Animal identification tag comprising extended parts

Abstract

Presented is an animal identification tag (1) with a male component (2) and a female component (3) placed on either side of an animal's ear. These components are joined to secure the tag (1) to the ear. The male component (2) has a first panel part (20) and a pin (21), while the female component (3) has a second panel part (30) and a receiving part (31) for the pin. The first (20) and second (30) panel parts have distal and proximal ends. The pin (21) extends through the ear's piercing hole, and the receiving part (31) cooperates with the pin. At least one distal end has an extended part (22, 32) to prevent the corresponding panel part from passing into the ear's piercing hole.

Description

[0001] ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION TAG COMPRISING EXTENDED PARTS

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The field of the disclosure is that of animal identification devices and a system and method of manufacturing animal identification tags. More precisely, the present disclosure relates to an animal identification tag having a design for better retention on the animal's ear, better durability, improved animal welfare

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Animal identification devices, such as animal ear tags, are widely used to identify and track animals on farms and in veterinary care establishments. These tags may comprise a male part designed to pierce and pass through a hole in an animal's ear and connect with a female part, resulting in the assembly of the male and female parts. These tags may be made of plastic and may include identification information in the form of, for example, a printed number, a barcode (or other readable matrix code), and / or an integrated electronic component for identification, such as RFID technology.

[0006] Some existing ear tags have male and female parts that are connected to each other by a hinge so that it forms a closed loop once attached to an animal's ear. Such tags are intended to remain in position on the animal's ear and are therefore dimensioned to limit their movement around the ear.

[0007] In this regard, once installed on the animal, existing tags are intended to have their male part M and female part F around the front and rear surfaces of the animal's ear E, as shown in figure 1A.

[0008] However, the animal's head is constantly moving and / or rubbing against different surfaces, which inevitably causes the tag T to shift and can lead to a progressive enlargement of the ear hole H. In some cases, ear tags T may gradually tilt or rotate inside the hole H in the animal's ear (into which the male part of the tag is inserted), as shown in figures IB and 1C. All of this causes discomfort for the animal and difficulty in reading the tag. There is therefore a need to provide an animal identification tag that remains in position once fitted to the animal's ear, and that limits the discomfort caused by the tag on the animal's ear. There is also a need to provide an animal identification tag that facilitates the healing of the animal's pierced ear. Also, there is a need to provide an animal identification tag that reduces the ease of tampering and the risk of overapplication. There is also a need to provide an animal identification tag with a reduced risk of breakage. In addition, there is a need to provide a strip of tags that can be easily handled and in which separating a tag from the strip is made easier.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] The technique of an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure allows solving at least some of the drawbacks raised by the prior art.

[0011] For this purpose, an exemplary aspect of the disclosure provides an animal identification tag comprising a male component and a female component intended to be placed on either side of an animal's ear and configured to be joined to each other so as to secure said animal identification tag to said ear, the male component comprising a first panel part and a male element connected to said first panel part, the female component comprising a second panel part and a female element connected to said second panel part, the first panel part and the second panel part each comprising a distal end and a proximal opposite end, the male element presenting a pin configured to extend through a piercing hole of the animal's ear, and the female element comprising a receiving part configured to cooperate with and retain the pin of the male element. According to the invention, at least one of said distal ends comprises an extended part configured to prevent the corresponding first or second panel part passing into the piercing hole of the ear. In some embodiments, both distal ends include an extended part. Each of these extended parts is designed so that at least part of its surface area comes into contact with the animal's ear when the identification tag rotates and prevents the distal end of the corresponding panel part from entering inside the hole of the ear.

[0012] The extended parts (together or individually) limit the undesired rotation of the tag after it is attached to the animal's ear. The extended parts (together or individually) also limit the undesired penetration of the distal end of the male or female component from tilting or rotating and entering the piercing hole / wound where the male pin is located. As a result, the identification tag remains in its initial position, with its male and female components facing the front and rear surfaces of the animal's ear. This limits the discomfort caused by the tag on the animal's ear, by, for example, limiting the increase of the size of the hole in the animal's ear.

