Safety stirrup

Abstract

The invention provides a safety stirrup. The safety stirrup comprising: a top frame section for attachment to a stirrup strap; a base frame section for supporting a foot; a first side frame section ex

Description

The present invention relates to a safety stirrup for use when riding an animal, such as a horse. Stirrups are often used to support a rider’s feet when horse riding. Stirrups traditionally comprise a frame having a top section for attachment to a stirrup strap (often known as a “stirrup leather”) and a base section with a foot support for supporting the rider’s foot. The rider’s foot is inserted through the rear of the frame and placed on the foot support, with the toes of the foot protruding from the front of the frame. Traditional stirrups can be dangerous if the rider falls from the horse and their foot becomes caught in the frame. For example, the rider may twist their leg or may be dragged along by the foot. To reduce this risk, safety stirrups are known which have a side section which opens laterally, thereby allowing the rider’s foot to exit the frame sideways in the event of a fall. Some known safety stirrups may open accidentally during normal use, potentially causing the rider’s foot to come away from the stirrup in an unsafe manner. Even when opened in appropriate circumstances, the known safety stirrups may not provide a sufficient opening for complete release of the rider’s foot, and this can lead to the rider’s foot still being caught in the stirrup. It is therefore desired to provide improvements relating to safety stirrups. Thus, according to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety stirrup for use when riding an animal, the safety stirrup comprising: a top frame section for attachment to a stirrup strap; a base frame section for supporting a foot of a rider; a first side frame section extending between the top frame section and the base frame section; and a second side frame section releaseably connected between the top frame section and the base frame section, the second side frame section comprising a first pivoting member pivotably connected to one of the top and base frame sections, the second side frame section further comprising a second pivoting member pivotably connected to the first pivoting member, the second pivoting member being releasably connected to the other of the top and base frame sections; wherein, in a closed configuration, the top frame section, base frame section, first side frame section and second side frame section form a frame defining a frame aperture for receiving and laterally retaining a rider’s foot; and wherein, in an open configuration, the second pivoting member is separated from the other of the top and base frame sections, the first pivoting member is pivoted relative to the one of the top and base frame sections about a first pivot axis, and the second pivoting member is pivoted relative to the first pivoting member about a second pivot axis, thereby providing a side opening in the frame for the rider’s foot to exit the stirrup laterally therethrough. As will be appreciated, the present invention can provide an extremely safe stirrup in the event of a fall. In particular, the pivoting of the first and second pivoting members can provide a large opening, with the pivoting of the second pivoting member relative to the first pivoting member causing the second pivoting member to move further out of the way of the rider’s foot, thereby creating a large amount of clearance for the rider’s foot to exit the stirrup sideways. In embodiments, the top frame section may comprise a top frame member for attachment to a stirrup strap. The top frame member may be elongate. The top frame section may comprise a strap aperture for receiving a stirrup strap. The strap aperture may be at least partially defined by the top frame member. The top frame member may be angled relative to a plane containing the frame aperture. The angle may be such that, when the stirrup is suspended from a stirrup strap having a planer strap surface, the plane containing the frame aperture is angled relative to the planer strap surface. These embodiments can help to orientate the stirrup in a way that facilitates insertion of the foot through the frame from the rear. In embodiments, the safety stirrup may be intended specifically for either the rider’s left foot or the rider’s right foot. Where the safety stirrup is intended for the rider’s left foot, the second side frame section of the stirrup may be on the left side of the stirrup in use so as to allow the rider’s left foot to exit the stirrup in a direction away from the animal. Conversely, where the safety stirrup is intended for the rider’s right foot, the second side frame section of the stirrup may be on the right side of the stirrup in use so as to allow the rider’s right foot to exit the stirrup in a direction away from the animal. The top frame member discussed above may also be angled according to whether the safety stirrup is intended for the rider’s left foot or the rider’s right foot. A pair of safety stirrups as described herein in any aspect or embodiment may be provided, for example wherein the safety stirrups of the pair are substantially mirror images of one another. In embodiments, the base frame section may have a foot plate for supporting a rider’s foot. The foot plate may have a planar plate surface. The planar plate surface may be substantially perpendicular to a plane containing the frame aperture. The planar plate surface may be textured to improve grip with the rider’s foot. These embodiments can help to provide a comfortable and high-friction support for the rider’s foot. In embodiments, when moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first pivoting member may be pivotable outwardly relative to the one of the top and base frame sections about the first pivot axis. The first pivot axis may be substantially perpendicular to a plane containing the frame aperture. This can allow the rider’s foot to push the first pivoting member outwards into the open configuration. The first pivoting member and the one of the top and base frame sections may comprise corresponding contacting