Animal tag assembly

Abstract

An animal ear tag assembly comprising: a body configured to house one or more components of the tag assembly, the body comprising a first housing member and a second housing member secured to one another, wherein at least one of the first or second housing members comprises a photovoltaic panel provided on an external surface thereof and configured to, in use, receive sunlight and power the one or more components of the tag assembly; and, an outer cover including a holding portion for receiving and carrying the body and a securing formation for securing the tag assembly to an ear of an animal, the outer portion comprising a substantially less rigid material compared to a material of the body, wherein the holding portion and securing formation are integrally formed with one another, wherein the securing formation comprises a female coupling for receiving and securing an ear attachment stud member thereto so as to, in use, secure the tag assembly to the ear of the animal, and wherein the holding portion and the securing formation are connected to one another via an arcuate fold area defined in the outer cover, the arcuate fold area being configured to enable hinging of the holding portion relative to the securing member such that when a force is applied to the holding portion, the holding portion hinges about the fold area and returns to its original position when the force is removed.

Description

ANIMAL TAG ASSEMBLYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an animal tag assembly. Specifically, the present invention relates to an animal tag assembly that is suitable for being attached to an animal’s ear.BACKGROUND

[0002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Livestock tracking is essential for effective farm management, theft prevention, and monitoring animal health and movement. Recent advances in tracking technology have led to the integration of electronic components within animal tags, enhancing data collection and livestock traceability. However, incorporating such electronic components into the animal tags make the tags more expensive to manufacture, necessitating designs that maximise durability and longevity.

[0004] Animal tags are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including dust, moisture, and physical impact from other animals, fences, or rough terrain. These external forces can compromise the structural integrity of the tag, potentially damaging the internal electronics or causing the tag to detach from the animal. Additionally, theingress of water and dust into the tag housing can lead to electrical failures, corrosion, or reduced functionality over time.

[0005] Given these challenges, there is a need for improved animal tag designs that enhance durability, provide better protection against environmental factors, and reduce the likelihood of damage from external forces.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] In an aspect, the invention provides an animal ear tag assembly comprising:a body configured to house one or more components of the tag assembly, the body comprising a first housing member and a second housing member secured to one another, wherein at least one of the first or second housing members comprises a photovoltaic panel provided on an external surface thereof and configured to, in use, receive sunlight and power the one or more components of the tag assembly; and, an outer cover including a holding portion for receiving and carrying the body and a securing formation for securing the tag assembly to an ear of an animal, the outer portion comprising a substantially less rigid material compared to a material of the body,wherein the holding portion and securing formation are integrally formed with one another,wherein the securing formation comprises a female coupling for receiving and securing an ear attachment stud member thereto so as to, in use, secure the tag assembly to the ear of the animal, andwherein the holding portion and the securing formation are connected to one another via an arcuate fold area defined in the outer cover, the arcuate fold area beingconfigured to enable hinging of the holding portion relative to the securing member such that when a pressure is applied to the holding portion, the holding portion hinges about the fold area and returns to its original position when the pressure is removed.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment the outer cover is moulded over the body such that the body is securely seated within the holding portion of the outer cover. At least one of the first housing member and the second housing member includes a flange extending therefrom, the flange being configured to partially receive the outer cover to enhance the connection between the outer cover and the body.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment the first housing member and the second housing member are ultrasonically welded together to prevent the ingress of at least water and / or dust.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment the body is manufactured from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polycarbonate. In a preferred embodiment the cover is manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The outer cover may be configured to absorb impact so as to shield the body from external forces.

[0010] The securing formation may comprise a through hole extending therethrough, configured to receive and secure the stud member. The securing formation may include a flexible toothed structure configured to at least partially obstruct the through hole and adapted to permit passage of the stud member in one direction while preventing movement in the opposite direction. The stud member may comprise an enlarged head provided at a distal end of an elongate shank, wherein the enlargedhead is configured to resiliently urge teeth of the toothed structure outward upon insertion into the through hole, thereby allowing passage of the stud member therethrough. The toothed structure may be configured such that, once the stud member has passed through, the teeth thereof may return to their initial position and engage an inner portion of the enlarged head, thereby preventing withdrawal of the stud member from the through hole.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of the front, top and side of an example embodiment of an animal tag assembly with the stud not secured according to aspects of the present invention;Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of the rear, bottom and side of the animal tag assembly of Figure 1;Figure 3 is a top view of the animal tag assembly of Figure 1;Figure 4 is a front view of the animal tag assembly of Figure 1;Figure 5 is a side view of the animal tag assembly of Figure 1;Figure 6 is a three-dimensional view of the animal tag assembly of Figure 1 with the stud in a secured position;Figure 7 is a front view of the animal tag assembly of Figure 6;Figure 8 is a side view of the animal tag assembly of Figure 6;Figure 9 is a section view of the animal tag assembly of Figure 6 along line A-A; Figure 10 is an exploded view of a body of the animal tag assembly of Figure 1; Figures 11A and 11B are section views showing an example connection of parts of the body of the animal tag assembly; and,Figures 12A to 12C are images of a preferred embodiment of an animal tag assembly according to aspects of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present description relates to an animal tag assembly. In particular, the animal tag assembly includes a body for housing one or more components of the tag assembly. The components may be electronic components for receiving and / or transmitting data, such as location data, health data, or the like. The body may include a first housing member and a second housing member configured to be securely attached to one another. At least one of the housing members may include a photovoltaic panel provided on an external surface thereof. The photovoltaic cell may be configured to receive sunlight, when the tag is in use, and power the one or more components of the tag assembly.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first housing member and the second housing member may be secured to one another via an ultrasonic welding method. Ultrasonically welding the members together may be advantageous as such a from ofconnection / combination results in a secure seal preventing the ingress of water, dust, and / or other impurities from entering the system. This may improve the lifetime and durability of the tag assembly and its components.

