Horseshoe comprising an inner rigid plate coated with an elastic casing, and associated system for fastening onto the sole of the hoof of an equine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a horseshoe (1) comprising an inner rigid plate (2) coated with an elastic casing (3). The elastic casing (3) covers the faces of the inner rigid plate (2) and is designed to interact with the sole of the equine's hoof and with the ground. The invention further includes a system of fastening the horseshoe (1) onto the sole of the equine's hoof, which system includes orifices (8) and may use adhesives or a plurality of nails. The elastic casing (3) may be made from a variety of materials, for example thermoplastic polyurethane. Preferably, the horseshoe (1) includes side guards (9) and a first connector insert (14) and a second connector insert (15) for stud plugs. The horseshoe (1) is intended to provide greater comfort and protection for the equine, potentially improving the performance and the health of the animal's hooves.

Description

HORSESHOE COMPRISING A RIGID INNER PLATE COVERED BY AN ELASTIC WRAP AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM FOR FIXING TO THE SOLE OF AN EQUINE HOOF

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of equine hoof care and relates specifically to a new horseshoe and a system for attaching the horseshoe to the equine hoof. The invention encompasses a horseshoe comprising a rigid inner plate, covered by an elastic casing.

[0002] In the field of equine care and management, the application of horseshoes is a well-established practice aimed at protecting and increasing the durability of horses' hooves during activity on various terrains. The structural integrity of a horseshoe, as well as its functional adaptability to the hoof and the terrain, plays a fundamental role in the horse's performance and health. In this field, a myriad of designs have sought to modify the various traditional metal alternatives with advancements that offer better shock absorption, flexibility, and ease of fastening.

[0003] However, despite these progressive steps, challenges remain in existing technical solutions. Horseshoes are traditionally composed of a rigid metal plate that provides the necessary stability, but lacks sufficient elasticity to adequately absorb shocks or adapt comfortably to different hoof shapes. Variations incorporating more flexible materials often compromise the protective qualities provided by more robust components. Furthermore, these horseshoes frequently employ complex fastening methods that require professional installation and adjustments for optimal fit, and often rely on nails for attachment to the hooves.

[0004] Beyond structural considerations, fastening methods raise significant questions in terms of both practicality and functionality. The use of nails can lead to damage to hoof integrity over time through repeated penetration.

[0005] Given the inherent lateral restraint characteristics of some models, designed to ensure better positioning against lateral hoof movements, there are still no comprehensive approaches aimed at unified structural resilience, aligned with adaptability capabilities that can accommodate various hoof profiles without compromising ease of use, including for handlers with different skill levels.

[0006] The manufacturing materials used include metallic elements known for their strength, but they also have notable drawbacks regarding weight contribution, along with minimal shock absorption capabilities when directly exposed to high-impact activities – leading to continuous exploration of alternative compounds capable of providing comparable durability while simultaneously improving the overall wear experience for the animal subject.

[0007] The introduction of softer outer casings around more solid inner cores has been observed, but it does not consistently address concerns regarding uniform integration throughout the life cycles of use, where protective functions may diminish over time due to material degradation or displacement problems, particularly applicable in the rapid movement sequences experienced by workhorses.

[0008] Given the inherent complexities of traditional horseshoe construction, coupled with efforts to refine adaptability aspects and user-friendly application procedures, there remains considerable scope for improving key aspects related to advancing equine welfare through the evolution of horseshoe design features.

[0009] Solution to the Problem and Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0010] In order to overcome the limitations of the prior art, a horseshoe (1) was developed that incorporates an inner rigid plate (2), which is covered by an elastic wrap (3), forming a layered inner structure, wherein the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic wrap (3), which contacts the ground, is greater than the thickness of the upper layer of the elastic wrap (3) and the inner rigid plate (2). This specific configuration promotes greater durability of the horseshoe (1) according to the present invention, since the greater thickness of the lower portion of the elastic wrap (3) compensates for its natural wear resulting from the movements of the horse's hooves against the ground, causing the inner rigid plate (2) to remain covered by the elastic wrap (3) for longer without contacting the ground.

