Step extension for stirrup

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention broadly relates to horses stirrups.

2. Prior Art

A typical riding stirrup 10 shown in FIG. 1 is comprised of a step member 11 for supporting a foot, and a hanger 12 attached to step member 11 for hanging from a saddle. Step member 11 is comprised of an oval shaped loop 13 with a center aperture 14. Hanger 12 has an inverted U shape with a pair of arms 15, wherein lower ends 16 of arms 15 are attached to opposite sides of step member 11. A slit 17 is provided at the top of hanger 12 for attaching to a stirrup supporting strap on a saddle.

The relatively narrow step member 11 does not provide enough support for proper stirrup control and rider stability. Therefore, some stirrups provide a longer step member for better support, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 267,728 to Shellenberger. However, the longer step member may lock the foot in the stirrup when the rider falls off and cause the rider to be injured. Some stirrups provide a pair of rear extensions in the step member for better support, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 663,523 to Turner. However, the extensions function the same way as a single wider extension, so they may still lock the foot in the stirrup when the rider falls off.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A step extension for a stirrup is comprised of a top plate for attaching on top of a step member of the stirrup, and a bottom plate for attaching to the bottom of the step member. Fasteners connected between the top and bottom plates secure them to the step member. The top plate has a rear extension for providing better foot support and improving stirrup control. The rear extension extends between an outer portion of the step member and the mid portion of the step member. The top plate has an inner portion which is devoid of any extension, so that its rear edge terminates generally flush with the rear edge of the step member. The lack of a rearward extension on the inner portion of the top plate avoids locking the rider's foot in the stirrup when the rider falls off.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a prior art riding stirrup.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present step extension being assembled with the stirrup.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the step extension assembled with the stirrup.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the step extension and the stirrup in use.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the step extension and the stirrup in use.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the step extension and the stirrup in use.

DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 2-3

A preferred embodiment of a step extension 20 for stirrup 10 is shown an exploded view in FIG. 2. Step extension 20 is comprised of a top plate 21 for attaching on a top 18 of step member 11 of stirrup 10, and a bottom plate 22 for attaching to a bottom 19 of step member 11. Fasteners 23 are arranged for positioning through top plate 21, aperture 14, and bottom plate 22 to secure top and bottom plates 21 and 22 to step member 11.

Top plate 21 includes notches 24 on opposite sides for embracing lower ends 16 of hanger 12. Top plate 21 include a rear extension 25 for providing better foot support and improving stirrup control. Alternatively, rear extension 25 may be integrally provided with step member 11 instead of being an add-on. Rear extension 25 is generally positioned between an outer portion 26 of top plate 21 and a mid portion 27 of top plate 21. Top plate 21 has an inner portion 28 devoid of any rear extension, so that a rear edge 29 thereof terminates generally flush with the rear of step member 11. The lack of a rear extension on inner portion 28 of top plate 21 avoids locking the rider's foot in stirrup 10 when the rider falls off. Step extension 20 is shown assembled with stirrup 10 in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 4-6

Step extension 20 is shown in use on stirrup 10 in FIGS. 4-6. Rear extension 25 provides additional area to step on for improved stirrup control and rider stability. The inner portion of step 11 is devoid of any extension to avoid locking the rider's foot in the stirrup when the rider falls off.

Although the foregoing description is specific, it should not be considered as a limitation on the scope of the invention, but only as an example of the preferred embodiment. Many variations are possible within the teachings of the invention. For example, different attachment methods, fasteners, materials, dimensions, etc. can be used unless specifically indicated otherwise. The relative positions of the elements can vary, and the shapes of the elements can vary. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, not by the examples given.