EP4729469A1

EP4729469A1 - Horse stirrup

Info

Publication number: EP4729469A1
Application number: EP25188254.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luca Saladino
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-07-09
Filing date: 2025-07-08
Publication date: 2026-04-22

Abstract

Horse stirrup (S) comprising:
an arch (A), which presents, when the stirrup (S) is worn by a rider, a side proximal to a horse, called inner side, and an opposite side, called outer side, wherein said arch (A) comprises a first arch segment (1), at said inner side;
said stirrup (S) further comprises a tread (P), connected to said first segment (1) of the arch (A) and comprising:
• a support frame (8), fixed relative to said lower branch (1.1) of said first arch segment (1);
• a footrest plate (7), superimposed and fixed relative to said support frame (8);
• a guide tooth (9), which presents a surface having a curvilinear profile and provides a curvilinear guide track;

said arch (A) further comprises a second arch segment which comprises:
• a first end (3.1), lower, hinged relative to said frame (8);
• a pin (12) fixed relative to said first end (3.1) of said second arch segment (3) and cooperating with said curvilinear track of said guide tooth (9);
• a second end (3.2), upper, shaped to be juxtaposed against said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1);

said stirrup (S) further comprising:
• a first block (10), fixed relative to said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1);
• a second block (11), fixed relative to said second end (3.2) of said second arch segment (3), wherein:
∘ said second block (11) and said first block (10) are mutually in contact when said second end (3.2), upper, of said second arch segment (3) is juxtaposed against said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1);
∘ at least one between said second block (11) and said first block (10) is a permanent magnet configured to exert a magnetic attraction on the other block (10, respectively 11), which maintains said second end (3.2) of said second arch segment (3) stably juxtaposed against said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1);

a return spring (6), subjected to an elastic preload, so as to maintain said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1) and said second end (3.2) of said second arch segment (3) juxtaposed with each other.

Description

The present invention relates to a horse stirrup.
A horse stirrup is a device in which the rider inserts the foot for riding and on which the rider rests. A horse stirrup comprises a lower part, called a tread, provided for supporting the rider's foot, and an arch arranged above said tread, in which the rider's foot is received and presenting, at the top, a hole, called "eye", where the stirrup leather is inserted, that is a strap which connects the stirrup to a saddle and allows the rider to lengthen or shorten the distance of the stirrup from the saddle.
Document FR 2 873 674 A1 discloses a horse stirrup as described above. An object of the present invention is to provide a horse stirrup which allows improving safety, in particular reducing the risk of serious injuries in the event of the rider's fall.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a horse stirrup which allows improving the grip of the rider's foot in the stirrup, reducing the risk of slipping and increasing the rider's safety and confidence.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a horse stirrup which allows improving ergonomics, so as to prevent repetitive strain injuries and improve the rider's posture.
In view of such purposes, the present invention provides a horse stirrup, the essential feature of which forms the subject of claim 1.
Further advantageous features of the invention are described in the dependent claims.
Features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the attached drawing, which shows important details for the invention, as well as from the claims.
The features illustrated herein are not necessarily to be intended in scale and are represented in such a way that the peculiarities according to the invention are clearly highlighted.
The different features may be realized individually or in any combination thereof, as variants of the invention.
In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective and exploded view of a horse stirrup according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows, in perspective view, three different variants of realization of a component of the horse stirrup according to Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a partial and perspective view, showing a detail of the surface of another component of the horse stirrup of Figure 1.

With reference to the attached drawing, S indicates the horse stirrup (in particular the right stirrup) according to the present invention.
Said horse stirrup S comprises:

an arch A, which presents, when the stirrup S is worn by a rider, a side proximal to a horse, called inner side, and an opposite side, called outer side, wherein said arch A comprises:
- ∘ a first arch segment 1, rigid and arranged at the inner side of said arch A, essentially C-shaped and presenting an upper branch 1.2, in which a fixing eye for a strap, not illustrated, is provided, and a lower branch 1.1, opposite to said upper branch 1.2;
a tread P, connected to said first segment 1 of the arch A and comprising:
- ∘ a support frame 8, rigid, having two parallel longitudinal members 8.1 and fixed relative to said lower branch 1.1 of said first arch segment 1;
- ∘ a footrest plate 7, superimposed and fixed relative to said support frame 8;
- ∘ an outer housing 5, which covers said support frame 8 and is fixed to the frame itself;
- ∘ a guide tooth 9, fixed relative to said support frame 8 and extending upwards and outwards with respect to said footrest plate 7, at the outer side of said arch A, wherein said tooth 9 presents a surface having a curvilinear profile, providing a curvilinear guide track;

