GB2569265A

GB2569265A - Hoof support and method

Info

Publication number: GB2569265A
Application number: GB1712679.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wright John
Original assignee: Glue U Adhesives Bv
Current assignee: Glue-U Adhesives Bv
Priority date: 2017-08-07
Filing date: 2017-08-07
Publication date: 2019-06-19
Also published as: WO2019030130A1; GB201712679D0

Abstract

A hoof support 101 (e.g. for a cloven hoofed animal), having an upper surface 104 for receiving adhesive to affix the hoof support 101 to an animal hoof, where the upper surface 104 comprises one or more radiation transmission apertures (e.g. channel) 105 that permit transmission of electromagnetic radiation to the adhesive. The one or more apertures may permit transmission from a base portion to an adhesion zone at the upper surface, which may be line of sight. The upper surface 104 may comprise one or more protrusions 107 for spacing the animal hoof from the upper surface and defining an adhesion zone. The protrusions may be adjacent the apertures 105. A method, system and kit are also claimed.

Description

The invention relates to a hoof support for a cloven hoofed animal. In particular, it relates to a hoof support of the hoof block type, a method of attaching a hoof support and a shoe comprising a hoof support.

The invention is particularly advantageous for use with bovine hooves but may equally apply to hoof supports for the hooves of other cloven hoofed animals, such as sheep, deer and camels.

Due to stabling, sudden movement, environmental conditions, uneven growth or weight distribution, animal hooves may become injured or infected. This is particularly common in dairy cows, which often develop sole ulcers, resulting in significant discomfort for the cows. Wear on the hooves can also change shape over time and become unstable.

Some hooves such as a bovine hoof, consist of two digits or claws - an outer (lateral) claw and am inner (medial) claw. Regular trimming of bovine claws is recommended for intensively managed herds. Any lesions on the claws may benefit from early preventative measures. When one of the claws on the hoof is injured, the hoof is trimmed and typically a hoof support such as a wooden hoof block is affixed to the hoof on the healthy claw of the injured hoof, in order to elevate and alleviate pressure from the injured claw.

Historically, solid wooden blocks, shaped to engage with a bovine claw, have been attached to the hoof. More recently, rubber and plastic blocks have been developed. Typically, these hoof blocks comprise ridges or other spacing elements to promote adhesion on the surface that is glued to a claw.

One of the problems with hoof blocks of the prior art is that they often become prematurely detached from the claw and it is difficult to apply an appropriate amount of glue to ensure affective adhesion.

Another problem with some adhesives are very temperature sensitive. For example, polyurethane glue cures much more quickly in higher temperatures and thus, a hoof block being applied in a warm environment needs to be correctly positioned on a claw very quickly - and in a cold environment, takes too long to cure.

When attaching hoof blocks to a cow hoof, often under time pressure, it is difficult to determine if enough adhesive remains between hoof and block to achieve a suitable bond. It is also difficult to ensure the adhesive is evenly distributed and whether it sets evenly. Too little adhesive may not achieve a suitable bond but too much adhesive will result in a weak bond and may result in leakage of adhesive around the edges of the block.

Furthermore, common adhesives such as urethane adhesives typically set within a few seconds but may take several minutes to cure and become weight-bearing. If the curing process is not sufficiently advanced when the hoof is released and weight is applied to it, the hoof block is likely to become displaced and/or prematurely separated from the hoof.

Since polyurethane glues are also temperature sensitive, curing times may vary according to temperature and it can be very difficult to determine when sufficient curing has occurred.

The problem of retaining a hoof block on a bovine claw has been addressed in the prior art documents

GB2524240 (Moowell) describes a hoof block retaining device for fitting to a wooden hoof block of the prior art and elevating one claw of a cloven hoofed animal. US2003/0106699 (Reiss) discloses an adhesive pad to retain a block on the hoof surface.

US2016/0100566 (The Smart Block LLC) discloses a hoof block and method in which adhesive is injected into a cavity formed between the hoof and block surface, through a channel in the hoof block, in order to achieve even distribution of adhesive to the cavity between hoof and block.

It would be desirable to provide an improved hoof support and method for attaching a hoof block to an animal hoof.

One aspect of the invention provides a hoof support comprising an upper surface for receiving adhesive to affix the hoof support to an animal hoof; wherein the upper surface comprises one or more radiation transmission apertures configured to permit transmission of radiation therethrough.

Preferably, the upper surface comprises one or more radiation transmission apertures configured to permit transmission of radiation therethrough when the hoof support is in position on the animal hoof.

