Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a comfort management system for equine and, in particular, to a multi-purpose, multi-functional hoof-ware device, boot or shoe and multiple, interchangeable inserts for all equine hooves that uses, attaches, wraps, and fits the hoof while the equine is stalled, walking, trotting, loping for the purposes of protection, healing, alignment. cushioning and/or any other medicinal purposes for any given period of time fitting all sizes of equine hooves in multiple hoof environments, such as, diagnostics, normal use, during and after performance, corrective, medicinal purposes, emergencies situations, for preventative purposes, and rehabilitation of the hoof.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/322,417 filed Sep. 15, 2001. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a comfort management system for equine and, in particular, to a multi-purpose, multi-functional hoof-ware device, boot or shoe and inserts used in conjunction therewith, suitable for use on all equine hooves in all equine environments and in the treatment of different equine aliments. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As is well known in the art, hoof-ware devices or steel shoes are designed to protect a horses hoof from the environment. Generally, equine steel shoe devices are attached to the bottom side of the horses hoof with “tangible” nails. Alternatively, other types of hoof-ware are available which are attached to the horses hoof by the use of a strap or multiple straps, molding the boot around the horses hoof, shrinking the material around the horses hoof, and/or clamping the boot to the horse hoof with metal brackets. It is also known to use “metal” or “plastic” inserts inside of the aforementioned boots to provide protection and to stabilize the hoof. 
     For example, to a limited degree, features encompassing equine hoof-ware devices are disclosed in the size-adjustable composition horse boot prior art invention U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,958 wherein a hard rubber device is used with a tensioning means including external brackets having a plurality of outwardly directed projections to provide an adjustable fit boot. The focus of this invention is to provide an adjustable mechanism to the boot to allow variation of the distance from the back of a serrated strap to the toe of the boot. 
     Prior art for invention U.S. Pat. No. 3,703,209, teaches a molded horseshoe which eliminates the need for frequent shoeing of the metal type and provides protection to the horses hoof. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,010 relates generally to a horseshoe, and in particular to a molded flexible horse boot focusing on the replacement of the metal horseshoe. The molded boot is designed to distribute the weight around the horse hoof and to also cover the hoof to keep it from direct contact with the ground. 
     Prior art for invention U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,754 relates to the adjustable boot-type composition horseshoe related to an improvement in composition horseshoes particularly of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,732,929 issued May 15, 1973 to Neel W. Glass and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,703,209 issued Nov. 21, 1972 to Neel W. Glass. These patents disclose 3 one piece molded horseboots or horseshoe type inventions to replace the horseshoe and having a sole and somewhat flexible envelope for surrounding the horse&#39;s hoof below the coronary band. The focus of these prior art patents is primarily on using side brackets, barbs, and brackets for tensioning. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,703,209 and 3,732,929 disclose molded boots for horses secured in place by a cable and toggle arrangement. 
     Prior art for invention U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,382, issued Dec. 29, 1992, is a boot device and method for use in preventing laminitis in the foot of a horse. The boot is designed to fit over the horse&#39;s hoof. A bladder is positioned inside of the boot and beneath the frog of the horse&#39;s hoof. A pump is connected to the bladder to provide pulsating pressure to the frog of the horse&#39;s hoof to simulate the pressure applied to the frog while the horse is walking. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,288, issued Dec. 31, 1996, teaches a boot for horse&#39;s hooves designed for shod horses, that stays firmly anchored to the hoof and yet does not damage the structure of the hoof itself. This invention focuses on the equine hoof effects concerned with stabilizing, equalizing and comforting the loaded and/or unloaded shod hoof. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,683, issued Jul. 6, 1976, teaches a slipper-like footwear device in the form of a split ring having a configuration substantially corresponding to the peripheral configuration of a hoof with the split at the rear or heal portion of the slipper. This hoof-ware invention focuses on the equine hoof effects concerned with stabilizing, equalizing and comforting the loaded and/or unloaded hoof, shod or unshod. 
     U.S. Pat Nos. 2,988,828 and 3,486,561 disclose an animal boot of unitary molded construction with an annular wall of limited resiliency. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,446,371, 2,064,566, and 3,209,726 disclose boots for dogs also of a flexible construction and generally shaped to fit the foot. U.S. Pat. No. 3,285,346 discloses a hoof covering molded in place to the hoof lower surfaces. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,794,119 and 4,155,406 disclose boots held in place by straps or a strap. U.S. Pat. No. 3,236,310 discloses a boot of heat sensitive material thermally shrunk into place on the hoof. U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,683 discloses a bifurcated boot for clamping to the hoof. U.S. Pat. No. 3,386,226 discloses an elastomeric scalper-type covering disposable about the hoof to protect the hoof. U.S. Pat. No. 2,041,538 discloses a rubber horse boot having a continuous wall integral with the boot sole with the frontal wall portion being of greater height than the rear wall portion. 
     Prior art for invention U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,800, issued Apr. 12, 1988, is referred to as footware for hoofed animals comprising a cup-like, closed, resilient unit having a sole and hoof-covering part used as a substitute for a shoe and may be suitable for treatment of sick animals. This hoof-ware invention focuses on the equine hoof effects concerned with stabilizing, equalizing and comforting the loaded and/or unloaded hoof, shod or unshod. 
     Prior art for invention U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,661, issued Feb. 10, 1998, discloses a boot for horses designed for protecting a horse&#39;s hoof from damage, improved adjustability, is simple in structure, easy to put on the hoof, does not inadvertently pop open and is devoid of damaging internal metal protuberances. This hoof-ware invention focuses on the equine hoof effects concerned only with stabilizing equalizing and comforting the loaded and/or unloaded hoof, shod or unshod. 
     Prior art for invention U.S. Pat. No. 4,290,487, issued Sep. 22, 1981, teaches a protective boot of unitary construction shaped so as to lend itself to temporary radical distortion. 
     Prior art for invention U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,048, issued May 11, 1993, teaches a device with means for irrigation of medication and removal of fluids in the treatment of hoof injuries and disorders. This hoof-ware invention focuses on the equine hoof effects concerned with stabilizing, equalizing and comforting the loaded and/or unloaded hoof, shod or unshod. 
     Prior art for invention U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,632, issued Nov. 15, 1994, discloses an equine athletic boot which includes a panel of shock absorbing material that is wrapped around the lower leg of a horse for support and protection in the area of the pastern, fetlock, and canon bone, comprising shock absorbing material with a vertically oriented tubular bladder carried by the panel. 
     However, equine hoof steel one-dimensional shoes of known types, as well as the other types of hoof-ware discussed above, generally do not provide for optimized balanced cushioning, flexibility and comfort while also providing healing enhancements for different equine hoof ailments encountered in the overall normal wear of the horse&#39;s hoofs. Also of consideration is the prior art&#39;s silence regarding diagnostic, medical, corrective, rehabilitated and/or emergency environments related to horse hoof care. The known prior art does not provide for a “single” horse hoof-ware shoe and/or boot which addressees all of the foregoing needs, i.e., normal wear and tear to the horses hoof through the owners/caretakers use of the horse, and diagnostic, medical corrective, rehabilitated and/or emergency environments related to horse hoof care. Moreover, the prior art teaches horse style boots or hoof coverings primarily used for protective purposes. The boots/coverings have a problem of retention on the hoof because of forces, common and uncommon, to the hoof. The prior art addresses this retention problem by teaching the attachment of the boots with straps, molding the boot around the hoof, shrinking the materials around the hoof, and/or clamping the boot/covering with metal brackets, all causing the boot to be clumsily installed on the hoof and limited in their use. Also of concern is the problem that horse boots of the prior art have limited adjustability, insecure closures which tend to pop open during use, and metal protuberances inside and/or outside of the boot which can do further damage to a horse&#39;s hoof. These types of horse boots are also difficult to place on the hoof, with a somewhat complicated structure and are poor fitting which tends to have the horse walk on its toe, creating a stress on the leg. The prior art is also silent with respect to a horse hoof-ware that is adjustable in size such that it can fit any size horse hoof. 
