IMPROVEMENTS IN HORSE-SHOES, HAVING FOR OBJECT AN IMPROVED MODE OF ATTACHING THE SHOE TO THE HORSE'S FOOT
Year: 1878

page_text: "
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LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Watson, junr., of Whitby, in the County of York.
Engineer, for the Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN HORSE-SHOES, HAVING FOR
OBJECT AN IMPROVED MODE OF ATTACHING THE SHOE TO THE HORSE'S
FOOT."
Sealed the 13th May 1879, and dated the 14th November 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Watson at the
"IM-
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th November 1878.
THOMAS WATSON, junr., of Whitby, in the County of York, Engineer.
PROVEMENTS IN HORSE SHOES, HAVING FOR OBJECT AN IMPROVED MODE OF ATTACH-
ING THE SHOE TO THE HORSE'S FOOT."
My shoe though formed in one piece has two parts, each performing a distinct
function. The upper portion, formed of steel with the power of expanding and
contracting, is made so as to enclose and fit the outer portion of the animal's hoof.
The lower portion, formed of metal, of the usual horse shoe shape, is fitted to and
encloses the outer portion of the sole of the animal's hoof.
The upper portion having the contour of the upper front outer portion of the
animal's hoof, having a larger diameter at the bottom than the top, is made to fit
and enclose the upper front portion of the hoof, and the foot heing inserted is
pressed home upon the lower or horizontal bearing portion of the shoe, which
embraces the outer portion of the sole of the animal. The elasticity of the upper
portion then causes it to clasp firmly the hoof and hold the shoe fast to the sole of
the foot.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas Watson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th May
1879.
THOMAS WATSON, junior, of Whitby, in the County of York, Engineer. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN HORSE SHOES, HAVING FOR OBJECT AN IMPROVED MODE OF
ATTACHING THE SHOE TO THE HORSE'S FOOT."
My shoe, though formed in one piece, has two parts whose functions are distinct.
The one, the upper, grasping and fitting the conical front portion of the hoof, is
the attaching and holding part. The other, the sole, fitting the under portion of
the foot, forms the resisting and wearing portion of the shoe. The whole shoe is a
hollow model of the conical front portion of the hoof, and the outer portion of the
sole open in the hind part of the heel and sole.
The upper part is formed so as to fit and grasp the hoof; the under part is of the
form of an ordinary shoe, and occupies the place of the ordinary shoe, being held to
the foot by the upper portion,
I prefer for the purpose of giving a greater amount of flexibility and elasticity to
the upper to form the shoe of steel. When the shoe is to be applied to the horse's
foot it is expanded by means of a suitable expander which enlarges or elongates
the upper opening. In this state it is applied to the foot, and made to encircle the
hoof, the foot fitting firmly within the shoe. The expander being withdrawn, the
upper part taking its normal form and grasping firmly the conical part of the hoof,
holds the lower portion tight to the sole.
In strong shoes it may be advantageous to increase the flexibility by forming
one or more slits in the upper, and sometimes in the sole portion of the shoe.
In some cases it may be found advisable to coat the outer portion of the hoof, or
line the inner portion of the shoe with a coating or lining of soft elastic material,
such as gutta percha or a felt compound.
Having now described my Invention and set forth the mode in which it is
formed and applied, I wish it understood that what I desire to secure by the before
in part recited Letters Patent is, the use and application of a horse shoe of the
shape and form substantially as are above described and set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Watson, junior, have here set my
hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord 1879.
Signed, sealed, and delivered by the
above-named Thomas Watson,
junior, in the presence of
SAMUEL WIGGINS,
6, Copthall Court,
London,
Solicitor.
THU. WAIDUN, J.
L.S.)