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(11) | EP 2 554 071 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Device for the stimulation of a horse in the parade |
| (57) The invention relates to a device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) for the stimulation of a horse
in the parade, in particular able to be fastened to a footwear (60) of a rider, and
comprising a body (2, 21, 32, 42, 52) which is substantially "U"-shaped, including
a first arm (3, 22, 33, 43, 53), a second arm (3, 23, 33, 43, 53) and a base (4, 24,
34, 54), to which said arms (3, 22, 23, 33, 43, 53), oriented in a first direction,
are connected and a spur bit (5, 25, 35, 45, 55) oriented in a second direction opposite
to said first direction; the device is characterized in that each of said arms (3,
22, 23, 33, 43, 53) has at least one slot (6, 26, 36, 46, 56), substantially perpendicular
to said first and second directions, suitable for the passage of a strap (8) for fastening
said device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) to said footwear (60) of said rider.
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[0001] The present invention relates to the field of the equestrian equipments and, more in detail, it relates to a device for the stimulation of a horse in the parade, which is, in particular, used in some sports or other equestrian activities, and which is fixable to a footwear of a rider.
[0002] Even more particularly, the invention relates to a device for the stimulation of a horse in the parade, which can be realized in reduced weight and small size, and which remains stationary with respect to the footwear of the rider.
[0003] As is well known, during riding an animal, especially a horse, sometimes it is necessary to use a pair of spurs, which allow riders to better control the horse during the ride, while maintaining stability and controlling the animal. In some athletic competitions such as dressage, for example, the use of such devices is required.
[0004] The use of spurs occurs for the entire duration of the race, that is a long time, so it is critical that they ensure adequate comfort on the back of the foot of the rider, in order to avoid unpleasant situations such as bumps, bruises or injuries due to friction of the device on the user's leg.
[0005] These painful conditions can cause a dangerous distraction in the rider who, in the long run can release the hold of the horse, with the obvious consequences.
[0006] Figures 22-23 show the spurs which are currently on the market, which have a system for attaching to the footwear consisting of two pairs of slots, substantially horizontal, each disposed at the ends of the body of the spur, which is "U shaped".
[0007] A strap 8 passes through these slots, the strap 8 having a substantially standard length, running below the footwear 60, settling in correspondence with the difference in height between the heel 61 and the sole 62, and then closing above the footwear 60, in correspondence of the instep 63 of the foot through a buckle 64 or a velcro closure.
[0008] The strap 8, in an approximately linear way, passes through the two slots on each of the two arms of the spur, continuing its path and closing the ends. In this way, the strap 8 covers the sole 62, the sides of the foot and the ankle.
[0009] The position of this strap 8 disadvantageously allows a minimal excursion of the posterior portion of the spur, which remains free to move upwards and downwards, approaching and moving away from the heel of the user. In fact, the arms of the spur leverage the two slots and tend to rotate according to the arrows A and B, since they do not find a stable engagement point.
[0010] More precisely, the slots exert on the strap a force F which is perpendicular to it (Figure 23) and the latter, being necessarily carried out in soft material for obvious reasons, is not able to oppose the said movement.
[0011] This gives rise to a continuous movement up and down during the contact between spur and horse.
[0012] In detail, the downward rotation, indicated by B, or the upward one, indicated by A, causes lateral pressure on the strap above and below the double slot, forming folds which give rise to unwanted movements and which could be annoying to the rider.
[0013] The result is that it is not possible to stop this traditional spur at a predetermined point, but there will always be small oscillations or - even - complete displacements.
[0014] This movement involves a friction of a rigid element against the heel and the ankle of the user, which fiction causes discomfort and pain during its use.
[0015] In addition, that movement can be seen even while the rider is walking on foot, who in fact is often forced to loose his spurs in order to stop the annoyance which has been arisen.
[0017] In other cases, this problem can cause the rider to adopt incorrect posture and behavior during the ride, risking his own safety and the safety of the horse, too.
[0018] To solve the above-mentioned drawback, devices with a rubber coating have been placed on the market, which devices being adapted to increase the friction between the device and the footwear. However, the friction of the rubber on the footwear often irreversibly damages its outer surface, which is made of leather.
[0019] Another known solution to the above-mentioned drawback is given by a device equipped with "S" shaped slots, so as to trap the strap inside them, but this does not prevent the movement of the free end of the device along the vertical axis.
[0020] In light of the above, it is evident the need to have a more efficient spur, which overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks, and ensures a good stability with respect to the rear part of the foot of the rider, and reduces the possibility of trauma in such parts, improving the comfort of the rider during the ride.
