Automatically adjustable device for affixing to the nose of animals

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatically adjustable device (20, 30) for affixing to the noses of animals, which may be used simultaneously for administering medicinal or non-medicinal substances and / or for capturing and transmitting information about the animal by means of onboard sensors, the device (20, 30) being composed of a flexible support body (2, 2') and a pair of adjustable members (1, 1') that are connected by a system of swivel joints (3, 3'), allowing the articulation of the members in all directions. The system of swivel joints (3, 3') enables the adjustable members (1, 1') to automatically adjust to the wall of the nasal septum of each animal, which affords greater comfort and offers a larger area of contact between the face of the adjustable members (1, 1') of the device (20, 30) and the nasal mucous membrane of the animal.

Description

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for "SELF-ADAPTING NASAL FIXATION DEVICE FOR ANIMALS".

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals, intended for the administration of substances, whether medicinal or not, and / or the collection of information from the animal by means of electronic sensors. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the state of the art, devices for nasal fixation in animals are known, used both for the application of substances, whether medicinal or not, and for monitoring the animal's physical or behavioral conditions.

[0003] The administration of substances to livestock animals for prolonged periods may be necessary for various reasons, including prophylactic treatment, therapeutic treatment, or even to control the animal's estrous cycle. One of the most commonly used mechanisms today involves devices introduced into the animal's reproductive system, as described in documents BRPI0802661-0 and WO2016056926.

[0004] These devices are generally composed of a resistant and highly flexible plastic core, allowing them to return to their original shape after manipulation. Additionally, they are coated with a polymer (e.g., silicone) impregnated with the substance to be administered to the animal. They can have various shapes, but must allow for adequate retention of the device without causing damage or irritation to the mucous membrane of the reproductive tract.

[0005] However, intravaginal devices, such as those described in the aforementioned documents, are difficult to apply, since the animal must be immobilized. Furthermore, because they are internal devices, depending on the distance in the field from an observer, it is not possible... Check if the device is correctly inserted into the animal or if it is still attached to the animal.

[0006] Therefore, administering substances via a nasal device facilitates application and control, as it is simpler to introduce into the animal and allows for visual monitoring, making it easier to identify which animals received the device and whether the device remains installed in the animal's nostril.

[0007] Patent DE2125464 describes a clamp for applying medicinal substances to the nasal mucosa of animals, whether farm animals or domestic animals. According to the described technology, the device has a clamp shape, whose limbs carrying the substances are pressed against the wall of the nasal mucosa. In this way, the limbs, while fixing the device in the animal's nostril, apply the desired substance.

[0008] Additionally, the described device can also be fixed to the nostril through a perforation in the nasal septum, thus presenting an earring-like shape. The advantages conceived within the scope of this technology would be the ease and reduction of time and effort required to administer substances to the animal for an extended period, as well as the ease of visualizing the device on the animal and the possibility of color differentiation.

[0009] Document DE2910629 presents a device for applying medicinal substances to the nasal mucosa of an animal, composed of a resilient U-shaped (arch) body with fittings at the ends to receive a pair of limbs that carry the medicinal substances, which will be applied when the limbs come into contact with the nasal mucosa. The device has a specific angle at the terminal ends of the U-shaped body that allows for better anatomical accommodation in the animal's nasal septum and facilitates its insertion. in the nostril, thus reducing the impact caused to the animal by prolonged use, in addition to the advantages provided by the limbs being able to be mounted to the body.

[0010] Document DE3045527 describes a device for applying medicinal substances, whose substance-carrying components are pressed against the nasal mucosa wall and have a triangular shape with a specific angle on the mucosal contact surface, increasing the device's contact area with the nasal mucosa.

[0011] Additionally, there are several devices used for animal monitoring purposes, capturing information (through sensors such as temperature, humidity, location, movement, heart rate, respiration, and optical sensors) and transmitting it (through transponders or transmitters), making it possible to assess the animal's physical and psychological conditions, and even determine its estrous cycle. These devices are described in documents US2015282457 and WO2014201039.

