WO2014194383A1

WO2014194383A1 - Improvements in applicators for animal identification ear tags

Info

Publication number: WO2014194383A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/050066
Authority: WO
Inventors: John DUMBRELL
Original assignee: Leader Products Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-06-06
Filing date: 2014-06-06
Publication date: 2014-12-11
Also published as: CN105307483A; AU2014277640A1

Abstract

An apparatus for use in the application of a two-piece identification tag to an animal including a first jaw member (103) to receive and releasably retain a male member of the two-piece tag, a second jaw member (101 ) to receive and releasably retain a female member of the two-piece tag and respective first and second handles (102, 100) which are in pivotable connection one with the other and with the first and second jaw members (103, 101) respectively with movement of the first and second handles (102, 100) driving the first and second jaw members (103, 101) in a direction towards one another to bring the male member of the two-piece tag into engagement with the ear of an animal and with the female member of the two-piece tag second jaw member 101 including an insert (120) which is adapted to be movable relative to said second jaw member (101).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN APPLICATORS FOR ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION EAR TAGS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates, in general terms, to an improved apparatus - hereinafter referred to as an applicator or applicator tool - for use in the application of identification tags to livestock, such as for example sheep, cattle, dogs, deer and the like. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an applicator which, by its very nature and mode of operation, minimizes the likelihood of damage to the animal during application of an identification tag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Throughout the ensuing description reference will be made to an especially preferred context of usage for the invention, for use in the application of two-piece identification tags to livestock, in particular to the ear of a livestock animal. It must be understood, however, that such is given by way of example only and that the invention is not to be considered to be restricted to any preferred embodiment or embodiments described hereinafter.

[0003] Two-piece tags of this general type include mating respective male and female members, and are generally to be affixed to (through) the ear or some other body part of the animal. Optimally, an applicator for such a tag will include means to pierce the ear, whereby to allow for the male member to be inserted through the pierced ear, for subsequent interaction with the female member. Past experience has shown that, if for example the animal moves or attempts to move its head during the procedure of application of such an ear tag, there exists a significant likelihood of unwanted tearing of the tender flesh of the ear, resulting in not only damage to the animal itself, but also perhaps to the tag. An unduly lacerated ear, apart from being a potential site for infection, is unsuitable for installation/acceptance of a tag. A damaged tag, on the other hand, is also unsuitable and may not perform its desired function. This is particularly the case if an electronic tag - of the type often used these days - is involved.

[0004] Applicators of this general type for application of ear tags are available in the form of an applicator or applicator tool which includes a fixed pin or the like - for receiving the male member of a two-piece tag - and a variable insert cartridge - intended to accommodate the female member, with such a variable insert cartridge serving to make the applicator tool more universally usable by catering for/allowing for different sizes of female tag members. Some applicator tools have incorporated therein means which allows the fixed pin or the like, which is to receive the male member of a two- piece tag, to actually pivot. In such arrangements a rake backwards and excessive spring pressure has been incorporated in an attempt to prevent premature release, prior to complete application of a two-piece tag to the ear, or other part, of the animal.

[0005] Such prior art applicators or applicator tools have been found to suffer from problems and/or disadvantages including incomplete tag application, due to the fixed pin or the like actually moving forward prematurely, and also the possibility of damage - as by tearing - to the ear of the animal due to slow release from the applicator subsequent to application of the male and female tag members.

[0006] A number of ear tag applicators are already well-known in the art and disclosed in various patent specifications. These relate to applicators for the placement of two-piece ear tags and a variety of methods and means have been sought for releasing the ear tag once applied. The simplest versions are plier type applicators in which the handles are biased away from each other so that the jaws pivot to an open position as the handles similarly pivot away from each other to release the ear tag. If the animal should move while this is taking place, damage can be caused to the animal's ear. With the handles requiring manual closing, the biasing means cannot open the jaws of the applicator until the user releases pressure on the handles and this creates some delay.

[0007] The present invention seeks to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art by providing an improved applicator for animal identification tags which includes a quick-release mechanism, which comes into play to prevent or minimize unwanted laceration of the ear of the animal, and also to prevent premature movement of the fixed pin or the like.