[0013] According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the extended part extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the panel part of the corresponding male or female component supporting said extended part, and along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding male or female component.

[0014] Thus, the rotation of the panel part of the male or female component inside the piercing hole of the animal's ear is avoided. The extended part does not extend all around the distal end of the panel but only along its longitudinal axis. This ensures effective air flow around the wound and better healing of the pierced ear. Moreover, the design of this extended part avoids material waste.

[0015] According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, said extended part is positioned on the inner face of the corresponding male or female component intended to be oriented towards the inner face of the female or male component respectively.

[0016] According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the extended part has a bulge positioned on at least part of the periphery of the receiving part of the female component or the base of the pin of the male component on which said extended part is positioned.

[0017] This bulge has, in this example, a rounded surface which ensures smooth contact between the tag and the animal's ear, and which promotes air flow so as to facilitate the drying and healing of the wound (pierced ear).

[0018] According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the second panel part of the female component comprises a cap covering the receiving part and delimiting an internal space for receiving the head of the male pin, the cap being located on the other side of the opening of the receiving part through which the male pin is intended to be inserted.

[0019] This cap makes it possible to limit the travel of the pin when the tag is applied to the animal's ear and reduces the ease of tampering (including tampering via the unauthorized removal of the tag from the animal).

[0020] Moreover, this cap covers the sharp pin of the male element and eliminates potential scratching of workers (such as shearers) from occurring while working on the tagged animal. This cap also reduces the risk of over-application if the wrong applicator device is used to apply the tag to the animal. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the wall of the cap has one or more through holes. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the pin of the male component accommodates at least one electronic component. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the pin comprises a hollow body dimensioned to house at least one electronic component, said hollow body being obturated by a closing element.

[0021] Such a closing element improves the retention of the electronic component inside the body of the male pin. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the pin is overmoulded around said at least one electronic component. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the tag is a one-part tag. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the proximal ends of the first and second panel parts are connected by a weakened portion to allow folding / bending of the tag. Such a weakened portion acts as a hinge area. The tag can bend around this hinge area when applied to the animal's ear.

[0022] According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the hinge area of the one-part tag comprises one or more recesses on the side of the male pin and opening of the receiving part. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the hinge area comprises at least one row of recesses spaced along the width of the animal identification tag. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, said at least one recess is of rounded shape or of square shape. These recesses may thus be spaced along the width of the animal identification tag in one or more rows or not.

[0023] These recesses may be of round, or a mixture of round and other shapes, for example a mostly square recess with rounded corners. Round recesses in this manner increase the flexibility of the hinge, while reducing the risk of breakage compared to other recess designs, and thus reduce the risk of damage to the hinge, improving the reliability of the tag.

[0024] The round shape of these recesses thus avoids tag fracturing. For example, a round recess hinders propagation of a fracture when compared to a recess with a sharper corner (such as a square or rectangle shape). A sharper corner provides a location with lower resistance to crack propagation because of the higher stress created in the material by the sharp corner. This is of particular importance in the hinge area because the bending of the tag creates stress on the material and increases the possibility of micro tag fractures being created in this area. The round recesses limit the propagation and creation of such fractures. Another exemplary aspect of the disclosure provides a strip of animal identification tags comprising at least two animal tags of one-piece construction arranged in a straight row. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, each tag of said strip comprises at least one linking segment on each of its longitudinal edges for connecting said animal identification tag to other neighboring animal identification tags in said strip of tags.

[0025] The positioning of these linking segments increases the rigidity of the strip formed by a plurality of tags. Thus, the strip does not collapse when held in the hand, improving the customer's experience when handling these tags. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, said at least one linking segment is located at least approximately 5mm away from the hinge which constitutes the folding axis. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, said at least one linking segment is located at least approximately 10mm away from the hinge which constitutes the folding axis. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, said at least one linking segment is located at least approximately 20mm away from the hinge which constitutes the folding axis. According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, said at least one linking segment is located at least approximately 30mm away from the hinge which constitutes the folding axis.