[0012] Patent document NL1011884 describes a device that can be attached inside or on the nasal septum of animals, preferably cows, for both animal monitoring and substance administration. The device has measuring means to detect the animal's physical condition and means for administering active ingredients to the animal. Both the measuring and detection means are in direct contact with the animal's nasal mucosa. Furthermore, the measuring means can be associated with various types of sensors, such as temperature sensors, sensors to record heart rate or respiration, among others.

[0013] However, the nasal fixation devices described above, although presenting constructive variations, whether in the shape of the body or the contact limbs, commonly do not fully comply with the This function is primarily sought because they do not fit properly in the nasal septum of all animals, since each animal has an anatomically different nasal septum, even those of similar breed and physical size.

[0014] Because they don't fit perfectly into the animal's nasal septum, these devices can cause discomfort and may even lead to physical harm, such as wounds to the nasal septum.

[0015] Furthermore, because they do not adapt correctly to each animal, the contact area between the device and the nasal mucosa may be reduced, which limits the effectiveness of the device, either by not administering the desired substances properly, or by not accurately capturing the desired information (for example, temperature and pulse).

[0016] Therefore, the use of nasal fixation devices in animals, for the purpose of administering medicinal substances and / or collecting information about the animal, which need to have a contact area with the nasal mucosa arranged at a fixed angle or shape, provides only a partial solution for the aforementioned purposes, not fulfilling the objectives in a satisfactory and effective manner. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION The objective of the present invention is to provide a self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals that can be comfortably used by animals of different sizes and that has a greater capacity for capturing and obtaining vital signs from these animals, with greater reliability of the information obtained. Additionally, the self-adapting device, by adapting better to the animal's nasal mucosa, increases the contact area of ​​the nasal mucosa with the transmission media, including the substance to be administered to the animal, whether medicinal or not. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The objectives of the invention are achieved by a self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals, comprising: a pair of adaptable members, which have a contact surface and a coupling surface; and a support body, which comprises end caps with articulated coupling means; wherein the coupling surface of each of the adaptable members is coupled to the articulated coupling means of one of the terminal ends of the support body, forming a system of ball joints; and in which the flat surfaces of the adaptable members are separated by a spacing. The supporting body may have at least one of the following shapes: ellipse, circle, or rectangle, and may be made of flexible, elastically deformable material, for example, elastically deformable polymer. Adaptable members may be at least partially polymeric materials containing at least one treatment substance stored within them. The coupling surface of the adaptable members may be in the form of a female coupling, and the articulated coupling means of the end ends may be in the form of a male coupling; for example, the coupling surface of the adaptable members is a spherical concavity, and the articulated coupling means of the end ends are in the form of a sphere. The coupling surface of each of the adaptable members can be coupled with a contact element with a first end attached to the adaptable member and a second opposite end in the form of a male coupling, and the articulated coupling means of the end ends can be in the form of a female coupling, for example, a The male coupling contact element end has a spherical shape, and the articulated coupling means of the terminal ends are spherically concave. At least one sensor can be arranged in the adaptable members, and at least one sensor can be selected from between a temperature sensor and a pulse sensor. According to one embodiment of the invention, the adaptable limbs comprise a housing made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The housing has a closed end located on the face of the adaptable limbs facing the nasal septum mucosa of the animal, and the temperature sensor is housed within the housing. At least one of the following may be arranged on the support body: an electronic transmitter, a motion sensor, an optical electronic sensor, a location sensor, a respiration sensor, and a humidity sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings. The figures show:

[0018] Figure 1 is a front view of the first embodiment of the device.

[0019] Figure 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the device.

[0020] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the device.

[0021] Figure 4 is a top view of the first embodiment of the device.

[0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the device.

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the device.

[0024] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the device.

[0025] Figure 8 is a representation of the articulation of the limbs in the first embodiment of the device.

[0026] Figure 9 is a front view of the second embodiment of the device.

