Patent Publication Number: US-2003221344-A1

Title: Supplemental animal information tag

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Technical Field  
       [0002] The present invention relates generally to a device for supplementing the information on an animal identification tag and more particularly a device for supplementing the information on an animal identification tag that comprises an identification member that can be attached reversibly and easily to an animal identification tag, such as an ear tag or ankle tag or neck tag.  
       [0003] 2. Prior Art  
       [0004] The use of tags for the purposes of tracking animals (typically livestock such as cows, sheep, and pigs) is a prevalent practice in the United States and abroad. The tagging practice helps livestock holders identify both the ownership of the livestock and whether the livestock has been treated with antibiotics and growth hormones. As such, tags play a vital role in the meat producing industry.  
       [0005] Not surprisingly, the prior art discloses an array of such tags, the most common of which appear to be ear tags. U.S. Pat. No. 3,826,030 to Read discloses an ear tag that can have two tabs each having multiple indicia. U.S. Pat. No. 3,388,492 to Nichols discloses an ear tag having a flat surface for a first indicia and a second indicia that can be snapped into a hole in the flat surface. U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,834 to Zatkos discloses a locking ear tag with a relatively simple structure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,830 to Doble discloses an ear tag comprising numbers, pins, notches, slots and other devices to show information. U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,752 to Ritchey discloses an ear tag with a hollow interior for storing articles. Thus, the idea of an ear tag with one or more indicia is known in the art.  
       [0006] Tags are generally placed onto the respective animal early in the animal&#39;s life. In many cases, as the tags connote ownership, the tags are placed on the animals as soon as the animal is under the control of the owner. And as some information is not available at the time the tag is place on the animal, the information on the tag may not reflect the actual status of the animal. Additionally, as hormones or antibiotics are given subsequently and over time, this information may not be reflected on the tag. As a result, the tags may not always provide the most current and acurate information regarding the animal.  
       [0007] Further complicating the matter is that many prior art tags are generally (and purposely) difficult to remove. In fact, in many situations, the tags are removed with the use of pliers and the like. Thus, time and patience is required to remove an animal tag, which is not always convenient, especially if the tag needs to be updated or modified with more current information. Further, information about specific animals often is maintained on a computer database. However, a common worker typically is not able to revert to a computer to determine information about the animal on a timely basis. Thus, having as much in formation as possible in a readily discernable format on or attached to the animal would speed up the process of ascertaining the information about the specific animal.  
       [0008] Accordingly, there is a need for device that can be used to modify the tags, or the information on tags, that are already in place on an animal. There is also a need for the ability to provide as much information about an animal as possible, but in a readily discernable manner. There is also a need for such a device to be able to be placed easily on the tags. There is also a need for such a device that can be removed, modified or changed easily to reflect the modified or changed information or status. It is to this that the present invention is directed.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009] Briefly, the present invention is a supplemental tag that fits on or around many common prior art tags already in place (that is, attached to) the animal. Preferably, the supplemental tag is visible from a distance and is not hidden behind body of the animal.  
       [0010] In one example, for animal ear tags, the supplemental tag can be placed on the tag between the main tag body and the animal, generally proximal to the animal&#39;s ear. One advantage of placing the supplemental tag between the tag body and the animal is that such a placement does not obstruct the view of information contained on the tag body. Another advantage of this placement is that the neck of the tag, which is the portion of the tag between the main tag body and the attachment point of the tag to the animal, often is narrower that the main tag body. As a result, the supplemental tag is more secure on the neck and can be a smaller structure than if the supplemental tag were placed on the main tag body.  
       [0011] In another example, for animal ankle tags, which are akin to a bracelet about the animal&#39;s ankle, the supplemental tag can be placed over or about the tag. One advantage of placing the supplemental tag over or about the ankle tag is that is can be moved or grasped easily by a worker to review the information on the supplemental tag or on the ankle tag. Another advantage of this placement is that the supplemental tag is out of the way and will not interfere with the animal&#39;s movement. As a result, the supplemental tag can provide the supplemental information without inconveniencing either the animal or the worker.  
       [0012] In another example, for animal necklace identification tags, the supplemental tag can be place over or about the necklace tag. One advantage of placing the supplemental tag over or about the necklace tag is that it can readily be seen by a worker viewing the animal. Another advantage of placing the supplemental tag over or about the necklace tag is that it can be placed on the animal relatively easily.  