The upper surface may be the claw engaging surface.

The upper surface may comprise a substantially planar upper wall.

The upper surface may comprise a substantially open lattice structure.

Optionally, the one or more radiation transmission apertures are configured to permit transmission of radiation from a base portion to an adhesion zone defined by the upper surface and a hoof.

In certain embodiments, the one or more radiation transmission apertures are configured to permit transmission of radiation from a base portion of the hoof support to the upper surface.

Optionally, the base portion and the one or more radiation transmission apertures are arranged to permit line of sight propagation of electromagnetic waves from the base portion to the adhesion zone.

Preferably, the base portion and the one or more radiation transmission apertures are arranged to permit substantially uninterrupted transmission of electromagnetic waves from the base portion to the adhesion zone.

The radiation may comprise electromagnetic radiation selected from ultra violet or infra red light.

The electromagnetic radiation may comprise ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), microwaves, visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, thermal radiation, or any combination thereof.

The hoof support may be for elevating one claw of a hoof.

Optionally, the one or more radiation transmission apertures are configured to permit passage of adhesive from the upper surface to one or more cavities in a body of the hoof support.

In certain embodiments, the one or more radiation transmission apertures are configured to permit passage of adhesive from the upper surface to the underside of the upper surface wall.

Passage of adhesive may occur in use under compression.

The adhesion zone may be in fluid communication with an interior space defined by the upper wall and perimeter wall. In certain embodiments, the body of the hoof support is substantially hollow.

This provides the advantage that the apertures function as both radiation transmission apertures and adhesive outlet channels.

Optionally, each of the one or more cavities in the body of the hoof support is defined by a channel.

Optionally, each channel is substantially open at the base portion of the hoof support.

Each channel may be substantially closed at the base portion by a translucent covering.

Optionally, the support lattice defines the opening at a lower end of each channel.

In certain embodiments, the support comprises opposing corresponding radiation transmission apertures at an upper surface and a base portion, which may be at opposing ends of channels. Optionally, the channels are substantially perpendicular to the upper surface.

The channels may be arranged to permit substantially uninterrupted propagation of electromagnetic radiation along the channels, from the base to the radiation transmission apertures.

The hoof support may comprise a perimeter wall comprising a channel at least partially defined by protrusions on upper and lower portions of said perimeter wall.

Optionally, the upper surface comprises one or more protrusions for spacing the animal hoof from the upper surface to define the adhesion zone.

The one or more protrusions may be positioned adjacent the one or more light transmission apertures.

This provides the advantage that a plurality of hoof supports may be efficiently stacked.

Another aspect of the invention provides a shoe for a cloven hoofed animal comprising the hoof support and a hoof support retainer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of adhering a hoof support to an animal hoof comprising;

applying adhesive to an upper surface of a hoof support and/or a lower surface of the animal hoof; positioning the hoof support on a lower surface of the animal hoof; and transmitting radiation to the adhesive.

In certain embodiments, radiation is transmitted to the adhesive from a light source or thermal transmitter.

Optionally, transmission of radiation is from a base portion to an adhesion zone defined by the upper surface and a hoof.

In certain embodiments, the transmission of radiation is through one or more radiation transmission apertures.

The one or more radiation transmission apertures may be configured to permit transmission of radiation from a base portion of the hoof support to the upper surface.

In certain embodiments, transmission of radiation is through a translucent or clear material.

In certain embodiments, the radiation transmission is by line of sight propagation of electromagnetic waves from the base portion of the hoof support to the adhesive.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a system for adhering a hoof support to an animal hoof; comprising a hoof support having an upper surface for receiving adhesive to affix the hoof support to an animal hoof;

and a radiation transmitter for transmitting radiation to the adhesive when the hoof support is positioned on the animal hoof;

wherein the upper surface comprises one or more radiation transmission apertures configured to permit transmission of the radiation therethrough.

The radiation transmitter may comprise a UV light source, an infra-red light source or a thermal radiation source, such as a heat gun.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a kit comprising at least one hoof support and an adhesive.

Optionally, the kit may comprise at least one hoof support and at least one a hoof support retainer.

The kit may comprise plurality of hoof supports.

The kit optionally comprises a transmitter of electromagnetic radiation.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a hoof support comprising an upper surface for receiving adhesive to affix the hoof support to an animal hoof; wherein at least a portion of the upper surface is formed from a substantially translucent material to permit transmission of radiation therethrough.

In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention by way of example only;

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hoof support of the invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1, showing the upper surface of the hoof support.

