TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a sensor device holder for attaching a sensor device, more particularly a sensor device for gait analysis, to an associated equine leg protection.

BACKGROUND

Gait analysis refers to a study of observing animal locomotion provisioned by measuring instruments for measuring body movements and muscle activity. The measurements provided from measuring instruments in a gait analysis study may be used to assess and treat movement impairing conditions. Gait data can be used to gain insights to enhance performance of an equine animal and/or a rider/trainers/riders, catch gait deviations which could relate to a risk of injury or monitoring gait changes during rehabilitation and recovery. An equine animal is in this context referred to as a Equidae which is the taxonomic family of horses and related animals, for example including horses, donkeys, and zebras.

Prior art US20190254256 describes an equine motion tracking device assembly for monitoring horse training including a sleeve worn around a horse’s leg with a sensing device being a part of the sleeve.

However, equine equipment for competing equine animals, such as horses, are high-end products often tailored to fit a particular equine animal. Thus, horse trainers, drivers or riders training and competing with equine animals having custom made leg protections such as open front boots, splint boots or cross county boots are not interested in using a sleeve or another leg protection for monitoring gait.

In light of the observations above, the present inventors have realized that there is room for improvements when it comes providing gait monitoring equipment on equine animals such as horses. SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to solve or at least mitigate the problems related to prior art. This object is achieved by means of the technique set forth in the appended independent claims; preferred embodiments being defined in the related dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, a sensor device holder is provided for attaching a sensor device to an associated equine leg protection. The sensor device holder has a first side and a second side, the first and second sides having hook and/or loop structures configured to be attached to corresponding hook or loop structures provided on an associated equine leg protection. An opening is further arranged between the first side and the second side, the opening being configured to receive a sensor device.

Equine equipment for competing equine animals, such as horses, are high-end products often tailored to fit a particular equine animal. Thus, horse trainers, drivers or riders training and competing with equine animals having custom made leg protections such as open front boots, splint boots or cross county boots are not interested in using a sleeve or another leg protection for monitoring gait. These horse trainers, drivers or riders want to use their customary equipment. Especially when it comes to equine leg protections which have been custom made to provide adequate support, avoid injuries and achieve augmented performance.

Hence, an advantage of providing a sensor device holder with a hook and loop structure is that trainers, drivers or riders training and competing with equine animals having custom made leg protections, which is very common when competing, can use their customary equipment while collecting gait data and performing gait analysis. The equine animal’s performance will not be disturbed by providing the horse with unknown or uncomfortable equipment. Moreover, the equine animal will benefit from adequate support that custom made leg protections provide while gait data is collected with the sensor device.

Moreover, equine leg protection, such as open front boots, splint boots or cross county boots, are provided with hook and loop fasteners used to fasten the leg protection around the leg of the equine animal. The sensor device holder has the advantage of comprising a first side and a second side having either one of a hook or loop structure so that the sensor device holder comprising the sensor device, can easily be fastened in the already existing fastening means of the equine leg protection. Thus, no additional fastening means to fasten the sensor device to the leg protection is needed and the equine animal will not be affected or disturbed by the attachment of the sensor device.

When fastening the sensor device holder in the fastening means of equine leg protection, the sensor device holder and the sensor device are hidden inside the fastening means, thus the equine animal cannot kick away the sensor device and does not risk to be injured by abrasions.

According to an embodiment, the opening extends in a transverse direction across the sensor device holder.

According to one embodiment, the holder is made in one piece.

According to one embodiment, the opening is provided with closing means configured to retain the sensor device arranged in said opening. Closing means are favorable to ensure that the sensor device is fastened in the sensor device holder and does not fall of or move around excessively during use.

According to one embodiment, the closing means could be a strap, a cover, a cap or a lid extending from the first side to the second side or from the second side to the first side of the sensor device holder.

According to one embodiment, the holder comprises a first portion and a second portion, each portion comprising respective first and second sides.

