Improvements to animal collars and related methods

Abstract

A wearable apparatus for an animal, comprising: a collar; and an expansion unit comprising one or more expansion mechanisms, wherein the one or more expansion mechanisms are coupled to the collar and configured to control an effective size of the collar while the wearable apparatus is being worn by the animal.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO ANIMAL COLLARS AND RELATED METHODS Technical Field

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

[0002] In an existing system a virtual fencing system uses battery powered collar units (in some cases supplemented by solar power) attached to the necks of animals (e.g. cattle) to provide aversive and / or non-aversive stimuli to the animal based on its GPS location. The stimuli prevent the individual animals moving into particular pre-defined areas of a field or pasture, thereby establishing virtual boundaries that the animals will not or are unlikely to cross. Summary of the Invention

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

[0004] Optionally, the expansion unit is configured to be located at an upper portion of the animal when worn, and the collar extends downwards therefrom, and wherein the wearable apparatus thereby encircles a part of the animal. The part of the animal encircled may be the neck, for example, such that the expansion unit is substantially located at the top of the animal’s neck. The wearable apparatus may comprise an electronics unit attached to the collar and located at a lower portion of the animal (such as under the neck) when worn. The expansion unit may be configured to be located at a top of a neck of the animal and the electronics unit may be configured to be located hanging from the expansion unit via the collar, such that the electronics unit is hanging underneath the neck of the animal. The expansion unit, when configured to be located at the top of the animal’s neck, preferably comprises a smooth contactsurface for contacting the neck of the animal such as to advantageously avoid or at least minimise abrasion of the animal’s skin due to movement of the expansion unit.

[0005] Optionally, the wearable apparatus further comprises a breakaway mechanism configured to cause the wearable apparatus to break when a loading higher than a predefined loading is experienced by the wearable apparatus. The breakaway mechanism may be configured to physically break when the loading exceeds the predefined loading. Optionally the breakaway mechanism may allow limited expansion of the collar rather than actual breaking, such that the collar of the wearable apparatus may expand sufficiently to slip off the neck of the animal when the collar is snagged and a higher than a predefined loading is experienced by the collar. The predefined loading may be between 200 and 600 kg. The collar may comprise one or more collar portions comprising a chain, and the breakaway mechanism may comprise one or more breakable chain links of the chain of at least one collar portion of the one or more collar portion. Alternatively, the breakaway mechanism may be relatively elongate and planar and may comprise one or more arrangement of apertures, such that the breakaway mechanism physically breaks at the location of at least one of the one or more arrangements of apertures when the loading exceeds the predefined loading. In this case, the breakaway mechanism, when configured to be located at or near the top of the animal’s neck, preferably comprises a smooth contact surface for contacting the neck of the animal such as to advantageously avoid or at least minimise abrasion of the animal’s skin due to movement of the expansion unit, The, or each, arrangement of apertures may comprise a plurality of apertures arranged in a row substantially perpendicular to a length of the breakaway mechanism. The breakaway mechanism may be substantially formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, such as Desmopan® 9380AU. The breakaway mechanism may preferably be integrally formed. Alternatively, the breakaway mechanism may be part of a connecting device that is used to attach two sections of the collar together when installing the collar around the neck of an animal.

[0006] Optionally, the collar comprises a chain. The collar may comprise a first collar portion and a second collar portion, and the wearable apparatus may comprise an electronics unit, such that an end of the first collar portion and an end of the second collar portion may be each coupled to the electronics 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 second electrode may be separately electrically coupled to the electronics unit.The electronics unit may be configured to apply an electrical stimulus to the animal via the first electrode and 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 of both of the first collar portion and the second collar portion may comprise at least one non-electrically conductive segment. Typically, a particular non-electrically conductive segment is located in a segment of its respective collar portion not coupled to the electronics unit. Optionally, the one or more non- electrically conductive segment is coupled 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 centred at the bottom of the collar, while maintaining the chain electrodes symmetrically in contact with the animal’s neck.

[0007] Optionally, the expansion mechanism is configured to provide an ongoing retraction force to the collar. The expansion mechanism may comprise at least one spring coupling the collar to an electronics unit or counterweight located at a bottom of the wearable apparatus when worn by the animal.

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

[0009] Optionally, the expansion mechanism comprises a piston located within a chamber, wherein the chamber comprises a 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 restriction unit, wherein the piston delineates the first side and the second side, wherein a spring forces the piston to move in a direction towards the first side, and wherein the flow restriction 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 due to the flow restriction unit may be configured to allow expansion of the collar to occur at a predetermined rate over a predetermined period of time.

[0010] Optionally, the expansion mechanism comprises an actuator controllable by a controller module of the wearable apparatus.

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

[0012] In an embodiment, the expansion mechanism comprises a motor and a spool, wherein the motor is arranged to controllably drive rotation of the spool in at least a first direction of rotation, such that the collar size is increased when the spool is driven in the first direction. The motor may be coupled to a gear arrangement comprising 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 may cause a corresponding rotation to the worm gear, and the expansion mechanism may comprise at least a first configuration, wherein when in said 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 rotation of the spool. A face of the worm gear may abut a face of the spool such that the worm gear and spool share an axis of rotation. The expansion mechanism may comprise a knob having an outward facing dial and a shaft, the shaft may extend through a circular inner opening of the spool and, when in the first configuration, a circular aperture of the worm gear, such that when in the first configuration, an engagement mechanism of the shaft may mechanically engage the shaft to both the spool and the worm gear such that the spool is thereby mechanically engaged with the worm gear. The knob may be moveable between the 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 such that the spool is thereby free to rotate with respect to the worm gear. A size of the wearable apparatus may be manually adjustable when in the second configuration and may be locked against manual adjustment when in the first configuration, and the size of the wearable apparatus may be adjustable through operation of the motor when in the first configuration. The engagement mechanism may comprise a spline on the shaft configured to engage with a complementary spline on the inner surface of the spool and, when in the first configuration, a complementary spline on the inner aperture of the worm gear. Alternatively, the worm gear may be permanently mechanically engaged with to the spool or the worm gear may be integrally formed with the spool. The motor may be controlled via controller module of the wearable apparatus. Optionally the worm gear is a segment of the full circumference of a gear which provides limited expansion of the collar. When the manual adjustment mechanismis in the second configuration the worm be reset to a start position while the manual adjustment is made to resize the collar length to suit the animal’s neck thereby providing a new range of collar expansion according to the length of the worm gear segment.

[0013] Optionally, the controller module is implemented by a controller of an electronics module of the wearable apparatus. The electronics module may be configured to implement a virtual fence system configured to selectively provide a stimulus to the animal when worn such as to control a physical location of the animal. The motor or actuator may be controlled such as to cause expansion of the wearable apparatus in dependence on a length of time the wearable apparatus has been worn by the animal. The motor or actuator may be controlled such as to cause expansion of the wearable apparatus in dependence on measured characteristics made by the controller module of the animal, said measured characteristics at least comprising one or both of: movement of the collar along an axis; and animal behaviour, over a preselected time period to determine if the fitment of the wearable apparatus is tight, normal or loose.

[0014] Optionally, the controller module may monitor a tension force of the collar and control the actuator to maintain the tension force within a predefined range or not greater than a predefined tension force. The controller module or the electronic unit may be configured to send a notification to a recipient in response to determining that the measured characteristic or tension force is outside a predetermined range indicative of the collar being too tight or too loose or of becoming detached from the animal or that the automatic expansion mechanism is unable to adjust the size of the wearable apparatus to within the predetermined range.

[0015] Optionally, at least one expansion mechanism comprises a locking retractor configured to: apply a retraction bias to the collar to thereby cause tightening of the collar on the animal; and in an event of a sufficient expansion force being applied to the collar to oppose the retraction bias, allow the collar to expand.

[0016] The locking retractor may comprise a spool about which an end of the collar is wound, retraction of the collar may be effected by a spring coupled to the spool and a housing of the locking retractor, and the spring may be arranged to impart a torque onto the spool in a direction to cause winding of the collar onto the spool. The locking retractor may be configured to impede expansion of the collar when the expansion force exceeds a predefined threshold. The locking retractor may comprise an inertial locking mechanism configured to engage to impede expansion of the collar when the expansion force exceeds the predefined threshold. The collar may comprise a first collar portion and a second collar portion, and an end of the first collarportion may be affixed to the spool such as to be wound onto and unwound off of the spool during use. An end of the second collar portion may be affixed to the spool such as to be wound onto and unwound off of the spool during use. The wearable apparatus may comprise an additional expansion mechanism comprising an additional locking retractor, and an end of the second collar portion may be affixed to a spool of the additional locking retractor such as to be wound onto and unwound off of the spool of the additional locking retractor during use. The spool of the expansion mechanism may be coupled to the spool of the additional expansion mechanism via a rotational coupler such that the rotation of each is constrained by the rotation of the other.

[0017] The locking retractor may comprise a knob or other means to enable a user to set a size of the wearable apparatus, the knob or other means may be coupled to the spool and may lock the spool against rotation when the size is set.

[0018] The locking retractor may comprise a locking means configured to enable a user to selectively lock the locking retractor against retraction.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling a size of a wearable apparatus including an actuator, comprising the steps of: the controller module controlling the actuator to cause an expansion of the wearable apparatus based on an elapsed time; and / or the controller module controlling the actuator to cause an expansion of the wearable apparatus based on in dependence of the measure characteristics of the wearable apparatus.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for attaching the wearable apparatus comprising a knob onto a body part of an animal and subsequently adjusting its size, comprising the steps of: placing the wearable apparatus onto the body part of the animal; putting the knob into the second position; adjusting a size of the wearable apparatus; upon obtaining a desired relative size of the wearable apparatus with respect to the body part of the animal, putting the knob into the first position thereby locking the wearable apparatus at the desired relative size; and controlling, by the controller module, the actuator such as to cause an increase in size of the wearable apparatus.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for attaching the wearable apparatus of the previously described aspect when comprising a locking retractor and a locking means onto a body part of an animal, comprising the steps of: setting asize of the wearable apparatus to be larger than that of the body part and locking the wearable apparatus against reductions in size using the locking means; placing the wearable apparatus onto the body part of the animal; unlocking the wearable apparatus against reductions in size, thereby enabling the locking retractor to reduce the size of the wearable apparatus to a size of the body part.

