EP3668446B1

EP3668446B1 - A birthing sensor

Info

Publication number: EP3668446B1
Application number: EP18765359.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Niall AUSTIN; Emmet SAVAGE; John Larkin
Original assignee: Moocall Ltd
Current assignee: Moocall Ltd
Priority date: 2017-08-16
Filing date: 2018-08-14
Publication date: 2023-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-14
Also published as: EP3668446A1; GB2565562A; ES2967276T3; WO2019034668A1; GB201713114D0; EP3668446C0

Description

Technical Field:

This invention relates to a birthing sensor. In particular, this invention relates to a birthing sensor particularly suited for use with cows and heifers.

Background Art:

It is common for farmers to place birthing sensors on cows and other pregnant animals in the days preceding the animal giving birth. The birthing sensors are used to notify the farmer or veterinarian that the animal is going into labour and allows the farmer or veterinarian to be present for the birth and, should complications arise, assist in the delivery of the new-born animal.
There are a wide variety of birthing sensors on the market, such as temperature probe sensors that must be placed into an orifice of an animal, heart monitor sensors that are generally placed on a strap surrounding the body of the animal, and movement sensors placed on the tail of the animal. Although the known birthing sensors have been useful in detecting oncoming birth in pregnant animals, there are a number of problems associated with the known birthing sensors.
Birthing sensors that require insertion into the animal often require the assistance of a veterinarian in order to position the sensors correctly, which can be time-consuming and costly for farmers. In addition, the insertion of the internal sensors can cause discomfort and distress to the animal, which is highly undesirable. Birthing sensors that are placed externally on the animal can be difficult to mount correctly, and it is not uncommon for the external sensors to become dislodged, resulting in the sensor being ineffectual, and possibly becoming damaged as a result of the movement of the animal.
Furthermore, there are a number of problems associated with birthing sensors that operate by being placed on the tail of the animal. Many of these birthing sensors have complicated mounting means and require several minutes to position the sensors on the animal. This is highly undesirable as the longer it takes to place the sensor on the animal, the more likely it is that the animal will become restless during the placement of the sensor and move. This movement can result in the sensor being incorrectly positioned on the animal or indeed the movement can result in the person placing the sensor on the animal being injured. Additionally, the birthing sensors have a tendency to move over the course of a few days, resulting in inaccurate outputs from the sensor. Furthermore, the birthing sensors can cause irritation to the animal if they are left on the tail for extended periods of time. This irritation can lead to sores and infection, which can result in the tail of the animal falling off. This is a significant problem as the infection can be potentially life threatening to the animal and their unborn. Often, the sensor will have to be removed from the animal before the animal gives birth to prevent an infection occurring, thereby defeating the purpose of having the birthing sensor.
Various solutions to the problems with the known birthing sensors have been proposed. Reference is made to the Applicant's own co-pending PCT patent application publication no. WO2015/181385 entitled "A birthing sensor". This PCT application describes a birthing sensor that can be placed quickly onto the tail of an animal having a padding insert with ventilation passageways formed therein. By having such a padding insert, the birthing sensor can remain on the tail of the animal for prolonged periods of time without causing irritation or infection to the animal.
Although this birthing sensor has been successful in overcoming a number of the problems associated with known birthing sensors, the current offering aims to improve further upon the solution described in WO2015/181385 . The birthing sensor as described in WO2015/181385 is provided with upstanding bosses that allow air to be delivered to the tail of the animal. However, when the sensor is fitted to the tail, the upstanding bosses compress against the animal's tail in a haphazard, undefined direction, resulting in a danger of the sensor slipping from the correct position on the tail. As a result, users may have a tendency to over-tighten the strap of the sensor on the animal's tail, leading to discomfort or even possible injury to the animal. Furthermore, padding insert has been found to be susceptible to wear and tear.
The present invention is directed towards providing a birthing sensor that overcomes at least some of the problems of the known birthing sensors. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a birthing sensor that is an improvement over the solution described in WO2015/181385 . It is a further object of the present invention to provide a useful alternative choice to the consumer.