[0014] The tag assembly may further include an outer cover configured to receive the body of the tag assembly. Preferably, the outer cover includes a holding portion configured to receive the body therein. The outer cover may be over moulded onto the body to secure the outer cover to the body and prevent the body from unwanted removal from the outer cover.

[0015] The outer cover may be made from a relatively soft, resilient material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and be configured to protect the body (and its components) from external impact forces. The outer cover may absorb external forces and limit the impact thereof on the body.

[0016] The outer cover may further include a securing formation for securing the tag assembly to an ear of an animal. The securing portion may be integrally formed with the holding portion and the two portions are connected to each other via an arcuate fold area. The arcuate fold area may be configured to enabling hinging of the holding portion relative to the securing members such that when a pressure is applied to the holding portion (or the body secured to the holding portion), the holding portion hinges about the fold area and returns to its original position when the pressure is removed.

[0017] The securing formation may further be configured to receive a stud member. Preferably, the securing formation may be configured such that once a stud memberhas been received therein, the securing formation prevents removal of the stud member from the securing formation. This configuration ensures that the tag assembly may be secured to the ear of an animal, without the tag assembly easily being removed from the ear due to external forces, such as tampering, scratching, or the like.

[0018] An example embodiment of an animal tag assembly in accordance with aspects of the invention are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0019] Figures 1 to 9 illustrate an example embodiment of an animal tag assembly 1000 in accordance with the present invention. Figures 12A and 12B are photographic representations of a real-world animal tag assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0020] The animal ear tag assembly 1000 comprises three main parts namely, an electronic ear tag body 100, an outer cover 200 and a stud member 300. As will be clear from the description, the outer cover includes a holding portion 210 and securing formation 220 configured to receive the body 100 and facilitate the attachment of the ear tag body 100 to the stud member 300. The stud member 300 comprises an enlarged head 310 with an elongate shank 320 having a pointed tip which is configured to pierce through the animal’s ear pinna. The stud member 300 is configured to be received by the securing formation 220 to secure the stud member 300 to the outer body 200, and thereby to the ear of an animal, as discussed in more detail below.

[0021] Figures 10 and 11A and 11 B show isolated views of a body 100 of the tag assembly 1000. The body 100 provides a housing for enclosing one or more components, such as electrical componentry, of the tag assembly 1000. The body 100comprises a first housing member 110 and a second housing member 120 being connected I secured to one another to form a housing or enclosure to house the one or more components 130. Each of the housing members 110, 120 are made from a relatively hard material. In particular, each housing member is made from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polycarbonate. The housing members 110, 120 are shaped and configured such that when the housing members 110,120 are connected to one another, the housing members together define an interior volume for housing the one or more components 130. The first housing member 110, in the present embodiment, includes a cut-out opening on an external frontal outer face 140 to accommodate a photovoltaic panel 150 configured to receive sunlight for powering the one or more components 130 of the tag assembly 100. Preferably, the an outer protective panel of the photovoltaic panel 150 is integrally formed with the housing member 110. By integrally forming the outer protective panel of the photovoltaic panel and the first housing member 110, the risk of unwanted water, dust, and / or other impurities collecting between the photovoltaic panel 150 and the housing member 110 is mitigated.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first housing member 110, is a single-piece polycarbonate structure. The housing member 110 features a clear window section at the area where the integrally formed photovoltaic panel is positioned. This configuration provides a protective layer for the photovoltaic panel, shielding it from blunt force impacts and scratches during use of the tag assembly 1000. In some embodiments, the entire housing member may be made from a clear polycarbonate material, which may be screen-printed or painted as desired. As a result, even though the housing member and the photovoltaic panel may appear to be separatecomponents, they are in fact integrally formed as a single unit during the manufacturing process.

