Equestrian Legwear Spur Attachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spur attachment methods using instep straps often lead to a 'dropped spur' issue due to loosening, requiring riders to dismount and re-adjust, causing discomfort and inconvenience, and do not allow for easy vertical positioning or removal of spurs with legwear.

Innovation Solution

The method involves securing the spur yoke's free ends into side pockets or using a backstrap with multiple apertures and slits on equestrian legwear, allowing for quick adjustment and removal without dismounting, and using a backstrap to secure the spur neck, enabling easy vertical positioning and removal of spurs without removing the legwear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an instep strap is used to secure the spur, then the spur can be held in place, but the strap loosens during activity causing the spur to drop and requiring dismounting to re-adjust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespur position stabilityVSAvoidspur adjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the problematic instep strap from the spur assembly and instead attaches the spur yoke directly to the legwear (chap or boot) using existing fastening mechanisms like zippers, snaps, or Velcro. This extraction eliminates the loosening issue while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the spur attachment system with the legwear fastening system. The spur yoke is integrated into the chap or boot structure so that the same fasteners that secure the legwear also secure the spur, eliminating the need for a separate instep strap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the instep strap is tightened to prevent spur shifting, then the spur remains in position, but the rider experiences severe discomfort on the instep

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespur position stabilityVSAvoidrider discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the instep strap entirely and transferring the attachment function to the legwear fastening system, the invention eliminates the source of discomfort (tight strap on instep) while maintaining secure spur attachment through the legwear's existing fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a vertical zipper extends from top to bottom of the chap or boot, then the legwear can be securely fitted, but the spur must be completely removed before removing the legwear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelegwear fit securityVSAvoidspur removal convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the attachment system by using a releasable connector that allows the spur yoke to be detached from the legwear independently of the main zipper fastening. This enables the spur to remain attached while the legwear is removed, or vice versa.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies a localized releasable connector at the spur attachment point, distinct from the main zipper fastening system. This local feature provides selective detachment capability without compromising the overall security of the legwear fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If only one spur position is available on the spur rest, then the attachment is simple, but the rider must spend time adjusting stirrup straps to achieve proper vertical positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidposition adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the spur attachment dynamic by providing multiple adjustable vertical positions through the backstrap with multiple apertures. The rider can quickly adjust the spur to the correct height by moving to a different aperture, eliminating the need for time-consuming stirrup strap adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10827805B2Equestrian legwear with adjustable spur holder
Publication Date: 2020.11.10 SCHULTEN GAYWOOD NICOLA VERONICA
  • US10827805B2 patent drawing
  • US10827805B2 patent drawing
  • US10827805B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention is an improved method and apparatus for securing a riding spur to an equestrian legwear garment such as a chap or boot, wherein the spur can be quickly and easily attached, adjusted, or removed by a rider without dismounting the horse. Additionally, the invention can be configured so that the chap or boot may be removed from the wearer without first having to remove the spur.