Patent ID: 6467549
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: A01L

Abstract:
A horseshoe (2) comprising:a base portion (4) having a base surface (8) which, in use, is adjacent the hoof of a horse; and an integral flange portion (6) which projects downwardly from the base portion, said flange portion extending substantially along the entire length of the base portion; said flange portion comprising, in transverse cross-section, first, second, third and fourth portions (30, 22, 18, 34), the first and third portions (30, 18) being substantially straight and the first portion (30) defining at least in part an outer side of the horseshoe; the second portion (22) being a convex curve merging smoothly into the first and third portions (30, 18); the fourth portion (34) being a concave curve which merges smoothly from the third portion to the base portion; and wherein the first and third portions forming a wedge shape which decreases in width in a direction away from the base portion; whereby, in use, the wedge shape provides a cushioning effect to the shoe as it strikes the ground, reaction forces increasing as the wedge shape increases penetration into the ground and wherein the flange portion (6) has a depth (D), as measured perpendicularly from the base surface (8) and the base portion (4) has a base width (W) and wherein the ratio of the width (W) to the depth (D) is in the range 1.25-2.5.