[0021] In this context the solution according to the invention is included, proposing a device for the stimulation of a horse in the parade, having a shaping such as to ensure a total stability with respect to the rear part of the foot of the rider, without causing pain.
[0022] This and other objects are achieved, in the context of the present invention, realizing a device for the stimulation of a horse in the parade, according to claim 1, to which reference is made for in the sake of brevity. Further detail characteristics are shown in the dependent claims. Advantageously, the strap passes through only one slot at a time, bending back on itself and in the same direction of origin with respect to the slot. In fact, the device according to the invention comprises a body substantially "U"-shaped, Including two arms oriented in a first direction, and are connected to a spur bit, which is oriented in a second direction opposite to said first direction, wherein each arm has at least one slot substantially perpendicular to said first and second directions.
[0023] On each side, then, the strap bends at an angle between 0 ° and 180 °, creating a "pocket" which is a stable enagement point for engaging with the arm, preventing rotary movements.
[0024] For these reasons, the device according to the invention is held securely to the footwear and its movement with respect to the latter is prevented in any direction.
[0025] Another advantage is the possibility to adjust the device according to the invention basing on the size of the footwear to which it is to be fixed: since the slot is vertical, it is possible to provide, on each arm, a plurality of first slots parallel to each other, which can be used alternatively depending on the desired size.
[0026] Yet another advantage is given by the total absence of impacts against the areas below and at the sides of the malleolus. In fact, the device according to the present invention has arms provided with a total length substantially equal to or lower than the length of the heel of the footwear to which it has to be fixed.
[0027] Preferably, the arms have a total length substantially equal to or lower than the half of the length of the heel.
[0028] Another advantage is the fact that, despite the location of proper holding of the device, according to the invention, is lower as compared to traditional spurs, it is still possible to use it keeping the spur bit in the correct position relative to the foot of the rider. In particular, the spur bit is between an upper axis and a lower axis, parallel to said first and second directions, and the lower axis passing through the upper ends of said first slots. Moreover, advantageously, the shaping placed on the internal central part of the spur allows a comfortable and effective use of the device according to the invention both with the footwear which is anatomically shaped on the rear part of the foot, both with those not shaped, alike.
[0030] Preferably, the arms have two lower tapered parts; always according to the invention, the upper surface of the arms and the upper surface of the central part have a round connection between each other.
[0031] This advantageously allows to save material and lighten the device itself, increasing comfort during its use.
[0032] Further, equally advantageously, the device according to the invention has a further slot for each arm, preferably outer than the first slot: one rotated with respect to the first slot toward a first direction of rotation, the other rotated with respect to the first slot toward a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation. In this way the fold of the strap takes place in one direction on one side and in the opposite direction on the other side, synergistically preventing the rotation in one direction and the other, making the use of the spur more precise and effective, and improving performance in sports competitions or trainings, because it makes impossible the accidental contact (or the lack of contact when it would be needed) between spur and horse.
[0033] In summary, from such innovation a triple advantage follows:
- stability and firmness on footwear, ensuring improved efficiency and accuracy in the use of the spur, great benefits for the safety of the rider and the horse;
- reduced size of the arms, giving better comfort during use of the spur, eliminating pain or other discomfort otherwise noticeable in the case of use of traditional spurs which are provided with longer arms;
- light weight and consequent greater convenience and comfort.
