GB2484105A

GB2484105A - An inflatable birthing aid

Info

Publication number: GB2484105A
Application number: GB201016373A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Duncan James Bruce Sutherland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-30
Filing date: 2010-09-30
Publication date: 2012-04-04
Also published as: GB201016373D0

Abstract

A birthing aid 10 to assist a cow in the successful birthing of calves. The birthing aid 10 provides an inflatable member 12 which is arranged to be positioned within the birth canal of the cow prior to the passage of the calf through the birth canal. Once correctly positioned, the inflation of the inflatable member 12 within the birth canal thereby expands the birth canal in order to provide an expanded birth canal for the calf to pass through. Furthermore, this expansion stimulates the cow to adapt physically and biologically such that the pelvic joints of the cow may become more flexible and the cow may be stimulated to produce hormones in order to assist in the successful birth of the calf. Once the inflatable member is in the correct position, there is a significant chance that the cow may urge the inflatable member out from the birth canal, for example during contractions. Accordingly, the birthing aid 10 includes retaining means in order to retain the inflatable member in position within the birthing canal during these contractions. The user can decide when the birth canal is prepared for the passage of the calf and simply remove the birthing aid.

Description

Birthing Aid

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a birthing aid and, in particular, a birthing aid for a cow. The present invention also relates to a method of providing a birthing aid and, in particular, a method of providing a birthing aid for a cow.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a device for assisting in successful calving.

A female cow does not naturally significantly prepare for the birthing of a calf. This lack of natural preparation and lack of physical and biological changes to the female cow can therefore make the delivery of a calf problematic. Accordingly, there is a relatively high risk of problems occurring when a female cow is calving.

There are some methods and devices to assist in the birth of a calf. For example, obstetrical chains and handles can be used to assist in the birth of a calf. The chains or ropes must be carefully and skilfully applied in order to minimise damage to the calf and, in particular, the limbs of the calf. Such devices can easily result in a broken limb of the calf which may not heal very well. Similarly, such devices can result in a broken jaw for the calf which thereby provides further problems Another method of assisting in the birth of a calf includes using a commercial lubricant which is applied to the birth canal in order to facilitate the birthing process.

At present, an experienced stockman or a vet may facilitate the birth with a device to pull the calf through the birth canal wither with or without an added lubricant.

The stockman or vet must time their actions in order to pull with the straining or contractions of the female cow. The stockman or vet must also follow the lines of the calf delivery and use the natural curvatures of a calf and the birth canal. The stockman or vet must be patient and await the expansion of the birth canal. At present, a well lubricated hand may be used as a shoehorn in order to help deliver the calf.

The stockman or vet, once experienced, may be abie to handle most births but stiii some unexpected problems can arise. However, such an experienced person may not be available. In addition, the process can be time consuming and hence expensive for the farmer.

Many problems can occur and difficulties are caused by the birth canal not being expanded sufficiently. This thereby leaves a vet or stockman to slowly pull the calf through the birth canal thereby slowing expanding the birth canal. As mentioned above, this is labour intensive and usually requires an experienced stockman or vet.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a birthing aid for an animal comprising an inflatable member, the inflatable member comprising a flexible bladder and fluid communication means to enable the bladder to be inflated and deflated, the birthing aid further comprising body engagement means in order for the birthing aid to be engaged to the body of the animal and to retain the inflatable member within a birth canal.

Preferably the body engagement means is arranged to engage an internal structure of the animal.

The body engagement means may be arranged in use to engage the pelvic structure of the animal.

The body engagement means may comprise pelvic structure engagement means.

The body engagement means may comprise an elongate portion and an engagement portion.

The elongate portion may comprise a linear elongate portion.

The engagement portion may comprise a shaped portion. The engagement portion may comprise an arcuate portion or a curved portion. The engagement portion may comprise a hook portion.

Preferably the engagement portion is located at a distal end of the elongate portion.

A proximal end of the elongate portion may comprise a handle which may be arranged, in use, to be held by user.

The inflatable bladder may be located along the elongate portion. Preferably the inflatable bladder is secured to an upper side of the elongate portion. The inflatable bladder may be located substantially mid way between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate portion.

The inflatable bladder may be bonded to the elongate portion.

The body engagement means may comprise a glove. The glove may comprise a hand enclosure and an elongate sleeve portion. Preferably the sleeve portion includes an elbow covering section. The sleeve portion may be arranged, in use, to extend up a user's arm to a position located between the elbow and the shoulder.

The inflatable bladder may be secured on an upper surface of the glove and preferably is secured on an upper surface of the sleeve portion.

