Patent Publication Number: US-11653719-B2

Title: Equestrian footwear with integrated adjustable spur system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/094,756 entitled EQUESTRIAN HALF SPUR FOR USE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE SPUR HOLDER, owned by Nicola Veronica Schulten-Gaywood which is filed concurrently herewith and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is direct to an improved method and apparatus for attaching a riding spur to equestrian footwear, such as a boot, wherein the spur can be quickly and easily attached, adjusted or removed without dismounting the horse, and additionally provides the user with improved comfort and freedom of movement throughout equestrian activity. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     People have been using spurs while riding horses for many years. A spur is a device which is worn on the back of a rider&#39;s boot, on or just above the heel, and helps the rider direct a horse&#39;s movement in various ways. Some specialized spurs are permanently fixed to the boot, but most spurs are temporarily secured with a strap. The main part of a conventional spur is a rigid U-shaped bracket, called a yoke, which wraps around the back-heel area of a riding boot. A rigid protrusion, called a spur neck, is fixed to and extends backward from the center of the rear, curved portion of the yoke. The distal end of the spur neck is called a spur tip, which is the part of the spur that physically contacts the horse. Most spurs are held in place by an instep strap, which is connected to both forward, free ends of the yoke and wraps over the instep and under the sole of a boot. The instep strap holds the front part of the spur yoke in place. 
     The rear part of the spur yoke is held in place and supported by a spur rest, which is a small lateral protuberance that extends backward from just above the heel of a riding boot. The function of the spur rest is very important, as it is intended to maintain the spur neck and spur tip in a specific position relative to the horse&#39;s anatomy. However, a common problem with this traditional method of spur attachment is the likelihood of the strap loosening during equestrian activity, which causes the rear portion of the yoke to slip down over the spur rest and drop downward, which is known as a “dropped spur”. 
     When a spur neck shifts upward or downward from its correct position, the point of contact between the spur tip and the horse changes—or is eliminated altogether. This diminishes the rider&#39;s control of the animal, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Because precise placement of the spur tip against the horse&#39;s side is critical, the rider must then halt the horse, dismount and re-adjust the spur and re-tighten the strap, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. Furthermore, because the strap must be very tight to prevent the spur from shifting, the rider experiences severe discomfort on the instep of her/his foot. 
     Another disadvantage when utilizing a spur rest is that only one spur position is available, forcing the rider to spend quite a bit of time adjusting the length of the stirrup straps to an exact needed length. This being an undesirable situation, it would be advantageous to have a connective arrangement wherein the spur could be secured to a rider&#39;s foot more conveniently, and in a way that would prevent the spur from shifting. Also, because short and tall riders have different leg lengths, it would be beneficial if the spur neck could be easily lifted or lowered, so as to optimize vertical placement of the spur tip against the horse&#39;s body. 
     In the case of the equestrian riding boot, zippers are mostly placed in a vertical position close to the center back of the boot. In this position, specifically at the ankle, the zipper is under a lot of tension combined with flexion and abrasion because of the rider walking around when un-mounted. This causes the integrity and strength of the zippers to diminish, and as a result break down, and no longer perform their function of keeping the boot closed at the ankle. Zippers are mostly covered with two narrow flaps extending from each side of the zipper. The narrow flaps, combined with the flexion, and tension experienced in the ankle area are not sufficient in size and structure to maintain coverage, and protection of, the zipper structure, leaving the area exposed to sand and fine debris. The addition of debris to the zipper structure along with the tension, flexion, and abrasion in the ankle area, leave the zipper even more at risk of failure. Furthermore, should the rider wish to remove the boot, they will need to undo, loosen, and release the instep strap, to remove the spur assembly, at which point the rider can remove the boot. The boot and the spur assembly are separated and will need to be reconfigured when the rider replaces the boot on the foot. 
       FIG.  1    to  FIG.  8    illustrate various embodiments known in the prior art. More specifically,  FIG.  1    shows a traditional spur assembly  8 , comprised of a yoke  10  having two free ends  9  which are connected by an instep strap  11 . The yoke  10  also includes a spur neck  12  and a spur tip  14 . 