In one embodiment the portions are fixedly interconnected.

The first portion may be substantially rectangular and the second portion may be substantially circular. The first and second sides of the first portion may comprise a stitch portion extending along their respective top and bottom surfaces.

The first portion may form a through-hole between the first and second sides, the through-hole is adapted to receive a portion of the associated equine leg protection.

The first and second sides of the second portion may be interconnected by means of a folded portion extending about an outer edge of said second portion.

According to one embodiment, the opening is arranged in the second portion. The opening may define an opening to a pocket arranged in between the first and second sides. The pocket is configured to receive the sensor device, The received sensor device may be enclosed within the pocket.

According to one embodiment, the closing means is a strap. The strap may have a first end being fixedly attached to the opening and a second end being removably attached to the first or second side of the holder. The strap may be removably attached to an outer surface of the pocket. The strap may extend perpendicularly to the opening.

According to one embodiment, at least a part of the second portion is made of a material comprising see-through plastic. The second portion may further comprise leather and neoprene.

According to one embodiment, the closing means include a magnet, a button, a zipper or hook-and-loop fasteners.

In one embodiment, the first side of the first portion comprises a loop structure. In one embodiment, the second side of the first portion comprises a loop structure.

In one embodiment the first side of the first portion comprises a loop structure, and the first side of the second portion comprises a hook structure.

According to a second aspect, a system with a sensor device holder and a sensor device for use with an equine leg protection is provided. The sensor device holder has a first side and a second side, the first and second sides having hook and/or loop structures configured to be attached to corresponding hook and/or loop structures provided on an associated equine leg protection. An opening is further arranged between the first side and the second side, the opening being configured to receive the sensor device. The sensor device being configured to be arranged at the fetlock, pastern or cannon region of an equine animal, the sensor device further being configured to provide gait data.

Advantages of providing a system with a sensor device for providing gait data with an adequate sensor device holder for use with an equine leg protection are essentially the same advantages as for the first aspect of the invention. Namely that, equine animals can use their own leg protections while collecting gait data. The equine animal’s performance will not be disturbed by providing the horse with unknown or uncomfortable equipment. Moreover, the equine animal will benefit from adequate support that the regular leg protections provide while gait data is collected with the sensor device.

Equine leg protections are provided with hook and loop fasteners used to fasten the leg protection around the leg of the equine animal. The sensor device holder has the advantage of comprising a first side and a second side having either one of a hook or loop structure so that the sensor device holder comprising the sensor device, can easily be fastened in the already existing fastening means of the equine leg protection.

According to one embodiment, the sensor device has at least one inertial sensor. The inertial sensor may for example be an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

According to a third aspect, a method for attaching a sensor device to an associated equine leg protection is provided. The method includes the step of providing a sensor device holder having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides having hook and/or loop structures configured to be attached to corresponding hook and/or loop structures provided on the associated equine leg protection. An opening is further arranged between the first side and the second side. The method also includes the steps of providing a sensor device and arranging the sensor device in the opening of the sensor device holder. Advantages of providing a method for attaching a sensor device to an associated equine leg protection are the same as for the first and the second aspects of this invention. The method enables a secure attachment of a sensor device to regular equine leg protections, thus making it possible to measure gait values without providing additional equipment that will disturb an equine animal, such as a horse, and its rider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example, embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a sensor device holder according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2 illustrates another side view of the sensor device holder according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of the sensor device holder according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 4a illustrates a side view of closing means of the sensor device holder according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4b illustrates a side view of closing means of the sensor device holder according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the sensor device holder according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 6 illustrates the sensor device holder in the same view as for fig. 2 with a sensor device,

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a system comprising a sensor device holder and a sensor device for use with an equine leg protection according to another embodiment of the invention, and

Figs. 8a-b illustrate side views of an equine animal wearing a leg protection with the sensor device holder arranged in the leg protection.