surfaces, wherein contact between the corresponding contacting surfaces prevents inward pivoting of the first pivoting member relative to the one of the top and base frame sections when in the closed configuration. These embodiments can help to maintain the shape of the frame when in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the first pivoting member may be releasably held in place relative to the one of the top and base frame sections. The first pivoting member may be releasably held in place relative to the one of the top and base frame sections using first magnetic means when in the closed configuration. The first magnetic means may comprise a first magnetic element provided at (e.g. in or on) a contacting surface of the first pivoting member. The first magnetic means may comprise a second magnetic element provided at (e.g. in or on) a corresponding contacting surface of the one of the top and base frame sections. In preferred embodiments, both of the first and second magnetic elements of the first magnetic means are permanent magnets. These embodiments can help to secure the first pivoting member relative to the one of the top and base frame sections in the closed configuration. In other embodiments, one of the first and second magnetic elements may be a permanent magnet and the other of the first and second magnetic elements may be a ferromagnetic material, i.e. which temporarily becomes magnetised when in contact with the one of the first and second magnetic elements. In embodiments, when moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the second pivoting member may be pivotable outwardly relative to the first pivoting member about the second pivot axis. The second pivot axis may be substantially perpendicular to a plane containing the frame aperture. Again, this can allow the rider’s foot to push the second pivoting member outwards into the open configuration. The second pivoting member and the first pivoting member may comprise corresponding contacting surfaces, wherein contact between the corresponding contacting surfaces prevents inward pivoting of the second pivoting member relative to the first pivoting member when in the closed configuration. Again, these embodiments can help to maintain the shape of the frame when in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the second pivoting member may be releasably held in place relative to the first pivoting member. The second pivoting member may be releasably held in place relative to the first pivoting member using second magnetic means when in the closed configuration. The second magnetic means may comprise a first magnetic element provided at (e.g. in or on) a contacting surface of the second pivoting member. The second magnetic means may comprise a second magnetic element provided at (e.g. in or on) a corresponding contacting surface of the first pivoting member. In preferred embodiments, both of the first and second magnetic elements of the second magnetic means are permanent magnets. Again, these embodiments can help to secure the second pivoting member relative to the first pivoting member in the closed configuration. In other embodiments, one of the first and second magnetic elements may be a permanent magnet and the other of the first and second magnetic elements may be a ferromagnetic material which temporarily becomes magnetised when in contact with the one of the first and second magnetic elements. In embodiments, the second pivoting member and the other of the top and base frame sections may comprise corresponding contacting surfaces, wherein contact between the corresponding contacting surfaces prevents inward movement of the second pivoting member relative to the other of the top and base frame sections. Again, these embodiments can help to maintain the shape of the frame when in the closed configuration. The second pivoting member may be releasably held in place relative to the other of the top and base frame sections when in the closed configuration. The second pivoting member may be releasably held in place relative to the other of the top and base frame sections using third magnetic means when in the closed configuration. The third magnetic means may comprise a first magnetic element provided at (e.g. in or on) a contacting surface of the second pivoting member. The third magnetic means may comprise a second magnetic element provided at (e.g. in or on) a corresponding contacting surface of the other of the top and base frame sections. In preferred embodiments, both of the first and second magnetic elements of the third magnetic means are permanent magnets. Again, these embodiments can help to secure the second pivoting member relative to the other of the top and base frame sections in the closed configuration. In other embodiments, one of the first and second magnetic elements may be a permanent magnet and the other of the first and second magnetic elements may be a ferromagnetic material, i.e. which temporarily becomes magnetised when in contact with the one of the first and second magnetic elements. In embodiments, the second pivoting member may comprise a first contacting flange having a contacting surface. The other of the top and base frame sections may comprise a second contacting flange having a corresponding contacting surface. The first contacting flange may overlap with the second contacting flange when in the closed configuration. The first contacting flange may be outward of the second contacting flange when in the closed configuration. These embodiments can further help to prevent the second pivoting member moving inwardly relative to the other of the top and base frame sections when in the closed configuration. These embodiments can also still allow the second pivoting member to move outwardly from the other of the top and base frame sections into the open configuration. The first contacting flange may comprise one or more projections (e.g. ridges or pins) and / or recesses (e.g. channels or holes). The second contacting flange may comprise one or more corresponding recesses (e.g. channels or holes) and / or projections (e.g. ridges or pins). The one or more projections and / or recesses of the first contacting