GB2546515A

GB2546515A - A horseshoe for an equine hoof

Info

Publication number: GB2546515A
Application number: GB1601091.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Newnham Jeffrey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-20
Filing date: 2016-01-20
Publication date: 2017-07-26
Also published as: GB201601091D0

Abstract

A shoe for a horse or other equine animal comprises a relatively rigid horseshoe shaped element made from aluminium, steel or other materials and which incorporates cavities, recesses, holes or other shapes B which increase the adhesive area. Notches A are marked around the inner and outer edges of the shoe, allowing the shoe to be reshaped.

Description

A Horseshoe for an Equine Hoof

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a horseshoe that can be attached directly to a horse's foot or other ungulate or similar hoofed animal. The invention relates to a method of manufacture and in particular to a method of adhesive retention and a method of construction to facilitate the shaping of the 'shoe'.

Background to the Invention

Horses have been shod throughout history using a metal horseshoe the shape of which follows in general the shape of the horse's hoof and attached using horseshoe nails.

The hoof of a horse originates from the coronary band and extends distally forming a hoof capsule that protects the distal digit. The horn continues to grow throughout the horse's life at a rate of approximately 10mm per month.

Continual nailing-on of conventional horseshoes using conventional horseshoe nails can interrupt and weaken the continuity of the hoof capsule giving rise to splits and cracks which can suffer from debris ingress which further weakens the hoof capsule.

It can also be the case that those performing the act of'shoeing' can inadvertently cause the horseshoe nails to penetrate sensitive structures within the hoof capsule or be driven to a position whereby the nail lies close to but not penetrating sensitive structures but exert pressure on those structures causing discomfort and or lameness.

Recent improvements in adhesives have given rise to a number of alternative methods of attaching a horseshoe to a horse's foot. These invariably involve the use of a 'cuff'to increase the adhesive area. This 'cuff' can be made using urethane or a polymeric fabric as described in US5330008 (Sigafoos & Moyer). US5699861 (Sigafoos) describes a kit that can be used to form a horseshoe which can then be adhered to the hoof. US2008/0078562(Sound Horse Technologies) describes an assembly for attaching a horseshoe to a horse's hoof.

All those Inventions using a cuff to increase the adhesive area do not take into account the advances in adhesives whereby a horseshoe can be held securely in place without the need for such an increased adhesive area. It would be desirable to provide an improved design that takes into account new adhesives readily available which when used in conjunction with an improved horseshoe design can reduce the amount of adhesive needed and reduce the necessity for a 'cuff'.

Summary of Invention

One aspect of the invention provides a shoe for a hoof comprising a cast, milled or otherwise machined from a rigid material that may be aluminium, steel or any other material that retains its shape when altered.

This rigid material includes cavities, recesses, holes or any other shape or grooving as to provide adhesive retention areas that can be cast, milled or machined by those skilled in the art of such production. (Fig.2 (A) Fig.l (B))

The finished shoe will have an increased adhesive area that could provide the adhesive sufficient space to form the thickness required for the curing process and to achieve the thickness required for optimum strength.

The 'shoe' if formed from a metal, can be coated with a primer/adhesive that reduces corrosion and provides a base to which further adhesives can be applied.

These adhesive retention areas could become distorted when the shoe is altered to the shape of the hoof to which it is being applied.

In order to maintain these areas without distortion whilst enabling those proficient in the art of shoeing to alter the shape of the shoe to the individual shape of the foot and to apply it in a manner that will secure the shoe in place a further aspect of this Invention is the incorporation in the manufacturing of a series of V shaped marked notches positioned on the outer and inner aspect of the 'shoe'. (Fig.l (A))

These marked 'notches' can be removed to enable the shape of the shoe to be altered to the shape of the foot without distorting the adhesive retention areas and retaining the integrity of the shoe.

How this Invention can be used

The foot is trimmed in the normal manner by those proficient in this art. A shoe is selected to be an appropriate size for the foot. If the shoe does not follow the shape of the hoof, relevant marked 'notches' can be removed to allow the shoe to be shaped with the minimum of force without damaging the adhesive retention areas.

This shoe can be used in conjunction with adhesives readily available that can be, but not restricted to, methacrylate, epoxy, urethane and cyanoacrylates adhesives.

The selected adhesive is applied following the manufacturer's directions and the shoe is held in place until set. The set time is usually under 5 minutes depending on ambient temperature after which the foot can be returned to the ground.

The adhesive retention areas described and the marked 'V' shaped notches can be used in both front shoes and hind shoes

Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with references to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1

Shows a hind shoe shape showing the positioning of the notches (A) and possible adhesive retention recesses (B)

Figure 2

Shows a hind shoe shape with a variety of adhesion retention recesses and positioning (A)

Claims

1. A shoe for a hoof comprising:

2. A relatively rigid horseshoe shaped element

3. Made from aluminium, steel or any other material that retains its shape after that original shape is altered.

4. Incorporates, but not restricted to, grooves, holes, recesses, channels, flutes, slots and indentations to increase the surface area and to provide a place of retention for adhesives.

5. A series of "V" shapes notches on the inner and outer margins of the element which can be removed to facilitate shaping of said element without distorting those areas for adhesives outlined in "4" of the Claims.

6. An element that can be coated to prevent corrosion and coated by those knowledgeable in this art and science to provide a prepared surface to facilitate receipt of adhesives.

7. The element may also incorporate a reinforcing at the areas of greatest wear.

8. The element may also incorporate holes or otherwise that can be used to introduce other elements that may be used for additional grip.

9. The element may also incorporate holes or otherwise that can be used to introduce other elements that can be added to the original element to provide but not restricted to a complete covering of the ventral aspect of the hoof.