Dog Boot Molded Sole with Adjustable Metatarsal Pad

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dog boots are difficult to put on, prone to slippage, and do not accommodate the varying proportions of paw size to leg diameter, leading to circulatory issues and discomfort for dogs.

Innovation Solution

A molded sole with raised lugs that conform to a dog's foot shape, allowing independent movement of each pad, combined with a boot upper featuring adjustable cushioning pads and a flexible design for improved traction and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art dog boots are designed with fasteners and tightening mechanisms, then the boot can be secured to the dog's leg, but the boot becomes difficult to put on and may disrupt circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot securityVSAvoidease of placement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The boot is divided into distinct functional zones: an expanded distal end section that accommodates the paw, a mid-section for the leg, and a proximal end section. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, enabling easy placement while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The boot incorporates flexible materials and articulated joints that allow the boot to dynamically adapt to the dog's leg movements and contours. The flexible lug coupling system provides dynamic adjustment as the dog moves, maintaining fit without rigid fasteners that would complicate placement or restrict circulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the boot is designed to stay on the dog's paw during movement, then traction is improved, but the boot may slide off on slippery surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot retentionVSAvoidslippage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The boot features locally optimized properties: the distal end has an expanded circumference for secure paw fitment, the sole has specific friction characteristics for traction, and the mid-section has a circumference matched to the leg diameter. This local quality differentiation ensures the boot stays on during movement while preventing slippage on various surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The boot's circumference parameters are specifically designed to match typical dog leg dimensions, with the distal end expanded to accommodate paw swelling during exercise. The friction parameters of the sole material are selected to provide adequate traction without excessive grip that would cause sliding on slippery surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the boot is designed to accommodate different dog breeds and sizes, then versatility is improved, but the boot structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize accommodationVSAvoidboot structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The boot is designed as a universal fit device that can accommodate multiple dog breeds and sizes through its flexible materials and articulated joint design. The boot performs multiple functions: protection, traction, and circulation maintenance, without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms for each size variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The boot utilizes flexible shell materials that can conform to different leg shapes and sizes. The flexible lug coupling system provides adaptability across size variations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, avoiding the need for multiple complex sizing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If the boot provides substantial traction on hard surfaces, then stability is improved, but the boot may cause discomfort or harm if it spins

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetractionVSAvoidpotential harm from spinning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The boot features an asymmetric design with the expanded distal end positioned to match the natural anatomy of the dog's paw and leg. This asymmetric geometry prevents the boot from spinning during movement while providing substantial traction on hard surfaces, as the expanded end acts as a stabilizing anchor point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11297800B2Trail boot with molded liner and adjustable metatarsal and metacarpal pad

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 DOSKOCIL MFG CO INC

AI summary

A canine trail boot has a molded sole with raised lugs that divide the sole into individual pad cups that each receive a single pad from a dog foot. Independent movement between adjacent pad cups better replicates a dog's pad movement. The molded sole may include a toe having unidirectional treads, a tail having a combination of treads that also receive and retain straps, and a cushioning pad that protrudes into and engages with an indentation on a dog's paw to retain a boot securely. The sole interior may be layered with insoles that provide puncture resistance, heat isolation or reflection, and other custom interior features, or a liner may be provided that may also further incorporate the raised cushioning pad. The cushioning pad may be longitudinally adjustable within the boot interior, to tailor the cushioning pad to the ideal position to engage with a dog's metatarsal or metacarpal pad.