Stirrup and Method of Using the Same

Abstract

A system and method for use of a stirrup with multiple treads and side pieces.

Claims

1. An improved stirrup comprising: a first open-ended rung; said first rung further comprising; an open-ended top portion with an orifice on each open-ended rung side and a solid bottom rung portion with two orifices running through the bottom portion; a second open ended rung; said second rung further comprising; an open ended second top portion with two orifices on the upward flat faces of each open-ended rung side, and a solid second bottom rung portion; a hollow or internally threaded bar; a first set of screws; a second set of screws; wherein said hollow or internally threaded bar is mechanically attached between said open-ended top portion of said first open-ended rung by said first set of screws being inserted through said open ended top portion orifice and inserted or threaded into said hollow or internally threaded bar; and wherein said second rung is mechanically attached to said first rung by having said second set of screws inserted through said two orifices on said bottom rung portion of said first rung and into said two orifices on the upward flat faces of each open-ended rung side of said second rung and fastened.

2. The improved stirrup of claim 1 further comprising; said first rung and said hollow or threaded bar are precast as one piece.

3. The improved stirrup of claim 1 further comprising; a flat support bar located on top of bottom rung portion and under second set of screws.

4. The improved stirrup of claim 1 further comprising; said first rung and said second rung are precast as one piece.

5. The improved stirrup of claim 1 further comprising; said second rung further comprises two orifices on said second bottom rung portion; and a third open ended rung; said third rung further comprising; an open ended third top portion with two orifices on the upward flat faces of each open-ended rung side, and a solid third bottom rung portion; wherein said second rung and third rung are mechanically attached to said first rung by having said second set of screws inserted through said two orifices on said bottom rung portion of said second rung and into said two orifices on the upward flat faces of each open-ended rung side of said third rung and fastened.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

[0050] FIG. 1 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled perspective view with two stirrups.

[0051] FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the invention in exploded perspective view with two stirrups.

[0052] FIG. 3 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled perspective view with three stirrups.

[0053] FIG. 4 is one embodiment of the invention in exploded perspective view with three stirrups.

[0054] FIG. 5 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled side view with two stirrups.

[0055] FIG. 6 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled front section view with two stirrups.

[0056] FIG. 7 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled side view with three stirrups.

[0057] FIG. 8 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled front section view with three stirrups.

[0058] FIG. 9 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled perspective view with two stirrups with a tapadero cover.

[0059] FIG. 10 is one embodiment of the invention in exploded perspective view with two stirrups with a tapadero cover.

[0060] FIG. 11 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled top view with two stirrups and a tapadero cover.

[0061] FIG. 12 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled back section view with two stirrups and a tapadero cover.

[0062] FIG. 13 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled side section view with two stirrups and a tapadero cover.

[0063] FIG. 14 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled front view with two stirrups.

[0064] FIG. 15 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled front cross-sectional view with two stirrups.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicant has created a revolutionary multi-rung stirrup.

[0066] In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc. to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0067] Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale and arrangements of specific units in the drawings can vary.

