Hoof boot, method for producing a hoof boot and use of a hoof boot

Abstract

The invention relates to a hoof boot comprising at least the following components: a base panel, at least two side parts and at least one heel strap. Known hoof boots are composed of standardised components, given that a good fit can only be achieved with strong and potentially painful tension or a complex method of putting on the hoof boot. To solve this problem, according to the invention, at least one of the components is to be produced using an additive manufacturing method, enabling a snug fit of the hoof boot. The invention also relates to a method for producing a hoof boot of this type and to the use thereof.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Hoof shoe, method for producing a hoof shoe and use of a hoof shoe

[0003] The present invention relates to a hoof boot comprising at least the following components: a base plate, at least two side panels, and at least one heel strap. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing such a hoof boot and its use.

[0004] Such a hoof boot is known from EP 1 008 295 A2. A similar system is also known from ES 1 242 305 U.

[0005] Hoof boots represent an alternative to the long-established and widely used horseshoes. These are typically made of an inelastic, metallic material. This causes the hoof, and thus the horse, to slip on relatively hard surfaces such as asphalt. Likewise, they are unable to compensate for uneven ground in the same way that an unshod hoof can. Furthermore, they offer no cushioning function, but can instead cause vibrations that are harmful to the hoof. Furthermore, horseshoes are usually attached to the hoof with nails, which leads to hoof damage and facilitates the penetration of pests and pathogens. Furthermore, the natural hoof movement, and thus the so-called hoof pump, is severely restricted, if not completely eliminated, by conventional horseshoes.

[0006] Many of the problems listed above can be solved by using hoof boots. Hoof boots are also made of plastic, which provides a cushioning effect and can compensate for uneven ground. The profile on the underside of the hoof boot increases grip on all surfaces. Because the hoof boot is fastened around the hoof, there is no need for nails, which would otherwise damage the hoof. Natural hoof movement, and thus the hoof pump, are less affected than with conventional horseshoes. Hoof boots also have the advantage of being able to be put on and taken off as needed. They can be worn for heavier loads, such as during trail rides or sporting events.In contrast, in the stable, paddock, or pasture, and possibly during light exercise such as a walk, the horse can walk "barefoot," so that the natural hoof movement and thus the hoof pump are not impaired. This allows the animal to move barefoot in a healthy way, for example, in the pasture.

[0007] State-of-the-art hoof boots all have the disadvantage that they are made up of standardized components. While this makes economic sense, it does mean that in most cases a perfect fit of the hoof boot cannot be achieved. For animal hooves, just as for human feet, no two are identical. A suboptimal fit either causes the hoof to move within the hoof boot under heavy loads, such as when galloping, or that too tight a fixation in the pastern area can cause the animal pain. Horses also regularly lose familiar hoof boots. It is therefore often necessary to select different hoof boots, even from different manufacturers, for a horse's different hooves in order to ensure a reasonably good fit.

[0008] To solve this problem, the aforementioned EP 1 008 295 A2 uses an elastically deformable material that is pressurized by a fluid and thus adapts to the shape of the hoof. Such a design requires additional components and significantly increases the effort required to put on the hoof boots, as the adjustment of the hoof boots must be performed each time the hoof boots are put on, usually on all four hooves.

[0009] Putting on the ES 1 242 305 U hoof boot requires less effort. To facilitate entry, a flap in the heel or frog cushion area folds down. This flap is then secured to the rest of the hoof boot with a strap. Inaccuracies in the fit of the hoof boot cannot be compensated for, but can only be addressed by increasing the strap tension. This places increased pressure, particularly on the sensitive frog cushion area, causing pain and promoting misalignment.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to describe a hoof boot that is designed to fit so precisely that movement of the hoof within the boot is ensured even without excessive tension, and that can also be put on with minimal effort. A method for producing such a hoof boot and its use are also aspects of the present invention.

[0011] This object is achieved by a hoof boot according to claim 1. A method for its production is the subject of claim 8. A use of such a hoof boot is given by claim 11. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] The hoof boot according to the invention has a base plate that, similar to a shoe sole, establishes contact between the hoof and the ground. To ensure good grip and cushioning properties, the base plate is made of plastic and has a profile on its underside.

[0013] At least two side parts extend essentially vertically from the side edges of the base plate, their shape following the contour of the hoof. They thus describe a partially cylindrical or conical profile that is inclined backward when viewed in the direction of the animal's movement.