Preferably the hand enclosure comprises a resilient hand enclosure and enables the fingers of the user to grasp and hold on to an internal structure of the animal.

Contractions of the animal may tend to urge the inflatable member out of the birth canal but the body engagement means may prevent this and retain the inflatable member within the birth canal.

Preferably the body engagement means prevents or inhibits the inflatable member being expelled or urged out of the birth canal. Preferably the body engagement means counteract the forces of contractions within the birth canal and retains the inflatable member within the birth canal.

The birthing aid may comprise fluid introduction means and preferably comprises

air introduction means.

The air introduction means may comprise a pump. Preferably the pump comprises a hand pump. Preferably the hand pump includes a resilient bulb which may be operated and squeezed within a palm of a user in order to introduce air into the inflatable bladder. The air introduction means may comprise an air inlet.

The birthing aid may comprise fluid release means.

The fluid release means may comprise air release means.

The air release means may comprise an air release valve. Preferably the air release valve comprises a manually actuated air release valve. The air release valve may comprise a push button or squeeze release valve. The air release valve may comprise a twist or rotatable actuator.

The air release valve may be operable for the user to determine the rate of release of fluid from the inflatable bladder.

The air release means may comprise an air outlet.

The fluid communication means may comprise a conduit.

Preferably the conduit is secured to the body engagement means. The fluid communication means may be secured to an upper surface of the body engagement means.

The conduit may be secured to an upper surface of the elongate portion of the body engagement means.

The conduit may be secured to an upper surface of the sleeve portion of the glove.

The fluid communication means may comprise a junction with a first tube extending to fluid introduction means and a second tube extending to fluid release means.

The inflatable bladder may have a substantially circular cross section when inflated.

The birthing aid may comprise pressure indication means to indicate the pressure within the inflatable bladder. The indication means may comprise a visual gauge.

The visual gauge may be located on an upper surface of the birthing aid in order to be normally visible to the user during use.

The birthing aid may comprise pressure release means which may be arranged, in use, to automatically release pressure from the inflatable bladder if the pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

Preferably the flexible bladder comprises a resilient bladder.

Preferably the animal comprises a placental animal and may be of the order Perissodactyla (horse, zebra, tapir, rhinoceros, etc.) or the order Artiodactyla (pigs, camels, cattle, deer, etc.). More preferably the animal comprises a cow and the birthing aid assists in the delivery of a calf.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assisting an animal in the birthing process comprising inserting body engagement means into the birth canal of the animal, the body engagement means having an inflatable member secured thereto, the method comprising engaging the body engagement means with a structure of the animal in order for the inflatable member to be located and retained within the birth canal, the method comprising inflating the inflatable member within the birth canal.

The body engagement means may comprise an engagable handle and the method may comprise a user inserting an engagable portion into the birth canal and engaging the engagable portion with the pelvic structure of the animal and the holding a handle portion of the body engagement means in order to retain the body engagement means to the animal.

The body engagement means may comprise a glove and the method may comprise a user wearing the glove and inserting their arm in the birth canal and using their hand to hold on to the pelvic structure of the animal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a birthing aid.

Figure 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a birthing aid.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The birthing aid 10 is particularly designed for use in assisting the successful birthing of calves. The main aim of the birthing aid 10 is to assist the cow as naturally as possible. The birthing aid 10 aims to assist by stimulating the cow to physically adapt and biologically adapt in order to make the subsequent passage of the calf through the birth canal as easy as possible. As mentioned previously, a cow does not sufficiently naturally adapt prior to the onset of the passage of the calf through the birth canal.

The birthing aid 10 provides an inflatable member 12 which is arranged to be positioned within the birth canal of the cow prior to the passage of the calf through the birth canal. Once correctly positioned, the inflation of the inflatable member 12 within the birth canal thereby expands the birth canal in order to provide an expanded birth canal for the calf to pass through. Furthermore, this expansion stimulates the cow to adapt physically and biologically such that the pelvic joints of the cow may become more flexible and the cow may be stimulated to produce hormones in order to assist in the successful birth of the calf.

Once the inflatable member is in the correct position, there is a significant chance that the cow may urge the inflatable member out from the birth canal, for example during contractions. Accordingly, the birthing aid 10 includes retaining means in order to retain the inflatable member in position within the birthing canal during these contractions. The user can then decide when the birth canal is prepared and ready for the passage of the calf and the user can simply remove the birthing aid.

The basic principle behind the invention has been described above but the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail below.