     Hence, there is a need for solving the problem of providing an equine hoof shoe or boot that provides for optimized balanced cushioning, flexibility and comfort while also providing for healing enhancements for different equine hoof ailments and for a healthily hoof in the overall normal wear and use of the horses hooves. A need also exists for a horse shoe which provides not only either protection from the environment or addresses one specific medical need, but rather there is a need for a shoe which also provides for diagnostic, medical, corrective, rehabilitative, and/or emergency environments related to horse hoof care in a single shoe. A need also exists for horse boots/coverings which are not retained by being strapped with buckles, molded, clamped or retained with metal brackets and when subjected to forces, common and uncommon to the hoof, remains retained on the hoof. A horse shoe/boot is also needed which allows adjustability, and has secure closures that do not pop open during use. A need also exists for a boot which addresses all of the foregoing concerns and short comings in the prior art and further which fits the hoof in a manner that does not cause stress to the leg while in use. Evolving equine industry has established the fact that equine hoof care comprises more than the steel shoe now used in most equine environments. Enhanced flexibility within the healing process in solving multiple equine hoof diseases with the one-dimensional steel shoe is creating an environment wherein more thought is being made to alternative multi-dimensional solutions. Research has led the industry in the direction of a non-shod trend in the major equine environments, including, but not limited to, normal, medicated, corrective, rehabilitative and/or emergencies. This trend suggests there needs to be equine related hoof care shoes and management systems configured to be used in all of the foregoing environments. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is distinguished over the known prior art in a multiplicity of ways. For one thing, the present invention provides an equine hoof-ware system which establishes the general framework for equine hoof comfort variations using single and/or multiple inserts. The inserts are affixed to an internal interlocking mechanism uniquely designed inside the equine hoof shoe/boot/hugger to lock each insert while being used to reach the comfort level for the required healthy or unhealthy-to-healthy state of the horse. Individual horse owners/caretakers have available to them through the embodiments of this invention, a complete line of comfort products for their horses including variations, combinations, multiple fixed by using the multiple internal inserts designed for the general comfort, disease, external abnormalities, soft soles, or lost shoes. 
     Furthermore, the present invention provides an equine “lightweight” versatile hoof-ware specially configured to be used on a “non-shod” equine and for multiple hoof uses in all equine environments. Thus, one horse boot is provided that may be used for comfort, injury, emergency and all other situations arising in equine environments. The inserts are designed in multiple densities, thicknesses. and materials. When used in conjunction with the outer covering/hugger the hoof-ware system stabilizes equine hoof at normal use, enhances the medicinal healing processes as necessary, equalizes loading and unloading, provides corrective measures, optimizes rehabilitation processes, and comforts the hoof in all environments. 
     Moreover, the present invention, in one preferred form provides an equine hoof-ware device and specially designed insert devices to be used to comfort shod or non-shod horse hooves in either a healthy or unhealthy state, such as general comfort, cushioning, protection from sharp earthly objects, healing from surgery, recovering from diseases like founder, coffin bone, rotation, thrush, abscesses, general bruises, punctures, frog abnormalities, soft soles, or lost shoes. The insert devices of the present invention, preferably, in one embodiment, fit inside a hoof-ware device designed for multiple hoof mode environments, for example, diagnostics, normal use, performance, corrective, medicinal, emergencies, preventative measures against injury and the like and rehabilitation of the hoof. In addition, the hoof-ware system solves the problem of proper fit in that it is provided in multiple hoof sizes. The hoof-ware device of the present invention further provides a secure closure so that the device does not “pop open” when in use. Sucinctly, the aim of this invention is to create a hoof-ware device, including inserts, for hoofed animals and more particularly for shod or non-shod horses, which stabilizes and/or equalizes and/or comforts the equine hoof while in multiple environments, such as, normal work, pleasure, performance, preventative maintenance, medication, correction, rehabilitation, emergency and/or diagnostic situations. 
     In summary, the present invention provides an equine hoof-ware, comprising a sole having a base circumscribed by a peripheral wall having an upwardly and inwardly extending forward most end, an upwardly and outwardly extending rearward most end, and a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending sidewalls interposed between the forward most end and the rearward most end of the peripheral wall for defining a receiving area. A mid-sole received within the receiving area and circumscribed by the peripheral wall is also provided. The hoof-ware also includes a removable insert. An interlocking means is integrally formed with the mid-sole and with the removable insert and comprised of at least one complementary protrusion and indention pair mating of the removable insert and the mid-sole for receiving and interlocking the two together such that the removable insert can be inserted and then removed and replaced with a different removable insert for treating different equine hoof related aliments. The equine hoof-ware also include a front upper connected to the sole and circumscribing the forward most end and the pair of sidewalls of the sole for defining an opening for receiving an equine hoof into the front upper and onto the mid-sole and sole. The front upper extends upwardly from the sole and mid-sole at an angle and terminates into an upper edge which angles downwardly from the forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole such that the front upper tapers from the forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole for substantially covering a forward region and side regions of the equine hoof received therein. In addition, a contoured back upper comprised of a lower section operatively coupled to the rearward most end of the sole, an upwardly extending bulb section integrally formed with the lower section and shaped to receive an equine bulb of a heel, and a pair of extensions integrally formed with the upwardly extending bulb section for wrapping around the front uppers also provided. Means for coupling the pair of extensions to the front upper are included such that when the equine hoof is received into the front upper and onto the mid-sole and sole and when the pair of extensions are coupled to the front upper the equine hoof is essentially surrounded and secured within the equine hoof-ware. 
     The equine hoof-ware of the present invention is also distinguishable over the known prior art in that it is also comprised of a sole having a base extending from a forward most end to a rearward most end of the sole. A mid-sole connects to the base of the sole and includes a cross sectional area upwardly slopping from the rearward most end of the sole and then downwardly sloping for providing a relief area and then upwardly slopping to the forward most end of the sole such that when the mid-sole is compressed the cross sectional area absorbs equine impact. A front upper is connected to the mid-sole and circumscribes a forward most end and a pair of sidewalls of the mid-sole for defining an opening for receiving an equine hoof into the front upper and onto the mid-sole. The front upper also extends upwardly from the mid-sole at an angle and terminates into an upper edge which angles downwardly from the forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole such that the front upper tapers from the forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole for substantially covering a forward region and side regions of the equine hoof received therein. The equine hoof-ware also includes a contoured back upper comprised of a lower section operatively coupled to the rearward most end of the sole, an upwardly extending bulb section integrally formed with the lower section and shaped to receive an equine bulb of a heel, and a pair of extensions integrally formed with the upwardly extending bulb section for wrapping around the front upper. Means for coupling said pair of extensions to the front upper are provided such that when the equine hoof is received into the front upper and onto the mid-sole and sole and when the pair of extensions are coupled to the front upper the equine hoof is essentially surrounded and secured within the equine hoof-ware. 
