Knitted Riding Boot Upper with Elastic Adaptation Band

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Solution Overview

Problem

Riding boots that fit snugly and allow sensory contact with a horse's flanks while being abrasion-resistant and easy to maintain are lacking, as existing boots either do not adapt to varied leg measurements or are too rigid, expensive, or prone to mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

A boot with an upper made of elastically deformable material, featuring an adaptation band along the longitudinal dimension and protrusions for spur attachment, which can be adjusted to fit different leg heights and widths, and an outer sole with a hollow heel for comfort and aesthetic appeal, using knitting to vary elasticity and density for optimal fit and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the upper is made of rigid plastic for abrasion resistance and ease of maintenance, then durability is improved, but sensory contact with the horse and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidsensory contact capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from rigid plastic material to flexible textile material for the upper. This material parameter change enables the upper to be elastically deformable, allowing it to mold to the rider's leg while maintaining abrasion resistance through proper material selection and construction, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and sensory contact capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using a textile upper that is elastically deformable. This flexible construction allows the upper to conform to the rider's leg contours, providing both durability and sensory contact with the horse, eliminating the need for rigid plastic while maintaining abrasion resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard leather show boots are made to measure for different calf widths and shaft heights, then fit and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit to varied leg measurementsVSAvoidnumber of size combinations to manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an elastic band in the upper that can stretch and adapt to different calf widths and shaft heights. This dynamic element allows a single boot design to accommodate varied leg measurements without requiring multiple size combinations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining excellent fit and comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing the upper with an elastic band that performs multiple functions: adapting to different calf widths, adjusting to various shaft heights, and providing a snug fit. This multi-functional design allows one boot model to serve multiple riders with different measurements, eliminating the need to manufacture numerous specialized variants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If zippers are used for closing the boot, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing mechanism operationVSAvoidresistance to mechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the zipper closing mechanism from the boot design. This extraction eliminates the unreliable zipper component that is prone to breaking under mechanical stress, while the boot maintains ease of operation through alternative closing methods such as elastic bands or simple lacing systems that are more durable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The boot provides a comfortable, adjustable, and aesthetically pleasing fit that maintains sensory contact with the horse, while being resistant to abrasion and easy to manufacture, ensuring a snug and supportive ride.

Implementation Method 1

said upper is made of elastically deformable material along the width of the boot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using knitting to vary elasticity and density for optimal fit and durability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKnitting structure variation:

Data Source

PatentEP3895574B1Boot suitable for practising horse riding and comprising an upper that is deformable in width and length
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 HORSE PILOT
  • EP3895574B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3895574B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3895574B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a boot (1) adapted for the practice of riding comprising an opening for the passage of the foot, an outsole (3) and an upper, attached to said outsole (3) and which envelops the foot, ankle and a portion of the leg of the rider when the boot (1) is worn, said upper is made of elastically deformable material according to the width of the boot (1), said upper possibly comprising protuberances for the attachment of a spur (6), said outsole (3) having a hollow (31) delimiting the heel (34).Characteristically, said stem is entirely knitted or includes at least at the calf a knitted portion, said stem further includes an elastically deformable adapting band (17) along the longitudinal dimension of the stem, located above the widest portion of the calf and tightening means (51; 52) of said stem which are arranged above or on said adapting band (17) and said adapting band (17) is more elastically deformable along the longitudinal dimension of the stem than the rest of said stem.