[0014] From the rear area of ​​the base plate, at least one heel strap also extends essentially vertically and follows the shape of the hoof in the heel area. This prevents the hoof from slipping backwards out of the hoof boot. In conjunction with the at least two side parts, the hoof is fixed to the base plate in such a way that it cannot slip on it and loss of the hoof boot is prevented. According to the invention, it is now proposed for the first time to produce at least one of the aforementioned components using an additive manufacturing process. In this process, which is also referred to as 3D printing, a body is formed by computer-controlled layering of one or more liquid or solid materials according to predetermined dimensions and shapes. Since the (partial) curing of a freshly applied layer usually takes place immediately, even complex geometries can be created.The advantage, particularly for individual pieces and small series, is that no specially manufactured tools, such as casting molds, are required.

[0015] For example, within the scope of the present invention, it is proposed to produce the base plate of the hoof boot according to the invention using an additive manufacturing process. This allows the specific geometry of an individual hoof, especially the sole, to be taken into account. It is also possible to compensate for anatomical misalignments of the hoof by appropriately shaping the base plate.

[0016] Likewise, it is possible to produce the at least two side panels and / or the at least one heel strap using an additive manufacturing process. Choosing 3D printing as the manufacturing process for these components also allows for the specific characteristics of the corresponding areas of the hoof to be taken into account.

[0017] Additive manufacturing offers the option of producing several of the aforementioned components as a single piece. This eliminates the need for joining manufacturing processes such as gluing or screwing to attach the individual components to one another. Such joints always represent weak points, which is why a single-piece design improves the robustness and durability of the hoof boot produced in this way. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, at least two of the components, e.g., the base plate and the at least two side parts, are manufactured as a single piece using the additive manufacturing process. Such a design combines the requirement of a long-lasting, robust product with the best possible adaptation to the individual hoof.

[0018] To improve the fixation of the hoof in the hoof boot, a further embodiment provides at least one front strap. This at least one front strap connects the at least two side pieces in the front area of ​​the hoof boot. Due to its elastic design, it exerts a mutually directed tensile force on the at least two side pieces, thereby ensuring an even better fit to the hoof.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, a gaiter is attached centrally to at least one heel strap. It runs in the area of ​​the frog cushion and branches off onto both sides of the hoof. At least one draw strap is attached to each of the two ends of the gaiter. These, like the at least one front strap, are elastic. Their other end is attached to the at least two side pieces. Such a construction of gaiter and at least two draw straps with their attachment to at least one heel strap or the at least two side pieces enables an improved vertical fixation of the hoof in the hoof boot. Even under high loads, such as when galloping, the hoof can thus be effectively prevented from lifting off the base plate.

[0020] To protect the sensitive frog cushion area from constriction due to increased pressure, a pad can be added to the inside of the gaiter. This ensures that the force generated by at least two tension straps is distributed over a larger area of ​​the frog cushion area, thus counteracting the formation of pressure points and chafing. The combination of the aforementioned features allows for the creation of a customized hoof boot that is precisely tailored to the specific characteristics of a particular hoof and thus best meets the animal's needs.

[0021] A method according to the invention for producing a hoof boot described above comprises, in a first step, receiving a data set containing geometric information about a hoof. This can be, for example, dimensioned photographs of the hoof from different perspectives, a video recording of the hoof, or data from a (laser) measurement. Furthermore, other formats and data sources are of course also conceivable. Based on the received data set, a hoof boot geometry for the individual hoof is calculated in a second step. This can be done fully automatically, manually, or at an intermediate stage. From this hoof boot geometry, (three-dimensional) models of the individual components from which the hoof boot is later assembled are generated in a subsequent step.According to the invention, the base plate is then manufactured using an additive manufacturing process based on the corresponding model. Finally, the individual components are (pre-)assembled to form a hoof boot.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in addition to the base plate, the at least two side parts and / or the at least one traditional strap are also produced by an additive manufacturing process.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, at least two of the components—the base plate, at least two side parts, and at least one traditional strap—are manufactured in one piece using an additive manufacturing process. For example, the base plate and the at least two side parts, or the base plate and the at least one traditional strap, can be manufactured in one piece.

[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the base plate, the at least two side parts and the at least one heel strap are made in one piece, an additive manufacturing process being used for production. A hoof boot as described above, which was produced according to a process likewise described above, is used according to the invention on the hoof of an animal. It is particularly suitable for use on the hoof of a horse, since as sporting animals these are often exposed to particular stresses. It is of course advisable to use such a hoof boot not just on one hoof, but on at least two, preferably all, of the horse's hooves. The high degree of customizability of the hoof boot produced according to such a process makes it possible to produce and use an optimally fitted hoof boot for each individual hoof.

[0025] The invention is explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a first embodiment of a hoof boot according to the invention;

[0027] Fig. 2 is a schematic rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

[0028] Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of a hoof boot according to the invention;

[0030] Fig. 5 is a schematic rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 4; and

[0031] Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of Fig. 4.

