NZ724491B2 - An animal identification tag - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to animal identification tags (100) and a method of manufacturing animal identification tags. In particular it relates to animal identification tags (100) having an electronic component (8) secured in a tamper-proof manner within a male pin (1) of the animal identification tags. An electronic tag component (8) is housed within a blind bore (7) inside the male pin (1). The first end (3) of the male pin is deformable (9) in such a way that it forms a closure (10) or partial closure to retain the electronic tag component (8) within the male pin (1), without the use of a cap or plug. The arrangement provides a tamperproof animal identification tag. s. An electronic tag component (8) is housed within a blind bore (7) inside the male pin (1). The first end (3) of the male pin is deformable (9) in such a way that it forms a closure (10) or partial closure to retain the electronic tag component (8) within the male pin (1), without the use of a cap or plug. The arrangement provides a tamperproof animal identification tag.

Description

AN ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION TAG FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to animal identification tags and a method of manufacturing animal identification tags. More particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to an animal identification tag having an electronic identification component secured within a male pin of the animal identification tag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Animal identification is an important part of modern farming as it allows better management of livestock and is a requirement in many countries. A common method for identifying animals is an ear tag. Typically, existing ear tags are made of plastic and include identification information in the form of a printed number, barcode or embedded electronic device.

Tags may be formed with a male pin that is configured to penetrate the animal’s ear and be held securely in place by a corresponding female portion. In certain models, electronic tag components are housed within a bore inside the male pin. In order to retain the electronic tag components, caps or plugs have been used to close the bore of the male pin. However it is possible to remove such caps, making it possible to tamper with the electronic device in an undetectable manner. Further, use of a cap or plug adds further manufacturing and/or assembly steps and cost.

There is a need to provide animal identification tags having electronic tag components which are tamperproof. There is also a need to provide animal identification tags which are easy and cheap to assemble.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved animal identification tag or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one exemplary embodiment there is provided an animal identification tag including a male pin having a first end, a second end configured to penetrate an animal’s ear, a locking shoulder positioned adjacent to the second end and a cavity open at the first end and extending part way along the length of the male pin, an electronic tag component arranged within the cavity, and a female portion including an opening configured to receive the second end of the male pin including the locking shoulder; wherein the first end of the male pin is configured to be deformable to close or partially close the open end of the cavity to retain the electronic tag component without the use of a separate cap or plug.

According to another exemplary embodiment there is provided a method for manufacturing an animal identification tag including: a male pin having a first end, a second end configured to penetrate an animal’s ear, a locking shoulder positioned adjacent the second end and a cavity open at the first end and extending part way along the length of the male pin, an electronic tag component arranged within the cavity, and a female portion including an opening configured to receive the second end of the male pin including the locking shoulder; the method including the steps of: a) inserting the electronic tag component into the cavity through the open end of the cavity; and b) deforming the first end of the male pin to close or partially close the open end of the cavity to retain the electronic tag component without the use of a separate cap or plug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an animal identification tag according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A shows a female portion and male pin of an animal identification tag according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2B shows the animal identification tag of Figure 2A with the female portion having received the male pin; Figure 3A shows a cross section along the male pin of an animal identification tag according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3B shows an end view of the male pin of Figure 3A; Figure 4A shows a cross section along the male pin of an animal identification tag according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4B shows an end view of the male pin of Figure 4A; Figure 5A shows a cross section along the male pin of an animal identification tag according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5B shows an end view of the male pin of Figure 5A; Figure 6A shows a cross section of a male pin of an animal identification tag according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6B shows a cross section of a male pin of an animal identification tag according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6C shows a cross section of a male pin of an animal identification tag according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6D shows a cross section of a male pin of an animal identification tag according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6E shows a cross section of a male pin of an animal identification tag according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7A shows a cross section along the male pin of an animal identification tag in a closed state according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7B shows an end view of the male pin of Figure 7A; Figure 8A shows a cross section along the male pin of an animal identification tag in a closed state according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8B shows an end view of the male pin of Figure 8A; Figure 9A shows a cross section along the male pin of an animal identification tag in a closed state according to another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9B shows an end view of the male pin of Figure 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows an animal identification tag 100. The tag 100 includes a male pin 1 and a female portion 2. The male pin 1 is configured to pass through an animal’s ear and couple with the female portion 2, securing the animal identification tag 100 to the animal’s ear. The male pin 1 is has a first end 3 and a second end 4. The second end 4 is configured to penetrate the animal’s ear. For example, it may include a conical punch. Adjacent to this second end 4 there is a locking shoulder 5. The female portion 2 has an opening 6 to receive the second end 4 of the male pin 1 together with the locking shoulder 5. The locking shoulder 5 engages with the female portion 2 so that the male pin 1 is secured to the female portion 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many possible mechanisms that enable the male pin 1 and female portion 2 to couple together and the invention is not limited in this respect. A moulded panel 11 connects the male pin 1 and female portion 2 such that the tag 100 forms a closed loop after application to an animal ear.

