NZ527895A - Veterinary apparatus and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A holder for holding an item or a substance arranged for mounting on the back of a non-human animal. The holder has a housing configured to hold the item or substance which has an upper surface and a lower part shaped to conform substantially to the shape of the animal's back. The lower part has a left side and a right side for positioning on respective sides of the spine of an animal. A region of enhanced flexibility is provided between the left side and the right side for positioning the region of the animal's spine. The region of enhanced flexibility enables the housing to flex so that the relative angular position of the left and right side can be altered

Description

(' ' 1 527895 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: 527895 Date: 27 February 2004 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION VETERINARY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE We, IMPIAN TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED, a New Zealand company, of Level 1, The Mall, 236-256 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: INTELLECTUAL PhjPeR'i V OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 8 FEB 2005 2 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding an item and which is arranged for mounting on the back of a non-human animal.

Background of the Invention In animal husbandry the administration of drugs to animals involves a great deal of handling which is laborious for the handler and stressful for the animals. Often animals JO must be brought in from long distances making prolonged or frequent treatment difficult if not prohibitive. In some cases the stress levels caused by handling stock can impair the performance of the treatment, and this is particularly true in deer. Many drugs are given in slow release capsules that can cause problems when still remaining in the animal at slaughter.

Devices for implantation or insertion are less than ideal, as they generally need to be removed when the animal is slaughtered, and they aren't easily accessible for adjustment or modification. As such, it is desirable to provide applicators which do not require full insertion or implantation.

As ambulatory animals may be spread out over a broad area on a farm, it is desirable to have any equipment or substance(s) for administration of drugs carried by the animal itself, so that the administration of the substance(s) can occur whenever and wherever necessary.

In W093/02634 there is described a device for artificial insemination of sows. The device is made up of a frame consisting of two hoops and a spinal column fitted over the back of a sow with a holder for a sperm tube. There is a small extension of the sperm tube extending into the vagina. As this device holds the sperm tube in an 30 elevated position above the animal's tail, it would not be suitable for long term use on freely ambulatory field animals, and it could be easily damaged. 337832-1 3 In US 2002/0017250 there is described an artificial insemination device for sows. The device includes a saddle which is placed on the back of an animal and a clip which can grip the flanks of the animal. A rigid arm extends upwardly and rearwardly from the saddle, and supports a sachet containing semen, and a probe extends into the vagina of the animal. A constant pressure applicator associated with the sachet maintains the animal semen in the sachet under pressure. It can be seen that this device holds the sachet at an elevated position, meaning that it is would not be suitable for long term use on freely ambulatory field animals, as they could easily damage the sachet-or device as it projects a significant distance above the body of the animal.

Neither of the above devices would be suitable for use in the field with an animal that is in heat, as other animals will typically try to mount the animal, which would damage the devices or dislodge them.

US 4,635,587 describes a flexible plastic bag-type sleeve which is secured to the rump of a cow with adhesive. A pocket is provided in the sleeve for receipt of an electronic timer module and membrane switch. When another cow attempts to mount the cow carrying the sleeve, the membrane switch is actuated which starts the timer. The electronic timer module indicates to a farmer that the cow is in heat, as well as the 20 duration of the heat.

US 6,342,041 also describes a device for detecting estrus in cows. The device includes a natural fibre patch which supports a case for a detector. Pressure sensors determine when the cow is being mounted and a detector emits signals in response to the detection. 25 The patch is glued to the back of the cow's back, close to the cow's tail.

Both of the above devices are small and so are limited in what they can carry, and are required to be fully adhered to the animal's back in order to remain in place when the animal is mounted by another animal. Once one of those devices has been used, the 30 electronics components are removed and the sleeve or patch is left on the animal's back until the adhesive weakens sufficiently that it falls off. They are flexible arrangements which provide little or no protection for items inside the patch or sleeve. 337832-1 4 It is an object of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an apparatus for holding an item and arranged for mounting on the back of a non-human animal which addresses some of the disadvantages outlined above, and/or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a holder for holding an item and adapted to be mounted on a predetermined part of a back of a non-10 human animal straddling the animal's spine, comprising: a housing configured to hold the item, the housing comprising: an upper surface; and a lower part including a left side and a right side for positioning on respective sides of the animal's spine and shaped to conform substantially with the shape of said predetermined part of the animal's back on either side of the spine; and a region of enhanced flexibility between the left side and 15 right side for positioning in the region of the animal's spine and which enables the housing to flex so that the relative angular position of the left and right side can be altered.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least 20 in part of, that is to say when interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features prefaced by that term in each statement all need to be present but other features can also be present.

The item may be a physical item or a substance for example.

By providing the region of enhanced flexibility between the left side and right sides, the apparatus may key to the animal's spine in use to help counteract any twisting movement applied to the apparatus by an animal dismounting the animal carrying the apparatus. The device maybe attached on either side of the spine, which when 30 combined with a region of enhanced flexibility also makes provision for accommodating mounting on the animal to which the apparatus is attached.

