WO2015014673A1

WO2015014673A1 - Reusable stud for horseshoe

Info

Publication number: WO2015014673A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/065740
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Murphy
Original assignee: Westmur Elegance Equine Products Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-08-02
Filing date: 2014-07-22
Publication date: 2015-02-05
Also published as: GB201313861D0

Abstract

Provided are a reamer bit (1) for forming a stud hole (8) in a horseshoe (7), the reamer bit comprising a tapered reamer flute (4) for forming a tapered stud hole in the horseshoe. Also provided is a reusable stud (12) for a horseshoe, comprising a tapered stem (13) for engagement with a tapered stud hole in the horseshoe, the tapered stud hole formed using the reamer bit.

Description

Reusable Stud for Horseshoe

Field of the Invention The present disclosure relates to studs for horseshoes. More particularly, it relates to a reusable tapered stud for horseshoes.

Background of the Disclosure Horseshoe studs are used in conjunction with horseshoes to provide extra traction. Riders and carriage drivers may use horseshoe studs if the underfoot conditions are difficult or treacherous, such as with grass or mud, to help their horses get extra grip in their footing. In order to attach studs to horseshoes, a farrier must first prepare the horse's shoes by drilling and then tapping holes into the heels and occasionally the toes of the horseshoes. The studs may be screwed into the horseshoes.

For use of screw- in studs, horseshoes may be "tapped," or drilled, on either heel of the shoe, so that different studs may be applied as needed and changed according to the footing conditions and the type of work performed by the horse. Therefore, a horse may have a maximum of 8 studs (2 per foot). Studs come in several sizes and types. When studs are not required , the holes of the horseshoe may be plugged until needed for use again.

Screw- in studs are popular in equestrian competitions because they can be changed to adapt to different terrain. However, the size and design of stud must be carefully selected , as the wrong stud may damage the horse's legs. Too little traction, and the horse may slip and possibly fall. Too much, and the horse is jarred, as his feet cannot naturally slip. Additionally, the more studs are used, the greater the chance that the shoe may be pulled off. Usually, if there is doubt, it is considered best to use fewer studs. In general, the faster the pace of the horse, the larger the stud will be used. Therefore, small studs are generally used for dressage and lower-level jumping or eventing, and larger studs are used for polo and upper- level eventing. Studs with more of a point are used for hard ground, and those that have more circumference are used in "heavier" footing, such as thick mud. Holes are required to be created in the horseshoe for the insertion of studs. The holes may or may not be threaded. The holes may be tapered, that is configured to have a frusto-conical shape. Normally a tapered hole is created in a horseshoe by using a tapered punch. However, the depths of voids created by the punch depend on how hard the punch is struck with a hammer. Typically no two strikes achieve the same depth and shape. Voids may be created in sidewalls of the tapered holes during the creation of the tapered holes. Thus voids may be created between a tapered stud and the tapered holes of the horseshoe. This will cause the stud to fall out of the horseshoe.

Stud holes which are threaded also have drawbacks. When the studs are not in place in the horseshoe, debris and dirt can enter the stud holes and damage the threads. Trying to clean debris out of a threaded hole is extremely difficult as the threads retain the debris and may cause the user to damage the threads in the cleaning process. In order to fit the studs back into the stud holes, the user may have to retap the horseshoe to create new threads in the stud holes. Another problem is that when a threaded stud is forced into a damaged threaded hole, the stud hole may be cross-threaded. Once it has been established that the stud hole has been cross-threaded, the stud hole cannot be used again. This requires the user to replace the horseshoe or drill a new second hole in the heel of the shoe, which is not the preferred option. All of the above procedures have to be performed while the horse has to hold its leg up for a long period of time, which may be difficult to maintain.

In view of the above, there is a need for a method of attaching studs to horseshoes wh ich obviates the above difficulties. An improved stud would therefore be desirable.

Summary of the Invention

The objective of the invention is to provide a stud for a horseshoe which can be fitted and removed simply and expeditiously whilst providing grip to the horse in various ground conditions and is secured against dislodgement. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a reamer bit as detailed in claim 1 . Also provided is a reusable stud for a horseshoe according to claim 13. Further provided is a kit of parts including the reamer bit and reusable stud according to claim 27. Advantageous features are provided in dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a tapered reamer bit, according to an

embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tapered reamer bit configured for boring the exact hole shape required in a horseshoe, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tapered hole in the horseshoe bored to the exact shape required, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tapered stud prior to insertion in a horseshoe, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tapered stud in place in a horseshoe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 6 illustrates a reusable stud having a tapered stem defining a spiral recess, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 illustrates the tapered stem in more detail, according to an embodiment of the present teaching; and

