The present invention relates to an animal collar stabilizing device and/or a self- stabilizing collar. More particularly but not exclusively, it relates to an animal collar stabilizing device of or for attaching to an animal collar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Collars to be worn by animals (e.g. livestock animals) are known. Such collars are usually configured to be located/worn at least partially around the neck of an animal for different purposes. Such collars can comprise sensors and other electronics to monitor one or more characteristics of an animal. W02011/051693 and US6830014B1 disclose examples of such collars.

Since animals such as bovines tend to move around a lot such as when waling in field or paddock , the collar may move relative the animal and may not remain at the desired position to effectively obtain required signal/ data or signal from the collar. The dislocation of the collar from its desired position and orientation on the animal can also discomfort or harm to the animal.

Also, animals such as bovines tend to rub or bump their neck against or into hard surfaces such as feeding troughs, fence, posts etc. An involuntary striking of the neck and jaw portions against such hard surfaces are also not uncommon. Such action may not only cause the accidental dislocation, removal of the collar, loss of the collar and/or damage to the electronic modules (e.g. sensors) present in the collar but can also cause injury, swelling and/or abrasions on portions of the animal such as neck, jaw etc.

Also, if a device that can swing or otherwise be located at or proximal to the neck and/or jaw of an animal such as bovine is too rigid, then that can also cause discomfort or harm to the animal wearing such a device.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an animal collar stabilizing device and/or self stabilising collar that overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first broad aspect, the invention resides in an animal collar stabilizing device for attaching to an animal collar and providing stability to the collar that is or is to be located at least partially around a neck of an animal in use, the stabilizing device comprising: a bag formed at least by a cover that defines and at least partially encloses a containment region; and a filler material disposed and retained within the containment region, the bag comprising at least one attachment point at where the stabilizing device is configured to be secured to the collar and suspend from the collar to allow a force or load to be exerted on the collar by weight of the stabilizing device thereby causing the collar to stably remain at a particular position when in use.

In one embodiment, the particular position is the desired position.

In one embodiment, the bag has a flexible portion that is at least located at an upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the bag has a non-flexible portion that is at least located at a lower portion that is configured to be distal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the bag is more flexible at least at an upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal than a lower portion that is distal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the bag is a flexible bag,

In one embodiment, the cover is a flexible cover.

In one embodiment, the bag is flexible at least at a portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the flexible portion comprises a soft material.

In one embodiment, the soft material is located in the containment region.

In one embodiment, the soft material is a sponge and/or a foam (soft foam).

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device provides rotational stability to the collar when in use to assist retaining the collar in a particular (e.g. desired) rotational orientation around the neck of the animal.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device provides rotational stability to the collar when in use to assist retaining the collar in a particular (e.g. desired) rotational orientation around the neck of the animal by the force or load exerted on the collar by the weight of the stabilizing device. In one embodiment, the filler material is shot.

In one embodiment, wherein the filler material is pellet shot.

In one embodiment, the shot is a lead or steel shot.

In one embodiment, the filler material is a plurality of granular balls. In one embodiment, the granular balls are made of lead or steel or sand or gravel.

In one embodiment, the filler material is a particulate material.

In one embodiment, the particulate material is of or made of lead or steel or sand or gravel. In one embodiment, the filler material is a resilient material.

In one embodiment, the filler material partially fills the containment region.

In one embodiment, the filler material fully fills the containment region.

In one embodiment, the collar is a U-shaped collar.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device is configured to be directly or indirectly attached to a first end of the U-shaped collar at the first attachment point and to a second end of the U-shaped collar at the second attachment point.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device is adapted to be secured to the collar and suspend from the collar using at least one strap, wherein the at least one strap comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the at least one strap is attached or is configured to be attached to the at least one attachment point and the second end of the at least one strap is attached or is configured to be attached to the collar to allow the stabilizing device to be secured suspending from the collar when in use.

