hoof protection device

Abstract

Hoof protection device (100) for one hoof of an equine, comprising: a base plate (110) whose outer contour (112) corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof, which has a top surface (114) suitable for receiving the hoof, and which has a bottom surface (116); wherein the base plate (110) comprises a core (120) which runs in the area of ​​a contact surface of the hoof, and a mantle (130) which encloses the core (120); the material of the core (120) is harder than the material of the mantle (130); and the core (120) is partially exposed on both the top (114) and the bottom (116) of the base plate (110).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to hoof protection devices for equines, such as horses or donkeys.

[0002] The hooves of equines, especially horses, are usually protected by metal horseshoes. However, hoof protection devices made of plastic have also become established, where the hoof is protected by one or more layers of plastic.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to further improve existing hoof protection devices. In particular, it is an object to facilitate the manufacture of multi-component hoof protection devices, to simplify the attachment of hoof protection devices to the hoof, to improve the vertical mobility of hoof protection devices, and to improve accessibility to the hoof while providing good hoof protection. This object is achieved by the hoof protection devices defined in the independent claims.

[0004] A hoof protection device for an equine hoof comprises, in particular, a base plate whose outer contour corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof, which has a top surface suitable for receiving the hoof, and a bottom surface. The base plate includes a core that extends along the bearing surface of the hoof and a shell that encloses the core. The core material is harder than the shell material, and the core is partially exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the base plate.

[0005] The hoof is thus protected by a hoof protector consisting of at least two components. Firstly, there is a hard, inner core whose primary function is to provide sufficient stability to the hoof protector when the equine strikes the ground and to protect the hoof's bearing surface. The core extends across this bearing surface, which is defined as the area on the underside of the hoof where the equine bears weight. This includes at least the area of ​​the hoof wall where metal horseshoes are typically nailed, i.e., the bottom edge of the hoof wall up to the white line. The core can also extend beyond the white line. It may be open in the area of ​​the frog or designed as a closed ring.

[0006] The core is surrounded by a mantle made of a softer material than the core. This allows the mantle to cushion impacts on the hoof better than the core. Furthermore, the softer material of the mantle provides better ground contact ("grip") than the hard core. The mantle may also have raised sections and indentations on its underside to further improve ground contact.

[0007] The shell does not completely enclose the core. Rather, the core is free both upwards, i.e., towards the hoof, and downwards, i.e., towards the ground. This makes the hoof protection device easier to manufacture using injection molding and improves its quality. Specifically, it is possible to clamp the core between the mold plates in the injection mold at the points that will not be covered by the shell. The core is thus fixed in place by the mold plates during injection molding. This allows the core's position within the shell to be reliably defined. This avoids production rejects caused by the core shifting relative to the outer contour of the shell. Furthermore, it simplifies the manufacturing process, as no additional means of securing the core during injection molding are required.

[0008] The core may have nail holes suitable for receiving nails to attach the hoof protection device to the hoof. In these areas, the core is exposed towards the underside of the base plate. This allows the hoof protection device to be attached to the hoof by nailing the core in place, similar to metal horseshoes. Furthermore, the exposed core in the area of ​​the nail holes ensures that the nail heads rest directly on the core and not on the softer material of the outer layer. This guarantees a secure hold for the nails and thus a secure connection between the hoof protection device and the hoof.

[0009] The nail holes can be designed as blind holes in the core, open towards the underside of the base plate and sealed towards the top with a layer of core material that can be pierced by hammering a nail through. The core may then be exposed towards the top of the base plate in the areas of the nail holes. Sealing the nail holes on the top side of the base plate ensures that no contaminants can reach the hoof through them, while the nail holes remain clearly visible from below. Furthermore, the absence of any outer material above the nail holes ensures that the hoof protection device fits securely on the hoof.

[0010] The cover can be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) preferably with a hardness of 80 to 98 Shore A, and particularly preferably with a hardness of 80, 85, 90, 92, 95, or 98 Shore A. This makes the cover sufficiently hard to protect against excessive abrasion, yet soft enough to allow good ground contact. Furthermore, the use of TPU for the cover allows the horseshoe to be glued to the hoof using conventional plastic adhesive tabs, for example, with superglue.

[0011] The core can be made of metal. However, it can also be made of a TPU that is harder than the TPU of the outer layer and preferably has a hardness of 60 to 80 Shore D, particularly preferably a hardness of 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 Shore D. This gives the core the stability known from metal horseshoes. Furthermore, plastic adhesive tabs can be welded to the TPU of the core by heating.

[0012] The hoof protection device shown above can further comprise at least two TPU side extensions that are permanently attached to the base plate. These side extensions are positioned at the front of the base plate and, when the hoof is placed on the base plate, encompass the front of the hoof.

[0013] Furthermore, a hoof protection device for an equine hoof comprises a base plate whose outer contour corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof, which has a top surface suitable for receiving the hoof and a bottom surface, and at least two TPU side extensions that are permanently connected to the base plate. The side extensions are arranged on the front of the base plate and, when the hoof is placed on the base plate, encompass the front of the hoof.