In the preferred embodiment of the birthing aid 10, as shown in Figure 1, the retaining means for maintaining the inflatable member 12 within the birth canal during contractions is provided by a physically engagable member 30. The physically engagable member 30 comprises an elongated portion 31 which extends from a proximal end to a distal end. At the distal end of the elongated portion 31, there is a structure engaging portion 32 in the form of a hooked or arcuate portion which is arranged to be engaged around a part of the pelvic structure of the cow. Accordingly, in use, the user may partially insert the retaining member 30 within the birth canal and ensure that the hook portion 32 engages with the pelvic structure of the cow. The user may also insert their hand in order to ensure proper positioning and engagement of the retaining member 30. The retaining member 30 effectively comprises a lever.

Once properly engaged, the user can remove their hand and the inflatable member 12 can be inflated. The inflatable member 12 is secured or bonded to a top part of the elongated portion 31 of the body engagement member 30. In particular, the inflatable member 12 comprises a flexible resilient bladder which is bonded to an upper part of the linear elongated portion 31 at a location approximately mid way between the proximal end and the distal end of the body engagement member 30.

The inflatable bladder includes an air entry 17 in order for air to be introduced or removed from the inflatable member 12. The air entry 17 is in communication with an air conduit 18 which connects the inflatable member 12 to air input means 20 and air release means 24.

The air conduit 18 comprises a pipe which secures to an upper side of the elongate portion 31 and extends from the inflatable member 12 all the way to the proximal end of the elongate portion 31 and beyond. The elongate portion 31 comprises a handle section 33 at the proximal end thereof to enable a user to grip the body engagement member 30. The air conduit may be arranged to be unattached at the handle section 33 to enable the hand(s) of the user to fully encircle the handle section 33 to provide an optimal grip.

The air conduit 18 includes a junction 19 whereby a first section of tube extends to air release means 24 and a second section of tube extends to air introduction means 20.

The air release means includes a valve 24 and an outlet 26. The valve 24 is a manual valve. In particular, the user may simply turn an actuator or press an actuator button in order to enable air to be released from the inflatable member 12.

The actuation may be manually adaptable to vary the speed of release of air from the inflatable member 12. The air in the inflatable member 12 will be naturally of a pressure such that the air will actually release and escape through the air outlet 26 and will not require any vacuum or suction means.

The second section of tube extends to the air introduction means in the form of a manual pump 20. In particular, the manual pump 20 comprises a hand pump including a resilient bulb 20. The resilient bulb 20 is arranged to be held in one hand of the user and can be pumped in order to force air into the inflatable member 12. The resilient bulb 20 has an air inlet 22 which extends therefrom.

In use, the user partially inserts the body engagement member 30 into the birth canal. The inflatable member 12 is initially in a deflated configuration. The inflatable member 12 in this deflated state and the air conduit 18 are located on the upper surface of the elongate portion 31 of the body engagement member 30 and do not significantly project upwardly therefrom. The user is then able to also insert their arm into the birth canal of the cow in order to correctly position the body engagement member 30 including the arcuate portion 32. However, the user may not need to also insert their arm to correctly position the device 10. The arcuate portion 32 of the body engagement member 30 thereby enables the device to hold on to an internal part of the cow, for example the device may hold on to and be engaged with a part of the pelvic structure of the cow.

With the arcuate portion engaged with a part of the pelvic structure, the inflatable member 12 will be correctly positioned within the birth canal of the cow.

The user can then begin to inflate the inflatable member 12 using the pump 20.

One hand of the user may be gripping the handle portion 33 whilst the free hand of the user can easily pump the resilient bulb 20 of the pump 20 in order to inflate the inflatable member 12 at any predetermined rate and to any selected pressure.

The inflatable member 12 will start to replicate the size and shape of the presenting foetus. The inflation of the inflatable member 12 causes the birth canal to dilate and the inflatable member 12 stretches the muscles and vaginal tissue and the surrounding tissue of the cow.

During labour, the contractions of the muscles and tissue may naturally produce a force urging the inflatable member 12 outwardly. However, since the arcuate portion 32 is engaged with a part of the pelvic structure and the inflatable member 12 is secured or bonded to the body engagement member 30, the inflatable member 12 will be continually held within the birth canal during these contractions.

In order to ensure that the retaining member 30 is continually engaged with the pelvic structure, the user may be required to exert a longitudinal force on the retaining member 30 in a direction away from the rear end of the cow. Once the birth canal has been sufficiently dilated, the inflatable member 12 can be deflated and the hooked portion 32 can be disengaged from the pelvic structure and the birthing aid 10 can be removed.

