Device for optically checking the balance of a horse's hoof

Abstract

Device for optically testing the balance of a horse's hoof, in particular a barefoot horse's hoof, wherein the device is configured to specify a defined reference position relative to a horse's leg, to arrange a reference surface at a distance from the hoof floor, and to use a gap formed between the reference surface and the hoof floor to optically visualize deviations in hoof balance, wherein the assessment of the balance is based on the extent of the visible gap.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for testing the balance of horses' hooves, in particular of barefoot horses.

[0002] The device is used for the diagnostic assessment of imbalances in the front and hind hooves and is used in the areas of hoof care, hoof trimming, and the functional assessment of the limb position of horses. State of the art

[0003] Mechanical measuring and testing devices are known from the prior art for assessing the flatness or balance of a horse's hoof.

[0004] Such devices typically operate with direct, flat contact between the hoof floor and a reference surface, for example in the form of a floor board or a mechanical support.

[0005] A disadvantage of these known solutions is that subtle deviations in hoof balance are only detectable to a limited extent. Furthermore, the assessment depends heavily on the surface condition of the hoof, the precise positioning of the measuring device, and the user's subjective perception.

[0006] The known devices do not provide for the optical visualization of minor imbalances. Object of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device with which imbalances in horses' hooves can be assessed objectively, reproducibly and without surface contact.

[0008] In particular, a device is to be created which: • suitable for barefoot horses, • can be used on both front and hind hooves, • makes slight deviations in hoof balance visually apparent, • regardless of the material used or the manufacturing process. Solution to the task

[0009] This task is solved by a device for optically testing the balance of a horse's hoof according to the patent claims.

[0010] The device is designed to define a reference position relative to the horse's leg and to position a reference surface at a distance from the hoof floor, so that a light gap is created between the reference surface and the hoof floor.

[0011] The assessment of hoof balance is based on the optical perceptibility and extent of this light gap, which allows even slight deviations of the hoof plane to be reliably detected. Advantages of the invention

[0012] The device according to the invention has a multitude of advantages over the prior art.

[0013] A key advantage is that the assessment of hoof balance is performed without full-surface contact between the hoof floor and a reference surface. This means that surface irregularities, local structures, or contamination of the hoof are not included in the assessment.

[0014] The formation of a light gap between the reference surface and the hoof floor makes even minor imbalances clearly visible. This enables an objective, reproducible, and user-independent assessment of hoof balance.

[0015] The device is suitable for both front and hind hooves and can be used on barefoot horses. By fixing it to the horse's leg and using a leveling mechanism, a raised, unweighted position of the hoof can be reliably ensured, further improving the comparability of the assessment.

[0016] Another advantage lies in the modular and material-independent design of the device. It can be made from different materials and manufactured using both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes.

[0017] Overall, the device represents an easy-to-use, robust and precise solution for the optical inspection of hoof balance, which clearly distinguishes itself from known mechanical measuring and support devices. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings. These show: • Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective overall view of the device (1) with a projection arm (2), a fixing block (3), a leveling device (4) and several fixing elements (5). • Fig. Figure 2 shows a representation of the device in the applied state on a raised bare hoof (8), wherein a light gap (7) is formed between a reference surface (6) and the hoof floor, which serves for the optical assessment of a hoof imbalance. • Fig. Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail view of a fixing block (3) which is slidably arranged along a projection arm (2), wherein the fixing block (3) is guided in position by a lateral guide (9). Coupling means (10) are provided between the fixing block (3) and the lateral guide (9), by means of which the components remain coupled to each other during a relative movement and a right-angled alignment of the reference surfaces is ensured. • Fig. Figure 4 shows a detailed view of a support arm (2) with a leveling device (4) arranged on it, which is designed as a spirit level, by means of which the support arm (2) can be aligned into a horizontal position in order to ensure a raised, unloaded state of the hoof during the test. • Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the device (1) when used on a hind hoof, wherein the device (1) is reconfigured for this purpose and a reference surface (6) is arranged relative to the bare hoof (8). Detailed description of exemplary implementations

[0019] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a device having a projection arm on which a reference surface is arranged.

