Improvements to animal collars and related methods

Abstract

A wearable device for an animal includes: a collar; and an expansion unit including one or more expansion mechanisms, wherein the one or more expansion mechanisms are coupled to the collar and configured to control the effective size of the collar when the wearable device is worn by the animal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to wearable electronic collars for animals, such as, but not limited to, livestock, such as cattle. Background Technology

[0002] In existing systems, virtual fencing systems use battery-powered collar units (supplemented by solar power in some cases) attached to the neck of animals (e.g., cattle) to provide aversive and / or non-aversive stimuli to the animals based on their GPS location. These stimuli prevent individual animals from moving into specific, predefined areas of a field or pasture, thus establishing virtual boundaries that animals are unlikely or unwilling to cross. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a wearable device for an animal is provided, comprising: a collar; and an expansion unit including one or more expansion mechanisms, wherein the one or more expansion mechanisms are coupled to the collar and configured to control the effective size of the collar when the wearable device is worn by the animal.

[0004] Optionally, the expansion unit is configured to be located on the upper portion of the animal when worn, and the collar extends downward from the expansion unit, wherein the wearable device thereby surrounds a portion of the animal. This surrounded portion of the animal may be the neck, such that the expansion unit is generally located at the top of the animal's neck. The wearable device may include an electronic unit attached to the collar and located on the lower portion of the animal (e.g., below the neck) when worn. The expansion unit may be configured to be located at the top of the animal's neck, and the electronic unit may be configured to be suspended from the expansion unit via the collar, such that the electronic unit hangs below the animal's neck. When configured to be located at the top of the animal's neck, the expansion unit preferably includes a smooth contact surface for contacting the animal's neck to advantageously avoid or at least minimize abrasions to the animal's skin due to movement of the expansion unit.

[0005] Optionally, the wearable device further includes a disconnect mechanism configured to cause the wearable device to disconnect when it experiences a load exceeding a predefined load. The disconnect mechanism may be configured to physically disconnect when the load exceeds the predefined load. Optionally, the disconnect mechanism may allow limited expansion of the collar rather than actual disconnection, such that when the collar is hooked and experiences a load exceeding the predefined load, the collar of the wearable device can expand sufficiently to slip off the animal's neck. The predefined load may be between 200 kg and 600 kg. The collar may include one or more collar portions including a chain, and the disconnect mechanism may include one or more disconnectable chain links of the chain in at least one of the one or more collar portions. Alternatively, the disconnect mechanism may be relatively elongated and planar, and may include one or more hole arrangements such that when the load exceeds the predefined load, the disconnect mechanism physically disconnects at the location of at least one of the one or more hole arrangements. In this configuration, when positioned at or near the top of an animal's neck, the disconnect mechanism preferably includes a smooth contact surface for contacting the animal's neck to advantageously avoid or at least minimize abrasions to the animal's skin due to movement of the disconnect mechanism. The hole arrangement, or each hole arrangement, may comprise a plurality of holes arranged in rows generally perpendicular to the length of the disconnect mechanism. The disconnect mechanism may be formed generally of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (such as Desmopan® 9380AU). The disconnect mechanism may preferably be integrally molded. Alternatively, the disconnect mechanism may be part of a connecting device used to attach two segments of the collar together when the collar is fitted around the animal's neck.

[0006] Optionally, the collar includes a chain. The collar may include a first collar portion and a second collar portion, and the wearable device may include an electronic unit such that one end of the first collar portion and one end of the second collar portion can be respectively connected to the electronic unit. The first collar portion may be configured as a first electrode, and the second collar portion may be configured as a second electrode, such that the first electrode and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the electronic unit respectively. The electronic unit may be configured to selectively apply electrical stimulation to the animal via the first electrode and the second electrode. The expansion mechanism may be configured to electrically isolate the first collar portion configured as the first electrode and the second collar portion configured as the second electrode. Either or both of the first collar portion and the second collar portion may include at least one non-conductive segment. Typically, a particular non-conductive segment is located in a segment of its respective collar portion that is not connected to the electronic unit. Optionally, one or more non-conductive segments are connected to the expansion mechanism. The expansion mechanism may be configured to increase or decrease the first collar portion and the second collar portion at the same rate or by the same amount. This allows the electronic unit to remain centered at the bottom of the collar while maintaining symmetrical contact between the chain electrodes and the animal's neck.

[0007] Optionally, the expansion mechanism is configured to provide a continuous contractile force to the collar. The expansion mechanism may include at least one spring that connects the collar to an electronic unit or weight located at the bottom of the wearable device when worn by an animal.

[0008] Optionally, the expansion mechanism includes a tension release mechanism configured to allow the collar to expand when the load applied to the collar exceeds a threshold.

[0009] Optionally, the expansion mechanism includes a piston located within a chamber, wherein the chamber contains fluid, and wherein the fluid is enabled to move from a first side of the chamber to a second side of the chamber via a flow-limiting unit, wherein the piston defines the first side and the second side, wherein a spring forces the piston to move in a direction toward the first side, and wherein the flow-limiting unit is configured to control the movement of the piston due to a predefined restriction on the fluid flow from the first side to the second side. The expansion of the collar caused by the flow-limiting unit can be configured to allow the expansion of the collar to occur at a predetermined rate within a predetermined time period.

[0010] Optionally, the expansion mechanism includes an actuator that can be controlled by the controller module of the wearable device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the actuator includes two blades configured to removably engage with a toothed gear, wherein the blades are controlled to alternately engage and disengage from the toothed gear to achieve expansion of the collar.

[0012] In one embodiment, the expansion mechanism includes a motor and a spool, wherein the motor is arranged to controllably drive the spool to rotate in at least a first rotational direction, such that when the spool is driven in the first direction, the size of the collar increases. The motor may be coupled to a gear arrangement including a worm screw, and the worm screw may be separately coupled to a worm gear, such that rotation of the worm screw due to operation of the motor causes a corresponding rotation of the worm gear. The expansion mechanism may include at least a first configuration in which, in the first configuration, the worm gear is mechanically engaged with the spool, such that rotation of the worm gear causes a corresponding rotation of the spool, thereby enabling the motor to controllably drive the rotation of the spool. The face of the worm gear abuts the face of the spool, such that the worm gear and the spool share a common axis of rotation. The expansion mechanism may include a knob having an outwardly facing dial and a shaft, wherein the shaft may extend through a circular inner opening of the reel and, in the first configuration, through a circular hole of the worm gear, such that, in the first configuration, an engagement mechanism of the shaft mechanically engages the shaft with both the reel and the worm gear, thereby mechanically engaging the reel with the worm gear. The knob may be movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein, in the second configuration, the engagement mechanism of the shaft is not mechanically engaged with the worm gear, thereby allowing the reel to rotate freely relative to the worm gear. In the second configuration, the size of the wearable device may be manually adjustable, and in the first configuration, the size of the wearable device may be locked to resist manual adjustment, and in the first configuration, the size of the wearable device may be adjustable by operation of the motor. The engagement mechanism may include a spline on the shaft, configured to engage with a complementary spline on the inner surface of the reel, and, in the first configuration, with a complementary spline on the inner bore of the worm gear. Alternatively, the worm gear may be permanently mechanically engaged with the reel, or the worm gear may be integrally formed with the reel. The motor may be controlled by the controller module of the wearable device. Optionally, the worm gear is a segment of the full circumference of a gear that provides limited expansion of the collar. When the manual adjustment mechanism is in the second configuration, the worm gear can be reset to the starting position while manual adjustment is performed to reset the collar length to fit the animal's neck, thereby providing a new range of collar expansion based on the length of the worm gear segment.

[0013] Optionally, the controller module is implemented by a controller of the electronic module of the wearable device. The electronic module can be configured to implement a virtual fence system that is configured to selectively provide stimulation to the animal when worn to control the animal's physical position. The motor or actuator can be controlled to cause expansion of the wearable device based on the length of time the wearable device has been worn by the animal. The motor or actuator can be controlled to cause expansion of the wearable device based on characteristics of the animal measured by the controller module, the measured characteristics including at least one or two of the following within a preselected time period: movement of the collar along an axis; and animal behavior to determine whether the fit of the wearable device is tight, normal, or loose.

[0014] Optionally, the controller module can monitor the tension of the collar and control the actuator to maintain the tension within a predefined range or not greater than a predefined tension. The controller module or the electronic unit can be configured to send a notification to a receiver in response to determining that a measured characteristic or tension is outside a predetermined range indicating that the collar is too tight or too loose, or will detach from the animal, or that the automatic expansion mechanism is unable to adjust the size of the wearable device to the predetermined range.

[0015] Optionally, at least one expansion mechanism includes a locking constrictor configured to: apply a contraction bias to the collar, thereby causing the collar to tighten on the animal; and allow the collar to expand if sufficient expansion force is applied to the collar to counteract the contraction bias.

[0016] The locking retractor may include a spool, around which one end of the collar is wound. The retraction of the collar can be achieved by a spring coupled to the housing of the locking retractor and the spool, and the spring may be arranged to apply torque to the spool in the direction that causes the collar to wind onto the spool. The locking retractor may be configured to prevent the expansion of the collar when the expansion force exceeds a predefined threshold. The locking retractor may include an inertial locking mechanism configured to engage to prevent the expansion of the collar when the expansion force exceeds the predefined threshold. The collar may include a first collar portion and a second collar portion, and one end of the first collar portion may be secured to the spool for winding onto or unwinding from the spool during use. One end of the second collar portion may be secured to the spool for winding onto or unwinding from the spool during use. The wearable device may include an additional expansion mechanism comprising an additional locking retractor, and one end of the second collar portion may be secured to a reel of the additional locking retractor for winding onto or unwinding from the reel during use. The reel of the expansion mechanism may be coupled to the reel of the additional expansion mechanism via a rotary coupling, such that the rotation of each reel is constrained by the rotation of the other reel.

[0017] The locking retractor may include a knob or other device that allows a user to set the size of the wearable device. The knob or other device may be coupled to the reel and may lock the reel to resist rotation when the size is set.

