Harness for working animal – Stirrups
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-21
2001-01-16
Swiatek, Robert P. (Department: 3643)
Harness for working animal
Stirrups
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173558
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to riding equipment for riding an animal, and more particularly to extendible stirrups for aiding a rider, including an equestrian rider, to mount a horse.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A common problem encountered by equestrian riders is difficulty in mounting their horses. This problem is particularly prevalent for shorter, younger, or physically challenged riders. These riders often need assistance to mount the horse. Typically, this assistance is provided by another person or with the use of an elevated object such as a step or pedestal placed beside the horse. This problem is compounded when external assistance is unavailable or inconvenient. If the need for external mounting aid can be eliminated, horseback riding will be more accessible to the above-mentioned group of riders. The construction of riding saddles and accessories suited to shorter riders, younger riders, and riders with decreased mobility presents special challenges.
The prior art includes several devices designed to aid a rider to mount a horse. A first such device is the separate mounting stirrup. The separate mounting stirrup attaches to the saddle and hangs closer to the ground than a riding stirrup. One deficiency of the separate mounting stirrup is that it remains attached to the saddle during riding. The separate mounting stirrup can frighten both the horse and the rider by flapping around during a brisk ride and can also snag on brush and downed trees. A second such device is the stirrup extension. Some stirrup extensions are also inconvenient, because they too remain extended during riding. Other stirrup extensions lack the rigidity to solidly support the rider as he or she mounts the horse. They either sag under the rider's weight or rotate too easily. Similar mechanical inadequacies are inherent in many prior art mounting aids.
Various mounting aids have been developed for English riding gear. However, these aids are not always adaptable to riding taller and more difficult to mount horses. Many known mounting aids also detract from the aesthetic appearance of the horse, rider, and riding gear.
The present invention is directed to overcoming the deficiencies of the prior art set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an extendable stirrup which includes an upper stirrup, a lower stirrup slidably connected to the upper stirrup, a lock for locking the lower stirrup in the extended position, a release for releasing the lock, and a retraction mechanism for retracting the lower stirrup to the non-extended or retracted position. The upper stirrup is a full stirrup, which includes an upper foot plate to support the rider's foot during riding, and which attaches in a known manner to the stirrup strap of a saddle. The lower stirrup slides on the upper stirrup between the retracted and extended positions and can be extended downward to give the rider a lower “step” for mounting the horse.
The lock is disposed on the upper and lower stirrups and engages in the extended position locking the lower stirrup in the extended position. In one embodiment of the release, the release disengages the lock upon another downward movement of the lower stirrup with respect to the upper stirrup or, in another embodiment of the release, pressure is applied to a trigger on the upper foot plate while the lower stirrup is in the extended position, to release the lock. In either embodiment, when the release mechanism disengages, the retraction mechanism causes the lower stirrup to automatically retract toward the upper stirrup. In the retracted position, the upper and lower stirrups remain snugly nested together so as not to detract from the aesthetic appeal of the rider, the riding gear, and the horse. The upper and lower stirrups may be fabricated of wood, laminated wood, hard plastic, steel, aluminum, or other rigid materials that do not substantially give under a rider's weight and the lower foot plate may pivot to aid in the movement of the rider's foot in the stirrup. Finally, when using the present invention, it is important that the saddle be snug and tight on the animal. This will prevent the saddle from sliding towards the mounting rider, thereby allowing maximum benefit from the present invention.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the Figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6026633 (2000-02-01), Burke, Jr.
patent: 2258772 (1975-08-01), None
patent: 509 (1875-01-01), None
Conley Rose & Tayon
Swiatek Robert P.
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