flange may engage with the one or more corresponding recesses and / or projections of the second contacting flange. One or more of the projections and / or recesses may be elongate. One or more of the projections and / or recesses may extend in a top-to-base direction (i.e. in a direction extending between the top frame member and the base frame member). These embodiments can help to prevent the corresponding contacting surfaces from sliding rearwardly / forwardly out of contact with one another in use when in the closed configuration. It will be appreciated that the term “outwardly” and the like as used herein means outwardly relative to the centre of the frame aperture. Similarly, the term “inwardly” and the like as used herein means inwardly relative to the centre of the frame aperture. It will also be appreciated that the terms “top”, “base”, “left”, “right” , “front” and “rear” and the like as used herein are with reference to the orientation of the stirrup in normal use when a rider is riding an animal. Although the present invention has been described primarily with reference to horse riding, it will be appreciated that the stirrup could equally be used when riding other equine animals, such as ponies, donkeys, etc., non-equine animals, such as camels, elephants, ostriches, etc., or when riding on ridden amusements and toys that represent such animals, such as fairground horses, rocking horses, etc.. By way of example only, an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a rear view of a safety stirrup according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration; Figure 2 is a right side view of the safety stirrup of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a left side view of the safety stirrup of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top view of the safety stirrup of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a rear view of the safety stirrup of Figure 1 in an open configuration; and Figure 6 is a right side view of the safety stirrup of Figure 5. Figures 1-4 show a safety stirrup 10 in a closed configuration. Figures 5-6 show the same stirrup 10 but in an open configuration. The stirrup 10 comprises a top frame section 12 having a strap aperture 14 for receiving a stirrup strap (not shown). The strap aperture 14 is partially defined by an elongate top frame member 16. As can best be seen from Figure 4, the top frame member 16 is angled such that, when suspended from a stirrup strap, the stirrup 10 tends to orientate itself in a way which facilitates insertion of the foot through the stirrup 10. In this regard, the stirrup 10 shown in the Figures is intended for the rider’s left foot and the top frame member 16 is angled accordingly - a stirrup for the rider’s right foot would essentially be the mirror image of that which is shown in the Figures. The stirrup 10 also comprises a base frame section 18 having a foot plate 20. As is shown, the foot plate 20 has a textured planar plate surface for supporting and gripping the foot of the rider. The stirrup 10 also comprises a first side frame section 22 having a fixed side frame member 24 extending between the top frame section 12 and the base frame section 18. The stirrup 10 further comprises a second side frame section 26 releaseably connecting the top frame section 12 to the base frame section 18. To this end, the second side frame section 26 comprises a first pivoting member 28 pivotably connected to the top frame section 12 at a first pivot point 30. The first pivoting member 28 and the top frame section 12 have corresponding contacting surfaces 31 which prevent inward pivoting of the first pivoting member 28 relative to the top frame section 12 when in the closed configuration. The first pivoting member 28 is also releasably held in place relative to the top frame section 12 in the closed configuration using first and second permanently magnetic elements 42 provided in the corresponding contacting surfaces 31 (see Figures 5 and 6). The second side frame section 26 also comprises a second pivoting member 32 pivotably connected to the first pivoting member 28 at a second pivot point 34. The second pivoting member 32 and the first pivoting member 28 also have corresponding contacting surfaces 35 which prevent inward pivoting of the second pivoting member 32 relative to the first pivoting member 28 when in the closed configuration. The second pivoting member 32 is again releasably held in place relative to the first pivoting member 28 in the closed configuration using first and second permanently magnetic elements 44 provided in the corresponding contacting surfaces 35 (again, see Figures 5 and 6). The second pivoting member 32 is also releasably connected to the base frame section 18 using first and second permanently magnetic elements 46 provided in overlapping contacting flanges 36 and 38 of the second pivoting member 32 and base frame section 18 respectively (see Figure 6). As can best be seen from Figure 6, the contacting flange 36 of the second pivoting member 32 also comprises a projection in the form of a ridge 48 and the contacting flange 38 of the base frame member comprises a corresponding recess in the form of a channel 50. In the closed configuration of Figures 1-4, the top frame section 12, base frame section 18, first side frame section 22 and second side frame section 26 form a complete frame defining a frame aperture 40 for receiving and laterally retaining the rider’s foot. The ridge 48 is also engaged with the channel 50 to prevent the corresponding contacting flanges 36 and 38 from sliding rearward ly / forwardly out of contact with one another in use when in the closed configuration. In the open configuration of Figures 5-6, the second pivoting member 32 is separated from the base frame section 18, with the second pivoting member 32 being pivoted outwardly relative to the first pivoting member 28 (as indicated by the upper arrow in Figure 5) and with the first pivoting member 28 being pivoted outwardly relative to the top frame section 12 (as indicated by the lower arrow in Figure 5). This provides a large side opening 42 in the frame for the rider’s foot to exit sideways therethrough (see Figure 5).