[0026] In the prior art, linking segments are commonly placed central to the tag panel, in the hinge area. In contrast, the linking segments in the disclosure are moved away from the hinge area (which stores spring energy) in order to further limit tag fractures and crack propagation. For example, when tags are separated from the strip and the linking segments are broken, a micro-fracture can occur in the panel where these linking segments attach to the panel. If these micro factures are located in the hinge area (as in the prior art) the micro fracture is more likely to propagate and lead to overall tag failure / fracture because of the high spring energy in the hinge area. By contrast, in the invention, the linking segments are away from the hinge area (as described herein), this reducing the change if microfracture creation and propagation - and overall tag failure.

[0027] According to a particular aspect of the disclosure, the linking segments connecting neighboring tags each have a flat edge and an opposite V-shaped edge, or two opposite V- shaped edges. These linking segment design act to further reduce the chances of crack formation and propagation. Another exemplary aspect of the disclosure provides a strip of animal identification tags comprising a row of at least two male components or of at least two female components of a two-part tag as described previously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] One or more aspects of the present disclosure and advantages of the disclosure will appear upon reading the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0029] Figure 1A shows an animal identification tag according to the prior art when correctly positioned on an animal's ear;

[0030] Figure IB shows the animal identification tag of Figure 1A in an incorrect position;

[0031] Figure 1C shows the animal identification tag of Figure 1A in an incorrect position;

[0032] Figure 2 shows an animal identification tag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 is a view of the inner surfaces of the animal identification tag of Figure 2;

[0034] Figure 4 is a view of the outer surfaces of the animal identification tag of Figure 2;

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a male pin of the animal identification tag of Figure 2;

[0036] Figure 6A is a detailed view of a perforated cap of the animal identification tag of Figure 2;

[0037] Figure 6B is another detailed view of the cap of the animal identification tag according to Figure 6A;

[0038] Figure 6C is a detailed and lateral view of the cap of the animal identification tag according to Figure 6A;

[0039] Figure 7A is a detailed view of the inner surface of the female component's distal end of the animal identification tag of Figure 2;

[0040] Figure 7B is a detailed view of the outer surface of female component's distal end of the animal identification tag of Figure 2;

[0041] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the animal identification tag of the Figure 2;

[0042] Figure 9 is another perspective view of the animal identification tag of the Figure 2;

[0043] Figure 10 is a sectional view of the animal identification tag of Figure 2 in which a closing element secures an electronic device in the male pin;

[0044] Figure 11 is a perspective and exploded partial view of the male component of the animal identification tag of Figure 10;

[0045] Figure 12 is a view of the male's distal end of the animal identification tag of the Figure 2, in which the pin is not represented; Figure 13A is a perspective view of a strip of animal identification tags as described in relation to Figure 2;

[0046] Figure 13B is a top view of the strip of animal identification tags of Figure 13A; and

[0047] Figure 14 is a top view of a strip of three animal identifications tags of the type illustrated on Figure 1, the tags being linked by linking segments having a particular geometry visible in the two detailed views of Figure 14.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0049] In relation to figures 2 to 12, a particular embodiment of an animal identification tag according to the invention is presented, wherein the animal identification tag 1 is not assembled to the ear of an animal. The identification tag 1 is in this example a one-piece tag comprising a male component 2 and a female component 3 connected to each other by a hinge 4.

[0050] As shown in the figures 2, 3, and 4, the male component 2 has a first planar support portion or first panel part 20 and the female component 3 has a second planar support or second panel part 30. The support portions or panel parts 20, 30 are connected to each other by the hinge area 4. The male and female components 2, 3 and the hinge area 4 are preferably made of plastic, but can be made of any other material making it possible to obtain a handy identification tag suitable for placing on an animal's ear.

[0051] The male component 2 and the female component 3 are intended to be placed on either side of an ear of an animal and to be moved together.

[0052] The free end of the male component 2 (also called first or distal end, located opposite to the second or proximal end which is connected to the hinge 4) includes a male element, which is a pin or stem 21 in this example. This pin 21 comprises a body 211 extending from a planar portion 22 and ends in a head or a tip 212 configured to pierce and pass through an animal's ear and engage with a female element of the female component 3 so as to secure the animal identification tag 1 to the animal's ear (not represented).