[0018] The locking constrictor may include a locking device configured to allow a user to selectively lock the locking constrictor to resist contraction.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling the size of a wearable device including an actuator is provided, the method comprising the steps of: the controller module controlling the actuator based on elapsed time to cause expansion of the wearable device; and / or the controller module controlling the actuator based on measured characteristics of the wearable device to cause expansion of the wearable device.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for attaching a wearable device including a knob to a body part of an animal and subsequently adjusting its size, comprising the steps of: placing the wearable device onto the body part of the animal; placing the knob in a second position; adjusting the size of the wearable device; after obtaining a desired relative size of the wearable device relative to the body part of the animal, placing the knob in a first position to lock the wearable device at the desired relative size; and controlling the actuator via the controller module to cause an increase in the size of the wearable device.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for attaching a wearable device, including a locking retractor and a locking device, of the previously described aspects to a body part of an animal, comprising the steps of: setting the size of the wearable device to be larger than the size of the body part, and locking the wearable device using the locking device to resist size reduction; placing the wearable device onto the body part of the animal; and unlocking the wearable device to resist size reduction, thereby enabling the locking retractor to reduce the size of the wearable device to the size of the body part.

[0022] As used herein, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, indicating the presence of the features stated, but not excluding the presence or addition of other features in various embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To provide a clearer understanding of the invention, embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An expandable wearable device in different configurations on animals, according to two embodiments, is shown;

[0025] Figures 2A-2C Examples of wearable devices with different configurations when worn by animals are shown;

[0026] Figure 3 An embodiment of the expansion mechanism including a locking retractor is shown;

[0027] Figure 4 A disconnection mechanism for use with a wearable device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0028] Figures 5A-5CAn embodiment is shown in which two collar sections are associated with the same reel of the retraction mechanism;

[0029] Figure 6 Two separate contractors according to one embodiment are shown;

[0030] Figure 7 A method for wearing a wearable device on an animal, according to one embodiment, is illustrated.

[0031] Figures 8A-8B A manual adjuster for an expansion mechanism according to one embodiment is shown;

[0032] Figures 9A-9B Protective elements and sheaths for use with one embodiment of a wearable device are shown;

[0033] Figure 10 An embodiment is shown in which the expansion mechanism is configured to apply a continuous contractile force to the collar while also enabling the collar to expand;

[0034] Figure 11 An embodiment is shown in which the expansion mechanism is configured to adjust the expansion of the collar when the animal wears the expandable wearable device;

[0035] Figure 12 An embodiment is shown in which the expansion mechanism is configured to allow a predefined expansion rate of the collar when the animal wears the expandable wearable device;

[0036] Figure 13 An embodiment including an expansion mechanism is shown, the expansion mechanism being configured to actively control the expansion of the collar via a controllable solenoid;

[0037] Figures 14A-14C An embodiment including an expansion mechanism is shown, the expansion mechanism being configured to actively control the expansion of the collar via a motor;

[0038] Figure 15 A method for controlling any of the previous embodiments is shown, which allows for active measurement of collar length or fit by using animal activity data and collar movement data, for example... Figure 13 The embodiment or the embodiment of Figure 14;

[0039] Figure 16A - Figure 16C shows a connection mechanism configured to facilitate the connection of two collar elements of the collar;

[0040] Figures 17A-17B A locking panel for snapping onto the connecting mechanism is shown;

[0041] Figure 18 The chain receiving hole of the connecting mechanism is shown;

[0042] Figure 19 A disconnection mechanism according to one embodiment is shown; and

[0043] Figure 20 The combination is shown Figures 16A-18 and Figure 19 One specific implementation of the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this detailed description. It will be readily understood that various aspects of this disclosure (as generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings) can be arranged, replaced, combined, separated, and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice and testing of this invention, a limited number of example methods and materials are described herein.

[0046] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An expandable wearable device 10 in different configurations on an animal 99 according to one embodiment is shown. Typically, the wearable device 10 includes a collar 11 and an expansion unit including at least one expansion mechanism 13 attached to the collar 11. The size of the wearable device 10 can be changed by the action of the expansion mechanism 13, which typically controls the length of the collar 11 such that the size of the wearable device 10 depends on the length of the collar 11. The animal 99 may be, for example, selected from cattle, sheep, goats, and other domesticated farm animals.

[0047] refer to Figure 1A In one embodiment, the electronic unit 14 is configured to suspend around the neck of the animal 99, and thus a significant portion of the collar 11 lies above the electronic unit 14. In this embodiment, the expansion mechanism 13 is also located above the electronic unit 14 (shown in this embodiment as above the neck of the animal 99).

[0048] refer to Figure 1BIn this embodiment, the electronic unit 14 is configured to be located at the top of the neck of the animal 99, and therefore a substantial portion of the collar 11 is located below the electronic unit 14. In this embodiment, the expansion mechanism 13 is also located below the electronic unit 14 (shown in this embodiment as being on the "side" of the neck of the animal 99). In this embodiment, a weight 19 may be provided located at the bottom of the wearable device 10 to bias the orientation of the wearable device 10 to ensure that the electronic unit 14 remains located at the top of the neck of the animal 99 during wear. Conversely, the expansion mechanism may also be located at or integrated with the weight 19 at the bottom of the wearable device.

[0049] The collar 11 is typically non-rigid, allowing it to be worn in a manner that adapts to the shape of the animal 99. Typically, the wearable device 10 is worn around the neck of the animal 99 (as shown in the attached figure), and therefore it needs to adapt to variations in the neck contours of different animals 99, and furthermore, it needs to adapt to changes in the neck contours of a particular animal 99 over time (e.g., due to changes in the size of the animal 99's neck).

[0050] refer to Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 11 comprises two distinct collar portions 11a and 11b. Here, collar portions 11a and 11b are separated by both the expansion mechanism 13 and the electronic unit 14. The collar 11 may be discontinuous at both the expansion mechanism 13 and the electronic unit 14, such that the first collar portion 11a is a separate physical element from the second collar portion 11b. In the illustrated example, the electronic unit 14 includes separate collar mounting points 80a and 80b, and the collar 11 terminates at each of the first collar mounting point 80a and the second collar mounting point 80b.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the collar 11 may be continuous at one or both of the expansion mechanism 13 and the electronic unit 14. (See reference) Figure 2B In the embodiment shown, the collar 11 is discontinuous at the expansion mechanism 13. However, the material of the collar 11 does not terminate at the electronic unit 14; for example, it may pass through a suitable opening in the housing of the electronic unit 14. In this case, the electronic unit may optionally be configured to move relatively freely along the collar 11.

[0052] refer to Figure 2C In the illustrated embodiment, collar 11 may include additional collar portions 11c, 11d. For example, as shown, collar 11 can be understood to include more than two portions when a counterweight 19 is used in addition to the expansion mechanism 13 and electronic unit 14 (which itself is located at the top of the neck of animal 99). In the case of including a first expansion mechanism 13a and a second expansion mechanism 13b (and... Figure 2C (Similarly), the first expansion mechanism 13a is associated with collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b, and the second expansion mechanism 13b is associated with the third collar portion 11c and the fourth collar portion 11d. Another contemplated but not shown arrangement includes three collar portions 11a-11c, wherein the first collar portion 11a is associated only with the first expansion mechanism 13a, the third collar portion 11c is associated only with the second expansion mechanism 13b, and the second collar portion 11b is shared with both the first and second expansion mechanisms 13a (e.g., applicable to...). Figure 2C In this modified version, the electronic unit 14 is positioned to suspend from the collar 11, and therefore no counterweight 19 is required.

[0053] As used herein, the terminology of relative positioning should be understood in reference to the orientation of the wearable device 10 when it is worn by the animal 99, assuming that the wearable device 10 is worn around the neck of the animal 99 and the animal 99 is in an upright standing position (e.g., as...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B (As shown in the illustration). Therefore, "bottom" and its synonyms can be understood as the part of the wearable device 10 closest to the ground, and "top" and its synonyms can be understood as the part of the wearable device 10 furthest from the ground (i.e., in each case, when the animal 99 is standing). Similarly, "above" and its synonyms can be understood as meaning a relative position further toward the top of the wearable device 10, and "below" and its synonyms can be understood as meaning a relative position further toward the bottom of the wearable device 10.

[0054] In one embodiment, the collar 11 is resistant to significant stretching. For example, the collar 11 may be made of nylon or the like. The collar 11 (or a combination of its separate portions) may have a relatively elongated longitudinal axis. Here, this longitudinal axis effectively extends from one end of the collar 11 to the other (e.g., if the collar 11 is understood to terminate at the electronic unit 14, then the longitudinal axis extends from the electronic unit 14 at one end of the collar 11, along the length of the collar 11 and including any portion thereof), and returns to the electronic unit 14 at the other end of the collar 11. Thus, when worn around the neck of an animal 99, this longitudinal axis follows the curvature of the neck in use.

[0055] Typically, the collar 11 includes a relatively short transverse axis (i.e., an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as defined above). In use, this transverse axis is generally aligned with the neck (i.e., extending generally between the body and head of the animal 99).

[0056] The expansion mechanism 13 is configured to allow the size of the wearable device 10 to change over time to accommodate changes in the size of the animal 99 (e.g., the neck of the animal 99) while the animal 99 continues to wear the wearable device 10. For example, during the normal growth phase of the animal 99, the size of its neck will typically increase; that is, the total length of the neck's perimeter increases. Without the expansion mechanism 13, the wearable device 10 would typically require intermittent manual adjustment by the user to avoid causing harm to the animal 99 due to its growth.

[0057] An embodiment is described in which the expansion mechanism 13 is configured to provide a contraction bias while allowing the wearable device 10 to expand. When the size of the wearable device 10 exceeds the size of the animal's neck, this contraction bias acts on the collar 11 to cause a reduction in the overall size of the wearable device 10. This contraction bias is configured to be overcome by a predefined expansion force, such as due to the growth of the animal 99 (e.g., an increase in the overall perimeter of the animal 99's neck). Therefore, although the contraction bias serves to cause a reduction in the size of the wearable device 10, the overall size of the wearable device 10 increases with the growth of the animal without causing discomfort.