In one embodiment, the first end of the at least one strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the at least one attachment point (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the first end of the at least one strap is permanently attached (preferably stitched) to the at least one attachment point. In one embodiment, the second end of the at least one strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the collar (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the bag comprises two attachments points, the two attachment points being a first attachment point and a second attachment point, wherein the stabilizing device is configured to be attached directly or indirectly to the collar at the first and second attachment points.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device is adapted to be secured to the collar and suspend from the collar at the two attachment points using two straps, the two straps being a first strap and a second strap each having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first strap being attached to or configured to be attached at the first attachment point, the second end of the first strap is attached to or configured to be attached to the collar, the first end of the second strap being attached to or configured to be attached at the second attachment point, and the second end of the second strap is attached to or configured to be attached to the collar.

In one embodiment, the first end of the first strap is permanently attached (preferably stitched) at the first attachment point.

In one embodiment, the first end of the first strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached at the first attachment point (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the first end of the second strap is permanently attached (preferably stitched) at the second attachment point.

In one embodiment, the first end of the second strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached at the second attachment point (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the second end of the first strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the collar (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the second end of the second strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the collar (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device has a mass of at least 1 kg or about 1 kg in total. In one embodiment, the stabilizing device has a mass of at least 2 kg or about 2 kg in total.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device has a mass of at least 3 kg or about 3 kg in total. In one embodiment, the stabilizing device has a mass of at least about 5 kg in total.

In one embodiment, the flexible bag is a pocket.

In one embodiment, the pocket is reconfigurable between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the flexible bag is elongate.

In one embodiment, the containment region is fully enclosed.

In one embodiment, the containment region is fully enclosed having a unitary interior volume.

In one embodiment, the flexible bag is elongate, and when attached to the collar worn around the neck of the animal, the stabilizing device suspends perpendicular to fore and aft direction of the animal.

In one embodiment, there is a breakaway portion that is located at or near the at least one attachment point for breaking or tearing to disconnect the collar from the stabilizing device when a load or force value of larger than a predetermined value is applied to the breakaway portion.

In one embodiment, the breakaway portion is located at the at least one strap.

In one embodiment, the predetermined value is higher than a value of the force/load that is exerted on the collar by the weight of the stabilizing device when in use.

In one embodiment, the predetermined value is higher than a value of the force/load that is exerted by at least 2 kg in addition to the weight of the stabilizing device when in use.

In one embodiment, the cover is made of a water-resistant material.

In one embodiment, the cover is made of a fabric material. In one embodiment, the fabric material is a woven nylon fabric.

In one embodiment, the fabric material is a hard-wearing fabric.

In one embodiment, the cover defines an external shape of the bag.

In one embodiment, the bag is wider at a or the upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal than a or the lower portion that is configured to be distal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the bag is wider at a or the upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal and tapers towards a or the lower portion that is configured to be distal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment the bag is pear-shaped or substantially pear-shaped and is wider at a or the upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal and tapers towards a or the lower portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the collar is an electronic monitoring collar.

In one embodiment, the collar comprises a GPS transponder.

In one embodiment, the collar comprises a battery.

In one embodiment, the collar is of or for a bovine.

In one embodiment, the bag suspends below the collar when in use.

In a second broad aspect, the invention resides in an animal collar stabilizing device for attaching to an animal collar and providing stability to the collar that is or is to be located at least partially around a neck of an animal in use, the stabilizing device comprising: a bag formed at least by a cover that defines and at least partially encloses a containment region; at least one strap; and a filler material disposed and retained within the containment region, the bag comprising at least one attachment point at where the stabilizing device is configured to be secured to the collar and suspend from the collar to allow a force or load to be exerted on the collar by weight of the stabilizing device thereby causing the collar to stably remain at a particular position when in use; wherein the at least one strap comprises a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least one strap being attached or is configured to be attached to the at least one attachment point and the second end of the at least one strap being attached or is configured to be attached to the collar to allow the stabilizing device to be secured suspending from the collar when in use.

