ADJUSTABLE SPUR ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

An adjustable spur assembly includes a yoke configured to mount to a rider's footwear, an active tip assembly, and a control assembly. The control assembly is operably coupled to the active tip assembly and configured to enable the active tip assembly to move relative to the yoke between extended and retracted positions.

Claims

1. An adjustable spur assembly, comprising: a yoke configured to mount to a rider's footwear; an active tip assembly; and a control assembly operably coupled to the active tip assembly and configured to enable the active tip assembly to move relative to the yoke between extended and retracted positions, and wherein the active tip assembly is selectively securable in at least one discrete position between the extended and retracted positions.

2-6. (canceled)

7. The adjustable spur assembly of claim 1, wherein the control assembly includes a tubular shaft coupled to the yoke, and wherein the active tip assembly is positioned to translate through the tubular shaft as the active tip assembly moves between the extended and retracted positions.

8. The adjustable spur assembly of claim 7, wherein at least one of the active tip assembly or the tubular shaft includes at least one boss, wherein at least one of the active tip assembly or the tubular shaft defines at least one channel, and wherein the at least one boss is configured to translate through the at least one channel.

9. The adjustable spur assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one boss is configured to rotate and translate through the at least one channel.

10. The adjustable spur assembly of claim 8, further comprising a lead screw that cooperates with the active tip assembly for moving the active tip assembly relative to the yoke in response to rotation of the lead screw, the lead screw further configured to selectively secure the active tip assembly in the extended position, the retracted position, or the at least one discrete position when stationary.

11. An adjustable spur assembly, comprising: a yoke including a curved heel, a first arm extending from a first side of the curved heel and a second arm extending from the second side of the curved heel, the first and second arms configured to couple to a strap to enable the yoke to be secured to a rider's footwear; an active tip assembly for communicating with a horse; and a control assembly operably coupled to the active tip assembly and configured to move the active tip assembly between extended and retracted positions relative to the yoke, wherein the active tip assembly is selectively securable in at least one discrete position between the extended and retracted positions, and wherein in the at least one discrete position, the active tip assembly is axially fixed relative to the yoke.

12-16. (canceled)

17. The adjustable spur assembly of claim 11, wherein the control assembly includes a tubular shaft coupled to the yoke, and wherein the active tip assembly is positioned to translate through the tubular shaft as the active tip assembly moves between the extended and retracted positions.

18. The adjustable spur assembly of claim 17, wherein at least one of the active tip assembly or the tubular shaft includes at least one boss, wherein at least one of the active tip assembly or the tubular shaft defines at least one channel, and wherein the at least one boss is configured to translate through the at least one channel.

19. The adjustable spur assembly of claim 18, wherein the at least one boss is configured to rotate and translate through the at least one channel.

20. The adjustable spur assembly of claim 18, further comprising a lead screw that cooperates with the active tip assembly for moving the active tip assembly relative to the yoke in response to rotation of the lead screw, the lead screw configured to selectively secure the active tip assembly in the extended position, the retracted position, or the at least one discrete position when stationary.

21. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 1, wherein the control assembly includes a spring plunger assembly and a wheel, the wheel being rotatable relative to the yoke.

22. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 21, wherein the wheel includes a plurality of detents.

23. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 22, wherein a first rotation of the wheel relative to the yoke causes a ball from the spring plunger assembly to move into engagement with a first detent of the plurality of detents of the wheel to secure the active tip assembly in the extended position.

24. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 23, wherein a second rotation of the wheel relative to the yoke causes the ball from the spring plunger assembly to move from engagement with the first detent into engagement with a second detent of the plurality of detents of the wheel to secure the active tip assembly in the at least one discrete position.

25. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 23, wherein the spring plunger assembly includes a spring that urges the ball towards the wheel.

26. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 11, wherein the control assembly includes a spring plunger assembly and a wheel, the wheel being rotatable relative to the yoke.

27. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 26, wherein the wheel includes a plurality of detents.

28. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 27, wherein a first rotation of the wheel in a first direction relative to the yoke causes a ball from the spring plunger assembly to move into engagement with a first detent of the plurality of detents of the wheel to secure the active tip assembly in the extended position.

29. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 28, wherein a second rotation of the wheel in the first direction relative to the yoke causes the ball from the spring plunger assembly to move from engagement with the first detent into engagement with a second detent of the plurality of detents of the wheel to secure the active tip assembly in the at least one discrete position.

30. The adjustable spur assembly according to claim 29, wherein the wheel is rotatable in the first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the ball can move from engagement with the second detent into engagement with the first detent when the wheel is rotated in the second direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with a general description of the disclosure given above, and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable spur assembly shown with an active end portion thereof in a retracted position in accordance with aspects of this disclosure;

[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1 shown secured to a rider's boot and illustrating the rider's boot received in a stirrup;

[0007] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, perspective view of a distal end portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1 with portions thereof shown in phantom for clarity;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 4;

[0010] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of a control knob of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 4;

[0012] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective view of an active tip of the active end portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1 as taken along section line 9-9 of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1 as taken along section line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

[0015] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1 as taken along section line 11-11 of FIG. 1 and illustrating the active tip locked in a first rotational position;

[0016] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1 as taken along section line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

[0017] FIGS. 13-16 are progressive views illustrating the active end portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1 being moved from the retracted position to an extended position;

[0018] FIG. 17 is a view of FIG. 11 illustrating the active tip being moved from the locked position shown in FIG. 11 to an unlocked position;

[0019] FIG. 18 is a top view of a distal end portion of the active end portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 1, the view illustrating the active tip being rotated relative to legs of the active end portion from the first rotational position to a second rotational position.

[0020] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another adjustable spur assembly shown with an active end portion thereof in an extended position in accordance with aspects of this disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 20 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 19;

[0022] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 19 as taken along section line 21-21 shown in FIG. 20;

[0023] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 19 as taken along section line 22-22 shown in FIG. 19;

[0024] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 19 as taken along section line 23-23 shown in FIG. 19;

[0025] FIGS. 24-30 are progressive views of portions of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 19 illustrating the active end portion thereof moving between extended and retracted positions thereof;

[0026] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of still another adjustable spur assembly shown with an active end portion thereof in an extended position in accordance with aspects of this disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 32 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 31;

[0028] FIG. 33 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 31;

[0029] FIG. 34 is an enlarged, perspective view of a control knob of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 31;

[0030] FIG. 35 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a portion of the adjustable spur assembly of FIG. 31 as taken along section line 35-35 shown in FIG. 31;

[0031] FIG. 36 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of FIG. 35 as taken along section line 36-36 shown in FIG. 35; and

[0032] FIGS. 37-39 are progressive views illustrating the active end portion moving from the extended position to a retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the development of spurs that provide more refined control and increased safety. Innovations have included ergonomic designs for better fit and comfort and materials that offer both durability and flexibility. These advancements aim to address common issues such as skin irritation, uneven pressure distribution, and unintended cues.

[0034] The present disclosure seeks to further improve upon existing spur designs by incorporating novel features that enhance functionality, safety, and user experience. By addressing the limitations of prior art, this disclosure aims to provide a more effective tool for equestrian activities, promoting better communication and a more humane interaction between rider and horse.

[0035] Embodiments of the presently disclosed spur assemblies are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.

[0036] As used herein the term distal refers to that portion of the assembly, device, and/or component thereof, farther from the user, while the term proximal refers to that portion of the assembly, device, and/or component thereof, closer to the user.