[0058] For example, refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the configuration shown, in an embodiment utilizing contraction bias, the expansion mechanism 13 is configured to apply a "pull" force to each of the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b, which, in the absence of the animal 99's body, or in the event that the collar 11 is loose or exceeds a predetermined tension range, causes the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b to be pulled into the expansion mechanism 13. Figure 2C In the example, the first expansion mechanism 13a is configured to apply a "pull" force to each of the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b, such that in the absence of the animal 99's body, or in the event that the collar is loose or exceeds a predetermined tension range, the force causes the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b to be pulled into the first expansion mechanism 13a. Similarly, the second expansion mechanism 13b is configured to apply a "pull" force to each of the third collar portion 11c and the fourth collar portion 11d, such that in the absence of the animal 99's body, the force causes the third collar portion 11c and the fourth collar portion 11d to be pulled into the second expansion mechanism 13b.

[0059] Figure 3One embodiment is shown in which the expansion mechanism 13 provides a contraction bias and also includes a locking contractor 20. This contraction bias is provided by a spring 21 (in the illustrated case, a helical spring). The expansion mechanism 13 also includes a housing 22 and a reel 33 mounted to (typically within) the housing 22. The reel 33 is rotatably mounted to the housing 22 and can be understood as defining a generally cylindrical profile. The reel 33 is rotatably mounted to the housing 22 at each axial end, thereby defining an axis of rotation corresponding to the axis of the cylinder.

[0060] Spring 21 is mechanically coupled to housing 22 and reel 33 to apply torque to reel 33 (relative to housing 22). In use, collar 11 (in the illustrated embodiment, collar 11 includes a chain) is mechanically coupled to reel 33 at its free end so that it is wound around reel 33 (e.g., around the cylindrical surface of reel 33) during collar 11 contraction. During wearable device 10 expansion, collar 11 unwinds from reel 33. For the purposes of this document, during wearable device 10 contraction, reel 33 rotates in the “contraction direction” and during wearable device 10 expansion, reel 33 rotates in the “expansion direction” such that the contraction direction is the opposite direction of rotation to the expansion direction.

[0061] In one embodiment of the collar 11 including a spool 33, the spool 33 may include notches and grooves for positioning the chain (e.g., matching the alternating chain link pattern of the chain). Figure 3 A connection point 32 integrally formed with the reel 33 is shown, to which the end chain links of the chain are secured. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection point 32 includes a radial protrusion upon which the end chain links of the chain rest. In embodiments where the collar 11 comprises another material, such as when the collar 11 comprises a band, the connection point 32 may include different structures, such as the reel 33 including a friction insert shaped to receive one end of the band. Chains can be advantageous because they are relatively rigid and flexible. Furthermore, the chains can advantageously be made conductive, thus serving as electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to influence an animal's learning of desired behavior (discussed further below).

[0062] Figure 3A cross-sectional view (illustration A) of the inertial locking mechanism 26 of the expansion mechanism 13 is also shown. Note that the collar 11 and spring 21 are omitted in this illustration. The inertial locking mechanism 26 is configured to lock the reel 33 against rotation in the expansion direction if the force applied to cause expansion (“expansion force”) exceeds a threshold size or the rate of change of the threshold size. Typically, the inertial locking mechanism 26 is arranged to “activate” (lock against rotation in the expansion direction) for a force (and therefore torque) or the rate of change of force (and therefore torque) that is significantly greater than the force expected due to the growth of the animal 99. The inertial locking mechanism 26 thus prevents the collar 11 from completely unwinding due to expansion forces unrelated to the growth of the animal 99—for example, when the animal 99 is running or performing other sustained rapid movements that could cause the collar 11 to unwind to the point that the wearable device 10 risks falling off the animal 99.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the inertial locking mechanism 26 includes an inertial clutch 39 and an engagement portion 40. The inertial clutch 39 is biased to a non-engaged position (typically radially inward) by, for example, a spring (not shown). The inertial clutch 39 is configured to rotate with the spool 33 (i.e., both the spool 33 and the inertial clutch 39 rotate about the same point of rotation). At a sufficient rate of rotation of the spool 33, the centrifugal force experienced by the rotating inertial clutch 39 overcomes the bias, and the inertial clutch 39 moves outward. At a sufficient rate of rotation, the outer surface of the inertial clutch 39 engages with the inner surface of the non-rotating engagement portion 40 (e.g., the engagement portion 40 is fixed relative to the housing 22). As shown, the outer surface of the inertial clutch 39 includes radially outwardly extending clutch teeth 42, and the engagement portion 40 includes complementary radially inwardly extending engagement portion teeth 43. When locked together due to the radially outward movement of the inertial clutch 39, the rotation of the inertial clutch 39 stops. In order for the spool 33 to continue rotating, the total torque applied to the spool 33 must be reduced to a level sufficient to allow the inertial clutch 39 to disengage from the engagement portion 40.

[0064] The various embodiments described herein (e.g., references) Figure 4 and Figure 19Optionally, a disconnect mechanism 27 may be included, which is configured to cause the wearable device 10 to "disconnect" or otherwise be removed from the animal 99 under a sufficiently high load. For example, the disconnect mechanism 27 is configured to operate when the load on the wearable device 10 exceeds a predefined load. For example, the disconnect mechanism 27 may be configured to disconnect the wearable device 10 or create an opening in the wearable device 10 when the load on the wearable device 10 exceeds a predefined load between 200 kg and 600 kg (this range may be particularly applicable to cattle). The specific predefined load selected may be determined based on the intended use (i.e., the specific breed of animal 99). The disconnect mechanism 27 is generally a physically distinct element from the expansion mechanism 13. The disconnect mechanism 27 may advantageously provide fail-safe protection for the wearable device 10 in cases where the wearable device 10 is snagged or may pose a potential risk to the animal 99 if it is not removed. In one example embodiment, the disconnect mechanism 27 may correspond to the buckle described in the applicant's PCT publication WO2021 / 016653A1 (published February 4, 2021). In another alternative example, the disconnect mechanism may be a weakened link in the chain, or for example, a plastic link that serves as both a weakened element and an insulating element in the collar.

[0065] refer to Figure 4 In one embodiment, the inertial locking mechanism 26 (e.g., see...) Figure 3 The disconnect mechanism 27 further reduces or eliminates the risk that, in cases of excessive expansion force caused by hazardous conditions, such as when the wearable device 10 is snagged on an immovable feature in the animal's environment (such as a fence, door, or other structure), the action of the inertial locking mechanism 26 (i.e., preventing the expansion of the wearable device 10 caused by high expansion force) could endanger the animal. More generally, the disconnect mechanism 27 can be advantageous in other embodiments described herein by providing fail-safe protection for the wearable device 10 in response to situations where the wearable device 10 is snagged or could pose a potential danger to the animal if it is not removed.

[0066] Figure 19A disconnect mechanism 27 according to another embodiment is shown. The disconnect mechanism 27 is configured to physically disconnect when an applied load exceeds a predefined load. The disconnect mechanism 27 is formed of a relatively resilient material, such as Desmopan® 9380AU or similar materials (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer). Due to the collar 11 being worn under various climatic conditions, the material of the disconnect mechanism 27 should be resistant to degradation under the intended conditions. The disconnect mechanism 27 can be integrally molded. The geometry of the disconnect mechanism 27 can be selected such that the material will disconnect under a predefined load. For a particular material, a suitable geometry can be determined by testing. The disconnect mechanism 27 can be relatively elongated and planar (e.g., its depth is significantly less than its width, and its width is significantly less than its length, as shown in the figure). In one embodiment, the disconnect mechanism 27 includes one or more holes 29 configured to reduce the strength of the material of the disconnect mechanism 27. Thus, the size, shape, and location of one or more holes 29 can be selected (e.g., by testing) to set an effective predefined load on the disconnect mechanism 27. In the example shown, two rows of holes 29 are provided, the number and size of which can be selected to provide a desired predefined load (the arrangement of the holes 29 can also be changed). In this way, the disconnecting mechanism 27 is intentionally designed to disconnect at least one row of holes 29 when the load on the collar 11 exceeds the predefined load. Typically, it is contemplated that the size of the holes 29 can be determined through trial and error based on the material type and size. The disconnecting mechanism 27 includes two ends arranged to engage with the collar 11. In another embodiment, the holes 29 are omitted, which may be suitable when the material and geometry of the disconnecting mechanism 27 provide the desired predefined load without requiring the holes 29.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the disconnect mechanism may include a shackle having a detachable, replaceable pin that forms part of a chain collar. The user can easily replace the detachable pin after receiving an alarm from the electronics unit that the collar has become detached from the animal. The electronics unit can detect that the collar has become detached by accelerometer measurements, GPS coordinate measurements, or a combination of both. The detachable pin and shackle may form an insulating portion of the collar, wherein a pair of conductive chain segments serve as electrodes.

[0068] According to several embodiments, reference Figures 5A to 5C The first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b are mechanically connected to the same reel 33 (also referred to as the "shared reel 33"). Therefore, the contraction and expansion of the first collar portion 11a must occur at the same rate as the contraction and expansion of the second collar portion 11b. These figures show the cross-section of the reel 33.

[0069] exist Figure 5A In this embodiment, the spool includes a slot 24 extending through the body of the spool 33 and shaped to feed the collar 11 from one side of the slot 24 to the other. The slot 24 can be understood as providing a connection point 32 for attaching the collar 11 to the spool 33. This embodiment is particularly suitable for collars 11 comprising webbing rather than chains. This embodiment is particularly suitable for collars where the expansion mechanism is a single mechanism that simultaneously adjusts both the first collar portion and the second collar portion, rather than two separate expansion mechanisms. The slot 24 may extend through the axis of rotation of the spool 33. In this embodiment, the material of the collar 11 is substantially continuous between the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b.

[0070] exist Figure 5B In one embodiment, the material of the collar 11 may terminate at the spool 33, such that the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b are individually fixed to the corresponding first connection point 32a and second connection point 32b of the spool 33. Thus, the material of the collar 11 is substantially discontinuous between the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b.

[0071] In either case (i.e., Figure 5A situation or Figure 5B In the case of (the first collar portion 11a), it can be understood as reflecting a portion of the collar 11 that retracts into the outer shell 22 at a first opening in the outer shell 22, and the second collar portion 11b can be understood as reflecting a portion of the collar 11 that retracts into the outer shell 22 at a different second opening in the outer shell 22.