[0014] The side lifts are therefore formed as a single piece or integral part of the base plate, meaning they form a portion of the base plate that cannot be removed without damage. Because they are made of TPU, they can be manufactured from the same material as the base plate (or a TPU-coated shell of the base plate) and produced in the same manufacturing process. Furthermore, the TPU construction allows the side lifts to be adapted to the hoof using hot air.

[0015] The distance between the inner contour of the side lifts and the outer contour of the base plate can be smaller at the front of the side lifts than at the rear. This means the side lifts are not parallel to the outer contour of the base plate, but rather angled inwards relative to it at the rear. As a result, the side lifts, and therefore the hoof protection device, fit the hoof more easily, and the base plate's grip on the hoof is improved.

[0016] An inner wall of the side lifts can form an angle of less than 90° and more than 45° with the top of the base plate, preferably less than 70° and more than 55°, and more preferably 60°. The side lifts are therefore not perpendicular to the base plate, but are inclined inwards. This allows them to conform to the natural shape of the hoof when it is placed on the base plate. This further improves the fit of the side lifts and thus the hoof protection device on the hoof. The grip of the base plate on the hoof is also improved.

[0017] The various designs of the base plate discussed above can have at least one blind hole in a rear area, which lies in the area of ​​the frog when the hoof is placed on the base plate.

[0018] Furthermore, a hoof protection device for an equine hoof has a base plate whose outer contour corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof, which has a top surface suitable for receiving the hoof, and a bottom surface. The base plate has at least one blind hole in a rear area, which, when the hoof is placed on the base plate, lies in the area of ​​the frog.

[0019] This means that the thickness of the base plate is reduced in the area of ​​the frog by at least one blind hole. This makes the base plate more flexible in the frog area and allows for vertical relative movement between the two sides of the base plate. However, the base plate remains closed in the frog area (unlike a classic metal horseshoe). This protects the frog from dirt and injury while simultaneously ensuring the hoof's mobility.

[0020] The base plate can have a series of adjacent blind holes along a line in its rear area, positioned along the central sulcus of the hoof when the hoof is placed on the base plate. This further improves the mobility of the two sides of the base plate relative to each other, as the reductions in thickness along the sulcus increase the base plate's flexibility in this area. Providing several (smaller) blind holes, as opposed to a single (large) blind hole, ensures sufficient stability of the base plate.

[0021] The height of a partition wall between at least two adjacent blind holes can be reduced. This further increases flexibility while maintaining stability. It also facilitates the simultaneous cutting of the various blind holes along the radial groove. This allows for an even greater increase in the flexibility of the base plate if required.

[0022] The blind holes can be formed in a reduced-thickness area of ​​the base plate. This means that the base plate can already be thinner in its rear section, below the frog, than in the lateral and front sections, which lie below the hoof wall or the bearing surface of the hoof / hoof edge. At least one blind hole is then formed in this reduced-thickness area. This further increases flexibility against vertical movement. Furthermore, the thinner area can be relatively easily cut out of the base plate with a sharp object, such as a knife, pliers, or an angle grinder. With the thinner area cut out, the base plate essentially has the shape of a classic metal horseshoe. Thus, maximum flexibility against vertical movement can be achieved if required.

[0023] The above-discussed designs of the base plate can have an opening in their central area, and first locking devices can be arranged along a circumference of the opening.

[0024] Alternatively, a hoof protection device for a hoof of an equine has a base plate whose outer contour corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof, which has a top surface suitable for receiving the hoof, and which has a bottom surface, wherein the base plate has an opening in its central area and first locking means are arranged along a circumference of the opening.

[0025] Such hoof protection devices further feature a closing plate whose outer contour corresponds to an inner contour of the opening and which has a second locking mechanism at its edge. The closing plate is deformable in such a way that it can be inserted into the opening by deformation, where the first and second locking mechanisms engage with each other to hold the closing plate in the opening and close it.

[0026] The base plate of a hoof protection device can have an opening, for example, to allow access to the sole of the hoof or to increase the flexibility of the base plate. This opening can be sealed against contamination with a closure plate. The closure plate is designed to fit precisely into the opening; that is, the outer contour of the closure plate and the inner contour of the opening correspond exactly. Furthermore, when the closure plate is inserted, it and the opening snap together, securing the closure plate in place. This snap-in closure is releasable, allowing the closure plate to be removed from the opening. This enables the hoof protection device to be used with or without the closure plate, depending on the requirements. The closure plate can even be inserted into the opening after the hoof protection device has been attached to the hoof.Furthermore, both the cover plate and the base plate are reusable, which helps to avoid waste and reduce costs.

[0027] The first locking element can be designed as a projection that extends at least partially along the circumference of the opening, and the closure plate can have a circumferential recess at its edge as a second locking element, such that the projection at the opening engages in the recess when the closure plate is inserted into the opening. Alternatively, the projection can be located on the closure plate and the recess at the opening. In this way, a secure and tight connection between the base plate and the closure plate is achieved in a structurally simple manner, which can also be released non-destructively by pushing the closure plate out of the opening.