[0053] The free end of the female component 3 (also called first or distal end located opposite to the second or proximal end which is connected to the hinge 4) has a female element (an opening 31 here) to receive the tip 212 of the pin 21 of the male component 2 allowing their assembling around the animal's ear. Once fitted into the opening 31, the tip 212 of the pin 21 engages with the outer surface of the second panel part of the female component 3, around the opening 31 so that the pin 21 is secured to or locked with the female component 3. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many possible mechanisms that enable the male component 2 and the female component 3 to couple together and the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0054] When the male and female components are assembled, the identification tag 1 forms a closed loop around the animal's ear. Preferably, the identification tag 1 is unfolded before assembly of the male component 2 with the female component 3, and folded after their attachment around the animal's ear.

[0055] In the example shown in the figures 2 to 4, the distal end of the male component 2 and the distal end of the female component 3 respectively comprise an extended part 22, 32 in the shape of a tab or tongue. Alternatively, the identification tag 1 may include only one extended part on the male component 2 or on the female component 3.

[0056] The extended part 22 of the male component 2 is in particular visible in the detail view of figure 5. The extended part 22 consists in an extension of the corresponding panel part 20 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding panel part 20. In the example shown, the extended part 22 is positioned on the inner surface of the panel part 20 of the male component 2. In the present description, the inner surface of a panel part is the surface configured to be oriented towards the opposite panel part when the male component 2 and the female component 3 are facing each other.

[0057] The presence of the extended part 22 positioned at the distal end of the male component 2 avoids increasing the thickness of the panel part 20 over its entire length, so as to leave sufficient space for the ear between the male component 2 and female component 3 of the identification tag 1. In this manner, the animal's ear is not pinched between the male and female components of the identification tag 1.

[0058] Alternatively, the extended part 22 may extend from the outer surface of the panel part 20. The outer surface of a panel part is the surface opposite to the inner surface as defined above. In the example illustrated in the figures, the extended part 22 extends in a plane distinct and parallel to the plane of the male panel part 20. More precisely, the extended part 22 has a connecting portion 221 positioned around the pin 21 and a protruding portion 222 which extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the panel part 20 bearing this extended part 22. In this particular example, the protruding portion 222 of the extended part 22 has a flat end surface and a chamfer / bevelled edge 223 on each side of the flat end surface. The connecting portion 221 is shaped to enable the body 211 and head 212 of the pin 21 to pass through the hole 213 so as to allow the pin 21 to be assembled or disassembled from the panel part 20. The connecting part 221 part may have a chamfer 2211 on the inner surface of the panel part 20, so as to limit friction of the ear with the tag.

[0059] The extended part 22 may also comprise a bulge 224 positioned on the connecting part 221, and more precisely at least partly around the base from which the pin 21 extends (figures 3 and 4). In this example, the bulge 224 is of circular shape with a rounded edge.

[0060] The bulge 224 with rounded surfaces provides additional thickness so as to avoid sharp edges coming into contact with the animal's ear, while limiting the gap between the panel part 20 and the animal's ear. The extended part 22 may extend in the same plane as the plane of the male support portion or panel part 20.

[0061] The extended part 32 of the female component 3 is in particular visible in the detailed views of figures 6A to 6C, 7A and 7B. Similarly to the extended part 22 of the male part 2, the extended part 32 is preferably positioned on the inner surface of the panel part 30.

[0062] The extended part 32 may extend in the same plane as the plane of the female support portion or panel part 30. Alternatively, the extended part 32 may extend from the outer surface of the panel part 30. In the example shown, the extended part 32 of the identification tag 1 has a shape similar to the extended part 22.

[0063] The presence of the extended part 32 positioned at the end of the female component 3 also avoids increasing the thickness of the female component 3 over its entire length, so as to leave sufficient space for the animal's ear between the male and female components of the identification tag 1.