     Moreover, having thus summarized the invention, it should be apparent that numerous modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the present invention as set forth as described hereinbelow by the claims. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a new, novel and useful comfort management system for equine embodied in a single hoof-ware device. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a system as characterized above which is suitable for use on healthy equine. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a system as characterized above which is suitable for use on unhealthy equine. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a system as characterized above for use on shod or non-shod hooves. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a system as characterized above which provides an outer shell, a sole and a mid sole, the mid-sole including integrally formed interlocking means, into which inserts, the inserts also including integrally formed interlocking means, of different geometric shapes and dimensions may be inserted, removed and/or replaced. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a system as characterized above which protects equine from earthly objects. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a system as characterized above for use on equine healing from surgery and/or recovering from any of the many equine diseases which may effect the hoof. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a system as characterized above which, in one embodiment, provides a hoof-ware device that is designed to fit multiple hoof sizes. 
     Viewed from a first vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide an equine hoof-ware, comprising in combination: a sole having a base circumscribed by a peripheral wall having an upwardly and inwardly extending forward most end, an upwardly and outwardly extending rearward most end, and a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending sidewalls interposed between the forward most end and the rearward most end of the peripheral wall for defining a receiving area; a mid-sole received within the receiving area and circumscribed by the peripheral wall; a removable insert; an interlocking means integrally formed with the mid-sole and with the removable insert and comprised of at least one complementary protrusion and indention pair mating of the removable insert and the mid-sole for receiving and interlocking the two together such that the removable insert can be inserted and then removed and replaced with a different removable insert for treating different equine hoof related aliments; a front upper connected to the sole and circumscribing the forward most end and the pair of sidewalls of the sole for defining an opening for receiving an equine hoof into the front upper and onto the mid-sole and sole; the front upper extending upwardly from the sole and mid-sole at an angle and terminating into an upper edge which angles downwardly from the forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole such that the front upper tapers from the forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole for substantially covering a forward region and side regions of the equine hoof received therein; a contoured back upper comprised of a lower section operatively coupled to the rearward most end of the sole, an upwardly extending bulb section integrally formed with the lower section and shaped to receive an equine bulb of a heel, and a pair of extensions integrally formed with the upwardly extending bulb section for wrapping around the front upper; means for coupling the pair of extensions to the front upper such that when the equine hoof is received into the front upper and onto the mid-sole and sole and when the pair of extensions are coupled to the front upper the equine hoof is essentially surrounded and secured within the equine hoof-ware. 
     Viewed from a second vantage point, it is an object of the present invention to provide an equine hoof-ware, comprising in combination: a sole having a base extending from a forward most end to a rearward most end of the sole; a mid-sole connected to the base of the sole and including a cross sectional area upwardly slopping from the rearward most end of the sole and then downwardly sloping for providing a relief area and then upwardly slopping to the forward most end of the sole such that when the mid-sole is compressed the cross sectional area absorbs equine impact; a front upper connected to the mid-sole and circumscribing a forward most end and a pair of sidewalls of mid-sole for defining an opening for receiving an equine hoof into the front upper and onto the mid-sole; the front upper extending upwardly from the mid-sole at an angle and terminating into an upper edge which angles downwardly from the forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole such that the front upper tapers from the forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole for substantially covering a forward region and regions of the equine hoof received therein; a contoured back upper comprised of a lower section operatively coupled to the rearward most end of the sole, an upwardly extending bulb section integrally formed with the lower section and shaped to receive an equine bulb of a heel, and a pair of extensions integrally formed with the upwardly extending bulb section for wrapping around the front upper; means for coupling the pair of extensions to the front upper such that when the equine hoof is received into the front upper and onto the mid-sole and sole and when the pair of extensions are coupled to the front upper the equine hoof is essentially surrounded and secured within the equine hoof-ware. 
     These and other objects and advantages will be made manifest when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawing figures. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of a hoof-ware device shown with the hoof-ware attachments attached thereon. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of a hoof-ware sole device. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of a hoof-ware upper device. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of a hoof-ware contoured rear device. 
     FIG. 5 is a downward perspective side view of the hoof-ware sole connected to the mid-sole, and contoured upper sole. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the hoof-ware sole cross-section profile front to back. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the hoof-ware sole cross-section profile side to side. 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of the hoof-ware sole section. 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of the hoof-ware side wall. 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the hoof-ware sole. 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the hoof-ware sole, attached to the mid-sole, sidewall and upper sleeve. 
     FIG. 12 is a sidewall diagram of the hoof-ware sole, side to side. 
     FIG. 13 is a sidewall diagram of the hoof-ware sole, front to back. 
     FIG. 14 is a sidewall diagram of the hoof-ware contour design. 
     FIG. 15 is a diagram of the hoof-ware interior sole dimensions. 
     FIG. 16 is a side view of the hoof-ware contoured back attached to the front upper, mid-sole and sole. 
     FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the insert and the tri-lock interlocking mechanism. 
     FIG. 18 is an exploded view of an insert shown with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG. 17 prior to its engagement into the mid-sole mechanism of the hoof-ware system. 
     FIG. 19 is a top and side plan view of a single density flat insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 20 is a top and side plan view of a flat multi-density insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 21 is a top and side plan view of a multi-compound flat insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 22 is a top and side plan view of a wedge single density insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 23 is a top and side plan view of a wedge multi-density insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 24 is a top and side plan view of a multi-compound wedge insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 25 is a top and side plan view of a flat cutout insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 26 is a top and side plan view of a wedge cut-out insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 27 is a top and side plan view of an add-on attachment for use with any wedge insert and already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 28 is a top and side plan view of an add-on attachment for use with a flat insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 29 is a top and side plan view of a perforated flat insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 30 is a top and side plan view of a concave contour flat insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 31 is a top and side plan view of an angled convex contour insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 32 is a top and side plan view of a rounded convex contour insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 33 is a top and side plan view of a sizing insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 34 is a top and side plan view of an impression form insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 35 is a top and side plan view of a mechanical diagnostic insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 36 is a top and side plan view of an x-ray/radiograph liner insert including adjustable wire markers already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 37 is a top and side plan view of an electronic diagnostic insert already engaged with the tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 38 is a side and interior view of the sole with a slide-locking channel mechanism and an underside view of the hoof-ware device&#39;s mid-sole and upper sleeve. 
     FIG. 39 is a top and side plan view of an adjustable leveling positioning insert device already engaged with the slide-locking channel mechanism of FIG.  38 . 
     FIG. 40 is a side view of a liner sleeve sock. 
     FIG. 41 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of hoof-ware attachment already attached to the hoof-ware device. 
     FIG. 42 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of hoof-ware attachment already attached to the hoof-ware device. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Considering the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral  10  is directed to the comfort management system for equine according to the present invention. 
