WO2012067594A1

WO2012067594A1 - Ear tag retainer system

Info

Publication number: WO2012067594A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/002971
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clayton S. Zacher
Original assignee: Zacher Clayton S
Priority date: 2010-11-15
Filing date: 2010-11-15
Publication date: 2012-05-24

Abstract

An ear tag retainer system for efficiently and easily securing an ear tag to an animal. The ear tag retainer system generally includes an integrally formed retainer including a tip, a shaft extending from the tip, and a base extending from the shaft, wherein the base is comprised of a dome shaped structure and wherein the base includes a central node extending outwardly from an outer surface of the base and concentric with the base. A holder including an attachment member and a fastener extending therefrom is used to secure the retainer to a press device when attaching an identification tag, such as an ear tag, to an animal. The attachment member is comprised of a dome shaped structure and includes a central opening extending within the attachment member for receiving the central node of the base when attaching the identification tag.

Description

Ear Tag Retainer System Clayton S. Zacher

NON CLAIMS PAGES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

I hereby claim benefit of International Patent Application Number PCT/US2009/003490. This application is a continuation in-part of the PCT/US2009/003490 application. The PCT/US2009/003490 application is currently pending. The PCT/US2009/003490 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to ear tags and more specifically it relates to an ear tag retainer system for efficiently and easily securing an ear tag to an animal.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Ear tags have been in use for years and are generally used on cattle to help identify the particular animal. Ear tags are also utilized on various other types of animals, such as but not limited to sheep and goats. Some general problems with many ear tags are that the ear tag retainers are lost over time resulting in various animals not being properly identified.

The ear tag retainers may not secure the ear tag for various reasons, such as the ear tag retainer breaking, rotting, becoming separated from the ear tag. This can cause considerable time and effort to identify the animal once again and attach another ear tag upon the animal. In addition, some prior ear tag retainers have proved to be difficult and expensive to manufacture thus decreasing the overall efficiency by increasing the cost of the ear tag retainer. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved ear tag retainer system for efficiently and easily securing an ear tag to an animal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for efficiently and easily securing an ear tag to an animal. The invention generally relates to an ear tag retainer which includes an integrally formed retainer including a tip, a shaft extending from the tip, and a base extending from the shaft, wherein the base is comprised of a dome shaped structure and wherein the base includes a central node extending outwardly from an outer surface of the base and concentric with the base. A holder including an attachment member and a fastener extending therefrom is used to secure the retainer to a press device -hen attaching an identification tag, such as an ear tag, to an animal. The attachment member is comprised of a dome shaped structure and includes a central opening extending within the attachment member for receiving the central node of the base when attaching the identification tag.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

An object is to provide an ear tag retainer system for efficiently and easily securing an ear tag to an animal.

Another object is to provide an ear tag retainer system that may be utilized on various types of animals, such as but not limited to cattle, sheep, hogs, goats, elk, deer, llama and alpaca.

An additional object is to provide an ear tag retainer system that remains secured to the animal for an extended duration of time.

A further object is to provide an ear tag retainer system that does not rot away.

Another object is to provide an ear tag retainer system that is easily attached to the animal.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the retainer illustrating the symmetric nodes.

FIG. 3 is an exploded side cross sectional view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side cross sectional view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention exploded from the press device.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention attached to the press device and in use.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention attached to an ear of an animal.

FIG. 8 is an exploded side cross sectional view of the new embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side cross sectional view of the new embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the new embodiment of the retainer illustrating the central node. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate an ear tag retainer system 10, which comprises a retainer 20 including one or more node 58, wherein the central node 58 extends from the retainer 20 and a holder 60 including one or more opening 64, wherein the central opening 64 receives the node 58 when attaching an identification tag 15 to an animal.

B. Retainer

The retainer 20 is utilized to secure an ear 18 tag 15 or other type of identification tag 15 to the animal (e.g. typically the ear 18 in cattle, sheep, goats or other domestic animals). It is appreciated however that the retainer 20 may be utilized to secure various identification tags 15 about various objects rather than the ear 18 of an animal. The retainer 20 is comprised of a durable and weather standing configuration that will not rot away over time due to prolonged exposure to weather elements and will not break off over time. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer 20 is comprised of a plastic or other composite material that is long lasting, strong and durable.