[0022] As used herein, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A and 1B show an expandable wearable apparatus in different configurations on an animal, according to two embodiments; Figures 2A-2C show embodiments of a wearable apparatus having different configurations when worn by an animal; Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the expansion mechanism comprises a locking retractor; Figure 4 shows a breakaway mechanism utilised with a wearable apparatus according to an embodiment; Figures 5A-5C show an embodiment in which two collar portions are associated with the same spool of a retraction mechanism; Figure 6 shows two separate retractors according to an embodiment; Figure 7 shows a method for putting a wearable apparatus onto an animal, according to an embodiment; Figures 8A-8B show a manual adjustor for an expansion mechanism, according to an embodiment;Figures 9A-9B show a guard element and a sheath used with an embodiment of the wearable apparatus; Figure 10 shows an embodiment in which the expansion mechanism is configured to apply an ongoing retraction force to the collar while also enabling the collar to expand; Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which the expansion mechanism is configured to regulate the expansion of the collar when the expandable wearable apparatus is worn by an animal; Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which the expansion mechanism is configured to allow for a predefined rate of expansion of the collar when the expandable wearable apparatus is worn by an animal; Figure 13 shows an embodiment comprising an expansion mechanism configured for active control of the expansion of the collar via controllable solenoids; Figures 14A-14C show an embodiment comprising an expansion mechanism configured for active control of the expansion of the collar via a motor; Figure 15 shows a method for controlling any previous embodiment that allows active measurement of the collar length or goodness of fit by using animal activity data and collar movement data for example the embodiment of Figure 13 or the embodiment of Figure 14; Figures 16A-16C show a connection mechanism configured to facilitate connection of two collar elements of a collar; Figures 17A-17B show a locking panel for clipping onto the connection mechanism; Figure 18 shows a chain receiving aperture of the connection mechanism; Figure 19 shows a breakaway mechanism according to an embodiment; and Figure 20 shows a particular implementation combining the embodiments of Figures 16A-18 and Figure 19. Description of Embodiments

[0024] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. It will be readily understood that the aspects ofthe present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0025] Unless defined otherwise, 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 belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the example methods and materials are described herein.

[0026] Figures 1A and 1B show an expandable wearable apparatus 10 in different configurations on an animal 99, each according to an embodiment. Generally, the wearable apparatus 10 comprises a collar 11 and an expansion unit comprising at least one expansion mechanism 13 attached to the collar 11. The wearable apparatus 10 is changeable in size via an action of the expansion mechanism 13 which generally controls the length of collar 11, such that the size of the wearable apparatus 10 is dependent on the length of the collar 11. The animal 99, for example, can be selected from cattle, sheep, goats, and other domesticated farm animals.

[0027] Referring to the embodiment of Figure 1A, the 14 is configured to be located hanging from the neck of the animal 99 and therefore, a substantive portion of the collar 11 is located above the electronics unit 14. In this embodiment, the expansion mechanism 13 is also located above the electronics unit 14 (shown on top of the neck of the animal 99 in this implementation).

[0028] Referring to the embodiment of Figure 1B, the electronics unit 14 is configured to be located at the top of the neck of the animal 99 and therefore, a substantive portion of the collar 11 is located below the electronics unit 14. In this embodiment, the expansion mechanism 13 is also located below the electronics unit 14 (shown on the “side” of the neck of the animal 99 in this implementation). In this embodiment, there can be provided a counterweight 19 located at the bottom of the wearable apparatus 10 to bias the orientation of the wearable apparatus 10 to ensure the electronics unit 14 remains located on the top of the neck of the animal 99 during use. It is foreseeable that the expansion mechanism could also be provided at or integrated with the counterweight 19 at the bottom of the wearable apparatus.

[0029] The collar 11 is generally non- such that it can be worn in a manner in which it adapts to the shape of the animal 99. Typically, the wearable apparatus 10 is worn at the neck of the animal 99 (the drawings assume such a configuration) and therefore is required to adapt to variations in the neck profile of different animals 99 and, furthermore, is required to adapt to changes in the neck profile of a particular animal 99 over time (e.g. due to changes in size of the neck of the animal 99).

[0030] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the collar 11 comprises two distinct collar portions 11a, 11b. Here, the collar portions 11a, 11b are separated by both the expansion mechanism 13 and the electronics unit 14. The collar 11 can be discontinuous at both the expansion mechanism 13 and the electronics unit 14, such that the first collar portion 11a is a separate physical element to the second collar portion 11b. In the example shown, the electronics unit 14 comprises separate collar mounting points 80a, 80b and the collar 11 terminates at each of the first collar mounting point 80a and second collar mounting point 80b.

[0031] In an optional alternative, the collar 11 can be continuous at either or both of the expansion mechanism 13 and the electronics unit 14. Referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 2B, the collar 11 is discontinuous at the expansion mechanism 13. However, the material of the collar 11 does not terminate at the electronics unit 14, for example, it can be threaded through a suitable opening in the housing of the electronics unit 14. In this case, the electronics is optionally configured to be relatively free to move along the collar 11.

[0032] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 2C, the collar 11 can comprise additional collar portions 11c, 11d. For example, as shown, where a counterweight 19 is utilised in addition to the expansion mechanism 13 and electronics unit 14 (which is itself located at the top of the neck of the animal 99), the collar 11 can be understood as comprising more than two portions. In cases comprising a first expansion mechanism 13a and a second expansion mechanism 13b (as with Figure 2C), the first expansion mechanism 13a is associated with a collar portion 11a and a second collar portion 11b, and the second expansion mechanism 13b is associated with a third collar portion 11c and a fourth collar portion 11d. Another arrangement envisioned, but not shown, comprises three collar portions 11a-11c, in which the first collar portion 11a is associated with the first expansion mechanism 13a only, the third collar portion 11c is associated with the second expansion mechanism 13b only, and the second collar portion 11b is common to both the first and second expansionmechanisms 13a, 13b (for example, to a modification of Figure 2C wherein the electronics unit 14 is positioned hanging from the collar 11 and therefore no counterweight 19 is required).

[0033] As used herein, relative locating terms are to be understood by reference to the orientation of the wearable apparatus 10 when worn by the animal 99, assuming that the wearable apparatus 10 is worn on a neck of the animal 99 and that the animal 99 is in an upright standing position (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A and 1B). Therefore, “bottom” and synonyms can be understood as being the portion of the wearable apparatus 10 closest to the ground and “top” and synonyms can be understood as being the portion of the wearable apparatus 10 furthest from the ground (i.e., in each case, when the animal 99 is standing). Similarly, “above” and synonyms can be understood as meaning a relative position further towards the top of the wearable apparatus 10 and “below” and synonyms can be understood as meaning a relative position further towards the bottom of the wearable apparatus 10.

[0034] In an embodiment, the collar 11 is resistant to substantial stretching. For example, the collar 11 can be made of a nylon material or similar. The collar 11 (or the combination of separate portions thereof) can have a relatively elongate longitudinal axis. Here, the longitudinal axis effectively extends from one end of the collar 11 to the other (e.g., if the collar 11 is understood as terminating at the electronics unit 14, then the longitudinal axis extends from the electronics unit 14 at one end of the collar 11, along the collar 11 length and including any portions thereof), and back to the electronics unit 14 at the other end of the collar 11. Therefore, when worn at the neck of an animal 99, the longitudinal axis in use follows the curved profile of the neck.

[0035] Typically, the collar 11 comprises a relatively short transverse axis (i.e. being an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as defined above). In use, the transverse axis is substantially aligned with the neck (i.e. extending in a direction substantially between the body and the head of the animal 99).

[0036] The expansion mechanism 13 is configured to enable the size of the wearable apparatus 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 wearable apparatus 10 is continuously worn by the animal 99. For example, during the normal growth stage of the animal 99, its neck will typically increase in size; that is, the total length of the perimeter of the neck increases. Without expansion mechanism 13, the wearable apparatus 10 will typically require intermittent manualadjustment by a user to avoid the wearable 10 causing harm to the animal 99 as a result of the animal’s growth.

[0037] Embodiments are described in which the expansion mechanism 13 is configured to provide a retraction bias while allowing expansion of the wearable apparatus 10. The retraction bias acts on the collar 11 to cause a reduction in the overall size of the wearable apparatus 10 when the wearable apparatus 10 size is larger than that of the animal’s neck. The retraction bias is configured to be overcome by a predefined expansion force, such as due to the growth of the animal 99 (e.g., the increase in overall perimeter of the neck of the animal 99). Therefore, although the retraction bias acts to cause a reduction in the size of the wearable apparatus 10, the overall size of the wearable apparatus 10 increases with the animal’s growth without causing discomfort.

[0038] For example, referring to the configurations shown in Figures 2A and 2B, in embodiments utilising a retraction 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 absent the body of the animal 99, or where the collar 11 is loose or outside a predetermined range of tension, causes the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b to be pulled into the expansion mechanism 13. In the example of Figure 2C, 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, which absent the body of the animal 99, or where the collar is loose or outside a predetermined range of tension, 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, which absent the body of the animal 99 causes the third collar portion 11c and the fourth collar portion 11d to be pulled into the second expansion mechanism 13b.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the expansion mechanism 13 provides a retraction bias and further comprises a locking retractor 20. The retraction bias is provided by a spring 21 (in the illustrated case, a coil spring). The expansion mechanism 13 also comprises a housing 22 and a spool 33 mounted to the housing 22 (typically, within the housing 22). The spool 33 is rotatably mounted to the housing 22 and can be understood as defining a substantially cylindrical profile. The spool 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.

