HOOF TAP DEVICE

Abstract

A hoof tap device is provided. Each hoof tap device has a tap bridge from which a plurality of tap posts transversely extend. Each hoof tap device may be dimensioned and adapted so that a plurality of the hoof tap devices may be spaced apart along and just inward of the hoof wall of a horse hoof so that at least a portion of each back edge protrudes therefrom, enabling traction, preventing excessive wear, and improving the movement of the hoof by allowing it to flex and expand naturally during use.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: a tap bridge providing a back edge; and a plurality of tap posts transversely extending from the tap bridge, wherein the plurality of tap posts is opposing the back edge, wherein the tap bridge is dimensioned and adapted to protrude from a portion of a horse hoof wall.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a piercing tip disposed along a distal end of each of the plurality of tap posts.

3. The arrowhead attachment of claim 2, wherein each piercing tip is generally triangular.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tap tooth disposed between two adjacent tap posts of the plurality of tap posts.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the tap bridge extends for approximately 1.125″ inches and each of the plurality if tap posts extends for approximately 0.4375″ inches from the tap bridge to its respective distal end.

6. A device, comprising: a tap bridge providing a back edge; a plurality of tap posts transversely extending from the tap bridge, wherein the plurality of tap posts is opposing the back edge; a triangular piercing tip disposed along a distal end of each of the plurality of tap posts; and a tap tooth disposed between two adjacent tap posts of the plurality of tap posts, wherein the tap bridge extends for approximately 1.125″ inches and each of the plurality if tap posts extends for approximately 0.4375″ inches from the tap bridge to its respective distal end so that the tap bridge is dimensioned and adapted to protrude from a portion of a horse hoof wall.

7. A method of protecting a horse's hoof from excessive wear when the horse steps, while enabling proper expansion of the hoof at the same time, comprising: providing a plurality of the tap hoof devices of claim 6; and inserting the plurality of the tap hoof devices spaced apart just inward of a hoof wall of the hoof so that at least a portion of each respective back edge protrudes from a bottom of the hoof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0013] FIG. 4 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0015] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a hoof tap device, wherein each hoof tap device has a tap bridge from which a plurality of tap posts transversely extend. Each hoof tap device may be dimensioned and adapted so that a plurality of the hoof tap devices may be spaced apart along and just inward of the hoof wall of a horse hoof so that at least a portion of each back edge protrudes therefrom, enabling traction, preventing excessive wear, and improving the movement of the hoof by allowing it to flex and expand naturally during use.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the present invention may include a hoof tap device 10. Each hoof tap device 10 may provide a tap bridge 14 extending between a plurality of tap posts 12. Each hoof tap device 10 can be made in different sizes with different materials, including stainless steel, titanium, or other sufficiently strong and durable materials. Each hoof tap device 10 can be laser cut or stamped from solid sheet of hard metal, plastic, or the like. The hoof tap device 10 may also be molded.

[0017] In certain embodiment, a continuous back edge 30 may be shared and/or defined by the tap bridge 14 and the tap post 12. Each tap post 12 may provide a piercing tip 20 along its distal end. Between two tap post 12 may be a smaller tap tooth 22.

[0018] The small size of the hoof tap device 10 enables a user to selectively place a plurality of hoof tap devices 10, spaced apart just inward of the hoof wall 16 of the hoof 18; whereby the tap posts 12 extend into the hoof 18 so that at least a portion of the tap bridge 14 or back edge 30 protrudes from the hoof 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, enabling the hoof 18 to have natural movement. The hard material of the protruding hoof tap device 10 helps to stop excessive wear and also enables traction and grip.

[0019] Each hoof tap device 10 may extend approximately 1.125″ in length from end to end. While the transversely joined tap posts 12 may extend approximately 0.4375″ from the back edge 30 to its distal end. If necessary, the dimensions of the hoof tap device 10 be changed to accommodate differently sized animals and purposes.

[0020] A method of using the present invention may include the following. The hoof tap device 10 disclosed above may be provided. A user may insert a plurality of hoof tap device 10, spaced apart just inward of the hoof wall 16 of the hoof 18 so that at least a portion of the back edge 30 protrudes therefrom. The hoof tap device 10 would protect the horses hoof 18 and, in certain embodiments, also be used to correct issues in the hoof and it's movement Because it is not a full horse shoe that encompasses the whole foot, the hoof tap device 10 allows for natural movement of the hoof 18 itself while protecting and preserving the wall 16 and sole of the horse's hoof 18.

[0021] The present invention can be used with other hoofed animals. Inserted into bone for stability.

[0022] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.