WO2017207417A1

WO2017207417A1 - A tightness gauge for estimating the tightness of a restrictive strap

Info

Publication number: WO2017207417A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/062721
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincent Casey; Thomas Conway; Richard Conway; Orla DOHERTY
Original assignee: Vincent Casey
Priority date: 2016-05-31
Filing date: 2017-05-25
Publication date: 2017-12-07
Also published as: GB201818473D0; IE20160142A1; GB2569451A; GB2569451B; IE86862B1

Abstract

An apparatus is revealed which indicates the tightness of a restrictive strap or band which has been fitted to a live animal. The apparatus may be set to convert the measured tightness to a selectable set of human readable data forms such as a simple rule-set based tightness scale which is indicated on an inbuilt display. It may also be configured to wirelessly transmit such data forms to a remote receiving device.

Description

"A tightness gauge for estimating the tightness of a restrictive strap.'

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to an apparatus for estimating the tightness of equine nosebands, and other straps used with bridles, saddles and general equitation harness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Straps are used in many forms of equine harness (tack) to secure harness to the horse, to aid control of the horse, to restrict movement of the head and as decorative elements. In equestrian sport, nosebands, which are typically leather buckled straps that encircle the horse's nose, are commonly incorporated into bridles and are frequently used to improve the horse's response to bridle rein pressure. It is thought that the tightened noseband sensitises the horse's mouth, making the horse appear to be more 'submissive'. The rules of dressage, for instance, create an incentive for the use of restrictive nosebands to improve 'submission', as penalties and lower scores are allocated if the horse is judged to be resisting the bit by opening its mouth or lolling its tongue out. This is unfortunate because the 'submission' marks are meant to reward ease of response (lightness) as evidence of excellent equine training. However, lightness is very subjective and is a feature on which judges are least likely to agree.

The rules of dressage state that the use of certain restrictive nosebands is prohibited in competitions that mandate the use of a double bridle. The use of a cavesson, or plain noseband is permitted so long as it is "never as tightly fixed so as to harm the horse" (FEI 2009). However, the rules fail to stipulate exactly how to measure the tightness of the cavesson, and as such, and because of the aforementioned (inadvertent) incentives, there is increasing use of nosebands that can be tightly levered or cranked so as to clamp the horse's jaws shut.

It has been shown that movement of the tongue is a mechanism by which horses attempt to dissipate pressure from the bit throughout the oral cavity. It is suggested that the use of a tight noseband may limit the horse's ability to move its tongue, thus resulting in the inability to relieve pressure on sensitive oral tissues including the bars of the mouth, the tongue and the hard palate. Restrictive nosebands, by definition, violate the so-called Five Freedoms in that they intentionally prevent the expression of normal behaviour but the transience of their use may mitigate the overall impact. Consequently, regulation of noseband and other restrictive equine strap tightness is desirable both from an animal welfare and 'fair-competition' perspective. The International Society for Equestrian Science (ISES) has trialled a taper gauge that in cross sectional area transitions between an area roughly equivalent to an adult finger to an area equivalent to two adult fingers placed side by side. It was hoped that the degree to which this taper gauge could be inserted between the bridle noseband on the horse and the horse's nose, i.e. supporting tissue, would provide some indication of the tightness of the noseband. For instance, if the gauge could be inserted to the "two finger" mark, it would indicate a relatively loose noseband whereas if it could only be inserted to the single finger mark or less, it would indicate a relatively tight noseband. However, this approach to measuring and regulating the tightness of nosebands suffers from a number of short comings, principle among them being the lack of control over the force used to insert the gauge. It is not possible to establish a standard that would be uniform across users, inspectors and judges. Taper gauges, therefore, do not provide reproducible objective measures of strap "tightness" and will be prone to interrater unreliability.