Fig. 9a-b illustrate side views of a sensor device holder according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 illustrates an opposite side view from the side view illustrated in the embodiment of Figs. 9a-b. Fig. 11 illustrates a top view of a sensor device holder according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 12a-b illustrates side views of a sensor device holder according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 13a-b illustrates side views of a sensor device holder according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 14a-c illustrate isometric views of an equine animal wearing a leg protection with the sensor device holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a sensor device holder 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 1, the holder 10 has a generally rectangular cross-section. The holder 10 comprises a first side 11 (presented in the front of Figure 1), and a second side 12. The first side 11 is essentially parallel with the second side 12. The holder 10 also comprises a top edge 15 and a bottom edge 16, arranged opposite each other. The top edge 15 is essentially parallel with the bottom edge 16. The holder 10 further comprises a first side edge 13 and a second side edge 14, arranged opposite each other.

The holder 10 could however have a different shape and/or number of sides or surfaces. The holder could for instance have a circular (as will be described further later on) or triangular cross-section. The holder should have an adequate shape to fit a particular sensor device.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first side 11 and the second side 12 could be two pieces of fabric joined together. The pieces may for instance be joined by sewing or by another suitable technique for joining two pieces of fabric. The pieces may further be rectangular. The first side edge 13 and the second side edge 14, the top edge 15 and the bottom surface 16 are formed by the joined edges of the first side 11 and the second side 12. The first side edge 13, the second side edge 14, the top edge 15 and the bottom edge 16 could also be made of separate pieces of fabric joined to the first side 11 and the second side 12.

In one embodiment, the holder 10 is formed by one piece of fabric. The piece of fabric may be rectangular and may be folded along one of its axis of symmetry. Such that, the two fabric parts divided by the axis of symmetry along which the fabric has been folded, comprises either one of the first side or the second side 11, 12. The first side edge 13 and the second side edge 14 and the top edge 15 are thus formed by joining the edges of the first side 11 and the second side 12 such as described above. The bottom edge 16 is provided at the axis of symmetry along which the one piece of fabric has been folded.

In Figure 1, the second side edge 14 and the bottom edge 16 are formed by the first side 11 and the second side 12 being joined together. In this embodiment, the first side edge 13 is made from a separate piece of fabric. The fabric may be an elastic material. A part of the top surfaces of the first side 11 and the second side 12 are joined together, thus forming the top edge 15.

In this embodiment, the top edge 15 does not extend over the entire length of the top edges of the first side 11 and the second side 12. In part, the top edges of the first side 11 and the second side 12 are left unattached to each other and thus an opening 19 is provided.

The opening 19 is delimited by the first side edge 13, the bottom edge 16 and a sewn line 24 extending from an end of the top edge 15 to bottom edge 16. The sewn line 24 is essentially perpendicular to the top edge 15 and joins the first side 11 and the second side 12. Other means than sewing may be used.

A sensor device can be inserted in opening 19, where a pocket 26 is formed between the first side edge 13, the bottom surface 16 and the sewn line 24.

Opening 19 can also extend over the entire length of the top surfaces of the first side 11 and the second side 12. Thus, the top edge 15 and the sewn line 24 are not provided.

In one embodiment, the opening extends in a transverse direction across the sensor device holder. In one alternative embodiment, the opening extends in a parallel direction along the sensor device holder.

Additionally or alternatively, the opening may extend in a vertical or horizontal direction.

As previously mentioned, the sensor device is inserted in opening 19 and upheld in pocket 26. The first side edge 13 having the elastic fabric ensures a tight fit around the sensor device.

The holder 10 may be made out of a nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or other suitable material. In one embodiment the holder 10 is made out of elastane, latex, rubber, or chloroprene. Nylon is durable, tough and light in weight and it can withstand high temperature variations but has a low resistance to ultraviolet light. Polyester, on the other hand, is resistant to ultraviolet light but has a lower tolerance to high temperatures. Nylon and polyester are also hydrophobic materials, meaning they do not easily absorb water.

