wherein the top circular hole has diameter D1 and the bottom circular hole has diameter D2. As can be seen in FIG. 2, D1 is greater than D2. D1 is between about 0.25 and 1.0 inches, preferably between about 0.50 and about 0.75 inches.

[0031] Vertical support members 30, 40, 50, and 60 are formed with multiple sets of two parallel attachment slots as shown in FIG. 4 disposed in all of their sides. For example, in the four-sided embodiment all four sides are formed with a multiplicity of sets of two parallel attachment slots disposed along the entire lengths of all four sides. In the two-sided embodiment, both sides are formed with a multiplicity of sets of two parallel attachment slots disposed along the entire lengths of both sides.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows attachment pin 500. Attachment pin 500 comprises shaft 510 having proximal end 512 and distal end 514. Circular flange 520 is disposed on distal end 514. Shaft 510 has a diameter of D4. Circular flange 520 has a diameter of D3. As depicted in FIG. 5, D4 is smaller than D3. The diameter of circular flange 520, namely diameter D3, is smaller than diameter D1 such that attachment pin 500 will extend through upper portion 420 of attachment slot 402. Once extended into top portion 420, attachment pin 500 can be lowered such that shaft 510 rests against bottom 430 of slot 402. The diameter of shaft 510, namely diameter D4, is smaller than diameter D2.

[0033] Diameter D3 of circular flange 520 is larger than diameter D2. Therefore, attachment pin 500 can be extended through top portion 420 of attachment slot 402, however when pin 500 is lowered to contact bottom 430 of attachment slot 403, attachment pin 500 cannot be removed from slot 402.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, the releaseable attachment of first member 200 to vertical support member 30 is shown. Attachment pins 602 and 612 are disposed on first member 200. First member 200 is shown in cross-section. Attachment pin 602 is disposed directly above attachment pin 612.

[0035] Corresponding attachment slots 620 and 630 are disposed in vertical support member 30. A top view of vertical support member 30 is shown.

[0036] First member 200 is positioned such that circular flanges 604 and 614 are extended through the top portions 622 and 632 of slots 620 and 630, respectively. First member 200 is then lowered such that shafts 606 and 616 rest against the bottom portions 624 and 634 of slots 620 and 630, respectively, thereby attaching first member 200 to vertical support member 30.

[0037] By virtue of the attachment means described above, tack storage device 10 can be completely dissembled into its components for ease of transportation. In addition, the height and/or width of tack storage apparatus 10 can be adjusted by changing the lengths of the various vertical support members and/or the members forming first rectangular frame 20 and second rectangular frame 70.

[0038] The length of Applicant's apparatus can be extended by using, for example, 6 vertical support members and 2 rectangular frames in tandem. FIG. 7 shows apparatus 700 which includes first rectangular frame 710, first mesh structure 715, second rectangular frame 720, second mesh structure 725, first vertical support member 730, second vertical support member 740, third vertical support member 750, fourth vertical support member 760, fifth vertical support member 770, and sixth vertical support member 780.

[0039] First rectangular frame 710 is releaseably attached to first, second, fourth, and fifth vertical support members 730, 740, 760, and 770, respectively, in the manner described above. Similarly, second rectangular frame 720 is releaseably attached to second, third, fifth, and sixth vertical support members, 740, 750, 770, and 780, respectively, in the manner described above.

[0040] First rectangular frame 710 and second rectangular frame 720 are formed as described above for first rectangular frame 20 and second rectangular frame 70 in FIGS. 1 and 2. First mesh structure 715 is releaseably attached to first rectangular frame 710, and second mesh structure 725 is releaseably attached to second rectangular from 720, in the manner described above in conjunction with first mesh structure 300 in FIG. 3.

[0041] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the vertical and horizontal members comprising tack storage apparatus 10 can be permanently attached to one another. For example, if the various horizontal and vertical members are formed from metal, those members can be attached by conventional welding techniques. On the other hand, if the vertical and horizontal members are formed from a rigid plastic material, those members can be joined by plastic welding, adhesive joining, and/or solvent bonding.

