Stirrup for horse riding

Abstract

A stirrup for horse riding (1), comprising a flat resting base (2) for a tread (3). From the base (2), from a first side (12), an arc-like arm (14) protrudes which is fixed and ends with a ring (15) which accommodates a strap, and from a second side (16), a tab (17) protrudes. Such tab (17) cooperates with articulation means (23) associated with a rod (24). The rod is arc-like and has a terminal end that is arranged, at rest, at a desired distance from the ring (15) so as to define a seat for a rider's boot. The rod (24) has means for automatic return to the rest position.

Description

[0001] STIRRUP FOR HORSE RIDING

[0002] The present invention relates to a stirrup for horse riding.

[0003] Nowadays stirrups for horse riding are known which are substantially constituted by a flat base from which two curved arms extend laterally, and which end in a ring for accommodating a strap, so as to define a seat for a rider's boot.

[0004] Such conventional stirrups are made of metal or plastic.

[0005] Usually, the flat base is associated with a tread which improves the hold of the sole of the rider's boot.

[0006] These conventional solutions have drawbacks, which include the fact that if the rider happens to fall off the horse, their boot could remain stuck in the stirrup, and this could cause serious injury to the joints.

[0007] Stirrups are also known in which the plastic arm is elastically deformable and is coupled at one end to the base (see for example the model “JS AIR STIRRUP” at the address https: / / www.tosoniselleriashop.com / it / staffe-sicurezza-jin-stirrupair.html? Utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic_shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobCh MIw97kn8Pz-AIVxJrVCh25VwNlEAQYASABEgJz0vD_BwE); this solution too has the drawback that the boot fitted into the stirrup does not have a firm lateral support, because the arm opens completely outward; consequently, during the ride a lateral support is missing which would be helpful for example for a jump, or a normal ride.

[0008] Stirrups are also known in which a rigid curved arm protrudes from the flat base and is associated, at one end, with the ring for the strap, an arclike rod made of plastic material being hinged thereto is positioned, at the free end, adjacent to the flat base below, so as to obtain a temporarily-closed seat for the tip of the boot.

[0009] See for example the model “Arena Alupro Safety Stirrup” made by Acavallo company, at the address https: / / www.selleriaelite.com / catalogo- prodotti-selleria-online-elite-del-cavallo-dettagli-articolo.asp?ID=46. In the event of a fall, the arc-like rod made of plastic material opens outward (by rotating in direction of the strap), so releasing the boot from the stirrup.

[0010] This solution too is not optimal, in that in the event of a fall there can be rotations of the foot that prevent the stirrup from opening.

[0011] Furthermore, if the rod rotates in contrast with a spring, then in order to be capable of opening the rod it is necessary to defeat the force of the spring, which could obstruct a correct and prompt opening.

[0012] Stirrups are also known with an arc-like rod hinged at one end to the flat base, which can rotate through ninety degrees outward, but this still exhibits some of the drawbacks highlighted above.

[0013] A stirrup is also known with a rod that can rotate through ninety degrees on a plane perpendicular to the flat base (see the link https: / / www.saferiding.it / shop / staffe-configurabili / staffe-s-light / ); this solution, in addition to exhibiting some of the drawbacks highlighted above, has the additional drawback that the stirrup remains open during the fall of the rider, with its free pointed end, ending up substantially perpendicular to the tread, and this arrangement represents a potential risk both for the horse and for the rider.

[0014] Finally, the stirrups on the market have a tread with a maximum width of approximately 100 mm which does not allow an easy egress of the foot in the event the foot gets into an anomalous position in the event of a fall.

[0015] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, by providing a stirrup that enables the rider both to mount the horse in conditions of safety, and to safely remove the boot from the stirrup in the event of a fall.

[0016] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a stirrup that, following a fall from a horse after which the rider is safe, can also be rapidly and simply restored to its initial functional configuration.

[0017] Another object is to provide a stirrup that, in addition to the foregoing characteristics, also enables an optimal containment of the foot of the rider.

[0018] Not least an object is to obtain a stirrup for horse riding that is structurally simple, can be made at low cost, and can be made with the usual conventional systems.

[0019] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a stirrup for horse riding, comprising a flat resting base for a tread, from which, from a first side, an arc-like arm protrudes which is fixed and ends with a ring which accommodates a strap, and from which, from a second side, a tab protrudes, characterized in that said tab cooperates with articulation means associated with a rod, said rod being arc-like and having a terminal end that is arranged, at rest, at a desired distance from said ring so as to define a seat for a rider's boot, said rod having means for automatic return to the rest position.