[0011] Additionally, the elastic wrap (3) is made of a synthetic or natural rubber that has particularly advantageous elastic properties for absorbing impacts resulting from the movements of the horse's hooves against the ground in order to compensate for irregularities in the ground and also to provide greater comfort to the animal, considering the connection of the horseshoe (1) to the lower surface of the equine hoof.

[0012] The horseshoe (1) according to the present invention also presents technical advantages resulting from the incorporation of a plurality of first holes (7) in the rigid inner plate (2) and a plurality of second holes (8) in the elastic sheath (3), wherein said first holes (7) and second holes (8) are aligned in order to form a passage channel. Naturally, in one embodiment of the invention, each said passage channel is suitable for the passage of a nail for fixing the horseshoe (1) to the animal's hoof.

[0013] Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the invention, the passage channel functions as a reservoir for the storage of an adhesive, when the horseshoe (1) is connected to the animal's hoof by means of adhesives, making the attachment of the horseshoe (1) to its hoof more efficient and comfortable for the animal without the need to use nails.

[0014] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and to the language used to describe them. In any case, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the scope of the present invention to the content of the figures. Any subsequent alterations or modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, as well as any additional applications of the principles and embodiments of the invention illustrated, which would normally occur to a person skilled in the art possessing this description, are considered within the scope of the claimed invention. Fig. 1

[0015] [Fig. 1] illustrates a top view and a side view of an internal rigid plate (2); Fig. 2

[0016] [Fig. 2] illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of the horseshoe (1) according to the invention; Fig. 3

[0017] [Fig. 3] illustrates a top view (Figure 3a)) and a side view (Figure 3b)) of a second embodiment of the horseshoe (1) according to the invention; Fig. 4

[0018] [Fig. 4] illustrates a top view of a third embodiment of the horseshoe (1) according to the invention; Fig. 5

[0019] [Fig. 5] illustrates a python (12,13) ​​that can be connected to a horseshoe (1); Fig. 6

[0020] [Fig. 6] illustrates a connector insert (14,15) that can be connected to a horseshoe (1); Fig. 7

[0021] [Fig. 7] illustrates a side view of a system including a python (12,13) ​​and a horseshoe (1); Fig. 8

[0022] [Fig. 8] illustrates a side view of a cross-section of a horseshoe (1) according to the invention.

[0023] The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a horseshoe (1) comprising a rigid inner plate (2), which is covered by an elastic casing (3) in which:

[0024] the internal rigid plate (2) comprises a first branch (4), a second branch (5) and a clamp (6); wherein

[0025] the first branch (4) and the second branch (5) are connected by the clamp (6); where

[0026] the first branch (4), the second branch (5) and the clamp (6) are arranged substantially in the same plane; wherein

[0027] the inner rigid plate (2) comprises a plurality of first holes (7); and

[0028] the elastic wrap (3) covers the faces of the inner rigid plate (2); wherein

[0029] an upper face of the elastic envelope (3) is parallel to an upper face of the inner rigid plate (2); wherein

[0030] the upper face of the elastic wrap (3) is configured for contact with the sole of a horse's hoof; wherein

[0031] a lower face of the elastic envelope (3) is parallel to a lower face of the internal rigid plate (2); wherein

[0032] the lower face of the elastic casing (3) is configured for contact with the ground; wherein

[0033] the elastic casing (3) comprises a plurality of second holes (8), which are aligned with the first holes (7); and

[0034] the total thickness of a cross-section of the horseshoe (1) consists of the sum of the thickness of the upper layer of the elastic sheath (3) that contacts the upper face of the inner rigid plate (2), the thickness of the inner rigid plate (2) and the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic sheath (3) that contacts the lower face of the inner rigid plate (2); wherein

[0035] the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic wrap (3) is greater than the thickness of the upper layer of the elastic wrap (3).