[0064] The extended part 32 extends in a plane parallel to the elongation plane of the female panel part 30. More precisely, the extended part 32 has a connecting portion 321 positioned around the opening 31 and a protruding portion 322. The protruding portion 322 of the extended part 32 has a flat end surface and a chamfer / bevelled edge 323 on each side of the flat end surface. The connecting portion 321 is shaped around the opening 31 so that the latter may accommodate the head 212 of the pin 21 and allow the pin 21 of the male component 2 and the female component 3 to couple together. The connecting part 321 of the female component 3 may also have a chamfer 3211 on the inner side of the panel part 30, so as to limit friction between the ear and the tag. The chamfer 3211 may be designed without any sharp edges to limit animal discomfort.

[0065] The extended part 32 may also comprise a bulge 324 positioned on the connecting part 321, and more precisely around the opening 31. Alternatively, the bulge 324 may be positioned partly around the opening 31. In this example, the bulge 324 is of circular shape with a rounded edge. The bulge 324 provides additional thickness with rounded surfaces to avoid sharp edges coming into contact with the animal's ear, while limiting the gap between the panel part 30 and the ear. Moreover, the rounded surface of the bulge 324 facilitates the guiding and insertion of the pin 21 into the opening 31 of the female panel part 30.

[0066] The extended part 22 and / or the extended part 32 may have a different shape, such as a rounded or straight shape, and / or may be positioned on the outer surface of its support panel part.

[0067] During assembly of the identification tag 1 to the animal's ear, the head 212 of the pin 21 pierces the ear, creating a hole in the ear with a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the pin's body 211 and / or head 212. It is also possible that the animal's ear is already pierced before the identification tag is fitted. Once the identification tag 1 is attached to the animal's ear, tilting of the distal end of the male component 2 or the female component 3 inside the ear's hole is limited by the extended parts 22, 32 described previously.

[0068] For this purpose, each of these extended parts 22, 32 is designed so that the inner surface of the protruding portions 222, 322 comes into contact with the animal's ear when the identification tag 1 rotates and prevents the distal end of the panel part 20, 30 from entering inside the hole of the ear. Indeed, the position and size of this extended part 22 does not allow it to enter into the pierced hole. Therefore, tilting of the distal end of the male part 2 and / or female part 3 into the animal's pierced hole is limited and the animal's comfort and health is improved. This also improves the function of tag, enabling improved reading of visual or electronic identification features in the tag due to, at least, the reduce rotation of the tag and the reduction of parts of the tag falling into the animal's ear.

[0069] The animal identification tag according to the above-described embodiments, may comprise a cap. Such cap can be seen in figures 2, 3, 8-10 and 13A, and is further shown in figures 6A to 6C. In the example shown, the cap 310 has several arms 3102 (three in this example) extending from the panel part 30 of the female components 3 and holes 3101 in the shape of elongated slots are formed between these arms 3102. These arms 3102 rest on the outer surface of the panel part 30, around the opening 31, and join together to form a perforated cap located above the opening 31.

[0070] The perforated cap 310 advantageously allows air flow and facilitates the release of any skin, wool or other materials that may be trapped, for example during the application of the tag or during its lifetime. With the design described herein, these materials do not remain trapped in the cap 310, and do not prevent the pin 21 from entering the internal space of the cap. This improves the function of the tag (including the retention because the male pin and female opening can connect more effectively without these unnecessary materials trapped in the cap area).

[0071] Also, the risk of infection is reduced. If the cap was closed, foreign debris may remain stuck in the cap. This could increase the risk of infection (and reduce the speed and effectiveness of wound healing) due to rotting of said debris that could house bacterial or viral loads. In addition, the smell from rotting debris could also attract flies and other parasites. The slots of this perforated cap also allow sufficient drainage or evacuation of foreign debris regardless of orientation of the tag 1.

[0072] In one possible embodiment, the cap 310 has three slots, one of these slots being larger than the other two. The large slot is designed so as to allow the material to pass through, while the other two slots are designed to facilitate air flow and drainage.