[0020] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description of a particular, but not exclusive, embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the stirrup according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stirrup;

[0023] Figures 3 to 6 are perspective views of some positions that the stirrup can assume;

[0024] Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the stirrup in the condition of normal use;

[0025] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII- VIII in Fig. 7;

[0026] Figure 9 is a side view of the stirrup in the condition of normal use;

[0027] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X in Figure

[0028] 9;

[0029] Figure 11 is a view similar to that in Figure 7 of the stirrup partially open;

[0030] Figure 12 is a cross-section taken along the line XII-XII in Figure 11;

[0031] Figure 13 is a side view of the stirrup in the condition similar to that shown in Figure 11 ;

[0032] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13;

[0033] Figure 15 is an exploded view of some components of the articulation means;

[0034] Figure 16 is a view of some components of the articulation means in the assembled condition;

[0035] Figure 17 is a view similar to that in Figure 2 of a variation;

[0036] Figure 18 is a similar view to that in Figure 8 of the variation in the previous figure.

[0037] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0038] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a stirrup for horse riding comprising a flat resting base 2, substantially parallelepiped and square or rectangular in plan view, for a tread 3, which is substantially rectangular in plan view.

[0039] The tread 3 rests on the base 2 or is associated with it by means of conventional means such as, for example, screws or pins or threaded bushings 4 that pass through in adapted first holes 5 provided on the base 2 and second holes 6, in axial alignment with the first holes 5, provided on the tread 3.

[0040] The latter has adapted through slots 7 which are provided along a longitudinal axis, for draining mud for example; the tread 3 can have a chosen inclination with respect to the base 2.

[0041] The tread 3 can be associated with a grille 8, variously contoured to improve the hold of the sole of a rider's boot, by means of adapted screws 9 which pass through adapted third holes 10 and can be tightened on complementarily -threaded first seats 11 provided on said tread 3.

[0042] From the base 2, from a first side 12 of the stirrup 1, usually adjacent to the body of the horse, and substantially on a plane parallel to the lateral surfaces 13 of the base 2, an arc-like arm 14 protrudes which is fixed and ends with a ring 15 which accommodates the coupling of a strap (not shown).

[0043] From the second side 16 of the stirrup 1, in direction of the ring 15, a tab 17 protrudes which has a pair of mutually parallel walls 18a, 18b, between which an arc-like cavity 19 is defined and axially to which a fourth through hole 20 is provided.

[0044] Laterally to the tab 17, a pair of fifth through holes 21a, 21b is provided which accommodate first pivots 22a, 22b.

[0045] The tab 17 cooperates with articulation means 23 which are associated with a rod 24 and which comprise a slider 25 that has a substantially cylindrical shape, which is axially perforated and has a hemispherical lower end 26 and a flat upper end 27.

[0046] Between the lower end 26 and the upper end 27 of the slider 25 an annular recess 28 is provided, which accommodates a pair of second pivots 29a, 29b, which pass through adapted and complementarily-shaped sixth holes 30a, 30b provided at the lower end 31 of the rod 24, the second pivots 29a, 29b being arranged parallel to each other and at right angles to the first pivots 22a, 22b.

[0047] The lower end 31 has a region, directed toward the tab 17, which is shaped complementarily to the cavity 19.

[0048] The articulation means 23 comprise an insert 32 made of composite material having a first portion 33, shaped substantially complementarily to the cavity 19 provided on the tab 17, on which a seventh hole 34 is provided which has a diameter substantially equal to that of the fourth hole 20.

[0049] The insert 32 has the function of compensating for the friction between the lower end 26 of the slider 25, the rod 24, and the cavity 19.

[0050] Figures 17 and 18 show a variation in which the articulation means 23 again comprise a slider 25 that has a substantially cylindrical shape, which is axially perforated and has a hemispherical lower end 26 and a flat upper end 27.

[0051] Between the lower end 26 and the higher end 27 of the slider 25, there is an annular recess 28 or a pair of separate, mutually parallel notches 47a, 47b, which are adapted to accommodate the pair of second pivots 29a, 29b, which pass through the adapted and complementarily-shaped sixth holes 30a, 30b provided at the lower end 31 of the rod 24.

[0052] The articulation means 23 again comprise an insert 32, which is integral with the slider 25, these latter components being provided in a single piece with the insert 32.

