Cut-resistant and tamper-proof animal tracking collar assembly

Abstract

An animal tracking collar comprises an elongated collar portion 110 and a securing enclosure 130. The collar portion comprises a core and an outer sleeve formed of a cut-resistant fibre enclosing the

Description

Background of The Invention Field of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of animal tracking and security devices, particularly cut-resistant and tamper-proof collars for securing GPS tracking devices to animals. Description of Related Art

[0002] Various types of animal collars and tracking devices are known in the art for monitoring the location and status of pets and livestock. Existing solutions include collars with attached GPS units or RFID tags. However, conventional tracking collars suffer from certain limitations in terms of security and tamper-resistance. Many designs allow unauthorized individuals to easily remove the tracking device from the animal, defeating the purpose of the tracking system.

[0003] In particular, standard collar materials and attachment mechanisms can often be cut or broken with common tools. This vulnerability enables pet thieves or other malicious actors to circumvent tracking and steal valuable animals. A growing problem of animal theft has being identified.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for an animal collar and a tracking assembly that overcomes problems with such devices including the deficiencies identified above. Brief Summary of The Invention

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an improved animal tracking collar with enhanced cut-resistance and tamper-proof securing of the GPS device. The collar utilizes advanced materials and an integrated locking enclosure to prevent unauthorized removal, while still being comfortable and safe for the animal to wear. Additionally, the GPS device is able to function normally within the secure enclosure.

[0007] The present invention relates to an animal tracking collar and tamperproof tracking assembly that enables secure attachment of a GPS tracking device to an animal. In one aspect, the invention provides a cut-resistant and tamper-proof tracking collar assembly comprising an elongated collar portion formed of cut-resistant materials, a securing enclosure for holding a GPS device, and locking members for securing the enclosure to the collar.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated collar portion comprises a multi-layer core having stainless steel bands surrounding a cut-resistant fibre band, enclosed in a cut-resistant fibre outer sleeve. This composite structure advantageously resists cutting and tampering by requiring different tools to cut through each layer.

[0009] The securing enclosure consists of a reinforced polymer main body with a cavity for holding the GPS device, and a lid that locks to the main body. Preferably, the polymer is a high-strength, radio frequency (RF) transparent material that allows the GPS device to function normally while shielding it from external tampering. The cylindrical locking members fixed to each end of the collar engage the receptacles in the securing enclosure, integrating the collar and enclosure into a unified assembly.

[0010] In operation, the present invention solves the limitations of conventional animal tracking collars by providing a substantially cut-proof and tamper-resistant design. By combining a multi-layer cut-resistant collar with a hardened polymer enclosure that securely integrates the GPS device, the invention prevents unauthorized removal of the tracking assembly. Advantageously, this enhanced security deters pet theft and protects valuable animals.

[0011] The various aspects of the present invention provide a robust yet elegant solution for securing GPS tracking devices to animals. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. Brief Description of the Drawings 3

[0013] The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1: An embodiment of an animal tracking collar assembly configured to securely attach a GPS tracking device to an animal, according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2: A cross-sectional view of the elongated collar portion comprising a multi-layer construction designed to resist cutting, according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3: An aerial view of the securing enclosure coupled to the elongated collar portion, with a hollow interior sized to contain the GPS tracking device, according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4: A left cross-sectional lateral view of the securing enclosure, illustrating a locking mechanism that secures the lid to the main body, preventing access to the GPS tracking device, according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5: A front-facing view of the device, depicting the lock and receptacles for attachment with the ends of the elongated collar, according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6: An aerial view of the elongated collar portion, further depicting cylindrical locking members, according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7: A lateral view of the securing enclosure, detailing the receptacles recessed within the main body and illustrating the slot portion exposed along the receptacles to allow the elongated collar to properly fit and secure to the body, according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG.8 depicts an arial view of the elongated collar portion comprising triangular locking members, according to one embodiment..

[0022] FIG. 9 depicts an arial view of the elongated collar portion 110 is depicted, further illustrating rectangular locking members, according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the animal tracking collar assembly, according to one embodiment. Detailed Description

[0024] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0025] The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present systems, and / or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present systems described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.

