IL312957B2 - Monitoring ear tag - Google Patents

Description

MONITORING EAR TAG TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD The present invention is in the field of animal identification and monitoring, in particular, animal tags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWorldwide there is a trend toward improved identification of animals, tracking of animals, and improved animal health, especially those intended for human consumption. For example, in many countries it is obligatory to provide a means of identification of animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs and goats to achieve, for example, a means of health tracking of the animals. The identification is achieved by marking the animals. Visual or electronic ear tags are a common method of identification. Devices to monitor animal activity, animal behavior, and/or animal health are also known. In some instances, an animal tag (such as an ear tag) can be used to identify an animal and also to monitor its health, behavior, and/or activity.

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONIn accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a casing for an animal tag constituted by at least a first shell half and a second shell half, attached to each other to define a cavity therebetween, said cavity being configured for accommodating a functional module of the animal tag, said functional module comprising a base having at least a first contact region and a second, transverse contact region. Said first shell half comprises a seat arrangement, and said second shell half comprises a clamping arrangement, wherein, when the first and second shell halves are attached to each other to form the casing, said seat arrangement and said clamping arrangement are configured to form a clamping space for snugly receiving said functional module by abutting said first and said second contact region respectively. The casing is configured for accommodating therein at least some of the functional components of the animal tag. The term ‘functional module’ may be used here to define electronic components, PCBs, transmission components, communication components (Wi-Fi, LORA, cellular, etc.), processing units, accelerometers, magnetometers, temperature sensors, biometric sensors, other sensors, a power source, a light source, etc. The clamping space formed within the cavity between the seat arrangement and the clamping arrangement is configured for snugly and tightly receiving at least a portion of the base of the functional module so as to form a rigid assembly. For example, said seat assembly may be configured for abutting the first contact region of the base to provide support thereto (the base resting on the seat arrangement), and said clamping arrangement may be configured for abutting the second contact region. In accordance with a specific example, the seat arrangement and the clamping arrangement may be configured for abutting the base from two opposite directions so as to clamp the base within the clamping space. In addition, the seat arrangement may be configured for abutting a third contact region of the base, oriented transverse to said first contact region and to said second contact region. In accordance with one design example, the base may take the form of a planar plate supporting at least some of the components of the functional module, wherein said first contact region and said second contact region are constituted by portions of opposite faces of the plate, and wherein the third contact region is constituted by portion of a peripheral surface extending between said opposite faces. The seat arrangement may be constituted by one or more seat elements protruding inwards, into the cavity, from inner walls of the first shell half. Said one or more seat elements may be disposed along the periphery of the first shell half in order to provide balanced support to the functional module. At least one of the one or more seat elements may comprise a support surface configured for abutting the first contact region of the base, and a pressure surface configured for applying pressure to the third contact region of the base. The support surface may be in the form of a flat area configured for abutting a corresponding flat portion of the first contact region of the flat base plate, while the pressure surface may be in the form of a ridge or an edge, configured for providing an abutting contact point with said third contact region. The arrangement may be such that an area inscribed between the pressure surface of the one or more seat elements has dimensions slightly smaller that the area of the base of the functional module, wherein introducing the functional module into the first shell half results in pressure being applied by the pressure surfaces on the third contact region of the base. The clamping provided by the two shell halves may be configured for providing said functional module with shock absorbing capabilities. In order to provide shock absorption, the least one or more seat elements may be made of a material having sufficient elastic properties to provide said shock absorbing capabilities. In accordance with one example, said first shell half may be constituted by an outer part and an elastic inner part, wherein said one or more seat elements are integral with said outer part while protruding into the cavity via apertures in the inner part. Specifically, the outer part may be molded on the inner part, whereby said one or more seat elements are formed by plastic injection through said apertures. The specific example referred hereinafter will be to over-molding, yet it should be readily apparent that this may be performed in a variety of molding processes, for example, over-molding, pressure molding, and injection molding. In addition, the over-molding may be designed such that the dimensions of the one or more seat elements protruding into the cavity are larger than those of the aperture through which they were injected, facilitating a firmer and tighter attachment between the inner part and the outer part. Furthermore, this arrangement may provide, inter alia, better sealing of the cavity against outside fluids, dust and dirt. Molding as suggested above has several advantages, inter alia, the ability to form a single unified structure which is integral with the seat components and provides an increased structural stability to the entire first shell half. The outer part may be made of a softer plastic material, having a hardness ranging between about 75-100 Shore-A, more particularly, 80-95 Shore-A, and even more particularly, about 85-93 Shore-A. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, elastomers, rubber, TPU, EVM, PVC, silicone and PE. The inner part may be made of a more rigid material, having a hardness ranging between about 60-80 Shore-D. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, Polycarbonate, Nylon, ATS, ABS, Polypropylene and PMMA. However, it should be appreciated that the seat components of the first shell half may also be formed as an independent construction which is not integral with the outer part of the first shell half. In particular, the seat components of the first shell half may be formed or attached to the inner side of the cavity of the first shell half, thereby providing the necessary support for the functional module. Thus, the above suggested design provides the animal tag with shock absorbing capabilities, elegantly avoiding the need for a separate shock absorbing arrangement. This, in turn, may lend itself to a plurality of advantages, some of which are (but not limited to) smaller form factor of the animal tag, ease of manufacture, cost reduction, ease of assembly, reduction in the number of parts, etc. The inner part of the first shell half may also comprise one or more auxiliary supports which are configured for providing optional support for the base. Specifically, the design of said auxiliary supports may be such that they comprise an auxiliary support surface disposed closer to a bottom surface of the first shell half than the support surface of the one or more seat elements. In accordance with one design example, the one or more auxiliary supports may be configured for providing support to the base in the event of malfunction, improper manufacture or any flaw in the one or more seat elements. The inner part of the first shell half may further comprise an alignment pin configured for being received within a corresponding aperture formed in the base of the functional module. Specifically, said alignment pin may be disposed offset to a centerline of the first shell half and said aperture may be disposed offset to a centerline of said base, thereby preventing improper assembly of the functional module within the first shell half. In particular, orienting the functional module incorrectly within the first shell half (e.g. upside down) will result in misalignment of the aperture and the alignment pin, preventing such an assembly. The clamping arrangement may comprise one or more clamping components which are configured for applying pressure to said second contact region, thereby pressing the base against the seat arrangement. The one or more clamping components may extend transverse to a main surface of the second shell half and have a contact area configured for abutting the second contact region. According to one example, the one or more clamping members may be in the form of ribs extending from the main surface. Specifically, the contact surface may be oriented such as to provide a clamping force opposite to the force applied by the seat arrangement. In assembly, the functional module may be inserted into the first shell half, under slight pressure, such that the first contact region of the base abuts the support surfaces of the one or more seat elements, while the pressure surfaces of the one or more seat elements apply pressure to the third contact surface of the base (the sides of the base). Thereafter, the second shell half may be assembled, to be temporarily attached to the first shell half (e.g. by snap fitting), causing further application of pressure on the second, opposite contact region of the base by the one or more clamping members of the second shell half. Once temporarily attached, the two shell halves may be fixedly attached to each other by other means, e.g. laser welding, gluing, chemical welding, ultrasonic welding, screws, etc. This may be performed while applying further pressure between the two shell halves, ensuring that the functional module within the cavity is tightly and snugly held between the seat arrangement and the clamping arrangement. In accordance with another aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided an animal tag comprising a casing according to the previous aspect, and a functional module received within said casing. It should be appreciated that the above design according to the subject matter of the present application elegantly eliminates the need for separate shock absorbing components, which would require additional space and materials. Using the design and shape of the shell halves to provide the required shock absorbing capabilities may allow, inter alia, for a smaller overall form factor of the entire animal tag, reduced production costs, a simpler manufacturing process, fewer parts to potential fail, etc. In accordance with yet another aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided a method for assembly of the animal tag of the previous aspect, said method comprising the steps of: a. Providing a first shell half comprising a seat arrangement; b. Providing