GB2502886A

GB2502886A - Hoof support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2502886A
Application number: GB201307623A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Julia Nuttall; Michael John Nuttall; Elizabeth Devina Grace Pullen
Original assignee: Best Equine Supplies & Tools Ltd
Current assignee: Best Equine Supplies & Tools Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-26
Filing date: 2013-04-26
Publication date: 2013-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-26
Also published as: GB201307623D0; GB2502886B; GB201312404D0

Abstract

A hoof support apparatus comprising a base 22, a stanchion 24 upstanding from the base, and hoof support 26 carried on the stanchion remote from the base. The base has at least three but preferably four legs 36, 38, 40, 42 each having a ground-engaging foot 44, 46 at its end remote from the stanchion axis. In a normal use position, the legs extend away from the axis of the stanchion in a mutually spaced downwards direction to enable the feet to contact the ground. Two of the legs 36, 38 are connected to the stanchion in a fixed manner while the other two legs 40, 42 are connected to the stanchion in a freely movable manner. The arrangement is such that, in the event of the device being upset from the normal use position, the movably connected legs move freely into a position in line with the fixedly connected legs thereby reducing the trip hazard.

Description

HOOF SUPPORT APPARATUS

BACKQBQUNQ

This invention relates to a hoof support apparatus suitable for use with a horse or the Uke. More particularly, the object of the present invention is to provide the owner of the animal, a vet or a farrier with zn adjustable apparatus that supports both the fetlock and hoof while work is carried out on the hoof.

The treatment of a hors&s hoof or horseshoe can be a tedtous and difficult task if the horse's lower limb is not properly supported. This is due to the massive weight of the horse compared to the human that is treating the horse. Also, the remaining three limbs of the horse must endure an increased load if the limb that the larder is working on does not receive proper support. Although the horse may be physically capable of withstanding the increased load, the resulting stresses are certainly undesirabe.

Hoof support apparatus are known. For example, United States patent specification US 2012/0325501 (Adams et at) describes a farrier's hoof support apparatus which comprises a base support, an adjustable height stand and a hoof support carried on the adjustable height stand. Since the height at which hoof is treated differs froni horse to horse, the hoof support apparatus is designed to extend and vary its length. The base support is in the form of a conical base, with the height stand secured to the centre thereof.

In use, the apparatus is arranged with the base on the ground and the hoof support adjusted to the preferred height. The fetlock of the animal to be treated is placed in the hoof support enabling the farrier to carry out such treatment on the hoof as may be necessary.

A farrier or vet may work on a horse's hoof in a stable. However, in equestrian sports the owner must work at the site of the event, for example removing and replacing studs on the shoe of that hoot, often in a noisy and tense environment and under time pressure. The process of fitbng or replacing studs on a horse's shoe, for example to reflect the ground 4::-:: :::::::4 trii. ti ttfl1 J1ttZ t.i conditions at the event, can take some many minutes. If the horse should become agitated under these condftions, the possthillty arises that the hoot support apparatus will be knocked over or upset. ln this upset position the hoot support may rest on the ground, but the lower heiQht stand part and pacularly the base may extend substantially above the ground. Also, the conical base of the device can result in the upset device rolling around.

These conditions represent a tripping hazard for the horse and/or the operator and the risk of inju from such a trip.

The present invention seeks to remove or reduce the disadvantages of

the prior art hoof support apparatus.

f$.UMMP.BY OF THE t&ENIION The present invention is directed to hoot support apparatus comprising a base, a stanchion upstanding from the base, and a hoof support carried on the stanchion remote from the base. The invention is characterised in that the base comprises at least three legs each having a ground-engaging foot at its end remote from the stanchion axis such that; in a normal use position, the legs extend away from the axis of the stanchion in a mutually spaced downwards direction to enable the feet to contact the ground. At least one of the legs is connected to the stanchion in a fixed manner whlle the remaining legs are connected to the stanchion in a freety movable manner.

The arrangement is such that, in the event of the device being upset from the normal use position, the movably connected legs move freeiy into a position in line with the fixedly connected leg or legs.

Thus, the invention ensures that, in the event of the device being upset from the normal use position, the movably connected legs move freely into a position in line with the fixed eg or legs. Thus, in this upset position, the base construction is collapsed, i.e. no part of the apparatus extends substantially above ground level, so that the trip hazard, identified with the

prior art apparatu, is substantially reduced.

The movably connected legs may be connected to the stanchion in such a manner as to be free to pivot about the axis of the stanchion.

The fixed leg or legs may be connected to the stanchion at a location "3..

which is above the location at which the movabiy connected legs are connected to the stanchion.

