Patent ID: 6381930
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: A01K,A01L

Abstract:
A protective device for hoofed animals including:a. a body portion 105 including, i. a base portion 106 formed in an approximately ring-like fashion around a central opening 212, the base portion 106 including a toe portion; ii. a wall portion 108 formed on the base portion 106 and extending upward and inward at an angle toward the central opening 212; iii. a sole portion 210 extending inward toward the central opening 212, such that it forms a support surface for the hoof upon application of the device, said sole portion 210 including a ground surface 118 on the bottom of the base portion 106 to provide a walking surface when the device is applied; and iv. a means for size adjustment 216 formed in the body in order to allow for adjustment to varying hoof sizes; b. a means for detachably attaching the body portion 105 to a hoof, whereby a hoof may be placed in the body portion 105 and held in place by a combination of the base portion 106, the wall portion 108, and the means for detachably attaching the body portion 105, and whereby this combination creates a hold via significantly conforming to the circumference of a hoof; and c. wherein the body portion 105 further includes a groove-like shear-relief portion 302 at the intersection of the wall portion 108 and the toe of the base portion 106, said shear-relief portion 302 opening roughly toward the central opening 212 and extending only about the toe of the base portion, whereby the shear-relief portion provides a means for protecting the material of the device from being punctured or cut by the hoof of the animal.