[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 1-18, an adjustable spur assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure, is generally referred to as 10 and is securable to a rider's boot B via a strap S for enabling the rider to direct a horse (or other animal) to move, for example, forward or laterally while the rider rides the horse. The adjustable spur assembly 10 has a proximal or base end portion 10a and a distal or active end portion 10b that extends distally from the base end portion 10a. The adjustable spur assembly 10 includes a yoke 12, an active tip assembly 14, and a control assembly 16 that couples the yoke 12 and the active tip assembly 14 together and functions to enable the active tip assembly 14 to move relative to the yoke 12 between one or more retracted (FIGS. 1 and 2) and/or extended positions (FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0038] The yoke 12 of the adjustable spur assembly 10 has a U-shaped body 18 defining a heel opening 19 for receiving a rider's boot heel. The U-shaped body 18 of the yoke 12 has an upper housing portion 18a and a lower housing portion 18b that are secured together by fasteners 18c. U-shaped body 18 includes a first arm 20 and a second arm 22 that are connected together by a curved heel 24. Each of the first and second arms 20, 22 defines elongated slots 26, including an upper elongated slot 26a and a lower elongated slot 26b, in a distal end portion of respective first and second arms 20, 22 for receiving the strap S therethrough to enable securement of the adjustable spur assembly 10 to the rider's footwear (e.g., a boot B). The curved heel 24 defines cam channels 28 including a first cam channel 28a and a second cam channel 28b that are disposed on opposite sides of a centerline CL of the adjustable spur assembly 10 and extend around the curved heel 24 and through the upper housing portion 18a and the lower housing portion 18b. The cam channels 28 have arcuate configurations that correspond to curvature of the curved heel 24, but curve in opposite directions relative to one another and each away from the centerline CL. The first cam channel 28a is radially offset from the second cam channel 28b and has a different radius of curvature than the second cam channel 28b. The curved heel 24 further defines a distal opening 30 that extends through a distal end of the curved heel 24 between a ledge 24a of the upper housing portion 18a of the curved heel 24 and a lip 24b of the lower housing portion 18b of the curved heel 24. The distal opening 30 has an arcuate configuration that corresponds to the curvature of the curved heel 24. The curved heel 24 further supports a control knob lock assembly 31 mounted along the center line CL of the adjustable spur assembly 10 on the upper housing portion 18a of the curved heel 24 between the first cam channel 28a and a second cam channel 28b.

[0039] As seen in FIG. 5, the control knob lock assembly 31 of the curved heel 24 includes a plate 31a that defines a central opening 31b through the plate 31a and a plurality of lock holes 31c around the central opening 31b. The lock holes 31c are radially spaced from the central opening 31b and are disposed circumferentially about the periphery of the plate 31a in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another (e.g., angularly spaced apart).

[0040] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the control assembly 16 of the adjustable spur assembly 10 includes a control knob 32, a first leg assembly 34, a second leg assembly 36, a pinion gear assembly 38, a first curved rack 40, a second curved rack 42, and a spring assembly 44.

[0041] As seen in FIG. 6, the control knob 32 of the control assembly 16 includes a gear plate 32a defining teeth 32b that extend radially outward from the gear plate 32a about an outer circumference of the gear plate 32a and which are disposed in circumferentially (e.g., angularly) spaced relationship relative to one another to facilitate gripping. The gear plate 32a further includes lock bosses 32c that depend from a bottom surface of the gear plate 32a, and which are disposed at spaced-apart locations relative to one another about an elongated shaft 32d. The lock bosses 32c are configured to be received within the lock holes 31c of the control knob lock assembly 31 to prevent rotation of the control knob 32 relative to the control knob lock assembly 31. The elongated shaft 32d has a non-circular shape and includes a number of flat sides 32e (e.g., eight sides as shown, although any number of sides may be provided) to facilitate concomitant rotation with the pinion gear assembly 38. The elongated shaft 32d further defines a threaded inner surface 32f that opens through a distal end of the elongated shaft 32d for receipt of a fastener 18c of the spring assembly 44 of the control assembly 16. The spring assembly 44 further includes a washer 44a and a spring 44b that urge the control knob 32 toward a locked position (FIG. 9) when the control knob 32 is lifted to an unlocked position (FIG. 14).

[0042] With reference again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the pinion gear assembly 38 includes a tubular shaft 38a having an inner surface 38b with a number of flat sides 38c that correspond with the flat sides 32e of the elongated shaft 32d of the control knob 32. The tubular shaft 38a receives the elongated shaft 32d within a lumen 38d defined by the inner surface 38b of the tubular shaft 38a so that the elongated shaft 32d of the control knob 32 interlocks with the inner surface 38b of the tubular shaft 38a. The tubular shaft 38a of the pinion gear assembly 38 has an outer surface that supports a pinion gear 38e with teeth 38f that engage the first curved rack 40 and the second curved rack 42 to cause the first and second curved racks 40 to translate relative to one another in response to rotational movement of the pinion gear assembly 38.

