GB2476406A - Remote pet weighing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A pet weighing device for accurate recording of measurement, being of a receptacle capable of situation within the animal's housing for convenience by protecting the vital components. The receptacle has an extended outer skirting to protect and hide the components and also in built means of broadcasting, projecting or displaying a weight measurement reading. It also has a means of remote activation and display or audible broadcast of the data to help those of limited mobility or with dexterity problems, or those with a need to remain at a distance from the animal.

Description

Pet Weighing Device.

This invention relates to a device for recording and relaying accurate weight measurements of animals. Primarily, for small mammals from the order, "Rodentia". To include: Mice; Hamsters; Gerbils; Rats; Degus; Chinchillas and the subfamilies thereof.

It is not exclusive to this species and can be adapted for others, whether reptilian, mammalian or birds.

It is recommended that domesticated rodents be weighed regularly in keeping with good practices of husbandry; monitoring for signs of conditions leading to, or the actual presence of illness. This practice is also encouraged when educating children as to the importance of these disciplines for the welfare of the animal and thus also life skills in general that can instil a relative value to the child's own sense of wellbeing and care needs.

The problem exists, that current methods and mechanisms by which a weight reading is taken, usually requires the animal to be removed from its housing. Then be transported and placed on traditional scales either Spring or Strain Gauge or by other technologies.

This experience can invariably be stressful for the animal; a state which in itself is a major factor in the cause of illness and disease within this species and others.

It can also be an inconvenience to the owner or guardian in relation to the practicalities of the operation. This can be compounded if the animal escapes and has to be pursued or trapped for recapture. Accumulatively, this may be a discouragement to the regular practice of this essential aspect to good husbandry, with the implications to the animal's health therein.

Similar problems are anticipated for other species. 2.

Description:

It is the principle aim of the present invention, to provide a receptacle, typically but not exclusively of a bowl shape, with a means of recording and displaying an accurate weight measurement incorporated within, being capable of manual or remote operation that can be situated inside the animal's housing and to transmit the data to be received and viewed remotely. It may be preferred also to have the facility to give an audible readout to assist those with site problems.

By placing the measuring device on the underside of the receptacle and being protected by an outer lip, the technology is protected from inference by the animal and it from the technology and is thus capable of being situated within the animal's habitat.

It need not be exclusively employed within the latter context with either this, or other species, but the primary aim is to provide the means by which it is safe and practical to do so.

It will be utilised as a feeding bowl or sand bath.

For other species it may be adapted for, in the case of cats and dogs as an example, a bedding area, or litter tray or receptacle.

Similar claims could also be recommended for other species.

Rodents are part trained by association and as such, the invention would be for the delivery of treats or the much enjoyed activity of bathing. Thus quickly facilitating an association with the invention as something established and recorded within rodent behaviour, as pleasurable for the pet.

Its application for dispensing treats is particularly significant for domestic Mice and Rats as it is not advised they take sand baths as the activity can lead to the development of respiratory problems and mortality within this genus of Muroidea.

Similarly, with other species where bathing is an unknown habit, as with but not exclusive to certain reptiles such as Lizards, the device would be used in comparable fashion. It could also be disguised to represent a natural resting place for creatures such as, with Lizards, a log, or any other such object.

For Hamsters, Gerbils, Degus and Chinchillas, where sand bathing is established as the main method of cleaning to manage bodily oil and fluid secretion and controlling mite and bacterial growth, the invention would be recommended for use in this activity.

Like usage is envisioned for other domesticated pets, such as but not exclusively, bird life, including but not exclusively, Budgerigars who also enjoy sand baths as part of natural activity.

It is established in rodent husbandry that the animals will sit in a feeding bowl or bath bowl as part of their natural instinct and inquisitiveness. Thus, in this case, negating the need to remove the pet from it's habitat to another place. It is also established, that if allowed free will, it is common rodent behaviour to familiarise and claim such a receptacle as part of 3.

it's habitat, yet if forced, and especially not in the safety of it's secure housing, they can be uncomfortable, nervous and try to escape or be irritable, fearful and nip.

Comparable claims can also be said to be true for other species, such as, but not exclusively, bird life, as with the previously mentioned genus; Budgerigars.

With regard to rodents, and other species where applicable, this invention allows the animal to remain safe and secure within its familiar habitat and use the device in the natural course of its daily activities.

It also allows the owner or guardian to carry out essential monitoring without fuss or the fear of causing distress or harm to the pet. This could make the practice of regular weight monitoring a more attractive proposition for both animal and owner. It would also allow the owner to give vital information to veterinary surgeons should an animal become ill and need to seek treatment or as part of ongoing recovery processes associated with disease or post operatively.

It would be particularly useful where a person suffers from a condition that limits dexterity negating the need for regular handling and by the ease at which the data can be viewed. By means of wirelessly transmitting the data it would also allow a person, say a veterinary surgeon to remain at a distance far enough away from the subject to cause least alarm. By being housed within the animal's habitat it would also allow the veterinary to take regular readings without the need for removal, lessening stress to the animal and inconvenience to the vet.

The invention, by means of its shape, made using known manufacturing moulding methods and materials, whether manmade or natural for achieving this, will provide the necessary capacity and secure housing for materials deemed fit as an enticement or otherwise for an animal and protect the vital technologies for recording compression force.

The invention provides a place the animal can occupy and as such, the size will vary according to that of the genus of Rodentia it is to serve, or with other dimensional considerations for different species.

It allows for the accurate recording, transmission and display of a weight measurement by means of an attached, battery operated unit that is accessible for repair and or replacement.

The unit contains a sensor for the recording of measurement, as an example, as with pocket scales for measuring jewellery, one that utilises High Precision Straining Resistance Sensor technologies, or a sensor in the form of a polymer surface piezosensitive type where linearization is accomplished with microcontrollers or any other method for measuring tension or compression force. 4.

It will transmit this information wirelessly to a separate hand held or otherwise secure device for receiving and displaying digita] information whether by infra-red signa]s, wire]ess RS-232, Bluetooth, radio frequency, or any other means of wireless data transfer systems, to include apps for I-phone technologies. The technologies and electrical conversion circuitry for audible broadcast are also well known and in everyday use.

Or it may transmit to a receiver with an LCD or any other technology for the display of digital signals and that is housed within the outer wall of the receptacle.

In the case of larger animals such as cats and dogs, the sensor may need to be more robust in size, or being of a greater number, to be capable of bearing greater loads, but the technologies are in existence to accomplish this.

This aspect of the invention may also operate on projection technologies such as laser; to simply project a reading onto some other mass where an observer can record the data.

There even exists today, nano sized laser projectors as made by the, Explay company of Israel.

The invention can be operated by manual application or infra-red activation or by any other means of remote activation technology.

The preferable method for smaller animals would be to have the technology remotely activated in order to cause the least disturbance to the pet or animal.

It would be preferred that a hand held unit receives the information rather than embedding a display screen within the bowl or other shaped housing, as this would need to be done in such a way as to minimise the chances of the rodent gnawing away and destroying said display unit. Similar problems could be anticipated with other species. This would not only necessitate repair or rep]acement but cou]d create a danger of killing the animal through toxicity. However, the unit can be protected by clear plastic moulding, if embedded, to minimise this risk.

The invention will provide the means where its intended purpose can take place with regularity and ideally within the confines of the pets housing to maintain the animals sense of security and least disruption to its natural activity by simply protecting the technology for recording weight and relaying of said data, from contact with the animal and thus encouraging good husbandry practices.

It is anticipated that the invention be used for domestic, industrial or commercial purposes. 5.

The invention will now be described in detail, in three embodiments pertaining to rodent use, and four adaptations for other species, reference being made to the attached diagrams, for

example only.

FIG 1 is an isometric view of the assembled bowl of this embodiment.

FIG 2 is a transverse sectional view of the device.

FIG 3 is front view of a hand held receiver.

FIG 4 is an isometric view of the device utilising a variation of display method.

FIG 5 is an isometric depiction of a means of remote activation for figure 4.

FIG 6 is an isometric view of the device that utilises a different shape and method of transmitting and receiving information.

FIG 7 is a transverse sectional view of figure 6.

FIG 8 is an isometric depiction of remote activation for figure 6.

FIG 9 is a transverse sectional view of another application of the principles of the device, in this case a dog/cat sleeping space.

FIG 10 is a transverse sectional view of the device employed as a litter tray.

FIG 11 is an isometric view of the invention as used for birds.

FIG 12 is isometric view of the invention at a tilted angle to demonstrate another application of the operating principles. In this case as a resting log for (not exclusively) Lizards.

The device provides a receptacle for an animal to occupy within its habitat as part of its natural activity, wherein an accurate weight measurement can be taken. FIG 1, (1), FIG 2, (1) and FIG 4, (1) show this to be of a bowl shape of traditionally manufactured methods of assembly and materials. To be used as an object naturally associated by the animal as familiar, for enticement therein. The bowl has a concave inner wall, FIG 2 (4) for receiving the substance of enticement and the animal and as a means to present the weighing mechanism FIG 2, (5) FIG 9, (5) FIG (5) and FIG 12 (5), so as a reading and recording of the measurement can be taken.

In FIG 7 (23) the inner for receiving the enticement and animal, is of a rectangular sunken shape but still fulfilling the function of reception and the presentation of the weighing technology (5) The same is true of FIG 9 (25) FIG 10 (26), FIG 11 (1) and FIG 12 (30) where the principles for providing a natural enticement in order to accurately weigh and display the subsequent data is fulfilled.

The preferred method for the execution of the operation is illustrated in FIG'S (1), (2), (3), (11) and (12).

FIG'S (1) (2) and (3) will be used to explain the essential and preferred apparatus and methodology necessary to execute the purpose of the invention.

Wherein, FIG 1 (1) and FIG 2 (1) show the previously mentioned essential of a receptacle. FIG 2 (4) shows the essential space within the receptacle for the supporting of material, animal and weighing technology. 5 is the weighing technology and illustrates 6.

that it is attached to the base of the inner concave (or other) wall with a surface upwardly facing to accept a weight.

There are a number of recognised technologies for taking a measurement, one being of a polymer surface piezoelectrical type, that can be applied with adhesives in which a compression force disrupts a flow of current and microcontrollers produce a linear interpretation of the data. Another, being of a high precision straining resistance sensor using a strain gauge bridge circuit to indicate measured strain by the degree of imbalance and a precision voltmeter in the centre of the bridge to provide an accurate measurement of that imbalance.

The essential element of the invention is for a technology to carry out the measurement, protected from outside interference by an animal, and the remote activation of the procedure, not necessarily the technology needed to perform the measurement. It is anticipated that a preferred technology will be arrived at on a cost effective and proven record of reliability. This technology is now so refined that it is available as an app for an I-phone.

It is essential as in FIG 2 (6) that the measuring technology and supporting electrical circuitry be housed in a protective unit, moulded to the underside exterior of the base of the inner concave or recessed surface (4), but accessible as in (8) for maintenance, repair or battery change. However, with regard to the previous point; as there now exists energy-autonomous battery-less sensors, entirely powered by piezoelectric energy converters driven by mechanical vibrations from the environment, the need to change a battery may become obsolete and the invention would utilise such technologies to lessen the frequency by which the housing unit needs opening.

The unit is further shielded by the extended outer walls of the receptacle which act as skirting to hide the device and to minimise the risk of tipping and exposure as shown in FIG 7 (1) It is essential to the invention that a means of transmitting the data wirelessly to a handheld or otherwise secured displaying device or by projection to another recordable surface, be present.

And a means of remote activation of the procedure is available.

And that preferable there be an audible broadcast be present. The reason that the latter function is not essential is due to the disturbance this may cause the animal, especially if sick, making this an option for the partially sited.

This allows an observer to carry out the activity without the need of too close a proximity to cause alarm or distress to an animal, especially if it is a patient in treatment, or have to man handle the animal in any way to achieve this aim.

To this purpose, FIG 1 (2) illustrates a means of transmission of the data correlated from the measuring device, (5) . Typically this would be an electrical transmitter, which sends the information by radio frequency the receiver, FIG 3 (12) which in turn uses an electronic circuit to split or arrange the signal to be displayed on a small LCD screen (10) . The receiver (9) also houses an on off device (11) and a hold button (13) by which the current display of data can be fixed on screen for a period in case the animal 7.

evacuates the receptacle (1) before the observer can make note of the information. Again, by use of electrical circuitry, the methods and means to achieve this element of the operation are already well known and in use commercially. In FIG 1, (3) represents an embedded receiver to initiate the process in (5) although, in practicality, there exists the technology to utilise (2) and (12) as both means of transmitting and receiving by variation in frequency.

As the essential process of the invention is to allow the activation and sending and receiving of data to and from a remote location; projection technologies, such as laser or infra-red can also be used and to this purpose, FIG'S 6, 7 and 8, demonstrate this application. Wherein, FIG 6 shows the aperture for infrared or laser projection (21) where the beam is illustrated in (22) and a random figure (24) is the depiction of the data upon some mass, such as a wall or cabinet door or any other surface capable of providing a visible display. FIG 8 shows a simple key for activation of this process where (17) is the housing for the technology, typically made from plastics, (18) is the switch, powered by an internal battery that sends the via a transmitter (20) to the receiver in FIG 6, (3) . By means of the receiver in FIG 6 the projection would transmit for the length of time the button in FIG 8, (20) was depressed. This method, again well known and in existence, may be preferred for its novelty value by children. Whichever, the essential element to the invention is the ability to activate, send and receive by remote and to this aspect; a means of projecting data is an acceptable resolution to the task.

In FIG 4, (14), (15), (16) and (3) illustrate another means by which a reading can be taken. Wherein (14) is an embedded unit in the outer wall of the receptacle (1) . It is recessed within the outer wall and covered by a clear plastic surface to be flush with the rest of the outer wall. This allows for viewing of readout yet prevents against interference and destruction by the animal. (15) is the LCD, or other technology appertaining to the function, within the housing (14) . (3) is the receiver for activation, prompted by FIG 5, an activating key. (17) is the housing, (18) the on/off switch supplied by internal battery power (19) is a hold function key to fix the readout onto (15), and (20) is the transmitting portal. FIG 4, (16) is a manual on/off switch, to be used if so wished by the observer but is not essential. In this embodiment the invention is still fulfilled as the receptacle is of and for an operation to weigh an animal within its habitat, housing the technologies for so doing in a protected fashion, with data visible from outside of the animal's environment and being remotely activated.

FIG'S 9, 10, 11 and 12 demonstrate alternative methods by which the invention can be employed for other species, but not exclusively limited to such examples.

Wherein FIG 9 (25) is a sleeping area for a cat or dog, typically made from, but not exclusively, plastics. Such application 8.

preferably, but not exclusively, using polymer sensor technologies to lessen weight.

FIG 10 is a waste/litter area, primarily, but not exclusively used by cat owners, in which (26) is the tray, (27) is an odour cover.

FIG 11 is an example of the invention employed as a dust bath for birds, wherein (28) represents the outer wiring of the cage, (29) is the bottom tray and the invention is secured by clips to the wiring, or not, if preferred.

FIG 12 shows the invention adapted for reptilian use. Representing as it does at (30) an artificial log of manufactured or natural materials in which the main functions of the invention are displayed.

All of these variations represent the invention as objects of common and natural use by the animals, and thus capable of being a familiar object within the animal's environment, fulfilling the reciprocal need of the invention and able to perform the functions of the invention; to take a weight reading of said animal without interference and being operated and viewed remotely. 9.

Claims (13)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A pet weighing device for taking accurate and regular measurements of an animal, using electronic/electrical circuitry, protected by an outer skirting to allow usage within the animal's habitat and negate the need for removal or handling, and the activation and or observation/recording of said operation and relevant data, by remote means.
2. 2. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein a receptacle for housing an animal, materials of enticement and technologies needed for taking measurement and subsequent broadcast or display of data is provided of man made or natural materials, by traditional manufacturing methods.
3. 3. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein an extended outer rim of the receptacle hides the electrical technologies from site and provides stability for the unit when placed on a generally horizontal surface.
4. 4. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein a housing for the technologies and circuitry for the performing of the operation is provided for attachment or integral moulding into the external underside of an internally concave or recessed walled space for occupation by materials and an animal or as part of the base of that space to present a contact surface for the weighing apparatus.
5. 5. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein a hatch or cover is attached to the underside of the technology housing for access to carry out maintenance, repair or replacement.
6. 6. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein a channel for the electrical wiring to carry the data from the means of measuring to a means of transformation and broadcast or display or projection of said data is provided.
7. 7. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein a means of broadcast or display of a data signal is recessed and made true to the outer surface of the receptacle to prevent inference by an animal, or has a sufficiently protective coating to assure the same.
8. 8. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein a technology for the display of or transmission or projection of data is provided.
9. 9. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein a transmitter/receiver is provided for the activation of and or receiving and display of a data signal that is broadcast from the base receptacle in order to negate the need for close proximity to the base receptacle. 10.
10. 10. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein the power supply for the technologies can be battery operated with optional mains recharging or operating facilities or by means of energy autonomous systems.
11. 11. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein an electronic hold function is provided to capture the received signal or hold a displayed readout to assist in recording the data for those of limited dexterity, mobility or where an animal flees the receptacle.
12. 12. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein an audible broadcast of the data of the animal's measurement is provided for the blind or partially sighted.
13. 13. A pet weighing device as in claim 1, wherein remote activation and or operation assists those of limited mobility or with impairments of dexterity to perform the necessary task and allows for the same task to be executed wherein an animal has need to be left alone, such as post operatively or in the course of recovery.