       [0013] Other examples of how the supplemental tag can be applied to a known or future animal tag, and the various different types of known or future animal tags to which the supplemental tag can be attached, are within the scope of this invention and will become apparent to those of ordinary skill I the art upon reading this specification.  
       [0014] More specifically, the supplemental tag comprises an identification member that can be a single element with a generally C-shaped or looped configuration, which partially resembles a “0” shape with an entrance slot. The structure comprises two (2) arms that generally define an attachment cavity for attaching for attaching the supplemental tag to the tag. The ends of the two arms can be located proximally to each other and can form an entrance slot. Alternatively, the two ends of the arms can be joinable in that the arms are joined together after the supplemental tag is placed around the tag neck. Alternatively, the arms can be of different lengths. The entrance slot can be located at many different positions on the supplemental tag.  
       [0015] The tag neck, for ear tags and the like and certain types of necklace tags, or the tag body, for ankle tags and the like and certain other types of necklace tags, enters the attachment cavity through the entrance slot. As the supplemental tag is pushed or snapped onto the tag neck or tab body, in one embodiment one or more of the arms can be deflected, which temporary enlarges the entrance slot to allow the tag neck or tag body to pass therethrough. For example, the arms could deflect outwards, forwards, and/or backwards relative to their initial position by utilizing the elasticity of the material of construction to allow the tag neck or tag body in the attachment cavity. In an alternate embodiment, the inner edge of one or both arms can be provided with a tab at the end of the arm to lock the arm against the tag neck or tag body. In another alternate embodiment, the ends of the arms can be provided with closure means that cooperate with each other to enclose or encircle the tag neck or tag body.  
       [0016] Once the tag neck or tag body is substantially within the attachment cavity, the arms can begin to return to their original positions or be clipped or locked. As the attachment cavity preferably has a size at least the size of the tag neck or tag body, the return of the arms to their initial positions secures the supplemental tag around the tag neck or tag body. As a result, the supplemental tag is securely but removably attached on the animal tag.  
       [0017] In operation and use, the supplemental tag is adapted for mounting about the tag neck or tag body of an animal tag for tagging an animal with information. As described herein, the attachment cavity of the supplemental tag is sized so that the tag neck or tag body can be fitted therethrough. As the animal tag can be already on the animal, the supplemental tag can be used to place additional information on the tag. Further, a user can add multiple supplemental tags to continually add information to the animal tag. Additionally, a user can remove a supplemental tag that is indicative of various outdated or incorrect information. Thus, the supplemental tag provides a user with a device that can used to flexibly add or remove information about the animal.  
       [0018] One advantage of the supplemental tag is that it can be used to help maintain the accuracy of the information on an animal tag. As the supplemental tag can fit very easily around an animal tag, a user can simply place the supplemental tag onto animal tag to update the information. More specifically, for example, if an animal is given antibiotics after the animal tag is placed on animal, the user can simply place the correct supplemental tag on animal tag to indicate that an antibiotic was indeed given. Alternatively, supplemental tag can be used to correct a defect in the information on an animal tag already attached to an animal.  
       [0019] An array of means can be used to allow the supplemental tag to identify specific information regarding the animal. For example, the supplemental tag can be a specific color or shape, wherein the specific color or shape signifies or indicates specific information about a tagged animal. Alternatively, supplemental tag can have language affixed thereon conveying the information desired to be attached. Alternatively, the supplemental tag can have a bar code or computer “smart” chip. It is understood that supplemental tag can convey information in other ways than described herein.  
       [0020] These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0021]FIG. 1 is a front side view of a prior art exemplary ear tag.  
     [0022]FIG. 2 is a front side view of a representative embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention as mounted on the tag neck of the ear tag shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0023]FIG. 3 is a rear side view of a representative embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention as mounted on the tag neck of the ear tag shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0024]FIG. 4 is a top view of a first embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention.  
     [0025]FIG. 5 is a top view of a second embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention.  
     [0026]FIG. 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention.  
     [0027]FIG. 7 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention.  
     [0028]FIG. 8 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention.  
     [0029]FIG. 9 is a top view of a sixth embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention.  
     [0030]FIG. 10 is a top view of a seventh embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention.  
     [0031]FIG. 11 is a top view of an eighth embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention.  