[0026] Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

[0027] The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the present invention (especially in the context of certain claims) are construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0028] All systems described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the application. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0029] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0030] The word or as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might”, or “may” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

[0031] As depicted in FIG. 1, an embodiment of an animal tracking collar assembly 100 configured to securely attach a GPS tracking device 190 (depicted in FIG.4) to an animal is illustrated. The tracking collar assembly 100 comprises an elongated collar portion 110 and a securing enclosure 130 coupled to the collar portion 110.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the elongated collar portion 110. In one embodiment, the elongated collar portion 110 may be formed of at least one cut-resistant material selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, aramid fibres, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and stainless steel. More specifically, the elongated collar portion 110 comprises a core layer 112 having a first stainless steel band 114, a second stainless steel band 116, and a cut-resistant fibre band 118 disposed between the first and second stainless steel bands 114, 116. The cut-resistant fibre band 118 can be formed from a material selected from the group including, but not limited to, aramid fibres and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The core layer 112 is substantially enclosed by an outer sleeve 120 generally formed of a cut-resistant fibre, particularly aramid fibres. This multi-layer construction of the collar portion 110 is configured to resist cutting by typically requiring different tools to cut through the cut-resistant material layers and the stainless steel bands, thereby enhancing security.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 3, an ariel view of the securing enclosure 130 is provided. In another embodiment, the securing enclosure 130 is coupled to the elongated collar portion 110 and has a hollow interior 125 sized to contain the GPS tracking device 190. The securing enclosure 130 includes a main body 132 and a lid 134 configured to close over the main body 132, thereby securing the GPS tracking device 190 within. According to an embodiment, the securing enclosure 130 may be formed by injection molding a reinforced polymer material, particularly a polyamide resin, wherein the material is substantially transparent to radio frequency (RF) signals.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, a left cross sectional lateral view of the securing enclosure 130 is illustrated. The securing enclosure 130 comprises a locking mechanism 136 disposed on the main body 132 and the lid 134. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 136 includes a releasable lock 137 coupled to the lid 134 and a pair of locking flanges 139 extending from the lid 134. The main body 132 includes a pair of locking slits 135 configured to receive the locking flanges 139. When the releasable lock 137 is engaged by turning a key (not shown), the locking flanges 139 extend into the corresponding locking slits 135 in the main body 132, thereby securing the lid 134 to the main body 132 and preventing access to the GPS tracking device 190. According to an embodiment, the locking slits 135 and the releasable lock 137 may be recessed within the securing enclosure 130 to prevent tampering. In some cases, the GPS tracking device 190 sealed within the securing enclosure 130 can be water-resistant.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 5, a front facing view of the device is depicted, showing the lock and further displaying receptacles for attachment with the ends of the elongated collar portion 110. FIG. 6 illustrates an arial view of the elongated collar portion 110, further depicting cylindrical locking members 122.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the main body 132 of the securing enclosure 130 includes a pair of receptacles 138 disposed on generally opposing sides, depicted as dash lined line cut outs to indicate their position site beneath the lid 134. Each receptacle 138 is sized to receive an end of the elongated collar portion 110. More specifically, a pair of cylindrical locking members 122 are provided, each fixed to a respective end of the elongated collar portion 110 and configured to lockingly engage the securing enclosure 130. In one embodiment, each cylindrical locking member 122 comprises a generally C-shaped cross-section sized to substantially surround the respective end of the collar portion 110 and is fixed to the collar end with a force of several tons, particularly at least about 2 tons.

[0037] According to an embodiment, when the locking mechanism 136 is engaged, it is configured to retain each end of the collar portion 110 within its respective receptacle 138, thereby securing the enclosure 130 to the collar portion 110 to form a closed loop around the animal's neck. The high cut-resistance of the collar portion 110 and the secure coupling of the GPS device enclosure 130 function to prevent unauthorized removal of the tracking assembly 100 from the animal.

[0038] In one embodiment, the lid 134 of the securing enclosure 130 is recessed within the main body 132 when the locking mechanism 136 is engaged, thereby enhancing the tamper-proof nature of the tracking assembly 100 by increasing the difficulty to pry open the lid 134. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 136 may comprise a lock configured to receive a key, wherein the key is rotatable to disengage the lock, allowing the lid 134 to be opened when authorized access to the GPS tracking device 190 is required.

[0039] As depicted in FIG. 7, a lateral view of the securing enclosure 130 is shown, further detailing the receptacles 138 recessed within the main body 134 and illustrating the slot portion exposed along the receptacles to allow the elongated collar 110 to properly fit and secure to the body.

[0040] FIG. 8 depicts an arial view of the elongated collar portion 110, illustrating an embodiment comprising triangular locking members 124.

[0041] In this embodiment, each triangular locking member 124 comprises a generally triangular cross-section sized to substantially surround the respective end of the collar portion 110, wherein the triangular locking members 124 are fixed to the collar ends with a force of several tons, particularly at least about 2 tons, to ensure secure attachment.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 9, an arial view of the elongated collar portion 110 is depicted, further illustrating an alternative embodiment comprising rectangular locking members 126.

