Equestrian footwear with integrated adjustable spur system

Abstract

A lower body equestrian riding boot system for holding a riding spur includes a boot having one or more pockets located on an outer surface of a side and near one end of the boot, the pocket is configured to retain a free end of a riding spur yoke. A backstrap located on an outer surface of a back side and near the bottom of the boot has one end that is releasably attached to the boot and includes an aperture through which a neck of a riding spur projects. A concealed curved zipper extending beyond the front of a pocket. The pocket, the backstrap and the zipper cooperate to secure the riding spur to the boot, so that the spur can be easily attached, adjusted and/or removed from the boot, and so the boot can be removed from the foot with the spur still attached.

Claims

1. A lower body equestrian riding boot system for holding a riding spur, comprising: a boot having at least one pocket located on an outer surface of at least one side and near one end of the boot, the pocket formed on a surface of the boot, the pocket being an overlaid pocket having a rearward-facing opening and being configured to retain a free end of a riding spur yoke; a backstrap located on an outer surface of a back side and near the bottom of the boot, the backstrap having at least one end which is releasably attached to the boot and including at least one aperture through which a neck of a riding spur is configured to project, and wherein the at least one pocket and the backstrap cooperate to secure the riding spur to the boot, so that the spur can be easily attached, adjusted, or removed from the boot.

2. The lower body equestrian riding boot system of claim 1, wherein the backstrap includes one or more releasable fasteners.

3. The lower body equestrian riding boot system of claim 1, wherein the backstrap is permanently or releasably connected to the boot.

4. The lower body equestrian riding boot system of claim 1, wherein two or more apertures in the back strap are connected by one or more slits.

5. The lower body equestrian riding boot system of claim 1, wherein the spur yoke includes two free ends which are the same length.

6. The lower body equestrian riding boot system of claim 1, wherein the spur yoke includes two free ends which are not the same length.

7. The lower body equestrian riding boot system of claim 1, further comprising: a curved zipper positioned from the lower mid-section of the boot upper, travelling in an upwardly diagonal backward facing direction, around the boot shaft to the upper back part of the boot, wherein the boot can be removed from the foot without removing the spur.

8. A boot system for holding an equestrian riding spur having a spur end and spur neck, comprising: at least one pocket for holding a free end of a riding spur yoke; a backstrap having a plurality of apertures through which the spur neck and spur end of a riding spur is configured to project through one of the apertures, and each of the plurality of apertures is connected to another one of the plurality of apertures by a slit in the backstrap for allowing the riding spur's position to be vertically moved to another one of the plurality of apertures; a curved zipper extending from in front of the at least one pocket on a lower edge of the boot upper, extending around the boot shaft in a diagonal backward facing direction toward the top on the boot at the back, wherein the boot can be removed from the user with the spur attached; and wherein the backstrap is releasably detachable from the boot allowing the riding spur to be removed from the boot as required.

9. The boot stem of claim 8, wherein the backstrap includes at least one releasable fastener.

10. The boot system of claim 8, wherein the at least one pocket is configured to accommodate spur yoke ends of substantially the same length.

11. A boot system for holding an equestrian riding spur having a spur end and spur neck, comprising: at least one pocket for holding a free end of a riding spur yoke to the boot; a backstrap located at a bottom of the boot having at least one end which is releasably attached to the boot and a plurality of apertures connected by at least one slit through which the spur neck and spur end of a riding spur are configured to project through one of the plurality of apertures and the riding spur is vertically adjustable to another one of the apertures by moving the riding spur through one of the at least one slit; and wherein the at least one pocket and the backstrap are configured to secure the riding spur to the boot such that the spur can quickly be attached to or removed from the boot.

12. The boot system of claim 11, wherein the at least one slit is a vertical slit that is narrower in size than the aperture, where the spur neck is configured to pass though the slit for holding the neck in a fixed position in the aperture.

13. The boot of claim 11, wherein the at least one pocket is configured to accommodate spur yoke ends of substantially the same length.

14. The boot of claim 11, wherein the at least one slit is a substantially vertical slit that is smaller in size than each one of the plurality of apertures.

15. The boot of claim 11, further comprising: at least one zipper configured into a curve and extending from the lower mid-section of a boot upper around a boot shaft finishing at the top of the boot so to be configured behind a knee, wherein the user can leave the spur in the boot when it is removed.

16. The boot of claim 15, further comprising: a zipper cover facing in a backward direction for covering the at least one zipper to protect the at least one zipper form debris contacting its components.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) 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.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a traditional spur assembly as used in the prior art.

(3) 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's side.

(4) 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's side.

(5) FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating traditional chaps as used in the prior art.

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating traditional full-length chaps as used in the prior art.

(7) FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating traditional tall riding boots as used in the prior art.

(8) FIG. 6A is illustrates a perspective view of a traditional riding boot with a traditional spur assembly and zipper configuration as used in the prior art.

(9) 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.

(10) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the traditional spur yoke shown in FIG. 7, having an alternative spur tip.

(11) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a chap in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

(12) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a chap in accordance according to still another alternative embodiment of the invention.

(13) FIG. 11 is a side view of a chap in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

(14) FIG. 12 is a back view of a chap in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

(15) FIG. 13 is a side view of a tall riding boot in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

(16) FIG. 14 is a front view of the tall riding boot shown in FIG. 13.

(17) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a boot in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

(18) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a boot in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

(19) FIG. 17 is a side view of a chap in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

(20) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a tall riding boot in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

(21) FIG. 19 is an inside view of a boot in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

NOMENCLATURE OF THE DRAWINGS

(22) 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

(23) 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.

(24) 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.

(25) 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.

(26) 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.

(27) 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.

(28) 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.

(29) 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.

(30) 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.

(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.

(32) 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.

(33) FIG. 17 illustrates an eighth embodiment of the invention, showing a side view of a mounted rider'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.

(34) 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.

(35) 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's knee 45.

(36) 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.

(37) 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.

(38) 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'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.

(39) 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.