[0042] In addition, Applicant's assembled tack storage apparatus can be permanently affixed to a floor or a wall. Referring to FIG. 1, attachment of foot plates to the first ends 32, 42, 52, and 62, respectively, will allow attachment of apparatus 10 to a floor using conventional methods, i.e. screws. Use of conventional wall ties will allow Applicant's assembled tack storage apparatus to be affixed to a wall.

[0043] Referring again to FIG. 1, saddle support 90 is shown releaseably connected to vertical support members 40. Saddle support 90 includes horizontal member 92 which is releaseably connected to vertical support member 40 in the manner described above using a plurality of attachment pins disposed on proximal end 94 of horizontal member 92, and a plurality of attachment slots disposed on vertical support member 40. Horizontal member 92 can be formed from any rigid material including wood, plastic, and metal. Horizontal member 92 has a top and bottom joined by first side 96 and an opposing second side 98 (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0044] Referring to FIG. 8, first horizontal support 100 extends outwardly and downwardly from first side 96 of horizontal member 92. First horizontal support 100 is formed from first leg 104, second leg 106, and distal member 110. Legs 104 and 116, and distal member 110, can be formed from any rigid material including wood, metal, and/or plastic.

[0045] Proximal end 106 of first leg 104 connects to, and extends outwardly and downwardly from, first side 96 of horizontal member 92. Distal end 108 of first leg 104 connects to first end 112 of distal member 110 such that first leg 104 and distal member 110 are approximately perpendicular. By approximately perpendicular, Applicant means the angle formed between first leg 104 and distal member 110 is about 90 degrees, plus or minus about 20 degrees.

[0046] Proximal end 118 of second leg 116 connects to, and extends outwardly and downwardly from, first side 96 of horizontal member 92. Distal end 120 of second leg 116 connects to second end 114 of distal member 110 such that second leg 116 and distal member 110 are approximately perpendicular. By approximately perpendicular, Applicant means the angle formed between second leg 116 and distal member 110 is about 90 degrees, plus or minus about 20 degrees. First leg 104 and second leg 116 are approximately parallel. By approximately parallel, Applicant means the angle formed between first leg 104 and second leg 116 is about 180 degrees, plus or minus about 20 degrees.

[0047] Second horizontal support 140 extends outwardly and downwardly from second side 98 of horizontal member 92. Second horizontal support 140 is formed in the manner described above in conjunction with first horizontal support 100.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 1, saddle support 90 is shown releaseably attached to vertical support member 40. In other embodiments of Applicant's apparatus, saddle support 90 can be releaseably attached to any of the vertical support members, to first rectangular frame 20, or to second rectangular frame 70. In other embodiments, a plurality of saddle supports are affixed to Applicant's tack storage apparatus in the manner described above.

[0049] In one embodiment of Applicant's tack storage apparatus having the dimensions of 4 feet in length, 3 feet in width, and 6 feet in height can accommodate three saddle supports on each vertical member, and two saddle supports on each rectangular frame, for a total capacity of 20 saddle supports.

[0050] Tack gear including reins, blankets, and the like, can be hung over, or suspended from first rectangular frame 20 and/or second rectangular frame 70. Alternatively, “s”-shaped hooks can be affixed to one or more of the vertical support members and tack gear can be suspended from the distal ends of those “s”-hooks. A tube/rod can be suspended from two such “s”-hooks to form a clothes rod from which riding clothes can be hung with, or without, use of conventional clothes hangers.

[0051] In another embodiment, one end of a conventional horse shoe can be extended through an attachment slot, and the other end used as a hook from which to hang tack gear. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the width of the horse shoe is selected such that one end will fit snugly into an attachment slot.