     [0032]FIG. 12A is a top view of a ninth embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention shown in the closed position.  
     [0033]FIG. 12B is a plan view of the ninth embodiment of the supplemental tag shown in FIG. 12A shown in the open position.  
     [0034]FIG. 13 is a front side view of a prior art exemplary ankle tag.  
     [0035]FIG. 14 is a front side view of a representative embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention as mounted on the tag body of the ankle tag shown in FIG. 13.  
     [0036]FIG. 15 is a side view of a prior art first exemplary necklace tag.  
     [0037]FIG. 16 is a side view of a representative embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention as mounted on the necklace tag shown in FIG. 15.  
     [0038]FIG. 17 is a front view of a prior art second exemplary necklace tag illustrating an identification tag and a neck chain.  
     [0039]FIG. 18 is a front view of a representative embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention as mounted on the tag neck of the identification tag shown in FIG. 17.  
     [0040]FIG. 19 is a rear view of a representative embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention as mounted on the tag neck of the identification tag shown in FIG. 17.  
     [0041]FIG. 20 is a front view of a representative embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention as mounted through the eyehole of the identification tag shown in FIG. 17.  
     [0042]FIG. 21 is a rear view of a representative embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention as mounted the eyehole of the identification tag shown in FIG. 17.  
     [0043]FIG. 22 is a side view of a representative embodiment of the supplemental tag of the present invention as mounted on the neck chain of the necklace neck chain shown in FIG. 17. 
    
    
     PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
     [0044] The general structures of common prior art animal tags are shown in FIGS. 1, 13,  15 , and  17 . Specifically, a common prior art animal ear tag  20  is shown in FIG. 1, a common prior art animal ankle tag  100  is shown in FIG. 13, a first common prior art animal necklace tag is shown in FIG. 15, and a second common prior art animal necklace tag is shown in FIG. 17.  
     [0045] As shown in FIG. 1, tag  20  as mounted on an exemplary ear  30  of animal  40 , comprises tag body  22 , tag neck  26  (located between dashed lines  27 ), and tag attachment means  28 . As shown in FIG. 13, tag  100  as mounted on an exemplary ankle of an animal leg between shin  102  and hoof  104 , comprises a generally planar piece of material wrapped about the animal leg and secured with conventional securing means  106 . As shown in FIG. 15, tag  110  as mounted on an exemplary neck  112  of an animal, is generally a necklace or collar around the neck of the animal and often is similar in structure and appearance to the ankle tag  100  disclosed above. As shown in FIG. 22, an exemplary necklace on an animal comprises a separate identification tag  120  hanging from a chain  126  or other structure about the neck  122  of the animal, identification tag  120  often being generally similar in structure and appearance to the ear tag  20  disclosed above. Chain  126  can fit through or be linked or otherwise attached to eyehole  124  to support tag  120 , and supplemental tag  10  is clipped onto necklace  126 .  
     [0046] As shown, tag body  22  contains biographical and historical information (such as the origin, age and owner) connected with animal  40 . Often, tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  is colored and has a large identification number or barcode imprinted thereon. Tag body  22  of ear tag  20  often is generally substantially larger in size (width and/or length) than tag neck  26  of ear tag  20 . Similarly, tag body  130  of necklace tag  120  often is generally substantially larger in size (width and/or length) than tag neck  128  of necklace tag  120 . Ear tag  20  is generally placed on animal  40  via tag attachment means  28 , while ankle tag  100  and necklace tag  110  are attached to animal  40  in a collar-like fashion, and necklace tag  120  is hung about the neck of animal  40  on a chain  126 . Embodiments of the present invention can be used to supplement the information reflected on tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  as well as other common tags having the same or a similar general size and shape.  
     [0047] For ease of reading, the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments will be phrased in connection with an ear tag  20 . However, it must be appreciated that the description is apt for an ankle tag  100 , for a necklace tag  110 ,  120 , or other tags, and the description is not meant to be limited to ear tags  20 . For example, as necklace tag  110  as shown is generally similar in structure to ankle tag  100 , the use of the invention  10  on these two tags is similar. Likewise, as necklace tag  120  as shown is generally similar in structure to ear tag  20 , the use of the invention on these two tags also is similar.  