Figure 1 further describes a closing means 21 fastened to the first side 11 of the sensor device holder 10. The closing means 21 may be in the form of a strap 22. The strap 22 extends over the opening 19 and is attached in the second side 12. The strap 22 provides a cover, ensuring that the sensor device placed in pocket 26, does not fall out of the pocket 26 or move around excessively in pocket 26. The strap 22 has hook and loop fastening means 23 extending over its front and back surfaces. The hook and loop fastening means 23 may also be referred to as Velco fastening means. The closing means 21 could also be a strap, a cover, a cap or a lid extending from the first side 11 to the second side 12 or from the second side 12 to the first side 11 of the sensor device holder 10.

In Figure 1, the first side 11 of the sensor device holder 10 comprises a loop structure 18 and the second side 12 comprises a hook structure 17. The hook and loop structures 17, 18 extend over the entire second side 12 and first side 11 respectively. In one embodiment, the fabric of holder 10 may consist of hook and loop structures. The hook and loop structures may also be arranged upon the fabric of holder 10 which could be attached to the holder 10 by sewing, gluing or any other suitable technique for fastening hook and loop structures to a fabric.

However, the first side 11 and a second side 12 could comprise either one of a hook or loop structure. The hook and loop structures could also be configured to extend over part of the first side 11 and part of the second side 12. The closing means 21 can thus be fastened to the first side 11 and the second side 12. In one embodiment, the first side 11 comprises both hooks and loops and/or the second side 12 comprises both hooks and loops. The first and second sides 11, 12 may be arranged with a plurality of sections as illustrated in figure 5, where one section comprises hooks and another section comprises loops. The sections are preferably arranged adjacent to each other, in an alternative manner (hooks, loops, hooks, loops, etc.). The sensor device holder 10 also comprises a label 25. In figure 1, the label is arranged on the second side edge 14 but could be arranged anywhere on the holder 10. The label 25 can be used for a logo or a brand. It can also be used to indicate the type of sensor device that is placed in the opening 19. For instance, the sensor device could be intended for the front right fetlock, pastern or cannon region. Thus, if label 25 is marked with “front right” then the user does not have to take out the sensor device from pocket 26 to check where the sensor device should be fastened. As know by a person skilled in the art, the fetlock region is the joint joining the pastern and the cannon region.

With reference to Figure 2, the sensor device holder 10 of Figure 1 is shown from another side.

In Figure 2, the second side comprising the hook structure 17 appears in front view and the first side 11 is hidden. The top edge 15, the bottom surface 16, the opening 19, the sewn line 24, the label 25 and the pocket 26 can also be seen from this other side. The closing means 21 are shown facing away in this view.

With reference to Figure 3, the sensor device holder 10 of Figures 1 and 2, is shown from a top view. In this view, the first side 11, the second side 12, the first side edge 13, the second side edge 14, the top edge 15, the opening 19, the closing means 21 and the top of the sewn line 24 can be seen.

With reference to Figures 4a and 4b, the closing means 21 are further described. Figure 4a discloses an embodiment where the closing means 21 are provided with a magnet 27 for attaching the closing means 21 to the first side or the second side of the holder 10, thus securing the closing means over the sensor device 2 placed in the pocket 26 and preventing the sensor device 2 from excessive movement in the pocket 26 or from falling out of the pocket 26. A button or a zipper could also be provided for the same purpose.

Figure 4b shows the closing means having hook or loop arrangements 28 extending over a part of or the entire front and back surfaces of the closing means 21. The hook or loop arrangements 28 can thus be attached to the hook and loop structures of the first side 11 and the second side 12. Thus, closing or keeping pocket 26. By closing the pocket 26, the sensor device 2 placed in the pocket 26 is protected. By keeping the pocket 26 open, the sensor device can easily be placed within the pocket 26. With reference to Figure 5, one embodiment, where the first side 11 comprises both hooks and loops and/or the second side 12 comprises both hooks and loops, is also provided. The first and the second sides 11, 12 may be arranged with a plurality of adjacent sections in an alternative manner (hooks, loops, hooks, loops, etc.). The sections, also called portions could be rectangular, square-shaped, triangular, circular or have any other suitable shape.