The retainer 20 includes a tip 30 to pierce the animal (e.g. ear 18 of the animal) or object, a shaft 40 extending from the tip 30 to extend through the ear 18 and a base 50 extending from shaft 40 to prevent the shaft 40 from being pulled through the ear 18 and the retainer 20 becoming loose from the ear 18. The tip 30, shaft 40 and base 50 are preferably comprised of a solid configuration in which to increase strength and improve durability of the retainer 20. The retainer 20 is further preferably comprised of an integral molded structure to increase strength and durability of the retainer 20.

The tip 30 includes a sharp point 32 capable of piercing the ear 18 or other object and a shoulder 34 opposite the point 32. The shoulder 34 connects with the first end 42 of the shaft 40 and is preferably comprised of a greater diameter than the first end 42 of the shaft 40 so that the ear tag 15 may be positioned upon the shaft 40 and retained upon the retainer 20 by the shoulder 34 of the tip 30. The shoulder 34 is also preferably slightly rounded so as to allow the ear 18 or other object to smoothly slide past the tip 30 and onto the shaft 40. The tip 30 may also require adjustment in size to correspond with the size of the animal and thickness of the ear 18 the retainer 20 will be applied to and the overall dimensions of the identification tag 15 to be applied.

The shaft 40 is comprised of an elongated configuration so as to properly extend through the ear 18. The shaft 40 is preferably longer than the width of the ear 18 so as to prevent excess compression in the ear 18 puncture area thus decreasing bacteria trapped near 18 the retainer 20 and preventing blood circulation from being cut off near 18 the retainer 20. The shaft 40 is also preferably comprised of a substantially cylindrical shaped configuration so as to smoothly slide through the ear 18. The shaft 40 is further preferably tapered, wherein the shaft 40 tapers outwardly from the first end 42 to the second end 43 to further increase strength of the shaft 40. The shaft 40 also has a larger diameter to prevent bending during the application process of the present invention to the retainer 20. The shaft 40 connects to the base 50 at the second end 43 of the shaft 40 and forms a rounded edge 45 at the connection. The rounded edge 45 serves to increase the overall strength of the retainer 20.

The base 50 is comprised of a dome-shaped structure. The dome-shape of the base 50 helps to retain the retainer 20 upon the ear 18 properly and in a stable manner to prevent the retainer 20 from becoming loose or being removed from the ear 18 when not desired. The perimeter of the base 50 is substantially larger than the perimeter of the shaft 40 so as to extend sufficiently beyond the opening 63 formed in the ear 18 of the animal. The base 50, the shaft 40 and the tip 30 also preferably share a center axis so as to be concentric with each other.

The inner surface 52 is comprised of a flat configuration and the outer surface 53 of the base 50 is comprised of a curved configuration. A plurality of nodes 55 (e.g. four nodes 55) extend from the outer surface 53 to be grasped when attaching the retainer 20 and identification tag 15 to the ear 18 of the animal, wherein the nodes 55 preferably extend along the perimeter of the outer surface 53. The nodes 55 are preferably evenly spaced from the center of the base 50 to form four equidistant points 32 upon the outer surface 53 of the base 50 from each other. The plurality of nodes 55 are symmetrically positioned about a center of the base 50 of the retainer 20. Using four nodes 55 may help to prevent the retainer 20 from rotating or moving about the holder 60 so as to more easily attach the retainer 20 to the ear 18 of the animal. The nodes 55 may also include a rounded outer end 56 to allow the nodes 55 to more easily be received by the holder 60 when attaching the retainer 20 and identification tag 15 to the ear 18 of the animal.