[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided an apparatus for use in the application of an identification tag to an animal, said apparatus including: a first jaw member for receiving and releasably retaining a portion of an identification tag, and a second jaw member, said first and second jaw members being adapted, in use, to be brought into juxtaposition, and wherein said second jaw member includes a movable insert which, in use, is adapted to move relative to said second jaw member to allow for quick release of the apparatus and associated

identification tag from the animal.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for use in the application of a two-piece identification tag to an animal, including: a first jaw member which is adapted, in use to receive and releasably retain a male member or portion of said two-piece tag; a second jaw member which is adapted, in use, to receive and releasably retain a female member or portion of said two-piece tag; and respective first and second handles in pivotable connection one with the other and with the first and second jaw members respectively, such that movement of said first and second handles drives said first and second jaw members in a direction towards one another to bring said male member of said two-piece tag into engagement with the ear of an animal and with said female member, said second jaw member including a movable insert which is adapted, in use, to move relative to said second jaw member. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred constructions of an improved applicator for animal identification tags in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[001 1] FIG.1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of an applicator in accordance with the present invention, when in its release position;

[0012] FIG.2 is a rear perspective view of the applicator of FIG.1 ;

[0013] FIG.3 is a further side elevational view of the applicator of

FIG. l, in its ready-release configuration wherein tearing of the animal's ear (not shown) is minimised;

[0014] FIG.4 is a top view of an insert which constitutes a part of the applicator of FIGS.1 to 3;

[0015] FIG.5 is a side elevational view of the insert of FIG.4;

[0016] FIG.6 is a top perspective view of the insert of FIG.4;

[0017] FIG.7 is a sectional view, not to scale, of the jaw of the embodiment of FIGS.1 to 4 which is to receive a movable insert to co-operate with the female member of an animal tag;

[0018] FIG.8 is a top view of the jaw of FIG.8;

[0019] FIG.9 is a perspective view, inverted, of the jaw of FIG. 7; [0020] FIG.10 is a side elevational view, inverted, of the jaw of the embodiment of FIG.7;

[0021 ] FIG.1 1 is a sectional view of another embodiment of an improved applicator in accordance with the present invention, in its closed position and with its pin or male tag member holder flipped or projecting outwardly;

[0022] FIG.12 is a sectional view of the applicator of FIG.1 1 , showing the applicator part-way through its tag installation procedure;

[0023] FIG.13 is a sectional view of an especially preferred embodiment of an applicator in accordance with the invention of FIG.l 1 ;

[0024] FIG.14 is a sectional view, similar to FIG.12, but of the embodiment of FIG.13 ;

[0025] FIG.15 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a slider type insert as incorporated in the upper handle member of the embodiment of FIGS. i l and 12;

[0026] FIG.16 is a view, similar to FIG.16, but of the insert of the embodiment of FIGS.13 and 14; and

[0027] FIG.17 is a perspective view, from above, of a preferred embodiment of an actuator mechanism of the applicator of FIGS.11 and 12.

[0028] FIG.18 is a further sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS.13 and 14; and

[0029] FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS.13,

14 and 18, in its operative position or condition. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] As shown in the drawings, and this with particular regard firstly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, an applicator or applicator tool in accordance with the present invention, similar to a pair of pliers and sometimes actually referred to as pliers, includes a first handle 1 and an associated jaw 2, and a second handle 3 and an associated jaw 4, with the jaws 2 and 4 being adapted to be selectively and progressively movable relative one to the other by any suitable means and in any known manner. By way of example only, and in the especially preferred embodiment shown, the handle 1 and its associated jaw 2, and handle 3 with its associated jaw 4, each of a unitary construction, may each be associated with a pivot ring or the like means, generally designated as 5. It should be understood, however, that the actual means for achieving the desired relative/pivotal movement between jaws 2 and 4, as a result of operation of the handles 1 and 3, is not of the essence of the invention.

[0031 ] The jaw 4, in the preferred embodiment shown, includes means for receiving, and releasably retaining, the male member of a two-piece animal ear tag (not shown). Such means 10 may be in the form of a rotatable member or mounting block 10 which is located, for pivotal movement, at or in the vicinity of the free end of the jaw 4. To that end, at the free end of that jaw 4 there is provided a recess which is adapted to receive, and releasably retain, the mounting block 10 which, in the preferred embodiment as shown, includes a pin 12 or the equivalent dependent therefrom. The mounting block 10 is mounted for pivotal movement per medium of a pin or other fixing means 13 which extends transversely of the jaw 4 and through the mounting block 10. Such an arrangement allows the pin 12 to rotate outwardly from the jaw 4.