a functional module comprising a base with a first, a second and a third contact region, and positioning a functional module onto said seat arrangement, such that said first and third contact regions abut respective portions of the seat arrangement; c. Providing a second shell half comprising a clamping arrangement; d. Attaching said second shell half to said first shell half, such that said base is clamped between said seat arrangement and said clamping arrangement within a cavity formed by said first and second shell halves. As previously mentioned, the functional module may comprise communication components (such as an antenna) configured for allowing the tag to transmit signals in different forms (RF, Bluetooth, etc.). The arrangement provided above may facilitate and enhance the efficiency of such transmission by virtue of the arrangement of components within the tag. For example, it is known that animal tissue can interfere with communications such as RF communications due at least in part to the water content in the animal tissue. Specifically, the tag may be attached to the animal such that the first shell half is distal to the animal at the attachment point. Thus, the functional module of the animal tag is as distally remote as possible from the tissue of the animal, with the power source interposed between the functional module (including for example the antenna) and the animal tissue. This may create better directional transmission of said signals by virtue of both the power base and the animal tissue serving as natural signal deflectors. In accordance with still another aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided an animal tag comprising at least one light source and a lens element received within an aperture formed in an outer surface of the animal tag, wherein said lens element partially protrudes outwardly from said outer surface, and wherein, the lens element is formed with an outer rim, and a surrounding portion of said outer surface is formed to become contiguous with said outer rim. The arrangement may be such that the outer rim and said surrounding portion form a continuous S-curve. This design will be useful in preventing any dirt or undesired particles from being accumulated in the seam area, which may eventually cause obstruction of the light emitted from the lens element. The surrounding portion of the outer surface may be designed in the form of a depression, wherein said lens element has a first part, protruding from the outer surface and disposed within said depression, and a second, smaller part, protruding from the outer surface and elevated over said depression. The animal tag may be configured for providing a wide range of information and data about the animal, for example, physical conditions, health, hydration etc. For this purpose, the light emitting module and/or functional module may be provided with components configured for providing light indication in any one or a combination of: (a) Color; (b) Brightness level; and (c) Various indication modes (e.g. rapid flashing, blinking patterns, constant illumination etc.). Each of the above, or a combination thereof may be uniquely associated with a particular type of information about the animal. For example, rapid intermittent red flashing may be associated with the health of the animal, while bright green (no flashing) may be associated with hydration. This arrangement may allow easily bringing to the attention of the herdsman or animal carer that a certain animal requires particular attention or a specific treatment. The animal tag may be configured for hanging vertically from an animal’s ear. Thus, when said animal tag is hanging vertically, said lens element is configured for directing light emitted from the light source in a generally upward angle. Since the animal tag may be used for herds (e.g. bovine, sheep, goats etc.) which are usually supervised and herded by people on horseback, orienting the angle of the lens element upwards facilitates clearer visibility, since the person on horseback is usually elevated above the level of the animal tag. Moreover, especially when large herds are concerned, having better visibility may allow a herder on horseback to more easily spot such a light among hundreds of cattle heads. The orientation of said lens element may be adjustable to determine a desired angle of light emission. In accordance with a further aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided an animal tag formed with a housing accommodating: - a functional module mounted on a base and formed with at least one module electrical contact point; - a power source configured for providing power to said functional module, said power source being juxtaposed with the base and formed with at least one source electrical contact point facing opposite said at least one base electrical contact point; and - at least one contact configured for connecting said at least one base electrical contact point and said at least one source electrical contact point to provide power from said power source to said functional module; wherein said at least one contact has a u-like shape, wherein one end of the u-like shape is connectable to said at least one base electrical contact point, and another end of the u-like shape is connectable to said at least one source electrical contact point. The at least one contact may be integrally formed with the power source and/or integrally formed with the functional module. The housing may further accommodate a spacer configured for being interposed between said base and at least a portion of said power source at the area of the contact points. Specifically, said spacer may be configured for providing electrical insulation between said contact points. In addition, the spacer may be configured for providing