In this embodiment, the holder 10 may be foldable, such that hook and loop sections 29, 30 provided on the same side 11, 12 or on different sides 11, 12 may be fastened together. Gaps can be provided between two adjacent hook and loop sections 29, 30. These gaps are flexible since only the fabric of the holder is provided in these areas, thus enabling the folding of the holder. For instance, hook and loop sections 29, 30 may be attached, such that the holder 10 is folded in a zigzag pattern or such that the holder 10 is folded into the shape of a spiral. Thus, providing additional support and padding to protect a sensor device 2 placed in the pocket 26.

With reference to Figure 6, the sensor device holder 10 is shown from the same view as in Figure 2. Thus, the same technical features are visible. In Figure 6, a sensor device 2 is shown. The sensor device 2 is inserted through opening 19 into the pocket 26. Once the sensor device 2 has been inserted in pocket 26, the closing means 21, extending from the first surface 11 are attached to the second surface 12 so that they cover the sensor device 2.

With reference to Figure 7, a system 1 comprising the above described sensor device holder 10 and sensor device 2 for use with an equine leg protection will be described.

The sensor device 2 is configured to be arranged at the fetlock, pastern or cannon region of an equine animal. The equine animal is preferably a horse. The sensor device 2 is further configured to provide gait data. The sensor device 2 can be configured to be attached to a specific leg of an equine animal. Thus, the label 25 on the sensor device holder can be used to indicated the type of sensor device inserted into a specific sensor device holder 10.

In one embodiment, the system comprises four sensor devices 2 and four sensor device holders 10. An equine animal, such as a horse, has four legs. For each leg, a sensor device 2 is arranged at its fetlock, pastern or cannon region using a respective sensor device holder 10. Hence, a first sensor device is arranged at a fetlock, pastern or cannon region of a first leg (back left leg), a second sensor device is arranged at a fetlock, pastern or cannon region of a second leg (front right leg), a third sensor device is arranged at a fetlock, pastern or cannon region of a third leg (back right leg), and a fourth sensor device is arranged at a fetlock, pastern or cannon region of fourth leg (front left leg). In such an embodiment, the label 25 may be “back left leg”, “front right leg”, “back right leg” and “front left leg”.

The sensor device 2 comprises at least one inertial sensor 5 used to provide gate fata. The inertial sensor 5 may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope or a magnetometer. The sensor device 2 may comprise a combination of different sensors, such as an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

In one embodiment, the sensor device 2 comprises at least one accelerometer and at least one gyroscope used to provide gait data. The accelerometer is preferably a 3-axis accelerometer, and the gyroscope is preferably a 3-axis gyroscope. Gait data may be retrieved continuously or at a predetermined timely basis from the sensor device 2. The provided gait data include a set of acceleration signals a _x , a _y , a _z retrieved from the at least one 3-axis accelerometer and a set of gyroscope signals gx, g _y , g _z retrieved from the at least one 3-axis gyroscope.

In one embodiment, the sensor device 2 is in communication with a cloud computing unit (not shown) configured to analyze said received gait data for assessing gait quality relating to stride characteristics of the equine animal. The cloud-computing unit may further be configured to communicate the assessed gait quality to an external device (not shown). The external device may be embodied as a mobile terminal, for instance a mobile phone, laptop computer, stationary computer or a tablet computer.

In one embodiment, the sensor device 2 has an internal memory. The gait data is stored locally in the internal memory. The gait data is then transferred to a computing unit in a later stage, for example when there is a Bluetooth or internet connection available. The internal memory may be a memory chip, SD card or similar device. With reference to Figure 8, the system 1 comprising the sensor device holder 10 and sensor device 2 for use with an equine leg protection will now be described further.