     [0048] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a representative embodiment of the present invention is supplemental tag  10  that fits around tag neck  26  of an ordinary prior art ear tag  20 . More particularly, supplemental tag  10  can be placed on tag neck  26  between tag body  22  and ear  30 . One advantage of placing supplemental tag  10  between tag body  22  and ear  30  is that such a placement does not obstruct the view of information contained on tag body  22 . Also, supplemental tag  10  is sized so that it cannot slip over tag body  22  or onto ear  30 . Preferably, supplemental tag  10  is visible from a distance and is not hidden behind ear  30  of animal  40 .  
     [0049]FIG. 2 specifically shows a front view of supplemental tag  10  on tag  20  and FIG. 3 specifically shows a rear view of supplemental tag  10  on tag  20 . In the view shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen that supplemental tag  10  preferably presents a uniform surface to the outside relative to the animal  40 . This is for at least two reasons. First, a uniform surface is less likely to get caught on branches or fences as the animals goes about its daily activities. Second, a uniform surface can contain more information than a broken surface. In the view shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that entrance slot  50  or the equivalent is located on the inside relative to the animal  40 . This also is for at least the two reasons mentioned previously.  
     [0050] Referring now to in FIG. 4, a first embodiment of supplemental tag  10  is shown. This first embodiment comprises an identification member that can be a single element with a generally C-shaped or looped configuration, which partially resembles a “0” shape with an egress slot. The structure comprises two arms  14 ,  16  that generally define an attachment cavity  52  for attaching supplemental tag  10  to tag  20 . Preferably, supplemental tag  10  has a rounded structure, or at least rounded edges, that can help prevent supplemental  10  from catching on the stanchion or on other objects with which animal  20  comes into contact. Alternatively, supplemental tag  10  can have a circular, oval, square, triangular or other geometric or non-geometric cross-section based on the user&#39;s desires. Different cross-sections also can indicate, for example, different information.  
     [0051] Arms  14 ,  16  can be located proximally to each other. In one preferred embodiment, the ends  18 ,  19  of arms  14 ,  16  approximately abut each other and form entrance slot  50  through which tag neck  26  passes into attachment cavity  52 . Alternatively, arms  14 ,  16  can be joinable in that arms  14 ,  16  are joined after supplemental tag  10  is placed around tag neck  26 . The distance between the ends  18 ,  19  of arms  14 ,  16  define entrance slot  50  and therefore can affect the ease of which supplemental tag  10  can be removed from (or placed on) tag neck  26 . Once tag neck  26  is substantially within attachment cavity  52 , arms  14 ,  16  can begin to return to their original positions. As attachment cavity  52  preferably is at least the size of tag neck  26 , the return of arms  14 ,  16  to their initial positions secures supplemental tag  10  around tag neck  26 .  
     [0052] Referring now to in FIG. 5, a second embodiment of supplemental tag  10  is shown. In this second embodiment, at one or both of ends  18 ,  19  of arms  14 ,  16  of supplemental tag  10 , there can be tooth structure  60  that can function to help further secure supplemental tag  10  onto tag neck  26 . As shown in FIG. 5, tooth structure  60  on end  19  of arm  16  of supplemental tag  10  can aid in securing supplemental tag  10  to tag  20 . More specifically, because tooth structure  60  extends inwardly from arm  16 , the placement of supplemental tag  10  onto tag  20  can cause tag neck  26  to fit within the area of attachment cavity  52  below tooth structure  60  and to abut tooth structure  60 . This will help prevent tag  20  from sliding out of attachment cavity  52 . Alternatively, if tag neck  26  occupies the entire length of attachment cavity  52 , an elastic force may be applied to tag  20 , that is, tooth structure  14  can place pressure on tag  20 . The pressure from tooth structure  60  can further secure supplemental tag  10  on tag  20 .  
     [0053] Preferably, tag neck  26  enters attachment cavity  52  through entrance slot  50 . As supplemental tag  10  is pushed or snapped onto tag neck  26 , one or both of arms  14 ,  16  are deflected, which temporary enlarges entrance slot  50  to allow tag neck  26  pass therethrough. For example, arms  14 ,  16  could deflect outwards, forwards, and/or backwards (relative to their initial position) by utilizing the elasticity of the material of construction to allow tag neck  32  in attachment cavity  52 . Once tag neck  26  is substantially within attachment cavity  52 , arms  14 ,  16  can begin to return to their original positions. As attachment cavity  52  preferably is at least the size of tag neck  26 , the return of arms  14 ,  16  to their initial positions secures supplemental tag  10  around tag neck  26 .  
