Patent ID: 8567088
Filing Date: 2013-10-29
Classification: A01K,A01L,F26B

Abstract:
1. A hoof drying apparatus, comprising in combination: a raised base platform including a plurality of air chamber dividers included therein for directing a drying air flow, wherein the height of the raised base platform is specifically sized to allow easy step access by a hoofed animal, wherein the plurality of air chambers dividers are configurable by a user for use for multiple types of sized and shaped hoofs of hoofed animals and wherein the plurality of air chamber dividers comprise a rigid rubberized material, wherein the rigid rubberized material is capable of supporting weight of a heavy hoofed animal without collapsing; an hollow air connector connected through a portion of the raised based platform, wherein a first end outside the raised based platform is connected to a drying air source and a second end inside the raised based platform directs drying air into the plurality of air chambers; a first air mat with a plurality of openings of a first size placed on top of the plurality of air chamber dividers in the raised based platform; and a second air mat with a plurality of openings of a second size placed on top of the first air mat, wherein the second size is different from the first size, wherein selected ones of the plurality of openings of the second size align with one or more of the plurality of openings of the first size, wherein the length and width of the first air mat and the second air mat are specifically sized and shaped to accommodate one or more hoofs from a hoofed animal, wherein the second air mat comprises a compressible material that is compressible by the hoofed animal when weight of the hoofed animal is applied to the one or more hoofs thereby providing a surface that is comfortable for hoofed animal as the one or more hoofs are dried and particularly when one or more hoofs are sensitive or diseased, wherein the drying air flow is directed into the plurality of air chamber dividers, through the plurality of openings in the first air mat and through the plurality of openings in the second air mat to dry a bottom portion, one or more side portions and a top portion of one or more hoofs that are placed upon the second air mat in the raised base platform, wherein directing the drying air flow through the plurality of openings in the first air mat and through the plurality of openings in the second air mat changes a speed and a pressure of the drying air flow, thereby providing an additional drying air current as drying air is forced through and between the different sized openings, and wherein the first air mat and the second air mat includes a flexible rubberized material, wherein the flexible rubberized material is easily compressible when weight is applied by a hoofed animal, thereby allowing one or more hoofs of a hoofed animal with sensitive or diseased hoofs to be dried with reduced pain and wherein the hoof drying apparatus is portable.