[0053] The first portion 33 is followed by a flat second portion 35, which is positioned, with the stirrup at rest, adjacent to the underlying wall 18a of the tab 17 that is directed opposite with respect to the fixed arc-like arm 14.

[0054] Abutments 36 protrude from the second portion 35 at right angles, in the direction of the rod 24.

[0055] The articulation means 23 comprise a first, lower terminal 37 and a second, upper terminal 38, both T-shaped and axially perforated so as to define, respectively, a first head 39 and a second head 40 and a first shank 41 and a second shank 42.

[0056] The first, lower terminal 37 is placed within the fourth hole 20 of the tab 17 and its first head 39 interacts with and is placed in abutment below the first pivots 22 a, 22b.

[0057] The first, lower terminal 37 and the second, upper terminal 38 are mutually connected by a tie rod 43, made of an adapted material and having an adapted length and having an outside diameter that is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the first, lower terminal 37 and of the second, upper terminal 38 (which are axially perforated). The tie rod 43 is preferably constituted by a steel cable.

[0058] The slider 25 is interposed between the first, lower terminal 37 and the second, upper terminal 38 as well, its position dictated by the interaction of the pair of second pivots 29a, 29b at the annular recess 28.

[0059] Between the second head 40 of the second, upper terminal 38 and the upper end 27 of the slider 25, means for automatic return to the rest position of the rod 24 are provided, the means for automatic return being constituted by a cylindrical helical spring 44, preferably of the compression type, placed coaxially to the tie rod 43.

[0060] The second, upper terminal 38, the spring 44, the slider 25 and the tie rod 43 are accommodated in a seat 45 provided in the rod 24 starting from the lower end 31, the seat 45 having a chosen extent and an adapted inside diameter.

[0061] The seat 45 accommodates the set of components associated with the slider 25, so as to preserve them from the possible penetration of dirt.

[0062] In the rest condition the positioning of the rod 24 is further facilitated by the presence of a hollow 46 provided on the lower end 31 on the side directed toward the fixed arc-like arm 14, which abuts against the wall 18b of the tab 17, while the lower end 31 becomes tangent to the underlying wall 18a.

[0063] The operation is as follows: once the stirrup is assembled, the "at rest" condition, illustrated for example in Figure 1, is assumed by the spring 44 which forces the slider 25 to position itself with its hemispherical lower end 26 at the cavity 19.

[0064] In this condition the stirrup 1 can be fitted over the rider's boot.

[0065] In the event of a fall, the rod 24 is able, by virtue of the articulation means 23 and the presence of the slider 25, to orient itself as a function of the forces brought to bear, performing a free rotation in space, as illustrated for example in Figures 3 to 6.

[0066] The compression imposed on the spring 44 during the articulation of the rod 24 and the shape structure of the lower end 31 of the rod 24 in relation to the cavity 19 make it possible, once the boot is removed from the stirrup, to reposition the rod 24 in its initial condition, rapidly and precisely and in the correct orientation.

[0067] Given that during a normal ride the rider's foot needs a lateral support in order to not leave the stirrup, and given that the foot exerts an outward pressure during the ride, the presence of the integrated wall 18b in the stirrup proximate to the point of connection with the rod 24 holds the sole of the boot inside the stirrup without applying direct pressure on the rod 24.

[0068] The rod 24 is fixed, at the lower end 31, proximate to the tread 3 because the first point of thrust of the foot during its exit during the fall is in the upper part.

[0069] The connection of the lower end 31 of the rod 24 ensures that the leverage applied to the rod is far from the fulcrum, so facilitating its opening.

[0070] Thus it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects, a stirrup being obtained that enables the rider both to mount the horse in conditions of safety, and to safely remove the boot from the stirrup in the event of a fall, by virtue of the capacity of the rod to open in any direction on the side the foot exits, so that, independently of the kind of fall experienced by the rider, the rod offers no form of resistance by virtue of the type of opening mechanism.

[0071] Furthermore, the stirrup, following a fall from a horse after which the rider is safe, can also be rapidly and simply restored to its initial functional configuration by virtue of the presence of the spring which forces the various components of the stirrup to reposition themselves in the initial condition.

[0072] The stirrup can also be adapted if the rider is a child or has a small build, in such case it being sufficient to simply substitute the spring.

[0073] The stirrup furthermore makes it possible for the rod to open wide, as much as 120 mm, which makes it possible to greatly facilitate the egress of the foot.