[0040] The spring 21 is mechanically to the housing 22 and the spool 33 such as to impart a torque onto the spool 33 (with respect to the housing 22). In use, the collar 11 (in the embodiment shown, the collar 11 comprises a chain) is mechanically coupled to the spool 33 at a free end of the collar 11 such as to be wound around the spool 33 (e.g. around the cylindrical surface of the spool 33) during retraction of the collar 11. During expansion of the wearable apparatus 10, the collar 11 is unwound from the spool 33. Regarding terminology herein, during retraction of the wearable apparatus 10, the spool 33 rotates in a “retraction direction”, and during expansion of the wearable apparatus 10, the spool 33 rotates in an “expansion direction”, such that the retraction direction is an opposite direction of rotation to the expansion direction.

[0041] In an embodiment in which the collar 11 comprises a spool 33, the spool 33 can comprise indents and grooves for the chain to locate into (e.g. matching the alternating chain link pattern of the chain). Figure 3 shows a coupling point 32 integral with spool 33 to which the end chain link of a chain is affixed. The coupling point 32 in the embodiment shown comprises a radial protrusion over which the end chain link of chain is placed. In embodiments in which the collar 11 comprises another material, for example where the collar 11 comprises a strap, the coupling point 32 can comprise different structure, such as the spool 33 comprising a friction insert shaped to receive an end of the strap. Chains may be advantageous as they are relatively strong yet flexible. In addition, chains may be advantageously made electrically conductive and may thereby act as electrodes for applying electrical stimulus to influence the learning of desired behaviour of animals (discussed further below).

[0042] Figure 3 also shows a cutaway view (insert A) of an inertial locking mechanism 26 of the expansion mechanism 13. Note that, in the insert, the collar 11 and the spring 21 have been omitted. The inertial locking mechanism 26 is configured to lock the spool 33 against rotation in the expansion direction in the event that the force applied to cause expansion (“expansion force”) exceeds a threshold magnitude or threshold magnitude rate. Typically, the inertial locking mechanism 26 is arranged to “activate” (lock against rotation in the expansion direction) for forces (and therefore torques) or rates of change of forces (and therefore torques) significantly larger than that expected to occur due to growth of the animal 99. The inertial locking mechanism 26 thereby stops the collar 11 from completely unwinding due to expansion forces not related to the growth of the animal 99—for example, where the animal 99is running or otherwise making ongoing motions that might cause the collar 11 to unwind sufficiently to risk the wearable apparatus 10 coming off the animal 99.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, the inertial locking mechanism 26 comprises an inertial clutch 39 and an engagement portion 40. The inertial clutch 39 is biased, for example by a spring (not shown), towards a non-engaged position (typically, pulled radially inwards). The inertial clutch 39 is configured to rotate with the spool 33 (i.e., the spool 33 and the inertial clutch 39 both rotate about a same rotation point). At sufficient rotation rates of the spool 33, the centrifugal force experienced by the rotating inertial clutch 39 overcomes the bias and the inertial clutch 39 moves outwards. At sufficient rates of rotation, the outer surface of the inertial clutch 39 will engage with an internal surface of the engagement portion 40, which is non-rotating (e.g. the engagement portion 40 is fixed with respect to the housing 22). As shown, the outer surface of the inertial clutch 39 comprises radially outward extending clutch teeth 42 and the engagement portion 40 comprises complementary radially inward extending engagement portion teeth 43. When interlocked as a result of the radially outward movement of the inertial clutch 39, the rotation of the inertial clutch 39 is halted. In order for the spool 33 to continue rotating, the overall torque applied to the spool 33 must decrease sufficiently to allow the inertial clutch 39 to disengage from the engagement portion 40.

[0044] Various embodiments described herein (e.g., with reference to Figures 4 and 19) optionally comprise a breakaway mechanism 27 configured to cause the wearable apparatus 10 to “break” or otherwise be removed from the animal 99 under a sufficiently high load. For example, the breakaway mechanism 27 is configured to act in cases where the loading on the wearable apparatus 10 exceeds a predefined loading. For example, the breakaway mechanism 27 can be configured to break, or create an opening in, the wearable apparatus 10 when a load on the wearable apparatus 10 exceeds a predefined loading of between 200-600 kg (this range may be particularly applicable to cattle). The particular predefined loading selected can be determined in accordance with the intended use (i.e., the particular breed of animal 99). The breakaway mechanism 27 is typically a physically distinct element to expansion mechanism 13. The breakaway mechanism 27 may advantageously provide a failsafe to the wearable apparatus 10 for instances where the wearable apparatus 10 becomes caught or could otherwise pose a potential risk to the animal 10 if it is not removed. In one example embodiment, the breakaway mechanism 27 can correspond to the buckle described in Applicant’s PCT Publication no. WO 2021 / 016653 A1 (published 4 February 2021). In analternative example the breakaway mechanism may be a reduced strength link in a chain or for example a plastic link that functions both as a reduced strength element and an insulating element in the collar.

[0045] With reference to Figure 4, in an embodiment, the inertial locking mechanism 26 (e.g., see Figure 3) is complemented by the breakaway mechanism 27, which advantageously reduces or eliminates the risk that the action of the inertial locking mechanism 26 (i.e., halting expansion of the wearable apparatus 10 caused by a high expansion force) does not risk endangering the animal 99 in circumstances where the excessive expansion force is due to a dangerous situation, such as the wearable apparatus 10 being caught on an unmoveable feature in the animal’s environment such as a fence, gate, or other structure. More generally, the breakaway mechanism 27 may be advantageous in other embodiments described herein by providing a failsafe to the wearable apparatus 10 for instances where the wearable apparatus 10 becomes caught or could otherwise pose a potential risk to the animal 10 if it is not removed.

[0046] Figure 19 shows a breakaway mechanism 27 according to another embodiment. The breakaway mechanism 27 is configured to physically break when an applied load exceeds the predefined loading. The breakaway mechanism 27 is formed from a relatively resilient material, such as Desmopan® 9380AU or similar material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer). As the collars 11 are worn in a variety of climatic conditions, the material of the breakaway mechanism 27 should be resistant to degradation in the expected conditions. The breakaway mechanism 27 can be integrally formed. The geometry of the breakaway mechanism 27 can be selected such that the material will break at the predefined loading. For a particular material, a suitable geometry can be determined through testing. The breakaway mechanism 27 can be relatively elongate and planar (e.g., with a depth substantially smaller than its width, and a width substantially smaller than its length, as shown in the figure), as shown. In an embodiment, the breakaway mechanism 27 comprises one or more apertures 29 which are configured to reduce the strength of the material of the breakaway mechanism 27. Therefore, the size, shape, and locations of the one or more apertures 29 can be selected (e.g., via testing) to set the effective predefined loading of the breakaway mechanism 27. In the example shown, two rows of apertures 29 are provided, the number and size of which can be selected to provide the desired predefined loading (the arrangement of aperture 29 may also be changed). In this way, the breakaway mechanism 27 is intentionally designed to break at least at one of the rows of aperture 29 when the load on the collar 11 exceeds the predefined loading.Generally, it is expected that determining the size of the apertures 29 can be achieved through trial and error depending on the material type and dimensions. The breakaway mechanism 27 comprises two ends which are arranged to couple to the collar 11. In another embodiment, the apertures 29 are omitted, which can be suitable in cases where the material and geometry of the breakaway mechanism 27 provides the desired predefined loading without requiring the apertures 29.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), breakaway mechanism could include a shackle with a breakable replaceable pin that forms part of the chain-type collar. The breakable pin may be readily replaced by a user upon receiving an alert from the electronic unit that the collar has become detached from the animal. The electronics unit may detect the collar has become detached by accelerometer measurements or GPS co-ordinate measurements or a combination of both. The breakable pin and shackle may form the insulating part of collar where a pair of conductive chain segments are used as the electrodes.

[0048] According to several embodiments, with reference to Figures 5A to 5C, both the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b are mechanically coupled to the same spool 33 (also referred to as “common spool 33”). Therefore, the retraction and expansion of the first collar portion 11a necessarily occurs at the same rate as that of the second collar portion 11b. The figures show cross sections of the spool 33.

[0049] In the embodiment of Figure 5A, the spool comprises a slot 24 extending through the body of the spool 33 and shaped such that the collar 11 can be fed from one side of the slot 24 to the other. The slot 24 can be understood as providing the coupling point 32 for coupling the collar 11 to the spool 33. This embodiment may be particularly suited to collars 11 comprising a webbing rather than a chain. This embodiment may be particularly suited to collars where the expansion mechanism is a single mechanism adjusting both the first and second collar portions at the same time as opposed to two separate expansion mechanisms. The slot 24 can extend through the rotational axis of the spool 33. In this embodiment, the material of the collar 11 is effectively continuous between the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b.

[0050] In the embodiment of Figure 5B, the material of the collar 11 can terminate at the spool 33, such that the first collar portion 11a and second collar portion 11b are separately affixed to the spool 33 at respective first coupling point 32a and second coupling point 32b.Thereby, the material of the collar 11 is discontinuous between the first collar portion 11a and the second collar portion 11b.

[0051] In either case (i.e., that of Figure 5A or that of Figure 5B), the first collar portion 11a can be understood to reflect a portion of the collar 11 retracted into the housing 22 at a first opening in the housing 22 and the second collar portion 11b can be understood to reflect a portion of the collar 11 retracted into the housing 22 at a different second opening in the housing 22.