[0043] The first curved rack 40 of the control assembly 16 is disposed within the curved heel 24 on a first side of the curved heel 24 between the upper housing portion 18a and the lower housing portion 18b of the curved heel 24. The first curved rack 40 includes a curved arm 40a and a pin mount 40b on a first end of the curved arm 40a. The first curved arm 40a includes teeth 40c that are spaced-apart along the curved arm 40a for selective engagement with the teeth 38f of the pinion gear 38e of the pinion gear assembly 38. The teeth 40c and the pin mount 40b of the first curved arm 40a are positioned to face in the distal direction.

[0044] The second curved rack 42 of the control assembly 16 is substantially similar to the first curved rack 40 except that the second curved rack 42 is disposed within the curved heel 24 on a second side of the curved heel 24 between the upper housing portion 18a and the lower housing portion 18b of the curved heel 24, and includes teeth 42c on a curved arm 42a and a pin mount 42b that are positioned to face in the proximal direction. The second side of the curved heel 24 is opposed to the first side of the curved heel 24 with the centerline CL of the adjustable spur assembly 10 separating the first and second sides of the curved heel 24.

[0045] The first leg assembly 34 of the control assembly 16 includes a leg 34a having a pin portion 34b on a first end of the first leg assembly 34. The pin portion 34b supports a pin 34c having an upper segment 34d that extends upwardly from an upper surface of the pin portion 34b and a lower segment 34e that depends from a lower surface of the pin portion 34b. The first leg assembly 34 further includes an extension portion 34f extending from the leg 34a and disposed at an angle relative to the leg 34a. The extension portion 34f extends from the leg 34a to a position lock coupler 34g on a second end of the first leg assembly 34.

[0046] As seen in FIG. 7, the position lock coupler 34g of the first leg assembly 34 includes a tubular body 34h having an upper ring portion 34i and a lower shaft portion 34j. The tubular body 34h has an inner surface that defines a locking lumen 34k through the position lock coupler 34g. The inner surface of the upper ring portion 34i of the position lock coupler 34g defines position lock slots 34m that extend around the locking lumen 34k.

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 4, the second leg assembly 36 of the control assembly 16 is similar to the first leg assembly 34, but instead of the position lock coupler 34g, the second leg assembly 36 includes a capture ring 36g that defines a lumen 36h through the capture ring 36g for receiving the lower shaft portion 34j of the position lock coupler 34g of the first leg assembly 34 and for pivotably coupling the first and second leg assemblies 34, 36 together. The pins 34c of the first and second leg assemblies 34, 36 are received within the respective first and second cam channels 28a, 28b of the curved heel 24 of the yoke 12 and are configured to cam along the respective first and second cam channels 28a, 28b to facilitate relative pivoting movement between the first and second leg assemblies 34, 36 when the control knob 32 rotates to translate the first and second curved racks 40, 42 relative to one another (see FIGS. 13 and 15).

[0048] Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 8, the active tip assembly 14 of the adjustable spur assembly 10 includes an active tip 14a, a spring 14b, a washer 14c, and a fastener 14d. The active tip 14a includes an engagement wall 14e, which is shown with a U-shape configuration although any suitable configuration may be provided, that is configured to contact the horse's side to enable the rider to communicate with the horse. The active tip 14a further includes a plate 14f having lock bosses 14g and an elongated shaft 14h descending from a bottom surface of the plate 14f. The lock bosses 14g are selectively engageable with the position lock slots 34m of the position lock coupler 34g to maintain the engagement wall 14e of the active tip 14a in one of a plurality of fixed orientations of the active tip 14a relative to the centerline CL of the adjustable spur assembly 10. The elongated shaft 14h has a threaded inner surface 14i that threadedly couples to the fastener 14d.

