WO2012100280A1

WO2012100280A1 - Horseshoe

Info

Publication number: WO2012100280A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/001518
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Smart
Original assignee: Paul Smart
Priority date: 2011-01-25
Filing date: 2011-11-24
Publication date: 2012-08-02

Abstract

A horseshoe for a hoof of a horse including a hoof engaging section shaped to overlie an outer peripheral section of a bottom side of a hoof; and a ground engaging section overlying the hoof engaging section, wherein the hoof engaging section includes a shock absorbing material.

Description

HORSESHOE

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a horseshoe for a hoof of a horse; a hoof pad for installation between a horseshoe and a hoof of a horse; and a method of a hoof pad.

Background of the Invention

The hooves of members of the family equidae are specialized epidermal structures which support the animals in many different environments. Hooves typically include a hard epidermal covering known as hoof-wall; and a sensitive corium composed of vessels, nerves, collagen, elastin, and other cellular and proteinaceous components. This structure encases the third phalanx bone and its associated tendons, ligaments and sesamoid bone.

The hoof-wall has classically been viewed as a weight bearing structure upon which a horse stands. As such, traditional hoof care has consisted of trimming the hoof-wall and applying a shoe of metal or hard plastic to the wall to protect it from abrasions and chipping. Such techniques have improved the condition of hooves. However, further steps may need to be taken to protect race horses, for example, whose hooves are exposed to high levels of stress.

Hoof pads have been developed to more completely protect a horse's hooves. Such pads aim to: a. protect the sole of the horse's hoof;

b. act as shock absorbers and reduce concussion when the horse's hoof and horseshoe strike the ground;

c. change the angle of the hoof relative to the ground; and

d. prevent snowballing. Hoof pads are generally shaped to be secured, mechanically and/or chemically, between a horseshoe and at least the ground engaging section of the horse's hoof. A hoof pad may overlie the entire bottom, surface of the horse's hoof so as to protect the hoof and to keep it free of snow and debris. Alternatively, a hoof pad may fit between a horseshoe and the hoof. Such hoof pads are generally about the same size and shape as a horseshoe so that only the outer peripheral portion of the hoof is covered. Both types of hoof pads have previously included shock absorbing material with a view to reducing concussion and vibrations to the hoof and leg structures of the horse. Notwithstanding that such materials have improved protection of hooves, the material types selected may not have been durable enough to effectively reduce concussion over the life of the shoe.

Furthermore, in the treatment of lameness and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system of horses and other domestic animals, it has previously been proposed to provide a resilient rubber layer between the bottom of the hoof of the animal and a shoe. Although treatments of this kind have been tried, they have not proven entirely successful both because the resilient material chosen has not been effective in reducing shock to the animal's musculoskeletal system and also because some of the resilient materials, although effective at absorbing shock, have not proven to be sufficiently dimensionally stable to hold up when placed between the shoe and hoof of a horse or other animal.

It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a horseshoe for a hoof of a horse including:

(a) a hoof engaging section shaped to overlie an outer peripheral section of a bottom side of a hoof; and

(b) a ground engaging section overlying the hoof engaging section, wherein the hoof engaging section includes a shock absorbing material.

Preferably, the shock absorbing material is a high resiliency flexible foam. Preferably, the shock absorbing material is an ethylene- vinyl acetate foam.

Advantageously, the shock absorbing material reduces concussion and vibrations to the hoof and leg structures of the animal 12. The shock absorbing material is preferably durable enough to effectively reduce concussion over the life of the shoe.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided, a hoof pad for installation between a horseshoe and a hoof of a horse, including:

(a) a base member having:

(i) a first section shaped to interface between a horseshoe and the hoof; and (ii) a second section shaped to overlie a central section of the hoof; and

(b) a breathable member shaped to interface between the base member and the hoof, wherein the second section includes shock absorbing material.

Preferably, the second section of the base member is recessed from the generally planar first section so as to receive and seat therein said shock absorbing material.

Preferably, the shock absorbing material is a high resiliency flexible foam.

Preferably, the shock absorbing material is an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided, a method of manufacturing the above-mentioned hoof pad, including the steps of:

(a) inserting said shock absorbing material into said recessed second section of the base member; and

(b) fastening the breathable member to the base member using an adhesive. Advantageously the hoof pad reduces concussion and vibrations to the hoof and leg structures of the animal. The shock absorbing material is durable enough to effectively reduce concussion over the life of the shoe. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided, a hoof pad for installation between a horseshoe and a hoof of a horse, including a base member having a first section shaped to interface between a horseshoe and the hoof; and a second section shaped to overlie a central section of the hoof, the second section of the base member including an air pocket to reduce concussion and vibrations to the hoof and leg structures of the horse.