a second arch segment (3, Fig. 1; respectively 2, 4, Fig. 2), rigid and complementary relative to said first arch segment 1, with which it forms said arch A, wherein said second arch segment (3, respectively 2, 4) is arranged at the outer side of said arch A and comprises:
- ∘ a first end 3.1, lower, hinged relative to said frame 8, oscillating around a pivot 13 with an axis parallel to the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal members 8.1 of said support frame 8;
- ∘ a pin 12 above said pivot 13, having an axis parallel to that of said pivot 13 and fixed relative to said first end 3.1 of said second arch segment 3, wherein said pin 12 cooperates with said curvilinear track of said guide tooth 9, sliding along it when said second arch segment 3 oscillates relative to said pivot 13;
- ∘ a second end 3.2, upper, shaped to be juxtaposed against said upper branch 1.2 of said first arch segment 1.

It is highlighted that, in each longitudinal member 8.1, there are provided:

two first through holes with axes parallel to the transverse direction of the frame 8, wherein each hole of one longitudinal member 8.1 is axially aligned with a corresponding hole of the other longitudinal member 8.1;
two second through holes with axes normal to a plane in which said frame 8 lies;
- ∘ wherein said support frame 8 is fixed relative to said first arch segment 1 by means of a pair of screws 16, whose shanks pass through a respective pair of first holes of the longitudinal members 8.1 and are screwed into corresponding threaded holes provided in the lower branch 1.1 of the first arch segment 1.

The footrest plate 7 is fixed relative to the frame 8 by means of screws 15, whose shanks pass through corresponding second holes of the longitudinal members 8.1 and are screwed into corresponding threaded holes provided in said plate 7.
The outer housing 5 is fixed to the frame 8 by means of screws 14.
Said guide tooth 9 is fixed relative to said frame 8 by means of a pair of screws 17 and extends upwards and outwards relative to said footrest plate 7, in a position distal with respect to said first arch segment 1 of arch A, wherein said tooth 9 provides, on its outer face towards the plate 7, said curvilinear guide track.
Said first end 3.1 is fork-shaped and is housed in said frame 8 between said longitudinal members 8.1, relative to which it is hingedly mounted in an oscillating manner around said pivot 13 with an axis parallel to the transverse direction of said frame 8 (said pivot 13 being fixed by means of a screw 19).
Said horse stirrup S further comprises:

a first block 10, fixed by means of a screw 18 relative to said upper branch 1.2 of said first arch segment 1;
a second block 11, fixed by means of a screw 18 relative to said second end 3.2 of said second arch segment 3, wherein:
- ∘ said second block 11 and said first block 10 are mutually in contact, or almost in contact, when said second end 3.2, upper, of said second arch segment 3 is juxtaposed against said upper branch 1.2 of said first arch segment 1;
- ∘ at least one between said second block 11 and said first block 10 is a permanent magnet configured to exert a magnetic attraction on the other block (10, respectively 11), which maintains said second end 3.2 of said second arch segment 3 stably juxtaposed against said upper branch 1.2 of said first arch segment 1;
a return spring 6, housed in said support frame 8, connected by a first end relative to an axis parallel to the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal members 8.1 of said frame 8 and resting, with a second end, against said first end 3.1 of said second arch segment 3, said return spring 6 being subjected to an elastic preload, so as to maintain said upper branch 1.2 of said first arch segment 1 and said second end 3.2 of said second arch segment 3 juxtaposed with each other, whereas, when the rider's foot, inserted into the arch A and resting on the tread P of the stirrup S, moves laterally towards the outer side of said arch A, the second arch segment 3 of arch A oscillates around the pivot 13 beyond the outer side of the arch A, overcoming both the magnetic attraction force exerted between said first and second blocks 10, 11 and the elastic force of the return spring 6, and releases the rider's foot from the stirrup S.

The oscillation of the second arch segment 3 beyond the outer side of arch A elastically loads the return spring 6, which - when the rider's foot has exited from the stirrup S - elastically returns said second segment 3 to close the arch A. In this condition, the magnetic attraction force between said first and second blocks 10, 11 keeps said two segments 1, 3 of arch A stably juxtaposed.
Figure 2 shows two variants of realization, indicated respectively with 2 and 4, of said second arch segment, which in the preceding description is indicated with 3.
It is highlighted that said second arch segment has a ribbed structure, combining lightness and structural rigidity.
Figure 3 shows a detail of the surface of the tread P of the horse stirrup S according to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention.
The upper surface of the footrest plate 7, on which the rider's foot rests, is configured as a three-dimensional lattice structure R, comprising a plurality of cusps R1 facing upwards in alternating arrangement relative to recesses R2, which accentuate the roughness of the surface of the plate 7.
In the lattice structure R, cusps of different heights alternate. Furthermore, between the footrest plate 7 and the frame 8 there is interposed a corresponding thin plate made of elastically yielding material (for example in Nylon^®), while four elastic rings (for example O-rings) are arranged at the respective corners of said frame 8 for the elastic support of said footrest plate 7. By means of said arrangement (not illustrated in the drawing), between the footrest plate 7 and the frame 8 there is provided a vibration absorption system.
The materials and manufacturing processes of the horse stirrup S according to the invention are described below.