In one embodiment, the particular position is the desired position.

In one embodiment, the bag has a flexible portion that is at least located at an upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the bag has a non-flexible portion that is at least located at a lower portion that is configured to be distal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the bag is more flexible at least at an upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal than a lower portion that is distal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the bag is a flexible bag.

In one embodiment, the cover is a flexible cover.

In one embodiment, the bag is flexible at least at a portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the flexible portion comprises a soft material.

In one embodiment, the soft material is located at the containment region.

In one embodiment, the soft material is a sponge and/or a foam (soft foam).

In one embodiment, the first end of the at least one strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the at least one attachment point (preferably by quick release attachment such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the first end of the at least one strap is permanently attached (preferably stitched) to the at least one attachment point.

In one embodiment, the second end of the at least one strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the collar (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the flexible bag comprises two attachments points, the two attachment points being a first attachment point and a second attachment point, wherein the stabilizing device is configured to be attached to the collar at the first and second attachment points. In one embodiment, the stabilizing device two straps, the two straps being a first strap and a second strap each having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first strap being attached to or configured to be attached at the first attachment point, the second end of the first strap is attached to or configured to be attached to the collar, the first end of the second strap being attached to or configured to be attached at the second attachment point, and the second end of the second strap is attached to or configured to be attached to the collar.

In one embodiment, the first end of the first strap is permanently attached (preferably stitched) at the first attachment point.

In one embodiment, the first end of the first strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached at the first attachment point (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the first end of the second strap is permanently attached (preferably stitched) at the second attachment point.

In one embodiment, the first end of the second strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached at the second attachment point (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the second end of the first strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the collar (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device provides rotational stability to the collar when in use to assist retaining the collar in a particular (e.g. desired) rotational orientation around the neck of the animal.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device provides rotational stability to the collar when in use to assist retaining the collar in a particular (e.g. desired) rotational orientation around the neck of the animal by the force or load exerted on the collar by the weight of the stabilizing device.

In one embodiment, the filler material is shot.

In one embodiment, wherein the filler material is pellet shot.

In one embodiment, the shot is a lead or steel shot.

In one embodiment, the filler material is a plurality of granular balls. In one embodiment, the granular balls are made of lead or steel or sand or gravel.

In one embodiment, the filler material is a particulate material.

In one embodiment, the particulate material is of or made of lead or steel or steel or sand or gravel.

In one embodiment, the filler material is a resilient material.

In one embodiment, the filler material partially fills the containment region.

In one embodiment, the filler material fully fills the containment region.

In one embodiment, the collar is a U-shaped collar.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device is configured to be attached to a first end of the U-shaped collar at the first attachment point and to a second end of the U- shaped collar at the second attachment point.

In one embodiment, the first end of the first strap is permanently attached (preferably stitched) at the first attachment point.

In one embodiment, the first end of the first strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached at the first attachment point (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the first end of the second strap is permanently attached (preferably stitched) at the second attachment point.

In one embodiment, the first end of the second strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached at the second attachment point (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the second end of the first strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the collar (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the second end of the second strap is removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the collar (preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments).

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device has a mass of at least 1 kg or about 1 kg in total. In one embodiment, the stabilizing device has a mass of at least 2 kg or about 2 kg in total.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device has a mass of at least 3 kg or about 3 kg in total. In one embodiment, the stabilizing device has a mass of at least about 5 kg in total.

In one embodiment, the flexible bag is a pocket.

In one embodiment, the pocket is reconfigurable between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the flexible bag is elongate.

In one embodiment, the containment region is fully enclosed.

In one embodiment, the containment region is fully enclosed having a unitary interior volume.

In one embodiment, the flexible bag is elongate, and when attached to the collar worn around the neck of the animal, the stabilizing device suspends perpendicular to fore and aft direction of the animal.

