Horse Boot Liner and Shell Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing horse boots face challenges in securing the hoof due to variations in size and shape, leading to mechanical stress on tensioning devices and difficulties in fitting, with current solutions either requiring laborious procedures or not allowing for natural hoof exposure.

Innovation Solution

A boot design featuring a resilient inner liner that wraps around the hoof with a detachable outer shell, allowing for bonding to the hoof and easy removal, using a combination of fastening devices and bonding material for secure and flexible fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tensioning devices (laces, straps, cables) are used to secure the boot to the hoof, then the boot can be adjusted to fit different hoof sizes and shapes, but the devices are subjected to severe mechanical stresses and tend to break during hard riding conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to different hoof sizes and shapesVSAvoiddurability under mechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tensioning system (laces, straps, cables, buckles) with a chemical bonding system. The liner is bonded to the hoof using adhesive, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners that are prone to breaking under severe mechanical stress during hard riding conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical (tension-based) to chemical (adhesive-based). This allows the boot to maintain a secure fit without relying on tensioning devices that experience cyclic loading and eventual failure during intense riding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If screws are used to penetrate the hoof to secure the boot in place, then the boot provides simplified and more durable securing mechanism, but the procedure for putting the boot on and taking it off becomes laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of securing mechanismVSAvoidease of putting on and taking off

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical screw-penetration system with a chemical bonding system using adhesive. This allows the liner to be securely attached to the hoof without requiring laborious screw insertion and removal procedures, combining the durability of permanent attachment with the ease of removable bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the boot is secured only by bonding without additional restraining devices, then the boot allows for rapid and durable fit with maximum flexibility, but the boot cannot be easily removed to allow the horse to be naturally barefoot between workouts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of fittingVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the boot into two separable components: a liner that bonds to the hoof and an outer shell that can be removed. The liner remains bonded to provide rapid re-fitting capability, while the shell can be easily removed to allow the horse to be barefoot between workouts, combining rapid fitting with easy removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the boot is secured only by bonding without additional restraining devices, then the boot provides maximum flexibility in conforming to the shape of the hoof, but water and moisture can build up inside the boot to cause softening of the hoof and produce several hoof conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in conforming to hoof shapeVSAvoidmoisture buildup and hoof softening

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the boot into a bonded liner and a removable shell. The shell acts as a protective barrier that can be removed to allow the hoof to dry and breathe, preventing moisture buildup while the liner maintains the flexible conforming fit to the hoof shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable shell can be taken off and set aside between workouts, allowing the hoof to be exposed to air and dry naturally. This prevents moisture accumulation and hoof softening while maintaining the benefits of the bonded liner for rapid re-fitting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid, durable, and flexible fitting to the hoof, allowing for natural barefoot exposure and easy reassembly, with the shell removable to prevent moisture buildup and hoof issues, providing reliable protection during riding.

Implementation Method 1

bonding an anchoring liner to the exterior surface of the horse's hoof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8151546B2Horse boot connected to glued-on liner

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 EASYCARE INC

AI summary

A horse boot includes the combination of an inner liner (10 and 10′) and an outer shell (12). The liner is adapted to wrap around the front and lateral surfaces of the hoof of the horse, while the shell includes an upper (16) designed to conform with the exterior surface of the liner for attachment to it. The shell is fastened to the liner by some detachable means, such as nuts (22) and bolts (20), and the liner/shell assembly is glued to the hoof. The shell may then be removed at will to allow the hoof to be barefoot and may be re-installed to produce a boot in place when desired.