[0032] 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a hoof boot 10 according to the invention in a front view (Fig. 1), rear view (Fig. 2), and side view (Fig. 3), attached to a schematically illustrated hoof of an animal, for example a horse. The hoof boot 10 consists of a base plate 12, which is provided between the hoof and a surface. The hoof boot 10 further comprises two side parts 14, which, viewed in the direction of movement of the animal, are arranged essentially on the sides of the hoof. The side parts 14 are connected to the base plate 12 by means of a joining device, for example via screws, nails, or an adhesive connection. Other suitable joining methods are also possible. At the front of the hoof, the two side parts 14 are connected by means of at least one front strap 18; in the illustrated embodiment, two front straps 18 are used.These exert a force directed towards each other on the two side parts, whereby they fit tightly to the hoof and prevent the hoof boot 10 from being lost.

[0033] As can be seen in Fig. 2, in the illustrated embodiment, a heel strap 16 is arranged on the back of the hoof, the heel. Designs with two or more heel straps 16 are also conceivable. The at least one heel strap 16, in conjunction with the side parts 14, ensures that the hoof is almost completely enclosed by the components of the hoof boot 10. The heel strap 16 is joined to the side parts 14 and / or the base plate 12, for example, via rivets, adhesives, or other suitable joining methods.

[0034] Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows a gaiter 22, which is arranged centrally on the heel strap 16 and branches off on both sides of the hoof. It runs in the area above the frog cushion. Such a construction provides further protection against the hoof accidentally slipping out of the hoof boot 10. For this purpose, a tension strap 20 is provided at each end of the gaiter 22. For optimal clamping of the hoof in the hoof boot 10, the two tension straps 20 are each connected to one of the side parts 14.

[0035] According to the invention, the hoof boot 10 described above is characterized in that at least one of the components, base plate 12, side parts 14, and heel strap 16, is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. This enables optimal customization to the respective hoof, thereby achieving a health- and performance-enhancing effect for the respective animal. Of course, it is also possible to manufacture two or all three of the components, base plate 12, side parts 14, and heel strap 16, using an additive manufacturing process. This can contribute to a further improvement in the fit of the hoof boot 10.

[0036] A second embodiment of the hoof boot 10 according to the invention is shown in Figs. 4 to 6. This is essentially similar to the first embodiment, which is depicted in Figs. 1 to 3. The difference is that in the second embodiment, the components base plate, side parts and heel strap are designed as a single piece as a 3D shell 24. Accordingly, there is no joining between the individual components; rather, a one-piece component is created during the primary forming process, which combines the functions of the base plate, side parts and heel strap. Such a construction has the advantage that the design-related weak points at the joints between the individual components can be avoided.

[0037] The other elements, front strap 18, drawstring 20, and gaiter 22, are also present in the second embodiment in the same way, and their function remains the same. The only difference is that they are no longer located on the side panels 14 / the traditional strap 16, but on the corresponding geometries of the 3D shell 24.

[0038] Should it appear sensible in an individual case for economic or technical reasons, it would of course also be possible to produce two of the three components, base plate 12, side parts 14 and traditional strap 16, in one piece using an additive manufacturing process and to join the remaining components with the geometry thus created.

[0039] List of reference symbols Hoof boot base plate side part traditional strap front strap draw strap gaiter 3D shell

Claims

Claims 1. Hoof boot (10) comprising at least the following components: a base plate (12), at least two side parts (14) and at least one heel strap (16), characterized in that at least one of the components is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.

2. Hoof boot (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two of the components are manufactured in one piece by the additive manufacturing process.

3. Hoof boot (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least the base plate (12) and the at least two side parts (14) are manufactured in one piece by the additive manufacturing process.

4. Hoof boot (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by at least one front strap (18) for connecting the at least two side parts (14).

5. Hoof boot (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by at least two drawstrings (20) which connect the at least two side parts (14) with a gaiter (22) attached to the at least one heel strap (16).

6. Hoof boot (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by a pad provided on the inside of the gaiter (22).

7. Hoof boot (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, manufactured to fit a specific hoof of an equine, in particular a horse.

8. Method for manufacturing a hoof boot (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising the following steps: - Receiving a data set containing geometric information about a hoof - Calculating a hoof boot geometry based on the received data set Creating three-dimensional models of the individual components - Selection of components from standard parts or production of components based on the created three-dimensional models, wherein the base plate (12) is produced by an additive manufacturing process. (Pre-)assembly of the components into a hoof boot. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least two side parts (14) and / or the at least one heel strap 16 are manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that at least two of the components base plate (12), at least two side parts (14) and at least one heel strap (16) are manufactured in one piece by an additive manufacturing process. Use of a precisely fitting hoof boot (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, manufactured by a method according to one of claims 8 to 10, on the hoof of an equine, in particular a horse.

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