IMPROVEMENTS IN SHOEING HORSES AND OTHER LIKE-FOOTED ANIMALS, AND IN SHOES OR APPLIANCES FOR SUCH PURPOSE
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Whiteford, of Greenock, in the County of Renfrew,
North Britain, Doctor of Medicine, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SHOEING HORSES AND OTHER LIKE-FOOTED ANIMALS, AND IN SHOES OR
APPLIANCES FOR SUCH PURPOSE."
Sealed the 29th December 1876, and dated the 8th July 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Whiteford at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th July 1876.
JAMES WHITEFORD, of Greenock, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain,
Doctor of Medicine. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SHOEING HORSES AND OTHER LIKE-FOOTED
ANIMALS, AND IN SHOES OR APPLIANCES FOR SUCH PURPOSE,"
This Invention relates to a new or improved mode and means of shoeing horses,
mules, and other like-footed animals, which, being more simple.and natural for the
foot, affords a safer and better foothold to the animal than any or all of the various
methods of shoeing at present in use, and will prevent many of the accidents and
ailments to which the feet and legs are liable, more or less, under any of the
present systems of shoeing; and the nature and novelty of the Invention consists
in the following:
-
First. The use of a rigid metal shoc of whatever form or description is altogether
avoided.
Second. As a substitute for this a shoe or disc of a softer and more flexible and
elastic substance than metal is applied, of uniform thickness, so as to cover the
whole under or plantar surface of the hoof after this surface has been properly
levelled and made ready by a rasp or other equivalent. The substance used to
form this shoe may be either thick leather in one or more layers, or gutta percha,
or vulcanised india-rubber, or a mixed preparation thereof, so as to afford the
requisite degree of toughness, or other fibrous or elastic material, such as canvas in
layers prepared with a viscid substance, either or any of such singly or in combi-
nation. The thickness of this shoe may be varied according to the requirements of
the animal and the circumstances, say, from one quarter of an inch to one inch, or
even more.
Third. This shoe is attached to the hoof by iron nails of a special form inserte
through the shoe and the crust of the hoof in a similar manner as with the
These nails are made with
fastening on of the common iron shoe generally used.
[Price Gd.1

page_text: special heads adapted for the double purpose of keeping on the shoe, and serving
at the same time instead of an iron shoe by preventing the wear of the soft shoe
which would otherwise take place. For this purpose the head of the nail may be either
of iron or steel, and in shape is circularly or ovally conical, conoidal, or pyramidal,
tapering by a convex surface towards the neck, and thereby presenting a convex
shoulder at this point, so that when fixed in position and in use it may be thereby
prevented from being driven further up so as to disturb the rivet at the other
extremity. The head of the nail being countersunk in the substance of the shoe,
so that the neck lies at the junction of the hoof with the shoe, varies in size and
depth according to the thickness of the shoe. It is to be preferred that the terminal
surface of the head of the nail be either level with the surface of the shoe or only
very slightly projecting from it if the animal be used on paved streets, but if on
softer ground they may be left projecting somewhat more if required. The
number and size of nails used will vary according to the size of the hoof and other
circumstances, but will be sufficient, and so placed as to serve the double purpose
of properly fastening the soft shoc, and at the same time protecting it efficiently
from too rapid tear and wear.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said James Whiteford in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th January
1877.
JAMES WHITEFORD, of Greenock, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain,
Doctor of Medicine. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SHOEING HORSES AND OTHER LIKE-FOOTED
ANIMALS, AND IN SHOES OR APPLIANCES FOR SUCH PURpose."
