Abstract:
Disclosed is a pet collar comprising a firmly affixed identification tag system with encoded identifier, and a related system and method providing for association of said encoded identifier with one or more webpages providing owner-specified information about the pet, and for assisting an owner&#39;s recovery of said pet, if lost.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Priority is claimed to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/128,656 filed on May 24, 2008. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates, generally, to a pet identification apparatus and related system for assisting an owner&#39;s recovery of a lost pet, and, more particularly, to a pet collar comprising a firmly affixed identification tag system with encoded identifier, and a related system and method providing for association of said encoded identifier with one or more webpages providing owner-specified information about the pet, and for assisting an owner&#39;s recovery of said pet, if lost. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Conventional pet tags are used for a variety of purposes, including identification of the animal by name, and to convey the owner&#39;s address and/or phone number, or other like information. Pet tags are also typically used for identification of the status of community licensure of the pet, including certification of the current year&#39;s inoculation or vaccination for disease, such as rabies. Sometimes the tag may include veterinarian contact information, or the like. Pet owners universally trust and hope that, if their beloved pet should become lost, the tag(s) will provide critical information necessary for a successful and safe recovery, medical treatment (if necessary), and return, of the pet. 
         [0004]    Consistent with such purposes, such tags are often obtained or purchased separately from the pet&#39;s collar, and are mounted thereupon in a fashion so as to dangle from a ring or buckle affixed to the collar. It is also typical that a pet&#39;s collar will have a plurality of such tags dangling therefrom, each such tag providing unique, relevant information. 
         [0005]    Disadvantageously, however, such tags are prone to falling off and becoming lost. Further disadvantageously, such tags may become caught in or upon fences, gates, landscaping, home furnishings, and the like; thereby, endangering the animal. Such tags tend to be sonorous and, thereby, can be distracting or even irritating to the owner (e.g., during the night); and this is especially so when a plurality of such tags hang adjacent one-another from a pet&#39;s collar. 
         [0006]    Such tags tend to wear poorly, becoming scuffed, scratched, weathered, and/or faded over time; thereby, rendering the information carried thereupon difficult, if not impossible, to perceive. Such degradation can often impair the very purpose for the tag; to wit, the transmittal of relevant information necessary to recover, medically treat, and return a lost pet. 
         [0007]    Still further disadvantageously, and as described in-part above, the nature, amount, and degree of information that may be carried upon such a tag is limited. There is often no way for the person finding a lost pet to further identify the pet, its temperament or other defining characteristics, medical needs, food-related information, detailed owner information, or the like, beyond that which is printed or engraved upon the tag, and, even then, only to the extent that such information is clear enough to be readily perceived. 
         [0008]    Therefore, what is needed to address the above-noted disadvantages, but which has not heretofore been available, is a novel pet collar comprising a firmly affixed identification tag system with encoded identifier, and a related system and method providing for association of said encoded identifier with one or more webpage providing owner-specified information about the pet, and for assisting an owner&#39;s recovery of said pet, if lost. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus, system and method of the present invention overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meet the recognized need, by providing an apparatus, system, and method for pet identification and retrieval. 
         [0010]    According to its major aspects, and broadly stated, an exemplary apparatus, system, and method according to the present invention provides a pet collar comprising a firmly affixed identification tag system with encoded identifier, and a related system and method providing for association of said encoded identifier with one or more webpage providing owner-specified information about the pet, and for assisting an owner&#39;s recovery of said pet, if lost. 
         [0011]    Specifically, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a uniquely configured, collar-mounted pet tag is associated with a website that effectively allows the finder of a lost pet to contact the pet&#39;s owner. A durable, preferably metal, tag is riveted to a pet&#39;s collar. The tag is formed and covered with a label, on which label is inscribed a website address and a unique, encoded, numeric identifier. The label is protected by a polyurethane coating, typically in the form of an overlying, domed layer, to protect the label from wear and weathering. The encoded, numeric identifier directs the finder of a lost pet to the relevant website, and to an associated webpage for the pet, the webpage having been created by the pet owner after purchase of the collar. The webpage can be configured to store all relevant information about the pet, as well as detailed instructions for contacting the pet&#39;s owner. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, the primary function of the present invention is to connect a pet owner with his or her lost pet. When a pet wearing the collar of the present invention is found, the finder accesses the specified website, presently found at www.myecollar.com. The encoded, numeric identifier found on the tag gives the pet finder access to the pet owner&#39;s detailed contact instructions. Pet finders only need go to said website to find the owner of the pet, and included security precautions ensure that the pet owner&#39;s personal information is not released in an unintended manner. 