structural support for said at least one contact. The functional module may comprise two or more module contact points and said power source may comprise two or more corresponding source contact points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1A is a schematic isometric view of an animal tag according to the subject matter of the present application; Fig. 1B is a schematic exploded isometric view of the animal tag shown in Fig. 1A; Fig. 2A is a schematic isometric view of a shell half constituting part of the casing of the animal tag shown in Fig. 1A and 1B; Fig. 2B is a schematic rear view of the shell half shown in Fig. 2A; Fig. 2C is an enlarged view of a portion of the shell half shown in Fig. 2B; Fig. 2D is a top view of the shell half shown in Figs. 2A to 2C; Fig. 2E is a schematic isometric exploded view of the shelf half shown in Figs. 2A to 2D; Fig. 2F is a schematic isometric view of an inner part of the shell half shown in Figs. 2A to 2E; Fig. 2G is a schematic isometric view of a second shell half of the housing shown in Figs. 1A and 1B; Fig. 3A is a schematic isometric view of a longitudinal cross section of the animal tag shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, showing only the housing, without the functional components thereof; Fig. 3B is an enlarged schematic front view of a portion of the housing shown in Fig. 3A; Fig. 3C is a schematic front view of the longitudinal cross section shown in Figs. 3A and 3B; Figs. 4A is a schematic front view of a longitudinal cross section of the animal tag shown in Figs. 1A and 1B; Fig. 4B is a schematic isometric view of a portion of an offset longitudinal cross section shown in Fig. 4A; Figs. 4C and 4D are respective bottom and top schematic isometric views of an enlarged portion of the longitudinal cross section shown in Fig. 4A; Fig. 5 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of the functional module of the animal tag shown in Figs. 1A, 1B and 4A to 4C; Fig. 6A is a schematic isometric view of an enlarged portion of the animal tag shown in Figs. 1A, 1B; Fig. 6Bis a schematic enlarged side view of a portion of a cross-section of a shell half shown in Figs. 2A to 2F, including a lens element; and Fig. 6C is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the animal tag shown in Fig. 6B. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn accurately or to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity, or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTSAttention is first drawn to Figs. 1A and 1B, in which an animal tag is shown, generally designated 1 and comprising a first shell half assembly constituted by a shell frame 20 and a first shell half 30, a second shell half 10, a functional module 40, a power unit 50, an illumination module 70 and an attachment pin P, configured for attaching the animal tag 1 to an animal’s ear (not shown). In general, as known per se, the animal tag is configured for attachment to an animal’s ear in a naturally vertical orientation. However, for clarity and simplicity reasons, views of the animal tag 1 will not necessarily be shown in a vertical orientation. The two shell halves 10, 30 are configured, when the animal tag 1 is assembled, for accommodating therein the functional module 40 and the power unit 50 configured for supplying power to the functional module 40, as well as to allow light to be emitted by the illumination module 70. Turning now to Figs. 2A and 2B, the shell frame 20 is over-molded onto the first shell half 30 for forming together a shell half assembly. The shell frame 20 comprises a main body 22, and is formed with a flap 24 attached to the main body 22 by a flexible integral hinge 28, allowing the flap to be bendable about the hinge 28. The flap 24 is formed with a central opening 26 configured for accommodating the pin P. The shell assembly defines an open cavity portion C1 configured for receiving therein the functional module 40 of the animal tag. With additional reference being made to Figs. 2C and 2D, a body 32 of the second shell half 30 is formed, along the inner walls thereof, with over-molding openings 33, auxiliary seat members 34, snapping recesses 36 and a main opening 39 for accommodating an illumination component 72 of the illumination module 70 (shown in Figs. 4A to 4C). The auxiliary seat members 34 are arranged around the inner portion of the shell body 32, which, in the given example, includes seven auxiliary seat member 34: two on each long side of the shell body 32, one on the short side closer to the flap 24, and two more on the other short side (shown Fig. 3C). The body 32 may be made of a material slightly harder and less elastic material than the material of the softer body 22, whereby the auxiliary seat members 34 have more rigid characteristics, as will be explained below. As an example, the outer part 20 may be made of softer materials such as elastomers, rubbers, TPU, silicone, PE and the like, while the inner part 30 may be made of harder materials such as Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, ABS, ATS, PMMA and Nylon. In addition, the first shell half 30 is further formed with an alignment pin 35 which extends transversely to an inner surface 31 of the first shell half 30, and configured for being received within a corresponding aperture of the functional module 40 as will be shown with regard to Figs. 4A to 4C. When the frame 20 is over-molded onto the first shell half 30, the plastic injection forms five seat elements 23 protruding into the cavity C1: two seat elements 23a formed along the long sides of the animal tag a, closer to the flap 24, two seat elements 23b formed along the long sides of the animal tag 1, approximately in the middle thereof, and one seat element 23c formed along a short side of the animal tag 1.