[0068] While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster's Dictionary 2021. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity. As utilized herein, the following terms have the following definitions. “Screw” can be defined herein as “any object capable of attaching one object to another, and can include, but is not limited to, standard screws, nails, threaded bolts, dowels, and the like.” “Dowel nut” can be defined herein as “a cylinder, typically metal, drilled and threaded perpendicularly to its cylindrical axis, made to receive a threaded fastener, typically a threaded metal screw, so that when the screw is tightened it draws the threaded cylinder and anything the cylinder is inserted into toward the head of the screw and anything the screw head is butted up against, typically used in pulling wooden furniture joints and other non-metal joints together tightly which would not normally be able to sustain the stresses of tight metal screw threads. The threaded metal cylinder functions as a nut except while the nut can be tightened along its axis against a typically flat surface, a threaded cylinder can be slid into a hole and the hole and whatever the hole is in can be drawn and tightened at right angles to the axis of the cylinder.” “Screw Fastening Cylinder” can be defined herein as “a cylinder, typically metal, drilled and threaded perpendicularly to its axis, made to receive a threaded fastener, typically a threaded metal screw, so that when the screw is tightened it draws the threaded cylinder and anything the cylinder is inserted into toward the head of the screw and anything the screw head is butted up against, typically used in pulling wooden furniture and other non-metal joints together tightly which would not normally be able to sustain the stresses of tight metal screw threads. The threaded cylinder functions as a nut except while the nut can be tightened along its axis against a typically flat surface, a threaded cylinder can be slid into a hole and the hole and whatever the hole is in can be drawn and tightened at right angles to the axis of the cylinder.” “Nails” can be interpreted as standard nails driven into wood or nails with ends flattened and used as rivets or nails with raised metal surface(s) along its cylindrical length which are driven into a metal orifice of size slightly smaller than the diameter of the raised surfaces on the nail in which case the nail would be fastened into the metal orifice. “Rivets” can be interpreted as a steel cylinder with a substantially constant diameter with one end having a larger diameter. When the rivet is inserted into a hole in two or more parts to hold two or more parts together, the opposite head is expanded through pressure and/or heat to lock the rivet in the holes and hold the parts together. “Screw Fastening Bar” can be defined herein “as a cylinder or non-cylindrical bar held in a first part used to fasten a screw, nail, rivet, or other fastener held in a second part, and hold said first part together with a second part.” Some types of screw fastening bars could be a dowel nut or a screw fastening cylinder. “Tapadero” can be defined herein “as a cover for a stirrup or stirrups, typically made of leather, used to protect the foot, shoe, or boot from brush when riding, to prevent brush and sticks from getting caught in the stirrup when riding, and to prevent the foot, shoe, or boot from slipping through the stirrup and getting caught in the stirrup.” “Rungs or stirrups”, as used herein, can be made with one or more modified circular or rectangular rings fastened together in addition to modified U-shaped rungs.

[0069] Certain terms are used in the following description and claims to refer to system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name, but not function. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown, all in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0070] Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.

[0071] FIG. 1 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled perspective view with two stirrups. A stirrup apparatus 100 may be constructed with two modified U-shaped rungs 10 and 40. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 may be comprised of aluminum, metal, hardened plastic, or other materials capable of supporting the weight of an adult human when a foot, boot, or shoe is placed upon either rung 10 or 40. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be designed to have flat interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be designed to have rounded or other three-dimensional shaped interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be identical in manufacture such that rungs 10 and 40 could be interchanged or replaced if the rung is damaged or needs replacement. In some embodiments, the stirrup apparatus 100, or parts of it, can be composed of bent laminated plywood sandwiched between two pieces of thin bent sheets of metal for strength. In some embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can have variant three-dimensional geometric shapes capable of having a foot, boot, or shoe pass through.

[0072] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 10 can be mechanically connected with bar 15. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via a screw or nail 20 as is known in the art by the screw or nail 20 passing through an orifice through the upper open portion of rung 10. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be hollow or internally threaded and supported by a screw or having bar 15 go through the sides of the U-shaped part for more support with washers and screws on either side.

[0073] In several embodiments, rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 26 and 25 which can pass through orifices on the lower portion 35 of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 45 on lower rung 40. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be identical, of variant shape, or composed of variant materials. In several embodiments, rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via bonding, being pre-cast, soldered, brazed or welded.

[0074] FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the invention in exploded perspective view with two stirrups. As shown, stirrup apparatus 100 may be constructed with two modified U-shaped rungs 10 and 40. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 may be comprised of aluminum, metal, hard plastic, or other materials capable of supporting the weight of a human when a foot, boot or shoe is placed upon either rung 10 or 40. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be designed to have flat interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be designed to have rounded or other three-dimensional shape interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be identical in manufacture such that rungs 10 and 40 could be interchanged or replaced if the rung is damaged or needs replacement.

[0075] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 10 can be mechanically connected with bar 15. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via screws or nails 20 and 21 as is known in the art by the screw or nails 20 and 21 passing through an orifice through the upper open portion of rung 10. As further illustrated, screws or nails 20 and 21 can pass through orifices 22 and 23 respectively. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be hollow or internally threaded and supported by a through screw or having bar 15 go through the sides of the U-shaped part for more support with washers and screws on either side.

[0076] In several embodiments, rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 25 and 26 which can pass through orifices 27 and 28 on lower portion 35 of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. Further shown are dowel nuts 37 and 36 which can be inserted into orifices 38 and 39, respectively, in order to secure screws or nails 26 and 25, respectively, as is known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 45 on lower rung 40. Some types of screw fastening bars could be dowel nuts or screw fastening cylinders and may be referenced in claims as a “Screw Fastening Bar Set.” “Screw Fastening Bar Set” can be also defined herein “as a cylinder or bar held in a first part used to fasten a screw, nail, rivet, or other fastener held in a second part, and hold said first part together with a second part.”