[0028] The closure plate can have a bearing surface on the side facing the frog when inserted into the opening. This surface rests against the top of the base plate when the closure plate is in place. This means that the rear part of the closure plate rests on the top of the base plate. This ensures a particularly secure fit of the closure plate. Especially if the base plate also has a recess at the rear as a locking mechanism, the bearing surface and the recess can encompass the top and bottom edges of the opening at the rear, preventing the closure plate from slipping within the opening.

[0029] The closure plate can be designed with or without through-holes. A plate without holes offers better protection for the sole of the hoof, while through-holes allow for ventilation of the sole without compromising the protection provided by the base plate. Furthermore, a closure plate with through-holes can be used to hold an orthopedic pad, made of a liquid two-component silicone or similar material, between the hoof and the closure plate. Excess pad material can drain through the through-holes before it hardens. The through-holes in the closure plate thus allow for a better fit of such orthopedic pads.

[0030] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the figures. The description of the figures is purely exemplary. The invention is defined solely by the subject matter of the claims. It shows: Fig. 1. A view of the underside of a hoof protection device; Fig. 2 a view of the top of a hoof protection device; Fig. 3 a cut through a hoof protection device; Fig. 4 a side view of a front area of ​​a hoof protection device; Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B a section through a side elevator of a hoof protection device; Fig. 6 another side view of a front area of ​​a hoof protection device; Fig. 7 a further cut through a side elevator of a hoof protection device; Fig. 8 a view of a rear area of ​​the underside of a hoof protection device; Fig. 9 a view of a rear area of ​​the top of a hoof protection device; Fig. 10 a cut through a rear area of ​​a hoof protection device; Fig. 11 a view of the top of a hoof protection device with a closure plate; Fig. 12 a view of the top side of a closure plate; Fig. 13 a view of the underside of a closure plate; Fig. 14 a section through a hoof protection device with an inserted closure plate; and Fig. 15 another cut through a hoof protection device.

[0031] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a hoof protection device 100 for the hoof of an equid, i.e., for an odd-toed or single-toed ungulate, such as a horse or a donkey. The hoof protection device 100 serves to protect the hoof, especially from excessive wear or injury. Colloquially, hoof protection devices 100, as described below, are also referred to as "horseshoes," although they have little in common with the classic metal horseshoe apart from their protective function and their shape adapted to the hoof.

[0032] The hoof protection device 100 essentially consists of a base plate 110, which can be attached to the bottom of the hoof to protect it. The shape of the base plate 110 essentially corresponds to the shape of the hoof; that is, an outer contour 112 of the base plate corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof; in its basic form, it is hoof-shaped. As, for example, in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the base plate 110 is oval, circular, or elliptical in its front area (i.e., the area that rests against the hoof at the front). From this point, the base plate tapers towards the rear (i.e., the area that rests against the hoof at the back). At the rear, the base plate 110 is flattened to conform to the hoof shape, preventing it from protruding beyond the back of the hoof. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the base plate 110 is preferably closed at the rear. However, the base plate 110 can also be open at the rear, i.e., it can have the shape of a classic metal horseshoe. Furthermore, the base plate 110 preferably has an opening 160 in its center, i.e., in the area of ​​the sole or frog of the hoof. The base plate 110 can also be completely closed. The base plate 110 typically has a width between 75 mm and 200 mm, e.g., 88 mm, 98 mm, 108 mm, 118 mm, 128 mm, 138 mm, 148 mm, 158 mm, 168 mm, 178 mm, 188 mm, or 198 mm. The length of the base plate 110 is usually its width plus 5 to 35 mm. If necessary, the exact shape of the hoof can be marked on the base plate 110 before the hoof protection device 100 is attached. The base plate 110 is then adapted according to the marked shape, e.g. by grinding or cutting.

[0033] The base plate has a top surface 114, which is in Fig. Figure 2 shows a base plate 110 suitable for receiving the hoof. This means that the base plate 110 rests with its upper surface 114 against the underside of the hoof, similar to a classic metal horseshoe. For this purpose, the upper surface 114 is preferably shaped such that it can absorb the forces transmitted from the hoof to the base plate 110 without damaging the hoof or the equine. For example, the base plate 110 can have a depression of at least 2 mm to 4 mm in the area where the coffin bone is located, in order to avoid direct pressure on the hoof in this area. In the area of ​​the bearing edge / hoof wall, the upper surface 114 of the base plate 110 can be essentially flat, as can the area of ​​the frog.

[0034] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, side lifts 140 may be present in the front area, against which the front of the hoof can abut. Likewise, one or more lips 118 may be provided centrally, connecting to the sole of the hoof from the inside and serving to prevent dirt from entering between the base plate 110 and the hoof, or to prevent snow from clumping together. However, the side lifts 140 and / or the lips 118 may also be absent.

