Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K13/00—Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combs; Fetlock rings; Tail-holders; Devices for preventing crib-biting; Washing devices; Protection against weather conditions or insects
  • A01K13/006—Protective coverings
  • A01K13/007—Leg, hoof or foot protectors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01L—SHOEING OF ANIMALS
  • A01L3/00—Horseshoes fastened by means other than nails, with or without additional fastening by nailing
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01L—SHOEING OF ANIMALS
  • A01L5/00—Horseshoes made of elastic materials
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01L—SHOEING OF ANIMALS
  • A01L7/00—Accessories for shoeing animals
  • A01L7/02—Elastic inserts or soles for horseshoes

Definitions

• the invention relates to a hoof protector and shoe for attaching to the hoof of a horse or other similar hoofed animal.
• the invention also relates to a method of attaching a shoe to a hoof and to a method of manufacture.
• hooves continue to grow throughout the lifetime of the animal, it is necessary to replace horseshoes regularly. Over time, numerous holes in the hoof wall can create difficulties in attaching and retaining new shoes on the hoof. Further, hoof walls can become weakened and cracked, which can lead failure of the hoof wall and damage to the foot.
• US5330008 (Sigafoos & Moyer) describes a covering for a horse's hoof, comprising a layer of resin bonded to a conventional metallic horseshoe, with a layer of polymeric fibre fabric embedded in the resin. In use, the fabric layer extends up over a horse's hoof and is adhered to the outer surface of the hoof wall.
• US5699861 (Sigafoos) describes a kit that can be used to form a horseshoe, which can be applied using adhesive.
• the kit includes a rigid plate, a urethane sole and a cuff, which has a shoe bed and skirt.
• the kit may further include shock-attenuating material to be bonded to the sole and is said to allow a farrier to configure a horseshoe to the requirements of a particular horse and hoof.
• US2008/0078562 (Sound Horse Technologies) discloses an assembly for attaching a horseshoe to a horse's hoof.
• the assembly includes an elastomeric rim pad, a fabric cuff and a bendable plate. This adjustable assembly is said to allow for adjustment to match a selected horseshoe/hoof.
• One aspect of the invention provides a shoe for a hoof comprising:
• the relatively rigid substantially U-shaped element may include holes to allow for bonding of the resiliently deformable material thereto, or for alteration of shape.
• forming the flange and base integrally provides a one piece resiliently deformable element, which both cushions and protects a hoof wall.
• the relatively rigid substantially U-shaped element is attached directly to the base. This provides the advantage that the shoe may be formed in only two parts.
• the flange comprises a plurality of sections that are resiliently deformable independently of one another. This provides the advantage that adhesive may be applied between the shoe and hoof while the animal is wearing the shoe, while the shoe is held firmly in place by the other sections. Also, it may be desirable to leave certain parts of the foot accessible, for example, if the foot is injured. Therefore a user can select to adhere certain sections of the shoe and not others.
• the sections may be defined by at least one slit.
• the flange comprises two slits.
• the flange may comprise more than two slits.
• the resiliently deformable element comprises a heel grip portion and toe grip portion.
• a substantial portion of the flange of the resiliently deformable element forms an acute angle with the base.
• the shoe is thus shaped to conform to a hoof wall and to bear against the hoof wall, which helps to maintain grip of the shoe on the hoof.
• the acute angle may smaller at the toe grip portion than at the heel grip portion.
• the toe grip portion of the flange preferably tapers towards the distal end of the flange.
• This tapering of the flange provides flexibility, such that the resiliently
• deformable material can be pulled away from the hoof for fitting or during use.
• the toe grip portion preferably comprises a pre-formed curved outer profile configured to conform to a hoof wall.
• the substantially U-shaped element is bonded to the resiliently deformable element. In one embodiment, the substantially U-shaped element is partially or substantially encapsulated by the resiliently deformable element.
• the substantially U-shaped element may comprise a metallic horseshoe of the conventional type or an element of non-metallic material of greater Shore hardness than that of the resiliently deformable element. Suitable materials will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
• the base may comprise a cushioning element such as an air pocket, a chamber, a gel, a liquid, or a material of lower Shore hardness than the base.
• a cushioning element such as an air pocket, a chamber, a gel, a liquid, or a material of lower Shore hardness than the base.
• An inner surface of the flange may comprise at least one recess. This may be in the form of an uneven surface to provide greater adhesion, and or channels in which adhesive can be located.
• the at least one recess may be configured to prevent adhesive spreading over an outer surface of the flange.
• An inner surface of the flange may comprise indicia for directing application of an adhesive.
• This provides an advantage in that an unskilled person may be able to fit the shoe of the invention, instead of a trained farrier.