In order to establish an objective measure of noseband tightness, there must first be an agreed definition of tightness. Clearly the tension within the noseband, if measurable, would provide for a quantitative tightness definition which could be unambiguously applied. Such tension could be measured directly by integrating a load cell of suitable range into the noseband or other restrictive strap, using, for instance, a buckle/link system to connect the load cell in series with sub-elements of the strap in much the same way that rein tension meters are used. This has been done in research and laboratory systems. However, this approach is not practical in routine harness/tack use and under normal competition and use conditions. A number of instruments have been developed for the measurement of the tension in drive belts and unsupported straps such as those used in assembly line manufacturing and production. Such devices typically comprise a system of three spring loaded rollers, two of which are deployed above the plane of the belt and the third deployed below the plane of the belt, or vice versa. A high tension belt will tend to move the rollers apart whereas a loose belt will tend to allow the rollers to align themselves in the same plane. The degree to which the rollers approach alignment may be correlated with belt tension. However, this configuration is overly complicated and difficult to use with live animals where the belt or strap rests on supporting tissue.

There is a need, therefore, for an instrumented objective measure of noseband tightness. Such an instrument must provide a reproducible measure of the tightness of a strap, noseband or other such restrictive harness element, while the element is fitted to a live animal. It must be possible to carry out the measurement while the animal is in an excited state such as prior to, or subsequent to competition participation. In addition, the measured tightness must be represented on a simple scale or index which is easy to understand by judges, stewards and officials who are not necessarily skilled in measurement and engineering. Furthermore, the instrument must not cause discomfort to the animal nor should it frighten the animal and must be safe for both animal and user. Accordingly, an apparatus is here revealed which meets these and other application needs.

The applicants are aware of the following published references which are more or less relevant to the subject matter of the applicants' invention.

Wetter, 2005, Strap tension indication, WO 2005092676 Al .

Federation Equestre Internationale 2009. Rules for dressage events, 23rd Ed. FEI, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Hawson, L.A., McLean, A.N. and McGreevy, P.D. 2010. Variability of scores in the 2008 Olympics dressage competition and implications for horse training and welfare. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research. 5; 170-176. ISES (International Society for Equitation Science) 2012. Position statement and recommendations - Nosebands.

<http://www.equitationscience.com/announcements/news2>. Accessed 27th May 2016. Jones, B., McGreevy, P.D., 2010. Ethical equitation: applying a cost-benefit approach. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research. 5, 196-202.

McGreevy, P.D. 2007. The advent of equitation science. The Veterinary Journal. 174; 492-500. McGreevy, P.D., Warren-Smith, A. and Guisard, Y. 2012. The effect of double bridles and jaw-clamping crank nosebands on temperature of eyes and facial skin of horses. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 7; 142-148.

Manfredi, J.M., Rosenstein, D., Lanovaz, J.L., Nauwelaert, S. and Clayton, H.M. 2010. Fluoroscopic study of oral behaviours in response to the presence of a bit and the effects of rein tension. Comparative Exercise Physiology. 6 (4); 143-148.

Randle, H. and McGreevy, P.D. 2011. The effect of noseband tightness on rein tension in the ridden horse. Proceedings of the 7th International Equitation Science Conference, Eds: M. van Dierendonck, P. de Cocq, K. Visser, Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen. 84.

Casey, V., McGreevy, P.D., O'Muiris, E., Doherty, O. 2013. A preliminary report on estimating the pressures exerted by a crank noseband in the horse. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 8(6); 479-484. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, this invention is directed towards providing a portable, easy to use hand held instrument that is capable of indicating an objective estimate of the tightness of a restrictive band or strap, on a simple rule-set based tightness scale index, while the band or strap is fitted to a living animal, and to do so in a way that is safe for both user and animal.