[0052] Applicant's invention includes a method to store equestrian equipment in a remote location on uneven terrain. FIG. 9 summarizes Applicant's method. In step 802 a first rectangular frame is provided. In steps 804, 806, 808, and 810 first, second, third, and fourth vertical supports are releaseably connected to the four corners of the first rectangular frame.

[0053] In step 812 the assembled frame is checked for levelness. If the frame is not level, then the length of one or more of the legs is adjusted to make the frame level. Once the frame is level, in step 816 a mesh structure is releaseably attached to the frame. Thereafter in step 818 tack gear is placed onto the assembled apparatus.

[0054] Step 802 further comprises the steps shown in FIG. 10. In steps 902, 904, 906, and 908, four rigid members, each having a first end and a second end, are provided. In step 910, the first end of the first member is releaseably connected to the first end of the second member. In step 912, the second end of the first member is releaseably connected to the first end of the third member. In step 914, the second end of the second member is releaseably connected to the first end of the fourth member. In step 916, the second end of the third member is releaseably connected to the second end of the fourth member.

[0055] In other embodiments of Applicant's method, a second rectangular frame is assembled from fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth members. That second rectangular frame is then releaseably connected to the first, second, third, and fourth vertical support members. Thereafter, a second mesh structure is releaseably connected to the second rectangular frame.

Claims

1. A portable tack rack in combination with at least one saddle, comprising:

a first rectangular frame having a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner;

a first vertical support member having a first end and a second end, wherein said first vertical support member is releaseably connected to said first corner of said first rectangular frame at a first connection point disposed between said first end and said second end of said first vertical support member, wherein the distance between said first end of said first vertical support member and said first connection point comprises a first leg length;

a second vertical support member having a first end and a second end, wherein said second vertical support member is releaseably connected to said second corner of said first rectangular frame at a second connection point disposed between said first end and said second end of said second vertical support member, wherein the distance between said first end of said second vertical support member and said second connection point comprises a second leg length;

a third vertical support member having a first end and a second end, wherein said third vertical support member is releaseably connected to said third corner of said first rectangular frame at a third connection point disposed between said first end and said second end of said third vertical support member, wherein the distance between said first end of said third vertical support member and said third connection point comprises a third leg length;

a fourth vertical support member having a first end and a second end, wherein said fourth vertical support member is releaseably connected to said fourth corner of said first rectangular frame at a fourth connection point disposed between said first end and said second end of said fourth vertical support member, wherein the distance between said first end of said fourth vertical support member and said fourth connection point comprises a fourth leg length;

wherein said first leg length can be equal to, less than, or greater than, said second leg length, said third leg length, and said fourth leg length;

wherein said second leg length can be equal to, less than, or greater than, said first leg length, said third leg length, and said fourth leg length;

wherein said third leg length can be equal to, less than, or greater than, said first leg length, said second leg length, and said fourth leg length; and

and wherein said fourth leg length can be equal to, less than, or greater than, said first leg length, said second leg length, and said third leg length.

2. The tack rack of

claim 1, wherein said first rectangular frame comprises a first member having a first and a second end, a second member having a first and a second end, a third member having a first and a second end, and a fourth member having a first and a second end;

wherein said first end of said first member is releaseably connected to said first end of said second member and said second end of said first member is releaseably connected to said first end of said third member; and

wherein said first end of said fourth member is releaseably connected to said second end of said second member and said second end of said fourth member is releaseably connected to said second end of said third member.

3. The portable tack rack of

claim 2, said first rectangular frame further comprising a first mesh structure having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side;

wherein said first side of said first mesh structure is releaseably connected to said first member, said second side of said first mesh structure is releaseably connected to said second member, said third side of said first mesh structure is releaseably connected to said third member, and said fourth side of said first mesh structure is releaseably connected to said fourth member.

4. The portable tack rack of

claim 3, further comprising a first saddle support, wherein said first saddle support comprises:

a horizontal member comprising a first vertical side and an opposing second vertical side, and a first end, a second end;

a first horizontal support disposed on, and extending downwardly and outwardly from, said first vertical side;

a second horizontal support disposed on, and extending downwardly and outwardly from, said second vertical side;

wherein said saddle is removeably disposed on said first saddle support.