Claims

1. A safety stirrup for use when riding an animal, the safety stirrup comprising:a top frame section for attachment to a stirrup strap;a base frame section for supporting a foot of a rider;a first side frame section extending between the top frame section and the base frame section; anda second side frame section releaseably connected between the top frame section and the base frame section, the second side frame section comprising a first pivoting member pivotably connected to one of the top and base frame sections, the second side frame section further comprising a second pivoting member pivotably connected to the first pivoting member, the second pivoting member being releasably connected to the other of the top and base frame sections;wherein, in a closed configuration, the top frame section, base frame section, first side frame section and second side frame section form a frame defining a frame aperture for receiving and laterally retaining a rider’s foot; andwherein, in an open configuration, the second pivoting member is separated from the other of the top and base frame sections, the first pivoting member is pivoted relative to the one of the top and base frame sections about a first pivot axis, and the second pivoting member is pivoted relative to the first pivoting member about a second pivot axis, thereby providing a side opening in the frame for the rider’s foot to exit the stirrup laterally therethrough.

2. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top frame section comprises a top frame member for attachment to a stirrup strap, the top frame member being angled relative to a plane containing the frame aperture.

3. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein when moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first pivoting member is pivotable outwardly relative to the one of the top and base frame sections about the first pivot axis.

4. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to a plane containing the frame aperture.

5. A safety stirrup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pivoting member and the one of the top and base frame sections comprise corresponding contacting surfaces, wherein contact between the corresponding contacting surfaces prevents inward pivoting of the first pivoting member relative to the one of the top and base frame sections when in the closed configuration.

6. A safety stirrup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pivoting member is releasably held in place relative to the one of the top and base frame sections using first magnetic means when in the closed configuration.

7. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first magnetic means comprises a first magnetic element provided at a contacting surface of the first pivoting member and a second magnetic element provided at a corresponding contacting surface of the one of the top and base frame sections.

8. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 7, wherein both of the first and second magnetic elements of the first magnetic means are permanent magnets.

9. A safety stirrup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the second pivoting member is pivotable outwardly relative to the first pivoting member about the second pivot axis.

10. A safety stirrup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to a plane containing the frame aperture.

11. A safety stirrup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pivoting member and the first pivoting member comprise corresponding contacting surfaces, wherein contact between the corresponding contacting surfaces prevents inward pivoting of the second pivoting member relative to the first pivoting member when in the closed configuration.

12. A safety stirrup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pivoting member is releasably held in place relative to the first pivoting member using second magnetic means when in the closed configuration.

13. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second magnetic means comprises a first magnetic element provided at a contacting surface of the second pivoting member and a second magnetic element provided at a corresponding contacting surface of the first pivoting member.

14. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 13, wherein both of the first and second magnetic elements of the second magnetic means are permanent magnets.

15. A safety stirrup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pivoting member and the other of the top and base frame sections comprise corresponding contacting surfaces, wherein contact between the corresponding contacting surfaces prevents inward movement of the second pivoting member relative to the other of the top and base frame sections when in the closed configuration.

16. A safety stirrup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pivoting member is releasably held in place relative to the other of the top and base frame sections using third magnetic means when in the closed configuration.

17. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 16, wherein the third magnetic means comprises a first magnetic element provided at a contacting surface of the second pivoting member and a second magnetic element provided at a corresponding contacting surface of the other of the top and base frame sections.

18. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 17, wherein both of the first and second magnetic elements of the third magnetic means are permanent magnets.

19. A safety stirrup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pivoting member comprises a first contacting flange having a contacting surface and the other of the top and base frame sections comprises a second contacting flange having a corresponding contacting surface.

20. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first contacting flange overlaps with the second contacting flange when in the closed configuration.

21. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the first contacting flange is outward of the second contacting flange when in the closed configuration.

22. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the first contacting flange comprises one or more projections and / or recesses and the second contacting flange comprises one or more corresponding recesses and / or projections.

23. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 22, wherein one or more of the projections and / or recesses are elongate.

24. A safety stirrup as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein one or more of the projections and / or recesses extend in a top-to-base direction.

25. A pair of safety stirrups as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety stirrups of the pair are substantially mirror images of one another.w

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