SAFETY STAIRBOARDS FOR RIDING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety stirrup for horse riding.

[0002] Patent application WO2021156736 discloses a safety stirrup for riding, comprising a frame structure with a stirrup strap attachment, a support element for the user's foot, and a safety arm. This stirrup allows for the immediate release of the user's foot when necessary, by

[0003] For example, when a rider is thrown or falls from a horse. US patent 380,276 describes a safety stirrup for riding according to the preamble of claim 1. FR patent 454,188 describes two interlocking stirrups for riding.

[0004] The invention aims to provide a new type of safety stirrup, which offers a number of advantages as will be seen below.

[0005] A safety stirrup for riding according to the invention is defined in claim 1. The dependent claims define particular embodiments of the safety stirrup for riding according to the claimed invention.

[0006] The present invention thus relates to a safety stirrup comprising a body provided with a support for a rider's foot, the body further being provided with an arch-shaped frame, the stirrup comprising a foot retention device, this retention device being pivotally mounted on the frame between a closed position in which the retention device is engaged so that this retention device is fixed to the frame and an open position in which the retention device is released so as to be pivotable relative to the frame, around a pivot axis, following a pivoting movement limited to one side of the frame, this pivot side being the foot engagement side by which the rider's foot enters the stirrup, the stirrup in which the retention device is arranged to release in the event of the rider's foot tipping over, for example in the event of a fall by the rider, so as to free the rider's foot,and wherein the retaining device comprises a movable element, in particular a ball, arranged to secure the retaining device to the frame when the retaining device is in the closed position, this movable element being capable of moving to release the retaining device, allowing it to move into the open position.

[0007] The restraint device according to the invention, which serves to prevent the rider's foot from sinking excessively and dangerously into the stirrup, can only pivot in the direction that allows the rider's foot to be released. This restraint device is locked against pivoting movement, in particular pivoting with an angular amplitude limited to 90°, so that it is prevented from pivoting to the other side of the frame. In the event of a fall by the rider, the tilting of the rider's foot exerts a force on the restraint device, causing it to move from the closed position to the open position, at which point the restraint device is triggered, freeing the foot, which is no longer held in the stirrup.

[0008] The invention thus provides greater safety for the rider, preventing dangerous situations where, having fallen from their horse, the rider's foot is still caught in the stirrup. The activation of the restraint device ensures the rider's safety. According to one aspect of the invention, the arch-shaped frame includes an upper bar that defines the pivot point for the restraint device; this upper bar is preferably straight.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper bar has one or two attachment zones and the retaining device includes one or two attachment members, each cooperating pivotally with an attachment zone of the upper bar.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, each attachment member has a U-shaped form which surrounds the upper bar, in the attachment area, so that this attachment member can pivot on the upper bar.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the two attachment members are identical.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, each attachment zone on the upper bar of the frame is delimited, at one end, by a shoulder of the frame and, at the other end, by a stop formed for example by a transverse ear of the upper bar.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the crossbar includes, between the two attachment zones, a central zone arranged for the placement of a stirrup leather around this bar.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the stirrup leather extends between the two transverse ears present on the upper bar.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining device comprises a plate which, in the closed position, extends substantially in the same plane as the frame.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate is attached to the upper bar, in a pivoting manner, using the attachment members.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, each fastening member is fixed to the plate.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate has lateral edges, in particular curved, which substantially follow the shape of the frame.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate has a general shape that widens as one moves away from the top bar.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate defines with the support a space for placing the rider's foot.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate includes a lower edge with a curved shape, particularly a concave shape, to fit the top of the rider's shoe. The rider's shoe can come into contact with this edge of the plate. When closed, the plate limits the forward movement of the foot in the stirrup.

[0022] This lower edge may exhibit symmetry with respect to an axis of symmetry perpendicular to the upper bar and passing through the middle of this bar.

[0023] In other words, this plate could be used interchangeably for a right or left caliper.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate comprises two main flat faces. According to another aspect of the invention, the plate is formed by two flanges joined together, each main flat face being formed on one of these flanges. According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly of the two flanges forming the plate can be carried out by welding, bonding, or any other technique.

[0025] Alternatively, the plate can be made as a single piece.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the restraint device comprises a sliding paddle that is height-adjustable relative to a retaining plate of the restraint device. This paddle has a lower edge arranged to come into contact with the rider's foot. Thus, if the rider so wishes, they can adjust the height of the sliding paddle so that it comes into contact with their shoe. Alternatively, the rider can adjust this height so that a gap remains between their shoe and the paddle.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, this sliding pallet is housed and guided within the plate, which includes a lower slot through which the pallet passes.