Equine leg protections almost exclusively comprise hook and loop fastening means, also called Velcro fastening means, used in order to fasten an equine leg protection around the leg of the equine animal. Figure 8a-b show embodiments of a sensor device holder 10 that is placed on an equine leg protection 50, which in turn is placed around a leg 41 of animal horse 40.

The equine leg protection 50 is configured to be fastened around the leg 41 of the equine animal 40 using hook fastening means 51, provided on a strip 53 which extends from one side of the equine leg protection 50, and loop fastening means 52, provided on another side of the equine leg protection 50.

As is illustrated in Figure 8a-b, the placement of the sensor device holder 10 may be vertical or horizontal.

The sensor device holder 10 is attached to the loop fastening means 52 of equine leg protection 50 using the hook structure 17 provided on the second side 12 of the sensor device holder 10.

The equine leg protection 50 is secured around the leg 41 of the equine animal 40 by fastening hook fastening means 51 of strip 53 to the loop fastening means 52 of the equine leg protection 50. As should be understood by a person skilled in the art, the order of the steps may vary. Hence, in a first step, the equine leg protection is placed around the leg of the animal and then the senor device holder 10 is placed on the leg protection.

The equine leg protection 50 is secured around the leg 41 of the equine animal 40 and the sensor device holder 10 is attached and secured within the hook and loop fastening means 51, 52 of the equine leg protection 50.

When the sensor device holder 10 is attached on the fastening means 52, the hook and/or loop structures 18 is attached to the fastening means 51 of the strip 53. Hence, when the fastening means 51 comes over the sensor device holder, the fastening means 51 also attaches itself to the fastening means 18 giving even more extra protection to keep the sensor holder 10 securely in place so it doesn’t fall off the leg protection when the horse is running at high speeds.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8a and 8b, the first side 11 of the sensor device 10 at least comprises a portion having loop structures 18 and the fastening means 51 on the strap comprises hooks. The fastening means 52 preferably comprises a loop structure, and the second side 12 of the sensor device 10 thus at least comprises a portions having hooks 17.

In one embodiment, the hook and loop fastening means 51, 52 of the equine leg protection 50 extend over a larger area than the sensor device holder 10. Hence, the sensor device holder 10 will not affect the fastening of the equine leg protection 50 around the leg 41 of the equine animal 40.

The position of the hook and loop fastening means 51, 52 could be changed so that the strip 53 comprises the loop fastening means 52 and the hook fastening means 51 are provided on another side of the equine leg protection 50.

According to the invention, equine leg protections 50 could be splint boots, brushing boots, open front boots, skid boots, sports medicine boots, cross country boots, protections for the fetlock, pastern or cannon region or any other leg protection known in the field.

A method for attaching the sensor device 2 to an associated equine leg protection 50 will now be described. The method comprises the step of providing the sensor device holder 10 comprising the first side 11 and the second side 12, wherein the first and second sides 11, 12 comprise hook and/or loop structures 17, 18 configured to be attached to corresponding hook and/or loop structures provided on the associated equine leg protection 50. As previously described, the opening 19 arranged between the first side 11 and the second side 12.

The method further comprises the steps of providing the sensor device 2, and arranging the sensor device 2 in the opening 19 of the sensor device holder 10. These steps have previously been described with regard to Figure 8.

With reference to Figs. 9-14, embodiments of a sensor device holder 100; 200 is shown. Figs. 9a-b illustrate a sensor device holder 100 from a first side and Fig. 10 illustrates the sensor device holder 100 from a corresponding opposite side (i.e. first and second sides 111; 112). In Fig. 9a, the sensor device holder 100 is shown in a closed position and in Fig. 9b in an open position. The open position means that the sensor device holder 100 is ready to either receive a sensor device 2 or to remove the sensor device 2 from the holder 100.