[0049] With reference to FIGS. 13-16, to move the active tip 14a from a retracted position (FIG. 13) to an extended position (FIG. 15), control knob 32 is moved upward against biasing forces generated by a resulting compression of spring 44b, as indicated by arrows A in FIG. 14, so that lock bosses 32c of the control knob 32 separate from the lock holes 31c of the control knob lock assembly 31. With the lock bosses 32c separated from the lock holes 31c, the control knob 32 can rotate about a rotation axis R of the control knob 32 and of the pinion gear assembly 38 (FIG. 14), as indicated by arrow B (FIG. 15), so that control knob 32 rotates pinion gear assembly 38 causing pinion gear assembly 38 to translate the first and second curved racks 40, 42 relative to another, as indicated by arrows C (FIG. 15). As the first and second curved racks 40, 42 translate relative to another, pins 34c of the first and second curved racks 40, 42 cam along respective first and second cam channels 28a, 28b toward (or away from) one another, depending on a direction of rotation of the control knob 32 (e.g., clockwise and/or counterclockwise). When pins 34c of the first and second curved racks 40, 42 cam along respective first and second cam channels 28a, 28b and curve toward (or away from) one another, the first and second leg assemblies 34 and 36 pivot about a pivot axis P defined by the elongated shaft 14h of the active tip 14a (FIG. 11) so that the legs 34a, 36a of the respective first and second leg assemblies 34, 36 pivot toward (or away from) one another and cause the active tip assembly 14 to translate distally away from (or proximally toward) the curved heel 24 of the yoke 12 to any number of extended (or retracted) positions, as indicated by arrows D (FIG. 15).

[0050] When active tip assembly 14 is disposed at a desired distance from the curved heel 24, the spring forces of spring 44b are configured to urge control knob 32 downward (e.g., opposite to the direction of arrows A) so that lock bosses 32c of the control knob 32 engage the lock holes 31c of the control knob lock assembly 31 and prevent the control knob 32 from rotating, fixing the active tip assembly 14 at the desired distance from the curved heel 24 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0051] Turning now to FIGS. 11, 12, 17 and 18, to rotate the active tip 14a about the position lock coupler 34g of the control assembly 16 from a locked position (FIGS. 11 and 12) to an unlocked position (FIG. 17), the active tip 14a is moved upward against the biasing forces of spring 14b relative to the position lock coupler 34g, as indicated by arrows E. This upward movement of the active tip 14a relative to the position lock coupler 34g causes lock bosses 14g of the active tip 14a to separate from the lock slots 34m of the position lock coupler 34g. With the lock bosses 14g separated from the lock slots 34m of the position lock coupler 34g, the active tip 14a can be rotated relative to the position lock coupler 34g, as indicated by arrow F, to rotationally reorient the active tip 14a relative to the position lock coupler 34g. Once the desired rotational orientation of the active tip 14a is achieved, the biasing forces of the spring 14b are configured to urge the active tip 14a downwardly toward the position lock coupler 34g so that the lock bosses 14g engage the lock slots 34m and prevent the active tip 14a from rotating relative to the position lock coupler 34g.

[0052] These axial and/or rotational movements of the active tip 14a provided by the disclosed adjustable spur assembly 10 enable the rider to communicate differently with the horse, for instance, if the rider needs more and/or less responsiveness from the horse, depending on the horse and/or event.

[0053] In aspects, any of the disclosed active tips may be uniformly shaped (e.g., a ball) and may not need to be repositioned such as some of disclosed active tips that have a biased directional shape (e.g., a rowel tip).

[0054] Turning now to FIGS. 19-30, another adjustable spur assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure, is generally referred to as 100. The adjustable spur assembly 100 has a proximal or base end portion 100a and a distal or active end portion 100b that extends distally from the base end portion 100a. The adjustable spur assembly 100 includes a yoke 112, an active tip assembly 114, a spring 115, and a control assembly 116 that couples the yoke 112 and the active tip assembly 114 together and facilitates movement of the active tip assembly 114 relative to the yoke 112 between one or more extended (FIG. 19) and/or retracted positions (FIGS. 28 and 30).

[0055] The yoke 112 of the adjustable spur assembly 100 has a U-shaped body 118 with a curved heel 124 similar to the curved heel 24 of the yoke 12 of the adjustable spur assembly 10. Curved heel 124 includes an apex portion 126. The apex portion 126 further includes a distal portion 126a and a proximal portion 126b defining a plate recess 130 configured to receive a support plate 132. The apex portion 126 further defines insert bores 134 configured to receive a distal portion of threaded inserts 135 therein. The support plate 132 defines fastener openings 132a therethrough for receiving fasteners 136 therethrough and for receiving a proximal portion of threaded inserts 135 therein to enable fasteners 136 to threadedly couple to threaded inserts 135 for securing support plate 132 within plate recess 130 of the apex portion 126.