[0023] In some embodiments, however, the outer cover 200, discussed in more detail below, may be configured to fully cover the housing member comprising the photovoltaic panel so as to shield the photovoltaic panel from external conditions. In such an embodiment, the outer cover may be configured such that a part thereof which shields the photovoltaic panel is transparent. Additionally, in such an example embodiment the photovoltaic panel may, for example, simply be secured onto the first housing member and the additional protection, to protect the panel from blunt force or scratches, may be provided by the outer cover 200.

[0024] The second housing member 120 includes a flange 160 that projects outwardly and upwardly therefrom. The flange 160 may have an inward arch at a top portion of the flange and include a plurality of holes 170 shaped therein. The holes 170 may be shaped and configured to receive complementary pins or formations (not shown) provided in the outer cover 200 to improve the connection between the body 100 and the outer cover 200. It should be appreciated that any one of the housing members may comprise the photovoltaic panel 150 and / or the flange 160. For example, in some embodiments the first housing member 110 may comprise both the photovoltaic panel 150 and the flange 160.

[0025] As discussed above, the first housing member 110 and the second housing member 120 can be connected together to provide the body 100 for housing the one or more components 130 of the tag assembly 1000. In a preferred embodiment, each of the first housing member 110 and the second housing member 120 is configured tobe ultrasonically welded to the corresponding member. The enlarged view of Figure 11B shows the connection between the first housing member 110 and the second housing member 120. As can be seen from Figure 11B, the one housing member is configured to at least partially be received in, or engage with the other housing member to create a temporary connection between the two members. Once the temporary connection has been formed I established, the members 110, 120 may be welded together to form a more permanent, secure connection along the welding joint 180.

[0026] In some embodiments, one or both of the first housing member 110 and the second housing member 120 may include clip formations for clipping onto the opposite housing member to facilitate the temporary connection. In some embodiments, the one or more components 130 may be grouped together onto a single circuit board that may also be clipped or removably secured to at least one of the housing members to prevent the one or more components 130 from moving within the body 100 when the body moves. In some embodiments, at least some of the one or more components 130 may be integrally formed with one or both of the first housing member 110 and the second housing member 120.

[0027] After at least temporarily securing the first housing member 110 and second housing member 120 to each other, or at least lining the two members up as desired, the members 110, 120 may be ultrasonically welded together around the full perimeter of the body 100. The members may be welded together to form a full and complete seal with no ingress areas.

[0028] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, the tag assembly 1000 includes an outer cover 200. The outer cover 200 is configured to securely hold the body 100 and attach the tag assembly to the ear of an animal via a stud member 300. The outer cover 200 comprises at least two main regions: a holding portion 210 and a securing formation 220. The holding portion 210 is shaped and configured to receive and retain the body 100 of the tag assembly 1000.

[0029] In particular, the holding portion 210 is integrally formed within the outer cover 200 and configured to receive the body 100. Preferably, the holding portion 210 is preformed during manufacturing of the outer cover, providing a precisely shaped cavity or recess to accommodate the body. Once both the body 100 and the outer cover 200 are manufactured, which includes welding of the members 110, 120 of the body 100, the body 100 may be positioned within the holding portion 210, and the outer cover 200 may be secured to the body 100 via an overmoulding process.

[0030] The outer cover 200 may be formed from a resilient polymeric material, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which allows it to conform to the body 100 and form a secure mechanical bond during overmoulding. This process ensures structural integrity, environmental sealing, and impact resistance, thereby enhancing the durability of the tag assembly 1000 and protecting the housed components from moisture, dust, and mechanical stress. In a preferred embodiment the outer cover 200 is made from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material.

[0031] As discussed above, the outer cover 200 includes a securing formation 220. The securing formation 220 is integrally formed with the outer cover 200 and separated from the holding portion 210 via an arcuate fold area 230 defined in the outer cover200. The arcuate fold area 230 is defined by a thinned arc or line in the outer cover 200, allowing for controlled flexing. The arcuate fold area 230 is configured to enable hinging movement of the holding portion 210 relative to the securing formation 220 when the tag assembly 1000 is in use. For example, when an external force — such as an animal scratching its head — is applied to the holding portion 210 or the body 100 (when secured within the outer cover 200), the arcuate fold area 230 allows the holding portion 210 to pivot about a flexible folding point. This movement helps absorb impact and prevents excessive stress on the connection between the holding portion 210 and the securing formation 220. Once the force is eased or removed, the holding portion 210 returns to its original position due to the resilient properties of the outer cover material. An advantage of this configuration is that it may prevent mechanical failure or detachment of the holding portion 210 and thereby enhance the durability and longevity of the tag assembly 1000, in real-world use.

[0032] The outer cover 200 may further be configured to have generally smooth curves and rounded portions along its perimeter. The smoother curves replace typical angular points which, in use, could act as potential stress risers impacting the longevity of the tag accessory 1000.

