Abstract: The extendable stirrup includes an upper stirrup, a lower stirrup slidably connected to the upper stirrup, a lock, a release and a retraction mechanism. 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 between retracted and extended positions on the upper stirrup and can be extended downward to give the rider a lower “step” for mounting the horse. A lock is disposed on the upper and lower stirrups and engages in the extended position locking the lower stirrup in the extended position. A release disengages the lock upon downward movement of the lower stirrup or, in an alternative embodiment, upon pressure applied to a trigger on the upper foot plate when the lower stirrup is in the extended position. In either embodiment, when the release disengages, the lower stirrup automatically retracts toward the upper stirrup.

Abstract: A stirrup includes a crossbar, a first U-shaped member, a second U-shaped member slidably connected to the first U-shaped member, and a retraction mechanism. The crossbar connects two sides of the first U-shaped member. The second U-shaped member is adapted to slide between first and second positions on the first U-shaped member. The retraction mechanism is biased to retract the second U-shaped member from the first position to the second position. A method for facilitating mounting of a riding animal is provided. The method includes extending a first portion of a stirrup, climbing onto the riding animal by putting a foot on the extended first portion of the stirrup, and retracting the extended first portion of the stirrup in response to releasing foot pressure from the first portion. The act of extending includes sliding the first portion downward along a second portion of the stirrup.

Abstract: A decryption apparatus for use in correlating broadcast designations associated with tabular programming schedules to numerical channel designations corresponding to television channel selection apparatus. The decryption apparatus includes a plurality of generally transparent surfaces and a plurality of less transparent surfaces. The decryption apparatus may also include one or more generally opaque registration surfaces to facilitate alignment of the decryption apparatus with a tabular programming schedule to facilitate use thereof.

Abstract: A flotation restraint apparatus for use in a body of water comprising a longitudinal buoy of sufficient buoyancy to provide flotation along the longitudinal axis of a swimmer, an annular flotation collar connecting to the longitudinal buoy and extending about the body of the swimmer, a restraint line having one end attached radially proximate the point of attachment of the longitudinal buoy to the annular float collar, and an anchor connecting the other end of the restraint line to a fixed object.