My said Invention relates to a new or improved mode and means of shoeing
horses, mules, and other like-footed animals which affords a more natural support
for the foot, and at the same time gives a safer and better foothold to the animal
than any of the various methods of shoeing heretofore in use, and will thus pre-
vent many of the accidents and ailments to which the feet and legs of such animals
are liable, more or less, under any of the ordinary methods of shoeing. And the
nature and novelty of the Invention consist all as follows:-
Under the first modification or improvement instead of the rigid metal shoe
of whatever form as heretofore in use I use a shoe or disc of a somewhat flexible
and elastic material, and of uniform thickness, formed so as exactly to cover the
whole under or plantar surface of the hoof after this. surface has been properly
levelled and made ready by a rasp or other equivalent, so that if possible the crust
and frog are on the same plane, or will bear alike when resting on a flat surface.
The substances used to form this shoe, or the bearing part or surface thereof
next the ground, consist of thick leather in one or more layers, or gutta percha,
or vulcanised india-rubber, or a mixed preparation thereof with emery or other
ingredient, so as to afford the requisite degree of toughness and rigidity, or other
fibrous or clastic material, such as canvas in layers prepared with a viscid sub-
stance, such as gutta percha, india-rubber, marine glue or pitch, either or any
of such singly or in combination, which form the bearing surface next the ground,
as shown particularly in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The thickness of this shoc or clastic
material part thereof may be varied according to the circumstances and require-
ments of the animal, say, from a quarter of an inch to one inch or thereby (and
the thickness of the sheet iron when that is used will vary accordingly within
certain limits).
And by another modification, and as I generally prefer it, this flexible or elastic
part of the shoe may be attached to a disc of thin sheet iron or other metal, made
exactly to cover the plantar surface of the hoof, and which when in position is
applied next to this surface; this sheet of metal gives increased rigidity to the
leather or other flexible material used for the under bearing surface of the shoe

page_text: (without binding the hoof) to which it is fixed by rivets, which may have large
heads to act as "hobs" or holding nails for the flexible portion of the shoe, and
placed all round the bearing part of the shoe on the inner side, or between the
nail holes formed through the whole thickness of the shoe and iron disc for
attaching the shoe as usual by nails to the crust of the hoof, as seen in Figures 6
to 12. These shoes under the first modification Figures 1 to 3 are preferably attached
to the hoof by iron nails of a special or improved form, inserted through the shoe
and the crust of the hoof in a similar manner to the fastening on of the common
iron shoe generally used. These nails are made with special heads adapted for
the double purpose of keeping on the shoe, and serving at the same time instead of
an iron shoe, by preventing the wear of the soft shoe which would otherwise take
place. For this purpose the heads of the nails, which may be either made of iron
or steel, are in shape circularly or ovally conical, conoidal, or pyramidal, tapering
by a convex surface towards the neck, and thereby presenting a convex shoulder
at this point, so that when fixed in position and in use it may be thereby pre-
vented from being driven further up to disturb the rivet at the other extremity, as
shown in the sections at Figure 2, and detached in two forms at Figs. 4 and 5.
The head of the nail being countersunk in the substance A of the shoe so that
the neck lies at the junction of the hoof with the shoe varies in size and depth
according to the thickness of the shoe. It is to be preferred that the terminal
surface of the head of the nail be either level with the surface of the shoe or only
very slightly projecting from it if the animal be used in paved streets, but if on
softer ground they may be left projecting somewhat more if required.
number and size of nails used will vary according to the size of the hoof and other
circumstances, but will be sufficient and so placed as to serve the double purpose
of properly fastening the soft shoe, and at the same time protecting it effeciently
from too rapid tear and wear, and assisting the foothold of the animal.