[0034] The characteristics and advantages of the device for the stimulation of a horse in the parade, subject matter of the invention, will become apparent from the following illustrative and non-limiting description, referring to the attached schematic drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a first side view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;
- Figure 2 shows an internal view of the device of Figure 1 with a strap inserted into it;
- Figure 3 shows a rear view of the device of Figure 1 with a strap inserted into it;
- Figure 4 shows a second side view of the device of Figure 1 with a strap inserted into it;
- Figure 5 shows one top view of the device of Figure 1 with a strap inserted into it;
- Figure 6 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention;
- Figure 7 shows a rear view of the device of Figure 6;
- Figure 8 shows a rear view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention with a strap inserted into it;
- Figure 9 shows a first side view of the device of Figure 8;
- Figure 10 shows the side view of the device of Figure 8, in which the device is with a strap inserted into it;
- Figure 11 shows a second side view of the device of Figure 8;
- Figure 12 shows the side view of Figure 11, in which the device is with a strap inserted into it;
- Figure 13 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention;
- Figure 14 shows a rear view of the device of Figure 13;
- Figure 15 shows an internal view of the device of Figure 13;
- Figure 16 shows an internal view of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention;
- Figure 17 shows a rear view of the device of Figure 16;
- Figure 18 shows a side view of the device of Figure 16;
- Figure 19 shows a rear view of a sixth embodiment of the device according to the invention;
- Figure 20 shows a side view of the device of Figure 19;
- Figure 21 shows an internal view of the device of Figure 19;
- Figure 22 shows a first side view of a device according to the prior art mounted on a footwear;
- Figure 23 shows a second side view of a device according to the prior art mounted on a footwear;
- Figure 24 shows a side view of the device of figure 6 mounted on a footwear;
- Figure 25 shows a first side view of the device of Figure 16 mounted on a footwear;
- Figure 26 shows a second side view of the device of Figure 16 mounted on a footwear;
Figure 27 shows a first side view of the device of Figure 8 mounted on a footwear;
- Figure 28 shows a second side view of the device of Figure 8 mounted on a footwear, and
- Figure 29 shows a schematic diagram of the forces which are involved and the size of a device according to the invention when mounted on a footwear;
- Figure 30 shows a rear view of a seventh embodiment of the device according to the invention;
- Figure 31 shows a side view of the device of Figure 30;
- Figure 32 shows one top view of the device of Figure 30;
- Figure 33 shows a rear view of an eighth embodiment of the device according to the invention;
- Figure 34 shows one top view of the device of Figure 33; and
- Figure 35 shows a side view of the device of Figure 33.
[0035] With reference to Figures 1-5 attached, in a first preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention, generically specified by reference number 1, comprises a body 2 substantially "U" shaped, consisting of two arms 3 and a base 4, to which the arms 3 and a cylindrical pin 5 with rounded edges are connected.
[0036] The arms 3 have a total length corresponding substantially to half of the heel of the footwear to which the device is to be fixed, namely at the center of the heel of the user.
[0037] This length allows advantageously not to touch the sides of the foot below the ankle bone, thus avoiding inadvertent bumps at that point. Furthermore, on each of the arms 3 there are four vertical slots 6 at the ends 7.
[0038] The number of slots 6 gives the possibility to adapt the device to several measures of foot and therefore of footwear, so as to always obtain optimum comfort during the ride.
[0039] Inserting one strap 8 into the slot 6 of each arm 3 that corresponds, therefore, to the size of the footwear desired, that is to half of its heel, it defines a central portion 9 of the strap 8 itself and two free ends 10.
[0040] As per the prior art, the central portion 9 is fixed below the shoe, in correspondence with the difference in height between the heel and the sole of the footwear, while the free ends 10 are joined at the instep of the foot.
[0041] According to the invention, thanks to the shaping of the above described device 1 according to the invention, between the central portion 9 and the lateral ends 10, when locked, a substantially right angle is formed. Furthermore, the difference in height between the highest point of the free ends 10 in position and fastened the lowest point of the central portion 9 of the strap 8 corresponds to twice the difference in height between the lowest point of the central portion 9 of the strap 8 and the position of the slot 6 crossed by the strap 8.
[0042] This allows the device to remain stationary with respect to the footwear, during any movement of the foot within the latter.
[0043] Conversely, the more the heel is lowered to reach the correct position for riding, the more the strap 8 pushes the device 1 towards the foot and fixes its position.
[0044] Observing the figures 1 and 2, in particular, the spur bit 5 is shown between two horizontal axes A and B, parallel to its axis and positioned respectively one A at its lowest point and the other B of its highest point. The axis also passes through the highest points of the six vertical slots. This allows the free ends 10 of the strap 8, when locked, to maintain a substantially horizontal position, in order to ensure a perfect tightness, and at the same time at the appropriate height to its intended use.
[0045] This advantageously allows associating the position of greater effectiveness of the holding of the slots with the correct position of the spur on the footwear.
[0046] Advantageously, in order to avoid unnecessary waste of material and/or increasing the weight of device 1, therefore, the body 2 has two lower tapered parts 11 and two circular connections 12 between the upper surface 13 of the base 4, coinciding with the axis B, and the upper surface 14 of the arms 3.
[0047] This allows obtaining all of the mechanical properties required by the device, and at the same time optimizing the amount of material used.
[0048] Furthermore, in the inner part of the base 4, in correspondence of the central zone, the body 2 has one upper bevel 15 and a lower bevel 16, suitable to adapt the device 1 according to the invention to a boot which is shaped posteriorly, so as to follow the path of the heel of the user.
[0049] These bevels 15 and 16 may be simultaneously present or not, depending on the model of footwear to which the device 1 must adapt.
[0050] The shape thus described can be obtained by means of a casting in a single mold or through other methods, such as the assembly of individual components by fixing means.