For reasons of brevity, the embodiments shown in Figs. 9-14 will not be described as exhaustively as the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3. However, the skilled person will appreciate that reference annotations of the sensor device holder 10 in Figs. 1-3, such as 11, 15, 13, 19, 25, and so forth, correspond to like reference annotations of the sensor device holder 100 in Figs. 9a-b and 10, such as 101, 115, 113, 119, 125, and so forth. Accordingly, the sensor device holders 10; 100 may have similar loop and/or hook structures 17, 18; 117, 118, closing means 19, 119, material selections, and so forth. The above-disclosed features of the sensor device holder 10 may thus be realized for the sensor device holder 100 as well. Additionally, the sensor device holder 100 as shown in Figures 9-12 comprises some alternative design and/or material choices.

Similar to the first embodiment shown and explained with reference to Figs. 1- 3, the holder 100 comprises a first side 111 and a second side 112. The first and second sides 111, 112 are disposed generally opposite and parallel to one another. The holder 100 also comprises a top edge 115 and a bottom edge 116. The top edge 115 is generally parallel with the bottom edge 116.

The holder 100 comprises a first portion 101 and a second portion 102, wherein each of the portions 101, 102 comprises respective first and second sides 111, 112. The portions 101, 102 may be fixedly interconnected, for instance by a stitch connection 103. In yet an alternative embodiment the first and second portions 101, 102 are made in one piece.

The first and second portions 101, 102 may be shaped according to Figs. 9a-b and 10, i.e. generally rectangular and circular, respectively. However, the skilled person will appreciate variations in the shapes of the respective portions 101, 102.

Both sides 111, 112 of the first portion 101 may comprise a stitch portion extending around their respective top and bottom surfaces 115, 116. The stitch portion is preferably formed such that flaking of the hook and/or loop structures 117, 118 is mitigated. Flaking is interpreted as pieces of the hook and/or loop structures falling off the surface, thereby deteriorating the fastening ability. To this end, the width of the stitch portion may be designed provide a minimum of flaking. The stitch portion may for instance be between 1-30 mm in width. More preferably, the stitch portion is between 2-10 mm in width. Most preferably, the stitch portion is between 3-5 mm in width. The skilled person will appreciate that different embodiments of the holder 100 may be associated with different widths, and the above-disclosed examples are by no means to be considered limiting to the scope.

The first portion 101 may form a through-hole 130 between its first and second sides 111, 112. This is more clearly shown in Fig. 11. The through-hole 130 extends from the top surface 115 to the bottom surface 116 on the first portion 101. The through-hole 130 allows for connection to associated equine leg protection 50. As shown in Figs. 14-c, the through-hole 130 is arranged to receive the strap 53 of the equine leg protection 50. Hence, the size of the through-hole 130 is such that it can receive a strap 53.

In Fig. 14a-c, a method of arranging the holder to the equine leg protection is shown. In Fig. 14a, the strap 53 is arranged in the through-hole 130 of the holder 100. The holder 100 is then pressed against the hook and/or loop structure of the equine leg protection in Fig. 14b. Another strap 53, having a hook and/or loop structure, of the equine leg protection is then put on top of the holder 100 in Fig. 14c to increase the fixation further.

Turning back to Fig. 9 and 10, the first portion 101 may further comprise a label 125, similar to the label 25 explained with reference to Figs. 1-3.

The first and second sides 111, 112 of the second portion 102 may be interconnected by means of a folded portion 132 extending about an outer edge of said portion 102. The folded portion 132 may be provided with padding for protecting the received sensor device 2.

The second portion 102 may further comprise the opening 119. The opening 119 may be in the form of a slit. The slit can be seen as a slit for a pocket 126 arranged in between the first and second sides 111, 112 of the second portion 102. The opening may also be seen as defining an opening to the pocket 126. The received sensor device 2 may be enclosed within the pocket 126. The pocket 126 may correspond to the pocket 26 as previously described with reference to Figs. 1-3. The opening 119 may extend in a transverse direction across the second portion 102, as seen in Fig. 9a-b and 10. Alternatively, the opening may extend in a parallel direction along the second portion 102. Additionally or alternatively, the opening 119 may extend in a vertical or horizontal direction.