Figure 8 illustrates the reusable tapered stud inserted in a horseshoe, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

The present disclosure provides a tapered reamer bit for forming a hole in a horseshoe. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, reamers are used to enlarge the size of a previously formed hole by a small amount but with a high degree of accuracy in order to form smooth sides in the hole formed. The reamer bit is configured to enhance traction effectiveness between a stud inserted in the hole in the horseshoe and the hole. The tapered reamer bit may comprise a tapered reamer flute with an integrated stopper which forms a tapered hole within a horseshoe accurately and precisely. This allows a tapered non-threaded stud to be inserted into a horseshoe from the ground-engaging surface of the horseshoe and removed when not in use. The process can be repeated as often as necessary. By using the tapered reamer bit to form a tapered hole in the horsehoe, the stud is projected outwards from the horseshoe, provides grip to a horse, and is secured against dislodgement.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tapered reamer bit 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tapered reamer bit 1 configured for boring a hole shape required in a horseshoe 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tapered hole 8 in the horseshoe 7 bored to the exact shape required, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a reusable stud 12 prior to insertion in a horseshoe 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a reusable stud 12 in place in a horseshoe 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

It will be understood by the skilled person from the following description that the stud 12 is reusable. That is, the stud 12 can be repeatedly attached to and removed from a horseshoe. Referring to Figure 4, the reusable stud 12 comprises a tapered stem 13 and a stud shoulder 14, which will be described later. Referring to Figure 5, when the reusable stud 1 2 is inserted in the horseshoe 7, a space may be left between the stud shoulder 14 and the horseshoe 7. This allows the stud 12 to be tightened. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a custom-made reamer bit 1 may be used to prepare a horseshoe 7 for receipt of the tapered stud 12. Without the use of the reamer bit 1 the tapered stud 12 may not function properly. Referring to Figure 1 , the reamer bit 1 comprises a shank 1 a, and a tapered reamer flute 4 at one end of the shank 1 a for boring a hole in the horseshoe 7 a shank 1 . The tapered reamer flute 4 extends from one end of the shank 1 a. The tapered reamer flute 4 reduces in cross-sectional width as it extends away from the shank 1 a. The tapered reamer flute 4 may be frusto-conically shaped. The tapered reamer flute 4 reduces in cross- sectional width from a proximal end 5 to a distal end 6 of the tapered reamer flute 4. The distal end 6 of the tapered reamer flute 4 may be located at the end of the tapered reamer bit 1 that first engages the horseshoe 7. The proximal end 5 of the tapered reamer flute 4 may be located in a middle portion of the tapered reamer bit 1 . The distal end 6 constitutes the smallest cross-sectional width of the tapered reamer flute 4. The proximal end 5 constitutes the greatest cross-sectional width of the tapered reamer flute 4. A stopper 2 may be disposed at the proximal end 5 of the tapered reamer flute 4. The stopper 2 may thus be disposed at the interface between the shank 1 a and the tapered reamer flute 4. The stopper 2 may comprise a stopper shoulder 3 which prevents the tapered reamer flute 4 from boring too deeply into the horseshoe 7. It will thus be understood that the stopper 2 projects laterally from a longitudinal axis of the reamer bit 1 . Referring to Figure 2, the reamer bit 1 may be drilled into the horseshoe 7 until the stopper shoulder 3 engages a surface of the horseshoe 7. Referring to Figure 3, the reamer bit 1 is configured to create a stud hole 8 in the horseshoe 7. The stud hole 8 defined in the horseshoe 7 may have a tapered shape corresponding to the shape of the tapered reamer bit 1 . In this regard, the stud hole 8 may have a frusto-conical shape. The tapered reamer bit 1 may be configured to create a smooth mirror finish on a stud hole sidewall 9 of the stud hole 8. The stopper 2 may comprise a high tensile steel. The reamer bit 1 with the integrated stopper 2 is configured to accurately create the desired shape of the stud hole 8 to accommodate the reusable stud 12. The reamer bit 1 is configured to define a plurality of tapered holes in the horseshoe which have the same dimensions. That is, the reamer bit 1 comprises a tapered flute 4 and an integrated stopper 2 configured to create a consistently-sized tapered hole 8 and a smooth mirror fin ish on the stud hole sidewall 9. This is achieved by drilling the tapered reamer bit 1 into the horseshoe 7 until the stopper shoulder 3 engages with the horseshoe 7. Without the use of the reamer bit 1 , the tapered stud 12 may not function properly, as voids may be created between the tapered stud stem 13 and the tapered stud hole sidewall 9 of the horseshoe 7. This may cause the reusable stud 12 to fall out of the horseshoe 7 immediately while attempts are being made to attach it to the horseshoe 7. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, when the reamer bit 1 is inserted into the horseshoe 7, the distal end 6 of the tapered reamer flute 4 is the first portion of the reamer bit 1 to engage the horseshoe 7. The insertion of the reamer bit 1 into the horseshoe 7 defines a wide section 10 and a narrow section 1 1 within the tapered hole 8. The wide section 10 may be located at a ground-engaging surface of the horseshoe 7 at the point that meets the stud shoulder 14. The narrow section 1 1 is the portion of the tapered hole 8 on the hoof-bearing surface of the horseshoe 7 furthest away from the stud shoulder 14.