At least a major part of the upper surface is preferably of relatively low friction, and more preferably the finish on at least a major part of the upper surface is glossy. At 659080-2 IPONZ 31 MAY 2006 least a major part of the upper surface may be made from an impact resistant material. The upper surface preferably includes two substantially rigid upper surface portions, one on either side of the region of enhanced flexibility. Suitable material is polypropylene or HDPE for example. At least a major part of the upper surface may be 5 a colour which reflects sunlight to reduce heat buildup due to insolation, such as silver or white for example.

At least a major part of the lower part is preferably shock absorbent. At least a major part of the lower part may be made from a relatively high friction material to reduce 10 slipping on the animal's body. Suitable material is polyurethane foam for example. At least a major part of the lower part is preferably less rigid than the upper surface.

The region of enhanced flexibility may be defined by a reduced thickness of the lower part, and preferably also by an absence of the rigid upper surface portions in that region. 15 The upper surface portions are preferably joined by a member which enables them to be moved toward or away from one another. Alternatively, the region of enhanced flexibility could be provided by a hinge portion. The hinge portion may be provided by one or more physical hinges or hinge components, or may be provided by a live hinge in the upper surface. One embodiment hinge portion includes a hinge member which 20 connects to the two upper surface portions and which enables them to be moved toward or away from one another, thereby increasing the length across the upper part of the housing. A concertina-type bellows region could be provided between the two upper surface portions.

The housing is preferably of relatively low profile in the region of enhanced flexibility. A channel portion may be provided in the region of enhanced flexibility, which channel portion is configured for receipt of the animal's spinal region.

The housing is preferably flared along either side toward the rear of the housing, and of 30 relatively low tapering profile along either side so that its edges sit substantially flush with the animal's body in use. 337832-1 6 The shape of at least the lower part of the housing is preferably substantially symmetrical on either side of the region of enhanced flexibility.

The upper surface and lower part may form an integral housing, and may be made by 5 moulding with different materials for example. Alternatively, at least part of the upper surface may be detachable from or pivoted to the lower part to provide a user with access to the interior of the housing.

The housing preferably includes at least one connecting member to detachably engage 10 the at least part of the upper surface with the lower part. The connecting member(s) preferably comprise stud(s) which engage in boss(es) in the lower part.

The apparatus is preferably configured to hold the item internally in the housing.

The housing may comprise or carry a reservoir to hold a substance for delivery into or onto the animal during a treatment application. The substance could also be delivered to the ground to fertilise or otherwise treat the pasture or ground on which the animal stands, or to treat discharges from natural animal orifices. The reservoir may be removable and replaceable in a suitable chamber within the housing, or may be an 20 integral part of the housing which can be re-filled. The holder could be configured to hold one or more substances, either with or without other items.

The holder may comprise or hold a pumping arrangement for delivering a substance held in the holder. Said pumping arrangement may be gravity or a venturi system that 25 utilizes the urine stream to draw fluid from the reservoir directly into the urine stream. Delivery of fluid into, onto or from an animal may be in response to a sensed condition such as urination, oestrous, feeding, tail movement or change in body temperature. Sensors can be placed in a body cavity, attached to the surface, or placed in the urine stream to detect the presence or absence of urine or the properties of it.

Additionally or alternatively the holder may comprise or hold an electronics device which may be used to record data, take measurements, send signals, etc. The 6590X0-2 IPONZ 31 MAY 2006 7 electronics device could be over-moulded into polyurethane foam forming the housing, or a recess or chamber may be provided in the housing for receipt of the electronics devices. The housing may be configured to hold more than one electronics devices and/or one or more other items.

The apparatus is preferably readily detachable from an animal's back. Such detachment is preferably provided by a hook and loop fastening system or similar. Strips or patches of hooks or loops may be provided on the underside of the device on either side of the region of enhanced flexibility, so that the apparatus can be attached to corresponding ^10 strips or patches of hooks or loops which are adhered to the body of the animal.

Preferably, the holder is provided in combination with at least one strip or patch of loops for attachment to the holder or the animal's back and at least one complementary strip or patch of hooks or substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions to engage in the 15 loops and for attachment to the other of the holder or the animal's back. Most preferably, the holder is provided in combination with at least one strip or patch of loops and at least one complementary strip or patch of substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions.