     [0054] It is understood that persons with ordinary skill in the art can determine the appropriate dimensions of entrance slot  50  and attachment cavity  52  based on the tag  20  onto which supplemental tag  10  is to be placed, and thus the appropriate overall dimensions of supplemental tag  10 , based on factors including the dimension of tag neck  26  of the tag  20  that supplemental tag  10  is engaging. As the selected dimensions can affect the degree of freedom of supplemental tag  10  around tag neck  26 , one of ordinary skill in the art can select dimensions to best fit with the model of tag  20 . For example, persons with ordinary skill in the art can determine the preferred dimensions based a particular model of a tag  20  on which the present invention will be used, or for a one-size-fits-all version.  
     [0055] Additional illustrative embodiments of the supplemental tag  10  are shown in FIGS. 6 through 11. As shown in FIGS.  6 - 11 , entrance slot  50  can be made so that it resides in an array of positions. FIG. 6 shows entrance slot  50  in the center of the elongated section  70  of supplemental tag  10 . Alternatively, FIG. 7 shows entrance slot  50  at the offset or upper edge where the elongated section  70  meets the short, preferably curved section  80  of supplemental tag  10 . Alternatively, FIG. 8 shows entrance slot  50  in the center of the curved section  80  of supplemental tag  10 . One of ordinary skill in the art can manufacture supplemental tag  10  so that entrance slot  50  is in a position optimal for each application of tag  20 .  
     [0056]FIGS. 8 and 9 show alternative embodiments of a supplemental tag  10  having entrance slot  50  on the curved section  80 . In FIG. 8, ends  18 ,  19  of arms  14 ,  16  form flattened abutting surfaces. When supplemental tag  10  is placed over tag neck  26 , the flattened surfaces are separated allowing ingress to attachment cavity  52 . Separating flattened surfaces creates entrance slot  50 . After tag neck has been inserted into attachment cavity  52 , flattened surfaces again abut each other, helping to maintain tag neck  26  within attachment cavity. In FIG. 9, end  18  of arm  14  comprises an elongated section serving as the bulk of the curved section  80 . When tag neck  26  is within attachment cavity  52 , tag neck  26  will abut the interior surface of end  18 , thus being secured within attachment cavity  52 .  
     [0057]FIG. 10 shows a supplemental tag  10  having a rotating gate  82  attached to end  18  of arm  14  via pin  84 . Gate  82  can rotate from an open position to a closed position and back so as to allow easy access to attachment cavity  52 . Gate  82  can be secured in the closed position via friction or other locking means.  
     [0058]FIG. 11 shows a supplemental tag  10  having a elongated rotating gate  82  corresponding to one of the elongated sections  70 , also attached to end  18  of arm  14  via pin  84 . Gate  82  can rotate from an open position to a closed position and back so as to allow easy access to attachment cavity  52 . Gate  82  can be secured in the closed position via friction or other locking means. In this embodiment, arms  14 ,  16  are of different lengths.  
     [0059]FIGS. 12A and 12B show a supplemental tag  10  of a folding design. As can be seen in FIG. 12B, supplemental tag  10  is a generally planar and rectangular piece  88  of flexible and durable material having closing prong  90  and shaft  96  proximal to a first end and closing hole  92  proximal to a second end distal from the first end. Supplemental tag  10  is placed about animal tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  and folded about centerline  94 . Prong  90  is inserted through hole  92  to secure arm  14  to arm  16 . Shaft  96  provides a spacing element to help create attachment cavity  52 . The base of prong  90  preferably has a greater diameter or width than hole  92  so as to prevent prong  90  from exiting hole  92  and thus maintaining supplemental tag  10  in a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 12A. In this embodiment, the material of supplemental tag  10  should be flexible enough to be folded about centerline  94  and elastic enough for prong  90  and hole  92  to deform to allow prong  90  to pass through hole  92 , and then to return to nearly the initial shape to hold prong  90  and not allow prong  90  to repass easily through hole  92 .  
     [0060]FIG. 13 illustrates a common animal ankle tag  100  about the ankle of an animal. As shown in FIG. 14, supplemental tag  10  can be placed about or over ankle tag  100  in much the same manner and with much the same results as disclosed previously for ear tag  20 . Any or all of the alternative embodiments disclosed previously also can be used in connection with ankle tag  100 .  