In a preferred embodiment the base comprises four legs. Where four legs are provided, two of the four legs together form a first strut the ends of S which constitute the feet of the legs, the first strut being fixedly connected intermediate its ends, to the stanchion. The remaining two of the legs together form a second strut the ends of which constitute the feet of those legs. the second strut being connected in a freely movable manner, intermediate its ends, to the stanchion. In an embodiment, the first strut is welded to the bottom face of the stanchion. The second strut may be connected to the stanchion in such a manner as to be free to pivot about the axis of the stanchion. This is achieved by having a bolt welded to the bottom face of the stanchion and extending downwards along the stanchion axis.

A spacer washer may be interposed between the first strut and the second strut while the construction is completed with a plastics material domed locking nut. In one possible embodiment, each strut has a generally curved configuration wherein, in the upset position of the device, the second strut nests within the shape defined by the fist strut, This can be ensured where the radius of curvature of the second strut is not greater than, preferably less than, that of the first strut. Also, the angle subtended by the curvature of the second strut is ideally not greater than, preferably less than, that of the first strut. In another possible embothrnent, instead of the struts having a curved configuration, they have a partial polygonal configuration having a central horizontal portion which is connected to the stanchion and downwardly sioping portions extending from the horizontal portion to the feet. In this embodiment the operator can place his foot against one of the downwardly sloping portions to steady the apparatus during use.

In preferred embodiments, each leg has a generally rectangular cross-section, having a rounded free end forming the foot. The foot may be covered with a resilient material, such as natural or synthetic rubber. By rounding the feet the risk is minimised that the movable legs might catch on the fixed legs when the apparatus in the upset condition leading to an incomplete collapse of the apparatus.

The stanchion may be formed of Mt hollow parts, namely a lower post to which the base is connected and an upper post to which the hoof support is attached, with the upper post sliding in a telescopic manner within the lower post to enable the height of the hoof support above the ground to be adjusted, according to the size of the animal being treated. The upper post can he secured in this preferred position by means of a lacking screw threaded through the lower post to abut the upper post. The posts may be of square hollow crosssection. A cyftdrical post would also be suitable.

A number of magnets may be located on one face of the lower post to which the operators tools can be connected in use.

The stanchion and the legs may be formed of any material with suitable strength, such as mlld steel, alloys or a plastics injection material.

While the present description refers to the apparatus being used to support the hoof of a horse, the apparatus could equally well be used for work on other animals especially other hoofed animals.

NIEQDUCIJQN1QJftE.flRAW1NG.

The invention wlll now be illustrated, by way of an exampie. with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings which are not to be taken as being to scale.

Figure 1 shows an elevational view of a hoof support apparatus

according to the prior art, in the use position;

Figure 2 shows an elevational view of the hoof support apparatus shown in Figure 1, in the upset posiUor Figure 3 shows an elevational view of a hoof support apparatus according to the invention, in the use position; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of part of the hoof support apparatus shown in Figure 3; and Figure 5 shows an elevational view of the hoof support apparatus shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the upset position.

DE1ETnftQEJEJLLUIIBAIEnfFiQaA8I As illustrated in Figure I of the drawings. the prior art hoof support apparatus comprises a conical base support 10, a height stand 12 upstanding from the base 10 and a hoof support 14 carried on the height stand 12 remote from the base 10. The height stand consists of two parts, namely a lower part 1$ to which the base 10 is secured and an upper part 16 to which the hoof support 14 is attached. The upper height stand part 18 slides in a telescopic manner within the lower height stand part 16 to enable the height of the hoof support 14 above the ground to be adjusted, according to the size of the animal being treated. The upper height stand part 18 can be secured in this preferred posftion by means of a locking screw 20.

In use, the device is arranged with the base 10 on the ground 48 and the height of the hoof support 14 adJusted to the preferred leveL The fetlock of the animal to be treated is placed in the hoof support 14 enabling the operator to carry out such treatment on the hoof as may he necessary. for example removing and replacing studs on the shoe of that hoof.

If the horse should become agitated the possibility arises that the hoof support apparatus will be knocked over or upset into the position shown in Figure 2. It will be noted that in this position the hoof support 14 rests on the ground 48 while the lower height stand part 16 and particularly the base 10 extend substantially above the ground. This represents a tripping hazard for the horse and/or the operator and the risk of injury from such a trip. This is the problem to which the present invention is directed.

Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, a hoof support apparatus according to the invention is shown.

The hoof support apparatus of the invention comprises a base construction 22; a stanchion 24 upstanding from the base 22; and a hoof support 26 carried on the stanchion 24 remote from the base construction 22. The hoof support has a rubber sleeve (not shown) for greater comfort.

The stanchion consists of two hollow parts, namely a lower post 28 to which the base 22 is connected and an upper post 30 to which the hoof support 26 is attached. The lower post 28 is formed of mild steel with a thickness of 2 mm, a length of approximately 260 mm and a 38 mm square t... "tL. I PLc 4t W I" hollow crosssection. The upper post 30 is also formed of similar mHd steel of with an approxi'iate length cf 260 mm and a 31 mm squae hoow cross section 1 he upper post 30 shdes i" a telescopic manner withir the lower post 28 to enable the height of the hoof support 26 above the ground to be adjusted, accorchng to the size of the amma beng treated The upper post can be secured in this preferred position by means of a locking screw 32 threaded through the lower post 26 to abut the upper post 30.