[0027] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the device.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Figures 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of the self-adapting nasal fixation device 20 for animals. The device 20 comprises a pair of adaptable limbs 1 and a support body 2 made of a flexible, elastically deformable material, such as a polymer, allowing adjustment of the distance between the adaptable limbs, and facilitating comfortable fitting of the device 20 into the animal's nostril, regardless of the nostril width. The elastic deformation resistance of the flexible material causes the support body 2 to exert slight pressure on the anterior face of the adaptable limbs 1.

[0030] Support body 2 also has the shape of an elliptical segment. In a possible constructive variation, support body 2 could assume the shape of a circular or rectangular segment.

[0031] Each of the adaptable members 1 is attached to one end of the support body 2. These adaptable members 1 each have a contact surface 1 a and a coupling surface 1 b for articulated coupling, with freedom of rotation, with the end terminal 5 of the support body 2. According to this first embodiment of the invention, the coupling surface 1b has a concavity 4 in the form of a female fitting, preferably spherical, with an opening, as shown in Figure 7.

[0032] The concavity 4 of each of the adaptable members 1 will be fitted to a terminal end 5 equipped with articulated coupling means of the support body 2. According to the first embodiment of the invention shown in figures 1 to 8, each of the terminal ends 5 has male coupling means, preferably spherical and with a size compatible with that of the concavity 4, so that it will be connected to that respective concavity 4. In this way, the flat surfaces 1a will face each other and be separated by a spacing 1 1.

[0033] The connection between the concavities 4 of the adaptable limbs 1 and the terminal ends 5 of the support body 2 will form a system of ball joints 3, which will allow articulation of the adaptable limbs 1 in all directions. This articulation of movements allows for better accommodation of the device in the animal's nasal septum on both sides.

[0034] Additionally, adaptable members 1 are at least partially made of polymeric materials containing at least one medicinal or non-medicinal substance (animal treatment substances) stored within them, which is the substance that one wishes to administer to the animal. They may be entirely made of this material containing the said substance, or only coated with it.

[0035] Thus, in this first embodiment, the ball-and-socket system 3 will also allow the entire contact surface 1 of the adaptable limbs 1 to be in constant contact with the animal's nasal mucosa. Regardless of the anatomical shape, this increases the overall contact area of ​​the device 20 with the animal's nasal mucosa.

[0036] Therefore, this format for device 20 is ideal for administering treatment substances, since the contact of limbs 1 with the mucosa will be constant and greater, allowing the release of the appropriate amount of treatment substance to be administered, without waste.

[0037] Figures 9 to 11 show a second embodiment of a self-adapting nasal fixation device 30, which is preferably used when there is a need to capture information from the animal.

[0038] In this embodiment, the support body 2' has terminal ends 6 with coupling means configured as a female fitting, preferably in a spherical concavity shape. The pair of adaptable members 1' has a contact element 12 with one end attached to the adaptable member V and the opposite terminal end configured as a male fitting, having a shape compatible with the female fitting of the terminal ends 6 of the support body 2', preferably a spherical shape 10.

[0039] Thus, the terminal end 10 of the contact element 12 will be connected to one of the terminal ends 6 of the support body 2', also forming a ball joint system 3'.

[0040] In this second embodiment, the shape of the adaptable members 1', with their protruding posterior face 10 forming a male fitting, expands the available space inside the adaptable member 1', which facilitates the placement of electronic sensors 7, such as, for example, temperature and pulse sensors. However, sensors can also be integrated into the adaptable means 1, according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0041] In any embodiment of the invention, an electronic transmitter and a battery (not shown) for sensor 7 can be installed in the lower region 8 of the support body 2, so that communication between the sensors 7 and the transmitter can be carried out by means of a channel 9.

[0042] Additionally, sensors (not shown) that do not need to be in direct contact with the animal (such as motion, optical, location and humidity sensors) can also be installed in the lower region of the support body 8.

[0043] The adaptable limbs V may also comprise a housing, preferably made of metallic material or other material with high thermal conductivity, which houses a temperature sensor 7 inside. The closed end of the housing is located on the anterior face of the adaptable limbs 1', so as to be in direct contact with the nasal septum mucosa of the animal, which improves the accuracy of the temperature reading and minimizes interference caused by airflow from the animal's breathing or wind.

