AU762837B2

AU762837B2 - Horseshoe with improved traction and cushioning features

Info

Publication number: AU762837B2
Application number: AU60828/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alistair Donald Lewis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-03-05
Filing date: 1998-03-05
Publication date: 2003-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-05
Also published as: AU6082898A

Description

P:OPER\GCP60828-98 spe.doc-055/03 -1- HORESESHOE WITH IMPROVED TRACTION AND CUSHIONING FEATURES This invention relates to horseshoes.

One object of the invention is to provide a horseshoe which has improved traction, particularly on soft surfaces such as dirt, turf, grass, grit, sand or a wet or damp running track of the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a horseshoe which has improved cushioning so as to lessen the likelihood of injury to the hooves or legs of the horse to which the horseshoe is fitted.

According to the present invention there is provided a horseshoe having: a base portion having a base surface which, in use, is adjacent the hoof of a horse; and an integral flange portion which projects downwardly from the base portion, said flange portion extending substantially along the entire length of the base portion; said flange portion comprising, in cross-section, first, second, third and fourth 20 portions, the first and third portions being substantially straight and the first portion defining at least in part an outer side of the horseshoe; the second portion being a convex curve merging smoothly into the first and third portions; the fourth portion being a concave curve which merges smoothly from the third portion to the base portion; and wherein a first and third portions forming a wedge shape which decreases in width in a direction away from the base portion; whereby, in use, the wedge shape provides a cushioning effect to the shoe as it S' strikes the ground, the reaction forces increasing as the wedge shape increases penetration 30 into the ground and wherein the flange portion has a depth as measured from the base surface and the base portion has a base width and wherein the ratio of the width (W) P:'OPER\GCPI60828.9S Mpd.-OS/05/03

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to the depth is in the range 1.25 Preferably, the integral projection comprises a rib.

WO 98/38852 PCT/AU98/00136 -2- Preferably further, the rib tapers, in cross section, in a direction away from said lower face.

Preferably further, the rib has a rounded lower edge.

Preferably further, the depth of the rib as measured from said upper surface is about plus or minus 50% of the width of the base of the horseshoe.

Preferably further, the rib has rounded trailing edges.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the horseshoe may include lateral outward extensions on the trailing end of the shoes. Such extensions are useful for trotters and/or pacers.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a horseshoe constructed in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an underside view of the horseshoe; Figure 3 is a frontal view of the horseshoe; Figure 4 is a rear view of the horseshoe; Figure 5 is a side view of the horseshoe; Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view along the line 6-6; Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view along the line 7-7; Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view along the line 8-8; Figures 9 and 10 are plan views of left and right rear horseshoes in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

The drawings show a horseshoe 2 having a generally U-shaped base portion 4 and a downwardly projecting rib 6. The base portion 4 has a planar upper face 8 which in use is normally adjacent to the bottom or sole of the hoof of a horse. The base portion 4 has a WO 98/38852 PCT/AU98/00136 thickness T in the range 1.5 to 3mm and preferably 2mm.

As best seen in Figures 2 and 4, the rib 6 projects downwardly from the underside surface 10 of the base 4 of the horseshoe. The rib 6 extends substantially the whole extent of the horseshoe except that it has rounded trailing edges, 12 and 14, as seen in Figure 4. It is preferred that the rib has no sharp edges which could cause injury to the horse to which the horseshoe is fitted. It is therefore preferred that the rib is in the form of a single continuous rib which extends substantially along the whole length of the base 4, as shown, but it will be appreciated that the rib could be in two or more segments.

As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the horseshoe includes a plurality of nail holes 16.

Preferably there are five nail holes. The number and disposition of the nail holes can be varied in accordance with known principles. In order to accommodate the heads of the nails, the inner face 18 of the rib includes nail hole rebates 20 which allow the head of the nails to be driven into the horseshoe such that the heads lie well below the bottom edge 22 of the rib.

As best seen in Figure 8, each nail hole rebate 20 includes an optional shoulder 24 against which the heads of the nails can be driven. The shoulder 24 is somewhat below the level of the underside surface 10 of the base 4, as shown in Figure 8. In Figure 2 the rebates 20 are rounded but straight sided rebates are an alternative.

The horseshoe may include an upwardly projecting central toe clip 26, as best seen in Figures 3, 4 and 5. The toe clip 26 provides stability for the front of the hoof in the usual way. In the arrangement of the invention, the toe clip extends upwardly adjacent to an optional shallow recess 28 formed in the rib 6 at the front of the horseshoe, as shown in Figure 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the tongue is centred. There could, however, be two or more toe clips or tongues equidistant from a midline, on either side of the base.

