A treatment and monitoring system for discomforts arising in the legs of horses

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising electrostimulation and photonic stimulation devices, as well as a slow release mechanism for applying different herbal oils to the horse's leg. The system aims to relieve fatigue, edema, and locomotor system stress occurring in horses after activity. Additionally, it has the capability to automatically detect when the horse's leg returns to normal and provide alerts.

Description

[0001] A TREATMENT AND MONITORING SYSTEM FOR DISCOMFORTS ARISING IN THE LEGS OF HORSES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a system comprising electrostimulation and photonic stimulation devices, as well as a slow release mechanism for applying different herbal oils to the horse's leg. The system aims to relieve fatigue, edema, and locomotor system stress occurring in horses after activity. Additionally, it has the capability to automatically detect when the horse's leg returns to normal and provide alerts.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The system described in patent document US20090312822 involves a system with infrared heat-emitting devices placed on a rubber base for the purpose of pain relief and relaxation. The document specifies that the described system can be wrapped around the leg and waist areas of both humans and animals. However, there is no mention of therapeutic oil usage, electrostimulation application, warning system, or treatment detection in the content of this document. Therefore, it does not align with the technical details described in our patent application.

[0006] AIM OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One aspect of the invention is to provide mobile electrostimulation by utilizing electrodes in contact with the skin of the horse's legs and a contained power unit. This is aimed at relieving fatigue, edema, and locomotor system stress occurring in the legs of horses after activity.

[0008] Another objective of the invention is to provide relief from fatigue, edema, and locomotor system stress occurring in the legs of horses after activity through photonic (light) stimulation. The related hardware is incorporated within a textile-based structure, allowing it to be wearable. The position and intensity of the stimulation can be adjusted by a keeper (groom).

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to enable the application of different herbal oils to the horse's leg through the included slow release mechanism. The keeper can determine the intervals and amounts at which the oils are applied. The release mechanism operates automatically, allowing for the controlled release of the oils at the intervals set by the caregiver. The specific oils designated for release are thyme, clove, and argan oil. However, the invention allows for the use of any therapeutic oil in general practice, which has treatment efficacy.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to utilize a gyroscope within the textilebased structure applied to the horse's leg. This gyroscope is used to collect data on the leg positions during the horse's walking, running, and standing moments, which can then be compared with the ideal horse gait and leg positions stored in the invention's database. The collected data allows for the detection of the horse's leg recovery, and this information is communicated wirelessly to the responsible keeper through communication protocols. This ensures a level of certainty regarding the recovery of the horse's leg and prevents any erroneous decisions based on keeper’s judgment.

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention relates to a system comprising electrostimulation and photonic stimulation devices, as well as a slow-release mechanism, for the application of different herbal oils to a horse's leg. The system is designed to alleviate fatigue, edema, and locomotor system stress that occur in horses after activity. Furthermore, it incorporates an automatic detection feature to identify when the horse's leg returns to a normal state and provide corresponding alerts.

[0013] The mentioned system comprises a wearable body that includes electrodes for electrostimulation and infrared radiation lamps for providing photonic stimulation. The body is designed to be wrapped around the horse's leg and can be secured using clips. This allows for the effective application of electrostimulation and photonic stimulation to the horse's leg. The body of the system comprises movable slots or compartments on its inner side where electrodes for electrostimulation and infrared lamps for photonic stimulation can be positioned and adjusted. This design enables effective placement and securement of the electrodes and lamps on the horse's leg. Alternative fastening mechanisms such as hooks, Velcro straps, buttons, or other options can be utilized instead of clips for securing the body to the leg. The slots or compartments are designed to accommodate both the infrared lamps and the electrodes. These slots have a 360-degree range of motion within the body and can be easily inserted and removed. This allows for a flexible arrangement of the components. For example, the slot for the electrode can be inserted first, and then the electrodes can be attached to the slot. The system can then be positioned on the desired area of the horse's leg. Subsequently, the slot for the infrared lamp can be inserted, and the lamp can be attached to the slot. This design enables precise placement of the electrodes and lamps on the desired areas of the horse's leg. As a result, both the infrared lamps and the electrodes are securely attached to the inner surface of the body, in direct contact with the horse's leg. The body is designed to tightly wrap around the horse's leg and has a flexible structure, preventing the movement of the components. Both the electrodes and the infrared lamps require power supply. To meet this requirement, the body comprises a designated area for the placement of a battery. The battery placed in this area provides power to all the electrical components present on the body. The battery can be replaced once its power is depleted, allowing for uninterrupted operation of the components. The bases on which the mentioned slots are placed are coated with a conductive material. This conductive material is connected to the battery. The bottom part of the slots is also coated with a conductive metal, establishing contact with the conductive material on the base, thus enabling the transfer of power from the battery to the components within the slots. In summary, the components placed in the slots can receive power from the battery through the contact with the surface of the body where the slots are located.