In one embodiment, there is a breakaway portion that is located at or near the at least one attachment point for breaking or tearing to disconnect the collar from the stabilizing device when a load/force value of larger than a predetermined value is applied to the breakaway portion.

In one embodiment, the breakaway portion is located at the at least one strap.

In one embodiment, the predetermined value is higher than a value of the force/load that is exerted on the collar by the weight of the stabilizing device when in use.

In one embodiment, the predetermined value is higher than a value of the force/load that is exerted by at least 2 kg in addition to the weight of the stabilizing device when in use.

In one embodiment, the cover is made of a water-resistant material.

In one embodiment, the cover is made of a fabric material. In one embodiment, the fabric material is a woven nylon fabric.

In one embodiment, the fabric material is a hard-wearing fabric.

In one embodiment, the cover defines the external shape of the bag.

In one embodiment, the bag is wider at a or the upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal than a or the lower portion that is configured to be distal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the bag is wider at a or the upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal and tapers towards a or the lower portion that is configured to be distal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment the bag is pear-shaped or substantially pear-shaped and is wider at a or the upper portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal and tapers towards a or the lower portion that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal when in use.

In one embodiment, the collar is an electronic monitoring collar.

In one embodiment, the collar comprises a GPS transponder.

In one embodiment, the collar comprises a battery.

In one embodiment, the collar is of or for a bovine.

In one embodiment, the flexible bag suspends below the collar when in use.

In a third aspect, the invention resides in a stabilised animal collar system comprising: an animal collar that is or is to be located at least partially around the neck of the animal; and the animal collar stabilizing device as defined in any one of the statements relating to the first or second aspect where the stabilizing device is secured to the collar suspending from the collar.

In a fourth broad aspect, the invention resides in a method of providing stability to an animal collar that is or is to be located at least partially around a neck of an animal in use, the method comprising: providing the collar and securing the animal collar at least partially around the neck of the animal; providing an animal collar stabilizing device comprising a bag formed at least by a cover that defines and at least partially encloses a containment region, and a filler material disposed and retained within the containment region, the bag comprising at least one attachment point; securing the stabilizing device to the collar at the at least one attachment point of the device; and suspending the stabilizing device from the collar to allow a force/load to be exerted on the collar by weight of the stabilizing device thereby causing the collar to stably remain at a particular position.

In one embodiment, the steps of securing the stabilizing device to the collar and suspending the stabilizing device from the collar comprises: providing at least one strap that comprises a first end and a second end; attaching the first end of the at least one strap at the at least one attachment point; and attaching the second end of the at least one strap is to the collar.

In one embodiment, the bag comprises two attachments points, the two attachment points being a first attachment point and a second attachment point, and the steps of securing the stabilizing device to the collar and suspending the stabilizing device from the collar comprises: providing two straps, the two straps being a first strap and a second strap each having a first end and a second end; attaching the first end of the first strap at the first attachment point; attaching the second end of the first strap to the collar; attaching the first end of the second strap at the second attachment point; attaching the second end of the second strap to the collar.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device is the animal collar stabilizing device as defined in any one of the statements above relating to the first or second aspect.

In a fifth broad aspect, the invention resides in a method of protecting against impact and/or abrasion on a jaw portion of an animal, the method comprising: providing an animal collar and securing the animal collar at least partially around the neck of the animal; providing an animal collar stabilizing device comprising a bag formed at least by a cover that defines and at least partially encloses a containment region, and a filler material disposed and retained within the containment region, the bag comprising at least one attachment point; and securing the stabilizing device to the collar at the at least one attachment point of the stabilizing device so that the bag of the stabilizing device is positioned to at least partially cover the jaw portion of the animal from outside thereby guarding and protecting the jaw portion against impact and/or abrasion on the jaw portion of the animal.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing device is the animal collar stabilizing device as defined in any one of the statements above relating to the first or second aspect.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following description are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