     In essence, and referring to the drawings, the present invention provides a comfort management system  10  for equine, comprising a sole  4  having a base circumscribed by a peripheral wall  5  having an upwardly and inwardly extending forward most end, an upwardly and outwardly extending rearward most end, and a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending sidewalls interposed between said forward most end and said rearward most end of said peripheral wall for defining a receiving area. The system  10  also includes a mid-sole  2  received within said receiving area and circumscribed by said peripheral wall  5 . A removable insert  14  is also provided. The system  10  also teaches an interlocking means  12  (FIG. 5) integrally formed with the mid-sole  2  and with said removable insert  14  and comprised of at least one complementary protrusion  16   d,    16   e,    16   f,  and  16   g  and indention pair  16 ,  16   a,    16   b,  and  16   c  (FIG. 18) mating the removable insert  14  and the mid-sole  2  for receiving and interlocking said two together such that said removable insert  14  can be inserted and then removed and replaced with a different removable insert, for example  38  to be discussed hereinabelow, for treating different equine hoof related aliments. A front upper  6  connected to said sole  4  and circumscribing said forward most end W and said pair of sidewalls of said sole  4  for defining an opening  118  (FIG. 16) for receiving an equine hoof into said front upper  6  and onto said mid-sole  2  and sole  4 . The front upper extending upwardly from the sole  4  and mid-sole  2  at an angle and terminating into an upper edge  70  which angles downwardly from said forward most end to said rearward most end of said sole  4  such that said front upper  6  tapers from said forward most end to said rearward most end of said sole  4  for substantially covering a forward region and side regions of the equine hoof received therein. A contoured back upper  8  comprised of a lower section operatively coupled to said rearward most end of said sole  4 , an upwardly extending bulb section  128  integrally formed with said lower section and shaped to receive an equine bulb of a heel, and a pair of extensions  226  integrally formed with said upwardly extending bulb section for wrapping around said front upper  6 . Means are provided for coupling said pair of extensions to said front upper  6  such that when said equine hoof is received into said front upper  6  and onto said mid-sole  2  and sole  4  and when said pair of extensions  226  are coupled to said front upper  6  the equine hoof is essentially surrounded and secured within the equine hoof-ware. 
     Viewing FIGS. 1,  17  and  18 , it can be seen that the equine hoof-ware  10  includes an interlocking means  12  comprised of three triangularly spaced complementary protrusions  16 , e,    16   f,    16   g  and indentions  16   a, b  and  c  pairs disposed on the removable insert  14  and the mid-sole  2  for receiving and interlocking the two together such that the removable insert can be inserted and then removed and replaced with a different removable insert, for example  38 , for treating different equine hoof related aliments. 
     The equine hoof-ware interlocking means  12  is further comprised of a rectangularly shaped complementary protrusion  16   d  and indention  16  pair disposed at a back end on the removable insert  14  and the mid-sole  2  for receiving and interlocking the two together such that the removable insert can be inserted and then removed and replaced with a different removable insert for treating different equine hoof related aliments. 
     The equine hoof-ware interlocking means  12  is further comprised of a triangularly shaped complementary protrusion and indention disposed proximate the back ends of the removable insert  14  and the mid-sole  2  at a location surmounting said rectangularly shaped complementary protrusion and indention pair for receiving and interlocking the two together such that the removable insert can be inserted and then removed and replaced with a different removable insert for treating different equine hoof related aliments. 
     The equine hoof-ware front upper  6  is further comprised of a front section and side sections which upwardly extend from said sole  4  and mid-sole  2  at an angle and terminates into the upper edge  70  which angles downwardly from said forward most end to said rearward most end of the sole  4  such that the side sections of upper  6  taper from the forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole  4  for substantially covering a forward region and side regions of the equine hoof received therein. 
     The equine hoof-ware further includes at least one stretch insert  72  integrally formed with at least one of the side sections of the front upper  6  for stretching and accommodating hoof size variations (FIG.  1 ). 
     The equine hoof-ware  10  is further comprised of, and viewing FIG. 1, a sole  4  having a base extending from a forward most end to a rearward most end of the sole  4 , a mid-sole  2  connects to the base of the sole  4  and including a cross sectional area upwardly slopping from the rearward most end of the sole  4  and then downwardly sloping for providing a relief area and then upwardly slopping to the forward most end of the sole  4  such that when the mid-sole  2  is compressed the cross sectional area absorbs equine impact. A front upper  6  is provided and is connected to the mid-sole  2  and circumscribing a forward most end and a pair of sidewalls of mid-sole  2  for defining an opening  118  for receiving an equine hoof into the front upper  6  and onto said mid-sole  2 . The front upper  6  extending upwardly from the mid-sole  2  at an angle and terminating into an upper edge  70  which angles downwardly from the forward most end to said rearward most end of said sole such that said front upper tapers from said forward most end to the rearward most end of the sole  4  for substantially covering a forward region and regions of the equine hoof received therein. A contoured back upper  8  is also disclosed and is comprised of a lower section operatively coupled to said rearward most end of the sole  4 , an upwardly extending bulb section  128  integrally formed with the lower section and shaped to receive an equine bulb of a heel, and a pair of extensions  226  integrally formed with the upwardly extending bulb section for wrapping around the front upper  6 . Means are also provided for coupling the pair of extensions  226  to the front upper  6  such that when the equine hoof is received into said front upper and onto said mid-sole and sole and when said pair of extensions are coupled to the front upper  6 , the equine hoof is essentially surrounded and secured within the equine hoof-ware. 
     The equine comfort management system of the present invention, and further when viewing FIG. 1, further provides a hoof-ware device including a bottom sole  4  which includes an upper periphery  5  and a mid-sole  2  surmounted to the upper periphery  5 . The mid-sole  2  is in turn attached to a front upper  6  via a trim line  122  by means of stitching or adhesive which is well known in the art, and as informed by the present disclosure. The trim line  122  traverses the mid-sole  2  from its forward most end to its rearward most end and attaches to a back  8 , which in turn is attached to a back contoured heel cover  128  via adhesive and/or stitching as is well known in the art and as disclosed in the present invention. An upper trim or edge  70  is also provided and is preferably formed from leather or a similar acceptable type material which in turn, connects via stitching or adhesive (as is well known in the art and disclosed by the present invention) with inwardly shown reinforced power frame  224  (shown in phantom) and pulling up over the front hoof wall, and connected by hook and loop attachment  116 , connected to the back  8 , which is preferably formed from stretchy neoprene material, protruding from the inside pulled outwardly and outside pulled inwardly and/or vice versa as a hook and loop stretch strap  226  wrapping around the hoof-ware front upper  6  from the outside and/or inside and/or vice versa. The strap  226  is held in place with a Velcro or similar type adhesive material to securely hold the straps in place, even when exposed to normal and abnormal stress and forces. 
     Viewing the individual details of the component parts of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows details of the bottom sole  4  attached to contoured mid-sole  2  with reinforced power frame  224  juxtaposed therebetween. 
     FIG. 3 discloses the front upper  6  which resides interior of the front Wall W and which is designed to form to horse hoof contours. i.e., the front upper  6  includes at least one stretch insert  72  integrally formed with at least one of the side sections of the front upper  6  such that the hoof-ware system  10  adjusts to all hoof shapes and sizes and attaches to the mid-sole  2 , and sole  4  via stitching or adhesive as is well known in the art and as is informed by the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 shows details of contoured back  8  which wraps around the bulb of the heel of a hoof and attaches forward around the front of hoof. adhering to mid-sole  2  and front upper  6  as is apparent throughout the various drawings. At least one hole  120  is provided on the back  8  for example, providing through air flow. 