Figure 2A shows another embodiment of an animal identification tag 100. In this embodiment the male pin 1 and female portion 2 are not connected by a moulded panel 11. There are also shown projections 9 which will be explained in further detail below. Figure 2B shows the animal identification tag 100 of Figure 1 with the female portion 2 having received the male pin 1.

The projections 9 are no longer visible, as they have been deformed to close a bore in which the electronic tag component resides, as will be explained further below.

Figure 3A show a cross section along the male pin 1 of an animal identification tag 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. There is a cavity or blind bore 7 within male pin 1, for housing an electronic tag component 8. The electronic tag component 8 may be secured to the inside of the male pin 1. The blind bore 7 may be empty except for the electronic tag component 8. Alternatively the electronic tag component may be surrounded with a fluid, vicious substance (such as a grease or gel), or a foam material to allow some movement of the electronic tag component 8 and prevent physical trauma. The electronic tag component 8 may be any suitable electronic identification component, such as an RFID component. The RFID system may rely on UHF or low frequency technology. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how electronic tag components 8 may be adapted for animal identification purposes, and the invention is not limited in this respect. The electronic tag component 8 can be of any suitable shape (although in the shown embodiments it is a cylindrical shape).

The blind bore 7, which houses the electronic tag component 8 is open at the first end 3 of the male pin 1 and extends part way along the length of the male pin 1. During assembly the electronic tag component 8 is inserted into the male pin 1 through the open end of the blind bore 7. In the embodiments shown, both the male pin 1 and the blind bore 7 are cylindrical in shape, however the invention is not limited in this respect. For example, the male pin 1 and/or the blind bore 7 may be cuboidal, or any other suitable shape. It is also not necessary for the male pin 1 and the blind bore 7 to have the same shape. The blind bore 7 may or may not extend along substantially the length of the male pin 1, as shown in Figure 1.

Under the present invention, the first end 3 of the male pin 1 is deformable.

The first end 3 is shaped and configured to be deformable into a closure 10 to close or partially close the open end of the blind bore 7. In one embodiment this may be achieved by providing a small amount of additional material at the first end that can be deformed by a heat deformation system or similar. However, preferably there may be protrusions, lugs, or projections on the first end 3 that are deformable into a closure 10.

Figures 3A-5B show various embodiments of the present invention wherein the first end of the male pin 1 is configured such that it can be deformed to close or partially close the open end of the blind bore 7, thus retaining the electronic tag component 8. In figures 3A-5B the first end 3 of the male pin 1 includes one or more projections 9 which are deformable. According to one embodiment, a suitable process (for example heat deformation or welding) is used to deform the projections 9 such that they form a closure to the open end of the blind bore 7. Any number of projections 9 can be used and any suitable shape of projection 9 can be used. The invention is not limited in this respect.

Figures 3A and 3B show a male pin 1 with a single projection 9, forming a closed ring around the perimeter of the open end of the blind bore 7.

Figures 4A and 4B show an embodiment with two symmetrical projections 9 arranged around the perimeter of the open end of the blind bore 7.

