Interesting patent

Title of the invention: Therapeutic horse shoe

Publication number:      US4605071 A

Publication type:           Grant

Application number:       US 06/679,202

Publication date:           12 Aug 1986

Filing date:                    6 Dec 1984

Inventors:                     David P. McKibben

ABSTRACT: 

The invention is a therapeutic horseshoe (10) including an impact frame (12) for supporting a horse’s foot and a cushioned insert (14) for nesting into an insert depression (16) formed in the upper surface (40 ) of the impact frame such that the insert (14) provides force absorption and kinetic energy return to a ring like portion of the sole of the foot. The lower surface (50) of the impact frame includes a front slope (62) and a rear slope (64) which improves shock impact and step characteristics in the foot and are important in specifically preventing and alleviating symptoms of laminitis and navicular disease in horses. An alternate toe-in, toe-out shoe (80) is adapted for correction of unbalanced hoof conditions. The therapeutic horseshoe (10) and the toe-in, toe-out shoe (80) are ideal for use by horse professionals such as farriers, veterinarians and trainers. The shoes are also usable on healthy horses as a preventive measure against causes of lameness and as a racing speed enhancement.