     The details of the interior of the hoof-ware sole  4  connection to a shock absorbing mid-sole section or a contoured mid-sole section  14 , contoured to the upper sole and revealing the embodiments of the sole  4  connection to the base of mid-sole  2  with a height range of ½ an inch to 3½ inches are shown in FIG.  5 . The mid-sole  2  includes dual angled sole sidewalls  18  having a lower angle of 90 degrees to 160 degrees and an upper angle which varies from 90 degrees to 30 degrees. The shock absorbing mid-sole section or insert  14  has a varied derometer from 20 A to 90 D which provides a vented air flow base. Alternatively, both a single and dual density are provided at contoured mid-sole section or insert  14  with a hoof bracket  20  residing immediately thereabove and traversing laterally across section  14  thereby causing reinforced outer hoof stability. Back  8 , operatively connected to the sole  4 , mid-sole  2 , varies from 90 degrees to 30 degrees and includes a drainage system  11  for the through entry and departure of solutions of sorts. Residing abut against the mid interior portion of back  8  and bordered on each side by the shock absorbing mid-sole section  14  and dual angled side wall  18  of mid-sole  2 , is a tri-lock insole interlocking system/device  12  to be used for holding inserts in place, to be discussed hereinafter. 
     FIG. 6 is side view of the hoof-ware sole  4  taken in cross-section and profiling the dimensions of the device, front to back, sole  4  has a range of 1.0 to 15.0 millimeters thickness, front to back  52 , a range of 76.0 millimeters to 350 millimeters, front bend or corner  48  of sole  4  is 5.0 R millimeters to 30.0 millimeters, a front sole  4  rising up  50  has a range of 10.0 millimeters to 50.0 millimeters, thickness  46  has a range of 1.0 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters, a top thickness range of 1.0 to 10.0 millimeters  40  and length of angle range 0.0 millimeters to 50 millimeters, angle  42  embodying a range of 45 degrees to 65 degrees  42 , back bottom bend or corner  60  has a range of 0.0 millimeters to 30 millimeters,  28  to back device bend  58  has a range of 1.0 millimeters at 10.0 millimeters in length at top of sole back  58 , range degree  56  angle ranging from 45 degrees to 90 degrees, mid-sole inset  38  has a range of 1.0 millimeters of 10.0 millimeters. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of hoof-ware sole  4  taken in cross-section profiling from side to side the dimensions of mid-sole insert  38  which has a range 1.0 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters thickness, sole  4  bottom thickness  29  has a range of 1.0 millimeters to 15.0 millimeters, corner or bend of sole and mid-sole thickness range of R 0.0 to R 30.0, side height  32  has a range of 10.0 millimeters to 50.0 millimeters, front sole thickness  26  has a range of 1.0 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters, top thickness  24  has a range of 1.0 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters, interior side to side length  34  has a range of 64.0 millimeters to 350.0 millimeters. 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of the hoof-ware sole section of sole  4  showing its range of thickness of 1.0 millimeters to 15.0 millimeters for an internal reinforcement strip  62  with a range of thickness of 1.0 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters for an alternative embodiment molded mid-sole  36  which embodies combinations of multiple materials as the construction composites, such as, EVA, rubber compounds, polyethylene, silicon, sorbothane, polymers, and other similar materials resulting in a hoof-ware device that has utilities of flex, cushion, shock absorption, medicinal applications, performance applications, use in diagnostic situations, for stimulation and/or corrective purposes, emergency situations, and/or rehabilitation of the hoof. 
     FIG. 9 is a side view profile of hoof-ware wall contour of mid-sole ( 2 ) when viewing the mid-sole  2  in a downward angle. 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view of hoof-ware mid-sole  2  showing a range of 64.0 millimeters to 350.0 millimeters  74  when the dimensions is taken from side to side, and 76.0 millimeters to 350.0 millimeters  76  when the dimensions are taken from front to back. 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the hoof-ware sole  4  connected to a mid-sole  38 , connected to sidewall  18  (shown in section) and upper  6 . Sole  4  and mid-sole  38  are of a contoured shape for correct movement and break over with variable thickness for support and wear which are desirable for proper hoof maintenance. It is to be noted that multiple sole  4  designs for grip and wear have been established by horse breeders and are taught by the disclosure herein such that angled wall  40  is angled to conform to a hoof, and interior wall  62  is configured to bracket the hoof, and tapered side edge  64 , interposed between mid-sole  38  and upper  6 , is configured to blend with upper material  6  to contour with the hoof providing breathable materials that are angled upper from front to back as shown by  70  from 45 degrees to 90 degrees. A Velcro hook or connection  68  connects to back section.  8  padded trimmed upper  70 , stretch insert  72  and front upper  6  and is used for accommodating hoof size variations, including angled back  8  to contour with the hoof heel shape that is 45 degrees to 90 degrees. 
     FIG. 12 is a sidewall diagram of the hoof-ware sole  4 , without mid-sole  38 , shown in a side to side view, this embodiment of sole  4  at end of sole protruded rubber  84  there is shown a range of 1.0 millimeters to 15.0 millimeters, and a range of 1.0 millimeters to 12.0 millimeters at inside of protruded rubber  86 , corner or bend  94  has a range of 0.0 R to 30.0 R, upper wall width has a range of 1.0 millimeters to 10 millimeters  78 , front height has a range of 10.0 millimeters to 50.0 millimeters  100 , embodying and resulting in a thickness of 1.0 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters, and a length range from side to side of  76 . 0  millimeters to 350.0 millimeters  98 . 
     FIG. 13 is a sidewall diagram of the hoof-ware sole  4  front to back, with a range length of 76.0 millimeters to 350.0 millimeters  98   a,  front range of 10.0 millimeters to 50.0 millimeters  80 , a top thickness range of 1.0 millimeters to 10,0 millimeters  78 , corner or bend in front range of 0.0 R to 30.0 R  82 , back height  92  range of 10.0 millimeters to 50 millimeters, back corner or bend  94  range 0.0 R to 30.0 R, and two grooves  96  for stitching. 
     FIG. 14 is a view of the sidewall  18  profile of the hoof-ware contour design, height range of 10.0 millimeters to 50.0 millimeters  102 , with a beginning angle height of contour  106  range 20.0 to 50.0, a mid-angle height range of 10 millimeters of contour  108  to 50 millimeters. end contour design range  110  extending 10 millimeters to 50 millimeters. 
     FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the hoof-ware interior sole  4  dimensions, with a range of 64 millimeters to 350.0 millimeters side to side  112 , and with a range of 76.0 millimeters to 350 millimeters front to back  114 . 