The apparatus is preferably suitable for use with any of a variety of animals such as deer, pigs, dogs and cows for example. In the embodiment configured for use with a cow, on either side of the region of enhanced flexibility the lower part is preferably shaped for receipt in a respective dish-shaped recess between the pin bone and hip bone on either side of the spine, and configured to minimise forward and rearward movement 25 of the holder on the cow's back when attached thereto. This dish shape is generally the same between different cows, however depending on the condition of the cow the angle between the dish-shaped recess on either side differs. The preferred apparatus compensates for that by enabling the angle between either side of the apparatus to be adjusted as required. The apparatus preferably has a lesser included angle between the 30 sides than would generally be required for sitting relatively flush on the cow's back, so that the sides have to be opened apart to fit correctly on the back of the animal, which enhances the attachment to the animal. 337832-1 8 Preferably, at least a part of each of the left side and right side of the lower part has a convex shape when viewed from below.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a holder 5 for holding an item and adapted to be mounted on a predetermined part of a back of a non-human animal straddling the animal's spine, comprising: a housing configured to hold the item, the housing comprising: a contoured upper surface; and a lower part including a left side and a right side for positioning on respective sides of the animal's spine and shaped to conform substantially with the shape of said predetermined part of 10 the animal's back on either side of the spine; and a region of enhanced flexibility between the left side and right side and defined by a relatively low profile region of the housing, which relatively low profile region is configured for receipt of the animal's spine in use and configured to minimise any twisting of the apparatus on the animal's back if the animal is mounted or dismounted by another animal.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a holder as outlined in the first or second aspect above, when used to hold an item. Preferably, the item is a substance for delivery to the animal.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a holder as outlined in the first or second aspect above, when used to hold more than one item. Preferably, the items are a plurality of substances for delivery to the animal.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reservoir 25 apparatus for holding a substance and adapted to be mounted on a predetermined part of a back of a non-human animal straddling the animal's spine, comprising: a housing defining a reservoir or configured for receipt of a reservoir, the housing comprising: an upper surface; and a lower part including a left side and a right side for positioning on respective sides of the animal's spine and shaped to conform with the shape of said 30 predetermined part of said animal's back on either side of the spine; and a region of enhanced flexibility between the left side and right side for positioning in the region of the animal's spine and which enables the housing to flex so that the relative angular position of the left side and right side can be altered.

The apparatus may be configured to hold more than one substance. 659080-2 IPONZ 31 MAY 2006 9 The apparatus of the second and fourth aspects may include any one or more of the features outlined in respect of the first aspect above.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of 5 holding an item or a substance, comprising: providing an apparatus as outlined in the any of the aspects above above; and detachably mounting the apparatus on a predetermined part of the back of a non-human animal.

The apparatus may be holding an item prior to attachment to the back of the non-human 10 animal. Alternatively, or in addition, an item may be inserted in the holder following attachment of the holder to the back of the non-human animal.

Preferably, the step of detachably mounting the apparatus on a predetermined part of the back of the non-human animal comprises attaching at least one strip or patch of loops 15 on the underside of the apparatus or the back of the animal, and attaching at least one complementary strip or patch of substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions to the other of the underside of the apparatus or the back of the non-human animal, and engaging the substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions with the loops. Preferably, the step of detachably mounting the apparatus on a predetermined part of the back of the non-20 human animal comprises attaching at least one strip or patch of loops on the underside of the apparatus or the back of the animal, and attaching at least one complementary strip or patch of substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions to the other of the underside of the apparatus or the back of the non-human animal, and engaging the substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions with the loops.

Preferably, a strip or patch is attached to each of the left side and right side of the underside of the apparatus, and a complementary strip or patch is attached to the back of the animal on either side of the animal's spine.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples onlv.

IPONZ «»*> -' 31 MAY 2006 Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a left side elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 1; 10 Figure 5 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 is an underside perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with catches of a fastening arrangement opened, which enables the upper part to be removed from the lower part; Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the interior of the lower part of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a rear perspective view similar to Figure 8, but including a sachet head and a fluid reservoir; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the upper part of the apparatus of 20 Figure 1; Figure 11 is an underside perspective view of the upper part of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 12 is an underside perspective view of the hinge region of the upper part of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 13 is an underside perspective view of a preferred hinge component of the upper part of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 14 is a rear perspective schematic view showing the apparatus of Figure 1 mounted on a cow; Figure 15 is a rear elevation schematic view showing apparatus of Figure 1 30 mounted on a cow; Figure 16 schematically shows an alternative embodiment apparatus having two internal reservoirs under a cover; IPONZ 31 MAY 2006 11 Figure 17 schematically shows an alternative embodiment apparatus having two integrated internal reservoirs; Figure 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment apparatus having a different fastening arrangement for fastening the upper part of the apparatus to a lower part of the apparatus; Figure 19 is a sectional view of detail A of Figure 18, showing details of part of the fastening arrangement; Figure 20 schematically shows an alternative embodiment apparatus having an alternative cover arrangement with two separate covers for the embodiment of Figure 17 for example; and Figure 21 shows a preferred arrangement for attaching the preferred embodiment apparatuses to the back of an animal.

Detailed Description of Preferred Forms With reference to Figures 1 to 6, the preferred apparatus has a housing 1 which includes an upper part 3 and lower part 5. The upper part 3 defines an upper surface having two upper surface portions 7, 9 divided by a longitudinal centreline C-C. A connecting member 11 interconnects the two upper surface portions 7, 9.

The housing 1 includes two extensions 13, which are configured to receive a pair of resiliently flexible rods (not shown). In use, when the apparatus is mounted on an animal as will be described below with reference to Figures 14 and 15, the extensions (and attached rods) will generally extend rearwardly. The rods are used to hold an applicator or sensor in or near a natural posterior orifice of the animal, to deliver a substance carried by the apparatus 1 to the animal or to take measurements from the animal. The extensions 13 may or may not be provided, depending on the application.

The lower part 5 of the housing 1 is made of a material which is shock absorbent, and is shaped to conform generally to the shape of the animal's back as shown in Figures 14 and 15. The lower part has a left side 5a and a right side 5b, for positioning on respective sides of the spine of the animal. The material is preferably of relatively high 337832-1 12 friction to reduce slipping of the lower surface on the animal's body. Suitable material is polyurethane foam for example.

As can be seen from Figure 6, at least a portion 5a', 5b' of each side of the underside 5a, 5b of the apparatus is curved convexly downwardly away from the upper surface and configured to sit in the curved regions of the animal's back between the hip bones and the pin bones (as can be seen more clearly in Figures 14 and 15). The shapes of the sides minimise forward and rearward movement of the apparatus when it is mounted on the back of the animal.

The material may be sufficiently flexible that the shape of the lower part can conform to the shapes of the backs of different animals. If increased flexibility in the material is desired, the lower part could comprise a material which contains a fluid or moveable items (in the manner of a bean bag), so that the material can flex as required.

The outer shape of at least the lower part of the housing is preferably substantially symmetrical either side of the centreline. The edges of the underside are preferably sufficiently steep extending outwardly from the centreline region that a channel portion 14 is formed which is configured for receipt of the animal's spinal region, as can be 20 seen from Figure 15.

The interior of the housing is configured for receipt of one or more items as will be described in more detail below.

In order to provide protection for any items within the housing, the upper part 3 of the housing is preferably made from a substantially rigid material. The material is sufficiently rigid and inflexible to protect items within the housing from damage should another animal of the same species attempt to mount an animal which is carrying the apparatus. The upper surface is advantageously made of a relatively low friction 30 material. Suitable material is polypropylene or HDPE for example. At least a substantial part of the upper surface may be a colour which reflects sunlight to reduce 337832-1 13 heat build up caused by insolation, such as silver or white for example. It is preferred that the finish on the upper surface is glossy.

By providing a relatively rigid upper surface and a relatively flexible lower part, if the 5 apparatus is subjected to an impact such as from an animal attempting to mount the animal which is carrying the apparatus, the lower part will compress to some extent to absorb the shock, thereby helping minimise any effects on the items carried in the housing. By providing a glossy or low friction upper surface, if the animal carrying the apparatus is mounted by another animal, the surface will not impede dismounting.

The housing 1 is of relatively low profile in the region of the longitudinal centreline C-C, which substantially corresponds in position to the animal's spine in use.

The connecting member 11 enables the included angle between the relatively rigid 15 upper surface portions 7, 9 to be altered as is necessary. The preferred connecting member 11 shown includes four downwardly-extending projections 15 as can be seen from the underside view in Figure 12. Each of the upper surface portions 7, 9 includes a pair of elongate slots 17, which each have a length greater than the diameter of the corresponding projection 15, and the projections extend through the elongate slots 17. 20 This enables inward and outward movement of the upper surface portions 7, 9 relative to one another which, due to their downward angles, reduces or increases the included angle between the upper surface portions 7, 9. Due to the low profile along the centreline C-C, adjustment of the included angle between the upper surface portions also adjusts the included angle between the sides 5a, 5b of the lower part 5. Gaskets or 25 washers 18 may provide a weather seal around each projection 15. Alternatively there may be a snug fit between the pins and upper lid cover. The connecting member is preferably more flexible than the upper surface portions 7, 9, to provide a region of increased flexibility between the upper surface portions 7, 9, such that the housing can flex about the longitudinal centreline. Other configurations could be used to provide the 30 region of enhanced flexibility, as will be outlined below. 337832-1 14 Figures 14 and 15 schematically show the preferred embodiment apparatus 1 in position on the back of a cow. For the sake of simplicity, not all of the detail of the apparatus are shown in Figures 14 and 15. However, it will be appreciated that the actual embodiment will generally include the features mentioned above and below with respect to Figures 1 to 13, or the features described below for the alternative embodiments. Figures 14 and 15 also show a conduit 19 extending from the apparatus 1 to a locator 21 which is positioned in a posterior orifice of the animal, under the animal's tail T. The conduit can be used to deliver or extract fluids and/or can be used for data or electric communication between the holder and the locator.

" The back of the cow has a pair of hip bones H and pin bones P. The apparatus is shown in the preferred position with each side of the apparatus located in a respective dish-shaped recess R on either side of the spinal ridge S of the cow, between the hip bones H and pin bones P. It has been found that the shapes of the dish-shaped recesses R do not 15 generally change from cow to cow, but the angles between the dish-shaped recesses R do change. Any minor changes in the shapes of the recesses are accommodated by the flexibility of the underside of the apparatus. Cows in better condition will have a lesser angle between the dish-shaped recesses R, whereas cows with less condition will have a greater angle between the dish-shaped recesses R. Cattle of different breeds can also 20 have different angles. Holsteins have a much lower angle than Jersey cows. The enhanced flexibility of the region between the upper surface portions enables the apparatus 1 to key to the spine. Further, the channel portion 14 along the centreline accommodates the spine. This is desirable as it helps counteract any twisting movement applied to the apparatus such as by another animal mounting the animal carrying the 25 apparatus.

In a similar manner, the upper surface is contoured and the overall housing is flared at the rear extremity of either side as can be seen most clearly from the right side of Figure 3. The housing is also of relatively low profile at either side, so that edges sit 30 substantially flush with the animal's body in use. Accordingly, the outer edges of the apparatus come into close proximity to the animal's body to prevent hooves from gaining purchase under the edges and dislodging the apparatus. That also reduces the 337832-1 likelihood of the animal carrying the apparatus catching the apparatus on a fence or similar.

The apparatus is preferably attached to the animal so that it is readily detachable. For 5 that purpose, a hook and loop fastening system, such as that marketed under the trade mark VELCRO, or similar can be used. In particular, in use one or more strips of hook or loop fastener is/are attached to the animal in use - generally longitudinally along the recesses R, and opposing hook or loop strips are attached to or provided on the underside of the apparatus. The combination of the "keying" feature outlined above 10 and the shape of the housing means that the strips of hook and loop fastener provide sufficient strength that the apparatus will not be dislodged during normal use, including during mating.

It is been found that particularly good results are achieved if rather than using hook 15 strips, strips having substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions, such as that marketed under the trade mark DUAL LOCK, are used in combination with the strips of loops. The mushroom-shaped protrusions have been found to maintain their strength better than conventional hook strips, which is advantageous as the apparatus may be attached to an animal's back for up to about thirty days or more in the field. Further, the 20 combination of loops and DUAL LOCK mushroom-shaped protrusions has been found to tighten when pressure is applied, which is the case when an animal mounts another animal carrying the apparatus. DUAL LOCK mushroom shaped protrusions are easier to clean with water than Velcro hooks and maintain their holding power in respect to Yelcro loop for longer. The DUAL LOCK picks up less dirt than hook and loop 25 fasteners.

Figure 21 shows a strip or patch 501 of substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions 503 and a complementary strip or patch 505 of loops 507 for engagement with the protrusions 503. The inset to Figure 21 shows the protrusions 503 engaged with the 30 loops 507. The strips or patches can be disengaged by peeling them apart, as shown in the main part of Figure 21. 337832-1 16 The hook and loop and/or Dual Lock fixing strips are kept well within the confines of the perimeter and away from any edge. This configuration prevents pealing if an edge is lifted creating a straight lift at right angles to the strips. That is the configuration in which the holding force is at a maximum.

The strips of the hook and loop (or Dual Lock) system which are attached to the animal are preferably adhered to pieces of cloth that are larger than the strips. The cloth patches are adhered to the cow's body, rather than the strips. If an edge of the hook and loop fastener is lifted, the force is distributed by the cloth patch over a large area of hair. 10 This increases the mechanical holding power of the patch and increases the effective lifetime of the holding force which can be reduced by moulting. Cows lose hair but rarely if ever go bald. By using a cloth patch larger than the hook and loop strip, the number of hairs holding the patch to the cow is substantially increased. The only effective way to part the hook and loop (or Dual Lock) is with a peeling motion. If a 15 patch wasn't used, that would apply a large force to the corner of the strip which is only supported by a few hairs. The strip could easily be removed from the cow by pulling the hair out. However, by using a cloth patch larger (or at least wider) than the strip, the peeling force lifting the corner is spread across a wider area and therefore the patch is less likely to be inadvertently removed from the cow's body. This is more secure and 20 more comfortable for the cow as a large potentially painful force applied to a small number of hairs is spread over a wider area, reducing the level of discomfort.

Reverting to Figure 7, the upper part 3 of housing 1 can preferably be removed from the lower part 5 by lifting connecting members which comprise release catches 23, which 25 releases hook portions of the catches 23 from complementary pins 25 (Figure 8) in the lower part 5. Once the release catches 23 have been lifted, the upper part 3 can be removed from the lower part 5, which provides a user with access into the lower part. When in the latched position, the release catches 23 sit flush with the upper surface portions, as is most apparent from Figure 1.

As can be seen from Figure 8, the interior of the lower part 5 of the preferred housing defines a chamber 27 extending substantially across the width of the lower part 5. The 337832-1 17 chamber is configured for receipt of a pump and electronics device 29 as shown in Figure 8, as well as a fluid sachet 31 which defines a fluid reservoir which provides fluid to the pump, as shown in Figure 9. The lower part defines a further chamber 33 for receipt of a battery pack which powers the electronics and pump heads.

It will be appreciated that the interior of the housing could be provided with any number of chambers depending on requirements.

A channel 34 preferably extends at least part way around the lower part, and is 10 configured for receipt of the rim of the upper part which aligns the parts correctly and additionally provides a weather-resistant seal between the upper and lower parts.

With reference to Figure 11, the region of the upper part corresponding to the fluid reservoir is provided with a number of strengthening ribs 35 to help prevent crushing of 15 the fluid reservoir.

The above describes preferred forms of the invention and any modifications made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

The above describes one arrangement which provides a region of enhanced flexibility between the two upper surface portions and the left and right side of the lower part. Other arrangements could be used. For example, the region of enhanced flexibility may be defined by a reduced thickness of the lower part, and an absence of the rigid upper surface portions in that region. Alternatively, the region of enhanced flexibility could 25 be provided by a hinge portion. The hinge portion could be provided by one or more physical hinges or hinge components, or may be provided by a live hinge in the upper part. A concertina-type or sliding shingle-type arrangement could be provided between the two upper surface portions.

Further, rather than using a separate sachet or reservoir positioned in the lower part, the reservoir or reservoirs could be formed as part of the housing, and could be refillable through a suitable nozzle or connector in the housing. Figure 16 shows such a 337832-1 18 configuration in which two reservoirs 127a, 127b are formed as an integrally-moulded part of the housing. Fluid passageways 127a', 127b' are in fluid communication with the respective reservoirs 127a, 127b so the reservoirs can be filled or fluid dispensed from the reservoirs without removal if desired. In this embodiment, a cover is 5 removable to obtain access to the housing. Figure 17 shows an alternative embodiment having integrally-moulded reservoirs 227a, 227b and fluid passageways 227a', 227b'. In this embodiment, no removable cover is provided. Other than described in this paragraph, the features should be considered to be the same as the embodiment of Figures 1 to 13, and like reference numerals indicate like parts, with the addition of 100 ^10 and 200 respectively.

The above preferred embodiments are described for use with cows. However, the apparatuses will be adaptable for use with other non-human animals, and may be shaped for use with particular animals. For example, the apparatus may be suitable for use with 15 animals including but not limited to, cows, deer, dogs and pigs. The exact shape of the apparatuses and their mounting positions will likely differ from animal to animal, however the overall principles are similar. For example, when used with a deer, the apparatuses will generally be mounted further forward on the deer's back than they would be on a cow's back.

The materials described above for making the preferred apparatus are by way of example only. Other substantially rigid polymers could be used for the upper part, and other less rigid polymers could be used for the lower part. The upper part could be made from a suitable metal material such as stainless steel or aluminium alloy for 25 example.

It is not necessary that the upper surface is rigid and the lower part is less rigid, although that is the preferred embodiment. The upper surface and lower part could be of similar rigidity. The upper surface and lower part could be made from the same material, and 30 they could be part of a unitary component if desired, provided the material provides a suitable combination of strength and shock absorption. As an example, a solid core could be provided with an integrated skin, with the crushing protection being provided 337832-1 19 by the core. In any embodiment, the housing will preferably exhibit flexibility in the region corresponding to the spine of the animal.

Figures 6 to 11 show one preferred embodiment connecting mechanism for detachably 5 connecting the upper part of the housing to the lower part of the housing. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 18 and 19. Unless described below, the features of this embodiment should be considered the same as the embodiment of Figures 1 to 12, and like reference numerals indicate like parts, with the addition of 300. In this embodiment, each side of the upper parts 307, 309 of the housing are connected to the 10 lower part 305 of the housing using an alternative connecting mechanism 323. The lower part 305 of the housing is formed with a number of bosses 305a, one of which is shown in Figure 19. The boss has an enlarged cylindrical lower part 305a, and a reduced diameter cylindrical upper part 305b. An aperture extends through the upper cylindrical part into the lower part, and has a tapered all 305c. A shoulder 305d is 15 formed between the upper cylindrical part and the lower cylindrical part. The bosses are configured for receipt of the studs 323, which extend through the upper part of the housing. Each stud preferably has an enlarged head 323a, a reduced diameter intermediate portion 323b, and an elongate shaft portion 323c with fingers 323d extending downwardly from the lower end. Enlarged heads 323e are provided on the 20 fingers. The stud 323 extends through an aperture in the upper housing part preferably having an enlarged portion 309a for receipt of the head 323a of the stud, an intermediate region 309b for receipt of the intermediate region of the stud, and a lower region 309c for receipt of the shaft 323c of the stud.

To connect the upper part of the housing to the lower part of the housing, the upper part is placed in position above the lower part, and downward force is applied to the studs 323 which pushes the ends of their fingers into the bosses 305a such that the fingers extend beyond the shoulder 305d of the boss, maintaining the upper part in position on the lower part. In order to remove the upper part of the housing, a user inserts his or her 30 thumb or finger into a recess 310 provided near the perimeter of the holder, and lifts the edge of the upper part. That causes the studs to disengage from the bosses, so that the upper part can be removed from the lower part. There may be a similar recess provided 337832-1 on the other side of the housing to remove the other side of the upper part from the lower part.

Any suitable type of connecting members could be used to connect the upper part of the > housing to the lower part of the housing, such as threaded members, levers, cams, studs, or clips.

Figure 20 shows another alternate embodiment 401 in which independent covers 407, 409 or upper parts are provided, one for each side of the holder 401. The covers 407, 10 409 are held in position using studs 423 and bosses similar to Figure 20. The side of the covers opposite to the studs may be held in position under a ledge or recess (not shown) in the lower part of the holder, and the cover hinged into the position shown and maintained in that position by the studs. Alternatively, the sides of the covers opposite to the studs may be connected to the lower part of the housing with a hinge or similar. 15 A recess (not shown) may be provided near each stud to enable each the cover to be lifted and the stud to be disengaged from the boss. Again, other than as described in this paragraph, the features should be considered the same as the embodiment of Figures 1 to 12, and like reference numerals indicate like parts with the addition of 400.

The preferred embodiments shown and described provide a number of advantages.

The preferred apparatus is resistant to being dislodged if the animal carrying the apparatus is mounted by another animal. By providing a substantially rigid upper surface and relatively flexible lower surface, the apparatus will provide impact 25 protection for items located within the housing in such a situation. The relatively low friction or glossy upper surface assists in dismounting. The enhanced flexibility between the two sides of the housing means the apparatus can easily be used with different animals, and the apparatus preferably keys to the animal's spine to help counteract any twisting movement applied to the apparatus. 337832-1 21

Claims (49)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A holder for holding an item and adapted to be mounted on a predetermined part of a back of a non-human animal straddling the animal's spine, comprising: a housing 5 configured to hold the item, the housing comprising: an upper surface; and a lower part including a left side and a right side for positioning on respective sides of the animal's spine and shaped to conform substantially with the shape of said predetermined part of the animal's back on either side of the spine; and a region of enhanced flexibility between the left side and right side for positioning in the region of the animal's spine 10 and which enables the housing to flex so that the relative angular position of the left and right side can be altered.

2. A holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a major part of the upper surface is of relatively low friction. 15

3. A holder as claimed in claim 2, wherein the finish on at least a major part of the upper surface is glossy.

4. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a major 20 part of the upper surface is an impact resistant material.

5. A holder as claimed in claim 4, wherein the upper surface comprises two substantially rigid upper surface portions, one on either side of the region of enhanced flexibility. 25

6. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a major part of the upper surface is a colour which reflects sunlight to reduce heat buildup due to insolation. 30

7. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a major part of the lower part is shock absorbent. f IPONZ 31 MAY 2006 22

8. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a major part of the lower part is made from a relatively high friction material to reduce slipping on the animal's body. 5

9. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a major part of the lower part is less rigid than the upper surface.

10. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the region of enhanced flexibility is defined by a reduced thickness of the lower part. 10

11. A holder as claimed in claim 10 and including rigid upper surface portions, wherein the region of enhanced flexibility is between the rigid upper surface portions in that region. 15

12. A holder as claimed in claim 11, wherein the rigid upper surface portions are joined by a member which enables them to be moved toward or away from one another, thereby increasing the length across the upper part of the housing.

13. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing is of 20 relatively low profile in the region of enhanced flexibility.

14. A holder as claimed in claim 13, wherein the relatively low profile region is configured for receipt of the animal's spine in use and configured to minimise any twisting of the holder on the animal's back if the animal is mounted or dismounted by 25 another animal.

15. A holder as claimed in claim 14, comprising a channel portion in the region of enhanced flexibility, which channel portion is configured for receipt of the animal's spinal region. 30

16. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is flared along either side toward the rear of the housing, and of relatively low tapering IPONZ 31 MAY 2006 23 10 15 20 25 profile along either side so that its edges sit substantially flush with the animal's body in use.

17. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of at least the lower part of the housing is preferably substantially symmetrical on either side of the region of enhanced flexibility.

18. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface and lower part form an integral housing.

19. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at least part of the upper surface is detachable from or pivoted to the lower part to provide a user with access to the interior of the housing.

20. A holder as claimed in claim 19, comprising at least one connecting member to detachably engage the at least part of the upper surface with the lower part.

21. A holder as claimed in claim 20, wherein the connecting member(s) comprise stud(s) which engage in boss(es) in the lower part.

22. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, configured to hold the item internally in the housing.

23. A holder as claimed in any of the preceding claims comprising or carrying a reservoir to hold a substance.

24. A holder as claimed in claim 23, wherein the reservoir is removable and replaceable in a suitable chamber within the housing.

25. A holder as claimed in claim 23, wherein the reservoir is an integral part of the housing which can be re-filled. f IPONZ 6mS0-2 " ?'1 MAY 2006 24

26. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising or holding a pumping arrangement for delivering a substance held in the holder.

27. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising or holding 5 an electronics device which may be used to record data, take measurements, and/or send signals.

28. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, which is readily detachable from the animal's back after attachment thereto. 10

29. A holder as claimed in claim 28 provided in combination with at least one strip or patch of loops for attachment to the holder or the animal's back and at least one complementary strip or patch of hooks or substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions to engage in the loops and for attachment to the other of the holder or the animal's back. 15

30. A holder as claimed in claim 29 provided in combination with at least one strip or patch of loops and at least one complementary strip or patch of substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions. 20

31. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30 and adapted to be mounted on a back of a cow, wherein on either side of the region of enhanced flexibility the lower part is shaped for receipt in a respective dish-shaped recess between the pin bone and hip bone on either side of the spine, and configured to minimise forward and rearward movement of the holder on the cow's back when attached thereto. 25

32. A holder as claimed in claim 31, having a lesser included angle between the sides than would be required for sitting relatively flush on the cow's back, so that the sides have to be opened apart to fit correctly on the back of the cow. 30 33. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of each of the left side and right side of the lower part has a convex shape when viewed from below. 659080-2 f.

IPONZ 31 MAY 2006 25

34. A holder for holding an item and adapted to be mounted on a predetermined part of a back of a non-human animal straddling the animal's spine, comprising: a housing configured to hold the item, the housing comprising: a contoured upper surface; and a lower part including a left side and a right side for positioning on respective sides of the 5 animal's spine and shaped to conform substantially with the shape of said predetermined part of the animal's back on either side of the spine; and a region of enhanced flexibility between the left side and right side and defined by a relatively low profile region of the housing, which relatively low profile region is configured for receipt of the animal's spine in use and configured to minimise any twisting of the 10 apparatus on the animal's back if the animal is mounted or dismounted by another animal.

35. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, when used to hold an item. 15

36. A holder as claimed in claim 35, when used to hold more than one item.

37. A holder as claimed in claim 35, wherein the item is a substance for delivery to the animal. 20

38. A holder as claimed in claim 36, wherein the items are a plurality of substances for delivery to the animal.

39. A reservoir apparatus for holding a substance and adapted to be mounted on a 25 predetermined part of a back of a non-human animal straddling the animal's spine, comprising: a housing defining a reservoir or configured for receipt of a reservoir, the housing comprising: an upper surface; and a lower part including a left side and a right side for positioning on respective sides of the animal's spine and shaped to conform with the shape of said predetermined part of said animal's back on either side of the 30 spine; and a region of enhanced flexibility between the left side and right side for positioning in the region of the animal's spine and which enables the housing to flex so that the relative angular position of the left side and right side can be altered.

«'■*« 'IPONZ;31 MAY 2006;26;40. A reservoir apparatus as claimed in claim 39, configured to hold more than one substance.;

41. A method of holding an item on a non-human animal, comprising: providing an 5 apparatus as outlined in any one of claims 1 to 40; and detachably mounting the apparatus on a predetermined part of the back of the non-human animal.;

42. A method as claimed in claim 41, wherein the apparatus is holding an item prior to attachment to the back of the non-human animal.;0;

43. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein an item is inserted in the holder following attachment of the holder to the back of the non-human animal.;

44. A method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the step of 15 detachably mounting the apparatus on a predetermined part of the back of the non-human animal comprises attaching at least one strip or patch of loops on the underside of the apparatus or the back of the animal, and attaching at least one complementary strip or patch of hooks or substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions to the other of the underside of the apparatus or the back of the non-human animal, and engaging the 20 substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions with the loops.;

45. A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein the step of detachably mounting the apparatus on a predetermined part of the back of the non-human animal comprises attaching at least one strip or patch of loops on the underside of the apparatus or the 25 back of the animal, and attaching at least one complementary strip or patch of substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions to the other of the underside of the apparatus or the back of the non-human animal, and engaging the substantially mushroom-shaped protrusions with the loops.;30

46. A method as claimed in claim 44 or 45, wherein a strip or patch is attached to each of the left side and right side of the underside of the apparatus, and wherein a rIPONZ;659080-2 * 31 MAY 2006 27 complementary strip or patch is attached to the back of the animal on either side of the animal's spine.

47. A holder or reservoir apparatus, substantially as herein described with reference 5 to the accompanying drawings.

48. A holder as claimed in claim 1 or claim 34, or a reservoir apparatus as claimed in claim 39, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

49. A method of holding an item on a non-human animal as claimed in claim 41, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed. 10 11'.fian Ifc.ii&ol'eg'"i..,1' 659080-2 IPONZ 31 MAY 2006 28 ABSTRACT A holder for holding an item and arranged for mounting on the back of a non-human animal, has a housing 301 configured to hold the item. The housing has an upper surface 303 and a lower part 305 shaped to conform substantially to the shape of the animal's back. The lower part 305 has a left side 305a and a right side 305b for positioning on respective sides of the spine of the animal. A region of enhanced flexibility is provided between the left side 305a and right side 305b for positioning in the region of the animal's spine. The region of enhanced flexibility enables the housing to flex so that the relative angular position of the left and right side can be altered. The item could be a substance or could be a different item. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY QR":iCc. j OF N.Z. 2 8 FEB 2005 RECEIVED 337832-1