• the shoe may further comprise one or more elements selected from: a reflective, fluorescent, luminous or glow-in-the-dark element, glitter, decorative surface coating, a light, a movement sensor.
• the flange comprises a removable portion.
• Removal of the portion may be assisted by score lines or other indicia on the flange.
• the shoe may comprise a pre-glued portion.
• a resiliently deformable hoof protector comprising a base configured to receive a solar surface of a hoof wall and a flange configured to extend over at least a portion of an outer surface of a hoof wall, and wherein the flange is integral with the base.
• Forming the flange integrally with the base provides the advantage that the hoof protector may be moulded in a single piece.
• the flange comprises a plurality of sections that are resiliently deformable independently of one another.
• the sections may be defined by at least one slit.
• the resiliently deformable element comprises a heel grip portion and toe grip portion.
• a substantial portion of the flange of the resiliently deformable element forms an acute angle with the base.
• the hoof protector is thus shaped to conform to a hoof wall and to bear against the hoof wall, which helps to maintain grip of the shoe on the hoof.
• the acute angle may smaller at the toe grip portion than at the heel grip portion.
• the toe grip portion of the flange preferably tapers towards the distal end of the flange.
• This tapering of the flange provides flexibility, such that the resiliently
• deformable material can be pulled away from the hoof for fitting or during use.
• the toe grip portion preferably comprises a pre-formed curved outer profile configured to conform to a hoof wall.
• the base of the hoof protector may comprise a cushioning element such as an air pocket, a chamber, a gel, a liquid, or a material of lower Shore hardness than the base. This provides additional shock absorbing properties to the hoof protector.
• An inner surface of the flange may comprise at least one recess.
• This may be in the form of an uneven surface to provide greater adhesion, and or channels in which adhesive can be located.
• the at least one recess may be configured to prevent adhesive spreading over an outer surface of the flange. This prevents unsightly and messy spilling over of adhesive.
• An inner surface of the flange may comprise indicia for directing application of an adhesive.
• the hoof protector may further comprise one or more elements selected from: a reflective, fluorescent, luminous or glow-in-the-dark element, glitter, decorative surface coating, a light, a movement sensor.
• Such elements may enhance road safety and/or aesthetic appearance.
• the flange comprises a removable portion.
• Removal of the portion may be assisted by score lines or other indicia on the flange.
• the hoof protector may comprise a pre-glued portion.
• Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a shoe for a hoof comprising co-moulding a hoof protector portion formed of a resiliently deformable material and a relatively rigid substantially U-shaped portion.
• Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of attaching a shoe to a hoof comprising the steps of:
• the step of applying the adhesive between the outer surface of the hoof wall and the shoe is performed with shoe and hoof on the ground.
• Another aspect of the invention provides a kit comprising the shoe of any of claims 1 to 22 and an adhesive.
• the kit may comprise an applicator for the adhesive.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shoe of the invention.
• Figure 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of the shoe of the invention.
• Figure 3a is a schematic representation of a cross-section through one embodiment of a portion of the resiliently deformable element through line A-A' of Figure 2.
• Figure 3b a schematic representation of a cross-section through one
• Figure 4a is a schematic representation of a cross-section through one embodiment of a portion of the resiliently deformable element.
• Figure 4b is a schematic representation of a cross-section through one embodiment of a portion of the resiliently deformable element.
• Figure 4c is a schematic representation of a cross-section through of one embodiment of a portion of the resiliently deformable element.
• Figure 4d is a schematic representation of a cross-section through of one embodiment of a portion of the resiliently deformable element.
• Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the shoe of the invention showing the shoe in use.
• the term "solar surface” can be taken to refer to the underside or lower surface of a hoof wall. This is the area to which conventional horseshoes are normally fitted. This will be apparent in the context of the document and to those skilled in the art.
• the "outer surface” of the hoof wall refers to any part of the surface of the hoof wall that is not on the underside of the hoof.
• a shoe 1 for attaching to the hoof of a horse or other similar hoofed animal comprises a hoof protector 2, which has a flange 3, extending from a substantially U-shaped base 4.
• a rigid U-shaped element 11 is bonded or otherwise attached to the hoof protector 2.
• the rigid U-shaped element 11 is a conventional metallic horseshoe.
• the base 4 of the hoof protector 2 is shaped to correspond substantially to the shape of a conventional horseshoe and is configured to receive the underside of a horse's hoof wall.
• a horse's hoof will bear down on an upper surface 4' of the base 4.
• This upper surface 4' includes a recessed portion 5, which tapers toward the innermost edge 6 of the hoof protector 2. In use, this assists in alleviating some of the pressure from the innermost edge of a horse's hoof wall. This is a region of the hoof wall where problems often occur due to excessive forces.