     [0061] For the present disclosure for animal necklace-type tags, FIGS.  15 - 22  illustrate the use of the invention on two different types of common necklace-type animal identification tags, namely a collar necklace tag  110  as shown in FIG. 15 and a hanging necklace tag  120  as shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 15 illustrates a common collar-type animal necklace tag  110  about the neck  112  of an animal. As shown in FIG. 16, supplemental tag  10  can be placed about or over necklace tag  110  in a matter similar and with much the same results as disclosed herein for ear tag  20  and ankle tag  100 . Any or all of the alternative embodiments disclosed previously also can be used in connection with the collar-type necklace tag  110 .  
     [0062] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, a first representative embodiment of the present invention is supplemental tag  10  that fits around tag neck  128  of an ordinary prior art necklace tag  120 . More particularly, supplemental tag  10  can be placed on tag neck  128  between tag body  130  and chain  126 . One advantage of placing supplemental tag  10  between tag body  130  and chain  126  is that such a placement does not obstruct the view of information contained on tag body  130 . Also, supplemental tag  10  is sized so that it cannot slip over tag body  130  or onto chain  126 . Preferably, supplemental tag  10  is visible from a distance. FIG. 18 specifically shows a front view of supplemental tag  10  on tag  120  and FIG. 19 specifically shows a rear view of supplemental tag  10  on tag  120 .  
     [0063] Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, a second representative embodiment of the present invention is supplemental tag  10  that fits or links through eyehole  124  located on tag neck  128  of an ordinary prior art necklace tag  120 . More particularly, supplemental tag  10  can be placed so as to link onto tag neck  128 . One advantage of placing supplemental tag  10  onto tag neck  128  in this fashion is that such a placement is generally secure and does not obstruct the view of information contained on tag body  130 . FIG. 20 specifically shows a front view of supplemental tag  10  on tag  120  and FIG. 21 specifically shows a rear view of supplemental tag  10  on tag  120 .  
     [0064] In operation and use, supplemental tag  10  is adapted for mounting about a tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  for tagging animal  40  with information. As described herein, attachment cavity  52  of supplemental tag  10  is sized so that tag neck  26  or tag  100  or necklace tag  105  can be fitted therein. As tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  can be already on animal  40 , supplemental tag  10  can be used to place additional information on tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120 . Further, a user can add multiple supplemental tags  10  to continually add information to tag  20 ,  100  or  110 ,  120 . Additionally, a user can remove supplemental tag  10  which can be indicative of various incorrect or outdated information. Thus, supplemental tag  10  provides a user a device that can flexibly add or remove information from animal  40 .  
     [0065] One advantage of supplemental tag  10  is that it can be used to help maintain the accuracy of information on tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120 . As supplemental tag  10  can fit very easily on tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  a user can simply place the supplemental tag  10  onto tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120 . Further, for example, if animal  40  is given antibiotics after tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  has been placed on animal, the user can simply place the correct supplemental tag  10  on tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  to indicate that an antibiotic was indeed given. Alternatively, supplemental tag  10  can be used to correct a defect of tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120 .  
     [0066] Supplemental tag  10  can identify specific information regarding the animal  40  in a myriad of manners. For example, supplemental tag  10  can be a specific color or shape, wherein a specific color or shape can signify or indicate information about animal  40 . Alternatively, supplemental tag  10  can have language affixed thereon conveying the information desired to be conveyed. Alternatively, supplemental tag  10  can have a bar code or a computer “smart” chip. It is understood that supplemental tag can convey information in other ways than described herein.  
     [0067] Further, it is understood that more than one supplemental tag  10  can be placed on tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120 . For example, the first supplemental tag can be placed on tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  after an event such a first vaccination and a second supplemental tag can be placed on tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120  after a second vaccination. The supplemental tags  10  can be of different colors or contain different indicia. Thus, the present invention can allows for the continual update of information on tag  20 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120 .  
     [0068] The relatively simple structure of supplemental tag  10  can allow it to be manufactured relatively easily with inexpensive materials. Preferably, supplemental tag  10  can be molded from a single piece of resilient material such as plastic, other polymers, metals, or other resilient material that do not break easily. Such plastics, metals, and other materials are evident to and known by those of ordinary skill in the art.  
     [0069] The foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.