Figure 5A and 5B show a configuration with four relatively smaller projections 9 arranged around the perimeter of the open end of the blind bore 7.

In the shown embodiments the projections are symmetrical however other configurations are also possible wherein multiple projections are not symmetrically arranged.

The projections can be of any suitable shape. Figures 6A-6E show various exemplary shapes that the projections can take.

Figre 6A shows rounded projections 9. Figure 6B shows triangular projections 9. Figures 6C and 6D show trapezoidal projections. Figure 6E shows an embodiment in which the male pin 1 is recessed at the open end of the blind bore 7.

Preferably, the shape of the projections 9 is such that they are readily deformable into the center of the open end of the blind bore 7 such as to close or partially close the bore 7.

The projection 9 can be made of any suitable material which is deformable.

Preferably, this may be a thermoplastic polymer. Examples include but are not limited to nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene.

Any suitable process can be used to deform the first end 3 of the blind bore 7. For example, this may be heating, laser welding, ultrasonic welding or other methods of bringing the material to a deformable state (e.g. close to melting point). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are other methods for deforming and fusing material that are dependent on the particular materials needing to be deformed, and the invention is not limited in this respect.

In another embodiment, the projection/s 9 may be deformed only in part, such that they fold inwards into the centre of the open end of the blind bore, to close or partially close the bore. When there are multiple projections, these may be joined (e.g. welded) together after deformation where they meet at the center of the open end of the blind bore.

Figures 7A and 7B show a male pin in which the first end 3 of the male pin 1 has been deformed by heat welding to form a closure 10, closing or partially closing the open end of the blind bore 7. The deformed state of the projections is visible as a bump, covering the blind bore.

Figures 8A and 8B show a male pin 1 in which the first end 3 of the male pin 1 has been deformed in such a way that a closure 10 in the form of a flat surface is created flush with the open end of the blind bore 7 (creating a smooth surface).

Figures 9A and 9B show a male pin in which the first end 3 of the male pin 1 has been deformed in such a way that the closure 10 partially closes the open end of the blind bore 7. This may occur, for example, if the volume of material of the projections 9 is not sufficient to completely cover the blind bore 7.

The male pin can be manufactured quickly and easily with the following steps: a) inserting the electronic tag component 8 into the blind bore 7 through the open end of the blind bore 7; and b) deforming the first end 3 of the male pin 1 to close or partially close the open end of the blind bore 7 to retain the electronic tag component 8.

The deformation process can consist of: 1) Using a suitable means to transform the first end 3 of the male pin 1 into a deformable state (e.g. by applying heat such that it forms a resin). 2) While the first end 3 of the male pin 1 is in a deformable state, shaping or moulding the first end 3 into a closure or partial closure (for example, a tool may be used to press the deformable material into the open end of the blind bore 7).

The above steps are examples only and do not limit the processes which may be used to manufacture the male pin 1 of this invention.

The animal identification tag 100 of this invention preferably has a male pin 1 that is tamper proof, preventing interference with the electronic tag component 8. In a state where the first end 3 of the male pin 1 has been deformed to close the open end of the blind bore 7, the only way of accessing the electronic tag component 8 is by physically damaging or breaking the male pin 1. Even if this is re-assembled, the use of glue or other methods to re-close the open end of the blind bore 7 will be evident to the visible eye or under a microscope.

The manufacturing process is simplified because the closure to the blind bore 7 of the male pin 1 is moulded as part of the male pin 1 itself. No separate cap or plug is required. There is thus provided an animal identification tag 100 that can be manufactured quickly and easily. There is also provided an animal identification tag 100 which securely houses an electronic tag component 8 in a tamper-proof manner.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Further, the above embodiments may be implemented individually, or may be combined where compatible. Additional advantages and modifications, including combinations of the above embodiments, will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant’s general inventive concept.