a) Material: ERGAL 7075
The main components of the horse stirrup S are made of ERGAL 7075, which is a high-quality aluminum alloy mainly used in aerospace and automotive applications due to its excellent mechanical properties and lightness. The main characteristics of ERGAL 7075 include:
- Chemical Composition:
  The ERGAL 7075 alloy contains aluminum, zinc, magnesium and copper, with a specific composition ensuring an optimal balance between strength and weight.
- Mechanical Properties:
  The tensile strength of ERGAL 7075 is approximately 572 MPa, making it one of the strongest aluminum alloys available. Its resistance to fatigue and wear is significantly higher than standard alloys.
- Specific Weight:
  With a specific weight of about 2.81 g/cm³, ERGAL 7075 contributes to reducing the overall weight of the stirrup, improving comfort and maneuverability.
- Corrosion Resistance:
  ERGAL 7075 offers excellent corrosion resistance, especially after surface treatments such as anodizing, which protects the material against atmospheric agents and wear.
b) Manufacturing process: CNC milling from solid block
The stirrup S is manufactured using a CNC milling process (Computer Numerical Control) from a solid block.

This manufacturing method offers several advantages compared to traditional processes such as casting, welding, or stamping:

Precision and tolerances:
CNC milling enables machining with extremely tight tolerances, up to a few microns, ensuring exceptional accuracy and perfect compliance with design specifications.
Absence of weak points:

The absence of cast, welded or stamped parts eliminates potential breakage points, ensuring a homogeneous structure free from imperfections.
Structural uniformity:
Machining from solid block ensures that the material is homogeneous, without structural variations that could compromise the mechanical properties of the stirrup.
Material purity:
By using pure ERGAL 7075 blocks, the stirrups are guaranteed to be free from impurities or defects that could reduce their strength and durability.

Anodizing treatment and customization
Thanks to the anodizing treatment, it is possible to choose among multiple color combinations, making each pair of stirrups unique and fully customizable.
The advantages of anodizing include:

Corrosion resistance:
The anodizing process creates a protective layer on the aluminum, further improving resistance to corrosion.
Color selection:
The treatment allows obtaining a wide range of colors, offering aesthetic customization options to suit the rider's preferences.
Color durability:
Anodizing ensures that the colors remain bright and resistant to wear over time.

Safety system

Lateral opening and magnetic locking

The stirrup S is equipped with an innovative safety system designed to protect the rider in case of a fall:

Lateral opening mechanism:
- In the event of a fall, the system is automatically activated, allowing the rider's foot to be released quickly from the stirrup.
- This mechanism significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries.
Magnetic locking:
- The locking system uses powerful magnets that ensure secure fastening during normal use but allow immediate release when necessary.
- This system has been rigorously tested to ensure proper functioning under all environmental and operating conditions, always maintaining a high level of reliability.

The footrest tread P of the stirrup S has been completely redesigned to improve the rider's comfort and safety:

Three-dimensional design:
- Thanks to three-dimensional machining, the tread presents a micro-hook surface that significantly improves the grip of the rider's foot.
- This design ensures that the rider's foot remains firm and stable even under humid conditions or during demanding maneuvers.
Grip improvement of 150%:
- Comparative tests have shown that the grip offered by the stirrup S is 150% higher than that of known stirrups.
- This improvement drastically reduces the risk of slipping, increasing both the rider's safety and confidence.

Ergonomic benefits

Reduction of fatigue:
- The ergonomic shape of the tread and the improved grip reduce the rider's foot fatigue, allowing the rider to maintain a stable and comfortable position for longer periods of time.
- This is particularly important during long training sessions or competitions.
Weight distribution:
- The tread is designed to distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure points and increasing the rider's comfort.
- This design also helps prevent repetitive strain injuries and improves the rider's posture.