The
Under another modification as applied to the shoe with metal plate, Figures 6 and 7,
holding and wearing studs may be used (in place of these nails with ordinary
horse-shoe nails when these are used), these studs being formed of short pieces of
iron resembling the head and neck of a countersunk nail, or a section of a bolt
head rectangular, round, or oval, with or without projecting neck, as Been in
section in Figure 6, and detached in three modifications in Figures 8, 9, and 10b¹
These studs are rivetted to the sheet-iron disc A¹ by their short necks, and are
disposed at intervals either between the nails or at some little distance within
these round the margin of the disc in the position occupied by the ordinary horse-
shoe nails, and varying in number according to their size and that of the shoe,
and are ranged all round the back or heels of the shoe where nails cannot be
inserted into the hoof. These studs correspond in length of body to the thickness
of the shoe, and in some forms of the shoe they are made to pass through the soft
substance, so as to be the means of fastening this to the sheet iron, and are rivetted
in position round the margin outside the soft substance, as shown in Figures
6, 7, 10, and 10. But by another modification they may be made larger and have
holes formed through them (the studs at the heels being left blank without holes),
through which the fastening nails are driven in fixing the shoe. Where these
larger kinds of studs are to be used the sheet iron and studs in position, as in
Figures 10, 10, 11, and 12, instead of being made separately may be formed in
one piece as malleable cast, the soft material being fixed on to this afterwards,
thereby effecting a saving of labour. The combination of the plate with these
studs I consider an improvement, both as regards efficiency and safety, as compared
with making the whole shoe of soft or elastic homogeneous material, as described
and shown in reference to Figures 1 to 5, the use of ordinary countersunk nails
being thus alone required, these being inserted either through the soft substance
and the sheet iron (as in Figures 6, 7, 10, and 10%) or through the studs (as in
Figures 11 and 12). Further, the sheet iron gives consistency to the soft shoe and
lateral support to the fastening nails, while it allows sufficient without permitting
too much flexibility.

page_text: When it is desired to fasten these new or improved shoes without nails driven
through the hoof, using the shoe provided with a metal plate, as in Figures 6 to 104,
this may be effected by leather, inctal, or other equivalent straps passed through rings
or other equivalent fixed to the shoe or to the said metal plate thereof, as shown
in Figures 16 to 21, and tightened up and secured by ordinary buckles, buttons, or
other equivalents.
Having so far described the nature and novelty of the Invention, I will now
proceed to describe the several Figures on the Sheet of Drawings which I have
hereunto appended for the purpose of showing the best modes and means I am at
present aware of for performing or putting the same into effect or practice, the
same reference letters indicating the same or equivalent parts in all the Figures
where shown.
Figures 1, 2, and 3 are a side elevation, side section, and inverted plan or under
surface of the shoe, all illustrative of one modification of the first part of my
Invention, with the horse-shoe wholly formed of layers of canvas and vulcanised
india-rubber (but which might be made of other homogeneous elastic material,
such as vulcanite or leather, as herein-before mentioned) as a disc A, covering the
whole under surface of the hoof, attached by the new or improved forms of
polygonal, oval, or round headed conical nails at, shown in side elevation and plan
in the rectangular and oval forms in Figures 4 and 5, the large conical head
holding the shoe perfectly firm, and at the same time acting as wearing studs or
"hob-nails" for preventing the wear of the shoe and improving the foothold, and
for which purpose they may be made of ordinary soft iron or steel, or with case-
hardened heads when made of iron.
Figures 6 and 7 are a sectional side elevation and inverted plan of another
modification of my new or improved horse-shoe, shown as formed of two layers or
thicknesses of thick hard sole leather (but one layer of leather or other of the soft
clastic substances might be used) attached to a disc of thin iron or other metal A¹
by new or improved metal studs D with rivetting stems b, preferably bevelled to
hold the leather thereto, the whole being sufficiently flexible to yield under the
pressure or weight of the horse, so as to interfere as little as possible with the
natural expansion or growth of the hoof, and yet act as wearing studs or hob-nails
to give greater durability and holding effect to the shoe, which is attached to the
hoof by ordinary horse-shoe nails a¹, the studs B being preferably placed in a circle
within the line of the nails, and towards the heel parts where nails cannot be used
to give a better wearing and bearing effect to this new or improved shoe. Two
forms of these studs, rectangular and oval, are shown detached, full size, in side
elevation and plan in Figures 8 and 9. In some cases these studs might be made
larger with flanges b and ranged near the outer edge of the shoe A, A¹, rivetted by
the stems to the plate A¹ between the ordinary nails and nail holes, as seen in
the sectional side elevation, Figure 10, and inverted plan in Figure 10, which in
addition to the before-inentioned advantages gives a better holding effect to the
outer edge of the shoe, these studs B' being shown full size in side elevation and plan
detached in Figure 10º¹.