       FIG.  2    shows a leg of a mounted rider wearing a traditional riding chap  7  and a traditional riding boot  6 , wherein the leg is supported by a stirrup  17 . The chap  7  is held in place by a footstrap  18 , which passes under the sole of boot  6  and connects to opposite lower ends of the chap  7 . The rider is also wearing the traditional spur assembly  8  shown in  FIG.  1   , wherein the yoke  10  is secured to boot  6  by instep strap  11 , which is connected to the free ends  9  of yoke  10 . Note how the rear portion of yoke  10  and the spur neck  12  are supported by a spur rest  13 , which projects off the back of boot  6 . The spur tip  14  is shown in physical contact with the lower side of a horse. 
       FIG.  3    shows the same image shown in  FIG.  2   , including the stirrup  17 , chap  7 , footstrap  18 , boot  6 , and traditional spur assembly  8 , which is comprised of an instep strap  11 , a yoke  10  with free ends  9 , a spur neck  12  and spur tip  14 . Note that the rear portion of yoke  10  has fallen off the spur rest  13 , and as a result, the spur neck  12  and spur tip  14  are no longer in contact with the side of the horse. 
       FIG.  4    shows a model wearing traditional riding chaps  7 , which are secured to traditional riding boots  6  by footstraps  18 . Each boot includes a spur rest  13 , located above the heel. 
       FIG.  5    shows a model wearing traditional full-length riding chaps  15 , which are secured to traditional riding boots  6  by footstraps  18 . Each boot includes a spur rest  13 , located above the heel. 
       FIG.  6    shows a model wearing traditional riding boots  6 . Each boot includes a spur rest  13 , located above the heel. 
       FIG.  6 A  is a perspective view of a traditional riding boot with a traditional spur assembly as seen in  FIG.  1   . A traditional riding boot  6 , with the traditional spur assembly  8  where the yoke  10  is secured to a boot  6 , by an instep strap  11  the inset strap is connected to a free end,  9 , of the yoke,  10 . The spur tip  14  is shown having fallen off the spur rests  13  which are located on each side of the heel. A zipper  38  is positioned in a center back position with two narrow flaps  39  covering each side of the zipper  38 . The damaged zipper  40 , and puckered open zipper flap covers  41 , are shown in the ankle area of the boot  6  demonstrating failure of the narrow zipper covers  39 , to protect the zipper  38 , from debris entering and causing damage. Furthermore, the drawing demonstrates that in order to remove the boot  6 , the rider must first remove the spur assembly  8 , by way of dismounting and undoing/unfastening the instep strap  11  and removing the yoke, before unzipping the zipper  38  and removing the boot  6 . 
       FIG.  7    shows the traditional spur yoke  10  shown in  FIG.  1   , without the instep strap  11  according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG.  8    shows the traditional spur yoke  10  shown in  FIG.  7   , having a roller spur tip  23 . 
     Thus, there is a need for a new convenient, easy, improved method of securely attaching a riding spur to equestrian footwear without using an instep strap, wherein the vertical position of the spur tip can be quickly and easily changed, and without the need for removing the spur in order to remove the footwear. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention satisfies the need for an improved method of securely attaching a riding spur to footwear without using an instep strap, wherein the vertical position of the spur tip can be quickly and easily changed, and without having to remove the spur in order to remove the footwear. Additionally, the spur can be quickly and easily attached, adjusted or removed by a rider without having to dismount the horse. Elimination of a tightened instep strap also provides more comfort to the rider. Furthermore, the improved method of attachment described herein allows riders to use existing, traditional spur yokes on the market today, without the instep strap. 
     In an aspect of the invention, both free ends of the spur yoke are inserted into two rearward-facing pockets, located on the left and right side of a riding footwear, wherein the pockets firmly hold and secure the free ends of the yoke to the footwear. An optional design provides two or more pockets on one or both sides of the footwear, arranged vertically at different heights, such that a free end of the yoke can be inserted into either an upper or lower pocket in order to achieve a proper fit. Many riding boots include a full-length vertical zipper, requiring the user to disconnect the instep strap and remove the spur assembly from the footwear before able to remove their footwear. In another aspect of the invention, by providing only one side pocket, another convenient advantage can be realized: the legwear garment can be removed from the wearer without having to remove the spur, which is accomplished by using a spur yoke wherein one of the free ends is shortened, and is not inserted into a pocket. 