An advantage of this invention is that it may be used with a wide range of straps and nosebands while the strap is fitted to the animal, without the need to modify the noseband or strap in any way. A further advantage of the present invention is that it is small, portable and completes a full measurement sequence within seconds, thereby minimizing the intrusiveness and likelihood of disturbing or agitating the animal subject, typically a horse or pony. A further advantage of the present invention is that its overall shape and configuration is such as to allow a single user, judge or inspector, make a measurement by holding the instrument at the target site with one hand while controlling the subject with the other hand, as is common practice in 'tack' inspection protocols. An integral hand grip area on the gauge enclosure facilitates optimal placement of the device at the target measurement site while the hand holding the instrument is also lightly in touch with the tissue close to the measurement site, thereby effectively patting (and calming) the animal, yet not interfering with the measurement. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an objective measure of tightness based on a simplified human readable and recognisable tightness scale index. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the display holds and displays a user selected reading after the instrument has been removed from the measurement site, thereby facilitating confirmation of the measurement to a rider or other third party. Yet another advantage of this invention is that it supports multiple modes of operation and so can also function as a load gauge, tension meter or wireless instrument in communication with a remote wireless compatible device. An integrated linear measurement scale is provided which allows convenient estimation of strap width which may in turn be used to generate noseband specific tension data. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to check and validate instrument calibration using commonly available test loads. A further advantage of the present invention is that the battery energy source is rechargeable using a standard USB cable connected between it and a mains transformer, automotive supply or mobile device. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the probe and enclosure area may be cleaned with sterile wipes in order to maintain hygiene. Alternatively, simple disposable probe hygiene cots may be used to cover the probe while being used to measure strap tightness without compromising the ease with which measurements may be made or the accuracy of the instrument.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting the apparatus of the present invention with probe inserted between a bridle noseband strap and the supporting tissue at a preselected site on an equine head in order to estimate the tightness of the noseband.

Fig. 2 is a pictorial side view of a preferred embodiment of the tightness gauge constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a tabulation of the tightness gauge tightness scale indexes and typical force ranges which may be used by the electronic control unit as the rule-set for indicating these indexes. Fig. 4 is a block diagram representation of the printed circuit board (PCB) and other peripheral electrical elements of a preferred embodiment of the tightness gauge constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a typical dead-weight test plot of measured load versus applied load for masses in the range 0 to 18 kg applied to, and removed from, the tightness gauge of this invention.

Fig. 6 shows (a) an isometric view and (b) a plan view, of the probe of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view, along the line AA marked in Fig. 6 (b), of the probe of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a lateral view (a) and an underside plan view (b) of the first longitudinal member of the probe of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a lateral view (a) and a top side plan view (b) of the second longitudinal member of the probe of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a pictorial side view of a second preferred embodiment of the tightness gauge constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a pictorial front view (a) and rear view (b) of a second preferred embodiment of the tightness gauge constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram representation of the printed circuit board (PCB) and peripheral electronic elements of a second preferred embodiment of the tightness gauge constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a sample plot of noseband load data obtained using the Bluetooth wireless mode of operation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the dynamic response of the apparatus while the animal chews food.

Fig. 14 is a pictorial view of the probe of this invention further incorporating a linear scale.

Fig. 15 is an isometric view of the disposable probe hygiene cot of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A tightness gauge 2 that can be comfortably held in the hand 4 and may be used to estimate the tightness of a noseband 6, which may be attached to a bridle 8, and that encircles the nose of a live horse 10 as depicted in Fig. 1 is disclosed. An enlarged pictorial view of the tightness gauge 2 is represented in Fig. 2 and a better understanding of its use will be gained by reference to Figs. 3 to 5. In overview, the probe 12 of the tightness gauge 2 is activated by pressing the read button 14 before inserting the probe 12 under the noseband 6. The display 16 will indicate a tightness scale of "VERY LOOSE". The user raises the noseband 6 at the selected measurement site using the probe tip 18 and inserts the probe 12 of the tightness gauge 2 under the noseband 6 from the nose (ventral) side of the band while keeping the probe 12 of the tightness gauge 2 flat against the nose. Ideally, the ventral side of the noseband should touch the noseband stop 20 and the probe tip 18 should protrude from the other side (caudal side) of the noseband 6 in order to ensure maximum comfort for the animal. The force exerted by the noseband 6, will be converted to a tightness scale, using a rule-set such as that depicted in Fig. 3, and this tightness scale will be shown on the display 16. If the read button 14 is continuously pressed, the display 16 will continuously update with a smoothed value of the current tightness scale index. When the read button 14 is released, the display 16 samples and holds and then displays a smoothed average of readings taken over one second after the read button 14 has been released. Thus the tightness gauge 2 may be removed from the measurement site/animal in order to facilitate recording of the reading or display to third parties. The display 16 is backlit in order to further facilitate ease of reading/recording under ambient light conditions. If the animal moves its jaw or opens its mouth, the gauge indicated reading may fluctuate in response to dynamic changes in tightness caused by such expansion/contraction of the enclosed tissue cross section. These fluctuations may be followed by continuously pressing the read button 14 or may be 'captured' at a specific time by releasing the read button 14. The tightness gauge 2 may be charged via the USB charge port 22. For instance a cable connecting the USB output commonly found in road vehicles and mobile devices may be connected to USB charge port 22 in order to charge the tightness gauge 2. The charge indicator LED 24 will blink when the device needs to be recharged and will light continuously while the device is charging. The enclosure 26 of the tightness gauge 2 is contoured and shaped to facilitate single hand use during a measurement. Consequently, the thumb of the hand 4 may rest over the read button 14 while the fingers provide a counter grip via the recessed finger grip 28 handle section while at the same time allowing the probe 12 of the tightness gauge 2 to sit correctly against the horse's nose. A calibration switch access port 30 in the enclosure 26 of the tightness gauge 2 provides access to the enclosed circuitry.