[0072] Figure 5C It shows Figure 5B In one variation, the collar 11 includes a chain (in this figure, there are a first collar portion 11a and a second collar portion 11b), wherein the ends of the chain are fixed to the same reel 33. Since the chain collar portions 11a, 11b each occupy a relatively large volume (e.g., relative to the webbing material), each collar portion 11a, 11b is arranged to wind around a different part of the reel 33, rather than together. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Similarly, the collar portions 11a and 11b overlap each other. Typically, the first collar portion 11a is arranged to wind around the first axial half of the spool 33, and the second collar portion 11b is arranged to wind around the second axial half of the spool 33.

[0073] Figures 5A to 5C An advantage of this embodiment is that the relative positions of the electronic unit 14 and the expansion mechanism 13 remain relatively consistent during the expansion and contraction of the wearable device 10.

[0074] According to one embodiment, reference Figure 6 The expansion unit includes two separate expansion mechanisms 13a and 13b. In the specific example shown, the first expansion mechanism 13a is associated with the first collar portion 11a, and the second expansion mechanism 13b is associated with the second collar portion 11b (hidden and not visible in the figure), both of which are chains in the illustrated embodiment. For example, as shown, expansion mechanisms 13a and 13b are each equivalent to reference [reference / ... Figure 3 The expansion mechanism is described. The first expansion mechanism 13a has a first housing portion 22a that is physically connected to a second housing portion 22b of the second expansion mechanism 13b via a bridging member 28. In one embodiment, the first housing portion 22a of the first expansion mechanism 13a, the second housing portion 22b of the second expansion mechanism 13b, and the bridging member 28 are integrally formed (thus forming a complete housing 22). The bridging member 28 may be made of an insulating material that insulates the first collar portion 11a of the collar from the second collar portion 11b. In another embodiment, the bridging member 28 includes complementary locking features (not shown) to allow a user to attach (and remove) the first housing portion 22a to the second housing portion 22b. The locking features need to be sufficiently resistant to prevent accidental unlocking due to forces expected to be applied to the wearable device 10 when worn by the animal 99.

[0075] In use, the first expansion mechanism 13a is typically positioned near a first side (e.g., the left side) of the animal 99, and the second expansion mechanism 13b is typically positioned near a second side (e.g., the right side) of the animal 99. The first collar portion 11a can be wound around and unwound from the first reel 33a of the first expansion mechanism 13a. Similarly, the second collar portion 11b can be wound around and unwound from the second reel 33b of the second expansion mechanism 13b. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the rotation of the first spool 33a is independent of the rotation of the second spool 33b.

[0076] In one embodiment (not shown), the first spool 33a and the second spool 33b are connected to each other via a rotary coupling such that the rotation of each spool is limited by the rotation of the other spool (i.e., the rotation of the first spool 33a is limited by the rotation of the second spool 33b, and vice versa), thereby ensuring that the first chain segment 50a and the second chain segment 50b extend or contract by substantially equal amounts at any given time. This keeps the electronic unit 14 suspended from the first chain segment 11a and the second chain segment 11b in a substantially central position at the bottom of the wearable device 10. For example, the rotary coupling includes a drive shaft. The drive shaft is mechanically coupled to the first spool 33a and the second spool 33b at opposite ends such that the drive shaft, the first spool 33a, and the second spool 33b are rotationally constrained by each other, i.e., they each rotate simultaneously. The drive shaft may extend between the first housing portion 22a and the second housing portion 22b, optionally partially within the bridging member 28.

[0077] Still referencing Figure 6 According to one embodiment, the combination of the first expansion mechanism 13a, the second expansion mechanism 13b, and the bridging member 28 defines a generally U-shaped profile, thereby being shaped to follow the desired profile of the neck of the animal 99 (e.g., a cow). Thus, the expansion mechanism 13 is shaped to be located at the top of the neck of the animal 99, and therefore resists being moved away from the top position.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first collar portion 11a is also configured as a first electrode, and the second collar portion 11b is also configured as a second electrode. Therefore, the first collar portion 11a includes a first conductive segment, and the second collar portion 11b includes a second conductive segment. In one embodiment, the entire first collar portion 11a corresponds to the first conductive segment, and the entire second collar portion 11b corresponds to the second conductive segment. In another embodiment, the first collar portion 11a includes a first insulating segment, and the second collar portion 11b includes a second insulating segment. Typically, the first and second insulating segments are located at the ends of their respective collar portions 11a, 11b that are in contact with the expansion mechanism 13. Therefore, the conductive segments are located at the opposite ends of the respective collar portions 11a, 11b to the expansion mechanism 13 (e.g., the conductive segments are coupled to the electronic unit 14).

[0079] The first and second conductive segments are electrically connected to the electronic unit 14 (e.g., as in...). Figure 1AIn the case of an animal 99, the electronic unit 14 is configured to occasionally, and depending on the presence of predefined conditions, provide an electric shock to the animal 99 by applying a potential difference to two conductive segments (causing current to flow through the animal 99). Typically, the electric shock is administered to influence the behavior of the animal 99. For example, as described in PCT disclosures WO2006 / 007643A1 (published January 26, 2006) and WO2010 / 009509A1 (published January 28, 2010), and the applicant's own PCT disclosures WO2018 / 152593A1 (published August 30, 2018) and WO2020 / 047581A1 (published March 12, 2020), an electric shock may be administered in some cases when the animal 99 moves too close to a so-called "virtual boundary," or, according to a specific embodiment, when the animal 99 is within a predefined distance and orientation from the virtual boundary. Typically, electric shocks are implemented as a training mechanism, whereby the animal learns to associate a sound (generated by electronic unit 14 before the electric shock is applied) with movement away from the virtual boundary. Therefore, once the animal has established the association with the sound, electric shocks are rarely needed and thus rarely initiated. While more details can be found in the cited references, as a brief overview, the virtual boundary encloses a geographic area using reference coordinates (such as GPS coordinates), and electronic unit 14 includes suitable processing means to determine the position of the wearable device 10 relative to these coordinates, thereby determining its position relative to the virtual boundary.

[0080] Therefore, the first and second conductive segments need to be electrically isolated from each other. This is, for example, at least in part due to an insulating segment (if present). Typically, the first and second conductive segments are insulated from each other within the expansion mechanism 13, for example, by being arranged to avoid electrical contact with each other. Thus, the expansion mechanism 13 is typically formed of an insulating material (or, at least, the expansion mechanism 13 may include a conductive material, but this material is positioned to avoid providing a conductive path between the first and second conductive segments 5b).

[0081] The first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b may comprise separate chains formed by conductive (e.g., metal or conductive plastic) chain links, thereby providing conductivity for the first and second conductor segments. Alternatively, the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b may comprise separate chains formed by both insulating (e.g., thermoplastic) chain links and conductive (e.g., metal or conductive plastic) chain links, thereby providing conductivity for the first and second conductor segments (i.e., the first and second conductor segments each corresponding to the length of an interconnected conductive chain link) and insulation for the first and second insulating segments (i.e., the first and second insulating segments each corresponding to the length of an interconnected insulating chain link). Typically, a voltage is applied between the two terminals of the electronic unit 14 via the secondary of a transformer having corresponding ends electrically connected to the chains of the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b.

[0082] In one embodiment (not shown), one or more collar portions 11 include a chain, and at least one of the collar portions 11 includes a break mechanism 27 comprising one or more breakable chain links (therefore, this embodiment is particularly suitable when one or more collar portions 11 include a chain) and one or more ordinary chain links. The one or more breakable chain links are formed of a material and / or shaped to have a lower strength than the one or more ordinary chain links, such that the one or more breakable chain links break under a significantly lower load compared to the one or more ordinary chain links. In terms of shape, for example, notches or other features may be provided in the breakable chain links to reduce the strength of an individual breakable chain link relative to the remaining chain links of the one or more collar portions 11, which may be particularly suitable when the one or more breakable chain links are formed of the same material as the ordinary chain links.

[0083] In a specific example of this embodiment, one or more ordinary chain links may be formed of a conductive metal, such that the one or more ordinary chain links also correspond to conductor segments. On the other hand, one or more disconnectable chain links may be formed of a non-conductive plastic, thereby corresponding to insulating segments. It is assumed that the selected plastic has significantly lower strength than the metal strength of one or more ordinary chain links.

[0084] Figure 7 An embodiment for attaching a wearable device 10 (e.g., reference) is shown. Figure 1A An exemplary method of attaching a wearable device 10 to an animal 99, wherein the wearable device 10 includes two expansion mechanisms 13a, 13b configured to selectively attach to each other (e.g., refer to...). Figure 6(and an electronic unit 14 connected to the two locking retractors 20.) It is conceivable that a modified method could be used in the case of including a single expansion mechanism 13.

[0085] At step S100, the wearable device 10 is adjusted such that the collar 11 has a size larger than the portion (e.g., the neck) of the animal 99 on which the wearable device 10 will be worn. In one embodiment, the collar 11 is adjusted to its maximum size at this step. The expansion mechanism 13 typically includes a locking device for selectively inhibiting the retraction of the collar 11; in such a case, as part of step S100, the user operates the locking device to stop the retraction of the collar 11.

[0086] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B In one embodiment, a manual adjuster is provided, in this case, the manual adjuster taking the form of a knob 44. The knob 44 includes an outwardly facing dial 93 and a shaft 45. The shaft 45 extends through a circular opening in the spool 33 and is mechanically coupled to the spool 33. The knob 44 can be switched from a locked position (e.g., Figure 8A As shown, where knob 44 is positioned closer to housing 22, it is axially moved to the unlock position (as shown). Figure 8B As shown, knob 44 is positioned away from housing 22 relative to the inactive position.

[0087] Shaft 45 includes a spline 41 that engages with the inner spline 46 of spool 33. Shaft 45 may also engage with engagement features 47 of housing 22 (in... Figure 8B (Shown more clearly in the image) engagement. For example, engagement feature 47 itself includes a groove arrangement configured to mate with spline 41 of shaft 45. Axial sliding knob 44 allows knob 44 to move "outward" (i.e., away from housing 22) into an unlocked position and "inward" (i.e., in the opposite direction to the "outward" movement) into a locked position. In the locked position, the reel 33 is locked against rotation relative to housing 22 by the interaction between spline 41 and inner spline 46 and between spline 41 and engagement feature 47. Knob 44 may include one or more detents configured to restrain it in its "outward" or "inward" position to give the user feedback on the position of the knob; that is, the detent provides a restraining force configured to be overcome by force applied by the user.