[0056] The active tip assembly 114 of the adjustable spur assembly 100 includes a tubular body 114a defining a central bore 114b that opens through a proximal end portion of the tubular body 114a for receiving the spring 115. The active tip assembly 114 further includes bosses 114c (e.g., four) at spaced apart locations about the outer surface of tubular body 114a. The bosses 114c are disposed on the proximal end portion the tubular body 114a.

[0057] The control assembly 116 includes a tubular shaft 128 that extends distally from a distal portion 126a of the apex portion 126. The tubular shaft 128 defines a central passage 138 which opens at the distal end of the tubular shaft 128 and extends through the apex portion 126 and opens into the plate recess 130. The tubular shaft 128 includes an inner surface 140 having a number of boss channels 142 (e.g., four) recessed into the inner surface 140, disposed about the central passage 138, and spaced apart from one another. Each boss channel 142 has a proximal opening 144 at a proximal end portion of the apex portion 126 for receiving one of the respective bosses 114c of the active tip assembly 114. Each boss channel 142 includes an elongated spine 146 and a number of legs 148 that are longitudinal spaced apart from one another along a centerline CL2 of the adjustable spur assembly 100. Each leg 148 extends to a toe 150 that extends distally from the respective leg 148 on a free end of the leg 148. As can be appreciated, although the boss channels 142 are shown perpendicular to the elongated spine 146, one or more of the boss channels 142 (or portions thereofe.g., legs 148, and/or toes 150) can be disposed at any suitable angle relative to elongated spine 146 (e.g., acute, obtuse, etc.). Similarly, although legs 148 and toes 150 are shown perpendicular to one another, legs 148 and/or toes 150 of one or more of the boss channels 142 may likewise be disposed at any suitable angle relative to one another (e.g., acute, obtuse, etc.). Indeed, the elongated spine 146, one or more of the boss channels 142 (or portions thereof), bosses 114c of active tip assembly, and/or any other component of the disclosed adjustable spur assemblies may have any suitable shape and/or configuration (e.g., spiral, curved, rounded, flat, etc.).

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 23-28, the spring 115 of the adjustable spur assembly 100 urges active tip assembly 114 of the adjustable spur assembly 100 in a distal direction, as indicated by arrow G (FIG. 24) to maintain the bosses 114c of the active tip assembly 114 in the toes 150 of the boss channels 142 of the tubular shaft 128 to prevent the active tip assembly 114 from rotating relative to the tubular shaft 128, and for maintaining the active tip assembly 114 in an axially or longitudinally fixed position relative to the tubular shaft 128. To move the active tip assembly 114 relative to the tubular shaft 128 from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position, the active tip assembly 114 is pushed in a proximal direction, against the bias of the spring 115, toward the tubular shaft 128 and yoke 112, as indicated by arrow H (FIG. 25), to move the bosses 114c of the active tip assembly 114 out of the respective toes 150 and into the respective legs 148 of the boss channels 142 of the tubular shaft 128. While maintaining the active tip assembly 114 depressed sufficiently to maintain the bosses 114c of the active tip assembly 114 aligned with the respective legs 148 of the boss channels 142 of the tubular shaft 128, the active tip assembly 114 is rotated, as indicated by arrow I, about a rotation axis RA of the active tip assembly 114, so that the bosses 114c of the active tip assembly 114 cam through the respective legs 148 towards the respective spines 146 of the respective boss channels 142 of the tubular shaft 128. Once the bosses 114c are aligned with the respective spines 146, the active tip assembly 114 can be moved farther in the proximal direction toward (or distal direction away from, depending on which legs 148 the bosses 114c were disposed in) the tubular shaft 128, as indicated by arrow J until the bosses 114c align with another one of the respective legs 148, which is longitudinally offset from the prior legs 148 within which the bosses 114c were disposed. The active tip assembly 114 can then be rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow I, as indicated by arrow K, until aligned with the respective toes 150 of the respective legs 148 of the respective boss channels 142, where the spring 115 urges the bosses 114c distally into the respective toes 150 to longitudinally and rotationally lock the position of the active tip assembly 114 relative to the tubular shaft 128. FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate the active tip assembly 114 full depressed into the tubular shaft 128. As can be appreciated, the longitudinal position of the active tip assembly 114 relative to the tubular shaft 128 can be changed as desired.