5. The first saddle support of

claim 4, wherein said first horizontal support comprises:

a first distal member having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between said first and second end;

a first leg having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said first leg is connected to said first end of said first distal member such that said first leg and said first distal member are approximately perpendicular;

a second leg having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said second leg is connected to said second end of said first distal member such that said second leg and said first distal member are approximately perpendicular, and such that said first leg and said second leg are approximately parallel;

wherein said proximal end of said first leg and said proximal end of said second leg are connected to said first vertical side of said horizontal member.

6. The first saddle support of

claim 5, wherein said second horizontal support comprises:

a second distal member having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between said first and second end;

a third leg having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said third leg is connected to said first end of said second distal member such that said first leg and said second distal member are approximately perpendicular;

a fourth leg having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said fourth leg is connected to said second end of said second distal member such that said fourth leg and said second distal member are approximately perpendicular, and such that said third leg and said fourth leg are approximately parallel;

wherein said proximal end of said third leg and said proximal end of said fourth leg are connected to said second vertical side of said horizontal member.

7. The portable tack rack of

claim 4, further comprising a plurality of saddle supports.

8. The portable tack rack of

claim 2, further comprising a second rectangular frame, wherein said second rectangular frame comprises a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner;

wherein said first vertical support member is releaseably connected to said first corner of said second rectangular frame at a fifth connection point, said second vertical support member is releaseably connected to said second corner of said second rectangular frame at a sixth connection point, said third vertical support member is releaseably connected to said third corner of said second rectangular frame at a seventh connection point, and said fourth vertical support member is releaseably connected to said fourth corner of said second rectangular frame at an eighth connection point.

9. The tack rack of

claim 8, wherein said second rectangular frame comprises a fifth member having a first and a second end, a sixth member having a first and a second end, a seventh member having a first and a second end, and an eighth member having a first and a second end;

wherein said first end of said fifth member is releaseably connected to said first end of said sixth member and said second end of said fifth member is releaseably connected to said first end of said seventh member; and

wherein said first end of said eighth member is releaseably connected to said second end of said sixth member and said second end of said fourth member is releaseably connected to said second end of said seventh member.

10. The portable tack rack of

claim 9, said second rectangular frame further comprising a second mesh structure having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side;

wherein said first side of said second mesh structure is releaseably connected to said fifth member, said second side of said second mesh structure is releaseably connected to said sixth member, said third side of said second mesh structure is releaseably connected to said seventh member, and said fourth side of said second mesh structure is releaseably connected to said eighth member.

11. A method to temporarily store equestrian riding equipment on uneven terrain, comprising the steps of:

providing a first rectangular frame having a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner;

providing a first vertical support member having a first end and a second end, a second vertical support member having a first end and a second end, a third vertical support member having a first end and a second end, and a fourth vertical support member having a first end and a second end;

releaseably connecting said first vertical support member to said first corner of said first rectangular frame at a first connection point disposed between said first end and said second end of said first vertical support member, wherein the distance between said first end of said first vertical support member and said first connection point comprises a first leg length;

releaseably connecting said second vertical support member to said second corner of said first rectangular frame at a second connection point disposed between said first end and said second end of said second vertical support member, wherein the distance between said first end of said second vertical support member and said second connection point comprises a second leg length;

releaseably connecting said third vertical support member to said third corner of said first rectangular frame at a third connection point disposed between said first end and said second end of said third vertical support member, wherein the distance between said first end of said third vertical support member and said third connection point comprises a third leg length;

releaseably connecting said fourth vertical support member to said fourth corner of said first rectangular frame at a fourth connection point disposed between said first end and said second end of said fourth vertical support member, wherein the distance between said first end of said fourth vertical support member and said fourth connection point comprises a fourth leg length;

adjusting the lengths of said first leg length, said second leg length, said third leg length, and said fourth leg length such that said first rectangular frame is level.