Figures 11 and 12 show a sectional side elevation and inverted plan of another
modification or improved arrangement of this shoe, in which the wearing studs B
are shown much larger superficially, to give greater wearing and holding surface,
and ranged round the extreme outer edge of the shoe, with nail holes through them
and the plate A¹ to which they are rivetted by their stems b behind the holes, the
extreme back studs being left solid as heels, as shown in the plan view Figure 12,
these studs being shown in plan and sectional side and edge views detached in
Figures 13, 14, and 15. Any of these forms of studs B, B', or B", may be bevelled
on their sides or edges to hold the material forming the body of the shoc A to the
plate A', whether the studs are inserted and rivetted through it and the plate, or
the material is built or vulcanised on it and between the studs afterwards as may
be desired. When the shoe with the metal plate is to be attached to the hoof
without nails this may be effected as shown in Figures 16 to 21.

page_text: Figures 16 and 17 show an outside and inside elevation of a horse hoof or foot z,
having one of these new or improved shoes A, A', attached to it by a single strap C
having its one end attached to a ring D or other equivalent secured to the plate A¹
on the outside some little distance back from the central front part 2¹ of the foot,
and over and round the front and outside of the hoof, through a loop or keeper e
formed at the upper edge of a broad flap of leather E or other equivalent (secured
across the posterior or back part of the plate A¹ at A¹) of a quadrangular shape,
so as to cover the heels and cleft of the hoof, the strap being carried down through
a loop D¹ to the rear of the loop D on the outside, up, over, and across the front
of the hoof, where the free end is drawn tight and secured through a buckle 1)
attached to the ring D₁ fixed to the plate A¹ on the inner front side of the hoof
opposite the ring D, this strap crossing in front at 11.
Figure 18 is a back view of the hoof and shoe (corresponding to Figures 16
and 17), showing the form of the quadrangular binder E, e, as applied to the heel
or cleft of the hoof. Of course it will be obvious that other equivalents may be
used for the loop or keeper e, such as a buttons or stud at the parts e¹, or have two
straps C sewed to the upper edge of the binder at e', having the free ends of these
straps brought round to cross each other at 211, and drawn tight down to the buckles
secured to the rings D, D", in front, either.with or without the use of a rear ring D¹
on one or both sides.
Figure 19 shows a plan corresponding to Figure 17, with one strap C crossing
itself at 2 of the hoof, secured to the two rings D and D" at the front part of the
shoe, all without the use of a third or rear ring D¹. In either of these cases when
desired a strap or band F properly padded may be used, attached to the binder E
at el or to the strap C close to it, tightened over the upper front part of the hoof
or pastern of the foot to prevent the strap or binder E, which secures the back
part of the shoe, from sliding over the heel, as shown dotted in in Figures 16 and 17.
Figures 20 and 21 show plan views of the new or improved shoes A, A¹, with
their straps C and securing rings D and heel keepers E for fixing it to the hoof<,
but detached therefrom and corresponding to Figures 16, 17, and 19 respectively
to show the straps and their attachments more clearly.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is or may be performed or carried into practice, I would observe
in conclusion that what I consider novel and original, and therefore claim as the
Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,
the constructing and attaching of a soft and flexible disc shoe shown over the
whole under bearing surface of the hoofs or feet of horses, mules, and other like
footed animals, substantially as herein described in reference to and shown in the
accompanying Drawings, or any mere modification thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Whiteford, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord One_thousand
eight hundred and seventy-seven.
Witness,
W. R. M. THOMSON,
Patent Agent,
Glasgow.
JAMES WHITEFORD. (L.S.)