[0032] In the preferred embodiment illustrated the mounting block 10 is so pivotably mounted relative to the jaw 4 such that the longitudinal forces acting along the pin 12 during the actual tagging process assist in stabilizing the pin 12 in its proper position for insertion, rather than to encourage it to rotate outwardly. [0033] With this embodiment, therefore, the jaws 2 and 4 may respectively engage first and second (male and female) members of a two- piece animal ear tag, or alternatively a single piece tag. Upon the jaws 2 and 4 being moved towards one another, by operation of the co-operating handles 1 and 3, then the two portions or members of a tag can be brought into engagement on opposed sides of, for example, the ear of an animal, to allow ultimately for retention of the overall tag in that ear.

[0034] At the free end of the jaw 2 there is provided an elongate recess

14 which is adapted, in use, to receive and releasably retain an insert, generally designated 20 and to be described hereinafter in more detail, with such insert 20 preferably being constructed from a plastics material. The insert 20 is adapted to receive and releasably retain the female member of a two-piece animal tag, with the free end of jaw 2 acting as an anvil during installation of such an animal tag.

[0035] The plastic insert 20, as shown for example in FIGS. 4 to 6, is made up of a substantially parallelepipedal base member 21 having an elongate slot 22 in the vicinity of one free end thereof. The insert 20 further includes an elongate, substantially T-shaped raised portion 23, terminating in an upwardly- extending member generally designated 24. That member 24, as shown in the drawings, includes an upwardly-extending section 25, extending from the T- shaped raised portion 23 as shown, which terminates in an angled arm member 26 which in turn includes an upwardly-extending projection 27 and, has at the free end thereof, a slot 28.

[0036] In an especially preferred embodiment, not shown, there may be provided two opposed compression springs (or the equivalent) extending from (releasably affixed to) each arm of the T-shaped raised portion 23 and rearwardly of the overall insert 20. Such springs can be of assistance in the operation of the insert 20, in other words during repetitive backward and forward motions thereof within the slot 14 provided in the free end of the jaw 2 of the applicator. It should be understood, however, that the use of such compression springs (or the equivalent) does not constitute part of the invention.

[0037] The overall insert 20 is, in use, adapted to be located within the elongate recess 14 at the free end of jaw 2 of handle 1. To be associated with each of lateral arm portions of the T-shaped raised portion 23 is a spring means of any known type (not shown). The arrangement is such that, in use, the insert 20 can undergo limited reversible movement relative to the jaw 2. The shape of the upwardly-extending member 26 of the insert 20 allows, in use, for that insert 20 to be movable, at least to a limited and reversible extent, both outwardly and downwardly relative to that jaw 2.

[0038] It should be understood that the actual material of construction of the insert 20 is not of the essence of the invention. The insert 20 is, in use, movable to a limited extent in the directions both downwardly and outwardly relative to the jaw 2. Such limited movement of the insert 20 allows for quick release of the applicator and associated male and female tag members, when and if necessary, as for example to minimize tearing of the ear of an animal in the instance of its attempting to move, as by panicking, during the procedure of installation/application of such a tag.

[0039] The arrangement is such that, after a tag application, the insert

20 will be pushed in a direction relative to the handle 3 so as to re-set itself ready for the next tag application. This arrangement is substantially proof against jamming, thereby in effect eliminating a problem associated with prior art applicators of this general type.

[0040] With reference now to FIGS.11 and 12, this embodiment of an applicator in accordance with the invention includes a first handle 100 and an associated arm or jaw 101 , and a second handle 102 and an associated arm or jaw 103, the arms or jaws 101 and 103 being selectively and progressively movable relative one to the other. In the especially preferred embodiment shown, the handle 100 and associated jaw 101 and handle 102 and associated jaw 103 are each of a unitary construction, each to be associated with a pivot ring or means generally identified as 104. However, once again the actual means employed for achieving the desired relative/pivotal movement between jaws 101 and 103, as a result of operation of the handles 100 and 102, is not of the essence of the invention.