[0088] Therefore, when knob 44 is pushed into the locked position, scroll 33 cannot be rotated, as... Figure 8AAs shown in the diagram. This allows the user to set a specific position of the expansion mechanism 13 by setting the size of the collar 11, and thus a specific size of the wearable device 10. The dial 93 typically includes an indicator to show the corresponding size of the wearable device 10 at a specific rotational position of the knob 44. Therefore, regarding Figure 7 In step S100, instead of setting the collar 11 to the maximum size so that the wearable device 10 can be worn on the animal 99, it can be set to a size relative to the size of the animal 99 (e.g., a small amount larger than the animal's neck).

[0089] When knob 44 is pulled out to the unlocked position, spline 45 does not engage with engagement feature 47 of housing 22, and therefore, spool 33 is not locked to resist rotation relative to housing 22, as... Figure 8B As shown in the diagram. Therefore, when pulled out, the expansion mechanism 13 allows the user to adjust the size of the wearable device 10.

[0090] The turntable 97 may include markings that allow the user to identify the position of the reel 33 and thus the amount of the collar 11 currently located within (and correspondingly outside) the expansion mechanism 13. In this way, the turntable 97 provides the user with information about the current size of the wearable device 10. It is conceivable that, instead of the turntable 97, other mechanisms for indicating the current size of the wearable device 10 could be used, although it is generally expected that there is a connection between this mechanism and the reel 33 such that the mechanism actually indicates the current position of the reel 33.

[0091] Return to reference Figure 7 In step S101 (which may also be performed before step S100), the two expansion mechanisms 13a and 13b are disassembled from each other. It should be noted that the electronic unit 14 remains connected to the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b, the first collar portion 11a being connected to the first expansion mechanism 13a and the second collar portion 11b being connected to the second expansion mechanism 13.

[0092] In step S102, the user then wraps the entire wearable device 10 around the relevant part of the animal 99 (e.g., the neck), and then connects the two expansion mechanisms 13a, 13b to each other on top of the animal 99, allowing the electronic module 14 to suspend below the animal 99. Thus, as a result, the wearable device 10 is now worn by the animal 99.

[0093] At step S103, the locking device is disengaged (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 8BAs shown in the diagram, this allows the retractor element 20 of each expansion mechanism 13a, 13b to retract the collar 11 until the retraction stops due to the collar 11 pressing against the animal 99. Thus, as a result of steps S100-S103, the wearable device 10 has been put on the animal 99. The advantage of the described method is that the wearable device 10 can be put on and locked in sizes larger than the neck of the animal 99, thereby facilitating the action of putting the wearable device 10 on the animal 99. Subsequently, when the user pulls out the knob 44, the collar 11 is retracted, thereby reducing the size to a suitable size for continuous wear by the animal 99. Alternatively, the knob can be released and the collar adjusted to increase the circumference of the neck strap and the knob locked in place by returning it to the locked position. This will allow the neck strap to be fitted to the animal's neck without being too tight on the animal. The collar can then be further manually adjusted by pulling the knob back to the "outward" position to the disengaged position, thereby allowing further fine adjustments to improve the collar fit.

[0094] Figure 9A A sheath 48 according to one embodiment is shown, extending from the housing 22 along a path of the collar 11 outside the expansion mechanism 13. The sheath 48 is typically flexible and may comprise a non-conductive material. In use, the sheath 48 provides an external cover for the collar 11. The sheath 48 can reduce the likelihood of the conductive chain snagging on branches, etc., while still allowing portions of the conductive chain to remain in contact with the animal 99.

[0095] Figure 9AThe embodiments may also include a protective element 49 extending from and fixed to the electronic unit 14 (e.g., the protective element 49 may be integrally formed with the body of the electronic unit 14). In use, the protective element 49 extends upward from the electronic unit 14 toward the expansion mechanism 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective element 49 slidably engages with the sheath 48. The protective element 49 also serves to reduce the conductive chain from snagging on branches, etc., while still allowing the conductive chain portion to remain in contact with the animal 99. As shown, the collar 11 is fixed to the electronic unit 14 such that movement of the collar 11 causes a corresponding movement of the electronic unit 14 and thus a corresponding movement of the protective element 49. The movement of the collar 11 is relative to the expansion mechanism 13 (i.e., during normal use, the collar 11 moves into and out of the housing 22 of the expansion mechanism 13). Therefore, the movement of the collar 11 has the effect of causing the protective element 49 to slide along the sheath 48. Advantageously, the combined outer surface of the sheath 48 and protective element 49 substantially covers the entire collar 11, regardless of the amount of collar 11 extending from the outer shell 22. The protective element 49 can be configured to reduce or eliminate harm to the animal 99 caused by the swinging of the electronic unit 14 when worn by the animal 99. The protective element 49 provides this function by suppressing the free swinging of the electronic unit 14.

[0096] Figure 9B An embodiment is shown having a first expansion mechanism 13a and a second expansion mechanism 13b, which are positioned substantially symmetrically about the neck of the animal 99 (i.e., each located on an opposite side of the neck). A single electronic unit 14 is provided to which the first protective element 49a and the second protective element 49b are fixed, each protective element extending upward toward a corresponding side of the neck (e.g., the first expansion mechanism 13a is located on the left side of the neck and the first protective element 49a extends upward on the left side of the neck, and the second expansion mechanism 13b is located on the right side of the neck and the second protective element 49b extends upward on the right side of the neck). Similarly, a first sheath 48a extends downward from the first expansion mechanism 13a to slidably engage with the first protective element 49a, and a second sheath 48b extends downward from the second expansion mechanism 13b to slidably engage with the second protective element 49b.

[0097] Figure 10Another embodiment is shown, in which the expansion mechanism 13 is configured to apply a continuous contractile force to the collar 11, while also enabling the collar 11 to expand. The expansion mechanism 13 includes a hollow body 70, which is formed, for example, of rubber or other elastic material. The hollow body 70 is attached to the electronic unit 14, for example, it may be integrally formed with the body of the electronic unit 14. The hollow body 70 includes two upwardly extending arms 72a, 72b, wherein the first arm 72a is associated with a first chain portion 11a, and the second arm 72b is associated with a second chain portion 11b (not shown), such that in use, the two arms 72a, 72b extend upward on opposite sides of the neck of the animal 99. The figure shows a first spring 71a present within the first arm 72a. Although not shown, a second spring 71b is typically present within the second arm 72b—its operation is equivalent to that described for the first spring 71a.

[0098] A first spring 71a is fixed at one end to the hollow body 70, and its other end is fixed to one end of the first collar portion 11a. The first spring 71a is configured to apply a downward force to that end of the first collar portion 11a, thereby pulling the first collar portion 11a into the first arm 72a. Typically, this embodiment utilizes the first collar portion 11a corresponding to an electrode, and therefore this first collar portion 11a can correspond to a conductive chain. Therefore, the electronic unit 14 is electrically connected to the first collar portion 11a. This electrical connection is necessary to allow the first collar portion 11a to move during use.

[0099] Figure 10 An embodiment may have the function of applying constant pressure to the animal when the animal wears the wearable device 10.

[0100] Figure 11 One embodiment is shown in which the expansion mechanism 13 is configured to adjust the expansion of the collar 11 when the animal 99 wears the expandable wearable device 10. According to the illustrated embodiment, the expansion mechanism 13 includes a tension release mechanism 60. Typically, in use, two expansion mechanisms 13 are provided, each including a tension release mechanism 60, one on each side of the animal 99's neck (e.g., similar to...). Figure 2C (As shown in the diagram). The tension release mechanism 60 is connected to the frame 61.

[0101] A force is applied to the drive nut 62 via shaft 65, for example, due to the increased size of the animal 99's neck through collar 11, with shaft 65 positioned in slot 66 to stop its rotation. As this force increases, the drive nut 62 slides along axis AA of tension release mechanism 60 and engages with drive stop 63.

[0102] When the preset force is reached, the drive nut 62 is disengaged via springs 64a and 64b, and the drive stop 63 forces the drive nut 62 to rotate and drive it back to its original starting position. This action also resets the tension of spring 64b back to its lower limit while the shaft 65 is in its new position. A quarter turn of the drive nut 62 is equal to the set movement of the shaft 65 (e.g., a movement of 9 mm), so the wearable device's 10 circumference has now increased by the set amount.

[0103] The tension release mechanism 60 has now reset and will repeat itself as the neck of the animal 99 enlarges again. Once the shaft 65 extends outward to its maximum length (e.g., 36 mm or 2 full turns), it engages the hard stop. In the case of using two tension release mechanisms 60, if the tension release mechanism 60 on the other side of the neck of the animal 99 has not yet reached its full limit, it will continue until it has completed its full extension.

[0104] To adjust the tension release mechanism 60 on the animal, the collar 11 should be adjusted to reduce the force applied to the tension release mechanism 60, allowing it to detach from the frame 61. The tension release mechanism 60 can then be rotated (e.g., clockwise) to reset the system.

[0105] Figure 12 One embodiment is shown in which the expansion mechanism 13 is configured to allow a predefined expansion rate of the collar 11 when the animal 99 is wearing the expandable wearable device 10.

[0106] A piston assembly 75 is provided, comprising a piston 76 and a chamber 77, wherein the piston 76 is configured to move linearly within the chamber 77. The chamber 77 is in fluid communication with a flow-limiting unit 78, and a non-corrosive, low-viscosity fluid is present within the internal fluid volume of the combination of the chamber 77 and the flow-limiting unit 78. A spring 79 is provided to cause a force to be applied to the piston 76 in a first direction within the chamber 77.

[0107] The movement speed of piston 76 within chamber 77 is regulated by the flow rate of fluid passing through flow control valve 70 of flow restriction unit 78, which effectively limits the flow rate of fluid from the left side of chamber 77 to the right side of chamber 77. Here, left and right are defined relative to piston 76; spring 79 moves piston 76 from right to left, such that as piston 76 moves due to spring 79, the left side of chamber 77 becomes smaller and the right side becomes larger.