Preferably, the first section includes a shock absorbing member arranged to interface between the base member and the shoe. Preferably, the shock absorbing member is arranged to underly engage the shoe when fitted to the hoof.

Preferably, the shock absorbing member is a high resiliency flexible foam. Preferably, the shock absorbing member is an ethylene- vinyl acetate foam.

Preferably, the hoof pad includes an impact absorbing member seated in an outer peripheral section of the second section of the base member. In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided, a method of manufacturing the above-described hoof pad, including the steps of:

(a) forming the first and second layers of the base member are separately, the latter being formed with a recessed section; and

(b) coupling the first and second layers together with a fastener so as to form the air pocket in the second section. Advantageously, the hoof pad reduces concussion and vibrations to the hoof and leg structures of the horse. The hoof pad is preferably durable enough to effectively reduce concussion over a training period or a horse race. Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a horseshoe;

Figure 2 is a bottom view of the horseshoe shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a section view through the line V-V of the horseshoe shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a side view of the horseshoe shown in Figure 1 fitted to horse's hoof;

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the horseshoe shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6a is a side view of a horseshoe;

Figure 6b is a section view of the horseshoe shown in Figure 6a through the line T-T;

Figure 7 is a top view of a hoof pad;

Figure 8 is a section view through the line W-W of the hoof pad shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a bottom view of the hoof pad shown in Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a bottom view of the hoof shown in Figure 1 and the hoof pad shown in Figure 7 fitted to a horse's hoof;

Figure 1 1 is a section view through the line X-X of the horseshoe, the hoof pad and the horse's hoof shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a top view of another hoof pad;

Figure 13 is a section view through the line Y-Y of the hoof pad shown in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a bottom view of still another hoof pad;

Figure 15 is a section view through the line Z-Z of the hoof pad shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a bottom view of another hoof pad; and

Figure 17 is a section view through the line S-S of the hoof pad shown in Figure 16. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

The horseshoe 10 shown in Figures 1 to 5 is used on a hoof 12 of a horse 14. The shoe 10 includes a hoof engaging section 16 shaped to overlie an outer peripheral section 1 8 of a bottom side 20 of the hoof 12; and a ground engaging section 22 overlying the hoof engaging section 16. The hoof engaging section 22 includes a shock absorbing material 24. The shock absorbing material 24 is a high resiliency flexible microcellular polyurethane foam. The shock absorbing material 24 preferably completely overlies the hoof engaging side 26 of the shoe 10. Alternatively, the shock absorbing material 24 is formed in discrete sections on the hoof engaging side 26 of the shoe 10. The shock absorbing material 24 is sufficiently dimensionally stable to hold up when placed between the shoe 10 and hoof 12 of a horse 14, or other animal.

The microcellular polyurethane foam 24 is a plastic composite created with micro-pores, or cells, in the polymer matrix. The advantages of the microcellular foam 24 are as follows: a. reduction of materials consumption;

b. accurate part;

c. long-term stability due to low residual stresses in moulded parts;

d. higher productivity due to shorter cycle time; and

e. unique appearances.

The microcellular foam 24 is preferably created by a Solid-State Foaming Process, which saturates a thermoplastic with an inert gas at very high pressures. The gas dissolves in plastic, which absorbs the gas like a sponge. Removing the plastic from the high pressure environment creates a thermodynamic instability. Heating the polymer above the effective glass transition temperature (of the polymer/gas mixture) then causes the plastic to foam, creating a very uniform structure of small bubbles. The very small structure, and uniform makeup, of the foam yield superior mechanical properties compared to conventional foams. There are also environmental benefits to foaming using inert gases. Most conventional foams are produced using chemicals that could be bad for the environment.

The shock absorbing material 24 reduces concussion and vibrations to the hoof 12 and leg 28 structures of the animal 12. The shock absorbing material 24 is durable enough to effectively reduce concussion over the life of the shoe 10.

In one embodiment of the invention, the shock absorbing material 24 is ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. Ethylene vinyl acetate is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The weight percent vinyl acetate usually varies from 10 to 40%, with the remainder being ethylene. Ethylene vinyl acetate is a polymer that approaches elastomeric materials in softness and flexibility, yet can be processed like other thermoplastics. The material has good clarity and gloss, barrier properties, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive water proof properties, and resistance to UV radiation.