[0035] When a hoof protection device 100 is attached to the hoof, an underside 116 of the base plate 110 touches the ground. As exemplified in the Fig. Figure 1 shows the underside 116 of the base plate preferably structured by projections and recesses. The resulting profile improves the grip of the hoof protection device 100 on the ground, similar to a profiled shoe sole. The underside 116 of the base plate 110 can, in particular, have various ridges, ribs, grooves, or holes. The [details of the following are missing from the original text.] Fig. The structure shown here is only an example and should not be understood as restrictive.

[0036] The base plate 110 comprises a core 120 (in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown in dark) and a coat 130 (in the Fig. 1 and Fig. (2 shown in lighter colors). The core 120 is enclosed by the mantle 130 and runs along the area of ​​the hoof's bearing surface. That is, the core 120 runs inside the mantle 130, through the mantle 130. The core 120 is made of a material that is harder than the material of the mantle 130. For example, the core 120 and the mantle 130 can both be made of a plastic material with different hardnesses. In particular, both the core 120 and the mantle 130 can be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU. The TPU of the 130 sheath can then have a hardness between 80 and 98 Shore A, e.g., 80, 85, 90, 92, 95, or 98 Shore A. The 120 core can then have a hardness between 60 and 80 Shore D, e.g., 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 Shore D. However, the 120 core can also be made of a different, hard material, e.g., metal, while the 130 sheath consists of a TPU with the aforementioned hardness (or a comparably hard plastic).The use of TPU has the advantage that the hoof protection device 100 can be glued to the hoof, for example, by using adhesive tabs, by heating and fusing the adhesive tabs and TPU of the outer shell 130 / core 120 together, and then adapting the heated adhesive tabs to the shape of the hoof and / or gluing them to the hoof, for example using superglue.

[0037] The relatively hard core 120, when used with a hoof protection device 100, runs below the hoof's bearing surface, i.e., below the bearing edge / hoof wall (meaning the core roughly resembles the shape of a classic metal horseshoe). It therefore offers protection against the ground surface, e.g., from sharp-edged or pointed objects. The core 120 can, for example, be used in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown, it can be closed and surround the entire hoof protection device 100. However, it can also be open at the rear of the hoof / hoof protection device 100 and, like a classic metal horseshoe, only be present in the area of ​​the hoof wall.

[0038] The hoof protection device 100 makes contact with the ground via the outer shell 130 when attached to a hoof. Because it is made of a softer material, the outer shell 130 absorbs impacts better than the harder core 120. Furthermore, the outer shell 130 offers better ground contact than the core 130, as its softer material deforms more easily and thus adapts better to uneven ground.

[0039] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the core 120 is not completely surrounded by the mantle 130. Rather, the core 120 is partially exposed on both the upper surface 114 and the lower surface 116 of the base plate 110. This allows, in particular, the lower surface 116 of the base plate 110 to be more heavily structured, as depressions in the lower surface 116 can extend down to the core 120.

[0040] Furthermore, this makes it easier to manufacture the hoof protection device 100 using injection molding. For this purpose, the core 120 is first formed using any desired method. If the core 120 is made of TPU, for example, it can also be manufactured using injection molding. However, the core 120 can also be manufactured using 3D printing, for example. The core 120 is then held in the injection mold for the production of the outer shell 130 at the points on the mold plates (and possibly other aids) that will later be exposed. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, these points can be opposite each other. However, a different distribution of exposed points is also conceivable. Since the core 120 is fixed by the mold plates, it cannot shift during the insertion of the material for the shell 130. This ensures, without additional effort, that the core 120 is always correctly positioned within the shell 130. The exposed core 120 thus enables the straightforward production of the hoof protection device 100 with minimal waste.

[0041] Although a TPU-molded base plate 110 is in principle suitable for being glued to a hoof, it can be advantageous if the hoof protection device 100 can be nailed to a hoof as is usual for metal horseshoes.

[0042] For this purpose, the core can have 120 nail holes 122, which are suitable for receiving nails to attach the hoof protection device 100 to the hoof. In the areas of the nail holes 122, the core 120 is exposed towards the underside 116 of the base plate 110. Thus, the nail holes, as e.g. in the Fig. 1 is visible and easily accessible. Furthermore, horseshoe nails can be driven directly into the core 120. This improves the hold of the base plate 110 on the hoof, as the horseshoe nails find better resistance in the hard core material than in the softer outer material. Since the core 120 can also be held in place by the mold plates of the injection mold in the areas of the nail holes 122, it is also prevented that material from the outer material 130 enters the nail holes 122 and seals them. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the nail holes 122 can be rectangular. However, they can also have any other shape that allows the hoof protection device 100 to be attached to the hoof with standard horseshoe nails. The size of the nail holes 122 corresponds to the typical size of horseshoe nails, i.e., the nail holes 122 can be approximately 5 mm to 13 mm long and 2 mm to 8 mm wide. The nail holes 122 can be made larger than is typical for metal horseshoes in order to adjust the point of impact within the nail hole 122. This allows the same dimensions for the nail holes 122 to be used for different sizes of the base plate 110, thus simplifying the manufacturing process for hoof protection devices 100 of different sizes.