It is acknowledged that the term "comprise" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning, allowing for inclusion of not only the listed components or elements, but also other non-specified components or elements. The terms 'comprises' or 'comprised' or 'comprising' have a similar meaning when used in relation to the system or to one or more steps in a method or process. As used hereinbefore and hereinafter, the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used hereinbefore and hereinafter, "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. When used in the claims and unless stated otherwise, the word 'for' is to be interpreted to mean only 'suitable for', and not for example, specifically 'adapted' or 'configured' for the purpose that is stated.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence. The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1: shows an animal collar stabilizing device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2: is the device of Figure 1 where the bag is partially cut to show the filler material and the containment region.

Figure 3: shows the device of Figure 1 and a collar to which the device is configured to be attached to.

Figure 4: shows the device of Figure 1 with a removable strap attachment mechanism.

Figure 5: shows an optional zipper arrangement on the device of Figure 1. Figure 6: shows an animal collar stabilizing device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7: shows the device of Figure 6 and a collar to which the device is configured to be attached to. Figure 8: shows an animal collar stabilizing device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9: shows the device of Figure 8 and a collar to which the device is configured to be attached to. Figure 10: shows an example where the device of Figure 1 is attached to the animal collar to provide stability to an animal collar that is located at least partially around a neck of an animal, when in use.

Figure 8: shows an animal collar stabilizing device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9: shows the device of Figure 8 and a collar to which the device is configured to be attached to.

Figure 10: shows an example where the device of Figure 1 is attached to the animal collar to provide stability to an animal collar that is located at least partially around a neck of an animal, when in use.

Figure 11: shows an animal collar stabilizing device according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, an animal collar stabilizing device according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 100. The animal collar stabilizing device 100 (which may also be referred to as an apparatus) is suitable for attaching to an animal collar 105 and providing stability to the collar 105. The collar 105 may be located or configured to be located at least partially around the neck of an animal 110 such as a bovine in use (see Figure 10). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device comprises bag 102. The bag 102 is formed at least by a cover 104. The cover 104 defines and at least partially encloses a containment region 106. A filler material 108 (i.e. filler elements) is disposed and retained within the containment region 106. In certain embodiments, the containment region 106 is fully or almost filled with the filler material 108. The bag 102 or at least part of it may be flexible. In certain embodiments, the containment region 16 is partially filled with the filler material 108 so that the filler material 108 is loosely packed inside the bag 102 and this can assist with increasing the flexibility of the bag 102. Using a bag that is at least partially bag 102 (especially near the portion that contacts the animal) instead of other rigid/non-flexible body or bodies can be advantageous at least because the later can cause discomfort, abrasions and/or injury to the animal 110 particularly at a neck or jaw portion of the animal 110 when in use. For that reason, at least an upper portion 113 of the bag 102 that is proximal to the neck of the animal when in use may be flexible. In certain embodiments, the bag 102 may have a non-flexible portion that is at least located at a lower portion 115 that is configured to be distal to the neck of the animal when in use. In certain embodiments, the bag 102 may be more flexible at least at the upper portion 113 than the lower portion 115.

In certain embodiments, the bag 102 may be a flexible bag. In certain embodiments, the cover 104 may be a flexible cover. In certain embodiments, flexible portion such as the upper portion may comprise a soft material. The soft material may be located in the containment region 106. Alternatively, or additionally, the soft material located outside the containment region 106. In certain embodiments, the soft material may be affixed to the exterior surface of the cover 106. The soft material may be a sponge and/or a foam (soft foam).

The bag may include at least one attachment point 112a, 112b at where the device 100 may be configured to be secured to the collar 105 and suspend from the collar 105 to allow a force or load to be exerted on the collar by weight of the device 105 thereby causing the collar 105 to stably remain at a particular (e.g. desired) position when in use. Hence, the device 100 may be a counterweight device.