In a new embodiment, the outer surface 53 of the base 50 of the retainer 20 includes a single central node 58 rather than the plurality of nodes 55 as illustrated in Figures 8 through 10. The node 58 is preferably cylindrically shaped. The node 58 is concentric with the base 50 and extends along a central longitudinal axis rearwardly of the outer surface 53 of the base 50. The use of the single central node 58 rather than the plurality of perimeter nodes 55 is beneficial in the production of the retainer 20, wherein the retainer 20 may be made from a two-mold process rather than a three-mold process as used to create the plurality of nodes 55. Consequently, the central node 58 structure would cost less to manufacture than the plurality of nodes 55 structure of the retainer 20. The central node 58 is preferably approximately 3-4 millimeters wide and 4 millimeters in length along the longitudinal axis; however it is appreciated that various sizes may be utilized. The central node 58 preferably includes a flat outer end. It is appreciated that the node 58 or nodes 55 may also be reversed or inverted.

C. Holder

The holder 60 is also comprised of a durable configuration and is utilized for an interconnection point 32 between a press device 12 (e.g. pliers, etc.) and the retainer 20 when attaching the identification tag 15 to the ear 18 of the animal. The holder 60 preferably attaches to the base 50 of the retainer 20 and is temporarily held upon the base 50 via the nodes 55 extending from the outer surface 53 of the base 50.

The holder 60 includes an attachment member 62 to connect to the base 50 of the retainer 20, a fastener 65 to extend to or through the press device 12 and a securing member 67 to secure the fastener 65 to the press device 12. The attachment member 62 is comprised of a dome-shaped configuration to mimic the outer surface 53 of the base 50. The attachment member 62 also includes a plurality of perimeter openings 63 (e.g. four) to match up with the nodes 55 of the base 50, wherein the nodes 55 extend through the openings 63 of the attachment member 62 when securing the retainer 20 to the holder 60 so that the outer surface 53 of the base 50 is positioned against the attachment member 62.

Concentrically extending from the attachment member 62 (away from the retainer 20) is the fastener 65. The fastener 65 is preferably threadably formed. The fastener 65 preferably extends through an aperture 13 in the press device 12. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener 65 extends through the aperture 13 in the jaws of the press device 12, wherein the press device 12 is comprised of pliers. It is appreciated that the fastener 65 may threadably attach to the press device 12 if desired. A securing member 67 is attached to the fastener 65 on an opposite side so as to secure the holder 60 to the press device 12. The retainer 20 is also preferably temporarily secured to the holder 60 and is prevented from rotating via the nodes 55 extending within the openings 63 of the attachment member 62.

In the new embodiment, the holder 60 includes a single central opening 64 to match up with the central node 58 of the base 50 of the retainer 20 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The central opening 64 is used in place of the plurality of perimeter placed openings 63. The central opening 64, like the plurality of perimeter openings 63, is recessed within the attachment member 62 of the holder 60 so as to extend in a similar direction as the node 58 and thus slidably receive the node 58 to hold the node 58 when installing the ear tag 15. The opening 64 may extend through the holder 60 or just partially within the holder 60 either of which is sufficient to hold and secure the base 50 of the retainer 20 during installation of the ear tag 15, such as through or within the attachment member 62 and/or fastener 65. The opening 64 is also concentric with the holder 60, attachment member 62 and retainer 20. The opening 64 is further sized similar to the node 58 to adequately receive the node 58 so that the outer surface 53 of the base 50 is positioned against the attachment member 62.

D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the jaws of the pliers (i.e. press device 12) are opened up and the fastener 65 is extended through the aperture 13 of the press device 12 so that the attachment member 62 is facing the inside of the jaws. It is appreciated that the press device 12 may be a mechanical, hydraulic or any other type of tool that may extend the retainer 20 through the ear 18 of the animal and secure the identification tag 15 to the retainer 20 upon the opposite side of the ear 18. The securing member 67 is then threadably attached to the fastener 65 opposite the attachment member 62 to secure the holder 60 to the press device 12. The base 50 of the retainer 20 is now positioned within the cavity formed by the attachment member 62 so that the central node 58 extends through or within the central opening 64 of the attachment member 62 and temporarily secure the retainer 20 to the holder 60.