Referring to Figure 4, the reusable stud 12 comprises a tapered stem 13, a stud shoulder 14, a stud head 18, and a ground-engaging portion 18a. The tapered stem 13 constitutes the portion of the reusable stud 12 that engages with the stud hole sidewall 9 of the horseshoe 7. The tapered stem 1 2 may have a frusto-conical shape to correspond with the shape of the tapered hole 8 defined in the horseshoe 7. The tapered stem 13 may be configured not to have a thread on the outer surface thereof. That is, the tapered stem 13 may be configured to have a continuous thread-free circumferential outer surface. Further, the stud hole sidewall 9 may also be configured to have a thread-free surface due to the boring action of the reamer bit 1 . This allows the reusable stud 12 to be removed from the tapered hole 8 defined in the horseshoe 7 and inserted back into the tapered hole 8 of the horseshoe 7 repeatedly as required by the user. The reusable stud 12 may be configured such that the tapered stem 13 increases in cross-sectional width from a distal end 19 of the tapered stem 13 to the stud shoulder 14. For example, the tapered stem 13 may increase in diameter from a distal end 19 of the tapered stem 13 to the stud shoulder 14. Referring to Figure 4, the stud shoulder 14 constitutes a portion of the stud head 18 which protrudes laterally from the largest cross-sectional width of the tapered stem 13. The stud head 18 may be configured to have a hexagonal or square form to enable the use of a spanner with the reusable stud 12 when inserting or removing it from the horseshoe 7. The reusable stud 12 is configured to be inserted into the tapered hole 8 of the horseshoe 7 until the stud shoulder 14 engages the ground-engaging surface of the horseshoe 7. Thus, the stud shoulder 14 is configured to prevent the ground-engaging portion 18a from entering the tapered hole 8. Once the tapered stem 13 is inserted into the tapered hole 8, the reusable stud 12 may be tapped firmly into place by a hammer. The reusable stud 12 is thus configured to be locked in situ in the horseshoe 7.

The reusable stud 12 may be integrally formed. Thus, the entire reusable stud 12 may be formed of the same core material . The core of the reusable stud 12 including the tapered stem 13 may comprise stainless steel, high tensile steel, aluminium or brass. This provides for durability, longevity and accuracy. The solid core of the tapered stud 12 allows for the reusable stud 12 to be easily removed from the horseshoe 7 and inserted back into the horseshoe 7 when required. When first applied there may be a 2-3 mm space between the horseshoe 7 and the stud shoulder 14. This spacing may reduce over time with increased use of the reusable stud 12 with the horseshoe 7. The more pressure and weight appl ied to the reusable stud 12 when in use the tighter the reusable stud 12 will get and this spacing will dissipate. The tapered stem 13 of the reusable stud 12 is configured not to alter in shape, i.e., expand or contract when the stud 12 is inserted into the tapered stud hole 8 of the horseshoe 7.

The reusable stud 12 may be simply removed from the horseshoe 7 by the use of a conventional spanner until loose and removed by hand. The stud holes of the horseshoe 7 may be plugged again until needed for use again. As described above, the tapered reamer bit comprises an integrated stopper which creates a tapered hole within a horseshoe accurately and precisely. This allows a tapered non-threaded stud to be inserted into a horseshoe from the ground- engaging side of the horseshoe and removed when not in use. The process can be repeated as often as necessary. By virtue of the tapered reamer bit, the stud is projected outwards from the horseshoe, provides grip to a horse, and is secured against dislodgement. The reusable stud can be used repeatedly due to the configuration of the tapered reamer bit with the integrated stopper according to the present disclosure. The tapered reamer bit provides accuracy and consistency to the specific shape of hole created in the horseshoe each and every time it is used on a horseshoe.