[0028] Thus, depending on the setting, the palette extends outside the plate, through this slot, over a greater or lesser distance.

[0029] The invention allows the rider's foot to be properly tightened in the stirrup, using this height-adjustable paddle.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining device includes an adjustment member for moving the pallet relative to the plate. This adjustment member preferably comprises a knurled wheel capable of rotating a worm gear that cooperates with the pallet, such that a rotation of the worm gear moves the pallet relative to the plate. According to another aspect of the invention, the knurled wheel is actuated by the rider to adjust the desired position of the pallet. This knurled wheel is, for example, located between the two plate attachment members on the upper bar.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the worm screw is housed within the plate.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate includes at least one stop zone arranged to bear against a stop on the frame in the closed position of the retaining device so as to prevent the retaining device from pivoting towards the side of the frame opposite to the side of foot engagement.

[0033] According to the invention, the retaining device comprises a movable element arranged to secure the retaining device to the frame, when this retaining device is in the closed position, this movable element being able to move to release the retaining device allowing it to move to the open position.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, this movable element comprises a ball which is placed in a housing of the retaining device, in particular of the plate, and this ball is subjected to an elastic force capable of pushing the ball into a cavity of the frame so that the ball is partly in the housing of the plate and partly in the cavity of the frame, so as to ensure a locking of the plate on the frame in the closed position of the retaining device.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastic force is ensured for example by a spring housed in said housing of the plate.

[0036] The ball can be released from the frame cavity when sufficient force is exerted on the plate by the rider's foot, for example in the event of a fall.

[0037] The force exerted on the plate must be sufficient to push the ball back against the elastic resistance. For example, the force required to push the ball back is approximately 1 kg of pressure. The trigger pressure can be different, chosen according to safety requirements. Thus, pushing the ball out of the frame cavity releases the plate, allowing it to pivot and ensuring the rider's safety in case of a fall.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavity for receiving the ball on the frame can be formed by a recess or by the space between two grooves on the frame.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, two movable elements, for example two balls, are provided each on a lateral edge of the plate.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the support is flat and includes an anti-slip plate for the rider's shoe.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the support includes a keying element arranged to prevent the foot from being inserted into the stirrup on the side of the frame opposite to the pivoting side of the restraint device.

[0042] For safety reasons, the foot must be inserted on the correct side of the stirrup for the restraint device to function properly.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, this keying element comprises a pivoting plate on the support which is in a raised position relative to the support when the stirrup is not in use and capable of being folded down into a housing in the support when a foot is inserted into the stirrup on the engagement side.

[0044] This plate cannot be folded down onto the support if pushed from the wrong side, i.e., pushed by the foot on the opposite side to the side of engagement. The invention thus ensures that the rider places their foot in the stirrup on the correct side.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate is for example associated with a spring allowing it to be moved towards the raised position relative to the support when the foot is removed from the stirrup.

[0046] In another embodiment of the invention, which is preferred, the pivoting retaining device, in particular provided with a plate, includes a keying element.

[0047] In this case, the support bracket is advantageously devoid of a keying element. According to one aspect of the invention, the keying element is carried by the plate of the retaining device.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the error-proofing element is pivotally mounted on this plate of the retaining device, for example by means of a pivot axis housed in the plate.

[0049] Advantageously, the error-proofing element is pivotally mounted on this plate of the restraint device, on the side prohibited to the rider's foot.

[0050] Advantageously, in the vertical position of the stirrup, the error-proofing element is in a vertical position, by its own weight, at rest due to gravity. In this situation, the error-proofing element protrudes downwards and occupies a vertical space between the retaining device plate and the support.

[0051] Advantageously, the safety mechanism can only pivot in one direction, namely the permitted side. In other words, the safety mechanism is configured to pivot and allow the rider's foot to pass through only when it is inserted on the correct side (the permitted side) of the stirrup.

[0052] Advantageously, the locking element is prevented from pivoting when pushed in the wrong direction, notably by the locking element being stopped against the plate. Thus, this inability to rotate when the rider's foot is inserted the wrong way prevents any attempt to put the foot in backwards, which constitutes a robust safety feature for the rider using the stirrup according to the invention.