     FIG. 16 is a side view of the hoof-ware contoured back  8 , contoured to be shaped in a manner that is upward of the hoof to fit the shape of a hoof wherein the lower leg is held in place by the front upper sleeve  6  and, in this embodiment, mid-sole  38  and sole  4 . The contoured padded trim or collar  70  is operative coupled to the upper  6  and includes stretch material, bonded to the trim line  122 , and adhered with adjustable wrap-around strap  226  which embodies an attachment system using hook and loop and attachment  116 , for example, or other latching devices. The contoured upper front receiving section  118  is shaped to fit a hoof and vented to allow air flow at  124 , via hook and loop strip for back attachments  116  which ultimately are contoured to back heel cover  128 , which also provides for a vented back with breathable backing holes  120 . 
     FIG. 17 is a top plan view diagramming the dimensions of an insert and tri-lock interlocking mechanism shown in FIG. 18 with an interchangeable sole insert using multiple materials, shapes, densities. designs, colors, diagnostics, evaluation components, air flow venting, and providing an insert  130   a  of multiple hoof sizes front to back having dimensions sizing range 3 inches to 12 inches, shown by line demarcation  130   b,  side to side sizing range 2½ inches to 12 inches, shown by line demarcation  130   c,  bottom right side circular interlock  16   f,  shown by line demarcation  132   a  and has a range ¼ inch to 1 inch diameter and looking downward toward the back, bottom left side circular interlock  16   d,  shown by line demarcation  132   c  and has a range ¼ inch to 1 inch diameter looking downward toward the back. circular interlock  16   g,  shown by line demarcation  132   b  range ¼ inch to 1 inch diameter, tri-lock locking system for pads  132 , tri-lock attachment to sole  134 , back of sole perpendicular lock  132   d,  being ½ inch, back of sole to tip point of triangle  132   e,  being 2.4 inches, bottom of triangle  132   f,  being 1½ inches, perpendicular bottom of triangle is a ½ inch by 2 inches. 
     FIG. 18 a top and side plan view of alliterative embodiment insert into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism of FIG. 17 into sole  4  and shock absorbing mid-sole section  14  mechanism of the hoof-ware device, downwardly view of the tri-lock  12  interlocking device embodied to the mid-sole  14  thereby being embodied to the sole  4 , tri-lock inset  16  of interlocking mechanism with complementing tri-lock device  16   d,  tri-lock mechanism  16   a  interlocking with tri-lock mechanism  16   f,  tri-lock mechanism  16   b  interlocking with tri-lock mechanism  16   e,  tri-lock mechanism  16   c,  interlocking with tri-lock mechanism  16   g.    
     FIG. 19 a top and side plan view of an alternative embodiment of an insert and particularly a single density flat insert  136  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , height ( 136   a ) range {fraction (1/10)} inch to 2 inches. comparable densities ( 138   a ) range 1 to 100 on the A derometer scale and/or 1 to 100 on the C derometer scale embodying combinations of multiple materials construction composites, EVA, rubber compounds, polyethylene, silicon, sorbothane, polymers, and other similar materials embodying utilities of flex, cushion, shock absorption, medicinal, performance, diagnostic, stimulation, correction, emergency, and/or rehabilitation environments. 
     FIG. 20 is a top and side plan view of an alternative embodiment of insert and particularly the flat single-density insert  136  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , and used in combination with a multi-density flat insert  140 , thereby resulting in a multi-density insert, which when viewed from side to side  140   c  has a range of 2.5 inches to 12 inches. and front to back  140   b  has a range of 3.0 inches to 12 inches, and multi-density compound  140   a  and preferably with two or more combinations of parts of EVA, polyethylene, polyurethane, silicon, sorbothane, polymers, composites and/or similar materials consisting of C scale of 1 to 100 and/or A scale of 1 to 100 and/or 0 scale 1 to 100. 
     FIG. 21 is a top and side plan view of an alternative embodiment and particularly a multi-compound flat insert into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , flat insert  136  is altered by a multi-compound insert into insert  142  composed, preferably of, single or multiple combinations EVA, polyethylene, polyurethane, silicon, sorbothane, polymers, composites and/or similar materials, front to back  142   a  is ½ inch back from mid-point side to side, or to 0.0 inches, side to side  142   b  has a range to ½ inch right side and/or left side, whereas the insert side to side  142   c  has a range of 2.5 inches to 12 inches, a front of insert  136  to the front of multi-compound insert  142  has a range of 3.0 inches to 6.0 inches, back of multi-compound insert  142   e  to back of insert  136  is ½ inch. 
     FIG. 22 is a top and side plan view of an alternative embodiment single density wedge insert  144  for placement into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , single density wedge insert  144  includes combinations of compounds of EVA, polyethylene, polyurethane, silicon, sorbothane, polymers, composites and/or similar materials. Insert  144  has a dimensional range, front to back  144   a  of 3 inches to 12 inches, from side to side  144   b  of 2.5 inches to 12 inches, from the back of wedge insert height  144   c  varying in range from 2 inches to {fraction (1/10)}th inch, and an angle range of 0 degrees to 35 degrees, wherein the front of wedge insert height  144   e  is {fraction (1/10)} inch. It is to be noted that wedge insert  144  embodies multiple configurations at multiple points. 
     FIG. 23 is a top and side plan view of an alternative embodiment of a wedge multi-density insert  146  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , with dimensions from side to side, insert  146   a  of 2½ inches to 12 inches, from front to back, insert  146   b ) of 3 inches to 12 inches, and a back height of multi-density wedge insert  146   c  with a range of 0 to 2 inches. with the mid-point if multi-density wedge insert  146  of 0 to 2 inches. The multi-density wedge insert is comprised of one or more compound combinations  148   a  of EVA, polyethylene, polyurethane, silicon. sorbothane, polymers, composites and/or similar materials, and having a constant insert thickness measurement of 0 to 2 inches,  148   b.    
     FIG. 24 a top and side plan view of an alternative multi-compound wedge insert  150  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , the multi-compound  148   a  wedge insert, and wedge indentation insert  152  are combined with an insert front to top of wedge  150   a  with a range of 3 inches to 6 inches, from back of wedge insert to back of insert  150   c  of ½ inch to 0.0 inches, from side to side  150   b  of 2.5 inches to 12 inches, from the top of wedge insert to back of wedge insert  150   e,  mid-point side to side to 0.0 inches of back of insert, side to side of wedge insert  150   d,  mid-point side to side of insert to maximum ½ inches on the right side and ½ inches on the left side. 
     FIG. 25 a top and side plan view of an alternative cut out  154  of flat insert  136  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , top of insert to top of cutout  136   a  has a dimension of {fraction (1/10)}th inches to 2 inches, back of cutout to back of insert  136   b  has as dimension of ½ inch to 6 inches, viewing downwardly left side mid-side of insert to mid-side of cutout  136   c  has a dimension of ½ inches, downwardly right side mid-side of insert to mid-side of cutout  136   d  ha a dimension of ½ inch, cutout height  154   a  has a dimension of {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, cutout front to back  154   b  ½ inch to 0 inches, cutout side to side  154   c  ha a dimension of ½ inch on front and side and side. 
     FIG. 26 is a top and side plan view of triangle cut out  156  of wedge insert  148  with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , back of triangle cut out to back of Insert  148   a  bottom of triangle cutout to a inches, side to side of Insert  148   b  2½ inches to 12 inches, front to tip of triangle  148   c  {fraction (1/10)}th inches to 2 inches, height of triangle, cut out  156   a  {fraction (1/10)}th inches to 2 inches, mid-point side to side triangle  156   b  maximum of ½ inch from outer side or side, front to back triangle cut out  156   c  ½ inches back from mid-point side to side  148   b  to 0 inches. 