         [0013]    A secondary function of the present invention is to provide a network within which a pet owner may create a webpage for his or her pet, and where they can place information about the pet, such as, but not limited to, medical history, pet photos, and detailed ancillary information. The pet owner advantageously may, in accordance with social networking functions provided by said website, conduct other communications over the internet to and with interested third parties, including other similarly interested pet owners. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, one feature and advantage of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention is the provision of a pet collar comprising a firmly affixed identification tag system with encoded identifier. 
         [0015]    Another feature and advantage of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention is the provision of a means for association of said encoded identifier with one or more webpage providing owner-specified information about the pet, and for assisting an owner&#39;s recovery of said pet, if lost. 
         [0016]    Another feature and advantage of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention is the provision of a means whereby a pet owner may access a website and create a webpage for his or her pet, and may, in accordance with social networking functions provided by said website, conduct other communications over the internet to and with interested third parties, including other similarly interested pet owners. 
         [0017]    Another and further feature and advantage of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention is the provision of a collar and associated tag apparatus that is quiet when worn by a pet. 
         [0018]    Another and further feature and advantage of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention is the provision of a tag apparatus that is not easily dislodged from the collar, not easily lost, not easily caught upon fences, gates, landscaping, home furnishings, and the like, and not easily degraded by scuffing, scratching, weathering, and/or fading over time. 
         [0019]    These and other features and advantages of the system and method of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Accordingly, the system and method of the present invention will be understood best through consideration of, and with reference to, the following drawings, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various drawings designate like structure, and in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  depicts the preferred embodiment of a tag apparatus constructed according to the present invention and further depicted as affixed to a pet collar; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  depicts a side, exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the tag element of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  depicts a home webpage for providing access to various features of the system and method of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  depicts a registration webpage for an owner&#39;s registration of a tag apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  depicts a pet-specific webpage for an owner&#39;s entry of information relevant to the pet intended to wear the tag apparatus of  FIG. 1 , and for subsequent retrieval by a finder of said pet, if lost; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  depicts a webpage for entry, by the finder of a pet wearing a tag apparatus of  FIG. 1 , of an encoded, numeric identifier carried by said tag apparatus, and for providing access to detailed information concerning said recovered pet and its safe handling, care, and return. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    It is to be noted that the drawing Figures presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the claimed invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    In describing preferred embodiments of the system and method of the present disclosure illustrated in the drawing Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The claimed invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0030]    The disclosure set forth hereinbelow generally provides an exemplary, preferred apparatus, system, and method according to the present invention. Accordingly, and in that form of the preferred embodiment of the present invention chosen for purposes of illustration,  FIG. 1  shows collar apparatus  10  comprising collar  20  and tag  30 . 
         [0031]    In the preferred embodiment, collar  20  is formed from a woven nylon material, having such desirable characteristics as strength, tear and puncture resistance, and water, mold, and mildew resistance. Tag  30  is preferably fabricated from an appropriate composition of stainless steel, and is formed into an appropriate shape for a tag consistent with the uses and purposes described herein, as through machine operations such as stamping, cutting, or milling. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that stainless steel is selected for its characteristic resistance to ferrous corrosion, its ability to self-heal when scratched or scuffed, and its strength and rigidity. 
         [0032]    In alternative embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that collar  20  may be formed from any material consistent with the uses and purposes described herein. For example, as with typical pet collars, collar  20  may be formed of leather, cloth, Kevlar, composites, or the like. It will further be appreciated that tag  30  may be formed of plastics, non-metallic composites, non-ferrous metals (e.g., brass, bronze), weather-resistant, treated, or coated metals, or the like. 
         [0033]    Tag  30  is attached to collar  20  through the use of dome head rivets  40 , in order that the attachment means be smooth to touch, and generally resistant to snagging and/or catching upon fences, gates, landscaping, home furnishings, clothes, skin, hair, and the like. Similarly, rivets  40  are chosen so that the underside of collar  20  remains smooth and unobstructed by protruding fastener elements. Notwithstanding, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that alternative fastening means consistent with the uses and purposes described herein may be used. 
         [0034]    To tag  30  is applied label  50 , typically of paper or cloth, and which further may have an adhesive backing of any type known in the art. Label  50  is preprinted, as by offset printing, silk-screening, or the like, with one or more of logo  60 , website address  70 , and an encoded, numeric identifier  80 , the uses and purposes of which will be detailed hereinbelow. Label  50  may be formed of a light-reflective material, or may be treated to provide light-reflecting characteristics. It is additionally contemplated that the information carried, or otherwise to be carried, by label  50  may, in a suitable instance, be printed, silk-screened, or otherwise applied directly to tag  30 . 