[0053] Furthermore, the anti-missing element does not generate resistance when the rider falls, allowing the rider's foot to be released safely.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the error-proofing element is in the form of a medallion mounted on the retaining device. The error-proofing element is, for example, made of plastic or metal. Advantageously, the error-proofing element is rigid.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining device plate is a solid plate.

[0056] Advantageously, the support includes a cushioning surface on which the rider's boot rests. This cushioning surface is flat, preferably without any moving parts or mechanisms. Alternatively, this cushioning surface may be convex. If necessary, the support may include an inflatable chamber, for example, by connecting it to an external pump, such as a bicycle tire pump. This inflatable chamber forms the cushioning surface on which the rider's boot rests. In this case, the cushioning surface is made of a flexible material, such as rubber. This allows the chamber to be inflated to varying degrees, thus enabling the rider to adjust the level of cushioning.

[0057] Advantageously, the arched frame is closed at the bottom by a beam that forms part of the support structure. The arched frame and this beam can be made from a single piece, for example, a cast part. This is particularly advantageous in terms of mechanical strength.

[0058] The retaining device equipped with the error-proofing element may or may not include a height-adjustable sliding plate. In other words, the plate may be simple, without any height adjustment, or, alternatively, include a height-adjustable plate.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the body can be made of metal or composite material. The plate can be made of metal or plastic, for example.

[0060] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. These figures are given only to illustrate, but in no way limit, the invention. [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic and partial representation of a stirrup according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the closed position; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a schematic and partial representation of the stirrup of the figure 1 , in the open position; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a schematic and partial representation of a stirrup according to a second embodiment of the invention, in the closed position; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a schematic and partial representation of the stirrup of the figure 3 , with the pallet lowered; Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a schematic and partial representation of the stirrup of the figure 3 , in open position; and [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 represents a schematic and partial cross-section of the stapes of the figure 3 , [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is a schematic and partial representation of a stirrup according to another embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 is a schematic and partial representation of the stirrup of the figure 7 , with the error-proofing element raised, [ Fig. 9 ] there figure 9 is a schematic and partial representation of the stirrup according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Identical, similar, or analogous elements retain the same reference from one figure to another.

[0062] We have represented on the figures 1 And 2 a first example of the realization of the invention relating to a safety stirrup 1 for riding.

[0063] This stirrup 1 has a body 2 with a support 3 for a foot of a rider who is on a horse.

[0064] Body 2 is further equipped with an arch-shaped frame 4.

[0065] The stirrup 1 includes a foot retention device 5, pivotally mounted on the frame 4 between a closed position, illustrated on the figure 1 , in which the restraint device 5 is engaged so that this restraint device 5 is secured to the frame 4 and in an open position, illustrated on the figure 2 , wherein the restraint device 5 is triggered so as to be pivotable relative to the frame 4, around a pivot axis X, following a pivot movement limited to one side 6 of the frame, this pivot side 6 being the foot engagement side by which the rider's foot engages in the stirrup 1.

[0066] The direction of foot placement in stirrup 1 is indicated by arrow 7 on the figure 1 .

[0067] The restraint device 5 is arranged to trigger in the event of the rider's foot tipping over, for example in the event of a fall by the rider, so as to release the rider's foot.

[0068] The restraint device 5 can only pivot in the direction 6, allowing the rider's foot to be released. This restraint device 5 is locked to prevent pivoting in the other direction of the frame 4. In the event of a fall by the rider, the swinging of the rider's foot exerts a force on the restraint device 5, causing it to move from the closed position to the open position, at which point the restraint device 5 is released, freeing the foot, which is no longer held in the stirrup 1.

[0069] The arch-shaped frame 4 has a straight upper bar 9 which defines the pivot axis X for the restraint device 5.

[0070] The upper bar 9 has two attachment zones 10 and the restraint device 5 includes two attachment members 11 each cooperating, in a pivotal manner, with an attachment zone 10 of the upper bar 9.

[0071] Each attachment member 11 has a U-shape which surrounds the upper bar 9, in the attachment area 10, so that this attachment member can pivot on the upper bar 9.

[0072] The two attachment elements 11 are identical.

[0073] Each attachment zone 10 on the upper bar 9 is delimited, at one end, by a shoulder 12 of the frame 4 and, at the other end, by a stop formed by a transverse lug 14 of the upper bar 9, as clearly visible on the figure 2 .

[0074] Each attachment organ 11 is thus immobilized along the X axis by the shoulder 12 and the ear 14.

[0075] The upper bar 9 includes, between the two attachment areas 10, a central area 15 arranged for the placement of a stirrup leather, not shown, around this bar 9. The stirrup leather extends between the two transverse ears 14.