[0044] Thus, due to the 3' ball joint system associated with the male fitting on the end members 1', this second configuration of the invention allows the adaptable members V equipped with sensors to always be in contact with the nasal septum mucosa of the animal, improving the quality and accuracy of the measured data, contributing to a better analysis of the animal's health.

[0045] The association between the support body 2, 2' made of flexible and resistant material, and the ball joint system formed by the fitting of the adaptable limbs 1, 1' with the support body 2, 2' allows the pressure exerted by the support body 2, 2' on the adaptable limbs 1, 1' to be transmitted against the animal's nasal mucosa, thus serving to accommodate the adaptable limbs 1, 1' at the angle that best suits the anatomy. of the animal's nasal septum, and also to fix the device 20, 30 in the animal's nostril.

[0046] Thus, the self-adapting nasal fixation device 20, 30, as designed in both embodiments, offers the following advantages over previously known counterparts: - larger contact area between the device 20, 30 and the animal's nasal mucosa, facilitating the administration of treatment substances, and / or also the precision in capturing information about the animal, through electronic sensors; - Greater comfort for the animal, and a lower incidence of physical damage caused by prolonged use, provided by the ball joint system that allows for better adjustment of the device to the anatomy of each animal; - Greater spatial capacity to allow sensors to be physically integrated into the device, while maintaining the accuracy of the readings taken by these sensors. Having described examples of preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations, being limited only by the content of the claims alone, including possible equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals, characterized by comprising: a pair of adaptable members (1), which have a flat surface (1a) and a coupling surface (1b); and a support body (2), which comprises end ends (5) with articulated coupling means; wherein the coupling surface (1b) of each of the adaptable members (1) is coupled to the articulated coupling means of one of the terminal ends (5) of the support body (2), forming a system of ball joints (3); and wherein the flat surfaces (1a) of the adaptable members (1) are separated by a spacing (11).

2. Self-adapting nasal fixation device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support body (2) has at least one of the following shapes: ellipse, circle and rectangle.

3. Self-adapting nasal fixation device, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support body (2) is made of flexible elastically deformable material.

4. Self-adapting nasal fixation device, according to claim 3, characterized in that the support body (2) is made of elastically deformable polymer.

5. Self-adapting nasal fixation device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the adaptable members (1) are at least partially polymeric materials containing at least one treatment substance stored therein.

6. Self-adapting nasal fixation device, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the coupling surface (1b) of the adaptable limbs is in the shape of female coupling, and the articulated coupling means of the terminal ends (5) are in the form of a male coupling.

7. Self-adapting nasal fixation device, according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling surface (1 b) of the adaptable limbs is a spherical concavity (4), and the articulated coupling means of the terminal ends (5) are spherical in shape.

8. Self-adapting nasal fixation device, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the coupling surface (1b) of each of the adaptable members (1') is coupled to a contact element (12) with a first end attached to the adaptable member (1') and a second opposite end in the form of a male coupling, and the articulated coupling means of the terminal ends (5) are in the form of a female coupling.

9. Self-adapting nasal fixation device, according to claim 8, characterized in that the end of the male coupling-shaped contact element (12) has a spherical shape, and the articulated coupling means of the terminal ends (5) are in the form of a spherical concavity.

10. Self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one sensor (7) is arranged in the adaptable limbs (1, 1').

1. Self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals, according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one sensor (7) can be selected from among a temperature sensor and a pulse sensor.

12. Self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals, according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized because the adaptable members (1') comprise a housing (13), made of material with high thermal conductivity.

13. Self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals, according to claim 12, characterized in that the casing (13) has a closed end located on the face of the adaptable limbs (1') facing the nasal septum mucosa of the animal.

14. Self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals, according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the temperature sensor is housed in the housing (13).

15. Self-adapting nasal fixation device for animals, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of an electronic transmitter, a motion sensor, an optical electronic sensor, a location sensor, a respiration sensor and a humidity sensor is arranged in the support body (2, 2').

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