[0073] The cap 310 has a rounded top portion in the illustrated example and its internal space is designed to receive the head 212 of the pin 21 after it has crossed the opening 31 in order to be assembled to the female component 3 of the identification tag 1. Advantageously, the use of a cap 310 limits the travel of the pin 21 and centers the pin's head 212. It avoids over application of the tag, for example, when the wrong applicator is used. In other words, the travel distance of the pin 21 is limited by the cap 310, which reduces over application of the tag. The use of a cap also limits the risk of the tag being tampered with (such as unauthorized removal or alteration of the tag) by making it harder to access the male pin and remove the tag from the animal's ear.

[0074] For example, the cap 310 may have a height of between about 5 and about 10 millimeters, preferably about 8 millimeters (mm). In other words, a distance of between about 5 and about 10 mm separates the outer surface of the panel part 30 from the top of the cap 310. Alternatively, the cap 310 may present a plain wall instead of a perforated wall.

[0075] The shape of the cut-outs may be different from the ones illustrated, and the number of arms may also be different.

[0076] The panel part 20 of the male component 2 may further comprise a holding hole 213 through which the pin 21 is inserted. The pin 21 has a pointed head 212 at one end and a circular closing element 210 on the other end. Such a closing element 210 can be seen in figures 4, 5 and 9, and is further shown in the sectional view and exploded view of figures 10 and 11 respectively.

[0077] In this example, the body 211 of the pin 21 is hollow and has an internal blind bore which is dimensioned to accommodate one or more electronic components 5, for instance. The closing element 210 aims to retain the one or more electronic components 5 inside the internal bore of the pin 21 in a secure manner. Alternatively, the hollow body of the pin 21 may be empty. The electronic component 5 may be an active component comprising a battery or a passive component that is activated by a reader. For example, the electronic component 5 may be any suitable electronic identification component, such as an RFID component, and NFC component, or similar. The RFID system may rely on UHF or low frequency (LF) technology or some combination of LF and UHF technology. Alternatively, the electronic component 5 may be a sensor such as a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, an activity sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, or an accelerometer.

[0078] The dimensions of the closing element 210 are complementary to the dimensions of the holding hole 213 so that it fits entirely into the holding hole 213 when plugged. The closing element 210 also comprises a central through-hole 2100, as shown in figure 5, allowing depressurization when a tight-fitting electronic device is inserted in the blind bore. In a nonillustrated embodiment, the pin is overmoulded around the one or more electronic components.

[0079] It is to be noted that the extended parts 22, 32, the cap 310 and the pin 21 having a closing element 210 may also be implemented on a two-part tag comprising a male component and a female component which are not connected by a hinge but which are two separated parts. One example of such a two-part tag is Allflex lightweight two piece sheep tag. As shown in figures 3, 8 and 10, the hinge 4 of the one-piece identification tag described above may comprise one or more recesses 7. Each of these recesses 7 is a part with a smaller thickness than the panel parts 20, 30 and the hinge 4. These recesses 7 are intended to make the hinge 4 more flexible, so that the hinge 4 may be more easily folded.

[0080] In the example illustrated here, the hinge 4 comprises a plurality of recesses 7 aligned in three rows along the width of the animal identification tag 1. The central line, positioned at the center of the hinge 4, has a number of recesses lower than those of the two lines between which the central line is positioned. For example, and as shown in the figures, the central line may comprise two recesses, while the surrounding lines may comprise three recesses each.

[0081] The recesses 7 may have a rectangular shape, but could have a different shape, such as a rounded shape, or a rectangle with rounded corners, so as to reduce the risks of tag breakage. For example, a rounded shape or a shape with rounded corners improves tag durability because rounded recess have less stress than, for example, a rectangular or square shape, because stress builds / focuses at the angles of the rectangle (or square). Thus, recesses with rounded edges have improved durability and increase tag lifetime.

[0082] Also, the recesses may not be arranged in rows.