• the flange 3 extends upwards from the base 4 at an acute angle to the base.
• the flange 3 and base 4 are integrally formed and are of resiliently deformable material, such as polyurethane.
• the flange 3 includes a toe grip 7 and heel grips 8. Two slits 9 extend down approximately two thirds of the depth of the toe grip 7, forming three sections or tabs 7a, 7b, 7c in the toe grip 7.
• the toe grip 7 is of a preformed shape, which corresponds substantially to a curved outer surface of a horse's hoof.
• the toe grip 7 of the flange 3 extends to a height of around 50mm. In use, this provides a sizeable area for
• the toe grip 7 allows support for damaged hoof wall in higher areas. Although around 50mm is preferred, the toe grip may be higher if desired. In other circumstances, it may be desirable for the height of the toe grip 7 to be around 25mm or even around 12mm, for example for race horses.
• Advertisements or logos may printed onto, or moulded integrally with the flange 3.
• Aesthetic elements may be included on or in the flange 3 for safety, fashion or novelty effects.
• the flange itself may be formed of a highly visible material such as a reflective, fluorescent, glitter effect, luminous or glow-in-the-dark type material. It may have a decorative surface coating and/or reflective elements such as reflectors, high visibility strips, lights such as LEDs or fibre optic lights, and/or movement sensors linked to lights.
• Figures 3a and 3b show cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of a portion of the shoe 1 of the invention, through the line A-A' of Figure 2.
• the flange 3 extends substantially perpendicular to the base 4 at a short section 12, which in one embodiment is around 5mm in height.
• the flange 3 then tapers in cross-section from a width of around 5mm at point 13 towards its uppermost tip 14, at which the cross-section is around 2mm in width.
• the angle of incline of the flange 3 varies around the circumference of the shoe 1.
• the flange extends at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the axis of the base 4.
• the line A-A' corresponds to the centre of the toe grip 7 of the flange 3.
• the angle of incline is slightly steeper, the flange 3 extending at approximately 50 degrees from the axis of the base 4.
• the angle the flange 3 forms with the base is steeper again - at approximately 65 degrees to base 4.
• the heel grip 8 portion of the flange 3 extends at an angle of approximately 72 degrees to the axis of the base 4. It will be well known those in the art that horses hooves may vary substantially in the angle of incline of the hoof wall.
• the particular configuration of the resiliently deformable flange 3 allows the hoof protector 2 to fit any angle of horse's hoof. Further, the slits 9 in the toe grip 7 provide added flexibility to the hoof protector portion, for ease of fitting.
• Figure 3a shows an embodiment in which the hoof protector 2 is bonded to a substantially rigid U-shaped element 11. It may assist in bonding if portions of the hoof protector 2 extend into apertures or recesses (not shown) in the U- shaped element 11. Threaded holes may be included for stud inserts.
• the urethane hoof protector 2 may be cast onto a metal U-shaped element (or conventional horseshoe) with or without application of a metal primer.
• the U- shaped element may first be prepared by sand blasting or acid etching.
• the hoof protector 2 is shown to extend slightly forward of the rigid U-shaped element 11.
• the hoof protector 2 may extend over the front surface of the rigid U-shaped element 11, such that it is not visible in use.
• the hoof protector 2 may even extend around the rigid U-shaped element 11, such that the rigid U-shaped element 11 is substantially or wholly encapsulated by the resiliently deformable material of the hoof protector 2.
• the hoof protector 2 can be over moulded onto the whole or part of the substantially rigid U-shaped element to form a secure attachment thereto.
• the substantially rigid U-shaped element 11 may be a conventional metal horse shoe. It may alternatively be of another substantially rigid material, which is of greater Shore hardness than the material of the hoof protector 2.
• the substantially U-shaped element 11 is thus relatively rigid and the hoof protector 2 is relatively flexible but sufficiently resilient to retain its shape unless under force.
• the shoe 1 may be formed in a co-moulding or two shot moulding process, in which the relatively rigid substantially U-shaped element 11 and the relatively flexible hoof protector 2 are moulded together to form a strong bond between these two parts of the shoe 1. Any appropriate co-moulding process can be selected as appropriate to the particular materials of the two parts.
• the base 4 of the hoof protector 2 is preferably of about 5mm in thickness. In use, this provides cushioning of the hoof wall and shock absorbing properties.
• An additional cushioning or padding material may be added to the surface of the base 4.
• resiliently deformable material will be both above and below the U-shaped element 11, providing additional cushioning and shock absorbing properties.
• the base 4 may include a pocket that may be filled with gas, gel or liquid to provide additional cushioning.
• the base 4 may include an insert of a material having a different Shore hardness to that of the main body of the hoof protector 2.