[0043] According to this embodiment, each rectangular locking member 126 comprises a generally rectangular cross-section sized to substantially surround the respective end of the collar portion 110, wherein the rectangular locking members 126 are fixed to the collar ends with a force of several tons, particularly at least about 2 tons, to ensure secure attachment.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the animal tracking collar assembly 100, depicting the same components as FIG. 1, but with additional details. As shown in FIG. 10, the elongated collar portion 110 is coupled to the securing enclosure 130, wherein the securing enclosure 130 comprises a main body 132 and a lid 134 configured to close over the main body to secure the GPS tracking device 190 within the hollow interior 125 of the enclosure. Additionally, the main body 132 of the securing enclosure includes a pair of receptacles 138 disposed on opposing sides.

[0045] The embodiments described herein are given for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The respective elements and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, or the like of the embodiment are not limited to the illustrated examples but may be appropriately changed. Further, the constituents described in the embodiment may be partially replaced or combined together.

Claims

1. An animal tracking collar, comprising:a. an elongated collar portion comprising at least one cut-resistant material;b. wherein the elongated collar portion comprises:i. a core comprising:I. a first band,II. a second band, andIII. a cut-resistant fibre band disposed between the first and second bands, andii. an outer sleeve formed of a cut-resistant fibre enclosing the core;c. a securing enclosure attachable to the elongated collar portion, the securing enclosure having a hollow interior sized to contain a GPS tracking device and a locking mechanism configured to prevent unauthorized removal of the GPS tracking device; andd. a pair of locking members, each fixed to a respective end of the elongated collar portion and configured to lockingly engage the securing enclosure to form a closed loop around an animal's neck.

2. The animal tracking collar of claim 1, wherein the at least one cut resistant material is selected from a group comprising aramid fibres, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and stainless steel.

3. The animal tracking collar of claim 1, wherein the first band, the second band, the outer sleeve, and the cut-resistant fibre band are selected from a group comprising aramid fibres, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and stainless steel.

4. The animal tracking collar of claim 1, wherein said locking members are configured in various shapes selected from the group comprising cylindrical, triangular, and rectangular configurations.

5. The animal tracking collar of claim 1, wherein the securing enclosure consists essentially of a reinforced polymer material.

6. The animal tracking collar of claim 5, wherein the reinforced polymer material is a radio frequency (RF) transparent material.

7. The animal tracking collar of claim 5, wherein the reinforced polymer material comprises a polyamide resin.

8. The animal tracking collar of claim 1, wherein the cut-resistant fibre of the outer sleeve comprises aramid fibres.

9. The animal tracking collar of claim 1, wherein the GPS tracking device is water-resistant.

10. The animal tracking collar of claim 1, wherein the elongated collar portion is configured to resist cutting by requiring different cutting tools to cut through the at least one cut-resistant material, the first band and the second band.11 .A tamper-proof tracking assembly for securing a GPS device to an animal, comprising:a. a GPS device enclosure, the GPS device enclosure having a main body with a cavity sized to receive a GPS device and a lid configured to close the cavity;b. a locking mechanism disposed on the main body and the lid, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to secure the lid to the main body when engaged, thereby preventing access to the GPS device;c. a cut-resistant collar having a first end and a second end;d. a pair of receptacles disposed on opposing sides of the main body, each receptacle sized to receive an end of the cut-resistant collar; ande. wherein the locking mechanism is further configured to retain each end of the cut-resistant collar within its respective receptacle when engaged, thereby securing the GPS device enclosure to the cut-resistant collar.

12. The tamper-proof tracking assembly of claim 11, wherein the GPS device enclosure is formed of a reinforced polymer material.

13. The tamper-proof tracking assembly of claim 12, wherein the reinforced polymer material is a radio frequency (RF) invisible polymer.

14. The tamper-proof tracking assembly of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a recessed lock configured to secure the lid to the main body.

15. The tamper-proof tracking assembly of claim 11, wherein each receptacle further comprises a slot extending from an outer surface of the main body to the respective receptacle, the slot being configured to receive a respective end of the cut-resistant collar.

16. The tamper-proof tracking assembly of claim 11, wherein the receptacles are configured in various shapes selected from a group comprising cylindrical, triangular, and rectangular configurations.

17. The tamper-proof tracking assembly of claim 11, wherein the cut-resistant collar further comprises: a core layer formed of a cut-resistant fibre band; and an outer sleeve formed of a cut-resistant fibre enclosing the core layer.

18. The tamper-proof tracking assembly of claim 17, wherein the cut-resistant fibre band is formed from a material selected from a group comprising aramid fibres and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).1419. The tamper-proof tracking assembly of claim 11, wherein the lid is recessed within the main body when the locking mechanism is engaged.

20. The tamper-proof tracking assembly of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lock configured to receive a key, the key being rotatable to disengage the lock and allow the lid to be opened.s

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