Figure 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the hoof support of the invention, showing the hoof support in position on a hoof.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hoof support of the invention, showing a lower surface.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the hoof support of Figure 4, showing the lower surface.

Figure 6A is a plan view of the hoof support retainer or shoe of the invention comprising the hoof support.

Figure 6B is a perspective view of the hoof support retainer or shoe of the invention comprising the hoof support.

Figure 6C is a plan view of the hoof support retainer or shoe of the invention comprising the hoof support.

As illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, one embodiment of the hoof support 101 of the invention comprises a substantially hollow body portion 102, having a perimeter wall 103 extending around the perimeter of the body 102 and a reinforcing support lattice 111 extending across the body in the space defined by the perimeter wall 103.

An upper wall 109 of the body 102 comprises a surface 104, which in use is a hoof-facing surface to which an adhesive may be applied in order to affix the hoof support 101 to one claw of a cloven hoofed animal, such as a cow.

A number of apertures 105 in the upper wall 109 extend through the upper surface 104, opening into and in fluid communication with one or more internal cavities 106 in the body portion 102. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, the internal cavities comprise channels defined by the support lattice 111.

The support lattice shown in the Figures comprises a hexagonal or honeycomb lattice structure but it will be appreciated that various configurations of reinforcing structures could be utilised to provide the necessary strength in use under compression from the weight of a large animal.

A base portion 110 of the hoof support 101 is substantially open to the exterior of the support. As such, the channels or internal cavities 106 are substantially open at both ends ie at the lower portion of the body 102 and at the apertures 105 in the upper wall 109.

In use, the reinforcing lattice and the underside of the perimeter wall are the ground engaging surfaces and this open base configuration provides improved grip and traction at the lower surface of the hoof support.

Another advantage of the substantially open structure of the hoof support is that in use the internal cavities 106 may become compacted with mud, creating a substantially solid reinforced block structure.

Solid wooden hoof blocks of the prior art are prone to absorbing moisture from the environment, which can affect bonding to a hoof. The hoof support of the present invention may be constructed from wood but is preferably made from a rubber or plastics material such as polyurethane (PU). The block may be substantially rigid or may provide a degree of flexibility to improve wear time.

In certain embodiments, the perimeter wall 103 is between l-3mm in thickness, preferably 2.5mm. The lattice wall thickness is between about l-3mm. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, thinner walls with a greater number of reinforcing structures or thicker walls with fewer reinforcing structures is envisaged within the scope of the invention.

The hoof support 101 may be of any suitable size or shape but is preferably sized and shaped to correspond to the shape and size of a bovine claw (rear or foreclaw). The hoof support may be provided in pairs of mirror image forms in order to fit to lateral or medial claws.

In certain embodiments the upper surface 104 is substantially parallel with the base or ground engaging surfaces of the support. In other embodiments the upper surface may be slightly angled, up to around 5 degrees, such that the axial side is higher. This helps to transfer weight away from the damaged claw and gives more support and stability.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, one or more spacers 107 are located on the upper surface 104 adjacent the apertures 105. When the hoof support 101 is pressed against a claw 300, the spacers contact the claw of the hoof 300 and space it from the upper surface slightly. This creates an adhesive space 112 defined by the surface of the claw of the hoof 300 and the upper surface 104 of the hoof support. The adhesive space 112 permits a layer of adhesive of a certain thickness to be retained between the hoof and hoof support, to promote effective adhesion.

In certain embodiments, spacers may comprises bosses or ring structures defining the apertures 105. In other embodiments the spacers may comprise other protrusions of any shape or configuration suitable for spacing the upper surface 104 from a claw.

In certain embodiments, spacers are positioned substantially around the perimeter as continuous rim or as discrete projections around the perimeter of the upper surface 104 to prevent or minimise any loss of uncured adhesive from the adhesive layer.

As illustrated in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-3, opposing spacers 107 positioned either side of an aperture 105 provide the advantage that optimum spacing of the claw away from the surface 104 is maintained at the location of the apertures. This promotes some passage of adhesive through the apertures and ensures a certain thickness of adhesive can be effectively cured at the apertures 105.

Spacers determine the maximum thickness of the adhesive layer. In one embodiment, the spacers are between about 1.5-3mm in height. The spacers are configured in an arrangement to allow stacking of a plurality of hoof supports, which may be sold, for example in packs in a stacked configuration. Spacer height preferably corresponds to the optimum glue exotherm.