Each seat element 23 has a support surface 23R, the surfaces 23R forming together a planar seat arrangement configured for receiving and supporting a base of the functional module 40. In addition, each seat element 23 is formed with a pressure ridge 23T configured for abutting the sides of the base of the functional module 40 (when assembled). With particular reference to Fig. 2D, the area inscribed between the pressure surface 23T of the one or more seat elements 23, shown herein in a dashed line, has dimensions slightly smaller than the area of the base of the functional module 50, wherein introducing the functional module 50 into the first shell half 30 results in pressure being applied by the pressure surfaces 23T on the base (see also Figs. 4A to 4D). It is noted that the auxiliary seat members 34 also have a support surface 34R which is disposed slightly lower (closer to a bottom of the shell assembly) than the support surfaces 23R of the seat elements 23. With further attention being drawn to Fig. 2G, the second shell half 10 comprises a main body 12 formed with a cover portion 12 and a structure 14, configured, upon assembly, for being received within the cavity C1 of the first shell assembly. The structure comprises snapping protrusions 16 formed along a peripheral area thereof, and four clamping members 17, 18 (two of each), in the form of ribs extending transverse to the cover portion 12. With further attention being drawn to Figs. 3A and 3B, the snapping protrusions 16 snap-fitted to one another, are received within corresponding snapping recesses 36. When so attached, the two shell halves 10, 30 form together an inner cavity C configured for accommodating the functional module 40 and the power unit 50. It should be noted that the snap-fitting described herein is just one example of a temporary attachment that is used until the two shell halves can be fixedly attached to each other by other means (e.g. laser welding, screws, gluing, etc.). It should also be appreciated that the hosing is shown here without the functional module 50 or any other components for clarity only, and it should not be understood or implied that the shell halves are attached to each other and then is the functional module 50 introduced into the cavity C. With additional reference being drawn to Fig. 3C, the seat elements 23 are molded into the first shell half 30 via apertures 33, and the mold is such that the dimensions of the seat elements 23 within the cavity C1 are greater than a cross-section of the aperture 33. This provides for much tighter fixation between the shell 30 and frame 20, and may also provide better sealing capabilities against fluids, dust and dirt. Turning now to Figs. 4A to 4D, a longitudinal cross section of the animal tag 1 is shown, with the functional module 40 and the power unit 50 being accommodated within the cavity C. The functional module 40 comprises a PCB 42 and is so arranged withing the animal tag 1, that the bottom surface 42B thereof rests on the seat elements 23a, 23b, 23c, and a top surface 42T thereof is clamped by the clamping members 17, 18 extending from the second shell half 10. The surfaces 23R of the seat elements 23 provide support to the PCB 42 via surface 42B, while the pressure surfaces 23T abut the sides of the PCB and apply pressure thereto. This provides stability to the PCB as it cannot be moved laterally (owing to the pressure surfaces 23T), and cannot be displaced axially (owing to the support surfaces 23R and the clamping members 17, 18). In addition, the alignment pin 35 extends through an aperture 45 of the PCB and provides both additional lateral support against lateral movement of the functional module 40, as well as prevention of improper assembly of the PCB (as it can only be assembled when the alignment pin 35 is aligned with the aperture 45). In assembly, the power unit 50 with the space 80 and the and functional module attached thereto are placed within the first shell half 30, such that the PCT 42 rests on the support surfaces 23R of the seat elements 23 and tightly pressured by the pressure surfaces 23T. Thereafter, the second shell half 10 is placed to close the animal tag, and the two shell halves 10, 30 are attached in a temporary manner. For example, the second shell half 10 is snap fitted (for example) to the first shell assembly. In this process, the design and dimensions of the clamping members 17, 18 and the seat elements 23 are such that when the two shell halves 10, 30 are attached to each other (for example by snap fitting) the clamping member 17, 18 and seat elements 23 apply pressure to the functional module 40 in opposite directions., After initial assembly, the snap-fitted housing is transferred to a process (not shown) in which the shell halves 10, 30 are further pressed against one another and more permanently attached. For example, the shell halves 10, 30 can be laser welded to each other, ensuring that the functional module 40 is fixedly held within the cavity C of the animal tag 1. The shell frame 20 may be made of various material, for example TPU, over-molded onto the first shell half 30 which is made of a harder material, e.g. nylon. Thereby, the clamping of the functional module 40 by the two shell halves is a snug elastic fit, providing shock absorber capabilities to the entire assembly. Attention is now drawn to Fig. 5, in which a structure and a method of assembly of the functional module 40 to the power unit 50 is shown. The power unit 50 comprises a body 52 with a top surface 52T, configured for supporting the majority of the functional module 40. The power unit 50 is further formed with a pair of electrical contacts 56, which extend laterally from the power unit 50 as shown by phantom lines 56P1. The electrical contacts 56 are configured for being in contact with the plates 47 of the functional module 40. However, since the functional module 40 rests on a top surface 52T of the power unit 50, and the plates 47 are facing away from that top surface 52T, there is a need to bring the electrical contacts 56 to contact the plates 47. In accordance with one exemplary design of the subject matter of the present application, the power unit 50 is formed with a cradle 54 configured for fitting thereto a space 80 which is in the form of a flat plate 82 having a top face 82T and a bottom face 82B, which rests on the top surface of the cradle 54. When properly fitted to the cradle 54, the spacer 80 is aligned such that the top surface 82T thereof is essentially flush with the top surface 52T of the power unit 50, thereby providing a continuous support for the bottom surface 42B of the functional module 40. The spacer 80 may be made of an insulating material preventing electrical induction between the plates 47 and the power unit 50. In addition, the spacer 80 provides structural support to the functional module 40. With additional reference being now made to Figs. 6A and 6C, When the animal tag 1 is assembled, the lens 72 of the illumination module 70 is disposed above the illumination source 43 and is configured for projecting the light generated by the illumination source 43, outwards of the animal tag. The first shell half 30 is designed with an opening 39 configured for accommodating the lens 72. The opening 39 is formed as a depression with a curved surrounding surface 37, and the lens 72 is formed with a rim portion 77, both being designed so as to form a continuous S-curve. The design of the opening 39 and the lens 72 is chosen so as to reduce any slots, grooves or channels being formed between the two, forming a nearly continuous interface surface 76. This design, as opposed to common designs, is configured for preventing dirt and gunk from accumulating within such grooves, which may, in turn, obstruct or cover portions of the lens 72, thereby reducing its illumination capabilities. This is particularly advantageous in the dirty environment in which livestock animals, for example, are housed. As also noted from the above figures, the lens 72 has an internal portion received within the cavity C of the housing, an intermediary portion 73 which protrudes from the shell assembly but still disposed within the depression of the shell, and an external portion 75 which both protrudes from the shell and extends beyond the depression. In addition, the continuous design of the interface surface 76 also facilitates easier removal of any dirt adhering to surface 76 when washing down the herd or generally spraying it with water. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis. 15