The printed circuit board (PCB) 32 and peripherally connected elements of the tightness gauge 2 are represented in block diagram form in Fig. 4. Firmware resident in the electronic control unit (ECU) 34 supports a range of signal processing and control functions. The ECU 34 is powered by a rechargeable battery 36 which in turn may be connected via USB charge port 22 to an external charge supply using a standard USB cable. The ECU 34 controls power delivery to the load cell 38, the display 16, and the LED 24. The ECU 34 converts the signal from the load cell 38 to digital form, processes it, and converts it to a human readable form suitable for presentation via the display 16.

The calibrate switch 40 mounted on the PCB 32 may be used to place the gauge in calibration mode whereby the user is prompted to apply consecutively, zero load and a specific load, typically 10 kg, to the probe 12. This button may be accessed through the calibration switch access port 30 in the enclosure 26 using a dedicated tool. A dead weight test may conveniently be performed to check calibration over a range of interest by hanging standard masses on a hook or strap attached to the probe. A typical plot of the tightness gauge indicated load versus dead-weight applied load (load/unload cycle) for the tightness gauge 2 is shown in Fig. 5. Mass was added and removed one kilogram at a time (total of 18 kg).

An input/output port 42 on the PCB 32 may be used for firmware installation and updates.

The construction and operation of the probe 12 will be better understood by reference to Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 9. The probe 12 comprises a first longitudinal member 44, a second longitudinal member 46 and a load cell 38. The first longitudinal member 44 may be divided into an attachment end portion 44a, an intermediate longitudinal portion 44b and a tip end portion 44c. Similarly, the second longitudinal member 46 may be conveniently divided into three portions, an attachment end portion 46a, an intermediate longitudinal portion 46b and a tip end portion 46c. Furthermore, two ends are distinguished for the load cell 38, the load attachment end 38a and the support attachment end 38b. The load cell 38 will typically contain a "binocular" cut out 48 and a multiplicity of strain gauges 50.

In assembly, the support attachment end 38b of the load cell 38 is positioned over the integrally formed support platform 52 of the attachment end portion 46a of the second longitudinal member 46 and is locked in place using a lock bolt 54 which fastens the load cell 38 firmly against the attachment end portion 46a of the second longitudinal member 46. The attachment end portion 44a of first longitudinal member 44 is positioned over the load attachment end 38a of the load cell 38 and locked in place using a lock bolt 56.