[0077] FIG. 3 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled perspective view with three stirrups. The stirrup apparatus 200 may be constructed with three modified U-shaped rungs 10, 40 and third rung 65. In several embodiments, rungs 10, 40 and 65 may be comprised of aluminum, metal, hardened plastic, or other materials capable of supporting the weight of an adult human when a foot, boot or shoe is placed upon either rung 10, 40 or 65. In several embodiments, rungs 10, 40 and 65 can be designed to have flat interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10, 40, and 65 can be designed to have rounded or other three-dimensional shape interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10, 40, and 65 can be identical in manufacture such that rungs 10, 40, and 65 could be interchanged or replaced if the rung is damaged or needs replacement. In some embodiments, rungs 10, 40, and 65 or parts of them, can be composed of bent laminated plywood sandwiched between two pieces of thin bent sheets of metal for strength.

[0078] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 10 can be mechanically connected with bar 15. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via a screw or nail 20 as is known in the art by the screw or nail 20 passing through an orifice on the upper open portion of rung 10. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be hollow and supported by a through screw or by having it go through the sides of the U-shaped part for more support with washers and screws on either side.

[0079] In several embodiments, rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 30 and 25 which can pass through orifices on lower portion 35 of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 45 on lower rung 40. As shown, screws or nails 60 and 55 can pass through the orifices at the bottom of rung flat portion 45 and attach third rung 65 to lower rung 40. In several embodiments, additional rungs 40 can be attached to rungs 65 as needed in series, in the manner disclosed.

[0080] FIG. 4 is one embodiment of the invention in exploded perspective view with three stirrups. As shown, stirrup apparatus 200 may be constructed with three modified U-shaped rungs 10, 40, and 65. In several embodiments, rungs 10, 40 and 65 may be comprised of aluminum, metal, hard plastic, or other materials capable of supporting the weight of an adult human when a foot is placed upon either rung 10, 40, or 65. In several embodiments, rungs 10, 40, or 65 can be designed to have flat interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10, 40, or 65 can be designed to have rounded or other three-dimensional shape interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10, 40, or 65 can be identical in manufacture such that rungs 10, 40, or 65 could be interchanged or replaced if the rung is damaged or needs replacement.

[0081] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 10 can be mechanically connected with bar 15. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via screws or nails 20 and 21 as is known in the art by the screw or nails 20 and 21 passing through an orifice on the upper open portion of rung 10 and screwing into bar 15. As further illustrated, screws or nails 20 and 21 can pass through orifices 22 and 23, respectively.

[0082] In several embodiments, rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 25 and 30 which can pass through orifice 27 and 28 on lower portion 35 of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. Further shown are dowel nuts 37 and 36 which can be inserted into orifices 38 and 39, respectively, in order to secure screws or nails 30 and 25, respectively, as is known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 45 on lower rung 40.

[0083] In several embodiments, rung 65 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 60 and 55 which can pass through orifices 57 and 56 on lower portion 45 of rung 40 in a manner known in the art. Further shown are dowel nuts 59 and 58 which can be inserted into orifices 159 and 158, respectively, in order to secure screws or nails 60 and 55, respectively, as is known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 70 on lower rung 65.

[0084] FIG. 5 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled side view with two stirrups. As shown, screws or nails 20 and dowel nut 37 are present.

[0085] FIG. 6 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled front view with two stirrups. As shown in cross section, in several embodiments rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 25 and 26 which can pass through orifices 27 and 28 (See FIG. 2) on lower portion 35 of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. Further shown are dowel nuts 37 and 36 which can be inserted into orifices 38 and 39 (See FIG. 2), respectively, in order to secure screws or nails 26 and 25, respectively, as is known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 45 on lower rung 40. In some embodiments of the present invention, the rungs and dowels can be precast together in one unit.

[0086] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 10 can be mechanically connected with bar 15. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via screws or nails 20 and 21 as is known in the art by the screws or nails 20 and 21 passing through orifices on the upper open portion of rung 10 and into bar 15.

[0087] FIG. 7 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled side view with three stirrups. As shown, screw or nail 20 and dowel nut 37 is present. Further shown is dowel nut 59 which can be inserted into orifice through 159 (See FIG. 4) in order to secure screw or nail 60 (See FIG. 4) as is known in the art.