A number of 40 mm diameter round magnets 34 (only one of which is shown for the sake of clarity) are located on one face of the lower post 28 to which magnets the operators tools can be connected in use.

The base construction 22 comprises four legs 36, 38, 40, 42 each having a rubber covered ground'engaging foot 44 or 46 at its end remote from the stanchion axis such that, in a normal use position, the legs 36, 38, 40, 42 extend away from the ax of the stanchion 24 in a mutually spaced downwards direction to enable the feet to contact the ground.

The two fixedly connected legs 36, 38 together form a first strut 50 of generally curved configuration with a circumferential length of 420 mm and a generally rectangular crosssection having a radius R. of 750 mm subtending an angle of about 33, The first strut 50 has rounded free ends forming the feet 44. The first strut 50 is w&ded, intermediate its ends, to the stanchion 24. i.e. it is connected in a fixed manner.

The two movably connected legs 40, 42 together form a second strut with a circumferential length of approximately 320 mm and a generally curved configuration having a radius R, of 725 mm subtending an angle of about 25 with a generally rectangular crosssection, the ends of which constitute the feet 4$ of the legs 40. 42. The second strut $0 is movably connected, intermediate its ends, to the stanchion 24. The strut $0 is connected to the stanchion 24 in such a manner as to be free to pivot about the axis of the stanchion 24. This is achieved by having a bolt 52 w&ded to the bottom face 54 of the lower post 26 and extending downwards along the stanchion axis. A spacer washer 56 is interposed between the first strut 50 and the second strut 60 while the construction is completed with a nylon domed locking nut 58. Thus the second strut 60 is connected to the JUtEJ! 1tJXLLtJ t stanchion 24 at a location which is below the bcation at which first strut 50 is connected to the stanchion 24.

th the upset position of the device, shown in Figure 5, the second strut nests within the shape defined by the first strut 50. To enable this, the radius of the second strut 60 is less than, that of the first strut 50, whlle the angle subtended by the curvature of the second strut 60 is less than that of the first strut. Thus, the arrangement is such that, in the event of the device being upset from the normal use position, the second strut 60 comprising the movably connected kegs 40, 42 moves freely into a position in line with the io first strut 50 comprising the fixed leg or legs 36, 36. Thus, in this upset position, the base construction 22 is collapsed, i.e. no part of the apparatus extends substantially above ground leveL so that the trip hazard, identified with the prior art apparatus, is substantially reduced. Also, in the collapsed condition of the device, the overall shape of the device is substantially flat, is relative to the more bulky prior art device, making the device according to the invention easier to store.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hoof support apparatus comprising: a base; a stanchion upstanding from the base; and a hoof support carried on the stanchion remote from the base, wherein the base comprises at least three legs each having a ground-engaging foot at its end remote from the stanchion axis such that, in a normal use position, the legs extend away from the axis of the stanchion in a mutually spaced downwards direction to enable the feet to contact the ground, at least one of the legs being connected to the stanchion in a fixed manner while the remaining legs are connected to the stanchion in a freely movable manner, the arrangement being such that, in the event of the device being upset from the normal use position, the movably connected legs move freSy into a position in line with the fixedly connected leg or legs.
2. A hoof support apparatus according to claim I wherein the movably connected legs are connected to the stanchion in such a manner as to be free to pivot about the axis of the stanchion.I-
3. A hoof support apparatus according to claim I or 2. wherein the fixed leg or legs are connected to the stanchion at a location which is above the location at which the movably connected legs are connected to the stanchion.
4. A hoof support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises four legs.
5. A hoof cradle according to any preceding claim, wherein vo of the legs together form a strut, the ends of which constitute the feet of the legs, the strut being connected, intermediate its ends. to the stanchion.
6. A hoof support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein two of the four legs together form a first strut the ends of which constitute the feet of the legs, the first strut being fixedly connected, intermediate its ends, to the stanchion, and wherein the remaining two of the legs together form a second S strut the ends of which constitute the feet of the legs, the second strut being connected in a freely movable manner, intermediate its ends, to the stanchion.
7. A hoof support apparatus according to daim 6, wherein each strut has a generally curved configuration and wherein, in the upset position of the device, the second strut nests within the shape defined by the first strut.
8. A hoof support apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the radius of the second strut is not greater than, preferably less than, that of the first strut.
9. A hoof support apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the angle subtended by the curvature of the second strut is not greater than, preferably less than,, that of the first strut.
10. A hoof cradle according to any preceding claim, wherein each leg has a generafly rectangular cross-section, having a rounded free end forming the foot.