The underside of the attachment end portion 44a of the first longitudinal member 44 has raised relief in the form of side walls 58 and a flat face 60 which help locate the first longitudinal member 44 in correct longitudinal and vertical alignment with the load cell 38. A longitudinal spine channel 62 in the intermediate longitudinal portion 44b of the first longitudinal member 44 accommodates the longitudinal spine 64 of the second longitudinal member 46. The attachment end portion 46a of the second longitudinal member 46 has raised relief in the form of side walls 66 and an integrally formed support platform 52. The side walls 66 of the second longitudinal member 46 form a load cell channel 68. The integrally formed support platform 52 extends partially along this channel. The side walls 66 and load cell channel 68 facilitate the correct longitudinal and vertical alignment of the load cell 38 with the second longitudinal member 46. The longitudinal spine 64 which extends partially lengthwise along the intermediate longitudinal portion 46b of the second longitudinal member 46, together with the side walls 66, confer additional rigidity to the second longitudinal member 46. The combination of side walls 58, 66, longitudinal spine 64 and longitudinal spine channel 62 are positioned and dimensioned in order to facilitate correct longitudinal and vertical alignment between the second longitudinal member 46, the load cell 38 and the first longitudinal member 44 of the probe 12. The tip end portions 44c of the first longitudinal member 44 and the tip end portion 46c of the second longitudinal member 46, in combination or individually, provide a gently contoured probe tip 18 which is curved and tapered so as to facilitate easy insertion between a noseband 6 and underlying support tissue, and furthermore, provides for a lift functionality which facilitates the lifting of the noseband 6 away from the support tissue to allow the probe 12 slide under the noseband 6 thereby allowing the noseband 6 to traverse the intermediate longitudinal portion 44b of the first longitudinal member 44. In use the load applied to the first longitudinal member 44 by the noseband 6 is transferred to the load cell 38. The integrally formed support platform 52 ensures that there is a gap between the intermediate longitudinal portion 44b of the first longitudinal member 44 plus the unsupported portion of the load cell 38, and the intermediate longitudinal portion 46b of the second longitudinal member 46 and that this gap extends to the tip end portions 44c and 46c of the first longitudinal member 44 and the second longitudinal member 46, respectively. It will be clear to those familiar in the art that additional elements may be added to the probe 12 in order to increase the rigidity of the probe elements or to mechanically secure the probe 12 to the enclosure 26 without altering the functionality of the probe 12 and tightness gauge 2. Such elements may include additional bolts, screws, or fixing plates. Similarly, fast setting resins and adhesives may be used to mechanically secure the probe 12 within the enclosure 26.

Additional elements may be added to the tightness gauge 2 of the present invention in order to provide for additional functionality. For instance, a multimode tightness gauge 70 embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Fig. 10 and will be better understood by reference to Figs. 10 to 13. The circuit arrangement for this embodiment is shown in block diagram form in Fig. 12. A mode selector 72 has been added to the rear end of the enclosure 26 and connected to the PCB 32. A Bluetooth wireless module 74 has been added to the printed circuit board 32 and an external probe connector 76 has also been added to the front end of the enclosure 26. In overview, the multimode tightness gauge 70 is set to one of its operation modes using the mode selector 72. In addition to "tightness scale" one or more of the following modes may be provided and selected using the mode selector 72: load; tension; wireless; external. Depending upon the mode selected using mode selector 72 the display 16 will show the reading using units appropriate to the selected mode. For instance, to measure noseband tightness, the mode selector 72 is set to "SB" before inserting the probe 12 under the noseband 6.

Tension mode of the multimode tightness gauge 70 is selected by setting the mode selector 72 to a noseband width setting which corresponds to the width of the actual noseband being measured, see Fig. 11(b). The "B" setting of the mode selector 72 sets the gauge to stream the measured data, using the wireless Bluetooth module 74, see Fig. 12, to a remote paired Bluetooth device such as a mobile phone, android tablet or personal computer. In this mode of operation the multimode tightness gauge 70 may be used to measure dynamic load data and transmit this data to a remote tablet where a custom application displays the data and also provides an option to save the data to file. Fig. 13 shows a plot of noseband tension data obtained while the gauge was held under a noseband fitted to a horse, data stream 78, and while the horse chewed food, data stream 80. Pulses in the measured tension value are clearly visible due to the chewing action of the animal.