[0076] The retaining device 5 comprises a plate 17 which, in the closed position, extends substantially in the same plane as the frame 4, as illustrated in the figure 1 .

[0077] The plate 17 is attached to the upper bar 9, in a pivotal manner, using the attachment devices 11.

[0078] The fastening elements 11 are fixed to the plate 17.

[0079] Plate 17 has curved side edges 18, which closely follow the shape of frame 4.

[0080] Plate 17 has a general shape that widens as you move away from the upper bar 9.

[0081] The plate 17, together with the support 3, defines a space 19 for the rider's foot. The plate 17 includes a lower edge 20 whose shape is curved, specifically concave with the concavity directed towards the support 3, to fit the top of the rider's shoe.

[0082] The rider's shoe can come into contact with this edge 20 of the plate 17 which, in the closed position, allows the foot to be held correctly in the stirrup 1.

[0083] This lower edge 20 may exhibit symmetry with respect to an axis of symmetry perpendicular to the upper bar and passing through the middle of this bar.

[0084] In other words, this plate could be used interchangeably for a right or left caliper.

[0085] Alternatively, edge 20 can be asymmetrical.

[0086] Plate 17 comprises two main flat faces 21.

[0087] The plate 17 is formed by two flanges 22 assembled together, each main flat face 21 being formed on one of these flanges 22.

[0088] The assembly of the two flanges 22 forming the plate can be carried out by welding, gluing or any other technique.

[0089] Alternatively, plate 17 can be made as a single piece.

[0090] Body 2 can be made of metal or composite material, in one piece or several pieces.

[0091] Plate 17 can be made of metal or plastic, for example.

[0092] As can be seen on the figure 2 , the retaining device 5 comprises two movable elements 23 arranged to secure the retaining device 5 to the frame 4, when this retaining device 5 is in the closed position, each movable element 23 being able to move to release the retaining device 5 allowing it to move into the open position.

[0093] The operation of these moving elements 23 will be better described below, in the following embodiment example.

[0094] The support support 3 is flat and includes an anti-slip plate 24 for the rider's shoe.

[0095] The support support 3 includes a keying element 25 arranged to prevent the foot from being inserted into the stirrup 1 on the side of the frame 4 opposite to the pivoting side 6 of the restraint device 5.

[0096] This keying element 25 includes a pivoting plate 26, with a rounded outer perimeter, which is in a raised position relative to the support 3 when the stirrup 1 is not in use and capable of being folded down into a housing 27 of the support 3 when a foot is inserted into the stirrup 1 on the engagement side 6.

[0097] This plate 26 cannot be folded down onto the support 3 when it is pushed from the wrong side, namely pushed by the foot which would be on the opposite side to the engagement side 6.

[0098] The invention thus makes it possible to ensure that the rider puts his foot in the stirrup 1 on the correct side of it.

[0099] The support support 3 includes a button 38 which cooperates with the pivoting plate 26 via a mechanism, not shown, housed in the support support 3 and provided with a spring and arms actuated by this spring, this mechanism being arranged so that, when the button 38 is pressed following pressure with the rider's shoe, this button 38 actuates this mechanism whose kinematics allow the pivoting plate 26 to be lowered ( figure 2 ).

[0100] When button 38 is released, this button 38 rises and the mechanism, driven by elastic return forces, raises the pivoting plate 26 into its raised position ( figure 1 ).

[0101] We will now describe with reference to figures 3 à 6 a stirrup 30 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0102] The similar parts between caliper 1 described previously and caliper 30 will not be repeated in the following description.

[0103] The stirrup 30 differs from the stirrup 1 of the previous example, in that the stirrup 30 includes a retaining device 31 which has a sliding pallet 32 ​​which is height adjustable relative to a retaining plate 47.

[0104] As illustrated on the figure 4 , this pallet 32 ​​has a lower edge 33 arranged to be able to come into contact with the rider's foot.

[0105] This lower edge 33 is asymmetrical to conform to the shape of the rider's shoe.

[0106] This sliding pallet 32 ​​is housed and guided within the plate 47, which includes a lower slot 34 through which the pallet 32 ​​passes.

[0107] Thus, depending on the setting, the pallet 32 ​​extends outside the plate 47, through this slot 34, over a greater or lesser distance.

[0108] The invention allows, if desired, the rider's foot to be properly tightened in the stirrup 30, using this height-adjustable plate 32.