• the inner surface 9 of the flange 3 may include one or more recesses 10.
• recess 10 provides a recessed area in which adhesive may be applied.
• the wall edges 10' of the recess 10 provide a barrier to prevent excess adhesive from spreading outside of the desired area.
• a number of recesses 10 provide the advantage of increased surface area on the inner surface 9, for adhesion.
• a recess 10 provides a channel in which the flow of excess adhesive will be directed towards a lower surface of the hoof protector 1. This prevents excess adhesive from rising up outside of the protector 1 over the outer surface of the flange 3.
• the inner surface of the flange 3 may include recesses and/or other indicia such as printed lines or text, to provide guidance on optimal positioning and/or application of adhesive.
• Figure 5 shows the shoe 1 in use on a hoof 12.
• the foot 13 may be prepared in the standard way for shoeing, which will be well known to those skilled in the art.
• a shoe 1 of an appropriate size is selected and the hoof protector 2 is inspected for cleanliness.
• a cleaning agent may be used to remove any material that could inhibit adhesion.
• the foot is supported either by an assistant or by the use of a support stand and checked for readiness of applying adhesive.
• the shoe 1 (and hoof protector 2) provides advantages in that the method of attachment to a hoof 12 can be varied according to particular requirements. It may be fitted using a one stage or a two stage process.
• a glue gun is used to expel a two-part polyurethane from a two-part cartridge which is placed within the glue gun.
• the cartridge has attached to it a mixing nozzle so that the glue expelled by it thoroughly mixed.
• the adhesive may alternatively be an epoxy resin or acrylic.
• the foot 13 is held off the ground in most cases until the adhesive has hardened. This may vary from 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on ambient
• the foot can then be placed upon the ground for full curing to take place.
• the amount of time for full curing can vary.
• the hoof 12, with the shoe 1, may then be placed immediately upon the ground.
• the resiliently deformable material of the flange 3 of the hoof protector 2 allows the flange 3 to be peeled away from the dorsal wall of the hoof 12, such that adhesive may be applied to the hoof 12 and/or hoof protector 2 while the shoe 1 is in situ on the hoof 12.
• Those skilled in the art of veterinary science or farriery may elect to leave parts of the hoof protector 2 with no adhesion to enable access to parts of the foot for medical observation or for medical dressings or for any other reason.
• the slits 9 in the toe grip 7 of the flange 3 facilitate this, by partially dividing the toe grip 7 into three defined areas or tabs 7a, 7b, 7c. Each of these tabs 7a,7b,7c may be may be lifted in turn to apply adhesive, before being released to returned to position against the hoof 12. While one tab is lifted, the remaining two bear against the hoof 12, holding the hoof protector 2 firmly in position.
• the heel grips 8 of the flange 3 assist in securing the heel protector 2 in position on the hoof 12. They grip the hoof in the heel region, which helps to keep the hoof protector in position, even when other sections of the flange, such as parts of the toe grip 7 are lifted. If required, the heel grips may be similarly lifted away from the hoof 12.
• the hoof protector includes a strap or hook (not shown) that fits around the rear of the foot 13, to hold the shoe 1 in place.
• the strap or hook may be of the elastic band type, or may be formed integrally with the hoof protector.
• the strap or hook may be removably attachable to lugs or apertures in the heel grips 8.
• the hoof protector may be formed in some embodiments with more than two slits 9 in the flange 3 and/or may be of a more elastic material.
• the flange 3 includes pleated regions as an alternative to, or in addition to slits 9. These pleats (not shown) allow for expansion of the flange 3 in a concertina-like fashion. In some embodiments the flange may comprise more that two slits.
• the flange may comprise thinned or recessed regions that allow expansion and flexibility of the flange 3.
• the hoof protector 2 may therefore include a cutline or scored regions to assist in removing one or more sections of the hoof protector, either prior to, during or post-fitting. There may also be instances where the hoof may need to be trimmed but the shoe 1 or part thereof, need not be replaced. If only some parts of the hoof protector 2 are adhered to the hoof, the same hoof protector 2/ shoe 1 may be re-adhered for a second use, following trimming of a hoof. Previously non- adhered parts of the hoof protector 2 may be adhered at this stage and/or some parts may be removed.
• the hoof protector 2 may include pre-glued sections or tabs having "peel-off" type strips to assist in the fitting process and/or replacement of parts.

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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Environmental Sciences (AREA)
• Zoology (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
• Animal Husbandry (AREA)
• Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
• Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

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Citations (7)

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• 2012
  • 2012-05-10 GB GB1208232.7A patent/GB2501916A/en not_active Withdrawn
• 2013
  • 2013-05-02 WO PCT/GB2013/051136 patent/WO2013167873A1/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (7)

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