         [0035]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of collar apparatus  10  better illustrates the preferred construction thereof. It can be further observed in  FIG. 2  that rivets  40  are passed through holes  35  formed within tag  30 , whereupon rivets  40  may be used to affix tag  30  to collar  20  as described above. It will be further apparent that label  50  may be placed into position upon tag  30  and, optionally, overcoated with an epoxy, or the like, for permanence and/or moisture resistance. 
         [0036]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 2 , it may be seen that dome  90  is applied over label  50  to complete collar apparatus  10 . Dome  90  is preferably an optically clear material, such as resin or polyurethane, and which preferably comprises a thickness of greater than approximately 4 millimeters. Dome  90  may be affixed by optically clear adhesive, epoxy, urethane, resin, or the like, and provides further water and environmental resistance to protect and preserve underlying label  50 . It is further contemplated that label  50  may be incorporated into, or encapsulated within, dome  90 , as manufacturing methods may permit now or in the future, to further enhance and optimize the desired characteristics described herein. In any event, dome  90  is smooth to touch and has a low profile; thereby, providing a further impediment to snagging and/or catching upon fences, gates, landscaping, home furnishings, clothes, skin, hair, and the like. 
         [0037]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , tag  30  may be seen to further comprise label affixation region L, preferably bounded by guide markings  100 . Guide markings  100  may be etched, scribed, stamped, or otherwise formed upon the surface of tag  30 , and may serve to provide for ease of placement and orientation of label  50  and dome  90  upon tag  30 . 
         [0038]    Accordingly, it will be observed that collar apparatus  10  of the present invention, when constructed substantially as described hereinabove, is quiet when worn by a pet; is not easily dislodged from the collar, not easily lost, not easily caught upon fences, gates, landscaping, home furnishings, clothes, skin, hair, and the like; and is not easily degraded by scuffing, scratching, weathering, and/or fading over time. Thus, it is hoped that a pet wearing collar apparatus  10  will be safer, and that long-term readability of label  50  is preserved and enhanced over that provided by conventional tags, leading to a better chance of recovery of the pet, if lost, by its owner. 
         [0039]    According to the system and method of use of the present invention, label  50  bears a reference and related instruction to access website at address  70 , currently located at http://www.myecollar.com. Upon a user&#39;s successful access of the website at address  70 , various options are presented. 
         [0040]    For example, and with reference to  FIG. 4 , when an owner purchases collar apparatus  10 , and visits the website at address  70 , currently located at http://www.myecollar.com, he or she is presented with the option, such as seen in  FIG. 5 , to register the collar apparatus using encoded, numeric identifier  80 . The owner may establish a confidential username and password, as is well-known in the art. The owner may then proceed to establish a webpage for the relevant pet, such as seen in  FIG. 6 , entering into a provided template such information as the pet&#39;s name, photos, address, medical conditions and needs, food and treat preferences, veterinary contact information, pet temperament and personality traits, specific do&#39;s and don&#39;ts for handling the pet, alternative means to contact the owner, and the like. The web page also provides a vehicle for the pet owner to express his or her creativity, and to convey the owner&#39;s personality and character, as well as that of the pet. 
         [0041]    The pet owner advantageously may, in accordance with social networking functions that may optionally be provided by said website, conduct other communications over the internet to and with interested third parties, including other similarly interested pet owners, family, and friends. 
         [0042]    On the other hand, and with continuing reference to  FIG. 4 , encoded, numeric identifier  80  directs the finder of a lost pet to the relevant website at address  70 , currently located at http://www.myecollar.com, whereupon, as seen in  FIG. 7 , he or she is presented with an option to enter encoded, numeric identifier  80  and, thereby, to be directed to the pet&#39;s website, seen in  FIG. 6 , as was previously established by the pet&#39;s owner. The pet&#39;s finder is then provided with a wealth of detailed information enabling him or her to adequately handle and care for the pet until it can be safely returned to its owner, and to have similarly detailed information at hand for immediate use in contacting the pet&#39;s owner and/or veterinarian. Accordingly, the system and method of the present invention conveniently and securely provides better, more detailed and accurate information than can be carried upon a conventional tag, and has the further advantage of being easily updated by the owner without the time and expense of replacement of said tag. 
         [0043]    Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, while the system of the present disclosure has been described with regard to a single tag apparatus, a plurality of tags may be included in series or parallel arrangement in order to increase an amount, nature, degree, or quantity of information that may be carried thereupon. Similarly, the tag size and shape may be varied to accommodate collars of differing sizes, shapes, and/or configurations. Further, the encoded numeric identifier may be other than numeric, and it may be encoded to designate a specific geographic region, locale, or other useful demographic information. Additionally, the system and method of the present invention may be utilized in a manner and/or through processes other than via internet and currently available coding methodologies/tools. In this regard, it is contemplated that the general teachings hereof could be adapted to other, further, and future technologies conducive to use of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by the following claims.