The outer ground engaging section 22 of the shoe 10 is made of any suitable metal, rubber, or plastic.

The shoe 10 also includes a protrusion 30 extending from the ground engaging section 22 for gripping a floor or ground surface (not shown). The shoe 10 also includes a channel 34 extending substantially along the extent of the ground engaging section 22. The shoe 10 further includes a plurality of slots 36 seated in spaced apart locations along the channel 34. The slots 36 are shaped to receive respective fasteners (not shown) for securing the shoe 10 to the hoof 12. The fasteners are preferably nails.

The shoe 10 shown in Figures 6a and 6b includes an additional metal insert 38. The insert 38 acts to strengthen the shoe 10. The insert is preferably a 2mm thick aluminium insert which makes the shoe 10 more durable. Alternatively, the insert 38 is made of any other suitable material which increases the durability of the shoe. As shown, the insert mimics the shape of the shoe 10. Alternatively, the insert may be any other suitable shape the increases the durability of the shoe. For example, the insert may be larger or smaller. Further, the insert may be made up of a number of sections of overlaid members, such as a mesh.

The hoof pad 50 shown in Figures 7 to 1 1 is designed for installation between a horseshoe 51 and a hoof 12. The hoof pad 50 is described with reference to the horseshoe 5 1 which includes many of the features of the horseshoe 10. Like parts are referenced with like reference numerals. However, the hoof pad 50 could alternatively be used with horseshoe 10, or any other suitable horseshoe. The pad 50 includes base member 52 which has a first section 54 shaped to interface between the horseshoe 10 and the hoof 12; and a second section 56 shaped to overlie a central section 58 of the hoof 12. The pad 50 also includes a breathable member 60 shaped to interface between the base member 52 and the hoof 12. As particularly shown in Figure 8, the second section 56 includes shock absorbing material 62. The shock absorbing material 62 reduces concussion and vibrations to the hoof 12 and leg 28 structures of the animal 12. The shock absorbing material 62 is durable enough to effectively reduce concussion over the life of the shoe 10.

The second section 56 of the base member 52 is recessed from the generally planar first section 54 so as to receive and seat therein said shock absorbing material 62. The shock absorbing material 62 is a high resiliency microcellular polyurethane flexible foam.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the shock absorbing material 62 includes two layers 64a, 64b of microcellular polyurethane flexible foam and a layer 64c of shock absorbing gel. The layer 64c of gel is preferably a silicone gel. The hoof pad 50 may alternatively include any other combination of microcellular polyurethane flexible foam and gel.

In one embodiment of the invention, the layers of shock absorbing material 64a, 64b are ethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

The first section 54 of the base member 52 includes a shock absorbing member 66 arranged to interface between the base member 52 and the shoe 10. The shock absorbing member 66 is arranged to underly engage the shoe 10 when fitted to the hoof 12. The shock absorbing member 66 includes a high resiliency flexible microcellular polyurethane foam. In one embodiment of the invention, the layers of shock absorbing member is ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. The breathable member 60 is a breathable textile. For example, the breathable member 60 is a gauze.

As particularly shown in Figure 1 1 , the hoof pad 50 is fitted to a horse's hoof, for example, by placing the shoe 10 on the shock absorbing member 66 of the first section of the pad 50 and pushing nails 68 through slots 36. The shoe 10 and the pad 50 are then located in correct position on the bottom side 20 of the hoof 12 and the nails 68 are driven into the hoof using a hammer.

The following steps are performed in manufacturing the hoof pad 50:

1. The base member 52 is produced by injection moulding a suitable rubber composite;

2. Insert shock absorbing material 62 in recess of the second section 56 of the base member 52; and

3. Fasten the breathable member 60 to the base member 52 using an adhesive.

In a case where the shock absorbing material 62 is multilayered, such as that shown in Figures and 10, the following additional steps are performed: a. a layer of gel 64c is applied to a bottom of the recessed second section 56 of the base member 52;

b. a first layer of shock absorbing material 64b is applied to the layer of gel 64c; and c. a second layer of shock absorbing material 64a is applied to the first layer of shock . absorbing material 64b.

A further additional construction step is included to couple the shock absorbing member 66 to the first section 54 of the base member 52.