The identification tag 15 is now set in the opposite jaw and retained therein temporarily so as to be aligned with the tip 30 of the retainer 20 when the jaws of the press device 12 are closed. The opposite jaw may include a notch 14 or other recessed portion to receive the identification tag 15. The ear 18 of the animal is now positioned between the tip 30 of the retainer 20 and the tag 15. The jaws are now closed so as to force the tip 30 of the retainer 20 through the ear 18 and secure at least part ways into the identification tag 15 to secure the tip 30 to the identification tag 15. It is appreciated that a locking structure may be utilized between the tip 30 and the identification tag 15 so that the tip 30 is permanently secured to the identification tag 15.

The ear 18 is also forced upon the shaft 40 of the retainer 20 and is prevented from slipping off of the retainer 20 via the identification tag 15 and tip 30 upon the first end 42 of the shaft 40 and the base 50 extending from the second end 43 of the shaft 40. Once the ear 18 is secured upon the retainer 20, the jaws may be opened thus allowing the retainer 20 to be released from the holder 60 via the node 58 extending out of the opening 64 of the holder 60. The ear tag retainer system 10 may be utilized on various types of animals, such as but not limited to cattle, sheep, hogs, goats, elk, deer, llama and alpaca. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

CLAIMS PAGES I claim:

1. An ear tag retainer system, comprising:

a retainer including a central node;

wherein said central node extends from said retainer; and

a holder including a central opening, wherein said central opening receives said

central node when attaching an identification tag to an animal.

2. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 1 , wherein said central node extends along a longitudinal axis of said retainer.

3. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 2, wherein said central node is concentric with said retainer.

4. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 1 , wherein said central node includes a flat outer end.

5. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 1 , including a press device to secure said holder.

6. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 5, wherein said holder threadably attaches about said press device.

7. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 5, wherein said press device is comprised of a pliers tool.

8. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 1 , wherein said retainer includes a tip, a shaft extending from said tip and a base extending from said shaft.

9. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 8, wherein said central node extends from said base.

10. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 8, wherein said shaft is tapered.

1 1. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 10, wherein said shaft includes a rounded edge at an inner end of said shaft.

12. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 8, wherein said base is comprised of a dome shape.

13. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 1 1 , wherein said holder includes an attachment member comprised of a dome shape to mimic said shape of said base.

14. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 1 , wherein said retainer is comprised of a solid integrally formed structure.

15. An ear tag retainer system, comprising:

a retainer including a tip, a shaft extending from said tip, and a base extending from said shaft;

wherein said base is comprised of a dome shaped structure; wherein said base includes a central node extending outwardly from an outer surface of said base;

wherein said central node is concentric with said base; and

a holder including an attachment member and a fastener extending therefrom, wherein said attachment member is comprised of a dome shaped structure; and

wherein said attachment member includes a central opening extending within said attachment member for receiving said central node of said base when attaching an identification tag to an animal.

16. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 15, including a press device to secure said holder.

17. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 16, wherein said fastener of said holder threadably attaches about said press device.

18. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 15, wherein said shaft is comprised of a tapered structure.

19. The ear tag retainer system of Claim 15, wherein said tip includes a shoulder extending laterally outwards from said shaft.

20. An ear tag retainer system, comprising:

wherein said tip includes a sharp point and a shoulder extending therefrom;

wherein said shoulder extends laterally outwards from said shaft; wherein said shaft is comprised of a tapered structure; wherein said shaft includes a rounded edge at an inner end of said shaft;

wherein said base is comprised of a dome shaped structure;

wherein said base includes a central node extending outwardly from an outer surface of said base;

wherein said central node is concentric with said base; wherein said retainer is comprised of an integrally formed structure; a holder including an attachment member and a fastener extending therefrom, wherein said attachment member is comprised of a dome shaped structure;

wherein said attachment member includes a central opening extending within said attachment member for receiving said central node of said base;

wherein said fastener is comprised of a threaded structure; a securing member to threadably attach to said fastener; a press device to secure said holder, wherein said holder threadably attaches about said press device via said securing member; and

an identification tag received upon said shaft of said letainer to identify an animal.