[0043] In the Fig. 3 is a section through a nail hole 122 along the dashed line in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown. As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the nail holes 122 can be designed as blind holes in the core 120. This means that the nail holes 122 are open towards the underside 116 of the base plate 110 and closed towards the top 114 of the base plate with a layer 124 of core material. This layer 124 of core material is very thin, e.g., between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, and can therefore be easily pierced by hammering with a nail. This means that when a horseshoe nail is driven through the nail holes 122 with a hammer, the layer 124 is pierced without any additional force. However, the layer 124 prevents contaminants from entering the space between the hoof and the base plate through the nail holes 122. It is also possible to use nail holes 122 that are open on both sides.

[0044] As also in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the core 120 can be exposed in the areas of the nail holes 122 towards the upper surface 114 of the base plate 110. This ensures that the base plate 110 can be firmly nailed to the hoof. This prevents the base plate 110 from being loose or movable on the hoof due to any softer mantle material that may be present.

[0045] As above with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. As already mentioned in section 2, the hoof protection device 100 described above can have at least two side lifts 140, which are arranged on the base plate 110 in a front area and, when the hoof is placed on the base plate 110, encompass the hoof at its front. The side lifts 140 can be made of TPU and be permanently connected to the base plate 110. However, it is also conceivable that such side lifts 140 are arranged on a base plate 110 of a hoof protection device 100 that differs from the one described above in that it does not have a core 120.

[0046] Since the side lifts 140 are permanently or integrally connected to the base plate 110 and are made of TPU, they enable simple and secure fixation of the hoof. In particular, the side lifts 140 can be used not only to position the hoof on the base plate 110 but also to adhere the hoof protection device 100 to the hoof. If the base plate 110 is also made of TPU, for example, a TPU like the one described above for the cover 130, the hoof protection device 100 with side lifts 140 can be easily manufactured using injection molding.

[0047] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the hoof protection device 100 (with or without core 120) in the area of ​​a side lift 140. Fig. Figure 5A shows a section through side elevator 140 along the dashed line of the Fig. 4. The Fig. Figure 5B shows an enlargement of the section through the side elevator 140 of the Fig. 5A. Similarly, the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 a cut through the side elevator 140. During the cut into the Fig. 4, Fig. 5A and Fig. The section of the 5B runs along the top surface 114 of the base plate 110. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 at a certain distance from the top 114 of the base plate 110. The side elevators 140 can have a height between 3 mm and 25 mm measured from the top 114 of the base plate 110, e.g. 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, or 20 mm.

[0048] As in the Fig. 5B and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the distance d between the inner contour 142 of the side lifts 140 and the outer contour 112 of the base plate 110 can be smaller in a front area of ​​the side lifts 140 than in a rear area of ​​the side lifts 140. The inner contour 142 of the side lifts 140 is defined by the surface of the side lifts facing the hoof. The outer contour 112 of the base plate 110 is in the Fig. 5B and Fig. 7 is indicated by a dashed line. The inner contour 142 of the side clips 140 is not parallel to the outer contour 112 of the base plate 110, but is shifted inwards in its posterior region (i.e., towards the rear of the hoof or the equine) with respect to the outer contour 112 of the base plate 110. A distance d between the inner side of a side clip 140 and the edge of the base plate 110 therefore increases from front (i.e., towards the front of the hoof or the equine) to rearward. This progression of the distance is shown in the Fig. 5B and the Fig. 7 can be seen at various or all heights of the side elevators 140.

[0049] Furthermore, as in the comparison of the Fig. 5B and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the side elevators 140 can be inclined inwards (i.e., towards the hoof) with respect to the top surface 114 of the base plate 110. The distance between the inner contour 142 of the side elevators 140 and the outer contour 112 of the base plate 110 increases with increasing height (height measured perpendicular to the base plate 110). In particular, an inner wall of the side elevators 140 can form an angle of less than 90° and more than 45° with the top surface 114 of the base plate 110, e.g., between 70° and 55°, e.g., 60°.

[0050] This shape (not parallel to the edge of the base plate 110 and / or inclined inwards) allows the side lift 140 or the hoof protection device 100 to fit the hoof better. If necessary, the side lifts 140 can be heated to make them malleable. This allows them to be further adapted to the shape of the hoof. This facilitates the attachment of the hoof protection device 100 to the hoof. It also makes it easier to prevent gaps from remaining between the side lifts 140 and the hoof, in which grass or similar debris could become trapped and cause the hoof protection device to detach.

[0051] In the variants of the hoof protection device 100 described above, as e.g. in the Fig. Figure 1 shows that the base plate 110 has at least one blind hole 150 in a rear area which, when the hoof is placed on the base plate 110, lies in the area of ​​the frog. However, a hoof protection device 100 may also have neither the core 120 described above nor the side lifts 140 described above, but instead the blind hole 150 in the rear area of ​​the base plate 110. In the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows the rear area of ​​base plate 110 in detail. Fig. Figure 10 shows a section along the dashed line of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.