[0051] Of course, the device 1 according to the invention can be made of aluminum, steel or cast iron, as prior art, or in another material. Observing now figures 6 and 7, we can see the device 1 according to the invention, in a second embodiment for a single measurement of footwear, presenting a single vertical slot 6, but also presenting the same components: body 2, consisting of two arms 3 and the base 4, connected in turn to a pin 5, lower tapering 11 and two circular connections 12' between the upper surface 13 of the base 4 and the upper surface 14 of the arms 3.
[0052] Observing now figures 8-12, in a third embodiment, the device 20 according to the invention similarly has a main body 21, constituted by a first arm 22, a second arm 23 connected to a base 24, in turn connected to a pin 25. The first arm 22 has in its free end a first internal slot 26, substantially vertical and a second external slot 27, substantially inclined at 45° to the vertical towards the inside of the device 20.
[0053] The second arm 23 has in its free end a first internal slot 26, substantially vertical and a second external slot 28, substantially inclined at 60° to the vertical towards the outside of the device 20.
[0054] Advantageously, inserting the strap 8 inside the slots 26 and 27 of the first arm 22 (Figure 10), the rotary movement of the free ends 10 of the strap in fastened position downwards is prevented, while also inserting it into the slots 26 and 28 of the second arm 23 is prevented from the rotary movement of the free ends 10 of the strap in fastened position upwards.
[0055] In this way, the device 20 according to the invention remains fixed firmly to the footwear of the user, being impeded his movements of rotation relative to the strap 8.
[0056] With reference to Figures 13-15, the device 30 according to the invention, in a fourth embodiment, for two sizes of footwear, has two vertical slots 31. In addition, there are the same components: body 32, consisting of two arms 33 and in the base 34, connected in turn to a spur 35, lower tapering 36 and two circular connections 37 between the upper surface 38 of the base 34 and the upper surface 39 of the arms 33.
[0057] Similarly, in reference to Figures 16-18, the device 40 according to the invention, in a fifth embodiment, for three measures of footwear, has three vertical slots 41. In addition, there are the same components: body 42, consisting of two arms 43 and to base 44, connected in turn to a spur 45, lower tapering 46 and two circular connections 47 between the upper surface 48 of the base 44 and the upper surface 49 of the arms 43. Again, in reference to Figures 19-21, the device 50 according to the invention, in a sixth embodiment, for a single measurement of footwear, has a vertical slot 51. In addition, there are the same components: body 52, consisting of two arms 53 and of the base 54, connected in turn to a spur 55, lower tapering 56 and two circular connections 57 between the upper surface 58 of the base 54 and the upper surface 59 of the arms 53. With reference to Figures 24-28, the devices described above, when mounted on a footwear, are positioned exactly at the correct positioning height as in the prior art (Figures 22 and 23), but with a greater inclination of the arms.
[0058] Furthermore, it is evident that the path of the strap 8 is totally different: according to the prior art, the strap 8 constantly follows its direction, turning substantially from top to bottom and then returning upwards; according to the present invention, at the point of interaction with the device 20 or 40 the strap changes direction 8 bending on itself and forming a well-defined angle.
[0059] In particular, with reference to the third embodiment and to Figures 27 and 28, the strap 8 changes direction twice per side, passing through both slots 26 and 27 or 28 of each arm 22 or 23.
[0060] Observing figure 29, it can be noticed that the strap (not shown) passing through the slot 6 decompose the holding force of the device 1 for fixing to the footwear 60 along the two axes C and D. In this way two vectors V and W are defined, the resultant R of which is substantially horizontal, equal and opposite to the force F generated by the device 1.
[0061] Furthermore, the device 1 according to the invention has the distance between the base 4 and the slot 6 equal to half the length L of the heel 61 of footwear 60 to which the device 1 is applied.
[0062] Still, by mounting the device 1 at the correct height, the slot 6 is located at a height h/2 equal to half the height h of the point of intersection of the axis C with the upper part of the footwear.
[0063] Observing now figures 30, 31 and 32, we can see how the device 70 according to the invention, in a seventh embodiment for a single measurement of footwear, presents the same components: "U" shaped body 72, consisting of two arms 73 and base 74, in turn connected to a spur 75, of vertical slot 76 for each arm 73. Between the upper surface 77 of the base 74 and the upper surface 78 of the arms 73 there are two circular connections 79. In addition, the arms 73 have also lower tapers 79'.
[0066] Due to the orientation of the slot 76, there are more folds in the strap, as disadvantageously occurs using known spurs.