12. The method of

claim 11, wherein said first rectangular frame comprises a first member having a first and a second end, a second member having a first and a second end, a third member having a first and a second end, and a fourth member having a first and a second end;

wherein said first end of said first member is releaseably connected to said first end of said second member and said second end of said first member is releaseably connected to said first end of said third member; and

wherein said first end of said fourth member is releaseably connected to said second end of said second member and said second end of said fourth member is releaseably connected to said second end of said third member.

13. The method of

claim 12, further comprising the steps of:

providing a first mesh structure having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side;

releaseably connecting said first side of said first mesh structure to said first member;

releaseably connecting said second side of said first mesh structure to said second member;

releaseably connecting said third side of said first mesh structure to said third member; and

releaseably connecting said fourth side of said first mesh structure to said fourth member.

14. The method of

claim 13, further comprising the step of releaseably attaching to said first vertical support a first saddle support.

15. The method of

claim 14, wherein said first saddle support comprises:

a horizontal member comprising a first vertical side and an opposing second vertical side, and a first end, a second end;

a first horizontal support disposed on, and extending downwardly and outwardly from, said first vertical side;

a second horizontal support disposed on, and extending downwardly and outwardly from, said second vertical side;

wherein said saddle is removeably disposed on said first saddle support.

16. The method of

claim 15, wherein said first horizontal support comprises:

a first distal member having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between said first and second end;

a first leg having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said first leg is connected to said first end of said first distal member such that said first leg and said first distal member are approximately perpendicular;

a second leg having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said second leg is connected to said second end of said first distal member such that said second leg and said first distal member are approximately perpendicular, and such that said first leg and said second leg are approximately parallel;

wherein said proximal end of said first leg and said proximal end of said second leg are connected to said first vertical side of said horizontal member.

17. The method of

claim 16, wherein said second horizontal support comprises:

a second distal member having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between said first and second end;

a third leg having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said third leg is connected to said first end of said second distal member such that said first leg and said second distal member are approximately perpendicular;

a fourth leg having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end of said fourth leg is connected to said second end of said second distal member such that said fourth leg and said second distal member are approximately perpendicular, and such that said third leg and said fourth leg are approximately parallel;

wherein said proximal end of said third leg and said proximal end of said fourth leg are connected to said second vertical side of said horizontal member.

18. The method of

claim 14, further comprising the step of releaseably attaching a plurality of saddle supports to one or more of said vertical support members.

19. The method of

claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

providing a second rectangular frame, wherein said second rectangular frame comprises a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner;

releaseably connecting said first vertical support to said first corner of said second rectangular frame at a fifth connection point;

releaseably connecting said second vertical support member to said second corner of said second rectangular frame at a sixth connection point;

releaseably connecting said third vertical support member to said third corner of said second rectangular frame at a seventh connection point; and

releaseably connecting said fourth vertical support member to said fourth corner of said second rectangular frame at an eighth connection point.

20. The method of

claim 19, wherein said second rectangular frame comprises a fifth member having a first and a second end, a sixth member having a first and a second end, a seventh member having a first and a second end, and an eighth member having a first and a second end;

wherein said first end of said fifth member is releaseably connected to said first end of said sixth member and said second end of said fifth member is releaseably connected to said first end of said seventh member; and

wherein said first end of said eighth member is releaseably connected to said second end of said sixth member and said second end of said fourth member is releaseably connected to said second end of said seventh member.

21. The method of

claim 20, further comprising the steps of:

providing a second mesh structure having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side;

releaseably connecting said first side of said second mesh structure to said fifth member;

releaseably connecting said second side of said second mesh structure to said sixth member;

releaseably connecting said third side of said second mesh structure to said seventh member; and

releaseably connecting said fourth side of said second mesh structure to said eighth member.