[0059] Turning now to FIGS. 31-39, yet another adjustable spur assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure, is generally referred to as 200 and is similar to adjustable spur assembly 100. The adjustable spur assembly 200 has a proximal or base end portion 200a and a distal or active end portion 200b that extends distally from the base end portion 200a. The adjustable spur assembly 200 includes a yoke 212, an active tip assembly 214, and a control assembly 216 that facilitates movement of the active tip assembly 214 relative to the yoke 212 between one or more extended (FIG. 31) and/or retracted positions (FIG. 39).

[0060] The yoke 212 of the adjustable spur assembly 100 has a U-shaped body 218 with a curved heel 224 similar to the curved heel 124 of the yoke 112 of the adjustable spur assembly 100. Curved heel 224 includes an apex portion 226. The apex portion 226 further includes a distal portion 226a and a proximal portion 226b defining a plate recess 230 configured to receive a support plate 232. The apex portion 226 further defines insert bores 234a configured to receive a distal portion of threaded inserts 235 therein and spring plunger bores 234b for receiving spring plunger assemblies 237 therein. The support plate 232 defines fastener openings 232a therethrough for receiving fasteners 236 therethrough and for receiving a proximal portion of threaded inserts 235 therein to enable fasteners 236 to threadedly couple to threaded inserts 235 for securing the support plate 232 within the plate recess 230 of the apex portion 226. The support plate 232 further defines spring plunger holes 232b for receiving the spring plunger assemblies 237 therein. The spring plunger assemblies 237 include a tube 237a, a spring 237b supported in the tube 237a, and a ball 237c coupled to the tube 237a and engaged with the spring 237b. The support plate 232 further defines a central opening 233 therethrough and elongated ribs 239 that extend on opposite sides of the central opening 233 on a proximal end surface of the support plate 232.

[0061] The active tip assembly 214 of the adjustable spur assembly 200 includes a tubular body 214a defining a threaded central bore 214b that opens through a proximal end portion of the tubular body 214a and including longitudinally spaced apart graduations 214d for indicating different positions of the active tip assembly 214 relative to the yoke 212. The active tip assembly 214 further includes bosses 214c (e.g., four) at spaced apart locations about the outer surface of tubular body 214a. The bosses 214c are disposed on the proximal end portion the tubular body 214a.

[0062] The control assembly 216 of the adjustable spur assembly 200 includes a tubular shaft 228 that extends distally from the distal portion 226a of the apex portion 226. The tubular shaft 228 defines a central passage 238 which opens at the distal end of the tubular shaft 228 and extends through the apex portion 226 and opens into the plate recess 230. The central passage 238 includes a boss channels 238a that extend distally along the tubular shaft 228 for slidably receiving the bosses 214c of the active tip assembly 214. In aspects, the tubular shaft 228 can include the bosses 214c and the active tip assembly 214 can define the boss channels 238a and/or each of the active tip assembly 214 and the tubular shaft 228 can include one or more bosses 214c and define one or more boss channels 238a. The control assembly 216 further includes a lead screw 240 that threadedly couples to the threaded central bore 214b of the active tip assembly 214, a support cap 242 that couples to the central opening 233 of the support plate 232 for supporting a proximal end portion of the lead screw 240, a control knob or rotatable wheel 244 with ridges 244a to facilitate gripping, and a fastener 246 for coupling the rotatable wheel 244 to a threaded opening 240a defined in the proximal end portion of the lead screw 240. The rotatable wheel 244 further includes detents 244b at angularly spaced positions about an outer periphery of the rotatable wheel 244 on a distal end surface of the rotatable wheel 244.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 37-39, to move the active tip assembly 214 relative to the yoke 212, the rotatable wheel 244 is rotated about a wheel axis WA that this colinear with a centerline CL3 of the adjustable spur assembly 200, as indicated by arrow M (FIG. 37). Rotation of the rotatable wheel 244 rotates the lead screw 240 which causes the active tip assembly 214 to longitudinally translate between extended and/or retracted positions, as indicated by arrow N. Rotation of the rotatable wheel 244 with sufficient force to overcome the spring force onto the balls 237c from the springs 237b, causes the balls 237c to cam out of the detents 244b and compress the springs 237b until the rotatable wheel 244 is rotated to the same or different detents 244b, where the springs 237b urge the balls 237c back into the same or different detents 244b, as indicated by arrows P and locks the longitudinal position of the active tip assembly 214. This process can be repeated as desired to achieve a desired longitudinal position of the active tip assembly 214 relative to the yoke 212.