[0036]

[0037] The rigid inner plate (2) provides a stable base for the horseshoe (1), while the elastic wrap (3) allows for a high capacity to absorb mechanical forces.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 1a), the first branch (4), the second branch (5) and the toe (6) are arranged substantially in the same plane. This flat arrangement ensures a consistent thickness throughout the horseshoe, which can contribute to the balance and comfort of the equine. The toe (6) forms a bridge between the first branch (4) and the second branch (5). Figure 1b) illustrates a side view of the inner rigid plate (2).

[0039] The rigid inner plate (2) comprises a plurality of first holes (7), which can serve various purposes, such as reducing the weight of the horseshoe (1), allowing the passage of nails, if necessary.

[0040] The elastic wrap (3) covers all faces of the inner rigid plate (2). This complete covering protects the inner rigid plate (2) and ensures that the horse's hoof and the ground surface only come into contact with the elastic material, which can provide better shock absorption and traction.

[0041] One upper face of the elastic wrap (3) is parallel to one upper face of the inner rigid plate (2). This parallel arrangement ensures a consistent thickness of the elastic material above the inner rigid plate (2), which can contribute to an even distribution of weight and to the comfort of the equine.

[0042] The upper face of the elastic wrap (3) is configured to come into contact with the hoof of an equine. This direct contact between the elastic material and the hoof can provide better cushioning and reduce stress on the equine's foot.

[0043] A lower face of the elastic wrap (3) is parallel to a lower face of the inner rigid plate (2). Like the upper face, this parallel arrangement ensures a consistent thickness of elastic material beneath the inner rigid plate (2). The lower face of the elastic wrap (3) is configured to come into contact with the ground. This allows the elastic material to provide traction and shock absorption during the equine's movement.

[0044] The elastic casing (3) includes a plurality of second holes (8), which are aligned with the first holes (7). This alignment allows the passage of nails or other fastening elements through the elastic casing (3) and the inner rigid plate (2), if necessary. The alignment between the first holes (7) and the second holes (8) results in the formation of a passage channel.

[0045] Preferably, this passage channel functions as a reservoir for the storage of an adhesive when the horseshoe (1) is connected to the animal's hoof by means of adhesives. In this case, the adhesive is applied to the upper face of the elastic wrap (3) and portions of the adhesive flow into the passage channels formed by the alignment of the aforementioned first holes (7) and second holes (8). This embodiment is particularly advantageous in that it increases the adhesion capacity of the horseshoe (1) to the equine hoof, making the attachment of the horseshoe (1) to its hoof more efficient and comfortable for the animal without the need for nails.

[0046] As illustrated in Figure 1, the internal rigid plate (2) preferably comprises sets of first holes (7) arranged sequentially along each of the first branch (4), the second branch (5) and the clamp (6).

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 2, the elastic envelope (3) preferably comprises sets of second holes (8) arranged sequentially in order to be aligned with the first holes (7) arranged along each of the first branch (4), the second branch (5) and the clamp (6) of the inner rigid plate (2).

[0048] The total thickness of a cross-section of the horseshoe (1) consists of the sum of the thickness of the upper layer of the elastic envelope (3) that contacts the upper face of the inner rigid plate (2), the thickness of the inner rigid plate (2) and the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic envelope (3) that contacts the lower face of the inner rigid plate (2). This layered structure combines the strength of the inner rigid plate (2) with the damping and tensile properties of the elastic envelope (3).

[0049] As illustrated in Figure 8, the thickness of the lower layer (and i) of the elastic wrap (3) is greater than the thickness of the top layer (and s) of the elastic wrap (3). Preferably, the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic wrap is in the range of 40% to 80% of the total thickness of a cross-section of the horseshoe (1). This positioning of the inner rigid plate (2) can provide an optimal balance between stability and damping. Additionally, the fact that the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic wrap (3) is greater than the thickness of the upper layer of the elastic wrap (3) results in greater durability of the horseshoe (1), as the equine can use the horseshoe (1) for longer while the surface of the lower face of the elastic wrap (3) is gradually worn down by friction, considering that the residual thickness of the lower layer of the elastic wrap (3) during use is still sufficient to allow satisfactory mechanical damping.Even more preferably, the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic wrap is in the range of 50% to 75% of the total thickness of a cross-section of the horseshoe (1). Even more preferably, the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic wrap is in the range of 60% to 70% of the total thickness of a cross-section of the horseshoe (1). The holes (7,8) have been hidden in Figure 8.