[0068] The forces which are exerted upwards, indicated by the arrow U, and downwards, indicated by the arrow D, are counteracted by the vertical slot 76 and the relative bending of the strap 8 around the slot 76 itself. Therefore, advantageously, the rotary movement in the directions indicated by the arrows R and R', which would be respectively due to the push according to the arrow U and the arrow D, are completely absent. The lower tapering 79' have a rounding at the points of contact with the footwear and define an arc, able to accommodate the rear part of one footwear fitting, so that the spur 70 remains in the correct position.
[0069] In detail, the lower tapering 79' define three points of support for the spur 70 to the footwear, corresponding to the base 74 of the body 72 and the corners F between the lower tapering 79' and the lower curvatures I of the arms 73.
[0071] Regarding the figures 33, 34 and 35, we can see how the device 80 according to the invention, in an eighth embodiment for a single measurement of footwear, presents the same components: "U" shaped body 82, consisting of two arms 83 and of base 84, connected in turn to a pin 85, of a vertical slot 86 for each arm 83. Between the upper surface 87 of the base 84 and the upper surface 88 of the arms 83 there are two circular connections 89.
[0072] In conclusion, the present invention relates to a spur that gives many advantages, such as the absolute stability of the position on the footwear during use, its lightness, a decrease in size, increase in comfort during use, and adaptability to all types and to all sizes of footwear.
[0073] From the above description clearly outlines the characteristics of the device for the stimulation of a horse in the parade, which is the subject matter of the present invention, are as clear as the advantages are.
[0074] It's clear, finally, that numerous other variations may be made to the device for the stimulation of a horse in the parade in question, without because of this departing from the principles of novelty inherent in the inventive idea, just as it is clear that, in the practical implementation of the invention, the materials, forms and dimensions of the details, which have been illustrated, may be any, according to requirements and the same may be replaced by other technically equivalent.
1. Device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) for the stimulation of a horse during a ride, in particular
able to be fastened to a footwear (60) of a rider, said device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50)
comprising a body (2, 21, 32, 42, 52) substantially "U"-shaped, including a first
arm (3, 22, 33, 43, 53), a second arm (3, 23, 33, 43, 53) and a base (4, 24, 34, 54),
to which said arms (3, 22, 23, 33, 43, 53), oriented in a first direction, are connected
and a spur bit (5, 25, 35, 45, 55) oriented in a second direction opposite to said
first direction, said device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) being characterized in that each of said arms (3, 22, 23, 33, 43, 53) has at least one slot (6, 26, 36, 46, 56),
substantially perpendicular to said first and second directions, said slot (6, 26,
36, 46, 56) being suitable for the passage of a strap (8) for fastening said device
(1, 20, 30, 40, 50) to said footwear (60) of said rider.
2. Device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first arm (22) has a further slot (27), rotated in respect to said first slot
(26) according to first sense of rotation, and in that said second arm (23) has a further slot (28), rotated in respect to said first slot
(26) according to a second sense of rotation, opposite to said first sense of rotation.
3. Device (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that said further slots (27, 28) are placed externally in respect to said first slot (26).
4. Device (1, 30, 40) according to claim 1, characterized in that, on each arm (3, 33, 43) there is a plurality of first slots (6, 36, 46) parallel
to each other.
5. Device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to one of the claims 1-4, characterized in that said arms (3, 22, 23, 33, 43, 53) have a total length substantially equal to or lower
than the length of the heel (61) of said footwear (60).
6. Device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to claim 5, characterized in that said arms (3, 22, 23, 33, 43, 53) have a total length substantially equal to or lower
than the half of the length of the heel (61) of said footwear (60).
7. Device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to one of the claims 1-6, characterized in that said spur bit (5, 25, 35, 45, 55) is between an upper axis (A) and a lower axis (B),
parallel to said first and second directions, said lower axis (B) passing through
the upper ends of said first slots (6, 26, 36, 46, 56).
8. Device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to one of the claims 1-7, characterized in that said base (4, 24, 34, 54) has at least one bevel (15, 16), on top or on the bottom.
9. Device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to one of the claims 1-8, characterized in that said arms (3, 22, 23, 33, 43, 53) have two lower tapered parts (11, 36, 46, 56).
10. Device (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to one of the claims 1-9, characterized in that said arms (3, 22, 23, 33, 43, 53) and said base (4, 24, 34, 54) have respectively
a first upper surface (14, 39, 49, 59) and a second upper surface (13, 37, 47, 57),
said first (14, 39, 49, 59) and second (13, 37, 47, 57) upper surfaces having a round
connection (12, 38, 48, 58) between each other.