[0041 ] The j aw 103 , in the preferred embodiment shown, includes means 1 10 for receiving, and releasably retaining, the male member of a two- piece animal ear tag (not shown). Such means 110 may be in the form of a shaped pivotable member or mounting block which is located, for pivotal movement, at or in the vicinity of the free end of the jaw 103. To that end at the free end of that jaw 103 there is provided a recess which is adapted to receive, and releasably retain, the male member receiving means or mounting block 1 10 which, in the preferred embodiment as shown, includes a pin 112 or the equivalent dependent therefrom. That pin 1 12 is adapted to receive, releasably, the male member of a two-piece animal identification tag. The mounting block 1 10 is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the jaw 103 per medium of a suitable fixing means or pivot pin 113, which extends transversely of the jaw 103 and through the mounting block and jaw 110. The mounting block 110 preferably is constructed from a suitable plastics material. It should be understood, however, that the actual material of construction thereof is not of the essence of the invention.

[0042] The applicator of FIGS.1 1 and 12 includes the means or mounting block 110, a shaped elongate insert 1 14 and a trigger or finger- actuated mechanism 1 15 which extends through the upper surface of jaw 103, arranged so as to co-operate with one another. The trigger 115 is adapted to protrude through an aperture 116 provided in the upper surface of the jaw 103, and is further pivotably affixed within that jaw 103 by means of a pivot pin or the like 117. Actuation of the trigger 1 15 gives rise to movement, of the insert 114 and mounting block 1 10 with associated pin 1 12, between the positions or configurations shown in FIGS.11 and 12. [0043] At the free end of the jaw 102 there is provided an elongate recess which is adapted, in use, to receive and releasably retain an insert, designated 120, of the general type referred to as 20 in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0044] In an especially preferred embodiment the male member receiving means or mounting block 1 10 takes the form of a shaped cam-like member which is mounted, relative to the jaw 103, for pivotable movement between the positions shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 1 and 12.

[0045] With this embodiment, triggering at the right time of tag application allows the animal and the application to separate or part from each other with a positive application of the complete tag. The applicator is then ready for the next or another application of a tag without any need for further involvement/action by the operator. In this arrangement the pin 112 cannot move in a forward direction until such time as application of the tag is assured, and then and in fact only then is the pin 1 12 completely free to move without any restriction.

[0046] As with the earlier described embodiment this insert 120 is adapted to be slidably mounted relative to the applicator to provide for quick release of the female member of an animal identification tag, in the instance of either the animal moving or, for whatever reason, the applicator itself being moved during the procedure of installation of an animal tag. The inclusion of such a slidable insert 120 represents a simple and cost-effective solution to the problems associated with prior art applicators, which included tag jamming, the likelihood of unwanted laceration to the animal's ear, etc.

[0047] The especially preferred embodiment of FIGS.13 and 14 also includes a first handle 100 and an associated arm or jaw 101 and a second handle 102 and an associated arm or jaw 103, the jaws 101 and 103 being selectively and progressively movable relative one to the other. The handle 100 and associated jawl 01 and handle 102 and associated jaw 103, each of a unitary construction, are associated with a pivot ring or the like means 104.

[0048] The jaw 103 includes means 1 10 for receiving and releasably retaining the male member of a two-piece animal ear tag. Such means 1 10 may be in the form of a mounting block or pivotable member which is located, for pivotal movement, at or in the vicinity of the free end of the jaw 103. At the free end of that jaw 103 there is provided a recess adapted to receive and releasably retain the male member receiving means or mounting block 110, which includes a pin 1 12 or the equivalent dependent therefrom. The male member receiving means or mounting block 1 10 is mounted for pivotal movement per medium of a suitable fixing means or pivot pin 1 13 which extends transversely of the jaw 103, through the mounting block 1 10 and the jaw 103.

[0049] Such applicator includes an actuator mechanism or slider mechanism, which, when triggered or actuated at the appropriate time during the procedure of tag application to the ear or other part of an animal, allows both the animal and the applicator to readily separate one from the other, minimising if not removing altogether the possibility of damage to the ear of the animal and at the same time ensuring positive and complete application of the tag. Once such separation has occurred, then the applicator is in a condition suitable for the next/another application without need for any action by the operator. This is in contrast to existing apparatus, which generally require re-setting by the user subsequent to application of a tag (whether that application is totally successful or otherwise). With the present arrangement the pin 1 12 cannot move in the forward direction until such time as tag application has been completed successfully. Then and only then is the pin 1 12 free to move in the forward direction, to allow for re-use of the applicator.