[0052] Figure 5C shows a variation of Figure 5B in which the collar 11 comprises a chain (in the figure, there is first collar portion 11a and second collar portion 11b), where the ends of the chain are affixed to the same spool 33. As the chain collar portions 11a, 11b each take a relatively large volume (e.g., with respect to a webbing material), each collar portion 11a, 11b is arranged to wind around different portions of the spool 33, rather than having the collar portions 11a, 11b overlap one another as with Figures 5A and 5B). Typically, the first collar portion 11a is arranged to wrap around a first axial half of the spool 33 and the second collar portion 11b is arranged to wrap around a second axial half of the spool 33.

[0053] An advantage of the embodiments of Figures 5A to 5C may be that the relative positions of the electronics unit 14 and the expansion mechanism 13 remain relatively consistent during expansion and retraction for the wearable apparatus 10.

[0054] According to an embodiment, with reference to Figure 6, the expansion unit comprises two separate expansion mechanisms 13a, 13b. In the particular example shown, the first expansion mechanism 13a is associated with a first collar portion 11a and the second expansion mechanism 13b is associated with a second collar portion 11b (hidden from view in the figure), both being chains in the embodiment shown. For example, as shown, the expansion mechanisms 13a, 13b are each equivalent to that described with reference to Figure 3. The first expansion mechanism 13a has a first housing portion 22a which is physically coupled to a second housing portion 22b of the second expansion mechanism 13b via a bridge 28. In an 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 bridge 28 are integrally formed (thereby forming a complete housing 22). The bridge 28 may be made from an insulating material which insulates the first collar portion 11a from the second collar portion 11b of the collar. In another embodiment, the bridge 28 comprises complementary locking features (not shown) to enable a user to attach (and remove) the first housing portion 22a to thesecond housing portion 22b. The locking features are required to be sufficiently resistant to accidental unlocking due to forces expected to be experienced by the wearable apparatus 10 when worn by the animal 99.

[0055] In use, the first expansion mechanism 13a is typically located proximal a first side of the animal 99 (e.g. a left side) and the second expansion mechanism 13b is typically located proximal a second side of the animal 99 (e.g. a right side). The first collar portion 11a can wind and unwind from the first spool 33a of the first expansion mechanism 13a. Similarly, the second collar portion 11b can wind and unwind from the second spool 33b of the second expansion mechanism 13b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the rotation of the first spool 33a is independent of the rotation of the second spool 33b.

[0056] In an embodiment (not shown), the first spool 33a and the second spool 33b are coupled to one another via a rotational coupler such that the rotation of each is constrained by the rotation of the other (i.e. rotation of the first spool 33a is constrained by 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 retract by substantially equal amounts at any particular time. This maintains the electronic unit 14 that is suspended from the first chain segment 11a and the second chain segment 11b at a substantially central location at the bottom of the wearable apparatus 10. For example, the rotational coupler comprises a drive shaft. The drive shaft is mechanically coupled at opposite ends to the first spool 33a and the second spool 33b such that the drive shaft, first spool 33a, and second spool 33b are rotational constrained by one another, that is, each rotates concurrently. The drive shaft can extend between the first housing portion 22a and the second housing portion 22b, optionally partly within a bridge 28.

[0057] Still referring to Figure 6, according to an embodiment, the combination of first expansion mechanism 13a, second expansion mechanism 13b, and bridge 28 defines a roughly U-shaped profile thereby shaped to follow an expected contour of the neck of the animal 99 (for example, a cow). Therefore, the expansion mechanism 13 is shaped to sit at the top of the neck of the animal 99 and to therefore resist being moved away from the top position.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the first collar portion 11a is further configured as a first electrode and the second collar portion 11b is further configured as a second electrode. The first collar portion 11a therefore comprises a first conductive segment and the second collar portion 11b comprises a second conductive segment. In an embodiment, the entirety of the first collar portion 11a corresponds to the first conductive segment and the entirety of the secondcollar portion 11b corresponds to the second conductive segment. In another embodiment, the first collar portion 11a comprises a first insulating segment and the second collar portion 11b comprises a second insulating segment. Typically, the first and second insulating segments are located at the end of their respective collar portions 11a, 11b that interface with the expansion mechanism 13. The conductive segments are therefore 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 electronics unit 14).

[0059] The first and second conductive segments are electrically coupled to the electronics unit 14 (e.g., as in Figure 1A) which is configured to, on occasion and in accordance with the presence of predefined conditions, provide an electric shock to the animal 99 via application of an electrical potential difference to the two conductive segments (such that an electric current flows through the animal 99). Generally, the electric shock is administered to affect a behaviour of the animal 99. For example, as described in PCT publications WO 2006 / 007643 A1 (published 26 January 2006) and WO 2010 / 009509 A1 (published 28 January 2010) as well as the Applicant’s own PCT publications WO 2018 / 152593 A1 (published 30 August 2018) and WO 2020 / 047581 A1 (published 12 March 2020), the electric shock can be administered in certain circumstances when the animal 99 moves too close to a so-called “virtual boundary” or, depending on the particular implementation, within a predefined distance and orientation toa virtual boundary. Typically, the electric shock is administered as a training mechanism whereby an animal learns to associate a sound (produced by the electronics unit 14 in advance of application of the shock) with a behaviour of moving away from a virtual boundary. Therefore, once the animal has developed the association with the sound, the electric shock is seldom required and therefore seldom initiated. Although further details may be found in the cited references, as a brief overview, a virtual boundary encompass a geographic region by reference to coordinates, such as GPS coordinates, and the electronics unit 14 comprises suitable processing means to determine the location of the wearable apparatus 10 with respect to the coordinates, thereby determining its location with respect to the virtual boundary.

[0060] Therefore, the first and second conductive segments are required to be electrically isolated from one another. For example, this is at least in part due the insulator segments if present. Typically, the first and second conductor segments are insulated from one another within the expansion mechanism 13, for example, by being arranged to not come into electricalcontact with one another. Therefore, the mechanism 13 is typically formed from insulating material (or, at least, the expansion mechanism 13 can include conductive material, but this is located such as to avoid providing a conductive path between the first conductive segment and the second conductive segment 5b).

[0061] The first and second collar portions 11a, 11b can comprise individual chains formed from conductive (e.g. metallic or conductive plastic) chain links, thereby providing the conductivity of the first and second conductor segments. Alternatively, the first and second collar portions 11a, 11b can comprise individual chains formed from both insulative (e.g. thermoplastic) chain links and conductive (e.g. metallic or conductive plastic) chain links, thereby providing conductivity for the first and second conductor segments (i.e. the first and second conductor segments each corresponds to a length of interlinked conductive chain links) and the insulation for the first and second insulator segments (i.e. the first and second insulator segments each corresponds to a length of interlinked insulative chain links). Typically, a voltage will be applied between two terminals of the electronic unit 14 by a secondary of a transformer having respective ends electrically coupled to the chain of the first collar portion 11a and the chain of the second collar portion 11b.

[0062] In an embodiment (not shown), one or more collar portions 11 comprise a chain, and at least one of the collar portions 11 comprise a breakaway mechanism 27 comprising one or more breakable chain links (this embodiment is therefore particularly suitable where one or more collar portions 11 comprise a chain) as well as one or more regular chain links. The one or more breakable chain links are formed of a material and / or shaped such as to have a lower strength compared to the one or more regular chain links, such that the one or more breakable chain links break at a substantially lower loading when compared to the one or more regular chain links. In terms of shape, for example, a notch or other feature in the breakable chain link can be provided to reduce the strength of the individual breakable chain links with respect to the remaining chain links of the one or more collar portion 11, which may be particularly applicable in cases here the one or more breakable chain links are formed from the same material as the regular chain links.

[0063] In a particular example of this embodiment, the one or more regular chain links can be formed from an electrically conductive metal, such that the one or more regular chain links also correspond to a conductor segment. On the other hand, the one or more breakable chain links are formed from a non-conducting plastic, thereby corresponding to an insulator segment.It is assumed that the plastic selected has a lower strength than the metal of the one or more regular chain links.

[0064] Figure 7 shows an exemplary method for attaching the wearable apparatus 10 (e.g., with reference to Figure 1A) to an animal 99, wherein the wearable apparatus 10 comprises two expansion mechanisms 13a, 13b (e.g., with reference to Figure 6) configured to be selectively attached to one another and one electronics unit 14 coupled to both locking retractors 20. It is envisaged that a modified method may be applied in cases comprising a single expansion mechanism 13.

[0065] At step S100, the wearable apparatus 10 is adjusted such that the collar 11 has a size larger than that of the portion (e.g. neck) of the animal 99 at which the wearable apparatus 10 is to be worn. In one implementation, the collar 11 is adjusted to its maximum size at this step. The expansion mechanism 13 typically comprises a locking means for selectively inhibiting retraction of the collar 11; in such case, as part of step S100, the user operates the locking means to halt retraction of the collar 11.

[0066] Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, in an embodiment, a manual adjuster is provided, in this case in the form of knob 44. The knob 44 comprises an outward facing dial 93 and a shaft 45. The shaft 45 extends through a circular opening of the spool 33 and is mechanically coupled to the spool 33. The knob 44 is moveable axially from a locked position (shown in Figure 8A wherein the knob 44 is located closer to the housing 22) to an unlocked position (shown in Figure 8B wherein the knob 44 is located away from the housing 22 with respect to the inactive position).

[0067] The shaft 45 comprises a spline 41 which engages with an internal spline 46 of the spool 33. The shaft 45 is also engageable with an engaging feature 47 (shown more clearly in Figure 8B) of the housing 22. For example, the engaging feature 47 itself comprises an arrangement of grooves configured to mate with the spline 41 of the shaft 45. Sliding the knob 44 axially allows the knob 44 to be moved “out” (i.e. away from the housing 22) into the unlocked position and “in” (i.e. the opposite direction to the out movement) into the locked position. In the locked position, the spool 33 is locked against rotation with respect to the housing 22 through the interaction between both the spline 41 and internal spline 46, and the spline 41 and the engaging feature 47. The knob 44 can comprise one or more detents configured for restraining it in its out or in position to give the user feedback on the location ofthe knob; that is, the detents provide a force that is configured to be overcome through a force applied by the user.