Figures 7 and 8 show in more detail the profile of the rib 6. It will be seen that the outer face 30 of the rib tapers inwardly at an angle A to a centreline 32 whereas the inner face 18 tapers inwardly at an angle B to the centreline 32. In accordance with the invention, the WO 98/38852 PCT/AU98/00136 -4angle A is smaller than the angle B. Preferably further, the sum of the angles A and B is in the range 200 to 600. In the illustrated arrangement the preferred values are as follows: angle A about 130, the angle B about 170.

The bottom edge of the rib preferably has a radius R, in the range 1 to 5mm and preferably 2mm. The curved portion 34 which sweeps inwardly from the face 18 to the underside surface 10 of the base preferably has a radius R 2 in the range 3 to 10mm. In the illustrated arrangement the preferred value for R, is 7mm.

Preferably further, the depth D of the rib 6 as measured from the upper face 8 is about 12mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the preferred value for the width W is The depth D of the rib 6 can be varied to meet requirements. It is thought that a minimum of about 6mm to a maximum of about 35mm would be appropriate. Normally the depth D would be less than 20mm and preferably in the range 9mm to 17mm. As indicated above, the most preferred depth is about 12mm, and this is preferably the value for different sizes of horseshoes with other dimensions being scaled accordingly.

The thickness T of the base portion 4 is in the range 1.5 to 3mm and preferably 2mm.

The centre line 32 is preferably offset by a distance L as measured from the outer edge of the base portion 4 by a distance in the range 6 to 10mm and preferably 8mm. The radius 2 preferably has a centre which is offset by a distance X from the inner edge of the base portion 4.

These dimensions are summarised in Table 1 below.

WO 98/38852 PCT/AU98/00136 TABLE 1 typical approximate range dimension fraction of mm or degrees mm or degrees depth D base width W 15 25 20 1.25 total depth D 9 17 12 thickness T 1.5 3 2 0.13 -0.25 length L 6- 10 8 0.03 -0.85 length X 2- 5 2.5 0.17 0.4 radius R, 1 5 2 0.08 0.4 radius R 2 3 10 7 0.25 -0.85 angle A&B 20 60 angle A 13 angle B -17 The rib 6 may include a number of hardened wear pins or plates 36 which are moulded into the horseshoe or are press fit therein. The lower end of the pins or plates 36 can be shaped so as to be contiguous with the rounded bottom edge 22 of the rib. The wear pins or plates 36 would reduce the propensity for the rib 6 to be worn away by abrasion of the rib 6 on hard surfaces.

The horseshoe 2 may be formed from a number of materials. Preferably a light weight metal is used such as titanium or aluminium-titanium alloy. Preferably the material has a Brinell hardness of greater than 100. The following aluminium alloys are suitable: L.M.4, L.M.916, L.M.25, L.M.30, A.C.601, 2014-T4, 2014-T6, 2024-T42, 6061-T6, 6351, 6063, 7005, 8011-H12, 8011-H14, 8011-H16 and 8011-H18.

It is also possible to use synthetic moulded plastics material which may or may not be reinforced by strengthening fibres such as Kevlar or the like. It is possible that ceramic materials may also be used.

WO 98/38852 PCT/AU98/00136 -6- The horseshoe of the invention can be made in various sizes as accepted in the trade.

A nominal diameter of say l0mm would be appropriate and increases in diameter in increments of about 6 to 7mm depending on demand. It is envisaged that the maximum diameter would not be more than say 180mm.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the downwardly projecting rib will facilitate penetration into soft ground, thereby affording greater traction to a horse. This can be particularly useful to horses competing in horse racing, whether galloping or trotting. The better traction would also be of importance in many equestrian events such as jumping, show riding and the like. Injuries are thought to be minimised by reduction of excessive slippage that normally occurs.

Because the rib 6 is tapered, there is a finite time during which the rib penetrates the ground. This causes a cushioning effect because there is a less sudden deceleration of the hoof compared to a situation where the lower face of the horseshoe is basically flat. The cushioning effect is thought to minimise the possibility of injury to the legs and hooves of the animal.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, nail holes are provided for fixing the horseshoe to the hooves. It is to be understood however that adhesives could be used for this purpose.

It is also understood that wedges and/or packing can be placed between the hoof and the shoe in order to change or alter the gait of the horse. The wedging and/or packing can be separate elements or incorporated into the shoe moulding.