[0108] The flow limiting unit 78 also has a one-way valve 74 that allows fluid to be passed back to the left side of the chamber 77 when the expansion mechanism 13 is reset.

[0109] Based on an expansion rate of 10 to 15 mm per day, the movement of collar 11 relative to expansion mechanism 13 will need to be controlled to an expansion rate of approximately 0.0125 mm / h to 0.021 mm / h. For a chamber 77 with a diameter of 32.0 mm, this growth rate will be achieved through a flow rate of 0.00001 l / h to 0.000017 l / h via flow limiting unit 78.

[0110] In another embodiment, piston 76 can operate a worm drive (not shown) to expand the collar and isolate the piston assembly from forces such as those exerted by the swinging of an electronic unit at the end of the collar or by forces exerted by the collar being caught on a tree branch or other hooked hazard.

[0111] Figures 13-14C An embodiment is shown including an expansion mechanism 13 configured to actively control the expansion of the collar 11. Therefore, the expansion mechanism 13 includes a controllable actuator controlled by a controller module (not shown), which may be integrated into the electronics unit 14. For example, the controller module may be a software module of the electronics unit 14. The controller module is suitably interfaced with the actuator to achieve control of the actuator.

[0112] refer to Figure 13 In one embodiment, the controllable actuator of the expansion mechanism 13 includes a pair of sliding blades 84a, 84b arranged to interact with a toothed gear 82 coupled to a spool 33, for example at one of the bases 38 of the spool 33, such that the toothed gear 82 is constrained to rotate with the spool 33 (or vice versa). The teeth 83 of the toothed gear 82 are arranged equidistantly along the circumference of the gear 82.

[0113] The pair of sliding blades 84a and 84b are positioned on a plane orthogonal to gear 82, such that the plane passes through the axis of rotation of gear 82. Blades 84a and 84b are controllably movable toward and away from the axis of gear 82. The first blade 84a and the second blade 84b are angled apart to allow blades 84a and 84b to slide past each other during their activation. Angular displacement allows both blades 84a and 84b to contact tooth 83a; however, one blade 84a rests on the shoulder of the next tooth 83b, while the other blade 84b rests on the same tooth 83a but with an angular displacement between the shoulder of the previous tooth 83a and the shoulder of the next tooth 83b. This is done to allow blade 84b to remain engaged with tooth 83a of gear 82 until the first blade 84a disengages from gear 82. This then allows collar 11 to cause rotation of gear 82 (e.g., according to this embodiment, due to the weight of counterweight 19 or electronic unit 14) until it contacts the second blade 84b. This action also causes the gear to be 82-pointed by half a tooth pitch.

[0114] Blades 84a and 84b can be independently activated by their corresponding latching solenoids 85a and 85b, with each blade 84a and 84b consisting of one solenoid. Activation of solenoids 85a and 85b causes their corresponding blades 84a and 84b to disengage and retract away from gear 82.

[0115] In one embodiment, after the blade 84 retracts, once the power supply to its solenoid 85 is cut off, a permanent magnet in the solenoid 85 holds the blade 84 in the retracted position. To deactivate the solenoid 85, its polarity needs to be reversed. The time between activation and deactivation of the solenoid 85 can be short or long, ranging from a few seconds to several days. The deactivation of the first solenoid 85a must be completed before the second solenoid 85b is activated; otherwise, the gear 82 will be fully disengaged.

[0116] In use, the two blades 84a and 84b are alternately activated and deactivated to allow the gear 82 to slowly loosen due to the weight of the counterweight 19 or the electronic unit 14.

[0117] refer to Figures 14A to 14C In one embodiment, the controllable actuator includes an electric motor 87 arranged to drive rotation of the spool 33 via a gear arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor 87 is arranged to drive a worm gear drive 86 via a first spur gear 88a and a second spur gear 88b. In operation, the electric motor 87 drives the first spur gear 88a in one direction via a common motor shaft. This, in turn, causes rotation of the second spur gear 88b, thereby causing rotation of the worm gear drive 86, which shares a rotatable shaft 90 with the second spur gear 88b. The worm gear drive 86 is mechanically engaged with a worm wheel 91 such that rotation of the worm gear drive 86 causes rotation of the worm wheel 91.

[0118] The spool 33, worm gear 91, worm drive 86, motor 87, and first spur gear 88a and second spur gear 88b are located within the housing 22. In the illustrated embodiment, a knob 44 is provided, having a circular disc 93 portion located outside the housing 22 and a cylindrical shaft 92 shaped to extend into the housing 22 away from the circular disc 93. The shaft 92 extends axially through the spool 33 (such that the axis of rotation of the shaft 92 is the same as the axis of rotation of the spool 33). In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the disc 93 undulates around a circular perimeter, which is intended to improve the user's grip on the disc 93. The shaft 92 may be integrally formed with the circular disc 93. Alternatively, the circular disc 93 can be detached from the shaft 92 (although it should be sufficiently detachable to eliminate or at least minimize the risk of the circular disc 93 being accidentally removed).

[0119] Figure 14A An external view of the housing 22 is shown, showing the turntable 93 and the collar 11 (in the form of a chain) extending outward from the housing 22. Figure 14B The view shows the top portion of the housing 22 and the turntable 93 removed, thus revealing the spool 33, worm gear 91, worm drive 86, motor 87, various gears (88a, 88b) and shaft 92. Figure 14C An exploded view of shaft 92, reel 33, and worm gear 91 is shown. Furthermore, in Figure 14C In the diagram, the worm gear drive 86 is shown as mechanically engaged with the worm wheel 91.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, knob 44 is movable between a manually actuated position and an automatically actuated position. In the manually actuated position, the user can rotate knob 44 (via dial 93) to change the size of collar 11. In the automatically actuated position, dial 93 cannot be used by the user to change the size of collar 11; instead, the change is achieved via a controllable actuator. In the manually actuated position, reel 33 is not mechanically engaged with worm gear 86. Conversely, in the automatically actuated position, reel 33 is mechanically engaged with worm gear 86 (thus inhibiting rotation via the user). Alternative methods are envisioned to allow the user to engage and disengage reel 33 from worm gear 86. For example, a latch can be provided that is movable between a first configuration where reel 33 and worm gear 86 are mechanically engaged and a second configuration where reel 33 and worm gear 86 are not mechanically engaged.

[0121] Shaft 92 includes an engagement mechanism, which in the illustrated embodiment includes a spline 95. Generally, this engagement mechanism allows spool 33 to selectively engage with worm gear 91 (e.g., spool 33 engages with worm gear 91 when knob 44 is in the auto-actuated position, and does not engage when manually actuated).

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, spline 95 includes a protrusion extending radially outward from the surface of shaft 92. The protrusion is generally arranged symmetrically about the axis of shaft 92. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion extends in an axial direction (i.e., perpendicular to the circumference of shaft 92).

[0123] The reel 33 includes a circular inner opening with a surface profile complementary to that of the shaft 92. Specifically, the reel 33 includes a reel spline 96 complementary to the spline 95 of the shaft 92 (e.g., corresponding to an arrangement of recesses shaped to receive a protrusion of the shaft 92 and spaced circumferentially around the inner opening). Therefore, when assembled, the protrusion is located within the recess. The shaft 92 is axially slidable relative to the reel 33 such that the protrusion of the shaft 92 slides within its corresponding recess. Equivalently, the reel 33 can be understood to include the protrusion, and the shaft 92 can be understood to include the recess.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, in both the manual actuation and automatic actuation positions, the shaft 92 engages with the reel 33; that is, in both positions, at least a portion of the spline 95 of the shaft 92 engages with the spline 96 of the reel 33. Therefore, an angular correspondence is maintained between the reel 33 and the shaft 92 in both the manual and automatic actuation positions.

[0125] In one embodiment, the worm gear 91 is generally cylindrical and positioned to share an axis of rotation with the spool 33 and shaft 92. In the specific embodiment shown, the worm gear 91 is arranged on the side of the spool 33 opposite the outer portion of the knob 44 (i.e., on the side of the spool 33 opposite the turntable 93). The outer circumference of the worm gear 91 includes an arrangement of gear teeth having a pitch and overall profile suitable for engagement with the worm gear drive 86.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the worm gear 91 is not directly mechanically engaged with the spool 33. Instead, when the knob 44 is in the auto-actuated position, the shaft 92 effectively mechanically engages the worm gear 91 and the spool 33. The worm gear 91 includes a generally circular bore axially centered relative to the shaft 92, allowing the shaft 92 to be moved into the bore (in the auto-actuated position) and out of the bore (in the manual-actuated position). The bore may extend through the entire worm gear 91, or alternatively represent a recess in the surface of the worm gear 91 adjacent to the spool 33. The bore also includes a spline 97 of the worm gear 91 complementary to the spline 95 of the spool 33. In this way, in the auto-actuated position, the shaft 92 engages with the worm gear 91 in the same manner as it engages with the spool 33. However, in the manual-actuated position, because the shaft 33 is not physically engaged with the worm gear 91, the knob 44 rotates freely relative to the worm gear 91.

[0127] A reel 33 is attached to a collar 11; in this figure, the collar 11 includes a chain, and the reel 33 is attached to one end of the collar 11 (in this case, the chain). The reel 33 can be an alternative configuration described herein, for example, including two attachment points 32a, 32b for attachment to both ends of the collar 11 (e.g., as referenced). Figures 5A-5C (As described). Typically, collar 11 comprises a material suitable for winding around reel 33. Alternatively, collar 11 may comprise another material, such as webbing. The webbing may comprise two or more conductive filaments separated into two electrically isolated collar portions, each collar portion connected at one end to an electronic unit and at the other end to a collar expansion mechanism. The conductive filaments may be made of copper or aluminum or stainless steel or a conductive polymer, or may be multiple filaments from, but not limited to, the list of conductive materials above. The filaments may be interwoven such that they periodically contact each other, which minimizes the effects of filament breakage by providing alternative conductive paths.