[0068] Therefore, when the knob 44 is pushed into the locked position, the spool 33 is non- rotatable, as shown in Figure 8A. This enables a user to set a specific position of the expansion mechanism 13 and therefore a specific size of the wearable apparatus 10 by setting the size of the collar 11. The dial 93 typically includes an indicator to show the corresponding size of the wearable apparatus 10 for a particular rotational position of the knob 44. Therefore, regarding step S100 of Figure 7, instead of setting the collar 11 to a maximum size to enable the wearable apparatus 10 to be put onto an animal 99, it can be set to a size relative to that of the animal 99 (e.g. a small amount larger than the animal’s neck).

[0069] When the knob 44 is pulled out into the unlocked position, the spline 45 is not engaged with the engaging feature 47 of the housing 22, and therefore, the spool 33 is not locked against rotation with respect to the housing 22, as shown in Figure 8B. Therefore, when pulled out, the expansion mechanism 13 allows the user to adjust the size of the wearable apparatus 10.

[0070] The dial 97 can include markers such that a user can identify a position of the spool 33 and thereby an amount of the collar 11 currently located within (and corresponding, outside of) the expansion mechanism 13. In this way, the dial 97 provides a user with information regarding the current size of the wearable apparatus 10. It is envisaged that other mechanisms for showing the current size of the wearable apparatus 10 be utilised instead of the dial 97, although generally, it is expected that there is a coupling between the mechanism and the spool 33 such that the mechanism indicates, in effect, a current position of the spool 33.

[0071] Referring back to Figure 7, at step S101 (which may instead precede step S100), the two expansion mechanisms 13a, 13b are detached from one another. It should be noted that the electronics unit 14 remains coupled to the first collar portion 11a which is coupled to the first expansion mechanism 13a as well as the second collar portion 11b which is coupled to the second expansion mechanism 13.

[0072] At step S102, the user then wraps the entire wearable apparatus 10 around the relevant part of the animal 99 (e.g. neck) and then connects the two expansion mechanisms 13a, 13b to one another at the top of the animal 99 and the electronics module 14 is allowed to hang underneath the animal 99. Therefore, as a result, the wearable apparatus 10 is now worn by the animal 99.

[0073] At step S103, the locking means is (for example, as shown in Figure 8B), thereby allowing the retractor elements 20 of each expansion mechanism 13a, 13b to retract the collar 11 until retraction is halted due to the collar 11 pressing against the animal 99. Therefore, as a result of steps S100-S103, the wearable apparatus 10 has been put onto the animal 99. An advantage of the described method is that the wearable apparatus 10 can be put on and locked at a size larger than the neck of the animal 99, thereby facilitating the act of putting the wearable apparatus 10 on to the animal 99. Subsequently, the collar 11 is retracted when the knob 44 is pulled out by the user, thereby reducing in size to a suitable size to be continuously worn by the animal 99. Alternatively, the knob can be disengaged and the collar adjusted to increase the circumference of the neck band and locked in position by returning it to the locked position. This will allow the neck band to be fitted to the neck of the animal without being tight on the animal. The collar can then be further adjusted manually by pulling the knob to the out position again to the disengaged position allowing further fine adjustment to improve the fitment of the collar.

[0074] Figure 9A shows a sheath 48 extending from the housing 22 following the path of the collar 11 outside of the expansion mechanism 13, according to an embodiment. The sheath 48 is typically flexible and can comprise a non-conductive material. The sheath 48 in use provides an external cover for the collar 11. The sheath 48 may act to reduce snagging of the conductive chain on branches or the like while still allowing the conductive chain portions to remain in contact with the animal 99.

[0075] The embodiment of Figure 9A can also comprise a guard element 49 extending from, and affixed to, the electronics unit 14 (for example, the guard element 49 can be integrally formed with a body of the electronics unit 14). In use, the guard element 49 extends upwards from the electronics unit 14 towards the expansion mechanism 13. In the embodiment shown, the guard element 49 is slidably engaged with the sheath 48. The guard element 49 may also function to reduce snagging of the conductive chain on branches or the like while still allowing conductive chain portions to remain in contact with the animal 99. As shown, the collar 11 is affixed to the electronics unit 14 such that movement of the collar 11 causes a corresponding movement of the electronics unit 14 and therefore a corresponding movement of the guard element 49. The movement of the collar 11 is relative to the expansion mechanism 13 (i.e. the collar 11 moves into and out of the housing 22 of the expansion mechanism 13 during normal use). Therefore, movement of the collar 11 has the effect of causing the guard element 49 toslide along the sheath 48. the combined outward facing surfaces of the sheath 48 and guard element 49 substantially cover the entirety of the collar 11, irrespective of the amount of collar 11 extending from the housing 22. The guard element 49 can be configured to reduce or eliminate injury to the animal 99 to swinging of the electronics unit 14 when worn by the animal 99. The guard element 49 provides this functionality by inhibiting free swinging of the electronics unit 14.

[0076] Figure 9B shows an embodiment having first and second expansion mechanisms 13a, 13b located substantially symmetrically about the neck of the animal 99 (i.e. each is found on an opposite side of the neck). There is a single electronics unit 14 to which first and second guard elements 49a. 49b are affixed, each extending upwards towards a respective side of the neck (e.g. the first expansion mechanism 13a is located on the left side of the neck and the first guard element 49a extends upwards 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 guard element 49b extends upwards on the right side of the neck). Similarly, there is a first sheath 48a extending downwards from the first expansion mechanism 13a such as to slidably engage with the first guard element 49a and there is a second sheath 48b extending downwards from the second expansion mechanism 13b such as to slidably engage with the second guard element 49b.

[0077] Figure 10 shows another embodiment in which the expansion mechanism 13 is configured to apply an ongoing retraction force to the collar 11 while also enabling the collar 11 to expand. The expansion mechanism 13 comprises a hollow body 70, for example formed from a rubber or other resilient material. The hollow body 70 is affixed to the electronics unit 14, for example, it may be integrally formed with a body of the electronics unit 14. The hollow body 70 comprises two upwardly extending arms 72a, 72b, where 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 up 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, typically there would be a second spring 71b present within the second arm 72b—its operation is equivalent to that described for the first spring 71a.

[0078] The first spring 71a is affixed at one end to the hollow body 70 and its other end to an end of the first collar portion 11a. The first spring 71a is configured to apply a downward force to the end of the first collar portion 11a, such that it acts to pull the first collar portion 11a intothe first arm 72a. Typically, the present embodiment utilises a first collar portion 11a corresponding to an electrode and can therefore correspond to a conductive chain. Therefore, the electronics unit 14 is electrically coupled to the first collar portion 11a. As the first collar portion 11a moved during use, the electrical coupling is required to allow for said movement.

[0079] The embodiment of Figure 10 may have the effect of applying a constant pressure to the animal 99 when it is wearing the wearable apparatus 10.

[0080] Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which the expansion mechanism 13 is configured to regulate the expansion of the collar 11 when the expandable wearable apparatus 10 is worn by an animal 99. According to the embodiment shown, the expansion mechanism 13 comprises a tension release mechanism 60. Typically, in use, two expansion mechanisms 13, each comprising a tension release mechanism 60, are provided, one on each side of the neck of the animal 99 (e.g. similar to that shown in Figure 2C). The tension release mechanism 60 is coupled to a frame 61.

[0081] A force is applied to a drive nut 62 via a shaft 65, for example by the collar 11 due to an increase in the size of the neck of the animal 99, that is located in a slot 66 to stop it rotating. As the force increases, the drive nut 62 slides along the axis A-A of the tension release mechanism 60 and engages with a driving dog 63.

[0082] When a pre-set force is reached, via a spring 64a, 64b, the drive nut 62 is dis-engaged, and the driving dog 63 forces the drive nut 62 to rotate and drive back to its original starting position. This action also re-sets the spring 64b tension back to the lower limit while maintaining the new position of the shaft 65. A quarter turn of the drive nut 62 equals a set movement of the shaft 65 (for example, 9 mm of movement), hence the wearable apparatus 10 circumference has now been increased by the set amount.

[0083] The tension release mechanism 60 has now reset and will repeat itself again as the neck of the animal 99 increases again. Once the shaft 65 has extended out to a maximum length (for example, 36 mm or 2 complete turns) it hits a hard stop. Where two tension release mechanisms 60 are utilised, if the tension release mechanism 60 on the other side of the neck of the animal 99 has not reached the full limit it will continue until it has completed its full extension.

[0084] 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 such that it can bedisengaged from the frame 61. The tension release mechanism 60 can then be turned (e.g. clockwise) to reset the system.

[0085] Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which the expansion mechanism 13 is configured to allow for a predefined rate of expansion of the collar 11 when the expandable wearable apparatus 10 is worn by an animal 99.

[0086] A piston assembly 75 is provided comprising piston 76 and 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 restriction unit 78, and a non-corrosive low viscosity fluid is located within the combined internal fluid volumes of the chamber 77 and flow restriction unit 78. A spring 79 is provided to cause application of a force onto the piston 76 in a first direction within the chamber 77.

[0087] The speed of movement of the piston 76 within the chamber 77 is regulated via a flow of the fluid through a flow control valve 70 of the flow restriction unit 78 that effectively restricts the flowrate of the fluid from the left-hand side of the chamber 77 into the right-hand side of the chamber 77. Here, the left-hand and right-hand sides are defined with respect to the piston 76; the piston 76 is caused to move from right to left by the spring 79, such that as the piston 76 moves due to the spring 79, the left-hand side of the chamber 77 gets smaller and the right-hand side gets larger.

[0088] The flow restriction unit 78 also has a non-return valve 74 that allows the fluid to pass back to the left-hand side of the chamber 77 back when re-setting the expansion mechanism 13.