[0064] In aspects, any component or portions thereof (e.g., elongated spine 146, boss channels 142, bosses 114c, etc.) of any of the disclosed adjustable spur assemblies 10, 100, 200 may have interruptions, surface texture, coatings, etc. to facilitate operability of the disclosed adjustable spur assemblies 10, 100, 200.

[0065] Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0066] 1. An adjustable spur assembly, comprising a yoke configured to mount to a rider's footwear, an active tip assembly; and a control assembly operably coupled to the active tip assembly and configured to enable the active tip assembly to move relative to the yoke between extended and retracted positions.

[0067] 2. The adjustable spur assembly of clause 1, wherein the active tip assembly is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position when in one of the extended or retracted positions.

[0068] 3. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control assembly includes a control knob, and wherein the active tip assembly axially translates relative to the yoke in response to a rotation of the control knob.

[0069] 4. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control knob is configured to move between a rotationally locked position and a rotatable position.

[0070] 5. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control knob is operably coupled to at least one rack by a pinion gear assembly, and wherein a rotation of the control knob rotates the pinion gear assembly to translate the at least one rack.

[0071] 6. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one leg assembly is pivotably coupled to the at least one rack, and wherein the active tip assembly is connected to the at least one leg assembly such that translation of the at least one rack pivots the at least one leg assembly and translates the active tip assembly relative to the yoke.

[0072] 7. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control assembly includes a tubular shaft coupled to the yoke, and wherein the active tip assembly is positioned to translate through the tubular shaft as the active tip assembly moves between the extended and retracted positions.

[0073] 8. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the active tip assembly or the tubular shaft includes at least one boss, wherein at least one of the active tip assembly or the tubular shaft defines at least one channel, and wherein the at least one boss is configured to translate through the at least one channel.

[0074] 9. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one boss is configured to rotate and translate through the at least one channel.

[0075] 10. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a lead screw or a spring that cooperates with the active tip assembly for disposing the active tip assembly in the extended and retracted positions.

[0076] 11. An adjustable spur assembly, comprising a yoke including a curved heel, a first arm extending from a first side of the curved heel and a second arm extending from the second side of the curved heel, the first and second arms configured to couple to a strap to enable the yoke to be secured to a rider's footwear; an active tip assembly for communicating with a horse; and a control assembly operably coupled to the active tip assembly and configured to move the active tip assembly between extended and retracted positions relative to the yoke.

[0077] 12. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the active tip assembly is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position when in one of the extended or retracted positions.

[0078] 13. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control assembly includes a control knob, and wherein the active tip assembly axially translates relative to the yoke in response to a rotation of the control knob.

[0079] 14. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control knob is configured to move between a rotationally locked position and a rotatable position.

[0080] 15. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control knob is operably coupled to at least one rack by a pinion gear assembly, and wherein a rotation of the control knob rotates the pinion gear assembly to translate the at least one rack.

[0081] 16. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one leg assembly is pivotably coupled to the at least one rack, and wherein the active tip assembly is connected to the at least one leg assembly such that translation of the at least one rack pivots the at least one leg assembly and translates the active tip assembly relative to the yoke.

[0082] 17. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control assembly includes a tubular shaft coupled to the yoke, and wherein the active tip assembly is positioned to translate through the tubular shaft as the active tip assembly moves between the extended and retracted positions.

[0083] 18. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the active tip assembly or the tubular shaft includes at least one boss, wherein at least one of the active tip assembly or the tubular shaft defines at least one channel, and wherein the at least one boss is configured to translate through the at least one channel.

[0084] 19. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one boss is configured to rotate and translate through the at least one channel.

[0085] 20. The adjustable spur assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a lead screw or a spring that cooperates with the active tip assembly for disposing the active tip assembly in the extended and retracted positions.

[0086] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, the elements and features shown or described in connection with certain embodiments may be combined with the elements and features of certain other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described.