The horseshoe shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a somewhat circular shape which is appropriate for front hooves of a horse. In accordance with normal practice, the shape of the shoes for the rear hooves can be a somewhat more elongated shape, as is the case for pacers' and trotters' front hooves.

WO 98/38852 PCT/AU98/00136 -7- Figures 9 and 10 are plan views of left and right rear horseshoes 60 and 61 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The horseshoes 60 and 61 are designed for use with pacing or trotting horses. These horseshoes include rear extensions 62 and 64 which assist in achieving the correct gait for a pacer or trotter. It is preferredthat the extensions 62 and 64 include the rib 6. The variations of the rib 6 for the shoes 60 and 61 can be the same as in other embodiments.

Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. a horseshoe having: a base portion having a base surface which, in use, is adjacent the hoof of a horse; and an integral flange portion which projects downwardly from the base portion, said flange portion extending substantially along the entire length of the base portion; said flange portion comprising, in cross-section, first, second, third and fourth portions, the first and third portions being substantially straight and the first portion defining at least in part an outer side of the horseshoe; the second portion being a convex curve merging smoothly into the first and third portions; the fourth portion being a concave curve which merges smoothly from the third portion to the base portion; and wherein a first and third portions forming a wedge shape which decreases in width in a direction away from the base portion; whereby, in use, the wedge shape provides a cushioning effect to the shoe as it strikes the ground, the reaction forces increasing as the wedge shape increases penetration into the ground and wherein the flange portion has a depth as measured from the base surface and the base portion has a base width and wherein the ratio of the width (W) to the depth is in the range 1.25

2. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and third portions are inclined to one another such that the wedge shape has an apex angle in the range 200 to 60.

3. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apex angle is about 0. A horseshoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the second portion has 30 a ratios (R 1 in the range 1mm to 5 mm. P:\OPER\GCPi0828-98 spedoc-05/05/03 -9- A horseshoe as claimed in claim 4 wherein said radius (RI) is about 2mm.

6. A horseshoe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the fourth portion has a radius (R 2 in the range 3mm to

7. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 6 wherein the radius (R 2 of the fourth portion is about 7mm.

8. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 1 to 7 wherein the base portion has a base width which is in the range 15mm to

9. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 8 wherein the base width is about A horseshoe as claimed in claim 9 wherein the depth of the flange portion, as measured perpendicularly from the base surface, which is in the range 9mm to 17mm.

11. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 10 wherein said depth is about 12mm.

12. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 4, said radius (R 1 is centred on a centre line which is perpendicular to said base surface and wherein the centre line is offset by a distance from an outer edge of the base portion.

13. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 12 wherein the first and third portions are inclined to the centreline at first and second acute angles

14. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 13 wherein the sum of the acute angles is in the range 20° to

15. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 14 wherein said sum is about

16. A horseshoe as claimed in claims 13 to 15 wherein the first angle is less than the P:\OPERGCP,6W828-98 spc.doc-05/05/03 second angle.

17. A horseshoe as claimed in claims 13 to 16 wherein the first angle is about 130 and the second angle is about 17

18. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 13 wherein said distance is in the range 6mm to

19. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 18 wherein said distance is about 8mm. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base portion has a thickness and the ratio of the thickness to the depth is in the range 0.13 0.25.

21. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 20 wherein the second portion has a radius (Ri) and wherein the ratio of the radius (RI) to the depth is in the range 0.08 0.25.

22. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein the fourth portion has a radius (R 2 and wherein the ratio of the radius (R2) to the depth is in the range 0.4 0.85. 20 23. A horseshoe as claimed in claims 1 to 22 wherein a toe clip or tongue projects upwardly from a central part of the base portion.

24. A horseshoe as claimed in claims 1 to 23 wherein the horseshoe includes nail holes including rebates for receipt of the heads of the nails. .25. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 24 wherein said rebates in cross-section include the second and third portions.

26. A horseshoe as claimed in claim 25 wherein said rebates in cross-section do not 30 include the first and fourth portions. P:')PERGCP\60828-98 pe.doc-05/05/03 -11-

27. A horseshoe as claimed in claims 24 to 26 wherein groups of the adjacent rebates are joined.

28. A horseshoe as claimed in any preceding claim including posterior extensions which project upwardly from outer rear parts of the horseshoe.

29. A horseshoe as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the profile of the flange portion is substantially the same in cross-section throughout the horseshoe (except for nail holes). A horseshoe as claimed in claim 30 wherein the ends of the flange portion are rounded.

31. A horseshoe substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 5 t h day of May, 2003 ALISTAIR DONALD LEWIS by his Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE *o o *o ooo *oo *o o* o *o o