[0089] Based on an expansion rate of 10 to 15 mm per day, the movement of the collar 11 with respect to the expansion mechanism 13 would need to be controlled to an expansion rate of approx. 0.0125 to 0.021 mm / hr. For a chamber 77 with a diameter of 32.0 mm, a flow rate of 0.00001 to 0.000017 l / hr through the flow restriction unit 78 would achieve this growth rate.

[0090] In a further embodiment the piston 76 may operate a worm drive (not shown) to effect the expansion of the collar and to isolate the piston assembly from forces such as may be exerted by the swinging of the electronics unit at the end of the collar or forces applied by the collar being caught on branches or other snagging hazards.

[0091] Figures 13-14C show embodiments comprising an expansion mechanism 13 configured for active control of the expansion of the collar 11. The expansion mechanism 13 therefore comprises a controllable actuator which is controlled by a controller module (notshown), that can be integrated into the electronics unit 14. For example, the controller module can be a software module of the electronics module 14. The controller module is suitably interfaced with the actuator to enable control of the actuator.

[0092] Referring to the embodiment of Figure 13, the controllable actuator of the expansion mechanism 13 comprises a pair of sliding blades 84a, 84b which are 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 (and vice versa). The teeth 83 of the toothed gear 82 are arranged at equal spaces along the circumference of the gear 82.

[0093] The pair of sliding blades 84a, 84b are positioned on planes that are normal to the gear 82, such that the planes pass through the axis of rotation of the gear 82. The blades 84a, 84b are controllable to move towards and away from the axis of the gear 82. The first blade 84a is angularly separated from the second blade 84b such as to allow the blades 84a, 84b to slide past each other during their activation. The angular displacement allows both blades 84a, 84b to contact a tooth 83a, however, one blade 84a rests at the shoulder of the next tooth 83b while the other blade 84b rests on the same tooth 83a but angularly displaced between the shoulder of the previous tooth 83c and the shoulder of the next tooth 83b. The reason for this is to allow blade 84b to stay engaged with tooth 83a of the gear 82 until the first blade 84a is dis-engaged from the gear 82. This then allows the collar 11 to cause rotation of the gear 82 (e.g. depending on the embodiment, due to the weight of the counterweight 19 or electronics unit 14) until it contacts the second blade 84b. This action also indexes the gear 82 half the tooth pitch.

[0094] The blades 84a, 84b can be independently activated by corresponding latching solenoids 85a, 85b, one for each blade 84a, 84b. The activation of a solenoid 85a, 85b causes its corresponding blade 84a, 84b to dis-engage and retract away from the gear 82.

[0095] In an embodiment, after retraction of a blade 84, once the power supply to its solenoid 85 has been switched off, the permanent magnet in the solenoid 85 holds the blade 84 in the retracted position. To de-activate the solenoid 85 the polarity of the solenoid 85 needs to be reversed. The time between activation of the solenoid 85 and the de-activation could be short or long, ranging from a few seconds up to several days. The de-activation of the first solenoid 85a must be done before the second solenoid 85b is activated otherwise the gear 82 will completely unwind.

[0096] In use, the two blades 84a, 84b are activated and de-activated alternatively to allow the gear 82 to slowly unwind due to the weight of the counterweight 19 or electronics unit 14.

[0097] Referring to the embodiment of Figures 14A to 14C, the controllable actuator comprises an electric motor 87 arranged to drive rotation, via a gear arrangement, of spool 33. In the embodiment shown, the motor 87 is arranged to drive a worm drive 86 via first and second spur gears 88a, 88b. In operation, motor 87 drives the first spur gear 88a in a direction via common motor shaft. This in turn causes rotation of the second spur gear 88b, thereby effecting rotation of the worm drive 86 which shares a rotatable shaft 90 with the second spur gear 88b. The worm drive 86 is mechanically engaged with a worm gear 91, such that rotation of the worm drive 86 causes a rotation of the worm gear 91.

[0098] The spool 33, worm gear 91, worm drive 86, motor 87, and the first and second spur gears 88a, 88b are located within housing 22. In the embodiment shown, a knob 44 is provided having a circular dial 93 portion located outside of the housing 22 and a cylindrical shaft 92 extending away from a circular dial 93 into the housing 22. The shaft 92 extends axially through the spool 33 (so that the rotational axis of the shaft 92 is the same as that of the spool 33). In the embodiment shown, the shape of the dial 93 undulates around a circular perimeter, which is intended to improve the user’s ability to grip the dial 93. The shaft 92 can be integrally formed with the circular dial 93. Alternatively, the circular dial 93 is detachable from the shaft 92 (although it should be sufficiently resistant to detachment to eliminate or at least minimise the risk of the circular dial 93 being detached unintentionally).

[0099] Figure 14A shows an outside view of housing 22, showing dial 93 and the collar 11 (in the form of a chain) extending outwards from the housing 22. Figure 14B shows a view with a top portion of housing 22 and the dial 93 removed, thereby showing the spool 33, worm gear 91, worm drive 86, motor 87, the various gears (88a, 88b), and the shaft 92. Figure 14C shows an exploded view of the shaft 92, the spool 33, and the worm gear 91. Furthermore, in Figure 14C, the worm drive 86 is shown mechanically engaged with the worm gear 91.

[0100] In the embodiment shown, knob 44 is moveable between a manual actuation position, where a user can rotate the knob 44 (via dial 93) in order to effect changes in size of the collar 11, and automatic actuation position, where the dial 93 cannot (in effect) be used by a user to change the size of the collar 11, instead, said changes are effected via the controllable actuator. In the manual actuation position, the spool 33 is not mechanically engaged with the worm drive 86. In contrast, in the automatic actuation position, the spool 33 is mechanicallyengaged with the worm drive 86 (thereby rotation via the user). Alternative means for enabling a user to cause the spool 33 to engage and disengage with the worm drive 86 are envisaged. For example, a latch may be provided that is moveable between a first configuration in which the spool 33 and worm drive 86 are mechanically engaged and a second configuration in which the spool 33 and worm drive 86 are not mechanically engaged.

[0101] The shaft 92 comprises an engagement mechanism, which in the embodiment shown comprises a spline 95. In general terms, the engagement mechanism enables the spool 33 to be selectively engaged with the worm gear 91 (e.g., the spool 33 is engaged with the worm gear 91 when the knob 44 is in the automatic actuation position but not when in the manual actuation position).

[0102] The spline 95 in the embodiment shown comprises protrusions extending radially outward from the surface of the shaft 92. The protrusions are typically symmetrically arranged about the axis of the shaft 92. In the embodiment shown, protrusion extends in an axial direction (i.e., perpendicular to the circumference of the shaft 92).

[0103] The spool 33 comprises a circular inner opening having the surface profile complementary to that of the shaft 92. That is, the spool 33 comprises a complementary spool spline 96 to the spline 95 of the shaft 92 (for example, corresponding to an arrangement of recesses, shaped to receive the protrusions of the shaft 92 and spaced about the circumference of the inner opening). Therefore, when assembled, the protrusions are located within the recesses. The shaft 92 is axially slidable with respect to the spool 33, such that the protrusions of the shaft 92 slide within their corresponding recesses. Equivalently, the spool 33 can be understood as comprising protrusions and the shaft 92 can be understood as comprising recesses.

[0104] In the embodiment shown, in both the manual actuation position and the automatic actuation position, the shaft 92 is engaged with the spool 33; that is, in both positions, at least a portion of the spline 95 of the shaft 92 is engaged with the spline 96 of the spool 33. Therefore, in both the manual actuation position and the automatic actuation position, an angular correspondence is maintained between the spool 33 and the shaft 92.

[0105] In an embodiment, the worm gear 91 is substantially cylindrical and positioned such as to share a rotation axis with the spool 33 and the shaft 92. In the particular embodiment shown, the worm gear 91 is arranged on an opposite side of the spool 33 to the external portionof the knob 44 (i.e., positioned on a side of spool 33 opposite to dial 93). An outer circumference of the worm gear 91 comprises an arrangement of gear teeth having a pitch and overall profile suitable for engagement with the worm drive 86.

[0106] In the embodiment shown, the worm gear 91 is not directly mechanically engaged with the spool 33. Instead, the shaft 92 effectively mechanically couples the worm gear 91 and spool 33 when the knob 44 is put into the automatic actuation position. The worm gear 91 comprises an inner substantially circular aperture being centred axially with respect to the shaft 92, such that the shaft 92 can be moved into the aperture (when being put into the automatic actuation position) and out of the aperture (when being put into the manual actuation position). The aperture can extend through the entire worm gear 91 or can instead represent a depression in the surface of the worm gear 91 adjacent the spool 33. The aperture also comprises a spline 97 of the worm gear 91 complementary to the spline 95 of the spool 33. In this way, the shaft 92 engages with the worm gear 91 in an equivalent manner to its engagement with the spool 33 when in the automatic actuation position. However, when in the manual actuation position, the knob 44 is free to rotate with respect to the worm gear 91 as the shaft 33 is not physically engaged with the worm gear 91.

[0107] The spool 33 is coupled to collar 11; in the figure, the collar 11 comprises a chain the spool 33 is coupled to one end of the collar 11 (in this case, being a chain). The spool 33 can be of an alternative herein described configuration, for example, comprising two coupling points 32a, 32b for coupling to two ends of the collar 11 (e.g., as described with reference to Figures 5A-5C). Generally, the collar 11 comprises a material suitable for winding around spool 33. Alternatively, the collar 11 can comprise another material such as a webbing. The webbing may include two or more conductive filaments that are separated into two electrically isolated collar portions each attaching at one end to the electronics unit and at the other end to the collar expansion mechanism. The conductive filaments may be made from copper or aluminium or stainless steel or a conductive polymer or may be a plurality of filaments of varying materials from but not limited to the above list of conductive materials. The filaments may be interwoven such that they periodically come into contact with each other which minimises the effect of a breakage of a filament by providing alternative conduction paths.