[0050] In other particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the upper layer of the elastic wrap (3) has greater elasticity than the lower layer of the elastic wrap (3). The greater elasticity of the upper layer of the elastic wrap (3) provides greater cushioning capacity for the equine hoof in the upper layer of the elastic wrap (3) that contacts the sole of the hoof, bringing more comfort to the animal. On the other hand, the lower elasticity of the lower layer of the elastic wrap (3) provides greater resistance to wear by friction in the lower layer of the elastic wrap (3) that contacts the ground, increasing the durability of the horseshoe (1).

[0051] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the horseshoe (1) comprises at least one lateral guard (9) for a hoof, wherein the lateral guard (9) is projected from a lateral edge of the elastic sheath (3), as illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 7. This lateral guard (9) can provide additional protection for the equine hoof and help prevent injuries.

[0052] Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the horseshoe (1) comprises:

[0053] a first female connector hole (10) for connection with a first eyelet (12); and

[0054] a second female connector hole (11) for connection with a second eyelet (13); wherein

[0055] Each of the first female connector hole (10) and the second female connector hole (11) is arranged orthogonally across the lower portion of the horseshoe (1) from the lower face of the elastic wrap (3) to the inner rigid plate (2); wherein

[0056] an inner terminal portion of the first female connector hole (10) is arranged orthogonally across a lower portion of the first branch (4) of the inner rigid plate (2); wherein

[0057] an inner terminal portion of the second female connector hole (11) is arranged orthogonally across a lower portion of the second branch (5) of the inner rigid plate (2).

[0058] In these embodiments, the first female connector hole (10) and the second female connector hole (11) are arranged orthogonally across the underside of the horseshoe (1), from the underside of the elastic sheath (3) to the inner rigid plate (2). This arrangement allows the connection of a first eyelet (12) to the first female connector hole (10) and a second eyelet (13) to the second female connector hole (11) for additional traction when required.

[0059] Even more preferably, the first female connector hole (10) and the second female connector hole (11) comprise threaded inner faces in order to allow easy placement and removal of the first eyelet (12) and the second eyelet (13) as needed. Alternatively, the first female connector hole (10) and the second female connector hole (11) may be bayonet-type connectors in order to allow practical connection to the first eyelet (12) and the second eyelet (13).

[0060] In preferred embodiments, the internal rigid plate (2) is metallic, for example, it is made of aluminum or a steel alloy. An internal rigid plate (2) provides mechanical strength and durability to the horseshoe.

[0061] The first eyelet (12) and the second eyelet (13) can also be, preferably metallic, made of aluminum or a steel alloy.

[0062] As illustrated in Figure 5, the first piton (12) and the second piton (13) may include an upper portion, which is inserted, respectively, into the first female connector hole (10) and the second female connector hole (11), and a lower protrusion, which is configured to contact the ground. In Figures 5a), 5b) and 5c) one can observe, respectively, a first side view, a top view and a second side view of a first piton (12) and a second piton (13).

[0063] Preferably, the first female connector hole (10) is connected with a first eyelet connector insert (14) and the second female connector hole (11) is connected with a second eyelet connector insert (15), wherein the first eyelet connector insert (14) is configured to connect with a first eyelet (12) and the second eyelet connector insert (15) is configured to connect with a second eyelet (13). The first eyelet connector insert (14) and the second eyelet connector insert (15) may include threaded inner surfaces, which are configured for connection with a threaded upper portion of the first eyelet (12) or the second eyelet (13).More preferably, the first eyelet connector insert (14) and the second eyelet connector insert (15) additionally include threaded outer surfaces, which are configured for connection with a threaded inner portion of the first female connector hole (10) or the second female connector hole (11). As illustrated in Figure 6, each of the first eyelet connector insert (14) and the second eyelet connector insert (15) may additionally comprise an outer ring, preferably hexagonal, which rests on the upper face of the elastic housing (3), wherein this outer ring facilitates the removal of the first eyelet connector insert (14) or the second eyelet connector insert (15). Figures 6a), 6b) and 6c) show, respectively, a bottom view, a side view and a top view of a first eyelet connector insert (14) and a second eyelet connector insert (15).