After a period of time, the user may decide that the birth is imminent and that the birth canal has been stretched and dilated sufficiently. The birthing aid 10 can then be removed. If required, the inflatable member 12 can be completely or partially deflated using the air release mechanism 24 prior to removal. -11 -

The labour may the progress as normal but the labour should now be easier and less problematic. The birthing aid 10 aims to prevent tearing and/or lacerations occurring in the muscles and tissues during the birthing process. Since the muscles and tissues have been stretched, the muscles and tissues should yield whilst the calf passes through the birth canal.

The birthing process can then continue naturally with the benefit of the birth canal having been initially stretched and dilated.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the birthing aid 10 includes a glove 14 including an elongated sleeve portion 15. At the distal end, the glove 14 provides a hand enclosure 16 as in a conventional glove. Similarly, at the proximal end, the glove 14 provides an arm entry portion as in a conventional glove. The glove 14 may effectively be provided by a conventional veterinary glove.

The birthing aid 10 includes an inflatable member 12 secured to the sleeve portion of the glove 14. In particular, the inflatable member 12 is secured or bonded to an upper part of the glove 14 approximately mid way between the proximal end and the distal end of the glove 16.

The inflatable member 12 comprises a bladder including air entry means 17 in order for air to be introduced or removed from the inflatable member 12. The air entry means 17 is in communication with an air conduit 18 which connects the inflatable member 12 to air input means 20 and air release means 24.

The air conduit 18 comprises a pipe which secures to the upper side of the glove 14 and extends from the inflatable member 12 all the way to the proximal end of the glove 14 and beyond.

The actuation may be man uaily adaptable to vary the speed of release of air from the inflatable member 12. The air in the inflatable member 12 will be naturally of a pressure such that the air will actually release and escape through the air outlet 26 and will not require any vacuum or suction means.

The second section of tube extends to the air introduction means 20 in the form of a manual pump 20. In particular, the manual pump 20 comprises a hand pump including a resilient bulb 20. The resilient bulb 20 is arranged to be held in one hand of the user and can be pumped in order to force air into the inflatable member 12. The resilient bulb 20 has an air inlet 22 which extends therefrom.

In use, the user wears the glove 14 on one hand/arm. The inflatable member 12 is initially in a deflated configuration. The inflatable member 12 in this deflated state and the air conduit 18 are located on the upper surface of the sleeve 15 of the glove 14 and do not significantly project upwardly therefrom. The user is then able to insert their arm into the birth canal of the cow in order to introduce the inflatable member 12 therein. The hand portion 16 of the glove 14 thereby enables the user to hold on to an internal part of the cow, for example the user may hold on to a part of the pelvic structure of the cow.

With the user holding a part of the pelvic structure, the inflatable member 12 will be correctly positioned within the birth canal of the cow.

The user can then begin to inflate the inflatable member 12 using the pump 20.

The free hand of the user can easily pump the resilient bulb 20 of the pump 20 in order to inflate the inflatable member 12 at any predetermined rate and to any selected pressure.

During labour, the contractions of the muscles and tissue may naturally produce a force urging the inflatable member outwardly. However, since the user is holding on to a part of the pelvic structure and the inflatable member 12 is secured to the sleeve 15 of the glove 14, the inflatable member 12 will be continually held within the birth canal during these contractions.

After a period of time, the user may decide that the birth is imminent and that the birth canal has been stretched and dilated sufficiently. The birthing aid 10 can then be removed. If required, the inflatable member 12 can be completely or partially deflated using the air release mechanism 24 prior to removal.

The present invention provides vaginal obturator prior to birth and effectively dilates and stretches the muscles and tissues surrounding the birth canal. This initial stretching and dilation may reduce the risks of tearing and lacerations of the muscles and tissues and also means that the muscles and tissues will yield whilst giving birth. This initial stretching and dilation also stimulates the cow to provide natural reactions which may also aid the birth, for example the pre-stretching and dilation may stimulate the cow to produce hormones to affect the collagen which may increase the elasticity of muscles, tendons, ligaments and tissues of the birth canal prior to delivery.

-14 -The birthing aid 10 may be manufactured from a plastics material and/or latex.

The birthing aid 10 may be manufactured from a material to inhibit or prevent the

introduction of infections into the animal.

The birthing aid 10 may also be used with lubricants to aid the insertion and/or withdrawal.