Device 100 may provide rotational stability to the collar 105 in use to assist retaining the collar 105 in a desired rotational orientation around the neck of the animal 110. Such rotational stability may be achieved by the force or load exerted on the collar by the weight of the device 100.

The filler material 108 may be a shot, e.g. a pellet shot. Alternatively, the filler material 108 is a plurality of granular balls. Alternatively, the filler material 108 may be a particulate material. In one embodiment, the filler material may be a combination of at least two, preferably all three of shot, granular balls and particulate materials.

The filler material 108 may be made of resilient material(s) or a non-resilient material(s). The filler material 108 may be made of lead and/or a material comprising lead. More preferably, the filler material 108 is made of a non-poisonous material such as but not limited to steel or a material comprising steel. Some other non-limiting examples of filler material 108 include sand and/or gravel.

As shown in Figure 1 to 4, the bag 102 may include two attachments points, the two attachment points being a first attachment point 112a and a second attachment point 112b. The device may be configured to be attached directly or indirectly to the collar 105 at the first and second attachment points 112a, 112b. The device 100 may be adapted to be secured to the collar 105 and suspend from the collar 105 using at least one strap, but preferably two straps, namely a first strap 114 and a second strap 116 each having a first end 114a, 116a and a second end 114b, 116b. The first end 114a of the first strap 114 may be attached to or configured to be attached at the first attachment point 112a, and the second end 114b of the first strap 114 may be attached to or configured to be attached to the collar 105. Similarly, the first end 116a of the second strap 116 may be attached to or configured to be at the second attachment point 112b, and the second end 116b of the second strap 116b may be attached to or configured to be attached to the collar 105.

The first end 114a of the first strap 114 may be permanently attached (preferably stitched) to the device 100 at the first attachment point 112a. Similarly, the first end 116b of the second strap 116 may be or may also be permanently attached (preferably stitched) to the device at the second attachment point 112b.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, the first end 114a of the first strap 114 may be removably attached or configured to be removably attached at the first attachment point, preferably by quick-release attachments such as hook and loop attachments 120. Similarly, the first end 116a of the second strap 116 may be or may also be removably attached or configured to be removably attached at the second attachment point, preferably by quick-release attachments such as hook and loop attachments 122.

The second end 114b of the first strap 114 may be removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the collar 105, preferably by a quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments 124. Similarly, the second end 114b of the second strap 116 may be or may also be removably attached or configured to be removably attached to the collar 105, preferably by a quick release attachments 126 such as hook and loop type attachments 126.

The strap(s) 114, 116 may be part of the device 100 or may be separate from the device 100. The strap(s) 114, 116 may be fixed or may be adjustable in length.

In certain embodiments, the device 100 may have a mass of at least 1 kg or about 1 kg in total. In certain embodiments, the device 100 may have a mass of at least 2 kg or about 2 kg in total. In certain embodiments, the device may have a mass of at least 3 kg or about 3 kg in total. In certain embodiments, the device may have a mass of at least about 5 kg in total.

As shown, the bag 102 may be elongate. The containment region 106 may be fully enclosed. The containment region 106 may a unitary interior volume. The containment region may be formed as a pocket. The pocket may be reconfigurable between an open position and a closed position, e.g. by zipper arrangement 117. Such reconfigurable pocket arrangement is advantageous as it can facilitate easy removal of filler material 108 from the pocket thereby allowing the device 100 to be easily stored when not used and/or to adjust the total weight of the device 100 as desired. For example, if lighter weight is desired the pocket may be only partially filled with the filler material 108 or may be filled with less heavier filler material 108. Similarly, if a heavier weight is desired the pocket may be fully filled with the filler material 108 or may be filled with more heavy filler material 108.

In one embodiment, the predetermined value is higher than a value of the force or load that is exerted by at least 2 kg in addition to the weight of the device when in use.