     In this arrangement, the shorter of the two free ends does not cover the vertical zipper, allowing the zipper to be completely unzipped so that the footwear can be removed. Instead of a pocket, a releasable fastener such as a snap may be used to secure a free end of the yoke to the left &amp;/or right side of a boot. The snap may also include a strap that can be woven through a free end of a traditional yoke. Also, two or more fasteners may be located at different heights on one or both sides, to secure the free ends of the yoke at different vertical positions. 
     The spur neck is held in place by a vertically positioned strap called a backstrap, which is centrally located on the lower back area of the footwear. The lower end of the backstrap is attached to the footwear just above the heel where it may be permanently fixed or releasably connected via a fastener such as a snap. The backstrap includes one or more apertures through which the spur neck projects. The upper end of the backstrap is connected to the footwear using a releasable fastener such as a snap, which effectively secures the spur neck to the footwear in a desired position. By providing multiple apertures, the vertical position of a spur tip can be easily changed by using a different aperture. Furthermore, two or more apertures may be connected to each other by one or more slits, allowing a different aperture to be accessed and used by simply pushing the spur neck up or down along a slit to engage a different aperture. The position of the spur tip can also be changed by unsnapping the upper end of the backstrap, then inserting the spur neck through a different aperture. Another function of having slits between apertures is to allow bulbous spur tips to be forced through a slit in order for the spur neck to engage a desired aperture. In some instances, two or more backstraps may be used to secure a spur in various positions. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the zipper is located in a curved position, starting at the lower arch area of the foot on an interior or exterior side of the boot, and curving upwards at an angle facing toward the back of the boot shaft, having its end configured near the center back of the knee. This position eliminates the zipper being in an area of such great resistance, therefore making the zipper more durable and long lasting. In addition to the new location, the zipper is covered with a wide single piece of leather laying in a backward facing direction. This means the zipper is also protected from sand and fine debris clogging the zipper structure, adding to the durability, function and longevity of the zipper and boot structure. Should the rider wish to remove the boot, they would simply unzip the zipper, and remove the foot from the boot. The spur would remain integrated with the boot, by means of the back strap and pockets. The boot and spur will not need to be reconfigured when the rider replaces the boot on the foot. 
     These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a traditional spur assembly as used in the prior art. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of a rider wearing the traditional spur assembly as shown in  FIG.  1   , showing the rear portion of the spur yoke being supported by the spur rest, and the spur tip in contact with the horse&#39;s side. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of a rider wearing the traditional spur assembly shown in  FIG.  2   , showing how the rear portion of the spur yoke has fallen off the spur rest, and the spur tip no longer in contact with the horse&#39;s side. 
         FIG.  4    is a front view illustrating traditional chaps as used in the prior art. 
         FIG.  5    is a front view illustrating traditional full-length chaps as used in the prior art. 
         FIG.  6    is a front view illustrating traditional tall riding boots as used in the prior art. 
         FIG.  6 A  is illustrates a perspective view of a traditional riding boot with a traditional spur assembly and zipper configuration as used in the prior art. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the traditional spur yoke shown in  FIG.  1   , shown without the strap according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the traditional spur yoke shown in  FIG.  7   , having an alternative spur tip. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a chap in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a chap in accordance according to still another alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of a chap in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  12    is a back view of a chap in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  13    is a side view of a tall riding boot in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  14    is a front view of the tall riding boot shown in  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of a boot in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of a boot in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  17    is a side view of a chap in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of a tall riding boot in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  19    is an inside view of a boot in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     NOMENCLATURE OF THE DRAWINGS 
     
         
           6 —traditional riding boot 
           7 —traditional chap 
           8 —traditional spur assembly 
           9 —free end of yoke 
           10 —yoke 