Claims (37)

1. - 15 - 312957/

2. Claims: 1. A casing for an animal tag constituted by at least a first shell half and a second shell half, attached to each other to define a cavity therebetween, said cavity being configured for accommodating a functional module of the animal tag comprising a base having at least a first contact region and a second, transverse contact region, wherein said first shell half comprises a seat arrangement, constituted by one or more seat elements protruding inwards, into the cavity, from inner walls of the first shell half, and said second shell half comprises a clamping arrangement, wherein, when the first and second shell halves are attached to each other to form the casing, said seat arrangement and said clamping arrangement are configured for forming a clamping space for snugly receiving said functional module by abutting said first and said second contact region respectively. 2. A casing according to Claim 1, wherein the casing is configured for accommodating therein all the functional components of the animal tag.

3. A casing according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional module includes any one or more of the following: electronic components, PCBs, transmission components, processing units, sensors, a light source, and a power source.

4. A casing according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clamping space formed within the cavity between the seat arrangement and the clamping arrangement is configured for snugly and tightly receiving at least a portion of the base of the functional module so as to form a rigid assembly.

5. A casing according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said seat assembly is configured for abutting the first contact region of the base, and said clamping arrangement is configured for abutting the second contact region.

6. A casing according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the seat arrangement and the clamping arrangement are configured for abutting the base from two opposite directions.

7. A casing according to Claim 6, wherein the seat arrangement is configured for abutting a third contact region of the base, oriented transverse to said first contact region and to said second contact region.