[0128] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the turntable 93 is omitted, and the shaft 92 is enclosed by the housing 22 (i.e., the shaft 92 is not arranged for axial movement and is practically permanently in the auto-actuated position). Such an embodiment can be advantageous where it is desirable not to provide a mechanism that allows the user to physically change the size of the collar 11. In such a configuration, a segment of the worm gear can extend further around the circumference of the worm gear, and optionally around the entire circumference.

[0129] The controller module is configured to activate and control motor 87, thereby altering the interior of the collar 11 by winding the reel 33 inside (to reduce the size of the collar 11) or letting it out (to increase the size of the collar 11). The controller module is typically activated to control the rotation direction of motor 87, which in turn allows control over the rotation direction of reel 44, enabling the controller module to both increase and decrease the size of the collar 11. The rotational speed of motor 87 can also be controlled. In an alternative, the rotational rate of motor 87 is fixed (when activated).

[0130] The actuator can be controlled based on an electronic timer, so that the expansion of the wearable device 10 depends on the length of time it has been worn.

[0131] refer to Figure 15 The expansion of the wearable device 10 due to the control of the actuator can be based at least in part on the tightness of the wearable device 10 around the neck of the animal 99.

[0132] In one embodiment, the controller module is configured to control the expansion of the wearable device 10 based on two observed characteristics over a fixed time period: (1) movement of the collar 11 along the axis, and (2) animal behavior, to determine whether the fit of the wearable device 10 is tight, normal, or loose.

[0133] For example, the controller module can detect collar rolling (or the degree of rotation of the wearable device 10 on the neck of animal 99) and animal behavior (resting / feeding / moving) within a predetermined time period to determine whether the collar fit is too tight, too loose, or just right for animal 99. For determining the behavior of animal 99, refer to the applicant's PCT publication WO2018 / 152593A1.

[0134] Specifically, the algorithm looks at the following parameters: (1) SDRoll: the standard deviation of the roll over 1440 minutes, and (2) MaxActivity: the most active activities performed by the animal over 1440 minutes (such as feeding, resting, moving) to determine whether the collar fits snugly.

[0135] The algorithm pseudocode is as follows:

[0136]

[0137] After determining that the fit is too tight, the controller module operates actuator 81 to allow the size of the wearable device 10 to be increased.

[0138] In one embodiment (not shown), the controller module interfaces with a tension sensor coupled to the collar 11. This tension sensor is arranged to measure the tension of the collar 11 and may include an accelerometer mechanically coupled to the collar 11. Alternatively, the tension sensor may include a strain gauge. The tension sensor may be located within the electronics unit 14 and coupled to one or both ends of the collar 11 (e.g., reference...). Figure 2A In one embodiment, the device is connected to one end of either the first collar portion 11a or the second collar portion 11b. The control unit is configured to monitor the output of the tension sensor and adjust the size of the wearable device 10 to maintain the tension within a predefined range or below a predefined value.

[0139] In one embodiment (not shown), electronic unit 14 includes a wireless communication module that interfaces with a controller module to enable the controller module to wirelessly communicate with a receiver (typically a suitably configured computing device associated with the receiver). For example, the wireless communication may be via one or more of the following: LoRa (trademark) Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), or alternative LPWANs such as SIGFOX (trademark) LPWAN or Ingenu (trademark) RPMA (Random Phase Multiple Access) LPWAN, WiFi (especially directional WiFi), NB-IoT, or any other suitable wireless technology such as mobile broadband protocols, including those utilizing one or more of those collectively referred to as 3G, 4G, and 5G. SMS / MMS messaging is also envisioned.

[0140] Therefore, the controller module can be configured to send a notification to the recipient in response to determining that the measured characteristics or tension are outside a predetermined range indicating that the collar is too tight or too loose and that the automatic expansion mechanism is unable to adjust the size of the wearable device to within that predetermined range. This notification may include an identifier associated with the specific wearable device 10 (assuming a specific animal 99 is known to be wearing the identified wearable device 10, this identifier effectively allows the recipient to identify the animal 99). The notification may also include the current location of the wearable device 10 determined by the controller module, which can advantageously assist the recipient in locating the wearable device 10. If the electronic unit detects that the collar has not moved within a predetermined time period, the electronic unit 14 may also trigger a notification associated with the wearable device 10, which includes the identifier and location. Collar movement or lack of movement can be detected by an accelerometer or IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) device, or by coordinates provided by a GPS device indicating that the collar has become detached from the animal or that the animal is no longer moving and requires assistance.

[0141] Figures 16A to 16B One embodiment is shown, which includes a connecting mechanism 1600 configured to facilitate the connection of two collar elements of collar 11. Typically, the connecting mechanism 1600 may be located near the top portion of collar 11 (i.e., at or near the top of the animal's neck when worn) to advantageously allow user access when the animal 99 is in a crush or other structure providing restricted physical access to the animal 99. For example, in Figure 2A In the first collar portion 11a, two collar elements may be coupled together via a connecting mechanism 1600. Similarly, in Figure 2A In this case, the second collar portion 11b may include two additional collar elements connected together via another connecting mechanism 1600. Consider... Figure 2BBecause the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b are continuous, the connecting mechanism 1600 can be provided only on the first collar portion 11a. Regarding... Figure 2C It is possible, for example, that the first collar portion 11a and the third collar portion 11c include their respective connecting mechanisms 1600. It is contemplated that the connecting mechanism 1600 may also be adapted to a wearable device 10 that does not utilize the expansion mechanism 13 but includes the collar 11 and the electronic unit 14 and optionally includes a weight 19.

[0142] refer to Figure 16A The connecting mechanism 1600 includes a snap-fit ​​1601 and a receiving section 1602. The snap-fit ​​1601 is a snap-fit ​​side-release clip, comprising two pins 1603a and 1603b extending from the body 1604. As shown, the pins 1603a and 1603b are arranged symmetrically about line AA. The body 1604 may include a protruding central portion 1605 extending from the body 1604 in the same direction as the pins 1603a and 1603b. Typically, the pins 1603a and 1603b, the body 1604, and the central portion 1605 may be arranged substantially coplanar with each other. The receiving section 1602 is configured to receive the snap-fit ​​1601 (particularly the pins 1603 and optionally the central portion 1605) in a snap-fit ​​locking configuration.

[0143] Figure 16B A latch 1601 is shown fully engaged with the receiving section 1602 in a latch-lock configuration. Here, pins 1603a and 1603b are prevented from moving away from the receiving section 1602 by engaging with the receiving section body 1606. As with a typical latch-on-the-side release latch, the latch 1601 can be released from the receiving section 1602 by pressing inward (e.g., toward line AA) on the pins 1603a and 1603b.

[0144] In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism 1600 may include a disconnecting mechanism, which is part of the connecting mechanism for attaching two segments of the collar together when the collar is fitted around the neck of an animal. For example, pins 1603a and 1603b may be designed to be reversibly deformable and detached from the body 1606 of the receiving segment 1602 under a predefined load.

[0145] In one embodiment, reference Figure 17A and Figure 17B A locking panel 1700 is provided for use when the latch 1601 is fully engaged with the receiving section 1602 (i.e., as shown in the image). Figure 16B(As shown) it snaps onto the connecting mechanism 1600. The locking panel 1700 includes locking tabs 1702a, 1702b that project vertically from the panel body 1701 of the opposite plane. The locking tabs 1702a, 1702b are positioned such that when the locking panel 1700 is attached to the connecting mechanism 1600, the locking tabs 1702a, 1702b are located within respective holes 1607a, 1607b defined by the space between the pins 1603a, 1603b and the receiving section body 1606. Figure 17B A locking panel 1700 attached to the connecting mechanism 1600 is shown, illustrating the holes 1607a and 1607b (note that hole 1607a is in...). Figure 7 Locking tabs 1702a and 1702b are located within (the portion of B that is obscured). Locking tabs 1702a and 1702b include locking ends 1703a and 1703b shaped to allow the locking panel 1700 to snap onto the connecting mechanism 1600. Advantageously, when located within holes 1607a and 1607b, the locking tabs 1702a and 1702b are inwardly (i.e., toward) the obstructing pins 1603a and 1603b. Figure 16B The line AA in the middle is moved to prevent pins 1603a and 1603b from unintentionally detaching from the receiving section body 1606.

[0146] refer to Figure 18 In one embodiment, Figure 16A and Figure 16BThe snap 1601 includes a chain receiving hole 1800 configured to receive and secure the chain 1801 (e.g., when the chain 1801 forms part of the collar 11, as previously described). The receiving hole 1800 has two main elements: a larger receiving opening 1802 and a narrow slot 1803. The chain 1801 can be fed through the receiving opening 1802 from its free end; the receiving opening 1802 is generally circular and has a diameter larger than the maximum width of the chain links 1804a, 1804b. Therefore, the chain 1801 can be easily fed through the receiving opening 1802 without twisting the chain 1801 for each new chain link 1804a, 1804b entering the receiving opening 1802. The chain 1801 is then slid down into the slot 1803. The slot 1803 is relatively elongated and has a relatively narrow width, which is greater than the minimum width of chain links 1804a and 1804b but less than the maximum width of chain links 1804a and 1804b. Furthermore, the slot 1803 has a sufficiently small depth such that individual chain links 1804a and 1804b can extend from one side of the slot 1803 to the other (as shown). The slot 1803 is positioned such that, in use, the usual tension applied to the chain 1801 (e.g., depending on the embodiment, due to the weight of the electronic unit 14 or the counterweight 19) pulls the chain to the end of the slot 1803 opposite to the receiving opening 1802. Therefore, chain 1801 is effectively secured in place because chain links 1804b and 1804c, which are directly adjacent to chain link 1804a currently in slot 1803, cannot enter slot 1803 (rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to chain link 1804a currently in slot 1903).

[0147] Figure 18 The embodiments can advantageously provide a relatively simple mechanism for setting the size of the collar 11 by allowing the user to select a specific chain link 1804a to be used as a chain link within the slot 1803. This can be done before the snap 1601 engages with the receiving segment 1602. It is envisioned that the chain receiving hole 1800 could be formed as a component of the receiving segment body 1606, while providing the same benefits.