[0064] The connections between the first eyelet (12) and the first female connector hole (10) and between the second eyelet (13) and the second female connector hole (11) can be fixed or removable. The connections between the first eyelet (12) and the first connector insert (14) and between the second eyelet (13) and the second connector insert (15) can be fixed or removable.

[0065] In preferred embodiments, the elastic wrap (3) is made from a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane, vulcanized thermoplastics, thermoplastic polyesters, block styrene copolymers, fluoropolymer elastomers, vulcanized natural rubber, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, butadiene rubber, butadiene nitrile rubber and their composites. These materials offer a range of properties, including elasticity, durability and tensile strength, allowing the construction of horseshoes (1) based on specific needs. Even more preferably, the elastic wrap (3) is made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0066] The present invention relates, in a second aspect, to a system for fastening to the sole of an equine hoof, characterized by comprising the horseshoe (1), as defined in the first aspect of the invention, and a connecting element for connection to the sole of the equine hoof, wherein the connecting element is selected from the group consisting of an adhesive or a plurality of nails. This system offers options for fastening the horseshoe to the equine hoof, allowing flexibility based on the specific needs of the equine and the farrier's preferences.

[0067] Even more preferably, in the system for fastening to the sole of an equine hoof, the horseshoe (1) comprises a first female connector hole (10) and a second female connector hole (11) and the system further comprises a first eyelet (12) and a second eyelet (13), which are connected respectively to the first female connector hole (10) and the second female connector hole (11). The eyelets (12,13) ​​allow adding or removing additional traction as needed, providing versatility for different terrains or activities.

[0068] Even more preferably, in the system for fastening to the sole of an equine hoof, the first female connector hole (10) is connected with a first connector insert for eyelet (14) and the second female connector hole (11) is connected with a second connector insert for eyelet (15), wherein the first connector insert for eyelet (14) is configured to connect with the first eyelet (12) and the second connector insert for eyelet (15) is configured to connect with the second eyelet (13).

[0069] As used throughout this patent application, the term “or” is used in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive sense, unless the exclusive sense is clearly defined in a specific situation. In this context, a sentence of the type “X uses A or B” should be interpreted as including all pertinent inclusive combinations, for example “X uses A”, “X uses B”, and “X uses A and B”.

[0070] As used throughout this patent application, the indefinite articles “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted as “one or more” and “an or more,” unless the meaning of a singular modality is clearly defined in a specific situation.

[0071] As presented in this description, terms related to examples should be interpreted as illustrating an example of something and not as indicating a preference.

[0072] The subject matter described above is provided as an illustration of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting it. The terminology used to describe specific embodiments according to the present invention should not be interpreted as limiting the invention. As used in the description, definite and indefinite articles, in their singular form, are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context of the description explicitly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "comprise" and "include," when used in this description, specify the presence of the related features, elements, components, steps, and operations, but do not exclude the possibility of other features, elements, components, steps, and operations also being contemplated.

[0073] All modifications, provided they do not alter the essential characteristics of the following claims, shall be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0074] 1. A horseshoe

[0075] 2. A rigid inner plate

[0076] 3. An elastic wrap

[0077] 4. A first branch

[0078] 5. A second branch

[0079] 6. An arched clamp

[0080] 7. A first hole

[0081] 8. A second hole

[0082] 9. A side bulkhead for a hull

[0083] 10. A first female connector hole for a hook.

[0084] 11. A second female connector hole for a hook.