[0088] FIG. 8 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled front view with three stirrups. As shown in cross section, in several embodiments rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 25 and 26 which can pass through orifices or holes 27 and 28 (See FIG. 2) on lower portion 35 of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. Further shown are dowel nuts 37 and 36 which can be inserted into orifices 38 and 39, respectively, in order to secure screws or nails 26 and 25, respectively, as is known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 45 on lower rung 40. In several embodiments, snaps, or leather thong attachments can be used in place of screw or nails 26 and 25.

[0089] In some embodiments, if the lower rung 40 is metal, the screws can screw directly into it without dowel nuts. If lower rung 40 is softer than metal, there needs to be some metal nut to clinch the screw tightly onto the stirrup.

[0090] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 10 can be mechanically connected with bar 15. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via a screws or nails 20 and 21 as is known in the art by the screws or nails 20 and 21 passing through an orifice through or hole through on the upper open portion of rung 10.

[0091] In several embodiments, rung 65 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 60 and 55 which can pass through orifice or hole 57 and 56 (See FIG. 4) on lower portion 45 of rung 40 in a manner known in the art. Further shown are dowel nuts 59 and 58 which can be inserted into orifices or holes 159 and 158 (See FIG. 4), respectively, in order to secure screws or nails 60 and 55, respectively, as is known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 70 on lower rung 65.

[0092] FIG. 9 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled perspective view with two stirrups with a tapadero cover. As shown is one embodiment of the tapadero assembly of the present invention 300. As illustrated, there is a tapadero cover 310 which can be designed out of any material as known in the art. Tapadero cover 310 can be of numerous geometric shapes. In several embodiments, inside the tapadero cover 310 are two shelves 320 and 330, respectively, which are attached to the tapadero cover 310. Shelves 320 and 330 are preferably designed to prevent a boot, shoe, or foot from slipping through the stirrup. In several embodiments, shelves 320 and 330 can be composed of wood, metal, hard plastic, or other materials capable of preventing a boot, shoe, or foot from slipping through stirrups 10 and/or 40, respectively. In many embodiments, shelves 320 and 330 can be of variant geometric shapes. In several embodiments, additional rungs 40 can be attached to rungs 65 as needed in series, in the manner disclosed. In several embodiments of the present invention the tapadero cover 310 is pre-molded and constructed with shelves 320 and 330 already molded into the tapadero cover 310. In several embodiments the tapadero cover 310 can be comprised of stiff leather, pliable thick leather, or leather pliable enough to poke holes through in order to insert screws or binding materials. In several embodiments, additional rungs 40 can be attached to rungs 65 as needed in series, in the manner disclosed.

[0093] FIG. 10 is one embodiment of the invention in exploded perspective view with two stirrups with a tapadero cover. As shown is one embodiment of the tapadero assembly of the present invention 300. As illustrated, there is a tapadero cover 310 which can be designed out of any material as known in the art. Inside the tapadero cover 310 are two shelves 320 and 330, respectively, which are attached to the tapadero cover 310. Shelves 320 and 330 are preferably designed to prevent a foot, shoe, or boot from slipping through the stirrup and getting caught. In several embodiments, shelf 320 has screw orifice 326 and 325 to be used and has screws 328 and 329 attach the shelf 320 to the bottom of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. In several embodiments, shelf 330 has screw orifice 341 and 340 to be used and has screws 338 and 339 attach the shelf 330 to the bottom of rung 40 in a manner known in the art. In some embodiments the shelf 320 or 330 is part of the tapadero 310.

[0094] In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 may be comprised of aluminum, metal, hard plastic, or other materials capable of supporting the weight of an adult human when a foot is placed upon either rung 10 or 40. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be designed to have flat interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be designed to have rounded or other three-dimensional shape interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be identical in manufacture such that rungs 10 and 40 could be interchanged or replaced if the rung is damaged or needs replacement.

[0095] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 10 can be mechanically connected with bar 15. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via a screws or nails 20 and 21 as is known in the art by the screws or nails 20 and 21 passing through orifice or hole 22 and 23 (See FIG. 2) on the upper open portion of rung 10. As further illustrated, screws or nails 20 and 21 can pass through orifice or hole 22 and 23 (See FIG. 2), respectively.