Claims (28)

CLAIMS 1.:

1. An animal identification tag including: a male pin having a first end, a second end configured to 5 penetrate an animal’s ear, a locking shoulder positioned adjacent to the second end and a cavity open at the first end and extending part way along the length of the male pin, an electronic tag component arranged within the cavity, and a female portion including an opening configured to receive 10 the second end of the male pin including the locking shoulder; wherein the first end of the male pin is configured to be deformable, using heating, laser welding or ultrasonic welding, to close or partially close the open end of the cavity to retain the electronic tag component without the use of a separate cap or plug.

2. The animal identification tag of claim 1 wherein the first end of the male pin includes one or more projections.

3. The animal identification tag of claim 2 wherein the one or more 20 projections extend around the perimeter of the open end of the cavity.

4. The animal identification tag of claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the one or more projections are deformable to close or partially close the cavity by folding inwards.

5. The animal identification tag of any one of claims 1-4 wherein the first end of the male pin is configured to be deformable, creating a flat surface flush with the first end of the male pin.

6. The animal identification tag of any one of claims 1-5 wherein after deformation of the first end of the male pin the electronic tag component cannot be accessed without physical damage to the male pin. 5

7. The animal identification tag of claim any one of claims 1-6 wherein the cavity extends substantially along the length of the male pin.

8. The animal identification tag of any one of claims 1-7 wherein the cavity is cylindrical.

9. The animal identification tag of any one of claims 1-7 wherein the cavity is cuboidal.

10. The animal identification tag of any one of claims 1-9 wherein the 15 electronic tag component is an RFID component.

11. The animal identification tag of any one of claims 1-10 wherein the first end of the male pin is formed of a thermoplastic polymer. 20

12. The animal identification tag of any one of claims 1-11 wherein the first end of the male pin is deformable by heat.

13. The animal identification tag of any one of claims 1-11 wherein the first end of the male pin is deformable by ultrasonic welding.

14. The animal identification tag of any one of claims 1-13 including a moulded panel connecting the male pin and female portion such that the tag forms a closed loop after application to an animal ear.

15. A method for manufacturing an animal identification tag including: a male pin having a first end, a second end configured to penetrate an animal’s ear, a locking shoulder positioned adjacent the second end and a cavity open at the first end and extending part way along the 5 length of the male pin, an electronic tag component arranged within the cavity, and a female portion including an opening configured to receive the second end of the male pin including the locking shoulder; the method including the steps of: 10 a) inserting the electronic tag component into the cavity through the open end of the cavity; and b) deforming the first end of the male pin, using heating, laser welding or ultrasonic welding, to close or partially close the open end of the cavity to retain the electronic tag 15 component without the use of a separate cap or plug.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first end of the male pin includes one or more projections, the method including deforming the projections to close or partially close the open end of the cavity to retain the electronic tag 20 component.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the one or more projections extend around the perimeter of the open end of the cavity. 25

18. The method of claim 16 or 17 including the steps of deforming the one or more projections to close or partially close the cavity by folding inwards.

19. The method of any one of claims 15-18 including deforming the first end of the male pin to create a flat surface flush with the first end of the male pin. 5

20. The method of any one of claims 15-19 wherein after deformation of the first end of the male pin the electronic tag component cannot be accessed without physical damage to the male pin.

21. The method of claim any one of claims 15-20 wherein the cavity 10 extends substantially along the length of the male pin.

22. The method of any one of claims 15-21 wherein the cavity is cylindrical. 15

23. The method of any one of claims 15-21 wherein the cavity is cuboidal.

24. The method of any one of claims 15-23 wherein the electronic tag component is an RFID component.

25. The method of any one of claims 15-24 wherein the first end of the male pin is formed of a thermoplastic polymer.

26. The method of any one of claims 15-25 including the step of applying 25 heat to the first end of the male pin to deform the first end of the male pin.

27. The method of any one of claims 15-25 including the step of deforming the first end of the male pin using ultrasonic welding.

28. The method of any one of claims 15-27 wherein the male pin includes a moulded panel connecting the male pin and female portion such that the tag forms a closed loop after application to an animal ear.