The cover 104 may be made of a water-resistant material. The cover 104 may be a made of fabric e.g. a woven nylon fabric and/or a hard-wearing fabric. Many other suitable fabric materials may be possible. As shown, the cover may define the external shape of the bag.

The collar 105 may be a U-shaped collar as shown in Figure 3. The device 100 may be configured to be directly or indirectly attached to a first end 105a of the U- shaped collar at the first attachment point 112a and to a second end 105b of the U- shaped collar at the second attachment point 112b. Preferably, such attachment is using quick release attachments such as a hook and loop attachments 124, 126.

The collar 105 may be an electronic monitoring collar to monitor one or more characteristics of an animal. The collar may include a GPS transponder 132 and/or a battery 135. As shown, the bag 102 of the device 104 may suspend below the collar when in use.

There may be at least one breakaway portion 140. The breakaway portion 140 (which may be tearing portion) may be located at or near the attachment point(s) 112a, 112b for breaking (which may include tearing) to disconnect the collar 105 from the device 100 when a load/force value of larger than a predetermined value is applied to the breakaway portion. By having such a breakaway portion 140, the device 100 can easily disconnect/detach from the collar 105 in an event the device accidentally engages with an external object such as a fence post, thereby preventing the animal getting snagged on such external object. The breakaway portion 140 may be located at the strap(s) 114, 116 or alternatively, may be located in at the bag 102. The predetermined value may be higher than a value of the force/load that is exerted on the collar 105 by the weight of the device 100 when in use. The predetermined value may be higher than a value of the force/load that is exerted by at least 2 kg in addition to the weight of the device 100. Such breakaway portion may be created by forming perforations or many other suitable tearing features.

The device 100 of the first preferred embodiment is most preferred at least because of much better support and stability and well as for comfort during use.

The quick release attachments need not necessarily be in the form of hook and loop as shown in the drawings. Many other suitable forms of quick release attachments can be used.

The present invention may also reside in a method of providing stability to an animal collar 105 that is or is to be located at least partially around the neck of an animal 110 in use. The method may comprise at least the following steps:

• providing the collar 105 and securing the animal collar 105 at least partially around the neck of the animal 110;

• providing an animal collar stabilizing device such as device 100 comprising a bag 102 formed at least by a cover 104 that defines and at least partially encloses a containment region 106, and a filler material 108 disposed and retained within the containment region, the bag 102 further including at least one attachment point 112a, 112b;

• securing the device 100 to the collar 105 at the at least one attachment point 112a, 112b of the device 100; and

• suspending the device 100 from the collar 105 to allow a force or load to be exerted on the collar 100 by weight of the device thereby causing the collar 100 to stably remain at a particular position (e.g. desired position).

Steps of securing the device to the collar 105 and suspending the device 100 from the collar 105 may comprise at least the following steps:

• providing at least one strap 114, 116 that includes a first end and a second end;

• attaching the first end of the at least one strap 114, 116 at the at least one attachment point 112a, 112b; and

• attaching the second end 112b of the at least one strap 112b to the collar 100.

The steps of securing the device to the collar 105 and suspending the device from the collar 105 may comprise: providing two straps, the two straps being a first strap 114 and a second strap 116 each having a first end 114a and a second end 114b; attaching the first end 114a of the first strap 114 at the first attachment point

112a; attaching the second end 114b of the first strap 114 to the collar 105; attaching the first end 116a of the second strap 116 at the second attachment point 112b; attaching the second end 116b of the second strap 116 to the collar 105.

In one aspect, the invention may reside in a method of protecting against impact and/or abrasion on a jaw portion of an animal. The method may comprise at least the following steps:

• providing an animal collar 105 and securing the animal collar 105 at least partially around the neck of the animal 110;

• providing an animal collar stabilizing device such as device 100 comprising a bag 102 formed at least by a cover 104 that defines and at least partially encloses a containment region 106 , and a filler material 108 disposed and retained within the containment region 106, the bag 102 further including at least one attachment point 112a, 112b; and

• securing the device 100 to the collar 105 at the at least one attachment point of the device 100 so that the bag 104 of the device 100 is positioned to at least partially cover the jaw portion of the animal from outside thereby guarding and protecting the jaw portion against impact and/or abrasion on the jaw portion of the animal 110.