[0096] In several embodiments, rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 25 and 26 which can pass through orifice or hole 27 and 28 (See FIG. 2) on lower portion 35 of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. Further shown are dowel nuts 37 and 36 which can be inserted into orifice or hole 38 and 39, respectively, in order to secure screws or nails 26 and 25, respectively, as is known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 45 on lower rung 40.

[0097] As further illustrated, in some embodiments of the present invention, rung 10 is modified to have screw orifices or holes 316 and 314 (FIG. 12). Tapadero cover 310 is modified to have screw holes and screws 315 and 313 (FIG. 10). As further illustrated, in some embodiments of the present invention, rung 40 is modified to have screw through orifice or hole 336 and 342 (FIG. 12). Tapadero cover 310 is modified to have screw holes and screws 335 and 341 (FIG. 10). in some embodiments leather lace strap can further attach shelf 330 to tapadero 310.

[0098] In some embodiments, the shelf and leather lace strap 360 is one piece made of soft leather. The laces are made of strong leatherworking cord going from the strap 360 through a tapadero 310 and back again multiple times to form a strong connection between the strap 360, leather shelf and exterior tapadero 310.

[0099] FIG. 11 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled top view with two stirrups and a tapadero cover. As illustrated, there is a tapadero cover 310 which can be designed out of any material as known in the art. Inside the tapadero cover 310 are two shelves 320 and 330 (See FIG. 10), respectively, which are attached to the tapadero cover 310. Shelves 320 and 330 (See FIG. 10) are preferably designed to prevent a foot, shoe, or boot from slipping through the stirrup and getting caught. In several embodiments, shelf 320 has screw through orifice or hole 326 and 325 to be used and have screw 328 and 329 to attach the shelves to the bottom of rung 10 in a manner known in the art (See FIG. 10). In several embodiments, shelf 330 has screw through orifice or hole 341 and 340 to be used and has screws 338 and 339 attach the shelf 330 to the bottom of rung 40 in a manner known in the art (See FIG. 10).

[0100] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 10 can be mechanically connected with bar 15. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via screws or nails 20 and 21 as is known in the art by the screws or nails 20 and 21 passing through an orifice on the upper open portion of rung 10. Further shown, tapadero cover 310 is modified to have screw holes and screws 315 and 313.

[0101] FIG. 12 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled back section view with two stirrups and a tapadero cover. In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 10 can be mechanically connected with bar 15. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 15 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via screws or nails 20 and 21 as in known in the art by the screws or nails 20 and 21 passing through an orifice or hole on the upper open portion of rung 10 then screwing or pressing into bar 15.

[0102] As further illustrated in some embodiments of the present invention, rung 10 is modified to have screw through orifices 316 and 314. Tapadero cover 310 is modified to have screw holes and screws 315 and 313. As further illustrated in some embodiments of the present invention, rung 40 is modified to have screw orifices 336 and 342. Tapadero cover 310 is modified to have screw holes and screws 335 and 341.

[0103] In several embodiments, rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 25 and 26 which can pass through orifices 27 and 28 (See FIG. 4) on lower portion 35 of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. Further shown are dowel nuts 37 and 36 which can be inserted into orifice or hole 38 and 39 (See FIG. 4), respectively, in order to secure screws or nails 26 and 25 (See FIG. 4), respectively, as is known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 45 on lower rung 40.

[0104] FIG. 13 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled section side view with two stirrups and a tapadero cover. In several embodiments, rung 10 can be attached to lower rung 40 via screws or nails 26 and 25 (See FIG. 4) which can pass through orifice or hole on lower portion 35 of rung 10 in a manner known in the art. Further shown is lower portion 45 on lower rung 40. As illustrated, there is a tapadero cover 310 which can be designed out of any material as known in the art. Inside the tapadero cover 310 are two shelves 320 and 330, respectively, which are attached to the tapadero cover 310. Shelves 320 and 330 are preferably designed to prevent a foot, shoe, or boot from slipping through the stirrup and getting caught.

[0105] In several embodiments, bar 15 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 10 via screws or nails 20 as is known in the art by the screws or nails 20 passing through the orifices on the upper open portion of rung 10 and into or through bar 15. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 may be comprised of aluminum, metal, hard plastic, or other materials capable of supporting the weight of an adult human when a foot is placed upon either rung 10 or 40. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be designed to have flat interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be designed to have rounded or other three-dimensional shape interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 10 and 40 can be identical in manufacture such that rungs 10 and 40 could be interchanged or replaced if the rung is damaged or needs replacement.