           11 —instep strap 
           12 —spur neck 
           13 —spur rest 
           14 —spur tip 
           15 —traditional full-length chap 
           16 —chap with two pockets 
           17 —stirrup 
           18 —chap footstrap 
           19 —tall riding boot with two pockets 
           20 —backstop 
           21 —lower snap on backstrap 
           22 —upper snap on backstrap 
           23 —tip of rolling spur 
           24 —vertical zipper on chap 
           25 —single aperture 
           26 —lower aperture 
           27 —center aperture 
           28 —upper aperture 
           29 —slit 
           30 —opening of interior (integral) pocket 
           31 —opening of interior (integral) pocket concealed under seam 
           32 —opening of overlaid pocket 
           33 —overlaid pocket 
           34 —upper overlaid pocket 
           35 —side strap to secure free end of yoke 
           36 —snap on side strap 
           37 —snap on upper flap covering zipper 
           38 —traditional zipper in center back position 
           39 —traditional narrow zipper flap covers 
           40 —damaged zipper in ankle area 
           41 —puckered, open zipper flap covers 
           42 —concealed zipper in curved shape under protective wide cover 
           43 —backwards facing wide cover concealing zipper 
           21 . 6 —chap according to alternative embodiment 
           316 —chap according to alternative embodiment 
           416 —chap according to alternative embodiment 
           516 —chap having four pockets according to an alternative embodiment 
           219 —boot according to an embodiment of the invention 
           319 —boot having a side strap with snap according to an alternative embodiment 
           419 —boot having one pocket according to an alternative embodiment 
           519 —boot according to alternative embodiment 
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to equestrian footwear with an adjustable spur system. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
     In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a first embodiment of the invention, showing a lower back portion of an improved riding chap  16  which includes a footstrap  18 . Shown in the drawing is an overlaid pocket  33  having a rearward-facing opening  32  into which a free end  9  of yoke  10  is inserted. The two side pockets  33  secure the front portion of yoke  10  to chap  16 . The spur tip  14  and spur neck  12  protrude through an aperture  25  on backstrap  20 , wherein the backstrap  20  supports and retains the rear portion of yoke  10 . The lower end of backstrap  20  is sewn to the bottom of chap  16  and the upper end of backstrap  20  is releasably fastened to chap  16  by a snap  22 , allowing yoke  10  to be quickly and easily removed. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a second embodiment of the invention, showing a lower back portion of an improved riding chap  216  which includes a footstrap  18 . Overlaid pocket  33  has a rearward-facing opening  32  into which a free end  9  of yoke  10  is inserted. The two side pockets  33  secure the front portion of yoke  10  to chap  216 . In this embodiment, a roller spur tip  23  is shown protruding through a lower aperture  26 , which is connected to an upper aperture  28  by a slit  29 , wherein the bulbous roller spur tip  23  can be forced through slit  29  and apertures  26  and  28 , allowing the spur neck  12  to engage the lower aperture  26 . As with all the embodiments of this invention, the backstrap  20  supports and secures the spur neck  12  and rear portion of the yoke  10 , and is releasably fastened to chap  216  using a snap  22 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a third embodiment of the invention, showing a side view of an improved riding chap  316  which includes a footstrap  18  and an opening  30  of a rearward-facing interior pocket, into which a free end  9  of yoke  10  is inserted and retained. Unlike the overlaid pocket  33  shown in  FIG.  9   , which is a separate piece of material that is sewn onto a large piece of material forming a side of a legwear garment, an interior pocket is integrally formed inside the aforementioned large piece of material. The backstrap  20 , aperture  25 , and snap  22  all cooperate to support and secure yoke  10 , spur neck  12  and spur tip  14  to the chap  316 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention, showing a back view of an improved riding chap  416 , which is similar to chap  316  shown in  FIG.  11   , but includes a backstrap  20  having a lower aperture  26  and an upper aperture  28 , which are connected by a slit  29 . Also shown in the drawing are two interior pocket openings  30 , a yoke  10  with a spur neck  12  and spur tip  14 , and a snap  22  fixed to the upper end of backstrap  20 . Shown near the top edge of chap  416  is a flap which is secured by a snap  37 , which has nothing to do with this invention. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a fifth embodiment of the invention, showing a side view of an improved tall riding boot  19 . The location of one free end  9  of yoke  10  is shown inside an interior pocket having a rearward-facing opening  31  which is concealed under a structural seam of the boot. Attached to the back of the boot is a backstrap  20  having three apertures  26 ,  27 ,  28 , and a snap  22 . The spur neck  12  and spur tip  14  protrude through center aperture  27 . 