[0052] The blind hole 150 reduces the thickness of the base plate 110 at the rear. This allows the base plate 110 to bend more easily in the area of ​​the blind hole 150. This, in turn, allows the lateral sections of the base plate 110 to move more easily vertically against each other (i.e., perpendicular to the sole of the hoof). This supports the natural movement of the heel bulb. At the same time, the base plate 110 remains closed at the rear, thus protecting the sole / frog from dirt and injury.

[0053] Preferably the base plate has, as in the Fig. 1, Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 10 shows a series of adjacent blind holes 150 in their rear region, arranged along a line along the central sulcus of the hoof when the hoof is placed on the base plate 110. This line corresponds to the dashed line in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. This further improves the mobility of the hoof when the hoof protection device is attached.

[0054] For example, in the Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the blind holes 150 can become smaller from back to front. This takes into account, firstly, the fact that the hoof's mobility decreases from back to front. Secondly, it ensures that the basic stability of the base plate 110 is maintained even near the opening 160.

[0055] Is there a core 120 in the rear area of ​​the base plate 110, as in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the blind holes 150 (or the blind hole 150) can extend to the core 120, meaning that the core 120 is also exposed in the area of ​​the blind holes 150. In this case, it is advantageous that the core 120 is also exposed on the upper surface 114 of the base plate 110 in the area of ​​the blind holes 150. This creates an additional point for fixing the core 120 during the manufacture of the shell 130. It goes without saying that both the shape of the blind holes 150 and the design of the core area above the blind holes 150 depend on the representation of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 may deviate. The decisive factor is that the blind holes 150 are sufficiently large or arranged in such a way that they allow vertical movement of the sides of the base plate 100 located to the left and right of an axis of symmetry of the base plate 110, whereby the axis of symmetry runs from front to back (and the dashed line of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 corresponds to).

[0056] In another, in the Fig. 8 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the height of a partition 152 between at least two adjacent blind holes 150 is reduced. In other words, a blind hole 150 is present whose interior has varying depths. This further increases the mobility of the base plate 110. Preferably, the partition runs transversely to the base plate 110, i.e., perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the base plate 110. In addition to the partitions 152 between the blind holes 150, the blind holes 150 themselves can also have varying depths. The structuring of the blind holes 150 and partitions 152 influences the mobility of the hoof protection device 100 and can be specified during the design or manufacture of the hoof protection device 100 according to the desired degree of mobility.

[0057] As a further option, the blind holes 150 can be formed in an area of ​​the base plate 110 with reduced thickness. An example of this is shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 8 shows three blind holes 150 formed in a triangular area, tracing this triangular contour. Two of the blind holes 150 have a trapezoidal plan, while the third blind hole 150 is triangular. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the two trapezoidal blind holes 150 can be separated by a partition 152 with reduced height, while the triangular blind hole 150 is shallower than the other two blind holes 150. The edge of the base plate 110 is also partially thinner in relation to the outermost blind hole 150. This edge area of ​​reduced thickness and the partition 152 with reduced height can be aligned along the central ray groove. All of this serves to adjust the flexibility of the base plate 110. It goes without saying, however, that this effect can also be achieved with other geometries of the blind holes 150.

[0058] Furthermore, the blind holes 150, their arrangement, the structuring of the partitions 152, the depth of the blind holes 150, and the reduction in the thickness of the base plate 110 in the area of ​​the blind holes 150 allow the base plate 150 to be cut more easily in the area of ​​the blind holes 150. This makes it possible to create slots in the base plate 110 with a knife or similar tool, further increasing its mobility. It is also possible to cut out parts of the base plate 110, such as the entire triangular area of ​​reduced thickness, to create the necessary mobility if required.

[0059] As mentioned above, the base plate 110 can have an opening 160 in its central area in any of the embodiments described above. However, it is also conceivable to provide a base plate 110 without a core 120, without side elevators 140, and without a blind hole 150 in the rear area, which has such an opening 160.

[0060] Then the hoof protection device 100 can also be used, for example, in the Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. Figure 14 shows a closure plate 170 whose outer contour 174 corresponds to an inner contour 164 of the opening 160. That is, the closure plate 170 has the same shape as the opening 160. Is the opening 160 as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Since the opening 160 is horseshoe-shaped as shown in Figure 2, the closing plate 170 is also horseshoe-shaped. It goes without saying that the opening 160 and the closing plate 170 can also have any other shape not shown (e.g., oval, circular, or triangular).