Environmental sustainability

Green manufacturing process

Recyclability:
- All waste materials produced during CNC machining are fully recyclable.
- Aluminum, in particular, can be recycled infinitely without losing its mechanical properties, thus helping to reduce the environmental impact.
Energy efficiency:
- The production technologies used are optimized to reduce energy consumption, minimizing the overall ecological footprint of the entire production process.
- The stirrup S is manufactured using sustainable practices at every stage of production, from material sourcing to waste treatment.
The production process does not include any energy-intensive phases, such as casting or welding. The process does not use any chemical agents, such as paints, enamels, or adhesives.
CNC processing is carried out using state-of-the-art machinery with low energy consumption, employing 100% vegetable-based cutting oils, which are therefore fully disposable and environmentally safe.

As results from the above, the present invention achieves the purposes set out in the introductory part of the present specification in a simple and effective manner.

Claims

Horse stirrup (S) comprising:
• an arch (A), which presents, when the stirrup (S) is worn by a rider, a side proximal to a horse, called inner side, and an opposite side, called outer side, wherein said arch (A) comprises:
∘ a first arch segment (1), rigid and arranged at the inner side of said arch (A), essentially C-shaped and presenting an upper branch (1.2), in which a fixing eye for a strap is provided, and a lower branch (1.1), opposite to said upper branch (1.2);
a tread (P), connected to said first segment (1) of the arch (A) and comprising:
▪ a support frame (8), rigid, having two parallel longitudinal members (8.1) and fixed relative to said lower branch (1.1) of said first arch segment (1);

▪ a footrest plate (7), superimposed and fixed relative to said support frame (8);

▪ an outer housing (5), which covers said support frame (8) and is fixed to the frame itself;

▪ a guide tooth (9), fixed relative to said support frame (8) and extending upwards and outwards relative to said footrest plate (7), at the outer side of said arch (A), wherein said tooth (9) presents a surface having a curvilinear profile, providing a curvilinear guide track;

• wherein said arch (A) further comprises:
∘ a second arch segment (3; respectively 2, 4), rigid and complementary relative to said first arch segment (1), with which it forms said arch (A), wherein said second arch segment (3; respectively 2, 4) is arranged at the outer side of said arch (A) and comprises:
▪ a first end (3.1), lower, hinged relative to said frame (8), oscillating around a pivot (13) having an axis parallel to the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal members (8.1) of said support frame (8);

▪ a pin (12) above said pivot (13), having an axis parallel to that of said pivot (13) and fixed relative to said first end (3.1) of said second arch segment (3), wherein said pin (12) cooperates with said curvilinear track of said guide tooth (9), sliding along it when said second arch segment (3) oscillates relative to said pivot (13);

▪ a second end (3.2), upper, shaped to be juxtaposed against said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1);

• said stirrup (S) further comprising:
∘ a first block (10), fixed relative to said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1);

∘ a second block (11), fixed relative to said second end (3.2) of said second arch segment (3), wherein:
▪ said second block (11) and said first block (10) are mutually in contact, or almost in contact, when said second end (3.2), upper, of said second arch segment (3) is juxtaposed against said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1);

▪ at least one between said second block (11) and said first block (10) is a permanent magnet configured to exert a magnetic attraction on the other block (10, respectively 11), which maintains said second end (3.2) of said second arch segment (3) stably juxtaposed against said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1);

∘ a return spring (6), housed in said support frame (8), connected by a first end relative to an axis parallel to the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal members (8.1) of said frame (8) and resting, with a second end, against said first end (3.1) of said second arch segment (3), said return spring (6) being subjected to an elastic preload, so as to maintain said upper branch (1.2) of said first arch segment (1) and said second end (3.2) of said second arch segment (3) juxtaposed with each other, whereas, when the rider's foot, inserted into the arch (A) and resting on the tread (P) of the stirrup (S), moves laterally towards the outer side of said arch (A), the second arch segment (3) of the arch (A) oscillates around the pivot (13) beyond the outer side of the arch (A), overcoming both the magnetic attraction force exerted between said first and second blocks (10, 11) and the elastic force of the return spring (6), and releases the rider's foot from the stirrup (S).
Horse stirrup (S) according to claim 1, wherein at least said second arch segment (3; 2, 4) of the arch (A) presents a ribbed structure.
Horse stirrup (S) according to claim 1 and/or 2, characterized in that the upper surface of the footrest plate (7), on which the rider's foot rests, is configured as a three-dimensional lattice structure (R), comprising a plurality of cusps (R1) facing upwards in alternating arrangement relative to recesses (R2) open upwards, wherein said three-dimensional lattice structure (R) provides a rough surface structure on said upper surface of said plate (7).
Horse stirrup (S) according to claim 3, characterized in that, in said lattice structure (R), cusps of different heights alternate.
Horse stirrup (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a thin plate made of elastically yielding material is interposed between said footrest plate (7) and said frame (8), and elastic rings are arranged at the respective corners of said support frame (8) as elastic support means of said footrest plate (7).