Summary of Invention:

According to the invention there is provided a birthing sensor for mounting on the tail of a pregnant animal comprising a casing and an adjustable strap for securing the casing to the tail of a pregnant animal, the casing housing monitoring equipment, communication equipment and a power supply therein, the birthing sensor further comprising a padding insert comprising a resiliently deformable material for placement intermediate the birthing sensor and the tail of a pregnant animal, the padding insert further comprising a plurality of spaced apart, resiliently deformable frusto-pyramidal members, and in which in use, the resiliently deformable members are downwardly-depending.
By having such a birthing sensor with downwardly-depending, resiliently deformable frusto-pyramidal members, the padding insert will maintain a better grip on the tail of the animal, owing to the friction of downwardly-depending members against the tail. Furthermore, by having a frusto-pyramidal shape, a greater surface area of the resiliently deformable members will be in contact with the tail of the animal, further improving the grip of the sensor on the tail. The increased grip on the tail of the animal will result in the sensor being more securely mounted on the tail, leading to a decrease in the likelihood of the farmer over-tightening the strap. In addition, by having a frusto-pyramidal shape the resiliently deformable members will be more durable and less prone to wear and tear. It has been found that the downwardly depending frusto-pyramidal members will deform in a more uniform, predictable manner that the previous offerings, thereby leading to improved grip and also improved passageways around the members. Furthermore, the frusto-pyramidal members also provide space for the tail to expand and contract while still holding the birthing sensor in the correct position.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members are arranged in rows and columns on the padding insert. By having such an arrangement, ventilation channels will be created, thereby allowing air to circulate through the rows and columns and around the tail of the animal under the sensor. By allowing air to circulate, the birthing sensor can be mounted on the tail of the animal for prolonged periods of time without causing discomfort or irritation to the animal.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which the height of each of the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members is greater than the distance between a frusto-pyramidal member and the next adjacent frusto-pyramidal member in that column. By having such an arrangement, when the birthing sensor is placed on the tail of an animal, as the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members deform they bow to form an arch with the next adjacent frusto-pyramidal member in that column, thereby creating a plurality of ventilation channels throughout the length of the sensor. This arrangement permits air to circulate through the rows and columns and around the tail of the animal under the sensor.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which each of the plurality of spaced apart, resiliently deformable frusto-pyramidal members are inclined at an angle to the plane of the padding insert.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which each of the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members taper inwardly from the bottom to the top. By having the frusto-pyramidal members taper inwardly from the bottom to the top, they will be able to bend at a point intermediate their top and their bottom to allow a ventilation passage to be created with the next adjacent frusto-pyramidal member in that column.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which the padding insert comprises a single piece. By having such a padding insert, the single piece can be placed intermediate the birthing sensor and the tail of a pregnant animal and removed therefrom quickly and easily.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which the single piece further comprises a substantially elliptical-shaped first part and a substantially rectangular-shaped second part. By having such a shape, the padding insert will coincide neatly with the shape of the casing and strap of the birthing sensor.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which there is provided a pair of flanges on the side opposite the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members, configured to engage the casing of the birthing sensor. By having such a pair of flanges, the padding insert can be releasably mounted on the casing of the birthing sensor.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which there is provided a pair of flanges on the side opposite the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members, configured to engage the strap of the birthing sensor. By having such a pair of flanges, the padding insert can be releasably mounted on the strap of the birthing sensor.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which the substantially rectangular-shaped second part further comprises at least one striation spanning the width of the rectangular-shaped second part. By having at least one striation, the length of the rectangular-shaped second part can easily be adjusted by cutting the striation, allowing the strap of the birthing sensor to be tightened without the padding insert overlapping itself. This is seen as particularly advantageous in order to accommodate animal's tails that have a narrower circumference.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which the padding insert is releasably attached to the casing and the strap of the birthing sensor. By having the padding insert releasably secured in position, the padding inserts can be replaced with ease.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members are formed integrally with the single piece.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members are evenly-spaced apart on the padding insert.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a birthing sensor in which the padding insert is constructed from rubber.

Brief Description of the Drawings:

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a front view of a birthing sensor according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the birthing sensor according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a front view of a padding insert;
Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the padding insert;
Figure 5 is a lateral side view of the padding insert;
Figure 6 is a rear view of the padding insert;
Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the padding insert;
Figure 8 is a side view of one of the longitudinal sides the padding insert; and
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the lines IX-IX of the padding insert shown in Figure 3.

Detailed Description of the Drawings:

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, there is shown a birthing sensor, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, for mounting on the tail of a pregnant animal (not shown), the birthing sensor 1 comprising a casing 3 and a strap 5. The birthing sensor 1 further comprises a padding insert 7 provided by way of a single piece of resiliently deformable material having a plurality of spaced apart, resiliently deformable frusto-pyramidal members 9. In use, the padding insert 7 is placed intermediate the birthing sensor 1 and the tail of a pregnant animal. Referring specifically to Figure 5, it can be seen that in use, the resiliently deformable frusto-pyramidal members 9 are downwardly-depending, thereby providing a secure, non-slip engagement between the tail of the animal and the birthing sensor 1 when the birthing sensor is mounted on the tail of an animal, due to the fact that the members 9 are oriented in a direction against slipping down along the tail.
Referring again to Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, the strap 5 comprises a two part strap comprising a first part 11 that is formed integrally with the casing 3 and a second, narrower part 13 that extends from the first part 11. The second, narrower part 13 of the strap 5 is connected to the first part 11 of the strap adjacent one of its ends and is dimensioned for insertion into a buckle 15 mounted on the casing. The second part 13 of the strap comprises a toothed strap having a plurality of teeth 17 formed along its length and the buckle 15 and second part of the strap 13 combine to form a ratchet-type securing arrangement. In use, as the strap 13 is fed through the buckle, the buckle will begin to engage the strap. As the buckle 15 is closed, the buckle will draw the strap 13 tighter around the animal's tail.
Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown the padding insert 7 in isolation. It can be seen that the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members 9 are arranged in rows as indicated by arrow A and columns as indicated by arrow B on the padding insert. Referring specifically to Figures 4 and 5, it can be seen that the height of each of the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members 9 is greater than the distance between a frusto-pyramidal member and the next adjacent frusto-pyramidal member in that column. Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 5 that the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members 9 taper inwardly from the bottom to the top. By having inwardly tapering frusto-pyramidal members arranged in rows A and columns B, when the birthing sensor is placed on the tail of an animal, as the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members deform they bow to form an arch with the next adjacent frusto-pyramidal member 9 in that column. This configuration allows air to circulate through the rows A and columns B thereby creating a plurality of ventilation channels as indicated by arrows C and D throughout the width and the length of the sensor. The ventilation channels will also permit other material such as urine and faeces to pass though the channels instead of becoming lodged under the strap, thereby avoiding irritation to the animal and reducing the risk of infection.
Referring specifically to Figure 5, it will be appreciated that the frusto-pyramidal inclined members appear to form a saw-toothed or shark-fin configuration when viewed from the side.
Referring to Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7, it is shown that the padding insert 7 further comprises a substantially elliptical-shaped first part 19, and a substantially rectangular-shaped second part 21. By having such a shape, the padding insert complies with the shape of the casing 3 and the strap 5 of the birthing sensor so that it may be placed intermediate the birthing sensor and the tail of an animal.
Referring specifically to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown the back of the padding insert 7, i.e. the side received by the casing 3 and the strap 5 of the birthing sensor. It can be seen that the substantially elliptical-shaped first part 19 further comprises a pair of flanges 23 on the side opposite the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members. The pair of flanges 23 are operable to engage the top and bottom of the casing of the animal sensor. The substantially rectangular-shaped second part 21 also comprises a pair of flanges 25 on the side opposite the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members. The pair of flanges 25 are operable to engage the top and bottom of the strap of the animal sensor. It will be understood that the pairs of flanges 23 and 25 are also constructed from a resiliently deformable material, thereby allowing the flanges 23 and 25 to engage the casing and the strap to hold the padding insert 7 in position, resulting in the padding insert 7 being releasably attached to the casing and strap of the birthing sensor.
It can be seen in Figure 6 that the pair of flanges 23 are substantially crescent-shaped, however it will be understood that the pair of flanges 23 may be substantially semicircular, substantially elliptical or substantially circular in shape. It can further be seen that the pair of flanges 25 do not extend the entire length of the substantially rectangular-shaped second part 21, however this is not limiting and it is entirely possible that the pair of flanges 25 could extend substantially further along the length of the substantially rectangular-shaped second part 21.
Referring again to Figures 3 and 4 there is shown the substantially rectangular-shaped second part 21 of the padding insert 7 having a pair of striations 27 spanning the width of the substantially rectangular-shaped second part. In these embodiments there are two striations present, however it will be understood that the rectangular-shaped part could be provided with any number of striations. The presence of the striations 27 enables the length of the rectangular-shaped second part to easily be adjusted by cutting the striation 27. This allows for the strap of the birthing sensor to be tightened without the padding insert 7 overlapping on itself. This configuration allows the birthing sensor to be mounted on the tails of animal's that have a narrower circumference, without compromising the security of the birthing sensor on the tail.
Finally, referring now to Figures 8 and 9 there is shown a side and a cross-sectional view of the padding insert 7 having the pairs of flanges 23 and 25 formed therein. It can be seen that the frusto-pyramidal members 9 taper inwardly from the bottom to the top. It will be understood that a ventilation channel is created between each column to allow air to be circulated around the tail of the animal when the birthing sensor has been mounted thereon. It will be appreciated that the padding insert 7 is relatively thin, to ensure that when it is placed intermediate the casing and strap and tail of the animal, it will not cause the birthing sensor to protrude excessively.