The "E" setting of the mode selector 72 changes the gauge input probe to an external probe, connected via external probe connector 76. It will be clear to those familiar in the art that alternative standalone probes constructed in accordance with the present invention could be connected to the multimode tightness gauge 70 via a cable appropriately connected to external probe connector 76. Figure 14 shows an isometric view of a probe constructed according to the present invention where a linear scale 82 inscribed on the intermediate longitudinal portion 44b of the first longitudinal member 44 is provided and may be used to estimate the actual width of the noseband. The width value obtained in this way or by using a callipers or other length measurement device may be used to set the mode selector 72 to an appropriate noseband width setting in order to display tension directly in appropriate units. The probe 12 and enclosure 26 may be cleaned between measurements on individual animals using sterile wipes. Alternatively, Fig. 15 is a pictorial representation of a disposable probe hygiene cot 84 which may be fitted over the probe 12 and the portion of the enclosure 26 which may contact the animal directly in order to comply with some hygiene protocols. These probe cots fit the probe snugly but do not interfere with the operation of the device. Clearly, a linear scale may also be provided on the disposable probe hygiene cot 84 which will correspond with the linear scale 82 on the first longitudinal member 44. Equine sports regulatory authorities are responsible for the welfare of both horse and rider in events run under their control. Efforts to impose rules and regulations relating to the tightness of nosebands have been hampered by the absence of an acceptable and universally implementable noseband tightness classification scheme. Systems based on the number of fingers that may be easily inserted between the noseband and the horse's nose such as "two fingers" on the ISES taper gauge are not reproducible between inspectors and stewards and so are not suitable for regulation control use. It will be clear to those familiar in the art that the probe 12 of the tightness gauge 2 and multimode tightness gauge 70 disclosed in this invention may be dimensioned to correspond in cross sectional size to a single adult finger or to two adult fingers or to any desired fraction or multiple of adult finger size using, for instance, dimensions based on anthropometric established sizes such as the standard industrial test finger. The force measurements obtained with the gauge may be mapped to a tightness scale using a rule- set such as the tightness scale and rule-set represented in Fig. 3 which has been informed by equine science research. Again, it will be clear to those familiar in the art that these rules may be changed and updated based on ongoing evidence based research into the welfare related consequences of restrictive noseband or other strap based restrictions in the horse. Supported by such evidence, experts will be able to recommend safe limits for the tightness of nosebands for specific events and riding conditions. The tightness gauge of the present invention will allow officials judge the tightness of a noseband based on an objective measure of tightness and will allow them decide whether a competitor complies or not with noseband tightness classification criteria set by the organisation for the event being judged. It will be clear to those familiar in the art that variants of the invention such as the use of an interactive display (touchscreen) to combine both the function of the mode selector and the display, are possible where operation modes would be selected from a menu of options, and measurements would be displayed on the touch screen. Similarly, the linear scale could be replaced with an active linear measurement device such as an lvdt or optical linear transducer. Additionally, the USB charger port could be replaced with a wireless recharger internally connected to the rechargeable battery. These and other changes are encompassed within this invention as defined by the appended claims. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, changes in the construction and the arrangement of parts and the performance of steps can be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassed within this invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated that the tightness gauge incorporates a probe, adapted to allow easy insertion between a strap or band and tissue of a live animal, which generates a signal representative of the load applied by the band or strap to the probe. The probe signal, in turn, is communicated to an electronic control unit where the signal is processed. The apparatus is integrated into a hand held enclosure which is small, light and portable and is capable of providing a reproducible objective measure of noseband tightness, on a simple rule-set based tightness scale, to a user such as a tack steward, veterinary inspector or rider.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for estimating the tightness of a restrictive strap applied to animal tissue comprising: a probe providing an electrical signal indicative of the force acting between the strap and the supporting tissue and adapted in order to allow easy insertion between the strap and the supporting tissue; a display; an electronic control unit in communications with said probe and said display; an energy source; wherein said electronic control unit is capable of processing said electrical signal and converting it, based on a rule-set, to a tightness scale index that may be displayed via said display.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the probe is machined from aluminium, aluminium alloy, steel alloy or other high rigidity material.