A number of adhesives are suitable for use with the hoof support of the invention. These may be reactive adhesives, single or multi component adhesives. Examples are epoxide, acrylate, polyester or urethane based adhesives. The invention provides particular advantages in polyurethane adhesion systems.

The hoof support 101 can be adhered to a claw of a bovine hoof 300 by applying a layer of adhesive to the upper surface 104 and pressing the support 101 onto the claw. Typically, hoof supports are adhered to a bovine claw manually by pressing to the claw and holding for a short period to allow some curing of the glue.

The apertures 105 in the upper surface and the open structure of the hoof support of the invention provide improved curing of the adhesive because when positioned on a claw, a greater area of adhesive remains exposed. This in itself provides enhanced curing but a further advantage is that a greater area of the adhesive layer remains visible to the fitter. As such, this removes a level of guess work as to when the glue is sufficiently cured to release the hoof and allow the block to bear load.

A further advantage of the invention is that the curing process can be readily accelerated because the configuration of the support allows transmission of heat or light energy directly to multiple areas of the adhesive layer, when the support is in situ on the claw.

In use, a source of electromagnetic radiation is utilised in conjunction with the hoof support 101 and an adhesive to quickly cure the adhesive when in place on an animal hoof. Electromagnetic (EM) radiation may include ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), microwaves, visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, thermal radiation.

With the hoof support 101 in place on a claw (not shown), UV light is transmitted from the base of the support 101 and radiant energy passes directly to the adhesive through the apertures 105, which function as light transmission apertures.

In fitting the support, a portion of the adhesive may be forced through the apertures into the one or more cavities 106 of the support body and may contact the interior surface of the upper walITt 109 around the perimeter of the apertures. When this adhesive cures under UV, it creates an adhesive plug through the apertures 105, strengthening the bond between support 101 and adhesive layer affixed to the claw.

The apertures 106 are configured to permit an optimum level of UV transmission to the adhesive, whilst permitting only a small degree of flow of adhesive through the apertures into the interior of the body.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-5, the internal cavities 106 defined by the support lattice comprise channels extending between upper wall 109 and base, substantially perpendicular to the upper wall 109.

Each aperture 105 is associated with a hollow channel 106, through which EM radiation propagates from the base of the support to the adhesive layer with minimal attenuation of radiant energy.

This line of sight transmission of EM radiation is particularly effective for fast and reliable curing and adhesion of the hoof support to the claw.

In one embodiment, the hoof support 101 is manufactured of a translucent material such as a clear polyethylene or PET. This allows maximum UV light transmission to the adhesive layer and hoof and may enhance disinfectant or antibacterial properties of the UV. In such embodiments, the upper surface may have fewer, smaller or substantially no light transmission apertures.

In the Figures, the hoof support comprises 34 light transmission apertures in the upper wall, arranged at intervals across substantially the entire upper surface 104. This promotes even curing of glue across the surface of the claw.

Although shown as small round openings, it is envisaged that the scope of the invention includes apertures of any suitable dimension or shape, for example but not limited to elongate openings, slots, mesh or lattice type openings.

In certain embodiment, the apertures may be around 3-8mm in diameter. More preferably the apertures are 4-6mm in diameter. Even more preferably, the apertures are of around 5mm in diameter. The diameter of the apertures must provide sufficient light transmission, without weakening the structure of the block, or allowing too much adhesive leakage.

In certain embodiments, the sum of the areas of the apertures 105 comprises between around 1040% of the surface area of the upper surface of the hoof support.

In certain embodiments, the percentage of openness of the base is between around 50-90% to permit optimum passage of light / volume of air to the adhesive layer.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the perimeter wall 103, having on its lower section 112 protrusions 113 on a lower section, which taper towards the base 110 of the body 102. At its upper section 114, the perimeter wall 103 has mirror image protrusions 115, which taper towards the upper wall of the body 102. The protrusions 113,115 are generally frusto triangular in shape. In other embodiments they may be generally conical, frusto-conical or frusto-pyramidal.

The apex (frusto-apex) 117 of each of the protrusions 113 form planar surfaces projecting laterally from the base 110. The apex 116 of each of the protrusions 115 form planar surfaces projecting laterally from the upper surface 104.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a space between the lower ends of protrusions 117 and the upper ends of protrusions 113 defines a channel 118 extending around the perimeter wall 103 at its centre.

The protrusions 113,115 and channel 117 are configured to engage with a removable retaining cuff in a friction fit as illustrated in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C.