[0106] In several embodiments, a user can place their foot into rung 10, 40, or 65 when mounting or when riding a horse, or other animal. It should also be noted that additional rungs apart from 10, 40, and/or 65 can be utilized with the present invention to make a series of rungs that can range from two rungs to any number of rungs attached in sequence.

[0107] In several embodiments of the present invention, one method of getting into the rungs 10 and 40 is as follows: the upper rungs 10 are adjusted for a user's height and if the user is getting up on the left side of the horse: 1) the user puts their left foot in the lower left rung 40 and lifts themself up onto the saddle using their left leg and two hands and putting their right leg on the other side of saddle 2) once in the saddle user moves their left foot from the lower left 40 and puts it into the upper left rung 10, and 3) user pushes with the left leg and slides to the right until they are centered in the saddle, user then puts their right foot into the upper right stirrup 10.

[0108] In several embodiments, if the upper rungs 10 are adjusted for a user's height and if a user is getting up on the left side of the horse: 1) user puts their right foot into the lower left rung 40 and lifts themselves up with their right foot and two hands on the saddle, 2) user then puts their left foot into the upper left stirrup 10 then removes their right foot from the lower left rung 40 and swings their right leg over the saddle so that they are sitting centered in the saddle, and 3) user then puts their right foot into the upper right stirrup 10.

[0109] FIG. 14 is one embodiment of the invention in assembled perspective view with two stirrups. A stirrup apparatus 400 may be constructed with two modified U-shaped rungs 110 and 140. In several embodiments, rungs 110 and 140 may be comprised of aluminum, metal, hardened plastic, or other materials capable of supporting the weight of an adult human when a foot, boot, or shoe is placed upon either rung 110 or 140. In several embodiments, rungs 110 and 140 can be designed to have flat interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 110 and 140 can be designed to have rounded or other three-dimensional shaped interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 110 and 140 can be identical in manufacture such that rungs 110 and 140 could be interchanged or replaced if the rung is damaged or needs replacement. In some embodiments, the stirrup apparatus 400, or parts of it, can be composed of bent laminated plywood sandwiched between two pieces of thin bent sheets of metal for strength. In some embodiments, rungs 110 and 140 can have variant three-dimensional geometric shapes capable of having a foot, boot, or shoe pass through. In some embodiments, rungs 110 or 140 can have top flat engagement faces 138 and 139. In some embodiments the top flat engagement faces 138 and 139 have orifices for engaging fasteners 130 and 125.

[0110] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 110 can be mechanically connected with bar 115. In several embodiments, bar 115 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 115 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 115 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 110 via a screw or nail 120 as is known in the art by the screw or nail 120 passing through an orifice through the upper open portion of rung 110. In several embodiments, bar 115 can be hollow or internally threaded and supported by a screw or having bar 115 go through the sides of the U-shaped part of rung 110 for more support with washers and screws on either side.

[0111] In several embodiments, rung 110 can be attached to lower rung 140 via screws, nails or rivets 130 and 125 which can pass through orifices on a flat support piece 126 and the lower portion 135 of rung 110 such that the flat support piece 126 is facing the in interior of rung 110. In several embodiments, flat support piece 126 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups.

[0112] Further shown is lower portion 145 on lower rung 140. In several embodiments, rungs 110 and 140 can be identical, of variant shape, or composed of variant materials. In several embodiments, rung 110 can be attached to lower rung 140 via bonding, being pre-cast, soldered, brazed or welded. In some embodiments, rungs 110 or 140 can have top flat engagement faces 138 and 139. In some embodiments the top flat engagement faces 138 and 139 have orifices for engaging fasteners 130 and 125.

[0113] FIG. 15 is one embodiment of the invention in front cross-sectional view with two stirrups. A stirrup apparatus 500 may be constructed with two modified U-shaped rungs 210 and 240. In several embodiments, rungs 210 and 240 may be comprised of aluminum, metal, hardened plastic, or other materials capable of supporting the weight of an adult human when a foot, boot, or shoe is placed upon either rung 210 or 240. In several embodiments, rungs 210 and 240 can be designed to have flat interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 210 and 240 can be designed to have rounded or other three-dimensional shaped interior or exterior faces. In several embodiments, rungs 210 and 240 can be identical in manufacture such that rungs 210 and 240 could be interchanged or replaced if the rung is damaged or needs replacement. In some embodiments, the stirrup apparatus 500, or parts of it, can be composed of bent laminated plywood sandwiched between two pieces of thin bent sheets of metal for strength. In some embodiments, rungs 210 and 240 can have variant three-dimensional geometric shapes capable of having a foot, boot, or shoe pass through. In some embodiments, rungs 210 or 240 can have top flat engagement faces 238 and 239. In some embodiments the top flat engagement faces 238 and 239 have orifices for engaging fasteners 230 and 225.