The hoof pad 70 shown in Figures 12 and 13 is designed for installation between a horseshoe (not shown) and a hoof (not shown). The pad 70 includes base member 72 which has a first section 74 shaped to interface between the horseshoe and the hoof; and a second section 76 shaped to overlie a central section of the hoof 12. The pad 70 also includes a breathable member 80 shaped to interface between the base member 72 and the hoof. As particularly shown in Figure 12, the second section 76 includes shock absorbing material 82. The shock absorbing material 82 reduces concussion and vibrations to the hoof and leg structures of the animal. The shock absorbing material 72 is durable enough to effectively reduce concussion over the life of the shoe.

The first and second sections 74, 76 of the base member 72 are generally planar. The shock absorbing material 82 overlies the planar second section 76 of the base member 72. The shock absorbing material 82 is a high resiliency microcellular polyurethane flexible foam. The hoof pad 70 may alternatively include any other combination of microcellular polyurethane flexible foam and silicone gel. In one embodiment of the invention, the shock absorbing material 82 is ethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

The first section 74 of the base member 72 includes a shock absorbing member 86 arranged to interface between the base member 72 and the shoe. The shock absorbing member 86 is arranged to underly engage the shoe when fitted to the hoof. The shock absorbing member 86 includes a high resiliency flexible microcellular polyurethane foam. In one embodiment of the invention, the shock absorbing member 86 is ethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

The breathable member 80 is a breathable textile. For example, the breathable member 80 is a gauze. The following steps are performed in manufacturing the hoof pad 70: 1. The base member 72 is produced by injection moulding a suitable rubber composite;

2. Coupling the shock absorbing material 82 to the second section 76 of the base member 72; and

3. Fastening the breathable member 80 to the base member 72 using an adhesive.

A further additional construction step is included to couple the shock absorbing member 86 to the first section 74 of the base member 72. The hoof pad 90 shown in Figures 14 and 15 is designed for installation between a horseshoe (not shown) and a hoof (not shown). The pad 90 includes base member 92 which has a first section 94 shaped to interface between the horseshoe and the hoof; and a second section 96 shaped to overlie a central section of the hoof. As particularly shown in Figure 14, the base member 92 is preferably formed in two layers 92a, 92b, the latter being formed with a recessed section 98 so that the layers 92a, 92b separate in the second section 96 and define an air pocket 100 therebetween. The air pocket 100 acts to reduce concussion and vibrations to the hoof and leg structures of the animal. The hoof pad 90 has a light-weight construction that is durable enough to effectively reduce concussion over a training period or a horse race, for example.

The first section 94 of the base member 92 includes a shock absorbing member 102 arranged to interface between the base member 92 and the shoe. The shock absorbing member 102 is arranged to underly engage the shoe 10 when fitted to the hoof 12. The shock absorbing member 102 includes a high resiliency flexible microcellular polyurethane foam. In one embodiment of the invention, the shock absorbing member 102 is ethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

The hoof pad 90 also includes an impact absorbing member 104 seated in an outer peripheral section of the second section 96 of the base member 92. The impact absorbing member 104 is made of a denser material than that of the base member 92 to protect against perforation of the air pocket 100. The impact absorbing member is preferably formed integrally with the layer 92b of the base member 92.

The following steps are performed in manufacturing the hoof pad 90: a. The first and second layers 92a, 92b of the base member are separately formed through an injection molding process, the latter being formed with a recessed section 98;

b Coupling the first and second layers 92a, 92b together with a fastener, such as an adhesive so as to form the air pocket in the second section 96; and

d. Coupling the impact absorbing member 104 to the second section 96 of the base member 92.

A further additional construction step is included to couple the shock absorbing member 102 to the first section 94 of the base member 92.

The hoof pad 120 shown in Figures 16 and 17 is designed for installation between a horseshoe (not shown) and a hoof (not shown). The pad 120 includes base member 122 which has a generally planar first section 124 shaped to overlie a ground engaging side of the horses hoof; and a second section 126 shaped to overlie the first section 124. A central section 128 of the second section^' 126 is separated from the first section 124 so as to define a cache 130 therebetween. The cache 130 includes shock absorbing material 132. The shock absorbing material 132 reduces concussion and vibrations to the hoof and leg structures of the animal. The shock absorbing material 132 is durable enough to effectively reduce concussion over the life of the shoe.