[0085] 12. A first python

[0086] 13. A second piton

[0087] 14. A first connector insert for a piton

[0088] 15. A second connector insert for the eyelet.

Claims

A horseshoe (1) comprising an inner rigid plate (2), which is covered by an elastic sheath (3) characterized in that: the inner rigid plate (2) comprising a first branch (4), a second branch (5) and a clamp (6); wherein the first branch (4) and the second branch (5) are connected by the clamp (6); wherein the first branch (4), the second branch (5) and the clamp (6) are arranged substantially in the same plane; wherein the inner rigid plate (2) comprises a plurality of first holes (7); and the elastic sheath (3) covers the faces of the inner rigid plate (2); wherein an upper face of the elastic sheath (3) is parallel to an upper face of the inner rigid plate (2); wherein the upper face of the elastic sheath (3) is configured for contact with the sole of an equine hoof; wherein a lower face of the elastic sheath (3) is parallel to a lower face of the inner rigid plate (2);wherein the lower face of the elastic casing (3) is configured for contact with the ground; wherein the elastic casing (3) comprises a plurality of second holes (8), which are aligned with the first holes (7); and wherein the total thickness of a cross-section of the horseshoe (1) consists of the sum of the thickness of the upper layer of the elastic casing (3) that contacts the upper face of the inner rigid plate (2), the thickness of the inner rigid plate (2) and the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic casing (3) that contacts the lower face of the inner rigid plate (2); wherein the thickness of the lower layer of the elastic casing (3) is greater than the thickness of the upper layer of the elastic casing (3). The horseshoe (1), according to claim 1, characterized by comprising at least one lateral barrier (9) for a hoof, wherein the lateral barrier (9) is projected from a lateral edge of the elastic envelope (3). The horseshoe (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising: a first female connector hole (10) for connection with a first eyelet (12); and a second female connector hole (11) for connection with a second eyelet (13); wherein each of the first female connector hole (10) and the second female connector hole (11) is orthogonally arranged through the lower portion of the horseshoe (1) from the lower face of the elastic sheath (3) to the inner rigid plate (2); wherein an inner terminal portion of the first female connector hole (10) is orthogonally arranged through a lower portion of the first branch (4) of the inner rigid plate (2); wherein an inner terminal portion of the second female connector hole (11) is orthogonally arranged through a lower portion of the second branch (5) of the inner rigid plate (2). The horseshoe (1), according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first female connector hole (10) and the second female connector hole (11) comprise threaded inner faces. The horseshoe (1), according to either of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the first female connector hole (10) is connected with a first eyelet connector insert (14) and the second female connector hole (11) is connected with a second eyelet connector insert (15), wherein the first eyelet connector insert (14) is configured to connect with a first eyelet (12) and the second eyelet connector insert (15) is configured to connect with a second eyelet (13). The horseshoe (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rigid inner plate (2) is metallic. The horseshoe (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic covering (3) is made from a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane, vulcanized thermoplastics, thermoplastic polyesters, block styrene copolymers, fluoropolymer elastomers, vulcanized natural rubber, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, butadiene rubber, butadiene nitrile rubber and their composites. A system for fastening to the sole of an equine hoof, characterized by comprising the horseshoe (1), as defined in any of the preceding claims, and a connecting element for connection to the sole of the equine hoof, wherein the connecting element is selected from the group consisting of an adhesive or a plurality of nails. The system, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the horseshoe (1) comprises a first female connector hole (10) and a second female connector hole (11), as defined in any of claims 3 to 4, and the system further comprises a first eyelet (12) and a second eyelet (13), which are connected respectively to the first female connector hole (10) and to the second female connector hole (11). The system, according to the previous claim, characterized by the first female connector hole (10) being connected with a first eyelet connector insert (14) and the second female connector hole (11) being connected with a second eyelet connector insert (15), wherein the first eyelet connector insert (14) is configured to connect with the first eyelet (12) and the second eyelet connector insert (15) is configured to connect with the second eyelet (13).

Images