[0083] The animal identification tag according to the invention, may also comprise linking segments. Such linking segments 6 can be seen in figures 4 and 8 to 13B, and also in figure 14. In the example shown in these figures, there are four linking segments 6 which are positioned along the longitudinal edges of the male component 2 and female component 3 of the one-part identification tag 1. Two linking segments 6 are positioned in a spaced manner on one edge, and two other linking segments 6 are positioned in a spaced manner on the other edge, facing the other two linking segments. In other words, the female component 3 has two opposite linking segments 6 and the male component 2 has two opposite linking segments 6 which are arranged symmetrically in relation to the hinge 4.

[0084] These linking segments 6 enable the identification tag 1 to be joined to neighboring identification tags 1 so as to constitute a strip 10 of aligned identification tags 1, as shown in figures 13A, 13B and 14.

[0085] Such a strip 10 may comprise a plurality of interconnected tags. For example, the strip may include 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 interconnected tags or more. The linking segment 6 of a male component 2 of a first identification tag 1 can be assembled with the linking segment 6 of the female component 3 or the male component 2 of a second neighboring identification tag 1. Also, the linking segment 6 of a female component 3 of a first identification tag 1 can be assembled with the linking segment 6 of the female component 3 or the male component 2 of a second neighboring identification tag 1. In this way, it is possible to provide a strip of tags in which all the pins 21 of the identification tags 1 are aligned on the same side, or on the contrary, are positioned alternatively or randomly.

[0086] The linking segments 6 must be sufficiently spaced from the hinge (and the recesses 7 described herein) so as to increase the strip's rigidity and avoid tag breakage. In particular, the positioning of the linking segments 6 a sufficient distance from the hinge area limits the emergence of micro-fractures, and / or the propagation of microfractures, in the tag 1. Indeed, a micro-fracture can more easily propagate in the hinge area where stress is high when the tag is bent, than in a place with lower stress, such as away from the hinge (as described herein).

[0087] To achieve this, the linking segments 6 are positioned away from the hinge 4 which constitutes the folding axis or line.

[0088] For example, if the hinge area located on each side of the folding axis or line of the tag which stores the spring energy is approximately 10mm wide (i.e. that the zone centered on the folding axis and storing the spring energy is approximately 20mm wide), the linking segments 6 are positioned at least approximately 10mm away from this folding line, outside of said zone. As another example, if the hinge area located on each side of the folding axis or line of the tag which stores the spring energy is approximately 5mm wide (i.e. that the zone centered on the folding axis and storing the spring energy is approximately 10mm wide), the linking segments 6 are positioned at least approximately 5mm away from this folding line, outside of said zone. As another example, if the hinge area located on each side of the folding axis or line of the tag which stores the spring energy is approximately 2.5 mm wide (i.e. that the zone centered on the folding axis and storing the spring energy is approximately 5mm wide), the linking segments 6 are positioned at least approximately 2.5mm away from this folding line, outside of said zone.

[0089] As another example, if the hinge area located on each side of the folding axis or line of the tag which stores the spring energy is approximately 15mm wide (i.e. that the zone centered on the folding axis and storing the spring energy is approximately 30mm wide), the linking segments 6 are positioned at least approximately 15mm away from this folding line, outside of said zone. Preferably, the linking segments 6 of the female part 3 and the linking segments 6 of the male part 2, located on the same side of the identification tag 1, are separated by a distance between 25 and 35 mm, preferably between 28 and 32 mm, for instance 29.45 mm. These examples are non-limiting and the principle of placing the linking segments outside the area of higher stress applies for any sized higher stress hinge area.

[0090] To separate an identification tag 1 from the strip, the user can apply pressure to the linking segments 6 which connect this particular tag with the strip, allowing the linking segments 6 to break without damaging the identification tags 1.

[0091] A different positioning of the linking segments 6 can also be envisaged so as to form a non- rectilinear strip of identification tags 1.

[0092] The linking segments illustrated in figures 4 and 8 to 13B have a square shape (but could also be rectangular). For example, the linking segments illustrated in Figure 14 have a different shape. Indeed, in order to facilitate their separation, the uncut linking segments 6 (connecting two adjacent tags 1) have a flat or straight edge 61 and an opposite V-shaped edge 62, as visible in the detailed views of figure 14. The V-shaped edge 62 is oriented towards the ends of the female elements 3 in this example.