[0050] The actuator mechanism, generally designated 130, includes as principal components an elongate member 131 which is housed within the jaw member 103, and a retaining member 132 which, in the embodiment shown, has a portion thereof extending through an aperture provided in the upper surface of the jaw member 103, and a spring means 134. The elongate member 131 , at one end thereof, is in operative engagement with the mounting block 1 10. Forward movement of the elongate member 131, relative to (within) the jaw member 103 gives rise to rotational movement of the mounting block 1 10 and associated pin 1 12. The spring 134 functions as a return mechanism, to allow the elongate member 131 to return to its starting portion upon release of the handles 100, 102. To that end the pivot ring or the like means 104 has a step or discontinuity 133 formed therein, which as the handles move allow for limited movement of the elongate member 131. The mechanism 131 is in operative connection with the mounting block 1 10 via insert 131 having a blind bore 140 formed therein, in turn in operative connection with spring 134. With this embodiment the spring 134 is relatively highly tensioned during the initial stages of application of a tag. However, actuation of the actuating mechanism 130 at the appropriate time results in a reduction in spring tension, thereby allowing the pin 1 12 to move in the forward direction to complete installation of the tag. With this embodiment, even if the animal was to attempt to pull away from the operator and applicator during the initial stages of tag application the pin 1 12 is able to move forward, allowing for release of the ear and minimising, if not removing altogether, the possibility of damage to that animal's ear as by tearing. As with the embodiment of FIGS.7 and 8, once the tag is successfully installed and/or even if not installed and the animal released, the applicator is automatically restored to a condition ready for re-use.

[0051 ] The applicator in accordance with the present invention is designed to give the user, during the procedure of tag application, maximum capability of adaptation to tagging requirements - which can vary from animal to animal. The arrangement is such that the pin remains "solid" until the actual point/moment of release. The fact that there is no spring tension at the point/moment of release ensures carefree withdrawal of the overall applicator, after tag application, little or no possibility of damage to the animal. [0052] With the arrangement as shown in FIGS.13, 14 and 18, for example, the employment of the solid slider actuator mechanism as illustrated therein has the practical and important advantage of enabling or allowing the same applicator to be employed with varying thicknesses of female tag members. In that regard it should be understood that, in the workplace, there do exist different-sized female tag members. For example an EID type tag will normally be thicker than the conventional or "normal" tag commonly in use. Prior art applicators do not have this capability of being usable irrespective of the physical dimensions of a female tag member.

[0053] What the spring does is acts to maintain a slight forward pressure/tension to return the actuator mechanism or slider in the forward direction. Such is intended to overcome jamming, which may occur if the actuator mechanism had free/unrestricted movement when the handles were open and the pin 1 12 was free to move forward and backward to enable loading of a male tag member.

[0054] It is the combination of the solid slider 131 of the actuator mechanism 130, spring 134 and offset pin 135 which allows the same applicator to be used with different-sized female tag members. The slider 131 itself actually only moves over a short distance, about 2mm back and forth, for actuation to be able to occur. The spring 134 functions to maintain a slight pressure in the forward direction, which in turn urges the slider 131 in that direction.

[0055] The applicators in accordance with the present invention can also include a means for releasably connecting to one of the handles thereof a lanyard or the like holding means. In use the lanyard or the like may be located/wrapped around the wrist of the user.

[0056] With the arrangements shown it should be understood that the pin 12, 112 which is to receive and releasably retain the male tag member has its longitudinal axis offset from that of the fixing pin 13, 1 13 for the mounting block 10, 1 10. What this means is that, when a male tag member is in place on the pin 12, 1 12 and a female tag member in place on the jaw member 2, 101, then when pressure is applied to the handles the overall tag - made up of cooperating male and female members - is initially moved to a limited extent in an inward direction - towards the handles. This assists in ensuring proper and correct location and orientation of the tag relative to the ear or other part of the animal. It also allows the applicator to be suitable for use with different-sized female tag members. This is in contrast to existing and known applicators, which in order to cater for differently-sized female tag members require the use of replaceable attachments to the female tag member holding handle or jam.