[0020] The extension arm can be positioned relative to a horse's leg and serves to define the arrangement of the reference surface above the hoof floor.

[0021] Fixing elements are provided to secure the device to the horse's leg; these can be designed, for example, as clamps, brackets, or attachment elements. These fixing elements enable stable and reproducible positioning of the device during testing.

[0022] A gap is created between the reference surface and the hoof floor, through which ambient light or selectively directed light can pass.

[0023] Depending on the balance of the hoof, the extent of this light gap varies, making medial or lateral imbalances visually apparent.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, a leveling device, in particular a spirit level, is provided on the extension arm.

[0025] This allows the user to position the device in a defined horizontal or vertical position, thereby increasing the comparability of the measurement results.

[0026] Furthermore, a reference element in the form of a fixing block can be provided, which defines a right-angled alignment between the extension arm and the reference surface. This creates a clear geometric reference, which particularly facilitates reproducible application on different horses and hooves.

[0027] The device can be made from different materials, such as plastic, metal, wood or composite materials.

[0028] It is also possible to manufacture using additive manufacturing processes, especially 3D printing, or using subtractive manufacturing processes.

[0029] The described embodiments represent only preferred configurations and do not limit the scope of protection of the invention. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 extension arms 3 Fixing block 4 Leveling device (spirit level) 5 fixing elements (clamps) 6 Reference area 7 Light slit 8 Barefoot in a raised, unweighted state 9 Side guide 10 coupling devices

Claims

[1] Device for optically testing the balance of a horse's hoof, in particular a barefoot horse's hoof, wherein the device is configured to provide a defined reference position relative to a horse's leg, to arrange a reference surface at a distance from the hoof floor and to use a gap formed between the reference surface and the hoof floor to make deviations in hoof balance optically visible, wherein the assessment of the balance is based on the extent of the visible gap. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the defined reference position is specified on the horse's leg by means of at least one fixing element. [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by that the fixing element is designed as a clamp, bracket or attachment element for attachment to the horse's leg. [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the reference surface is arranged on a boom arm or a comparable support structure. [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a reference element is provided which specifies a defined perpendicular alignment between the reference surface and the reference position. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a leveling device is provided by means of which a defined alignment of the device can be verified. [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device is set up for testing front and / or hind hooves. [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device is made entirely or partially of plastic, metal, wood or composite materials and / or is manufactured using additive or subtractive manufacturing processes. [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the position of the reference surface relative to the reference position is adjustable. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device is intended solely for the diagnostic assessment of hoof balance. [11] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the reference surface does not have full contact with the hoof floor during the test. [12] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the visible slit is formed by ambient light and / or by a targeted light source. [13] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the reference surface and / or adjacent components are designed in such a way that the light gap is clearly visible. [14] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the assessment of hoof balance is independent of local unevenness or surface structures of the hoof floor. [15] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device is set up for reproducible comparative measurement on different horses or at different times. [16] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the reference surface, fixing elements and / or reference elements are interchangeable or modular. [17] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device does not exert any processing or corrective forces on the hoof. [18] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device is set up for the comparative testing of left and right front and / or hind hooves. [19] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that coupling means are provided between a fixing block and a side guide, which couple the components to each other during a relative movement along the extension arm and thereby maintain the specified right-angled alignment between reference surface and reference position. [20] Device according to claim 19, characterized by that the coupling means are designed as magnetic elements which are arranged in the fixing block and in the side guide. [21] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the leveling device is located on the extension arm and serves to ensure an essentially straight alignment of the horse's leg during the test, so that the hoof is tested in a relieved state. [22] Device according to claim 21, characterized by, that the leveling device is designed as a spirit level, the indicator of which serves to check the alignment of the horse's leg relative to the direction of gravity.

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