[0033] The securing formation 220 of the outer cover 200 is configured to receive a stud member 300 for securing the tag accessory 1000 to the ear of an animal. The securing formation 220 may include a through hole 240 extending therethrough and which is configured to receive and secure the stud member 300. The through hole 240 may comprise a flexible toothed structure 250 adapted to permit passage of the stud member 300 in one direction while preventing movement in the opposite direction. Thestud member 300 may include an elongate shank 310 with an enlarged head 320 at its distal end. During insertion, the enlarged head 320 is configured to resiliently urge the teeth of the toothed structure 250 outward, allowing the stud member 300 to pass through the through hole 240. Once the stud member 300 has passed completely through, the teeth of the toothed structure 250 return to its initial position and engages the shank 310, or an inner portion of the enlarged head 320, thereby preventing withdrawal of the stud member 300 from the through hole 240. The stud member 300 is therefore fastened to the outer cover 200 via the securing formation 220 in a non-releasable manner. It is important to note that the outer cover 200 cannot be removed from the stud member 300 once the stud member 300 has been pierced through the animal’s ear and attached / secured to the securing formation 220.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, and as clearly shown in the accompanying Figures, the securing formation 220 is surrounded by a thick circular portion of TPU material. This thicker portion is provided to increase the strength of the securing formation around primary impact areas, such as where the stud member 300 is pressed into / through the securing formation 220.

[0035] It should further also be noted that, in some embodiments, the length of the through hole 240 of the securing member 220 may be greater than the length of the shank 310 of the stud member. This configuration enables controlled movement of the stud member within the through hole 240 to limit the effect of external pressures on the stud member and securing formation.

[0036] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” andits variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0037] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0038] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An animal ear tag assembly comprising:a body configured to house one or more components of the tag assembly, the body comprising a first housing member and a second housing member secured to one another, wherein at least one of the first or second housing members comprises a photovoltaic panel provided on an external surface thereof and configured to, in use, receive sunlight and power the one or more components of the tag assembly; and,an outer cover including a holding portion for receiving and carrying the body and a securing formation for securing the tag assembly to an ear of an animal, the outer portion comprising a substantially less rigid material compared to a material of the body,wherein the holding portion and securing formation are integrally formed with one another,wherein the securing formation comprises a female coupling for receiving and securing an ear attachment stud member thereto so as to, in use, secure the tag assembly to the ear of the animal, andwherein the holding portion and the securing formation are connected to one another via an arcuate fold area defined in the outer cover, the arcuate fold area being configured to enable hinging of the holding portion relative to the securing member such that when a force is applied to the holding portion, the holding portion hinges about the fold area and returns to its original position when the force is removed.

2. The animal tag assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer cover is moulded over the body such that the body is securely seated within the holding portion of the outer cover.

3. The animal tag assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the first housing member or the second housing member includes a flange extending therefrom, the flange being configured to at least partially receive the outer cover to enhance the connection between the outer cover and the body.

4. The animal tag assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the first housing member and the second housing member comprise fastening formations to allow the first and second housing members to be fastened to each other.

5. The animal tag assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first housing member and the second housing member are ultrasonically welded together to form a sealed connection for preventing the ingress of at least water, dust or other impurities.

6. The animal tag assembly as claimed in any one claims 1 to 5 wherein an in-use upper portion of the first or second housing member comprises a flanged portion for attachment to the outer cover.

7. The animal tag assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the flanged portion comprises an arcuate edge that substantially aligns with the arcuate fold region of the holding portion.

8. The animal tag assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein the arcuate edge is curved in an in-use upwardly direction towards the securing formation such that the flange comprises a greater height on either lateral portion relative to a central portion located between the lateral portions.

9. The animal tag assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the body is manufactured from a thermoplastic polymer.

10. The animal tag assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is polycarbonate.

11. The animal tag assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the outer body is manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer and wherein the outer body is configured to absorb impact so as to shield the body from external forces.

12. The animal tag assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the outer body is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

13. The animal tag assembly as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the securing formation comprises through hole extending therethrough, wherein the through hole is configured to receive and securely hold the stud member.

14. The animal tag assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the securing formation comprises a flexible toothed structure at least partially obstructing the through holes, and wherein the toothed structure is configured to permit passage of the stud member in one direction while preventing movement of the stud member in the opposite direction.

15. The animal tag assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the stud member comprises an enlarged head provided at a distal end of an elongate shank, wherein the enlarged head is configured to resiliently urge teeth of the toothed structure outward upon insertion of the stud member into the through hole, thereby allowing partial passage of the stud member therethrough.

16. The animal tag assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the toothed structure is configured such that, once the stud member has passed through, the teeth of the tooth structure return to their initial position and engage an inner portion of the enlarged head, thereby preventing withdrawal of the stud member from the through hole.

Images