[0093] This V-shape edge 62 reduces the thickness of the linking segments 6 so as to create an area of weakness that is easier to cut with a cutting element (such as a knife blade) or otherwise easier to break apart. In addition, the V-shape edge 62 guides the knife blade towards the area of weakness, making it easier to separate adjacent tags 1 of a strip 10.

[0094] The linking segments may have two V-shaped edge 61, 62 in an alternative embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An animal identification tag (1) comprising a male component (2) and a female component (3) intended to be placed on either side of an animal's ear and configured to be joined to each other so as to secure said animal identification tag (1) to said ear, the male component (2) comprising a first panel part (20) and a male element (21) connected to said first panel part, the female component (3) comprising a second panel part (30) and a female element (31) connected to said second panel part, the first panel part (20) and the second panel part (30) each comprising a distal end and a proximal opposite end, the male element presenting a pin (21) configured to extend through a piercing hole of the animal's ear, and the female element comprising a receiving part (31) configured to cooperate with the pin (21) of the male element, characterized in that at least one of said distal ends comprises an extended part (22, 32) configured to prevent the corresponding first or second panel part (20, 30) passing into the piercing hole of the ear.

2. The animal identification tag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the extended part (22, 32) extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the panel part (20, 30) of the corresponding male or female component (2, 3) supporting said extended part (22, 32), and along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding male or female component (2, 3).

3. The animal identification tag (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said extended part (22,32) is positioned on the inner face of the corresponding male or female component (2, 3) intended to be oriented towards the inner face of the female or male component respectively.

4. The animal identification tag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extended part (22, 32) has a bulge (224, 324) positioned on at least part of the periphery of the receiving part (31) of the female component or the base of the pin (21) of the male component on which said extended part (22, 32) is positioned.

5. The animal identification tag according to claim 1 to 4, wherein the second panel part(30) of the female component (3) comprises a cap (310) covering the receiving part (31) and delimiting an internal space for receiving the head (212) of the male pin (21), the cap (310) being located on the other side of the opening of the receiving part (31) through which the male pin (21) is intended to be inserted.

6. The animal identification tag (1) according to claim 5, wherein the wall of the cap (310) has one or more holes (3101).

7. The animal identification tag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pin (21) of the male component (2) accommodates at least one electronic component (5).

8. The animal identification tag (1) according to claim 7 , wherein the pin (21) comprises a hollow body (211) dimensioned to house at least one electronic component (5), said hollow body (211) being obturated by a closing element (210).

9. The animal identification tag (1) according to claim 7 , wherein the pin (21) is overmoulded around said at least one electronic component (5).

10. The animal identification tag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said tag is of one-piece construction.

11. The animal identification tag according to claim 10, wherein the proximal ends of the first and second panel parts (20, 30) are connected by a weakened portion forming a hinge (4) to allow folding / bending of the tag.

12. The animal identification tag according to claim 11, wherein the hinge (4) comprises at least one recess (7) on the side of the male pin (21) and opening of the receiving part(31).

13. The animal identification tag (1) according to claim 12, wherein the hinge (4) comprises at least one row of recesses (7) spaced along the width of the animal identification tag14. The animal identification tag (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said at least one recess (7) is of rounded shape or square shape.

15. A strip of animal identification tags comprising at least two animal identification tags according to any one of claims 10 to 14 arranged in a straight row.

16. The strip of animal identification tags according to claim 15, wherein each tag comprises at least one linking segment (6) on each of its longitudinal edges for connecting said animal identification tag to other neighboring animal identification tags in said strip of tags.

17. The strip of animal identification tags according to claim 16, wherein the at least one linking segment (6) is located at least 10mm away from the hinge (4).

18. The strip of animal identification tags according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the linking segments (6) connecting neighboring tags (1) each have a flat edge (61) and an opposite V-shaped edge (62), or two opposite V-shaped edges (61, 62).

19. A strip of animal identification tags comprising a row of at least two male components or of at least two female components of a two-part tag according to any one of claims 1 to9.

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