It will be appreciated that the monitoring equipment of the birthing sensor 1 may be mounted on a PCB board (not shown) comprising, for example, a three axis accelerometer for detecting the orientation of the sensor and also the movements of the sensor. The communication equipment may comprise a universal SIM for communications over a wireless communications network such as a mobile telephony network, a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a wireless personal area network (WPAN). This will allow the birthing sensor to communicate with one or more of a remote computing device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet, a phablet, a laptop or a personal computer. In this way, the birthing sensor can communicate sensing information to a device operated by the farmer such as a mobile phone and/or another remote computing device. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the birthing sensor can receive communications from a remote computing device. For example, a remote computing device such as a mobile telephone could be used to poll the birthing sensor for a status update which in turn would be returned to the mobile telephone or a remote computing device can be used to provide a software update to the birthing sensor, for example. The power supply may be provided by one or more batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries and/or a solar power assembly.
In the embodiments shown the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members 9 are formed integrally with the single piece, however it will be understood that they may be formed separately from the single piece and adhered thereto by way of an adhesive or heat-bonding or the like. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown, the padding insert 7 comprises a single piece, however it will be understood that the padding insert may comprise a number of disparate pieces, for example the substantially elliptical-shaped first part 19 and the substantially rectangular-shaped second part 21 may comprise two distinct parts. The padding insert is constructed from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber. It is envisaged that silicone rubber or latex rubber may be used. Alternatively, instead of rubber, other resiliently deformable materials could be used. Other materials that might be used include a silica gel pad or a foam insert. Ideally, the shore hardness of the silicone rubber has a value of 30 which allows the silicone rubber to flex with expansion and contraction of the cows tail.
In the embodiments shown, the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members 9 are evenly-spaced apart and arranged uniformly in rows and columns on the padding insert 7, however it will be understood that the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members 9 may be offset from one another in rows in a honeycomb-like pattern. What is important is that height of each of the frusto-pyramidal members 9 is greater than the distance between a frusto-pyramidal member and the adjacent frusto-pyramidal members in that column of frusto-pyramidal members.
In the embodiments shown, the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members 9 are described as inclined relative to the plane of the padding insert. In other words, if an axis were drawn from the centre of the base to the centre of the apex, this axis would be at an angle inclined to the planar surface of the padding insert. It is envisaged that the frusto-pyramidal members will be inclined at an angle relative to the plane of the padding surface of the order of 1° to 60°, preferably between 15° to 45°, more preferably between 25° to 35°.
In the embodiments shown, the members are described as being frusto-pyramidal. Effectively therefore, the members are a truncated pyramid with the pointed apex at the top of the pyramid removed. The edges at the top of the frusto-pyramidal members may be chamfered, as illustrated in Figure 5. If desired, the heights of the frusto-pyramidal members may differ in certain places of the padding insert, as illustrated in Figure 5.
In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are all deemed interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.
The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A birthing sensor (1) for mounting on the tail of a pregnant animal comprising a casing (3) and an adjustable strap (5) for securing the casing to the tail of a pregnant animal, the casing (3) housing monitoring equipment, communication equipment and a power supply therein, the birthing sensor further comprising a padding insert (7) comprising a resiliently deformable material for placement intermediate the birthing sensor and the tail of a pregnant animal, the padding insert further comprising a plurality of spaced apart, resiliently deformable frusto-pyramidal members (9), the frusto-pyramidal members having a rectangular base and four upright sides, and in which in use, the resiliently deformable members are downwardly-depending oriented in a direction against slipping down along the tail.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in claim 1 in which the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members (9) are arranged in rows and columns on the padding insert (7).
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in claim 2 in which the height of each of the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members (9) is greater than the distance between a frusto-pyramidal member (9) and the next adjacent frusto-pyramidal member (9) in that column.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of the plurality of spaced apart, resiliently deformable frusto-pyramidal members (9) are inclined at an angle to the plane of the padding insert.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members (9) taper inwardly from the bottom to the top.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the padding insert (7) comprises a single piece.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in claim 5 in which the single piece further comprises a substantially elliptical-shaped first part (19) and a substantially rectangular-shaped second part (21).
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a pair of flanges (23) on the side opposite the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members (9), configured to engage the casing of the birthing sensor.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a pair of flanges (25) on the side opposite the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members (9), configured to engage the strap of the birthing sensor.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in claims 7 in which the substantially rectangular-shaped second part (21) further comprises at least one striation (27) spanning the width of the substantially rectangular-shaped second part.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the padding insert (7) is releasably attached to the casing (3) and the strap (5) of the birthing sensor.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in claims 6 to 11 in which the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members (9) are formed integrally with the single piece.
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the plurality of frusto-pyramidal members (9) are evenly-spaced apart on the padding insert (7).
A birthing sensor (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the padding insert (7) is constructed from rubber.