Figure 10 shows an example where the device 100 is attached to the animal collar to provide stability to an animal collar 105 that is located at least partially around a neck of an animal 110, when in use.

Figures 6 and 7 show an animal collar stabilizing device 200 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, bag 202 of the device 200 may comprise only one attachment point 212. As shown in Figure 7, the animal collar stabilizing device 200 may not need any strap and may be removably attached or configured to be removably attached at the attachment point 212, preferably by quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments 220.

Alternatively, the bag 202 may be adapted to be secured to the collar 205 and suspend from the collar using one strap 214 only. The strap 214 may be the same as or similar to the strap 114. The first end 214a of strap 214 may be attached or is configured to be attached at the attachment point 212 and the second end 214b of the strap 214 is attached or is configured to be attached to the collar 205 to allow the device 200 to be secured suspending from the collar 205 when in use. All relevant description above with reference to the device 100 of the first preferred embodiment may equally apply to the device 200 of the second preferred embodiment. Although collar 205 is shown as a round collar, device 200 may equally be attached to other types of collars including a U-shaped collar. For example, it may be possible that the one end of the U-shaped collar is heavier than the other due to electronic modules present proximal to the heavier end, in which case, the device 200 may be secured to the lighter end of the U-shaped collar to balance the load on both the ends of the collar. Similarly, the animal may have a tendency to bend/tilt the neck more towards one side than the other, in which case, the device 200 may be secured to the collar on the side that is less bent/titled by the animal in order to stabilize the collar.

As mentioned above, the strap(s) 114, 116 may be part of the device 100 or may be separate from the device 100. The straps 114, 116 may be optional and the device 100 may be directly connected to the collar 105. Figure 8 and 10 show an animal collar stabilizing device 300 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, there is no strap and the device 300 may be directly attached to the collar 305 using quick release attachments 324, 325 located at the first and second attachment points 312a and 312b. The straps may optionally be removably attached (preferably quick release attachments such as hook and loop attachments) to the device at the at least one attachment point 312a, 312b. All relevant description above with reference to the device 100, 200 of the first and second preferred embodiment may equally apply to the device 300 of the third preferred embodiment.

Figure 11 shows an animal collar stabilizing device 400 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment of the device 100 as described above. Therefore, most of the description above with reference to the embodiment of the device 100 equally applies to the embodiment of the device 400 and therefore only the main differences will be described herein.

As shown, bag 402 of the device is of a different shape than device 100. As shown, device 400 may be wider the upper portion 413 that is configured to be proximal to the neck of the animal and tapers towards the lower portion 415 that is configured to be distal to the neck of the animal when in use. The bag 415 may be pear-shaped or substantially pear-shaped and be wider at the upper portion 413 and tapers towards the lower portion 413.

Such shape of the bag 400 that extends in a downward direction can be advantageous over the shape of the bag 100 as shown in Figure 1. This is because when the weight of the devices 100, 400 are the same, the distance from the pivot point to the force measured perpendicular to the direction of the force in device 400 will be larger than the distance from the pivot point to the force measured perpendicular to the direction of the force in device 100. Consequently, the torque (which is force x distance) will be higher in the device of 400 than the device 100.

The upper portion 413 may be softer than the lower portion 415.

Some of the advantages of the present invention include: · Allowing animal collar to remain in a particular or desired position during use

• Providing comfort to the animal

• Protecting against impact and/or abrasion on a jaw portion of an animal

• The device of the present invention is cheaper to manufacture · Design of the device is simple

• The device is easy to use

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth. Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.