[0148] Return to reference Figure 17AThe locking panel 1700 may further include a locking peg 1703 extending in the same direction as the locking tabs 1702a and 1702b. The locking peg 1703 is configured to be positioned within the receiving opening 1802 when the locking panel 1700 is attached to the connecting mechanism 1600. Therefore, in this configuration, the locking peg 1703 advantageously prevents the chain 1804 from unintentionally moving into the receiving opening 1802 and risking the chain 1801 disengaging from the connecting mechanism 1600. The locking peg 1703 may be shaped to form a frictional engagement with the receiving opening 1802, thereby assisting in securing the locking panel 1700 to the connecting mechanism 1600. Furthermore, the connecting mechanism 1600 and the locking panel 1700 can be shaped to define an inner cavity when the locking panel 1700 is attached to the connecting mechanism 1600, such that any remaining portion of the chain 1801 (i.e., the portion that does not form the collar 11) can be accommodated therein and prevented from getting caught on potential hook points such as tree branches.

[0149] The user can change the length of the collar 11 by moving the chain through the receiving opening 1802 until the ideal length or fit of the collar 11 is achieved, and then the link 1804a of the chain 1801 is moved down along the slot 1803 to lock it in place.

[0150] Figure 20 The combination is shown Figures 16A-18 and Figure 19 One specific embodiment of the example. The disconnecting mechanism 27 effectively connects two connecting mechanisms 1600a, 1600b located at opposite ends of the disconnecting mechanism 27 and fixed to those opposite ends. Figure 20 The embodiments can be used with wearable devices 10 that include one or more expansion mechanisms 13, or, alternatively, can be used with wearable devices 10 that do not utilize expansion mechanisms 13. In the latter case, the disconnect mechanism 27 advantageously ensures that the originally fixed-size collar 11 does not endanger the animal 99 when the collar 11 is hung in the environment or otherwise subjected to significant loads.

[0151] Depending on the embodiment, various components of the wearable device 10 can be in permanent contact with the animal 99. For example, Figure 2A and Figure 2B Expansion mechanism 13 and Figure 2C Electronic unit 14. In some arrangements, Figure 19 and / or Figure 20The disconnect mechanism 27 can be in permanent contact with the animal 99 (e.g., it can be located on top of the animal 99, such as at or near the top of the animal 99's neck). It can be advantageous to configure the portions of the related components (13, 14, 27) that contact the animal 99 as smooth, so that movement of the related components (13, 14, 27) does not cause, or at least minimally causes, abrasions to the animal 99. It can also be advantageous to conform the contact portions of the related components to the shape of the animal 99 at the location where the contact portions contact the animal. Such advantages may be particularly applicable to components of the wearable device 10 located on top of the animal 99 (e.g., at the top of the animal's neck), which are affected by the overall weight of the wearable device 10 (e.g., due to the weight of the suspension positioned on the collar 11, such as...). Figure 1A Electronic unit 14 or such Figure 1B The counterweight 19) was pressed onto the animal 99.

[0152] Other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this instruction manual.

Claims

1. A wearable device for animals, comprising: Collar; as well as Expansion unit, the expansion unit including one or more expansion mechanisms, The one or more expansion mechanisms are coupled to the collar and configured to control the effective size of the collar when the wearable device is worn by the animal.

2. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein, The expansion unit is configured to be located on the upper part of the animal when worn, and the collar extends downward from the expansion unit, wherein the wearable device thereby surrounds a portion of the animal.

3. The wearable device according to claim 1 or claim 2 further includes an electronic unit attached to the collar and located in the lower part of the animal when worn.

4. The wearable device according to claim 3 when claim 2 is referenced, wherein, The expansion unit is configured to be positioned at the top of the animal's neck, and wherein the electronic unit is configured to be suspended from the expansion unit via the collar, such that the electronic unit is suspended below the animal's neck.

5. The wearable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a disconnection mechanism configured to cause the wearable device to disconnect when the wearable device experiences a load higher than a predefined load.

6. The wearable device according to claim 5, wherein, The collar includes one or more collar portions, each collar portion including a chain, wherein the disconnect mechanism includes one or more disconnectable chain links of the chain of at least one of the one or more collar portions.

7. The wearable device according to claim 6, wherein, The disconnecting mechanism is relatively elongated and planar, and includes one or more hole arrangements such that when the load exceeds the predefined load, the disconnecting mechanism physically disconnects at the location of at least one of the one or more hole arrangements, wherein the hole arrangement or each hole arrangement includes a plurality of holes arranged in a row generally perpendicular to the length of the disconnecting mechanism.

8. The wearable device according to claim 5 or claim 7, wherein, The disconnect mechanism is generally formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer such as Desmopan® 9380AU.

9. The wearable device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, The predefined load is between 200 kg and 600 kg.

10. The wearable device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The collar includes a chain.

11. The wearable device according to claim 10, wherein, The collar includes a first collar portion and a second collar portion, and further, the wearable device includes an electronic unit such that one end of the first collar portion and one end of the second collar portion are each connected to the electronic unit.

12. The wearable device according to claim 11, wherein, The first collar portion is configured as a first electrode, and the second collar portion is configured as a second electrode, such that the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to the electronic unit, respectively.

13. The wearable device according to claim 12, wherein, The electronic unit is configured to selectively apply electrical stimulation to the animal via the first electrode and the second electrode.

14. The wearable device according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein, The expansion mechanism is configured to electrically isolate the first collar portion configured as the first electrode and the second collar portion configured as the second electrode.

15. The wearable device according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein, Either or both of the first collar portion and the second collar portion include at least one non-conductive segment.

16. The wearable device according to claim 15, wherein, Specific non-conductive segments are located in the segments of their respective collar portions that are not connected to the electronic unit.

17. The wearable device according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein, One or more non-conductive segments interact with the expansion mechanism.

18. The wearable device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The expansion mechanism includes a piston located within a chamber, wherein the chamber contains fluid, and wherein the fluid is enabled to move from a first side of the chamber to a second side of the chamber via a flow limiting unit, wherein the piston defines the first side and the second side, wherein a spring forces the piston to move in a direction toward the first side, and wherein the flow limiting unit is configured to control the movement of the piston due to a predefined restriction on the fluid flow from the first side to the second side.

19. The wearable device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The expansion mechanism includes an actuator that can be controlled by the controller module of the wearable device.

20. The wearable device according to claim 19, wherein, The actuator includes a motor and a reel, wherein the motor is arranged to controllably drive the reel to rotate in at least a first rotational direction, such that the size of the collar increases when the reel is driven in the first direction.

21. The wearable device according to claim 20, wherein, The motor is coupled to a gear arrangement including a worm, wherein the worm is separately coupled to a worm wheel such that rotation of the worm due to operation of the motor causes a corresponding rotation of the worm wheel, and wherein the expansion mechanism includes at least a first configuration in which, when in the first configuration, the worm wheel is mechanically engaged with the spool such that rotation of the worm wheel causes a corresponding rotation of the spool, thereby enabling the motor to controllably drive the rotation of the spool.

22. The wearable device according to claim 21, wherein, The face of the worm gear is adjacent to the face of the spool, such that the worm gear and the spool share a common axis of rotation.

23. The wearable device according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein, The expansion mechanism includes a knob having an outwardly facing dial and a shaft, wherein the shaft extends through a circular inner opening of the reel and, in the first configuration, extends through a circular hole of the worm gear, such that, in the first configuration, an engagement mechanism of the shaft mechanically engages the shaft to both the reel and the worm gear, thereby mechanically engaging the reel with the worm gear.

24. The wearable device according to claim 23, wherein, The knob is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein, when in the second configuration, the engagement mechanism of the shaft is not mechanically engaged with the worm gear, thereby allowing the spool to rotate freely relative to the worm gear.

25. The wearable device according to claim 24, wherein, In the second configuration, the size of the wearable device is manually adjustable, and in the first configuration, the size of the wearable device is locked to resist manual adjustment, wherein, in the first configuration, the size of the wearable device can be adjusted by operation of the motor.

26. The wearable device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein, The engagement mechanism includes a spline on the shaft, the spline being configured to engage with a complementary spline on the inner surface of the spool, and, in the first configuration, with a complementary spline on the inner bore of the worm gear.

27. The wearable device according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein, The worm gear is permanently mechanically engaged with the spool, or the worm gear and the spool are integrally formed.

28. The wearable device according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein, The actuator is controlled via the controller module of the wearable device.

29. The wearable device according to claim 28, wherein, The controller module is implemented by the controller of the electronic module of the wearable device.

30. The wearable device according to claim 29, wherein, The electronic module is further configured to implement a virtual fence system, which is configured to selectively provide stimulation to the animal when worn in order to control the animal's physical location.

31. The wearable device according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein, The actuator is controlled to cause the wearable device to expand based on the length of time the wearable device has been worn by the animal.

32. The wearable device according to any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein, The actuator is controlled to cause expansion of the wearable device based on characteristics measured from the animal obtained through the controller module, the measured characteristics including at least one or two of the following within a preselected time period: movement of the collar along the axis; and animal behavior to determine whether the fit of the wearable device is tight or normal.

33. The wearable device according to any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein, The controller module can monitor the tension of the collar and control the actuator to maintain the tension within a predefined range or not greater than a predefined tension.

34. The wearable device according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein, The controller module is configured to send a notification to the recipient in response to determining that the measured characteristics or tension are outside a predetermined range indicating that the collar is too tight or too loose and that the automatic expansion mechanism is unable to adjust the size of the wearable device to the predetermined range.

35. A method for controlling the size of a wearable device according to any one of claims 19 to 34, comprising the following steps: The controller module controls the actuator based on the elapsed time to cause the wearable device to expand; and / or The controller module controls the actuator based on the measured characteristics of the wearable device to cause the wearable device to expand.

36. A method for attaching a wearable device according to claim 24 to a body part of an animal and subsequently adjusting its size, comprising the steps of: The wearable device is placed on the body part of the animal; Set the knob to the second position; Adjust the size of the wearable device; After obtaining the desired relative size of the wearable device with respect to the animal's body portion, the knob is placed in a first position, thereby locking the wearable device at the desired relative size; and The actuator is controlled by the controller module to cause the size of the wearable device to increase.

Images