Abstract:
The invention relates to a harness for attaching electronic apparatus to a beast. The harness is configured to be attached to a beast. The harness comprises a strap  12  formed at least in part of two strap members  30, 32 , the two strap members being joined to each other at spaced apart locations  34, 36 . The two strap members define a space  38  between the joins such that the space is capable of receiving electronic apparatus  40, 42.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a harness for attaching electronic apparatus to a beast and a method of attaching electronic apparatus to a beast. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is known to attach telemetry apparatus to wild beasts. Such telemetry apparatus may be used to track the location of a wild beast, e.g. by means of a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or an Inertial Navigation System (INS). Typically, the telemetry or INS apparatus is attached to the beast by means of a harness. More specifically, the telemetry apparatus is secured to the harness and the harness is then secured to the beast. 
         [0003]    The harness may take one of a number of different forms depending on the breed and size of the beast and the nature of the telemetry apparatus. In its simplest form the harness consists of a pliable collar that is secured around the neck of the beast by means of a buckle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present inventor has appreciated certain shortcomings of such known harnesses for attaching telemetry apparatus to beasts. Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide a harness for attaching electronic apparatus, such as telemetry apparatus, to a beast. 
         [0005]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a harness for attaching electronic apparatus to a beast, the harness being configured to be attached to a beast, the harness comprising a strap formed at least in part of two strap members, the two strap members being joined to each other at spaced apart locations, the two strap members defining a space between the joins such that the space is capable of receiving electronic apparatus. 
         [0006]    In use, electronic apparatus, such as telemetry apparatus, is located in the space defined by the two strap members. Thus, the two strap members can provide protection for the electronic apparatus, e.g. against blows inflicted on the harness by the beast to which the harness is attached or against the elements. In known harnesses, electronic apparatus is normally suspended from or attached to the harness thus making the electronic apparatus susceptible to damage. 
         [0007]    More specifically, the harness may be configured such that, in use, the two strap members may be adjacent the skin of the beast to which the harness is attached. Thus, electronic apparatus contained within the space defined by the two strap members may be adjacent the skin of the animal. This may be advantageous where the electronic apparatus is operable to measure movement of the beast, e.g. by means of an accelerometer. More specifically, having the electronic apparatus adjacent the skin of the beast may provide for proper measurement of movement by having the strap and hence the electronic apparatus mirror the movement of the beast. In known harnesses in which the electronic apparatus is not adjacent the skin of the beast, e.g. where it is suspended from the harness, the electronic apparatus may move independently of the beast and thus not provide a proper measurement of the beast&#39;s movement. 
         [0008]    Alternatively or in addition, one of the two strap members may comprise further electronic apparatus. 
         [0009]    More specifically, the further electronic apparatus may be embedded in the one of the two strap members. Thus, where the harness is configured such that, in use, the two strap members are adjacent the skin of the beast to which the harness is attached, the further electronic apparatus may be adjacent the skin of the beast. The further electronic apparatus may comprise sensor apparatus operative to sense a vital sign, such as the heart beat, of the beast. 
         [0010]    Alternatively or in addition, the two strap members may be joined to each other towards their respective opposing edges. 
         [0011]    Alternatively or in addition, the two strap members may be joined to each other by at least one join such that the two strap members are integrally formed with each other. In use, such a join can provide for better protection against ingress of water compared, for example, with forming the join by sewing the two strap members together. 
         [0012]    More specifically, the two strap members may be joined at respective opposing edges such that the joins are formed integrally with both of the strap members. 
         [0013]    Alternatively or in addition, profiles of the two strap members may overlap. 
         [0014]    More specifically, the two strap members may have substantially coextensive profiles. 
         [0015]    Alternatively or in addition, at least one edge of one strap member may be substantially coterminous with a respective edge of the other strap member. 
         [0016]    More specifically, a join may extend generally along the coterminous edges of the two strap members. 
         [0017]    Alternatively or in addition, the two strap members may be elongate. 
         [0018]    More specifically, the joins between the two strap members may extend generally along the two strap members. 
         [0019]    Alternatively or in addition, the two strap members may be pliable. 
         [0020]    More specifically, the two strap members may be moveable from a first disposition, in which opposing surfaces of the two strap members are adjacent, to a second disposition, in which the opposing surfaces of the two strap members are spaced apart from each other. Thus, when the two strap members are spaced apart from each other the two strap members define the space for receiving the electronic apparatus. 
         [0021]    More specifically, the two strap members may be configured such that they can be moved from the first disposition to the second disposition in response to a manual operation of a user. 
         [0022]    More specifically, the two strap members may be configured such that as the user compresses opposing edges of the two strap members the two strap members move from the first disposition to the second disposition. 