The present disclosure also provides a reusable stud which provides maximum grip to a horse by protruding from a horseshoe and allowing it to be removed from the horseshoe with a simple twist, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates a reusable stud 22 having a tapered stem 23 defining a spiral recess 25, according to another embodiment of the present teaching . Figure 7 illustrates the tapered stem 23 in more detail. Figure 8 illustrates the reusable stud 22 of Figures 6 and 7 inserted in a horseshoe 7. The horseshoe 7 may be prepared for receipt of the reusable stud 22 by using the tapered reamer bit described above. Referring to Figure 6, the reusable stud 22 comprises a tapered stem 23, a stud shoulder 24, a stud head 28, and a ground-engaging portion 28a. The ground- engaging portion 28a may be conical in shape. The degree of taper on the tapered stem 23 is configured to match exactly the degree of taper of the stud hole sidewall 9 of the horseshoe 7. Referring to Figure 6, the tapered stem 23 defines a spiral recess 25 extending from a distal end 28 of the tapered stem 13 to a stud shoulder 24 of the reusable tapered stud 22. The spiral recess 25 is defined in a circumferential portion of the tapered stem 13. Referring to Figure 7, the spiral recess 25 defines a curved portion 26 and an edge portion 27 on both sides of the recess 25, respectively. The curved portion 26 may be disposed at the stud shoulder 24 side of the spiral recess 25. That is, the curved portion 26 may be disposed on the side of the spiral recess 25 closest to the stud shoulder 24. The edge portion 27 may be disposed at the distal end 28 side of the spiral recess 25. That is, the edge portion 27 may be disposed on the side of the spiral recess 25 closest to the distal end 28 of the tapered stem 13. The shape of the curved portion 25 allows the reusable stud 22 to be fitted into the tapered stud hole 8 of the horseshoe 7. The reusable stud 22 can be tapped with a hammer. To fully secure the stud 22 in the tapered stud hole 8, the reusable stud 22 may be twisted by using a suitably-sized spanner on the stud head 28 twisting clockwise until tight. The stud 22 may thus be fully secured in the tapered stud hole 8 of the horseshoe 7. To remove the stud 22, the same-sized spanner may be used on the stud head 28 twisting anti-clockwise to remove the tapered stem 23 from the tapered stud hole 8 of the horseshoe 7. The curved portion 26 of the spiral recess 25 allows the stud 22 to be hammered or tapped into the tapered stud hole 8 of the horseshoe 7 preventing any damage to be caused to the tapered stem 13 and tapered stud hole sidewall 9. The edge portion 27 of the spiral recess 15 may be shaped to grip onto the tapered stud hole sidewall 9 when the stud head 28 is twisted clockwise either by hand or suitably-sized spanner. The above-described configuration of the spiral recess 25 allows the stud 22 to be twisted clockwise into the tapered stud hole 8. To fully secure the stud 22 the stud head 28 may be twisted clockwise until fully tight. This configuration prevents damage to the tapered stud hole sidewall 9 and tapered stem 23. The reusable stud 22 may thus be used repeatedly in a consistent manner.

The stem of the reusable tapered stud has a spiral recess which allows the stud to be tapped in with a hammer and locked securely by twisting clockwise until the user knows that the stud is secured to the horseshoe. A simple twist anti-clockwise allows the stud to be removed from the horseshoe.

The present disclosure provides a reamer bit for forming a stud hole in a horseshoe. The reamer bit is configured to form a thread-free stud hole which may be frusto- conical in shape. The stud hole has smooth stud hole sidewalls, and thus does not retain debris or dirt. Accordingly, it is relatively easy to clean the stud hole and does not become damaged by having to clean the debris out or re-thread the hole. The stud according to the present disclosure is not required to be threaded. All that is required to fit the stud is to have the stud hole visually clean of debris, hammer the stud into the stud hole and twist clockwise, and the stud tightens.

The present disclosure also provides a kit of parts comprising at least one reamer bit according to the present disclosure as described above and at least one reusable stud according to the present disclosure as described above.

Furthermore, one or more of the following numbered clauses may describe and relate to further aspects or features within the context of the present teaching: 1 . A device for enhancing traction effectiveness comprising of;

(i) A tapered reamer bit with built in stopper which creates a tapered hole within a horseshoe accurately and precisely to allow,

(ii) A tapered non threaded stud be inserted into a horseshoe from the bottom surface of a horseshoe and removed when not in use. This process can be repeated as often as necessary. The stud is projected outwards from the horseshoe, it provides grip to a horse, its secured against dislodgement but cannot achieve all of these functions without the prior use of the tapered reamer bit with stopper on the horseshoe.