[0109] The retaining device includes an adjustment member 35 for moving the pallet 32 ​​relative to the plate 47.

[0110] As seen on the figure 6 , this adjustment element 35 includes a wheel 36 capable of rotating a worm screw 37 which cooperates with the pallet 32 ​​so that a rotation of the screw 37 allows the pallet 32 ​​to be moved relative to the plate 47.

[0111] The worm screw 37 is screwed into a threaded hole 38 in the pallet 32.

[0112] This pallet 32 ​​can be made by assembling two flanges 39.

[0113] The wheel 36 is operated by the rider to adjust the desired position of the pallet 32. This wheel 36 is located between the two attachment members 11 of the plate on the upper bar 9.

[0114] The worm screw 37 is housed within the plate 47.

[0115] The plate 47 has, on each lateral edge 18, a stop zone 40 arranged to bear against a stop 41 of the frame 4 in the closed position of the retaining device, so as to prevent the retaining device 31 from pivoting towards the side of the frame opposite to the engagement side 6 of the foot. These stop zones 40 and stops 41 are also present on the retaining device 5 of the previous example.

[0116] THE figures 3 And 4 show the retaining device 31 in the closed position. In the figure 4 , pallet 32 ​​is lower than plate 47.

[0117] There figure 5 shows the retaining device 31 in the open position.

[0118] Each movable element 23 is a ball which is placed in a housing 28 of the device of the plate 47 or of the plate 17 of the previous example, and this ball 23 is subjected to an elastic force capable of pushing the ball into a cavity 29 of the frame 4 so that the ball 23 is partly in the housing 28 of the plate and partly in the cavity 29 of the frame, so as to ensure a locking of the plate 47 on the frame 4 in the closed position of the retaining device 31.

[0119] The elastic force is provided by a spring, not shown, housed in said housing 28 of plate 47.

[0120] The ball 23 can be released from the cavity 29 of the frame when sufficient force is exerted on the plate 47 by the rider's foot, for example in the event of the rider falling.

[0121] The force exerted on plate 47 must be sufficient to push the ball back against the elastic force.

[0122] The trigger pressure can be different, chosen according to safety prerequisites.

[0123] Thus, the ball 23 pushed out of the cavity 29 of the frame allows the plate 47 to be released, which can then pivot, thus ensuring the safety of the rider in case of a fall.

[0124] The cavity 29 for receiving the ball on the frame 4 can be formed by a hollow or by the space between two grooves 44 on the frame.

[0125] When using stirrup 1, if the foot in the correct position in the stirrup does not hit the retaining device, the rider can naturally leave his stirrups, without triggering the retaining device 31.

[0126] If the foot is pushed too far into the stirrup, or the restraint device 31 is intentionally tightened on the rider's shoe, the restraint device 31 will release when the foot is withdrawn.

[0127] In general, the stirrup leather connecting the saddle and the stirrup is subjected to a tension which is likely to free the rider's foot(s) which are inadvertently or intentionally blocked in the stirrup 30. The release of the restraint device 31 will be automatically triggered by the fall of the rider.

[0128] In the example described, the right and left stirrups can be manufactured from the same parts. The only difference between a right and a left stirrup is the orientation of the sliding plate 32 with its asymmetrical edge 33. During manufacturing, this plate 32 is mounted with opposite orientations on the right and left stirrups. Thus, the edge 33 is adapted to the shape of the right shoe on the right stirrup, and the edge 33 is adapted to the shape of the left shoe on the left stirrup. This plate 32, as a component, is the same on both the right and left stirrups.

[0129] In another example of an embodiment of the invention illustrated on the figures 7 et 8 , which is preferred, the retention device 31 which includes the height-adjustable sliding pallet 32, is provided with a keying element 50.

[0130] In this case, the support bracket 3 is advantageously without a keying element. The keying element 50 is pivotally mounted on the plate 47 of the retaining device 31, by means of a pivot pin housed in the plate 47.

[0131] The error-proofing element 50 is pivotally mounted on this plate 47, on the side prohibited at the foot of the rider.

[0132] In the vertical position of the stirrup, the error-correcting element 50 is in a vertical position, by its own weight, at rest due to gravity, as illustrated on the figure 7 . In this situation, the error-proofing element 50 protrudes downwards, and occupies a vertical space between the plate 47 of the retaining device and the support support 3.