The inflatable member may be secured to and/or bonded to the birthing aid to ensure that the inflatable member 12 is retained firmly to the birthing aid 10 and cannot become dislodged from the birthing aid 10.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A birthing aid for an animal comprising an inflatable member, the inflatable member comprising a flexible bladder and fluid communication means to enable the bladder to be inflated and deflated, the birthing aid further comprising body engagement means in order for the birthing aid to be engaged to the body of the animal and to retain the inflatable member within a birth canal.
2. A birthing aid for an animal according to Claim 1 in which the body engagement means is arranged to engage an internal structure of the animal.
3. A birthing aid for an animal according to Claim I or Claim 2 in which the body engagement means is arranged, in use, to engage the pelvic structure of the animal.
4. A birthing aid for an animal according to any preceding claim in which the body engagement means comprises an elongate portion and an engagement portion.
5. A birthing aid for an animal according to Claim 4 in which the elongate portion comprises a linear elongate portion.
6. A birthing aid for an animal according to Claim 4 or Claim 5 in which the engagement portion comprises an arcuate portion or a curved portion.
7. A birthing aid for an animal according to Claim 6 in which the engagement portion comprises a hook portion.
8. A birthing aid for an animal according to any one of Claim 4 to Claim 7 in which the engagement portion is located at a distal end of the elongate portion.
9. A birthing aid for an animal according to any one of Claim 4 to Claim 8 in which a proximal end of the elongate portion comprises a handle which is arranged, in use, to be held by user.
10. A birthing aid for an animal according to any one of Claim 4 to Claim 9 in which the inflatable bladder is secured to an upper side of the elongate portion.
11. A birthing aid for an animal according to any one of Claim 4 to Claim 10 in which the inflatable bladder is located substantially mid way between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate portion.
12. A birthing aid for an animal according to any one of Claim 1 to Claim 3 in which the body engagement means comprises a glove.
13. A birthing aid for an animal according to Claim 12 in which the glove comprises a hand enclosure and an elongate sleeve portion and wherein the sleeve portion is arranged, in use, to extend up a user's arm to a position located between the elbow and the shoulder.
14. A birthing aid for an animal according to Claim 12 or Claim 13 in which the inflatable bladder is secured on an upper surface of the glove.
15. A birthing aid for an animal according to any one of Claim 12 to Claim 14 in which the hand enclosure comprises a resilient hand enclosure and enables the fingers of the user to grasp and hold on to an internal structure of the animal.
16. A birthing aid for an animal according to any preceding claim in which the body engagement means prevents or inhibits the inflatable member being expelled or urged out of the birth canal.
17. A birthing aid for an animal according to any preceding claim in which the body engagement means counteract the forces of contractions within the birth canal and retains the inflatable member within the birth canal.
18. A birthing aid for an animal according to any preceding claim in which thebirthing aid comprises air introduction means.
19. A birthing aid for an animal according to Claim 18 in which the air introduction means comprises a hand pump including a resilient bulb which is operated and squeezed within a palm of a user in order to introduce air into theinflatable bladder.
20. A birthing aid for an animal according to any preceding claim in which the birthing aid comprises air release means.
21. A birthing aid for an animal according to any Claim 20 in which the air release valve is operable for the user to determine the rate of release of fluid from the inflatable bladder.
22. A birthing aid for an animal according to any preceding claim in which the birthing aid comprises pressure indication means to indicate the pressure within the inflatable bladder.
23. A birthing aid for an animal according to Claim 22 in which the indication means comprises a visual gauge and wherein the visual gauge is located on an upper surface of the birthing aid in order to be normally visible to the user during use.
24. A birthing aid for an animal according to any preceding claim in which the animal comprises a placental animal.
25. A birthing aid for an animal according to any preceding claim in which the animal comprises a cow and the birthing aid assists in the delivery of a calf.
26. A method of assisting an animal in the birthing process comprising inserting body engagement means into the birth canal of the animal, the body engagement means having an inflatable member secured thereto, the method comprising engaging the body engagement means with a structure of the animal in order for the inflatable member to be located and retained within the birth canal, the method comprising inflating the inflatable member within the birth canal.
27. A method of assisting an animal in the birthing process according to Claim 26 in which the body engagement means comprises an engagable handle and the method comprises a user inserting an engagable portion into the birth canal and engaging the engagable portion with the pelvic structure of the animal and the holding a handle portion of the body engagement means in order to retain the body engagement means to the animal.
28. A method of assisting an animal in the birthing process according to Claim 26 in which the body engagement means comprises a glove and the method comprises a user wearing the glove and inserting their arm in the birth canal and using their hand to hold on to the pelvic structure of the animal.
29. A birthing aid for an animal substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
30. A method of assisting an animal in the birthing process substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.