[0108] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the dial 93 is omitted and the shaft 92 is enclosed by the housing 22 (i.e., such that the shaft 92 is not arranged for axial movement and is in effect permanently in the automatic actuation position). Such an embodiment may beadvantageous where it is desired to not a mechanism for a user to physically effect changes in size of the collar 11. In such a configuration a tooth segment of the worm gear may extend further around the circumference of the worm gear, and optionally around the entire circumference.

[0109] The controller module is configured to activate and control the motor 87 to thereby effect changes inside of the collar 11 by causing the spool 33 to wind in the collar 11 (to reduce the size of the collar 11) or let out the collar 11 (to increase the size of the collar 11). The controller module is typically enabled to control a direction of rotation of the motor 87, which therefore enables control of the direction of rotation of the spool 44, which in turn enables the controller module to both increase and decrease the size of the collar 11. The speed of rotation of the motor 87 can also be controllable. In an alternative, the rate of rotation of the motor 87 (when activated) is fixed.

[0110] The actuator can be controlled based on an electronic timer, such that expansion of the wearable apparatus 10 is dependent on the length of time it has been worn.

[0111] Referring to Figure 15, expansion of the wearable apparatus 10 due to control of the actuator can be, at least in part, based on the tightness of the wearable apparatus 10 around the neck of the animal 99.

[0112] In an embodiment, the controller module is configured to control expansion of the wearable apparatus 10 based on two observed characteristics: (1) movement of the collar 11 along an axis, and (2) animal behaviour, over a fixed time-period to determine if the fitment of the wearable apparatus 10 is tight or normal or loose.

[0113] For example, the controller module can detect collar roll (or a degree of rotation of the wearable apparatus 10 on the neck of the animal 99), and the behaviour of the animal (Resting / Grazing / Moving), over a predetermined amount of time to decide whether the collar fitment is too tight, too loose, or just right on the animal 99. Regarding determining the behaviour of the animal 99, reference is made to the present Applicant’s PCT publication WO 2018 / 152593 A1.

[0114] In particular, the algorithm looks at the following parameters: (1) SDRoll: standard deviation of Roll over a period of 1440 minutes, and (2) MaxActivity: most activity (as in grazing, resting, moving) performed by the animal over a period of 1440 minutes to come up with a decision if the collar fitment is tight.

[0115] The algorithm pseudo-code is as:

[0116] Upon deciding that the fitment is too tight, the controller module operates the actuator 81 to allow for an increase in size of the wearable apparatus 10.

[0117] In an embodiment (not shown), the controller module is interfaced with a tension sensor coupled to the collar 11. The tension sensor is arranged to measure a tension of the collar 11, and can comprise an accelerometer mechanically coupled to the collar 11. Alternatively, the tension sensor may comprise a strain gauge. The tension sensor can be located within the electronic unit 14 and coupled to the end of one or two ends of the collar 11 (for example, with reference to the embodiment of Figure 2A, coupled to an end of both first collar portion 11a and second collar portion 11b). The control unit is configured to monitor theoutput of the tension sensor and to adjust the size of the wearable apparatus 10 such as to maintain the tension within a predefined range or below a predefined value.

[0118] In an embodiment (not shown), the electronics unit 14 comprises a wireless communication module interfaced with the controller module such as to enable the controller module to wireless communicate with a recipient (generally, a suitably configured computing device associated with the recipient). For example, the wireless communication can be via one or more of: LoRa (trade mark) LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), or an alternative LPWAN such as a SIGFOX (trade mark) LPWAN or an Ingenu (trade mark) RPMA (Random Phase Multiple Access) LPWAN, WiFi (in particular, directed WiFi), NB-IoT, or any other suitable wireless technology such as a mobile broadband protocol including utilising one or more of those collectively known as 3G, 4G, and 5G. SMS / MMS messaging is also envisaged.

[0119] The controller module can therefore be configured to send a notification to a recipient in response to determining that the measured characteristic or tension force is outside a predetermined range indicative of the collar being too tight or too loose and that the automatic expansion mechanism is unable to adjust the size of the wearable apparatus to within the predetermined range. The notification can include an identifier associated with the particular wearable apparatus 10 (assuming the particular animal 99 wearing the identified wearable apparatus 10 is known, the identifier effectively enables the recipient to identify the animal 99). The notification can include a current location of the wearable apparatus 10 determined by the controller module, which may advantageously assist the recipient of locating the wearable apparatus 10. The electronics unit 14 can also trigger a notification associated with the wearable apparatus 10 including the identifier and the location if the electronics unit detects the collar is not moving for a predetermined period of time. Collar movement, or lack of movement, may be detected by way of an accelerometer or IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) device or if the co-ordinates provided by a GPS device indicate that either the collar has become detached from the animal or the animal is no longer moving, and needs assistance.

[0120] Figures 16A to 16B show an embodiment comprising a connection mechanism 1600 configured to facilitate connection of two collar elements of a collar 11. In general, the connection mechanism 1600 can be located near a top portion of the collar 11 (i.e., at or near the top of the animal’s neck when worn) to advantageously allow user access while the animal 99 is in a crush or other structure providing limited physical access to the animal 99. For example, in Figure 2A, first collar portion 11a can comprise two collar elements which arecoupled together via the connection mechanism 1600. Similarly, in Figure 2A, second collar portion 11b can comprise another two collar elements which are coupled together via another connection mechanism 1600. Considering Figure 2B, as the first collar portion 11a and second collar portion 11b are continuous, a connection mechanism 1600 can be provided only on the first collar portion 11a. Regarding Figure 2C, it may be (for example) that first collar portion 11a and third collar portion 11c comprise respective connection mechanisms 1600. It is envisaged that the connection mechanism 1600 may also be suitable for a wearable apparatus 10 not utilising an expansion mechanism 13, although comprising a collar 11 and electronics unit 14, and optionally a counterweight 19.

[0121] Referring to Figure 16A, the connection mechanism 1600 comprises a clip 1601 and a receiving section 1602. The clip 1601 is a snap fit side-release clip, thereby comprising two pins 1603a, 1603b extending from a body 1604. As shown, the pins 1603a, 1603b are arranged symmetrically with respect to line A-A. The body 1604 can comprise a protruding centre portion 1605 extending from the main body 1604 in a same direction as the pins 1603a, 1603b. Generally, the pins 1603a, 1603b, body 1604, and centre portion 1605 can be arranged substantially planar with one another. Receiving section 1602 is configured to receive clip 1601 (in particular, the pins 1603 and optional centre portion 1605) in a snap lock configuration.

[0122] Figure 16B shows the clip 1601 fully engaged in the snap lock configuration with receiving section 1602. Here, pins 1603a, 1603b are prevented from movement away from the receiving section 1602 via engagement with the receiving section body 1606. As with a usual snap fit side-release clip, the clip 1601 can be released from the receiving section 1602 by pressing on the pins 1603a, 1603b inwards (e.g., towards line A-A).

[0123] In one embodiment, the connection mechanism 1600 may include a breakaway mechanism that is part of the connection mechanism that is used to attach two sections of the collar together when installing the collar around the neck of an animal. For example, pins 1603a and 1603b may be designed to be reversibly deformable and to detach from the body 1606 of the receiving section 1602 under a predefined loading.

[0124] In an embodiment, with reference to Figures 17A and 17B, a locking panel 1700 is provided for clipping onto the connection mechanism 1600 when the clip 1601 is fully engaged with the receiving section 1602 (i.e., as shown in Figure 16B). The locking panel 1700 includes locking tabs 1702a, 1702b projecting perpendicularly from a relatively planar panelbody 1701. The locking tabs 1702a, 1702b are positioned such that, when locking panel 1700 is attached to the connection mechanism 1600, the locking tabs 1702a, 1702b are located within respective apertures 1607a, 1607b defined by a space between the pins 1603a, 1603b and the receiving section body 1606. Figure 17B shows locking panel 1700 attached to the connection mechanism 1600, showing the locking tabs 1702a, 1702b within said apertures 1607a, 1607b (note that aperture 1607a is obscured in Figure 7B). Locking tabs 1702a, 1702b include locking ends 1703a, 1703b shaped to allow the locking panel 1700 to clip onto the connection mechanism 1600. Advantageously, the locking tabs 1702a, 1702b, when located within apertures 1607a, 1607b, prevent pins 1603a, 1603b from inadvertently disengaging from the receiving section body 1606 by impeding movement of the pins 1603a, 1603b inward (i.e., towards line A-A in Figure 16B).

[0125] Referring to Figure 18, in an embodiment, the clip 1601 of Figures 16A and 16B comprises a chain receiving aperture 1800 configured for receiving and securing a chain 1801 (e.g., when said chain 1801 forms part of a collar 11 as previously described). The receiving aperture 1800 has two primary elements, a larger reception opening 1802 and a narrow slot 1803. The chain 1801 can be fed through the reception opening 1802 from a free end; the reception opening 1802 is substantially circular and has a diameter larger than a maximum width of a chain link 1804a, 1804b. Therefore, the chain 1801 can be fed through the reception opening 1802 easily and without requiring the chain 1801 to be twisted for each new chain link 1804a, 1804b entering the reception opening 1802. The chain 1801 is then slid down into the slot 1803. The slot 1803 is relatively elongate and has a relatively narrow width, being larger than a minimum width of a chain link 1804a, 1804b but smaller than a maximum width of a chain link 1804a, 1804b. In addition, the slot 1803 has a depth sufficiently small such that a single chain link 1804a, 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 electronics unit 14 or counterweight 19) pulls the chain to an end of the slot 1803 opposite that of the reception opening 1802. Therefore, the chain 1801 is effectively secured in place as the chain links chain link 1804b, 1804c directly adjacent the chain link 1804a presently within the slot 1803 are incapable of entering the slot 1803 (being rotated by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the chain link 1804a presently within the slot 1903.