[0061] Along the circumference of the opening 160, first locking devices 162 can be arranged, and second locking devices 172 can be arranged at the edge of the closure plate. The closure plate 170 can then be deformed so that it can be inserted into the opening 160. For example, the closure plate 170 can be made of TPU, e.g., the same TPU as the base plate 110 / the sleeve 130. The closure plate 170 can then be heated (if necessary due to weather conditions), e.g., using a hot air blower or hot water, until it becomes malleable. It can then be pressed into the opening 160 from the underside 116 of the base plate 110, e.g., if the hoof protection device 100 is already attached to the hoof. However, it can also be made of another sufficiently flexible material.

[0062] The closure plate 170 can therefore be used to subsequently close the opening 160, for example, if the sole / frog of the hoof needs to be particularly protected. Furthermore, additional aids, such as orthopedic wedge plates, which are beneficial for promoting hoof health, can be inserted above the closure plate 170.

[0063] Once the locking plate 170 is inserted into the opening 160, the first locking elements 162 and the second locking elements 172 engage with each other. This securely holds the locking plate 170 in the opening 160 and closes it. In particular, the locking plate 170 can be designed to be so rigid in its cold state that the locking elements 162 and 172 are difficult to release once the locking plate 170 has been inserted. This prevents the locking plate 170 from dislodging from the opening 160 simply through the movement of the equine or the use of the hoof protection device 100.

[0064] On the other hand, the closure plate 170 can be removed from the opening 160, for example, after the hoof protection device 100 has been removed from the hoof. For instance, the closure plate 170 can be heated until it becomes malleable (if necessary due to weather conditions) and then pressed out of the opening 160. In this way, a closure plate 170 can be used multiple times.

[0065] Preferably, the first locking means 162 are designed as a projection that extends at least partially along the circumference of the opening 160. This is exemplified in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows an edge or step running around the opening 160 as the first locking element 162. However, it is also conceivable that such a projection is only formed in certain areas, e.g. only at the front and rear of the opening 160 or only on the sides.

[0066] The locking plate 170 then has a circumferential recess on its edge as a second locking means 172, such that the projection at the opening 160 engages in the recess when the locking plate 172 is inserted into the opening 160. This is, for example, in the Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. 14 shown.

[0067] The Fig. Figure 12 shows an example of a closure plate 170 seen from above, i.e. from the hoof. Fig. Figure 13 shows the underside of the closure plate 170. Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 14 shows the closure plate 170 inserted into the opening.

[0068] As in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the closure plate 170 has an upper plate whose outer contour 174 corresponds to the inner contour 164 of the opening 160, but is larger than the opening 160. A circumferential lip is attached to the underside of the upper plate, following the outer contour 174 of the upper plate. The lip curves outwards in its lower region and, together with the upper plate, forms the recess that constitutes the second locking element 174. The shape of the projection at the opening 160 and the shape of the circumferential lip are precisely coordinated so that the projection at the opening 160 can be received by the recess of the closure plate 170 and held tightly and securely within it. The [details of the missing information] Fig. 12 and Fig. The form of the closure plate 170 shown in Figure 13 can be manufactured, for example, using 3D printing.

[0069] The exact shape of the projection / opening 160 and the recess / closing plate 170 is arbitrary, as long as the projection and recess interlock in such a way that the closing plate 170 is securely held in the opening 160. It is also possible for the recess to be the first locking element 162 on the opening 160 and the projection to be the second locking element 172 on the closing plate 170. Furthermore, projections and recesses can alternate on the opening 160 and the closing plate 170, as long as they can interlock to fix the closing plate 170 in the opening 160. Accordingly, the figures only represent an example of an opening 160 and a closing plate 170 with locking elements 162 and 172, which is not a limiting factor.

[0070] As in the Fig. 11, Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the closure plate 170 can also have a bearing surface 176 on its rear side, i.e., on the side facing the frog, when the closure plate 170 is inserted into the opening 160. This bearing surface 176 rests on the top surface 114 of the base plate 110 when the closure plate 170 is inserted into the opening 160. As shown in the Fig. 11, Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the support surface 176 can be a rearward extension of the upper plate. The support surface 176 encompasses, as shown in the Fig.Figure 14 shows the rear edge of the opening 160 together with the surrounding, outwardly curved lip. This ensures that the closure plate 170 sits particularly firmly in the opening 160 at the rear and is especially protected against displacement. The bearing surface 176 further improves the fixation of the closure plate 170 and thus the protection of the hoof. It goes without saying that the figures are purely illustrative and that the bearing surface 176 can have any shape, as long as it improves the positional stability of the closure plate 170 by resting on the upper surface 114 of the base plate 110.

[0071] In the figures, the closure plate 170 is depicted as completely closed. However, it can also have through holes if this is advantageous for hoof ventilation or the movement of the closure plate 170. Furthermore, a closure plate 170 with through holes can be used to hold an orthopedic pad, made of a liquid two-component silicone or similar material, between the hoof and the closure plate 170. Excess pad material can drain away through the through holes before it hardens. The through holes in the closure plate 170 thus allow for improved adaptation of such orthopedic pads.