The cuff 119 is preferably formed from a resiliently deformable material and has a toe portion 121 shaped to receive part of the bovine hoof wall of a claw and a perimeter band 120 for fitting around the perimeter wall of the support 101.

The perimeter band 120 may include on an internal (support facing) surface a central flange or rim that engages with the channel 117 to retain the cuff in position around the support 101. The cuff 119 may include other protrusions (not shown) to engage with protrusions 113 and/or 115 to prevent rotation or other displacement of the cuff. The cuff 119 and support 110 together provide a shoe.

The toe portion 121 extends and slopes towards the rear end of the cuff 119 such that in use it provides a barrier around a substantial portion (up to between around 60-80% of the circumference of the support 101) and provides a sidewall barrier around the edges of the adhesive space to retain adhesive thereon.

The cuff may clip on to or stretch fit onto the hoof support 101.

The protrusions 113,115 also provide ease of manufacture and release from tooling during the manufacturing process, such as in injection moulding.

The protrusions 113,115 also provide spacing for adhesive around the perimeter when a cuff is attached to the support in a hoof shoe type arrangement. Such cuffs commonly fit over a portion of the hoof to aid retention of the support.

In certain embodiments, a membrane or covering may be included on the base of the support, or as a removable retainer on the support, such that the internal cavity or channels is not open at the base. However, the membrane or retainer is of a material and thickness, which may be translucent or otherwise configured to allow one or more forms of EM radiation to penetrate and readily pass through to the apertures.

In another embodiment, the base of the support comprises a base wall comprising light transmission apertures, which may be in an arrangement substantially similar to, and in opposing positions to those of the upper wall.

In one embodiment, the hoof support 101 lacks an upper wall 109 and the upper surfaces of the support lattice 111 forms the hoof engaging upper surface 104, such that the channels 106 define the apertures 105. In this embodiment upper surface 104 and base surface are substantially identical (or mirror images). In this embodiment, the support 101 may be used on either claw of a hoof.

The hoof support 101 provides a structure providing efficient transfer of EM radiation and/or air flow from the exterior of the support to an adhesive layer defined by a claw and an upper surface of a hoof support.

Claims

1. A hoof support comprising an upper surface for receiving adhesive to affix the hoof support to an animal hoof;

wherein the upper surface comprises one or more radiation transmission apertures configured to permit transmission of radiation therethrough.

2. The hoof support of Claim 1, wherein the one or more radiation transmission apertures are configured to permit transmission of radiation from a base portion to an adhesion zone defined by the upper surface and a hoof.

3. The hoof support of claim 2, wherein the base portion and the one or more radiation transmission apertures are arranged to permit line of sight propagation of electromagnetic waves from the base portion to the adhesion zone.

4. The hoof support of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radiation comprises electromagnetic radiation selected from ultra violet light, infra red light or thermal radiation.

5. The hoof support of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more radiation transmission apertures are configured to permit passage of adhesive from the upper surface to one or more cavities in a body of the hoof support.

6. The hoof support of claim 5, wherein each of the one or more cavities in the body of the hoof support is defined by a channel.

7. The hoof support of claim 6, wherein each channel is substantially open at the base portion of the hoof support.

8. The hoof support of claim 6, wherein each channel is substantially closed at the base portion by a translucent covering.

9. The hoof support of any preceding claim, comprising a perimeter wall comprising a channel at least partially defined by protrusions on upper and lower portions of said perimeter wall.

10. The hoof support of any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the upper surface comprises one or more protrusions for spacing the animal hoof from the upper surface to define the adhesion zone.

11. The hoof support of claim 10, wherein the one or more spacers are positioned adjacent the one or more light transmission apertures.

12. A shoe for a cloven hoofed animal comprising the hoof support of any of claims 1 to 11 and a hoof support retainer.

13. A method of adhering a hoof support to an animal hoof comprising;

applying adhesive to an upper surface of a hoof support and/or a lower surface of the animal hoof;

positioning the hoof support on a lower surface of the animal hoof; and transmitting radiation to the adhesive.

14. A system for adhering a hoof support to an animal hoof; comprising a hoof support having an upper surface for receiving adhesive to affix the hoof support to an animal hoof; and a radiation transmitter for transmitting radiation to the adhesive when the hoof support is positioned on the animal hoof;

15. A kit comprising at least one hoof support as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 and an adhesive.

16. A hoof support comprising an upper surface for receiving adhesive to affix the hoof support to an animal hoof;

wherein at least a portion of the upper surface is formed from a substantially translucent or substantially clear material to permit transmission of radiation therethrough.