     FIG. 27 is a top and side plan view of add-on triangle attachment  158  to wedge insert  148  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , back height of wedge insert  148   a  {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, mid-point height of wedge insert  148   b  {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, front height of wedge Insert  148   c  {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, front of wedge insert to tip  148   d  of triangle insert  158 , 1¾ inches to 7 inches, side to side mid-point of wedge insert  148   e  2½ inches to 12 inches, front tip to back of triangle attachment  158   a  1¼ inches to 5 inches, base side to side of triangle attachment range 1 inches to 6 inches, width of base from triangle to triangle base  156   c  ¼ inch to 1 inch, top of triangle base to back of triangle base  158   d  ½ inches to 1 inches height of triangle attachment  158   e.    
     FIG. 28 is a top and side plan view of triangle add-on attachment  160  to a flat Insert  136  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12  with a height of flat insert  136   a  {fraction (1/10)}th inches to 2 inches, front of flat insert to tip of triangle attachment  136   c    1¾ inches to  7 inches, mid-point side to side of flat insert  136   b  2½ inches to 12 inches, tip of triangle insert to back of triangle insert  160   a  1¼ inches to 5 inches, mid-point side to side of triangle insert  160   b  1 inch to 6 inches, width of base from triangle to triangle base  160   c  ¼ inch to 1 inch, height of triangle attachment  160   d  {fraction (1/10)}th inches to 2 inches, front to back of triangle base from base of triangle to back of insert  160   c.    
     FIG. 29 is a top and side plan view of flat insert  136  with 15 perforated holes  162  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12  height of flat insert  136   a  {fraction (1/10)}th inches to 2 inches, front to back of flat insert  136   b  ½ inch to center point of side to side dimension, midpoint side to side of flat insert  136   c  2.5 inches to 12 inches, diameter of each 3-10 holes  162   a  {fraction (1/44)} inches placed ¼ inches inside of edge of insert ranging ½ inch to 1½ inch hole centers, diameter of each 3-22 holes  162   b  ¼ inches placed ¼ inch inside of edge of insert ranging ½ inch to 1½ inch hole centers, diameter of each 3-22 holes  162   c  ¼ inches placed ¼ inch inside of edge of insert ranging ½ inch to 1½ inch hole centers, diameter of each 3-22 holes  162   d  ¼ inches placed ¼ inch inside of edge of insert ranging ½ inch to 1 inch centers. 
     FIG. 30 is a top and side plan view of concave contour  164  flat insert  136  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12  with a height of flat insert  136   a  {fraction (1/10)}th inches to 2 inches, mid-point side to side of flat insert  136  to outer wall of concave contour  136   b  ½ inch to center point of side to side dimension, mid-point side to side of flat insert  136  to right side looking downward to outer wall of concave contour  136   d  ½ inch to center point of side to side dimension. back of concave contour  164  to back of flat insert  136   c  range to 0 inches, downwardly look at front of flat insert  136  to front of concave contour  164  is  136   e  ½ inch to center point of side to side dimension, front to back of concave contour  164   a  range of ½ inch to 0 inches, back of concave contour base to height of flat insert  136 ) is  164   b  range of {fraction (1/16)}th inch from bottom of insert to top of insert. mid-point side to side  164   c  of concave contour multiple ranges from {fraction (1/16)}th inch upward slope to top of insert  136 . 
     FIG. 31 is a top and side plan view of an angled convex contour insert  166  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12  height of convex contour at mid-point  168   a  {fraction (1/10)} inches to 2.0 inches, mid-point side to side at convex point  168   b  range {fraction (2.5)} inches to 12 inches, front to back of convex contour insert  168   c  3.0 inches to 12 inches, front point of base of convex contour  166   a  {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, mid-point front side to side of convex contour  166   b  {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, apex of convex side to side  166   c  {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, mid-point side to side of back half of convex contour  166   d  {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, back point of base of convex contour  166   e  {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches. 
     FIG. 32 is a top and side plan view of a rounded convex contour insert  170  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12  with a height of rounded convex contour  170   a  range {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, side to side of rounded convex contour apex  170   b  range 2.5 inches to 12 inches, front to back of rounded convex contour insert  170   c  range 3.0 inches to 12 inches, height front base point of rounded convex contour  172   a  range {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, height of mid-point of rounded convex contour  172   b  range {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, height of apex of rounded convex contour  172   c  range {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, mid-point height back base point of rounded convex contour  172   d  range {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, height of base point of back of rounded convex contour  172   e  range {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches. 
     FIG. 33 is a top and side plan view of a sizing insert  174  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12  with a height of insert  174   a  range {fraction (1/10)}th inches to 2.0 inches, exterior side to side of sizing insert  174   b  2.5 inches to 12 inches, exterior front to back of sizing insert  174   c  3.0 inches to 12 inches, exterior to interior back wall of sizing insert  174   d  range ¼ inches to 1 inches, exterior to interior right side wall looking downwardly  174   e  range ¼ inches to 1 inches, interior to exterior left side wall looking downwardly  174   g  range ¼ inches to 1 inches, interior to exterior front wall looking downwardly  174   f  range ¼ inches to 1 inches. 
     FIG. 34 is a top and side plan view of impression form insert  176  into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12 , height of impression form insert  176   a  range {fraction (1/10)}th inch to 2 inches, interior side to side of impression form insert  176   b  range exterior walls 2.5 inches to 12 inches, interior front to back of impression form insert  176   c  range exterior 3.0 inches to 12 inches, right side interior to exterior side wall of impression form insert  176   e  range {fraction (1/10)} inches to 1 inch, back side interior to exterior side wall of impression form insert  176   d  range {fraction (1/10)} inches to 1 inch, front side interior to exterior side wall of impression form Insert  176   f  range {fraction (1/10)} inch to 1 inch, left side wall of impression form Insert  176   g  range {fraction (1/10)}inches to 1 inch. 
     FIG. 35 is a top and side plan view of mechanical diagnostic insert  180  with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12  with a measurement device  180   a  capturing hoof data in back one-half of hoof; capture hoof data in mid-point of hoof  180   b,  capture hoof data in front one-half of hoof; captured front hoof data ( 180   d ). independent data gathering module  178  device, connecting insert of module device to diagnostic insert  178   c.    
     FIG. 36 is a top and side plan view of x-ray/radiograph liner insert  190  into hoof-ware device with adjustable wire markers with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12  base object for x-ray/radiograph  184   b,  side vertical measuring device  186   a,  width  186   b  configurations vary and may be exactly the same as front vertical measuring device  186   a  and width  186   b  same device attaches to the non-pictured side and back side. height  188   b  from top base in front to top of upper device  188   a.    
     FIG. 37 is a top and side plan view of electronic hoof insert into hoof-ware device with tri-lock interlocking mechanism  12  comprised of multiple combinations transistors and microprocessors, systems software programmed, applications/analyses programmed and data base driven, hard wire and wireless communications, integrated to pcs to mainframes, collecting-analyzing-decision driven data based on multiple combinations of hoof modes—diagnostics, normal use, performance, corrective, medicinal emergencies, preventative, rehabilitation environments—embodying multiple material combinations construction composites, EVA, rubber compounds, polyethylene, silicon, sorbothane, polymers, and other similar materials and/or densities—embodying one or more C scale range 1 to 100 and/or A scale range 1 to 100 and/or 0 scale range 1 to 100, fitting multiple hoof sizes. 