         [0023]    Alternatively or in addition, an exterior surface of at least one of the two strap members may be comprised of a waterproof material. More specifically, the waterproof material may comprise a plastics material. Thus the plastics material may provide a barrier to the ingress of moisture and water and thereby prevent water damage to electronic apparatus contained in the harness. 
         [0024]    More specifically, the plastics material may be Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC). 
         [0025]    Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the two strap members may comprise a fabric layer, the fabric layer facing a surface of the other strap member. 
         [0026]    The fabric layer may give the strap strength. Also, the fabric layer may provide for repeated bending of the strap members whilst reducing the likelihood that such bending will damage the strap members. 
         [0027]    More specifically, the fabric layer may comprise a synthetic polymer, such as polyester. 
         [0028]    Use of a synthetic polymer, such as polyester, imparts high tensile characteristics to the fabric layer thereby improving upon the capability to bend the strap member without damage. 
         [0029]    Where a strap member comprises a fabric layer and where an exterior surface of the strap member comprises a plastics material, the fabric layer and the plastics material may be attached to each other. 
         [0030]    More specifically, the fabric layer and the plastics material may be attached by means of the plastics material itself. For example, during manufacture the plastics material may have been softened, e.g. by heating, such that it bonds to the fabric layer. 
         [0031]    Alternatively or in addition, the strap may be formed substantially entirely of the two strap members. 
         [0032]    Alternatively or in addition, the harness may be comprised solely of the strap. 
         [0033]    More specifically, the strap may be configured to fit around a neck of the beast. Thus the strap may form a collar. 
         [0034]    More specifically, the strap may be configured to describe a circumference of between about 0.35 m and about 3 m when attached to a beast. 
         [0035]    Alternatively or in addition, the strap may be configured for adjustment of its length when attached to a beast. 
         [0036]    More specifically, a length of the strap may be adjustable by between about 5% and about 15% of its length. 
         [0037]    Alternatively or in addition, the harness may further comprise fastening apparatus for securing the harness to a beast. 
         [0038]    More specifically, the fastening apparatus may be configured for releasably securing the harness to the beast. 
         [0039]    Alternatively or in addition, the fastening apparatus may be configured to mechanically couple an end of a strap of the harness to an opposing end of the strap. 
         [0040]    More specifically, the fastening apparatus may comprise at least one pair of nuts and bolts, the at least one pair of nuts and bolts being operable to fasten the end of the strap of the harness to the opposing end of the strap. More specifically, at least one aperture is provided towards each of the opposing ends of the strap. In use, the opposing ends of the strap are brought together such that their apertures are brought into registration with each other. The bolt may then be inserted through the apertures and the nut threaded onto the bolt and tightened whereby the ends of the strap may be securely attached to each other. 
         [0041]    Alternatively or in addition, the at least one pair of nuts and bolts may be formed of a synthetic polymer, such as nylon. 
         [0042]    Alternatively or in addition, the fastening apparatus may comprise a buckle attached at or towards an end of the strap, the buckle being configured to mechanically couple to the opposing end of the strap. A buckle can provide for quick release of the harness from a beast. 
         [0043]    According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of attaching electronic apparatus to a beast, the method comprising: locating electronic apparatus in a space defined by joining two strap members to each other at spaced apart locations; and attaching a harness comprising a strap formed at least in part of the two strap members to a beast. 
         [0044]    Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of the first aspect of the invention. 
         [0045]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided telemetry apparatus comprising a harness according to the first aspect of the invention and electronic apparatus. 
         [0046]    More specifically, the electronic apparatus may comprise at least one of a GPS receiver, Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications apparatus, an Inertial Navigation System (INS), a UHF transmitter and a VHF transmitter. 
         [0047]    Alternatively or in addition, the electronic apparatus may comprise an antenna (e.g. for a GPS receiver or for a VHF transmitter). The antenna may be disposed in the space defined by the two strap members. 
         [0048]    Alternatively or in addition, the electronic apparatus may comprise a battery. The battery may be operable to provide electrical power for the electronic apparatus. The battery may be disposed in the space defined by the two strap members. 
         [0049]    Further embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of the first aspect of the invention. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0050]    Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specific description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0051]      FIG. 1  shows a harness embodying the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view showing part of the harness of  FIG. 1  in detail; 
           [0053]      FIG. 2   b  is an end view showing part of the harness of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 3  is a view of part of a harness having an alternative form of fastening apparatus to that of the harness shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0055]      FIG. 1  shows a harness  10  configured to be fitted around the neck of a beast and thereby secured to the beast. The harness comprises a pliable strap  12  and a buckle  14  (which constitutes fastening apparatus) attached to one end  16  of the strap  12 . The second, opposing end  18  of the strap is tapered and has a number of spaced apart apertures  20 . 