2. The device according to clause 1 wherein a built in stopper is present at the widest end of the flute of the tapered reamer bit.

3. The device according to clause 1 where the bottom part of the flute of the tapered reamer bit is the narrowest.

4. The device according to clause 1 where the tapered reamer bit creates a smooth tapered insertion into the horseshoe. 5. The device according to clause 1 wherein the stud comprises of a non threaded tapered stem wherein the widest point of the stud stem is pressed against the widest point of the stud hole.

6. The device according to clause 1 wherein the stud stem increases in diameter up to the stud shoulder.

7. The device according to clause 1 wherein the stud shoulder increases in diameter in prevent the stud from entering the stud hole. 8. The device according to clause 1 the stud shoulder comprises of conventional hexagonal or square form to enable the use of a spanner to remove the stud from the horseshoe. The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1 . A reamer bit for forming a hole in a horseshoe, the reamer bit comprising a tapered reamer flute for forming a tapered hole in the horseshoe.

2. The reamer bit according to claim 1 , further comprising a shank, wherein the tapered reamer flute extends from one end of the shank.

3. The reamer bit according to claim 2, wherein the tapered reamer flute

reduces in cross-sectional width as it extends away from the shank.

4. The reamer bit according to any preceding claim, comprising an integrated stopper for preventing the tapered reamer flute from boring too deeply into the horseshoe.

5. The reamer bit according to claim 4, wherein the stopper is disposed at the interface between the tapered reamer flute and the shank.

6. The reamer bit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the stopper is disposed at the largest cross-sectional width of the tapered reamer flute.

7. The reamer bit of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the stopper defines a stopper shoulder for engaging with a surface of the horseshoe.

8. The reamer bit of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the stopper comprises a high tensile steel.

9. The reamer bit according to any preceding claim, where the smallest cross- sectional width of the tapered reamer flute is disposed at a distal end of the tapered reamer flute, the distal end constituting the end of the tapered reamer flute that first engages the horseshoe.

10. The reamer bit according to any preceding claim, wherein the tapered

reamer flute is frusto-conically shaped.

1 1 .The reamer bit according to any preceding claim, being configured to form a frusto-conical shaped hole in a horseshoe.

12. The reamer bit according to any preceding claim, being configured to form continuous thread-free sidewalls in the holes formed in the horseshoe.

13. A reusable stud for a horseshoe, comprising a tapered stem for engagement with a tapered stud hole in the horseshoe, the tapered stud hole formed using the reamer bit of any of claims 1 to 12.

14. The reusable stud of claim 13, wherein the largest cross-sectional width of the tapered stem is configured to correspond with the largest cross-sectional width of the tapered stud hole in the horseshoe.

15. The stud according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a stud shoulder and a

ground-engaging portion, wherein the stud shoulder is configured to prevent the ground-engaging portion from entering the stud hole.

16. The stud of claim 15, wherein the stud shoulder is configured to engage with a ground-engaging surface of the horseshoe.

17. The stud according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a stud head,

wherein the stud shoulder constitutes a portion of the stud head which protrudes laterally from the largest cross-sectional width of the tapered stem.

18. The stud according to claim 17, wherein the tapered stem reduces in cross- sectional width from the stud shoulder to a distal end of the tapered stem, the distal end constituting the end of the tapered stem that is first inserted into the tapered stud hole in the horseshoe.

19. The stud according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the stud head comprises a hexagonal or square cross-section.

20. The stud according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the tapered stem is configured to have a continuous thread-free circumferential outer surface.

21 .The reusable stud according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the tapered stem defines a spiral recess in a circumferential portion thereof.

22. The reusable stud according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 18,

wherein the spiral recess extends from the distal end of the tapered stem to the stud shoulder.

23. The stud according to claim 21 or 22, where the spiral recess defines a

curved portion at the stud shoulder side of the spiral recess.

24. The stud according to any of claims 21 to 23, where the spiral recess defines an edge portion at the distal end side of the spiral recess.

25. The stud according to any of claims 13 to 24, wherein the tapered stem has a frusto-conical shape.

26. The stud according to any of claims 13 to 25, comprising stainless steel, high tensile steel, aluminium or brass.

27. A kit of parts for attaching studs to horseshoes, comprising at least one

reamer bit according to any of claims 1 to 12 and at least one reusable stud according to any of claims 13 to 26.