The opening 119 may be provided with closing means 121 being configured to retain the sensor device 2 arranged in the holder 100, for instance the pocket 126. The closing means 121 may be a strap 122. As seen in Fig. 9a-b, the strap 122 has a first end being fixedly attached to the opening 119, and a second end being removably attached to the first or second side of the holder.

In one embodiment, the strap 122 is at one end fixedly attached to the opening 119 on the first side 101 of the holder, and at the other end removably attached to the first side 101 of the holder. The strap 122 may alternatively be fixedly attached to the upper edge 115 of the holder.

In one embodiment, the second end of the strap, being removably attached, is attached to an outer surface of the pocket 126. The outer surface of the pocket 126 may correspond to the first side 112 of the second portion 102. The strap 122 may extend perpendicularly to the opening 119 for quick and easy removal/attachment thereof.

Other closing means 121 as discussed herein, such as the closing means 21, may alternatively be realized for the sensor device holder 100.

In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9a-b, at least a part of the second portion 102 is arranged with hooks. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the pocket 126 is arranged with hooks. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the second portion 102 is not arranged with hooks. In this embodiment, the second portion 102 may be of a material having a flat surface.

Figs. 12a-b show an embodiment where at least a part of the second portion 102 is made of a material that is see-through. In this embodiment, the see-through material is arranged on the second side 112 of the holder 100. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 12a-b, the dotted lines referenced 140 illustrates where a plastic material could be arranged.

This material is preferably made from plastic. The plastic material could be a range of polymer compositions. The plastic material could be of different thicknesses, and are preferably around 0.5 mm. Having a see-through material allows the user of the holder to directly see the sensor that is arranged therein. This is to directly be able to note which sensor device 2 is received in the sensor device holder 10; 100 without having to e.g. open the strap 22; 122.

In Fig. 12a, the second side 112 of the second portion 102 is made of a first material and a second material, being the see-through material.

In Fig. 12b, the second side 112 of the second portion 102 is made of a first material, a second material, being the see-through material, and a third material, comprising fastening means 28. The fastening means 28 is preferably a hook and/or loop structure. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means 28 is a hook structure.

In one or more embodiments, parts of the sensor device holder 10; 100 may comprise a synthetic rubber material. The rubber material may for example be neoprene. Neoprene is a soft material that can be in contact with the skin of the animal 40. It is preferred if parts of the first and second sides are made of a synthetic rubber material. The thickness may vary, but could for example range between 1 - 2 mm and preferably around 1.5 mm.

The sensor device holder may further comprise materials made of polyester, a Armatex material and/or Nylon-Jersey. These material have an increased toughness, and may be used together with neoprene to increase its durability.

Elastic braids may be used for the edges of the holder. The elastic braid may for example be twill weaving material. The braids may have different widths, but may range between 15 - 35 mm, and more preferably around 25 mm. this provides smooth edges around the pocket.

The hooks and loops may be made of Velcro, and may have a width of 30- 60 mm, and more preferably around 50 mm.

The holder may further be made of synthetic leather. Figs. 13a-b show a further embodiment of a holder 200. In this embodiment the holder only comprises the second portion 102. Fig. 13b shows a first side 111 where a pocket 126 is arranged. The first side 111 further comprises fastening means 28. The fastening means 28 is preferably a hook and/or loop structure. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means 28 is a loop structure.

Fig. 13b shows the second side 112, which together with the first sides creates a through-going hole 130. The second side 112 is in this embodiment a strap. The strap 112 is attached on the first side, as illustrated by reference numerals 210.

The invention has been described above in detail with reference to embodiments thereof. However, as is readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments are equally possible within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.