[0114] In several embodiments, the upper open portion of the rung 210 can be mechanically connected with bar 215. In several embodiments, bar 215 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, bar 215 can be straight, curved, or in any other three-dimensional shape. In several embodiments, bar 215 is mechanically held between the open ends of rung 210 via a screw or nail 220 as is known in the art by the screw or nail 220 passing through an orifice through the upper open portion of rung 210. In several embodiments, bar 215 can be hollow or internally threaded and supported by a screw or having bar 215 go through the sides of the U-shaped part of rung 210 for more support with washers and screws on either side.

[0115] In several embodiments, rung 210 can be attached to lower rung 240 via screws, nails or rivets 227 which can pass through orifices on a flat support piece 226 and the lower portion 235 of rung 210 such that the flat support piece 226 is facing the in interior of rung 210. In several embodiments, flat support piece 226 can be comprised of aluminum, hard plastic, metal, or other materials as known in the art for stirrups. In several embodiments, plate 226 is only an optional reinforcement or support piece.

[0116] Further shown is lower portion 245 on lower rung 240. In several embodiments, rungs 210 and 240 can be identical, of variant shape, or composed of variant materials. In several embodiments, rung 210 can be attached to lower rung 240 via bonding, being pre-cast, soldered, brazed or welded. In several embodiments, rungs 210 and 240 can be identical, of variant shape, or composed of variant materials. In some embodiments, rungs 210 or 240 can have top flat engagement faces 238 and 239. In some embodiments the top flat engagement faces 238 and 239 have orifices for engaging fasteners 230 and 225.

[0117] Some types of screw fastening bars could be dowel nuts or screw fastening cylinders and may be referenced in claims as a “Screw Fastening Bar Set.” “Screw Fastening Bar Set” can be also defined herein “as a cylinder or bar held in a first part used to fasten a screw, nail, rivet, or other fastener held in a second part, and hold said first part together with a second part.”

[0118] In several embodiments, the present invention is an improved stirrup comprising: a first open-ended rung 210; said first rung 210 further comprising; an open-ended top portion with an orifice on each open-ended rung side and a solid bottom rung portion with two orifices running through the bottom portion; a second open ended rung 240; said second rung further comprising; an open ended second top portion with, two orifices on the upward flat faces 238 and 239 of each open-ended rung side, and a solid second bottom rung portion; a hollow or internally threaded bar 215; a first set of screws 220; a second set of screws 130 and 125; a screw fastening bar set; wherein said hollow or internally threaded bar 215 is mechanically attached between said open-ended top portion of said first open-ended rung 210 by said first set of screws 220 being inserted through said open ended top portion orifice and inserted or threaded into said hollow or internally threaded bar 215; and wherein said screw fastening bar set is inserted into said orifices on said second rung is mechanically attached to said first rung by having said second set of screws 130 and 125 inserted through said two orifices on said bottom rung portion 135 of said first rung 210 and into said two orifices on the upward flat faces 238 and 239 of each open-ended rung side of said second rung 120 and threaded into or fastened to said screw fastening bar set. In several embodiments, said first rung 210 and said hollow or threaded bar 215 are precast as one piece. In several embodiments of the present invention flat support bar is on top of bottom rung portion 135 and second set of screws 130 and 125.

[0119] In several embodiments of the present invention, multiple rungs 140 can be strung together with optional additional orifices on face 145 to connect them. In several embodiments, the first rung 110 and said second rung 140 are precast as one piece. In several embodiments, the second rung 140 further comprises two orifices on said second bottom rung portion that can be attached to a third open-ended rung. In several embodiments, said third rung has an open-ended third top portion with two orifices on the upward flat faces of each open-ended rung side and a solid third bottom rung portion. In several embodiments, the second rung and third rung are mechanically attached to said first rung by having said second set of screws inserted through said two orifices on said bottom rung portion of said second rung and into said two orifices on the upward flat faces of each open-ended rung side of said third rung and fastened.

[0120] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teaching herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied.