WO2012114064A1

WO2012114064A1 - Weighing means for animals

Info

Publication number: WO2012114064A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000168
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Daniel RILEY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-21
Filing date: 2012-02-17
Publication date: 2012-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2013-08-21
Also published as: GB2502919B; GB2476406A8; GB2502919A; GB201102901D0; GB2476406A; WO2012114064A9; GB201315847D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a weighing means for reptiles, mammals and birds. Accurate weighing of reptiles, mammals and birds is highly desirable as it is an indicator of health. Physical handling of reptiles, mammals and birds can be stressful and induced stress is a known cause of ill-health. The object of the invention is to allow the weighing of reptiles, mammals and birds without causing stress, an objective met by having a digital weighing means form part of an object with which a reptile, mammal or bird is familiar, which familiar object is placed in a location that is normal for the reptile, mammal or bird.

Description

WEIGHING MEANS FOR ANIMALS

This invention relates to weighing means and is particularly concerned with the weighing of domestic pets that can be reptiles, mammals or birds.

It is recommended that domestic pets are weighed regularly, in keeping with good practice of husbandry, it being well established that the weight of a reptile, mammal or bird and more particularly its loss of weight can be an indicator of their health, and a signal that there is a medical problem that needs attention.

Currently, and with conventional weighing means, it is usual to take the reptile, mammal or bird, and to place it on weighing means such as weight scales. Physical handling of reptiles, mammals or birds can cause stress to them, as can placing them in the pan or the like of conventional weighing means, it being a location with which such reptiles, mammals and birds are not familiar. It is well known that inducing stress in reptiles, mammals or birds can be the cause of ill health in otherwise healthy creatures, and if an illness exists, induced stress can cause a deterioration of the health of the reptile, mammal or bird.

Conventional weighing means can also be stressful to an owner or keeper of reptiles, mammals or birds. There is the inconvenience of removing them from their normal habitat, with the risk that they can escape, and the stress that an owner or keeper can experience trying to position them in the pan of a conventional weighing means.

Regular weighing needs to be encouraged and the problems mentioned above can be a major discouragement to an owner or keeper, from effecting regular weighing, and that can be a significant factor in the circumstance where a health problem remains undetected.

Conventional weighing means employ spring strain gauges or electronic digital strain gauge load cells to interpret the weight of an object placed on them, and it is accepted that greater accuracy of weighing is achieved by way of the electronic digital format, such as a digital load cell or a piezoelectric polymer. With the current state of the art, digital weighing means need to be activated, and on activation a pre-calibrated "zero" is established or function set, and when an object is placed on the weighing means, its weight is taken with accuracy, and can be displayed in the weighing means or converted to a signal for transmission wirelessly to a remote location for display or storage.

However, if an object is placed on the weighing means before it is activated, an accurate reading of the weight of the object cannot be taken.

A first object of the invention is to provide a means of weighing of domesticated pets with the substantial elimination of stress caused to the pet and to the owner or keeper. A second object of the invention is to provide weighing means with the accuracy of digital weighing means, without the known disadvantages mentioned above.

In the following passages, it will be understood that the expression "normal location" applies to any particular domestic pet, and can be for such as cats and dogs a house or a particular room in a house, and with other pets it can be a cage, hutch or other housing. It will also be understood that the expression "familiar object" is to embrace any object with which a pet has a familiarity, for example, a feeding bowl, a cat litter tray/box/housing, a pet bed, a bath, or an object placed in the "normal location" for the amusement or exercise of the pet.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a familiar object as is defined above is provided with a digital weighing means, positioned below an area of the familiar object that a reptile, mammal or bird can be expected to occupy with reguiari^'ty, the familiar object being adapted to be placed within the normal location, as is defined above, of a reptile, mammal or bird.

When an owner or keeper of the reptile, mammal or bird is ready to take its weight, he/she can simply wait until the reptile, mammal or bird positions itself on the said area of the familiar object, and the digital means can be activated by a simple switch or remotely and wirelessly, and when the weight of the reptile, mammal or bird can be taken.

Thus, the "familiar object" may be a receptacle to serve as a food bowl or to serve as a sand bath or water bath as is suited to some rodents and birds. By placing the measuring device on the underside of the receptacle and being protected by an appropriate casing, the digital weighing means is thus being protected from inference by the reptile, mammal or bird, and is hence capable of being situated within the normal location of the reptile, mammal or bird. An important aim to provide a means by which it is safe and practical to locate the weighing means in the normal location is therefore met. For such as reptiles and birds the area below which is the weighing means may be a feeding bowl or sand bath. For other species such as in the case of cats and dogs as an example, a bedding area, or litter tray may serve as the area below which the weighing means is located.

Many domestic pets are part trained by association and as such, the invention takes advantage of the provision of treats or the much enjoyed activity of bathing, thus quickly facilitating an association with the invention as something established and recorded within domestic pet behaviour, as something pleasurable.

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 its 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 its habitat, yet if forced, and especially not in the safety of its 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 normal location and use the device in the natural course of its daily activities. It also allows the owner or keeper 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 is equally possible that the "familiar object" may be a cat litter tray/box/housing, with the weighing mechanism enclosed below the floor of the litter tray/box/housing. The familiar object may also be a pet bed for such as dogs and cats, where again the weighing mechanism is enclosed below the base of the bed. It may also be that the weighing mechanism is housed within a simulated log as is frequently provided in the cage of reptiles and on which they can rest.

Digital weighing means are already known, but with conventional digital weighing means, there is the difficulty that if a weight is placed on such means before the weighing means is activated or switched to an ON condition, they are incapable of providing a signal that represents the weight of the object.

An objective of a second aspect of the invention is to improve on conventional digital weighing means.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a weighing means particularly for reptiles, mammals and birds, comprises an electronic weight sensing means with a microcontroller, the microcontroller being programmed such that at the point that the weight sensing means is activated, and with an object in place on the weighing means, the microcontroller recalls a previously entered zero or tare value, and by comparison to this value allows an accurate reading of the weight of the object on the weighing means. The weight sensing means may be an electronic digital strain gauge load cell, or a piezoelectric polymer. It is anticipated that nano technologies such as graphere integrated circuits may replace current technologies due to their greater conductivity, durability and accuracy.

Thus, a set of values can be written to the memory of the microcontroller. A particular value is assigned so that when the weighing means is activated the level of impedance and the current flow can be recorded and that value remembered as a point to represent zero weight (absolute) or true zero (TZ). When the device is next activated, if a, "switch to calibrate from zero position", is in an "ON" position, or "switched" to represent the memorised point of zero, then the device will immediately calculate any variation from this point and thus be able to display a value for the weight of an object already exerting a force. If the true zero "switch" is in a, true zero tare (TZT) function position, the device will calculate a new point of zero upon activation. This would allow the regular resetting of zero in order to maintain accuracy. However, the tare function need not necessarily override the original zero position, unless a "reset switch" is also in an active position. This would then allow another reading to be taken of an object that might be needed to be added to the load cell, where the original object is still also in place.

In this application, as weighing devices for domesticated animals, or, "pets", the operation of taking a weight reading is divided into different stages, to facilitate ease of use for the owner and animal.

Thus, and for example, a hand held activator/receiver LCD display is switched on, and the weighing means switched on manually or remotely by way of radio frequency wireless activation. An appropriately programmed microprocessor runs an activation systems check, and a true zero button on the unit is activated, to prompt the microprocessor. The microprocessor then instructs an electrically erasable programmable read only memory to store the level of impedance to and the level of current passing through a load cell (strain gauge) and stores it as the point of true zero. If at next activation a pet or the like is on the weighing means, the programmed components will sense the different level of impedance to the current flowing through the load cell (strain gauge), compare it with the stored level representing true zero, and emit a signal to the receiver, being the weight calculated from the difference between the level of impedance in the stored true zero and the increased level of impedance and current flow caused by the animal resting on the weighing means.

The weighing means with its pre-programmed microprocessor may be inbuilt into any of the "familiar objects" referred to above, and suitably encased to ensure that damage cannot be caused by the reptile, mammal or bird in the "familiar location" and for which the weighing means is intended.

Whilst a visual readout may be provided, or an audible signal to advise that a weight taken is at or above a required weight, it is preferred that a wireless signal is emitted of the weight read. Thus, the weighing means (load cell etc) may also contain a precision A/D converter and a radio frequency transmitter as a means to transmit the data recorded, wirelessly, to a hand held receiver. The base unit will be activated by its own power supply and switch and, or, by remote control from the hand held receiver. By having another means of activation and display, this eliminates the need for the owner to be near the base unit, or have to physically touch it, in order to take a weight reading of the pet. This, in turn, eliminates the need to disturb the animal, or interrupt its natural routine in order for a reading to be taken.

The receiving hand-held device will hold a radio receiver or other communications modules such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It will house a microcontroller. The programming will allow the display of the reading from the Base Station. It will also be able to activate the Base Station, again by means of either RF or Infra-red transmission. It also has its own power supply and supporting circuitry.

Further developments will be a software application that will allow the data to be stored for a particular pet and displayed within a graph/histogram setting in order that weight reading can be viewed comparatively with previous readings. This in turn will be transmittable to a background server (such as a computer); by means of USB/Bluetooth/Wi- Fi on which a software programme will be able to display/record/compare previous readings of that animal. It will be capable to perform the same tasks for different animals when prompted, should the owner have a variety of pets. It will be able to make recommendations to the owner regarding optimum weight and suggest traditional dietary changes, or supplements depending on the animals age/weight ratio.

Several embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a feeding bowl in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a front elevation of a hand-held receiver;

Figure 4 corresponds to Figure 1 but shows the presence of a visual display;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a remote activator; Figure 6 is an isometric and schematic view of an alternative bowl shape with a means of transmitting a visual signal;

Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an isometric view of an alternate remote activation means;

Figure 9 is a schematic sectional view of a pet bed in accordance with the invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view of a litter tray in accordance with the invention;

Figure 11 is a schematic isometric view of a feeding or bathing bowl for birds, in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 12 is a schematic isometric view of a simulated log in accordance with the invention.

In the drawings, FIG 1 , (1 ), FIG 2, (1 ) and FIG 4, (1) show a means in the form 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 10 (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 1 (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), (1 1 ) 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 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, such as of the strain gauge type or a polymer surface piezoelectrical type that can be secured in place by adhesives, and in which a compression force disrupts a flow of current and microcontrollers produce a linear interpretation of the data. With a digital strain gauge load cell sensor using, typically, a Wheatstone bridge circuit, there is the indication of measured strain or compression by degree of impedance and by employing Kirchhoffs Circuit Laws, the components provide an accurate measurement of that impedance from a preset true zero, and hence the weight of an animal etc on the weighing means. Load cells of one strain gauge (quarter bridge) or two strain gauges (half bridge) are also available.

The weighing means allows the measurement of the weight of an animal etc, protected from outside interference, and by the remote activation of the procedure. It is anticipated that a technology will be developed that is cost effective and with proven record of reliability, that will be available as an app for an l-phone. It is advisable 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 sighted.

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 manhandle the animal in any way to achieve this aim.

To this end, 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 (1 ) and a hold button (13) by which the current display of data can be fixed on screen for a period in case the animal 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 a lready well known and in use commercia lly. I n FI G 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 invention allows 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 a signal 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 resoMion 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 remote\y 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 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.

Claims

1. A familiar object as is hereinbefore defined, comprising a digital weighing means disposed below an area of the familiar object that a reptile, mammal or bird occupies with regularity, the familiar object being adapted to be placed within the normal location as is hereinbefore defined of the reptile, mammal or bird.

2. A familiar object as in Claim 1 , wherein switch means are provided to activate the digital weighing means when a reptile, mammal or bird is positioned on the familiar object.

3. A familiar object as in Claim 1 , wherein the digital weighing means is activated remotely and wirelessly.

4. A familiar object as in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein it is a receptacle to serve as a food bowl, sand bath or water bath.

5. A familiar object as in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein it is a bedding area or litter tray/box/housing for domestic animals.

6. A familiar object as in any of Claims 1 to 3, where it is formed to simulate a natural resting place for reptiles.

7. A familiar object as in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the digital weighing means is within a casing located below the familiar object, to protect the digital weighing means from interference by reptiles, mammals or birds.

8. A familiar object as in any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the normal location is a room, cage, housing or the like suited to and familiar to reptiles, mammals or birds.

9. A weighing means for use with a familiar object as in any of Claims 1 to 8, comprising an electronic weight sensing means with a microcontroller, the microcontroller being programmed such that at the point that the weight sensing means is activated, and with an object in place on the weighing means, the microcontroller recalls a previously entered zero or tare value, and by comparison to this value allows an accurate reading of the weight of the object on the weighing means.

10. A weighing means as in Claim 9, wherein the weight sensing means is an electronic digital strain gauge load cell.

1 1. A weighing means as in Claim 9, wherein the weighing means is a piezoelectric polymer.

12. A method of weighing a reptile, mammal or bird utilizing a weighing means as in any of Claims 9 to 11 , comprising writing a set of values to the memory of the microcontroller, assigning a particular value such that when the weighing means is activated the level of impedance and current flow is recorded and serves to represent zero weight absolute or true zero, activating the weighing means with a reptile, mammal or bird in place on the familiar object, with a switch to calibrate from zero weight or true zero in an ON position or switched to recall the memorized point of zero, and whereby the microprocessor will immediately calibrate the variation from the memorized point of zero to provide an accurate weight of the reptile, mammal or bird on the familiar object.

13. A method of weighing a reptile, mammal or bird as in Claim 12, wherein a visual or audible signal is provided of the weight calculated for the reptile, mammal or bird.

14. A method of weighing a reptile, mammal or bird as in Claim 13, wherein a signal is emitted wirelessly from the digital weighing means, for receipt by a stationary or mobile signal receiving means on which the calculated weight can be displayed and/or recorded.

15. A method of weighing a reptile, mammal or bird as in any of Claims 12 to 14, wherein a hand held activator/receiver liquid crystal display is switched on, and the weighing means switched on manually or remotely, whereupon the programmed microprocessor runs an activation systems check, with a true zero switch then activated to prompt the microprocessor, and instruct an electrically erasable programmable read only memory to store the level of impedance to and level of current flowing through a load cell (strain gauge) to store it as a point of true zero, the hand held activator/receiver, being activated again when a reptile, mammal or bird is on the familiar object, the programmed microprocessor sending the different level of impedance and the current flowing through the load cell (strain gauge) to compare it with the stored level and emit a signal for receipt by the hand held activator/receiver to cause the display on the hand held activator/receiver of the accurate weight of the reptile, mammal or bird on the familiar object.

16. A method of weighing a reptile, mammal or bird as in Claims 12 to 15, wherein the weighing means contains a precision A/D converter and a radio frequency transmitter to transmit the data recorded to a receiver.