[0057] With the embodiment of FIGS.13, 14 and 18, which involves a spring-enhanced actuation mechanism, there will exist a relatively high spring tension during the initial stage or phase of tag application, but when the actuation mechanism is operated there exists a lower tension at the appropriate time, which allows the pin 112 to move in a forward direction to complete tag application. Such an arrangement will allow the animal to withdraw quickly from an application which is in its initial stage or phase, as can sometimes happen, without suffering damage to the ear or other body part, since the pin 1 12 can move forwardly if required.

[0058] In the embodiment of FIGS.13, 14, 18 and 18, the mounting block includes a shaped slot 140, at a position offset from or spaced apart from the pivot pin 1 13 therefor. Such slot 140 allows for selective and continuous controlled movement of said pin 1 12 - adapted to receive the male member of a two-part animal tag - between respective end positions, in other words allow for controlled movement of said pin 112.

[0059] The arrangement is such that, when the jaws are open, the pin

12, 1 12 cannot/ will not move in the forward direction, or in other words the direction away from the handles. Such forward movement of the pin 12, 1 12 is in fact only possible when the jaw members are in the process of being closed. [0060] Finally, it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use in the application of an identification tag to an animal, said apparatus including: a first jaw member for receiving and releasably retaining a portion of an identification tag, and a second jaw member, said first and second jaw members being adapted, in use, to be brought into juxtaposition, and wherein said second jaw member includes a movable insert which, in use, is adapted to move relative to said second jaw member to allow for quick release of the apparatus and associated

identification tag from the animal.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said identification tag is a two-piece tag made up of mating male and female members, wherein said first jaw member is adapted to receive and releasably retain the male member, with said second jaw member being adapted to receive and releasably retain, via said insert, the female member.

3. An apparatus for use in the application of a two-piece identification tag to an animal, including:

a first jaw member which is adapted in use to receive and releasably retain a male member or portion of said two-piece tag;

a second jaw member which is adapted in use to receive and releasably retain a female member or portion of said two-piece tag; and

respective first and second handles in pivotable connection one with the other and with the first and second jaw members respectively, such that movement of said first and second handles drives said first and second jaw members in a direction towards one another to bring said male member of said two-piece tag into engagement with the ear of an animal and with said female member, said second jaw member including a movable insert which is adapted, in use, to move relative to said second jaw member.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said handles are opposed and relatively pivotable, one of said handles having said first jaw member associated therewith, with the other of said handles having said second jaw member associated therewith.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said insert is selectively, reversibly and progressively movable to a limited extent both in a direction longitudinally of said second jaw member and in a direction substantially normally relative to said second jaw member.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first jaw member includes, at or in the vicinity of the free end thereof, a cavity or recess wherein there is located, for selective pivotal movement, a mounting block, said mounting block having associated therewith a shaped pin or the like means which, in use, is in releasable engagement with the male member of a two- piece animal identification tag.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said second jaw member includes, at or in the vicinity of the free end thereof, an elongate recess, said recess being adapted in use to receive and releasably retain the female member of a two-piece animal identification tag, the arrangement being such that the free end of said second jaw member functions as an anvil during

installation/application of an animal identification tag.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said insert in the form of a substantially parallelepipedal base member including at least one slot at or in the vicinity of one free end thereof.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said insert further includes a substantially T-shaped raised portion extending longitudinally of said base member, said raised portion terminating in an upwardly extending portion at or in the vicinity of the other free end of said base member.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said upwardly extending portion of said base member terminates in an arm member which extends at an angle thereto, said arm member having an elongate slot or recess formed therein.

1 1. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, including resilient means associated with each arm of said T-shaped raised portion of said base member and extending longitudinally of said base member.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 1, wherein said resilient means include one or more compression springs.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, including an actuating mechanism which allows for controlled movement of said first jaw member.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said actuating mechanism is associated with said first jaw member and is adapted to prevent inadvertent release of said jaw members of said apparatus until such time as said identification tag is installed in the ear or other part of the animal.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first jaw member includes a mechanism, actuatable to move said mounting block and associated pin member between respective rear and forward positions, whereby to release the applicator from the ear of the animal for re-use.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said pin is adapted move in a forward direction relative to said first jaw member to release said applicator from the ear of the animal.