Claims

[1] Hoof protection device (100) for a hoof of an equine, comprising: a base plate (110) whose outer contour (112) corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof, which has a top surface (114) suitable for receiving the hoof, and which has a bottom surface (116); wherein the base plate (110) comprises a core (120) which runs in the area of ​​a contact surface of the hoof, and a mantle (130) which encloses the core (120); the material of the core (120) is harder than the material of the mantle (130); and the core (120) is partially exposed on both the top (114) and the bottom (116) of the base plate (110). [2] Hoof protection device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the core (120) has nail holes (122) suitable for receiving nails to fasten the hoof protection device (100) to the hoof; and the core (120) is exposed in the areas of the nail holes (122) towards the underside (116) of the base plate (110). [3] Hoof protection device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the nail holes (122) are formed as blind holes in the core (120), which are open towards the underside (116) of the base plate (110) and are closed towards the top (114) of the base plate (110) with a layer (124) of core material which can be pierced by hammering with a nail; and the core (120) is exposed in the areas of the nail holes (122) towards the top (114) of the base plate (110). [4] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheath (130) consists of a thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU, preferably with a hardness of 80 to 98 Shore A, particularly preferably with a hardness of 80, 85, 90, 92, 95 or 98 Shore A; and the core (120) consists of metal or a TPU that is harder than the TPU of the sheath (130) and preferably has a hardness of 60 to 80 Shore D, particularly preferably a hardness of 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80 Shore D. [5] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least two side elevators (140) made of thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU, which are inseparably connected to the base plate (110); wherein the side lifts (140) are arranged in a front area of ​​the base plate (110) on the base plate (110) and, when the hoof is placed on the base plate (110), encompass the hoof at its front. [6] Hoof protection device (100) for a hoof of an equine, comprising: a base plate (110) whose outer contour (112) corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof, which has a top surface (114) suitable for receiving the hoof, and which has a bottom surface (116); at least two side elevators (140) made of thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU, which are inseparably connected to the base plate (110); wherein the side lifts (140) are arranged in a front area of ​​the base plate (110) on the base plate (110) and, when the hoof is placed on the base plate (110), encompass the hoof at its front. [7] Hoof protection device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a distance (d) of an inner contour (142) of the side lifts (140) from the outer contour (112) of the base plate (110) is smaller in a front area of ​​the side lifts (140) than in a rear area of ​​the side lifts (140). [8] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein an inner wall of the side lifts (140) with the top (114) of the base plate (110) forms an angle of less than 90° and more than 45°, preferably less than 70° and more than 55°, further preferably 60°. [9] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (110) has at least one blind hole (150) in a rear area which, when the hoof is placed on the base plate (110), is in the area of ​​the frog. [10] Hoof protection device (100) for a hoof of an equine, comprising: a base plate (110) whose outer contour (112) corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof, which has a top surface (114) suitable for receiving the hoof, and which has a bottom surface (116); wherein the base plate (110) has at least one blind hole (150) in a rear area which, when the hoof is placed on the base plate (110), lies in the area of ​​the frog. [11] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the base plate (110) has in its rear region a series of blind holes (150) adjacent along a line, which are arranged along the central frog groove of the hoof when the hoof is placed on the base plate (110). [12] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the height of an intermediate wall (152) is reduced by at least two adjacent blind holes (150). [13] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the blind holes (150) are formed in an area of ​​the base plate (110) with reduced thickness. [14] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (110) has an opening (160) in its central area and first locking means (162) are arranged along a circumference of the opening (160); the hoof protection device (100) further comprises a closing plate (170) whose outer contour (174) corresponds to an inner contour (164) of the opening (160) and which has a second locking means (172) at its edge; and the closure plate (170) is deformable in such a way that it can be inserted into the opening (160) by deformation and the first locking means (162) and the second locking means (172) lock into each other to hold the closure plate (170) in the opening (160) and to close it. [15] Hoof protection device (100) for a hoof of an equine, comprising: a base plate (110) whose outer contour (112) corresponds to the outer contour of the hoof, which has a top surface (114) suitable for receiving the hoof, and which has a bottom surface (116); wherein the base plate (110) has an opening (160) in its central area and first locking means (162) are arranged along a circumference of the opening (160); the hoof protection device (100) further comprises a closing plate (170) whose outer contour (174) corresponds to an inner contour (164) of the opening (160) and which has a second locking means (172) at its edge; and the closure plate (170) is deformable in such a way that it can be inserted into the opening (160) by deformation and the first locking means (162) and the second locking means (172) lock into each other to hold the closure plate (170) in the opening (160) and to close it. [16] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the first locking means (162) are designed as a projection that extends at least partially along the circumference of the opening (160); and The locking plate (170) as a second locking means (172) has a circumferential recess on its edge such that the projection at the opening (160) engages in the recess when the locking plate (172) is inserted into the opening (160). [17] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein The closure plate (170) on the side facing the frog, when the closure plate (170) is inserted into the opening (160), has a bearing surface (176) which rests on the top (114) of the base plate (110) when the closure plate (170) is inserted into the opening (160). [18] Hoof protection device (100) according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the closure plate (170) has through holes.

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