     FIG. 38 is a side view of detachable hoof-ware sole  202 , hoof-ware device  210 , sliding-channels for slide-channel device  206 , a front panel  204  with replaceable t-channel slide-locking replaceable channel mechanism  206  with hoof-ware device slide of multiple sizes and shapes conforming to hoof-ware device, fitting multiple combinations hoof mode environments—diagnostics, normal use, performance, corrective, medicinal, emergencies, preventative, rehabilitation—embodying multiple combinations materials construction—composites, EVA. rubber compounds, polyethylene, silicon, sorbothane, polymers, and other similar materials and/or densities embodying one or more C scale ranges 1 to 100 and/or A scale range 1 to 100 and/or D scale range 1 to 100—fitting multiple hoof sizes. 
     FIG. 39 is a side view of adjustable level position insert  216  device into hoof-ware devices with tri-lock interlocking mechanism and/or self-locking devices  212 , with minimum of 18 upward-downward, side-to-side, slant-to-slant adjustment devices  214  designed to accommodate minimum of 18 combinations of hoof locations subject to changing and/or combinations of mode environments—diagnostics, normal use, performance, corrective, medicinal emergencies, preventative, rehabilitation—embodying multiple combinations of materials construction—composites, EVA, rubber compounds, polyethylene, silicon, sorbothane, polymers, and other similar materials and/or densities embodying—one or more C scale range 1 to 100 and/or A scale range 1 to 100 and/or 0 scale range 1 to 100, fitting multiple hoof sizes. 
     FIG. 40 is a side view of liner sleeve sock  220  fitted in and/or over hoof and/or into hoof-ware devices  218 , elasticized for snug fitting  222 , constructed from liquid shedding materials and/or liquid absorbing materials, changing combinations of mode environments—diagnostics, normal use, performance, corrective, medicinal emergencies, preventative, rehabilitation—size fitting all hooves. 
     FIG. 41 is a side view of an alternative embodiment hoof-ware device showing similar qualities as FIG.  1  and FIG. 42, and other previously descended hoof-ware art, and as taught by the present invention with attachment system  234 , sole  4  connected molded to mid-sole  2 , attached to upper neoprene  8  contoured back  128 , connected to upper leather trim  70 , power frame  224  with dotted lines showing non-open view attached to mid-sole  2  and sole  4  and protruding upwardly on front hoof wall with attached hook and loop  116  attached to outside of power frame  224  material, front hoof wall cover device  228  is attached to front mid-sole  2  opened widely in front of hoof-ware device and closed tightly over power frame attached to upper back with metal/plastic zipper  230 , further closed tightly with single and/or combination metal or plastic quick release bratchet/zipper type buckle attachment  232  that is easily releasable, adjustable and/or ratcheted, connects front hoof wall cover  228  to back strap device  234 . 
     FIG. 42 is a side view of the hoof-ware device showing sole  4 , connected to, the mid-sole  2 , attached to the upper  6  with a trim line  122 , attached to the back  8 , attached to the back contoured heel cover  128 , attached to the upper leather and like materials as upper trim  70 , inwardly showing reinforced power frame  224  pulling up over the front hoof wall, connected by hook and loop  116  attachment, connected to the back stretchy neoprene material  8 , pultruding from the inside pulled outwardly and outside pulled inwardly and/or vice versa as a hook and loop stretch strap ( 226 ) wrapping around hoof wall from the outside and/or inside and/or vice versa. 
     In addition, the equine lightweight versatile hoof-ware  10  comprising an upper  6 , a mid-sole  2 , a sole  4 , embodying multiple inserts is provided. The hoof-ware sole  4  embodying multiple rubber compounds and/or poly/urethane. The hoof-ware  10  is capable of multiple ground engaging equine compression surface configurations including multiple soft, tough, uniquely spaced and integrally formed designs calibrated to equine breeds pointed downwardly below bottom surface of sole  4 , wherein said designs. when compressed, will absorb and/or cushion all and/or partial equine impacts during all ground engagements in all healthy environments, said designs fit multiple equine breed&#39;s total environment. 
     Further the sole  4  is uniquely bonded to the mid-sole  2 , hoof-ware mid-sole  2  having multiple configurations of polyurethanes, EVA/foam composites, rubber compounds, polyethylenes, silicones, sorbothane, polymers, and other similar materials embodied to flex, cushion, absorb partial and/or all shocks and equine impacts in all ground engagements in all earthly environments. 
     The hoof-ware upper  6  is uniquely bonded and attached to mid-sole  2  and sole  4 , mid-sole  2  comprising multiple stretch and non-stretch fabrics, leathers, embodied wear and/or weather resistant materials designed for all equine environments. The upper embodiments further comprising multiple materials with multiple attachment devices designed for all equine earthly environments. 
     Moreover, the hoof-ware  10  is configured to embody multiple inserts including, but not limited to normal use, medicinal, correction, rehabilitation, emergencies, performance, and/or preventative. The inserts further embodying all equine hoof related diseases, symptoms and/or lameness designed for: partial and/or all configurations involved in all equine earthly environments. The hoof-ware  10  and/or inserts and/or used together size range is miniature (3 inches front to back. 2.5 inches side to side at mid-point). pony. 000. 00. 0, 1, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 11,12 (12 inches front to back, 12 inches side to side at mid-point), 13, 14. 
     The hoof-ware configuration, combination and integration of equine hoof-ware device embodying insert devices for purposes of diagnostics, performance, correction, medicinal, emergencies, preventative, rehabilitation and or normal use. Multiple configurations are provided of inserts embodying multiple compounds, densities, cut outs, convex and concave contours, perforations, sizes, add-ons. In addition, inserts are provided, such inserts embodying multiple mechanical devices to comprehensively measure, diagnose, analyze equine hoof configurations. Further, inserts embodying multiple x-ray devices to comprehensively measure, diagnose, analyze equine hoof configurations. In addition, inserts embodying multiple electronic devices to comprehensively measure, diagnose, analyze equine hoof configurations. Moreover, inserts embodying multiple movements of same insert, up and down, side to side. slant to slant. are also provided. 
     In use and operation, and referring to the drawings, a hoof is to be received within a boot, as shown in FIG. 1, and the hoof is fastened into the boot for ultimate comfort and fit by means of extensions. These extensions wrap and secure the hoof in place and are fastened to at least one fastener which may be located for example at the forward region of the boot. Inserts are also provided in a multitude of designs, shapes, thicknesses, dimensions and material of construction to provide interchangeable inserts such that the boot is not only comfortable and well fitting, but serves many different equine functions. Succinctly, the inserts are used to make the boot acceptable for use for medical purposes, comfort, balance, and protection. Moreover, the hoof-ware of the present invention can be used in many and all environments into an equine may be exposed. Finally, the interchangeable inserts are changed by the equine owner or caretaker such that one boot may be used for multiple sizes of hooves, and many purposes and functions of the equine. 
     Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the present invention as set forth hereinabove and as described hereinbelow by the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0