[0074] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0075] The rod 24 can be of greater or lesser length and the spring 44 of greater or lesser rigidity as a function of specific requirements, for example for leading the horse, or the rod can have different colors, for example so as to differentiate them, so the rider can immediately distinguish the type of stirrup used based on, for example, training use, or for a competitive event.

[0076] Naturally the materials used as well as the dimensions of the individual components of the device according to the invention may be more relevant according to specific requirements and to the state of the art.

[0077] The characteristics indicated above as advantageous, convenient or the like, may also be missing or be substituted by equivalent characteristics.

[0078] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000001722 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and / or signs, those reference numerals and / or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and / or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and / or signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A stirrup for horse riding (1), comprising a flat resting base (2) for a tread (3), from which, from a first side (12), an arc-like arm (14) protrudes which is fixed and ends with a ring (15) which accommodates a strap, and from which, from a second side (16), a tab (17) protrudes, characterized in that said tab (17) cooperates with articulation means (23) associated with a rod (24), said rod (24) being arc-like and having a terminal end that is arranged, at rest, at a desired distance from said ring (15) so as to define a seat for a rider's boot, said rod (24) having means for automatic return to the rest position.

2. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said tab (17) protrudes from said second side (16) in the direction of said ring (15) and has a pair of mutually parallel walls (18a, 18b), between which an arc-like cavity (19) is defined and axially to which a hole (20) is provided, laterally to said tab (17) there being a pair of through holes (21a, 21b) which accommodate first pivots (22a, 22b).

3. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said articulation means (23) comprise a slider (25) having a substantially cylindrical shape, which is axially perforated and has a hemispherical lower end (26) and a flat upper end (27), between the lower end (26) and upper end (27) of said slider (25) there being an annular recess (28) or a pair of separate mutually parallel notches (47a, 47b), which accommodates a pair of second pivots (29a, 29b), which pass through adapted and complementarily-shaped holes (30a, 30b) provided at the lower end (31) of said rod (24), said second pivots (29a, 29b) being arranged parallel to each other and at right angles to said first pivots (22a, 22b), said lower end (31) having a region, directed toward said tab (17), which is shaped complementarily to said cavity (19).

4. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said articulation means (23) comprise an insert (32) made ofcomposite material having a first portion (33), shaped substantially complementarily to said cavity (19), on which an additional hole (34) is provided which has a diameter substantially equal to that of said hole (20), said first portion (33) being followed by a flat second portion (35), which is positioned, with said stirrup (1) at rest, adjacent to said wall (18a) of said tab (17) that is directed opposite with respect to said fixed arc-like arm (14), abutments (36) protruding from said second portion (35) at right angles in the direction of said rod (24), said insert (32) having the function of compensating for the friction between said lower end (26) of said slider (25), said rod (24), and said cavity (19).

5. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said articulation means (23) comprise a first, lower terminal (37) and a second, upper terminal (38), both T-shaped and axially perforated so as to define, respectively, a first head (39) and a second head (40) and a first shank (41) and a second shank (42).

6. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said first, lower terminal (37) is placed within said hole (20) of said tab (17) and said first head (39) interacts with and is placed in abutment below said first pivots (22a, 22b).

7. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first, lower terminal (37) and said second, upper terminal (38) are mutually connected by a tie rod (43) having an outside diameter that is substantially equal to the inside diameter of said first, lower terminal (37) and said second, upper terminal (38), said slider (25) being interposed between said first, lower terminal (37) and said second, upper terminal (38), its position being dictated by the interaction of said pair of second pivots (29a, 29b) at said annular recess (28).

8. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, between said second head (40) of said second, upper terminal (38) and said upper end (27) of said slider (25), there are said means forautomatic return to the rest position of said rod (24), said means for automatic return being constituted by a cylindrical helical spring (44), advantageously of the compression type, placed coaxially to said tie rod (43).

9. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said second, upper terminal (38), said spring (44), said slider (25) and said tie rod (43) are accommodated within a seat (45) formed in said rod (24) starting from said lower end (31), in order to preserve them from the possible penetration of dirt.

10. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that in the rest condition the positioning of said rod (24) is facilitated by the presence of a hollow (46) provided on said lower end (31) on the side directed toward said fixed arc-like arm (14), which abuts against said wall (18b) of said tab (17), while said lower end (31) becomes tangent to said underlying wall (18a).

11. The stirrup for horse riding (1) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said slider (25) is integral with said insert (32).

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