Patent Publication Number: US-2016229682-A1

Title: Stirrup for use with straps of various sizes

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims the priority of provisional application Ser. No. 62/113,248 filed Feb. 6, 2015, hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to stirrups. In particular, it discloses a stirrup that can be used with saddle straps of different sizes. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Stirrups consist of frames or rings for receiving the feet of a horse rider. They are attached to the saddle by means of a strap on each side of the horse and are used as an aid in mounting the horse as well as a support while riding. The style and feel of a stirrup depend upon the preference of the rider and the function of the saddle. Accordingly, stirrups come in different forms. One type of stirrup has a metallic footrest and a metallic hanger for suspending the stirrup from a saddle. 
     The typical structure of such a metallic stirrup includes a bolt that joins the upper portion of the stirrup and defines the width of the hanger section to which the strap is fastened. A roller is often provided to enclose the bolt and reduce wear on the strap, which is typically a leather component. Because straps come in standard 1-, 2- and 3-inch widths, different bolts and rollers need to be used to fit the size of different straps. This is a problem when a horse is fitted for a different rider with a different-size foot that requires a different-size stirrup (larger, for example). That requires matching the existing strap with a new, larger stirrup, which may not be promptly available. Alternatively, it requires changing also the strap (which usually means changing the saddle) with one commensurate in size with the larger hanger of the new stirrup. In either case, the process is time-consuming and undesirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention lies in a stirrup with a hanger portion that includes multiple openings sized to receive different sizes of conventional straps. For example, a stirrup with three openings with parallel upper surfaces sized 1, 2 and 3 inches, respectively, could accommodate correspondingly sized straps simply by fastening the strap through the appropriate opening. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be forthcoming from the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates two conventional stirrups with bolts of different sizes that provide the required width to accommodate a respective strap. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational front view of the top portion of the hanger section of a stirrup according to the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a stirrup with three openings designed to accommodate three different sizes of strap. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As used herein, the terms opening and slot are used interchangeably to refer to a structure in the hanger portion of a stirrup adapted for receiving a saddle strap threaded therethrough and secured to connect the stirrup to the saddle. Such openings and slots are characterized by an upper edge sized to conform to the width of the strap from which the stirrup hangs. Referring to the figures, the same reference numerals are used throughout to identify the same structural features. In  FIG. 1 , the numerals  10  and  20  illustrate two prior-art stirrups with bolts  12 , 22  and corresponding rollers  14 , 24  that define the width of the hanger portion of the stirrup. The bolts and rollers are selected to conform to the size of the strap for which the stirrup is intended. Fitting such conventional stirrups to a different size strap requires either the use of a different stirrup or the removal of the bolt and roller (if one is present) and their replacement with a bolt/roller combination of appropriate size. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , it illustrates the concept of the invention incorporated in the top portion of the hanger section of a stirrup  30 . The hanger section of the stirrup includes three strap supports in the form of an upper slot  32 , an intermediate slot  34 , and a lower opening  36 , each with a support surface capable of receiving a strap of commensurate width threaded through the hanger. The support surfaces of the slots  32 , 34  and opening  36  are preferably parallel to one another and aligned vertically in the top portion of the hanger. Advantageously, the support surface  38  of the upper slot  32  is preferably about 1 inch wide, the support surface  40  of the intermediate slot  34  is about 2 inches wide, and the support surface  42  of lower opening  36  is about 3 inches wide, so as to match the three conventional strap widths currently in use in the art.  FIG. 3  illustrates the same features in a perspective view of the stirrup  30 . 
     It is understood that the multiple slots and openings of the hanger can be sized in any manner most suitable for coupling with straps of various designs and materials. In addition, many more slots with corresponding width choices could be incorporated in the hanger of the invention by lengthening its top section as necessary to accommodate them. Once threaded through the slot of appropriate size, the strap is folded upward and over any portion of the hanger above the fold, so as to hide it from view and avoid interference from surrounding objects. 
     While the invention has been shown and described herein with reference to what are believed to be the most practical embodiments, it is recognized that departures can be made within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of equivalent articles.