Equestrian Half Spur with Cambered Yoke and Adjustable Backstrap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional equestrian spurs often experience a 'dropped spur' issue due to loosening straps, causing discomfort and requiring frequent adjustments, and their design obstructs zipper access, making it inconvenient to remove footwear while attached.
Innovation Solution
A half-spur design with a curved, cambered yoke and adjustable backstrap allows secure attachment without instep straps, enabling easy boot removal and adjustment of spur position without dismounting, using pockets or snaps for secure fitting and multiple apertures for vertical positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an instep strap is used to secure the spur, then the spur remains stable on the boot, but the strap loosens during activity causing the spur to shift and requiring frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static strap length to a dynamic adjustment mechanism with multiple aperture positions. The instep strap includes several apertures that allow the rider to adjust the strap length during use, enabling the spur to maintain proper position despite changes in boot fit or rider movement throughout the activity.
2Reliability
If the instep strap is tightened to prevent spur shifting, then the spur remains stable, but the rider experiences severe discomfort on the instep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of strap tension by providing multiple aperture positions with varying distances from the heel. This allows the rider to select an optimal tension level that secures the spur without excessive tightness, reducing instep discomfort while maintaining adequate spur stability.
3Reliability
If the spur is attached with an instep strap, then the spur can be securely fastened, but the spur obstructs access to the vertical zipper making it impossible to remove the boot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spur attachment system into separate functional components: the yoke that contacts the boot, the instep strap that provides security, and the heel loop that enables boot removal. The heel loop specifically addresses the obstruction problem by providing an alternative attachment point that does not interfere with the zipper, allowing the boot to be removed while the spur remains attached to the leg.
4Loss of substance
If a narrow yoke is used for the half spur, then less material is required, but the yoke becomes unstable and can twist or move on the side of the boot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the narrow yoke with additional stabilizing elements including the instep strap and heel loop. While the yoke itself remains narrow to minimize material usage, the composite attachment system provides the necessary stability through multiple attachment points and distribution of mechanical loads across different structures.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A half-spur for use with an equestrian footwear includes a spur having a neck portion that extends in a downwardly direction when warn by the user with a tip portion, which can vary in shape and size. A curved body supports the spur where such that spur is attached to one end of the curved body. The opposite end of the curved body includes a flat, rounded edge. The curved body extends around only on one side of the rider's footwear and the rounded end is inserted into a pocket within the footwear for holding it firmly in place and pivot as needed for chosen spur tip position. The spur neck is secured at the back of the footwear in an open aperture with the tip protruding outwards and backward facing.