[0133] The 50 anti-rotation element can only pivot in one direction, namely the permitted side. In other words, the 50 anti-rotation element is configured to pivot and allow the rider's foot to pass through only when it is inserted on the correct side (the permitted side) of the stirrup. This is illustrated on the figure 8 with the 50 medallion which is raised on the correct side allowing the rider to put on the stirrup.

[0134] The anti-rotation element 50 is prohibited from pivoting when pushed on the prohibited side, in particular by the anti-rotation element 50 being stopped against the plate 47. Thus, this impossibility of rotation when the rider's foot is inserted on the wrong side blocks any attempt to put on the stirrup backwards, which constitutes a solid safety for the rider using the stirrup according to the invention.

[0135] Furthermore, the 50 anti-slip element does not generate resistance when the rider falls, allowing the rider's foot to be released safely.

[0136] The error-correcting element 50 is in the form of a medallion mounted on the retaining device 31. The error-correcting element 50 is, for example, made of plastic or metal. The error-correcting element 50 is advantageously rigid.

[0137] In the example described, the support 3 includes a cushioning surface 54 on which the rider's shoe rests. This cushioning surface 54 is flat, without any mechanism or moving part housed on it.

[0138] The arch-shaped frame 4 is closed at the bottom by a beam that forms part of the support 3. The arch-shaped frame 4 and this beam can be made from a single piece, for example, a cast part. This is particularly advantageous in terms of mechanical strength.

[0139] The retaining device equipped with the error-proofing element may or may not include a height-adjustable sliding plate 32. In other words, the plate may be simple, without any height adjustment, or, alternatively, include a height-adjustable plate.

[0140] The support bracket 3 may, alternatively, have a shape illustrated on the figure 9 In this example, the support 3 includes parallel reinforcing ribs 59 on its underside. This allows for a support 3 that is both strong and lighter.

Claims

1. Safety stirrup (1; 30) comprising a body (2) provided with a support rest (3) for a rider's foot, the body being further provided with an arch-shaped frame (4), the stirrup comprising a foot retaining device (5; 31), this retaining device being pivotally mounted on the frame between a closed position in which the retaining device (5; 31) is engaged such that this retaining device is secured to the frame and an open position in which the retaining device is released so as to be pivotable relative to the frame, about a pivot axis (X), according to a pivoting movement limited to a single side of the frame, this pivoting side (6) being the foot engagement side by which the rider's foot engages into the stirrup (1), stirrup in which the retaining device (5; 31) is arranged to be released in the event of the rider's foot tilting, for example in the event of the rider falling, so as to release the rider's foot, characterized in that the retaining device (31) comprises a movable element (23), in particular a ball, arranged to secure the retaining device to the frame (4), when this retaining device is in the closed position, this movable element being capable of moving to release the retaining device allowing it to pass into the open position.

2. Stirrup according to the preceding claim, wherein the arch-shaped frame comprises an upper bar (9) which defines the pivot axis for the retaining device (5; 31), this upper bar preferably being straight.

3. Stirrup according to the preceding claim, wherein the upper bar (9) comprises one or two attachment zones and the retaining device comprises one or two attachment members (11) each cooperating, pivotally, with an attachment zone (10) of the upper bar.

4. Stirrup according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining device (5; 31) comprises a plate (17; 47) which, in the closed position, extends substantially in a same plane as the frame (4).

5. Stirrup according to the preceding claim, wherein the plate (17; 47) comprises a lower edge (20; 33) whose shape is curved, in particular concave, to fit the top of the rider's shoe.

6. Stirrup according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the retaining device (31) comprises a sliding pad (32) which is height-adjustable relative to a retaining plate of the retaining device (47), this pad having a lower edge (33) arranged to be able to come into contact with the rider's foot.

7. Stirrup according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining device (47) comprises an adjustment member (35) for moving the pad (32) relative to the plate, this adjustment member preferably comprising a knob (36) capable of rotating a worm screw (37) which cooperates with the pad such that a rotation of the screw allows the pad to be moved relative to the plate.

8. Stirrup according to one of the preceding claims, wherein this movable element comprises a ball (23) which is placed in a housing (28) of the retaining device, in particular of the plate, and this ball is subjected to an elastic force capable of pushing the ball into a cavity of the frame such that the ball is partly in the housing of the plate and partly in the cavity (29) of the frame, so as to ensure a locking of the plate on the frame in the closed position of the retaining device.

9. Stirrup according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining device (31) is provided with an anti-error element (50) pivotally mounted on a plate (47) of the retaining device (31), by means of a pivot axis housed in the plate (47).