         [0056]    In use, the strap  12  is wrapped around the neck of the beast, and the strap securely attached to the beast by bringing the tapered end  18  of the strap into engagement with the buckle  14 . The series of apertures  20  allow the circumference of the strap to be altered when the strap is attached to the beast. The length of the strap when attached can be changed by this means by between about 5% and 15% of given length. The buckle  14  provides for quick release of the harness  10  from the beast. The strap  12  is between about 0.35 m and about 3 m in length. A particular length of strap  12  is chosen depending on the size of the beast to which the harness is to be attached. 
         [0057]      FIG. 2   a  provides a perspective view of part of the length of the strap  12  shown in  FIG. 1 . The strap comprises two strap members  30 ,  32  that are joined to each other at opposing edges  34 ,  36  of the strap, the opposing edges  34 ,  36  extending along the length of the strap. Each edge  34 ,  36  is joined such that the two strap members  30 ,  32  are integrally formed with each other. The two strap members  30 ,  32  are pliable. Thus upon application of pressure to the opposing edges  34 ,  36 , e.g. by a user pressing the opposing edges  34 ,  36  between his fingers and thumb, opposing faces of the two strap members move apart such that the two strap members define a space  38 . The space  38  thus defined is of sufficient volume to receive electronic apparatus comprising a GPS receiver and a VHF transmitter  40  and an antenna  42  for transmitting signals from the VHF transmitter to a remote location. Such transmitted signals provide information on the location of the beast to which the harness  10  is attached. The electronic apparatus also comprises a battery to provide electrical power for operation of the GPS receiver and the VHF transmitter  40 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , two strap members are not joined together across the width of the tapered end  18  of the strap, thereby providing an opening for insertion of the electronic apparatus into the space defined by the two strap members. One of the two strap members has a heart beat sensor embedded within the strap. In use, the strap member having the heart beat sensor is located against the skin of the beast and the sensor provides a measure of heart beat. The electronic apparatus  40  provides a heart rate measurement in dependence on the measured heart beat. 
         [0058]    As can be seen from  FIG. 2   a , each opposing edge  34 ,  36  of the strap  12  has a rounded profile. Thus, the strap is less likely than straps having sharp edges, for example as formed of leather, to bite into the skin of the beast to which the harness is attached. 
         [0059]      FIG. 2   b  shows a detailed end view of the strap  12  of  FIGS. 1 and 2   a . The strap  12  is shown where no pressure has been applied to the opposing edges shown in  FIG. 2   a  and as described above. Thus, the opposing faces of the two strap members  30 ,  32  are adjacent such that the two strap members define no space or very little space  50  between them depending on the resilience of the material of the two strap members. Each of two strap members has a first outer layer  52  formed of PVC and a second inner layer  54  formed of a polyester woven fabric. The first PVC layer  52  of each strap member forms an outer surface to the strap  12  and by virtue of its material properties provides a barrier to water and moisture. Thus the PVC layer  52  makes the strap  12  water and weather proof. The second woven fabric layer  54  forms an inner surface to the strap  12  and by virtue of its high tensile characteristics provides for repeated bending of the strap  12  whilst reducing the likelihood that the strap  12  will be damaged by bending. 
         [0060]    During manufacture the PVC layer  52  is softened, e.g. by heating, and the second woven fabric layer  54  pressed into the softened PVC such that the PVC layer  52  and the second woven fabric layer  54  bond to each other. When the electronic apparatus is inserted into the space  38  defined by the two strap members the open end of the strap  12  through which the electronics is inserted is sealed to prevent the electronics apparatus falling out of the space and to prevent water ingress. The open end may be sealed by heating the ends  18  of the two strap members so that the PVC in each strap member softens. The ends of the two strap members are then pressed together such that the softened PVC bonds them together. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the buckle is replaced in another form of the harness with two pairs of nuts  60  and bolts  62  formed of nylon. Two spaced apart apertures  64 ,  66  are provided in each of the opposing ends  16 ,  18  of the strap  12 . In use, the strap  12  is wrapped around the neck of a beast and the opposing ends brought together such that a first  64  of the two apertures in the first end  16  is in registration with a first  64  of the two apertures in the second end  18  and a second  66  of the two apertures in the first end  16  is in registration with a second  66  of the two apertures in the second end  18 . A bolt  62  is inserted through the first apertures  64  in the first and second ends and a bolt  62  is inserted through the second apertures  66  in the first and second ends. A nut  60  is threaded onto each bolt  62  and tightened to securely attach the first  16  and second  18  ends to each other. 
         [0062]    In use, locating the electronic apparatus in the space  38  defined by the two strap members  30 ,  32  provides protection for the electronic apparatus  40 ,  42 . For example, the electronic apparatus is provided with protection against blows received by the harness  10  when attached to a beast or against the ingress of moisture or water.