       FIG.  14    is a front view of the improved tall riding boot  19  shown in  FIG.  13   , showing the yoke  10  and concealed pocket openings  31 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a sixth embodiment of the invention, showing a lower back portion of an improved riding boot  219 , with a free end  9  of the yoke  10  inserted into the opening  30  of an interior pocket, which retains the front portion of yoke  10 . As shown on backstrap  20 , only the lower aperture  26  and center aperture  27  are connected by a slit  29 . Spur neck  12  and spur tip  14  protrude through upper aperture  28  and are secured to boot  219  by snap  22 . 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a seventh embodiment of the invention, showing a lower back portion of an improved riding boot  319 , wherein an alternative connective arrangement is used to secure the yoke  10  to the boot  319 . Instead of being inserted into a pocket, the free end  9  of yoke  10  is supported and retained by a strap  35  and fastened to the side of boot  319  by a snap  36 . A backstrap  20  includes a lower aperture  26  and an upper aperture  28 , which are connected by a slit  29 . The backstrap  20  supports spur neck  12  and spur tip  14 , and includes an upper snap  22  and also includes a lower snap  21 . This method of attachment enables both the side strap  35  and backstrap  20  to be completely removed from the boot if desired. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates an eighth embodiment of the invention, showing a side view of a mounted rider&#39;s lower leg covered by an improved riding chap  516 , with the foot being suspended by a stirrup  17 . Chap  516  includes a footstrap  18  and a vertical zipper  24  which extends from the top edge to the bottom edge of chap  516 . The top end of zipper  24  is covered by a flap which is fastened by a snap  37 . An upper overlaid pocket  34  is also provided, into which a free end  9  of yoke  10  may be inserted, thereby providing an elevated horizontal position for yoke  10 , spur neck  12  and spur tip  14 . Chap  516  is shown with a free end  9  of yoke  10  inserted into the opening  32  of lower overlaid pocket  33 . The backstrap  20  includes a snap  22 , a lower aperture  26  and an upper aperture  28 . Spur neck  12  and spur tip  14  are shown protruding through lower aperture  26 . 
       FIG.  18    illustrates a ninth embodiment of the invention, showing a rear perspective view of a mounted rider wearing an improved tall riding boot  419 , which is supported by a stirrup  17 . The backstrap  20  includes a snap  22  and three apertures  26 ,  27 ,  28 , which are all connected by slits  29 . The spur neck  12  and spur tip  14  are shown protruding through center aperture  27 , and a free end  9  of yoke  10  is inserted into opening  30  of an interior pocket. 
       FIG.  19    is an inside view of a boot in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the boot is an improved tall riding boot  519  that includes a back strap  20 , a snap  22  and two apertures,  26 ,  28 , which are connected by a slit  29 . The spur neck  12 , and spur tip,  14  are shown protruding through the upper aperture  28 . A free end  9  and yoke  10  are inserted into an opening of an interior (integral) pocked concealed under a seam  31 . As seen in  FIG.  19   , the curved zipper  42  extends from lower mid-section of the boot upper  44 , beyond the end of a pocket  31 , and travels in an upwardly diagonal direction towards the back of the boot, where it continues to curve upward finishing at the back of the user&#39;s knee  45 . 
     Thus, the curved zipper  42  is positioned to extend from the lower mid-section of the boot upper  44 , beyond the end of a pocket  31 , travelling in an upwardly diagonal backward facing direction, around the boot shaft  45  to the upper back part of the boot, wherein the boot can be removed from the foot without removing the spur. 
     The curved zipper  42 , is not visible to the naked eye as the zipper  42  is concealed under a backwards facing wide zipper cover  43 . The wide zipper cover  43  works to protect the zipper from debris entering the zipper and its structural components. The wide zipper cover faces in a backward direction so to cover the entire curved zipper. This allows the curved zipper to be protected from debris entering the structure compromising the integrity and longevity of the component, thus shortening the useful lifespan of the boot. 
     The curved zipper  42  is shown in an interior, lateral, position, which avoids the flex area of the back of the ankle. Those skilled in the art will recognize that curved zipper  42  is advantageous since the zipper  42  is not subject to flexing, tension, and abrasion as used in a normal equestrian movement. Since the zipper  42  is no longer at the center-back of the boot, where it often gets puckered and fails due to the location near the user&#39;s ankle, the user can easily remove the boot without removing the spur. To remove the boot  519 , the rider simply unzips the zipper,  42 , and removes the foot from the boot,  519 , with the spur still attached. 
     In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.