The pad 120 also includes a breathable member 134 shaped to interface between the base member 122 and the hoof. The breathable member 134 is a breathable textile. For example, the breathable member 134 is a gauze. The pad 120 also includes a layer of high resiliency microcellular polyurethane flexible foam 136 which is located to interface between a horseshoe and the horse's hoof. The hoof pad 120 may alternatively include any other suitable shock absorbent material. In one embodiment of the invention, the shock absorbing material 132 86 is ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. The following steps are performed in manufacturing the hoof pad 120:

1. The base member 122 is produced by injection moulding a suitable rubber composite;

2. Coupling the shock absorbing material 132 the base member 122; and

3. Fastening the breathable member 1 34 to the base member 122 using an adhesive.

A further additional construction step is included to couple the shock absorbing member 136 to the base member 122. Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

Claims Defining the Invention

1 . A horseshoe for a hoof of a horse including:

(b) a ground engaging section overlying the hoof engaging section,

wherein the hoof engaging section includes a shock absorbing material.

2. The shoe claimed in claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing material is a high resiliency flexible foam.

3. The shoe claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shock absorbing material is an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. 4. The shoe claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the shock absorbing material substantially overlies a hoof engaging side of the shoe.

5. The shoe claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shock absorbing material is formed in discrete sections on a hoof engaging side of the shoe.

6. The shoe claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer ground engaging section is made of metal.

7. The shoe claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer ground engaging section is made of rubber.

8. The shoe claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, including a protrusion extending from the ground engaging section for gripping a floor or ground surface. 9. The shoe claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, including a channel extending substantially along the extent of the ground engaging section. The shoe claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 including an insert to improve the durability of the shoe.

A hoof pad for installation between a horseshoe and a hoof of a horse, including:

(a) a base member having:

(i) a first section shaped to interface between a horseshoe and the hoof; and

(ii) a second section shaped to overlie a central section of the hoof; and

(b) a breathable member shaped to interface between the base member and the hoof,

wherein the second section includes shock absorbing material.

The hoof pad claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the second section of the base member is recessed from the generally planar first section so as to receive and seat therein said shock absorbing material .

The hoof pad claimed in claim 1 1 or claim 12, wherein the shock absorbing material is a high resiliency flexible foam.

The hoof pad claimed in any one of claims 1 1 to 1 3 , wherein the shock absorbing material is an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

The hoof pad claimed in claim 1 1 or claim 12, wherein the shock absorbing material includes a layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and a layer of shock absorbing gel.

16. The hoof pad claimed in claim 1 1 or claim 12, wherein the shock absorbing material includes two layers of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and a layer of shock absorbing gel.

17. The hoof pad claimed in any one of claims 1 1 to 16, wherein the first section includes a shock absorbing member arranged to interface between the base member and the shoe. 18. The hoof pad claimed in claim 17, wherein the shock absorbing member is arranged to underly engage the shoe when fitted to the hoof.

19. The hoof pad claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the shock absorbing member is a high resiliency flexible foam.

20. The pad claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the shock absorbing member is an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

21. The hoof pad claimed in any one of claims 1 1 to 20, wherein the breathable member is a breathable textile.

22. A method of manufacturing the hoof pad claimed in claim 12, including the steps of:

(b) fastening the breathable member to the base member using an adhesive.

23. The method claimed in claim 22, wherein the step of inserting the shock absorbing material into the recessed second section includes the steps of:

(i) applying a layer of gel to a bottom of the recessed second section;

(ii) applying a first layer of shock absorbing material to the layer of gel; and

(iii) applying a second layer of shock absorbing material to the first layer of of shock absorbing material. 24. The method claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, including the step of coupling a shock absorbing member to the first section of the base member. A hoof pad for installation between a horseshoe and a hoof of a horse, including a base member having a first section shaped to interface between a horseshoe and the hoof; and a second section shaped to overlie a central section of the hoof, the second section of the base member including an air pocket to reduce concussion and vibrations to the hoof and leg structures of the horse.

The hoof pad claimed in claim 25, wherein the base member is formed in two layers, the latter being formed with a recessed section so that the layers separate in the second section and define said air pocket therebetween.

The hoof pad claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the first section includes a shock absorbing member arranged to interface between the base member and the shoe.

The hoof pad claimed in claim 27, wherein the shock absorbing member is arranged to underly engage the shoe when fitted to the hoof.

The hoof pad claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein the shock absorbing member is a high resiliency flexible foam.

The hoof pad claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the shock absorbing member is a ethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

The hoof pad claimed in any one of claims 25 to 30, including an impact absorbing member seated in an outer peripheral section of the second section of the base member.

The hoof pad claimed in claim 3 1 , wherein the impact absorbing member made of a denser material than that of the base member to protect against perforation of the air pocket. A method of manufacturing the hoof pad claimed in claim 25, including the steps of:

(b) coupling the first and second layers together with a fastener so- as to form the air pocket in the second section.