[0126] The embodiment of Figure 18 can advantageously provide a relatively simple mechanism for setting a size of the collar 11 by enabling a user to choose a particular chain link 1804a to utilise as that within the slot 1803. This can be done before the clip 1601 is engaged with the receiving section 1602. It is envisaged that the chain receiving aperture 1800 could be formed as a component of the receiving section body 1606 while providing the same benefits.

[0127] Referring back to Figure 17A, locking panel 1700 can further comprise locking peg 1703, which extends in a same direction as the locking tabs 1702a, 1702b. The locking peg 1703 is configured to be located within the reception opening 1802 when the locking panel 1700 is attached to the connection mechanism 1600. Therefore, the locking peg 1703 when in this configuration advantageously prevents the chain 1804 from inadvertently moving to the reception opening 1802 and risking the chain 1801 disengaging with the connection mechanism 1600. The locking peg 1703 can be shaped to cause a friction fit with the reception opening 1802 to thereby assist in securing the locking panel 1700 to the connection mechanism 1600. Additionally, the connection mechanism 1600 and locking panel 1700 can be shaped such as to define an inner cavity when the locking panel 1700 is attached to the connection mechanism 1600, such that any part of the chain 1801 that is left over (i.e., not forming part of the collar 11) can be contained within and is prevented from getting caught on potential snag points such as branches of trees.

[0128] An alteration of length of the collar 11 can be performed by a user by moving the chain through reception opening 1802 until the ideal length or goodness of fit of collar 11 is achieved then a link 1804a of the chain 1801 is transferred down slot 1803 to lock it in position.

[0129] Figure 20 shows a particular implementation combining the embodiments of Figures 16A-18 and Figure 19. The breakaway mechanism 27 effectively connects two connection mechanisms 1600a, 1600b located at and affixed to opposite ends of the breakaway mechanism 27. The embodiment of Figure 20 can be utilised with a wearable apparatus 10 comprising one or more expansion mechanisms 13 or, alternatively, on a wearable apparatus 10 not utilising an expansion mechanism 13. In the latter case, the breakaway mechanism 27 advantageously may ensure that the otherwise fixed-size collar 11 does not endanger the animal 99 in a case when the collar 11 is caught in the environment or otherwise experiences a significant loading.

[0130] Depending on the embodiment, various components of the wearable apparatus 10 can be in permanent contact with the animal 99. For example, the expansion mechanism 13 of Figures 2A and 2B and the electronics unit 14 of Figure 2C. In some arrangements, the breakaway mechanism 27 of Figure 19 and / or Figure 20 can be in permanent contact with the animal 99 (e.g., it can be located at the top of the animal 99 such as at or near the top of the neck of the animal 99). It can be advantageous to configure the portion of the relevant component (13, 14, 27) which contacts the animal 99 to be smooth such that movement of the relevant component (13, 14, 27) does not, or at least minimally, cause abrasion to the animal 99. It can also be advantageous to contour the contact portion of the relevant component to the shape of the animal 99 where the contact portion contacts the animal. Such advantages may be particularly applicable to components of the wearable apparatus 10 located at the top of the animal 99 (e.g., at the top of the animal’s neck), which press on to the animal 99 due to the weight of the wearable apparatus 10 as a whole (e.g., due to an electronics unit 14 such as in Figure 1A or a counterweight 19 such as in Figure 1B located hanging from the collar 11).

[0131] Further modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification.

Claims

Claims:

1. A wearable apparatus for an animal, comprising: a collar; and an expansion unit comprising one or more expansion mechanisms, wherein the one or more expansion mechanisms are coupled to the collar and configured to control an effective size of the collar while the wearable apparatus is being worn by the animal.

2. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the expansion unit is configured to be located at an upper portion of the animal when worn, and the collar extends downwards therefrom, and wherein the wearable apparatus thereby encircles a part of the animal.

3. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an electronics unit attached to the collar and located at a lower portion of the animal when worn.

4. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the expansion unit is configured to be located at a top of a neck of the animal and wherein the electronics unit is configured to be located hanging from the expansion unit via the collar, such that the electronics unit is hanging underneath the neck of the animal.

5. A wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a breakaway mechanism configured to cause the wearable apparatus to break when a loading higher than a predefined loading is experienced by the wearable apparatus.

6. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the collar comprises one or more collar portions comprising a chain, wherein the breakaway mechanism comprises one or more breakable chain links of the chain of at least one collar portion of the one or more collar portions.

7. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the breakaway mechanism is relatively elongate and planar and comprises one or more arrangement of apertures, such that the breakaway mechanism physically breaks at the location of at least one of the one or morearrangements of apertures when the loading exceeds the predefined loading, wherein the, or each, arrangement of apertures comprises a plurality of apertures arranged in a row substantially perpendicular to a length of the breakaway mechanism.

8. A wearable apparatus as claimed claim 5 or claim 7, wherein the breakaway mechanism is substantially formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, such as Desmopan® 9380AU.

9. A wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the predefined loading is between 200 and 600 kg.

10. A wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the collar comprises a chain.

11. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the collar comprises a first collar portion and a second collar portion, and further wherein the wearable apparatus comprises an electronics unit, such that an end of the first collar portion and an end of the second collar portion are each coupled to the electronics unit.

12. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first collar portion is configured as a first electrode and wherein the second collar portion is configured as a second electrode, such that the first electrode and second electrode are separately electrically coupled to the electronics unit.

13. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronics unit is configured to selectively apply an electrical stimulus to the animal via the first electrode and second electrode.

14. A wearable apparatus as claimed in 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. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein either of both of the first collar portion and the second collar portion comprise at least one non-electrically conductive segment.

16. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein a particular non-electrically conductive segment is located in a segment of its respective collar portion not coupled to the electronics unit.

17. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the one or more non-electrically conductive segment interact with the expansion mechanism.

18. A wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the expansion mechanism comprises a piston located within a chamber, wherein the chamber comprises a 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 restriction unit, wherein the piston delineates the first side and the second side, wherein a spring forces the piston to move in a direction towards the first side, and wherein the flow restriction 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. A wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the expansion mechanism comprises an actuator controllable by a controller module of the wearable apparatus.

20. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the actuator comprises a motor and a spool, wherein the motor is arranged to controllably drive rotation of the spool in at least a first direction of rotation, such that the collar size is increased when the spool is driven in the first direction.

21. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the motor is coupled to a gear arrangement comprising a worm screw, and wherein the worm screw is separately coupled to a worm gear, such that rotation of the worm screw due to operation of the motor causes a corresponding rotation to the worm gear, and wherein the expansion mechanism comprises at least a first configuration, wherein when in said first configuration, the worm gear ismechanically 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 rotation of the spool.

22. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein a face of the worm gear abuts a face of the spool such that the worm gear and spool share an axis of rotation.

23. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the expansion mechanism comprises a knob having an outward facing dial and a shaft, wherein the shaft extends through a circular inner opening of the spool and, when in the first configuration, a circular aperture of the worm gear, such that when in the first configuration, an engagement mechanism of the shaft mechanically engages the shaft to both the spool and the worm gear such that the spool is thereby mechanically engaged with the worm gear.

24. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the knob is moveable between the first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein when in the second configuration, the engagement mechanism of the shaft is not mechanically engaged with the worm gear such that the spool is thereby free to rotate with respect to the worm gear.

25. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein a size of the wearable apparatus is manually adjustable when in the second configuration and locked against manual adjustment when in the first configuration, and wherein the size of the wearable apparatus is adjustable through operation of the motor when in the first configuration.

26. A wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a spline on the shaft configured to engage with a complementary spline on the inner surface of the spool and, when in the first configuration, a complementary spline on the inner aperture of the worm gear.

27. A wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the worm gear is permanently mechanically engaged with to the spool or wherein the worm gear is integrally formed with the spool.

28. A wearable apparatus as claimed in one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the actuator is controlled via controller module of the wearable apparatus.

29. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein the controller module is implemented by a controller of an electronics module of the wearable apparatus.

30. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein the electronics module is further configured to implement a virtual fence system configured to selectively provide a stimulus to the animal when worn such as to control a physical location of the animal.

31. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the actuator is controlled such as to cause expansion of the wearable apparatus in dependence on a length of time the wearable apparatus has been worn by the animal.

32. A wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the actuator is controlled such as to cause expansion of the wearable apparatus in dependence on measured characteristics made by the controller module of the animal, said measured characteristics at least comprising one or both of: movement of the collar along an axis; and animal behaviour, over a preselected time period to determine if the fitment of the wearable apparatus is tight or normal.

33. A wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the controller module may monitor a tension force of the collar and control the actuator to maintain the tension force within a predefined range or not greater than a predefined tension force.

34. A wearable apparatus as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the controller module is configured to send a notification to a recipient in response to determining that the measured characteristic or tension force is outside a predetermined range indicative of the collar being too tight or too loose and that the automatic expansion mechanism is unable to adjust the size of the wearable apparatus to within the predetermined range.

35. A method of controlling a size of a wearable apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 34, comprising the steps of:the controller module controlling the actuator to cause an expansion of the wearable apparatus based on an elapsed time; and / or the controller module controlling the actuator to cause an expansion of the wearable apparatus based on in dependence of the measure characteristics of the wearable apparatus.

36. A method for attaching the wearable apparatus of claim 24 onto a body part of an animal and subsequently adjusting its size, comprising the steps of: placing the wearable apparatus onto the body part of the animal; putting the knob into the second position; adjusting a size of the wearable apparatus; upon obtaining a desired relative size of the wearable apparatus with respect to the body part of the animal, putting the knob into the first position thereby locking the wearable apparatus at the desired relative size; and controlling, by the controller module, the actuator such as to cause an increase in size of the wearable apparatus.

Images