[0014] Within the invention, there is a therapeutic module for applying herbal oils to the surface of the horse's leg. This module operates using the power obtained from the battery and enables the delivery of the oils to the horse's leg in the duration and quantity set by the keeper. Similar to the electrodes and infrared lamps, this module is designed to be positioned on the inner surface of the body and is compatible with the slots. By fitting it into the slot, as described earlier, it can receive power from the battery. The therapeutic module for oil application comprises reservoirs designed for holding the therapeutic oil and caps located at the ends of these reservoirs that can be opened and closed. This configuration allows for the convenient placement and controlled dispensing of the oil for the intended treatment purposes. The types of oils designated for the oscillation are thyme, clove, and argan oil. However, in general use of the invention, any oil with therapeutic properties can be used. These caps can be controlled using a motor and gear mechanism. This allows for the opening and closing of the caps to be regulated by controlling the operation range of the motor, automating the frequency of administering the therapeutic oil to the horse. The therapeutic oil, intended for treatment purposes, can be added to the module by removing it from the body, opening the reservoir cap, and inserting the oil. Once the reservoir is closed and the module is repositioned on the body, it becomes ready for operation. Within the specified conditions determined by the keeper, the caps within the module can be opened and closed, allowing the oil from the reservoir to flow and come into contact with the surface of the leg at regular intervals. The module comprises an electric motor that, when powered, starts rotating, thereby causing the gears it is in contact with to also rotate. As the gears rotate, the caps in contact with the gears also rotate. The contact between the caps and the gears is facilitated by another gear located beneath the caps. The caps are shaped like two half circles. When they rotate half a turn, the opening of the reservoir becomes exposed, allowing the oil to flow. When they rotate another half turn, the two half circles come together, functioning as a closed cap, and the outlet of the reservoir becomes sealed. Thus, the flow of oil is stopped. By adjusting the rotation speed of the caps, the frequency at which the oil comes into contact with the body can be determined.

[0015] The invention comprises a textile-based wearable body further comprises a gyroscope, which obtains three-dimensional motion data based on the movements of the horse's leg and transmits it to a processor. The data regarding the leg positions during walking, running, and standing are collected, allowing the detection of the horse's leg recovery. This information is communicated to the keeper through wireless communication protocols, utilizing the data obtained by the gyroscope. Thus, it ensures a certain level of accuracy in determining whether the horse's leg has recovered or not, preventing any erroneous decisions based on personal judgment. Like the previously described components, the gyroscope is also positioned within the internal compartments of the body and powered by the battery.

[0016] The invention comprises a flexible electronic card that is embedded within the body. This electronic card houses a processor, a wireless communication protocol, and a memory unit. The electronic card is powered by the battery. The memory unit stores reference motion data of horses for comparison with the motion data obtained from the gyroscope. The processor is responsible for adjusting the settings as per the keeper’s input. It controls the electrostimulation electrodes, infrared lamps, and the rotational speed of the motor that operates the caps of the oil treatment module. Additionally, the processor acts as the unit to which the data from the gyroscope is transmitted. It compares the data received from the gyroscope with the normal data stored in the memory unit to determine whether the acquired data represents normal or abnormal patterns. Based on the type of data identified, it sends warning notifications to the keeper as alerts. The wireless communication protocol facilitates the communication between the keeper and the system. It transmits the operating conditions of the electrostimulation electrodes, infrared lamps, and oil treatment module from the keeper to the processor, as well as relays the notifications and alerts generated by the processor to the keeper. The processor comprises a software with an interface to allow the input of operating conditions from the keeper. The user interface can be accessed through a device that supports input, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, using a wireless connection. For example, by establishing a wireless connection with a mobile phone, the user can access the interface and input the operating conditions for the electrostimulation electrodes, infrared lamps, and oil treatment module. These conditions can be adjusted and stopped as desired within the range and duration that will help alleviate the discomfort of the horse.

[0017] When the processor evaluates the movements based on the detection of the horse's leg movements by the gyroscope, and determines that they have returned to normal, a notification is sent to the caregiver using the wireless communication protocol. Additionally, a LED lamp, placed on the outer surface of the body, is used to indicate this status. When the processor detects that the horse's leg movements have returned to normal, it activates the LED lamp, which is powered by the battery and features a waterproof coating. The illumination of the LED lamp indicates that the horse has recovered without the need for the keeper to connect to the wireless communication protocol, allowing them to visually see the improvement in the horse's leg movements.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A treatment and monitoring system for discomfort arises in the legs of horses, characterized by comprising:- a body that can be worn and secured to the horse's leg by means of clips, further comprising electrodes for electrostimulation and infrared radiationemitting lamps for photonic stimulation, wherein the inner side of the body that contacts the horse's leg includes movable sockets that allow placement of the electrodes and infrared lamps, with a 360-degree movement capability provided by conductive material in contact with the lower part of the body; an area on the body for housing a battery; a base covered with an electrically conductive material wherein the movable sockets seated on and the conductive material is connected to a battery,- a treatment module comprising a reservoir capable of accommodating the therapeutic oil, which can be adjusted by a keeper to deliver the oil onto the horse's leg surface in a predetermined amount and duration, wherein the reservoir is equipped with half-circle shaped caps that can be opened and closed by a motor in conjunction with a gear mechanism that is compatible with the movable sockets;- a gyroscope located within the body to receive three-dimensional motion data from the horse's leg movements and transmit this information to a processor;- a flexible electronic card placed inside the body, with the electronic card comprising a processor that adjusts the rotation speed of the motor controlling the electrodes, infrared lamps, and caps of the treatment module according to keeper-defined settings, compares the data provided by the gyroscope with normal data stored in a memory unit to determine whether the received data is normal or indicative of a disorder, and sends alert notifications to the keeper based on the type of identified data mismatch; a software with an interface embedded in the processor for inputting keeper- defined operating conditions via a device; a wireless communication protocol that facilitates communication between the keeper and the system, transmitting the operating conditions of the electrostimulation electrodes, infrared lamps, and treatment module to the processor, and relayingnotifications from the processor to the keeper; a memory unit containing normal motion data specific to horses for comparison with the motion data obtained by the gyroscope;- an LED lamp positioned on the outside of the body.