3. The apparatus of claims 1 and 2 wherein the probe further comprises a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member and a load cell, said first longitudinal member having a tip end portion, an intermediate longitudinal portion and an attachment end portion, said second longitudinal member having a tip end portion, an intermediate longitudinal portion and an attachment end portion with an integrally formed support platform, said load cell having a load attachment end and a support attachment end, wherein the attachment end portion of said first longitudinal member is attached to the load attachment end of said load cell, and the support attachment end of said load cell is, in turn, attached to the attachment end portion of said second longitudinal member, wherein the tip end portion of the first longitudinal member and the tip end portion of the second longitudinal member, together or individually form a probe tip adapted to enter the tissue-strap interface region, and wherein the intermediate longitudinal portions of both the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member comprise two substantially parallel members separated by a gap determined by the height of said integrally formed support platform.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the intermediate longitudinal portion and the attachment end portion of the first longitudinal member, and the intermediate longitudinal portion and the attachment end portion of the second longitudinal member, further having raised relief structures configured so as to maintain substantially longitudinal and vertical alignment of the first longitudinal member, the load cell and the second longitudinal member.

5. The apparatus of claims 3 and 4 wherein the intermediate longitudinal portion of the first longitudinal member and the intermediate longitudinal portion of the second longitudinal member are dimensioned such that their combined height is in the range 5- 20 mm and their width is in the range 15-50 mm.

6. The apparatus of claims 3, 4 and 5 wherein the tip end portion of the first longitudinal member and the tip end portion of the second longitudinal member are smoothly tapered and curved to a combined reduced cross-sectional area to form a probe tip adapted for inserting between animal tissue and a strap and also adapted for lifting said strap away from said animal tissue in order to allow easy insertion of the intermediate longitudinal portions of the probe between said strap and said animal tissue.

7. The apparatus of claims 3, 4, 5 and 6 wherein the load cell is of elongated rectilinear geometry of substantially square cross-section, with a plurality of embedded strain gauges optimally configured for full-bridge shear-mode force measurements.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic control unit provides signal processing, scaling, non-volatile memory and calibration functionality.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the electronic control unit converts the electrical signal from the probe to an estimate of the force applied by the strap to the tissue.

10. The apparatus of claims 8 and 9 in which the electronic control unit converts the estimate of the force applied by the strap to a tightness scale index based on a rule-set.

11. Apparatus as defined in claims 8, 9 and 10 wherein said tightness scale index has discrete indices including: "VERY LOOSE"; "LOOSE"; "SNUG"; "TIGHT"; "VERY TIGHT"; "EXTREMELY TIGHT".

12. The apparatus of claims 8, 9, 10 and 11 wherein said rule-set has been validated to maximize agreement between judges and will use measured force values to indicate tightness on said tightness scale index based on force intervals such as: 0-5 N (VERY LOOSE); 6-10 N (LOOSE); 11-20 N (SNUG); 21-40 N (TIGHT); 41-60 N (VERY TIGHT); >61 N (EXTREMELY TIGHT).

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a mode selector is provided which allows user selection of distinct modes of operation from a multiplicity of selectable operation modes including: "TIGHTNESS SCALE"; "LOAD"; "TENSION"; "WIRELESS"; "EXTERNAL".

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the "TENSION" mode of the selectable operation modes further includes a multiplicity of selectable strap width options.

15. The apparatus of any previous claims wherein the display provides an

alphanumerical indication corresponding to the signal from the probe in scaled units appropriate to the mode of operation selected by the user using said mode selector.

16. The apparatus of any previous claims wherein a linear measurement scale, wholly or partially visible to the user, is inscribed onto the intermediate longitudinal portion of the first longitudinal member.

17. The apparatus of any previous claim wherein a simple calibration/recalibration process may be activated using an internal switch operated by a dedicated tool.

18. The apparatus of any previous claim wherein exposed probe areas are covered by a disposable probe hygiene cot adapted to snuggly fit the probe while not interfering with the functionality of the probe and apparatus.