8. A casing according to Claim 7, wherein the base is in the form of a planar plate supporting the components of the functional module. - 16 - 312957/

9. A casing according to Claim 8, wherein said first contact region and said second contact region are constituted by portions of opposite faces of the plate, and wherein the third contact region is constituted by portion of a peripheral surface extending between said opposite faces.

10. A casing according to Claim 1, wherein said one or more seat elements is disposed along the periphery of the first shell half.

11. A casing according to Claim 10, wherein at least one of the one or more seat elements comprises a support surface configured for abutting the first contact region of the base, and a pressure surface configured for applying pressure to the third contact region of the base.

12. A casing according to Claim 11, wherein the support surface is in the form of a flat area while the pressure surface is in the form of a ridge or an edge.

13. A casing according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein an area inscribed between the pressure surface of the one or more seat elements has dimensions slightly smaller than the area of the base of the functional module.

14. A casing according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the clamping provided by the two shell halves provides said functional module with shock absorbing capabilities.

15. A casing according to Claim 14, wherein said at least one or more seat elements is made of a material having elastic properties to thereby provide said shock absorbing capabilities.

16. A casing according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein said first shell half is constituted by an outer part and an elastic inner part, wherein said one or more seat elements are integral with said outer part while protruding into the cavity via apertures in the inner part.

17. A casing according to Claim 16, wherein the outer part is over-molded on the inner part, whereby said one or more seat elements are formed by plastic injection through said apertures.

18. A casing according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the dimensions of the one or more seat elements protruding into the cavity are larger than those of the aperture through which they were injected.

19. A casing according to Claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein the outer part is made of a plastic material, having a hardness ranging between 75-100 Shore-A, more particularly, 80-95 Shore-A, and even more particularly, 85-93 Shore-A. - 17 - 312957/

20. A casing according to Claim 19, wherein said outer part is made of any one of the following: elastomers, Thermoplastic Polyurethane, rubber, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate & Silicone.

21. A casing according to any one of Claims 16 to 20, wherein the inner part is made of a material having a hardness ranging between 60-80 Shore-D.

22. A casing according to Claim 21, wherein said inner part is made of any one of the following: Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, Poly(methyl methacrylate) & Nylon.

23. A casing according to any one of Claims 1 to 22, wherein the inner part of the first shell half comprises one or more auxiliary supports.

24. A casing according to Claim 23, wherein said auxiliary supports comprise auxiliary support surfaces disposed closer to a bottom surface of the first shell half than the support surface of the one or more seat elements.

25. A casing according to any one of Claims 1 to 24, wherein the inner part of the first shell half further comprises an alignment pin configured for being received within a corresponding aperture formed in the base of the functional module.

26. A casing according to any one of Claims 1 to 25, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises one or more clamping components configured for applying pressure to said second contact region, thereby pressing the base against the seat arrangement.

27. A casing according to Claim 26, wherein the one or more clamping components extend transverse to a main surface of the second shell half and have a contact area configured for abutting the second contact region.

28. A casing according to Claim 26 or 27, wherein the one or more clamping members are in the form of ribs extending from the main surface.

29. An animal tag comprising a casing according to any one of Claims 1 to 28.

30. A method for assembly of the animal tag according to Claims 1 to 29, said method comprising the steps of: a. Providing a first shell half comprising a seat arrangement; b. Providing a functional module comprising a base with a first, a second and a third contact region, and positioning a functional module onto said seat arrangement, such that said first and third contact regions abut respective portions of the seat arrangement; - 18 - 312957/ c. Providing a second shell half comprising a clamping arrangement; d. Attaching said second shell half to said first shell half such that said base is clamped between said seat arrangement and said clamping arrangement within a cavity formed by said first and second shell halves.

31. An animal tag formed with a housing accommodating: - a base; - a functional module mounted on the base and formed with at least one module electrical contact point; - a power source juxtaposed with the base, and configured for providing power to said functional module, said power source being formed with at least one source electrical contact point facing opposite said at least one module electrical contact point; and - at least one contact piece configured for connecting said at least one module electrical contact point and said at least one source electrical contact point to provide power from said power source to said functional module; wherein said at least one contact piece has a u-like shape, wherein one end of the u-like shape is connectable to said at least one module electrical contact point, and another end of the u-like shape is connectable to said at least one source electrical contact point.

32. An animal tag according to Claim 31, wherein said at least one contact piece is integrally formed with the power source.

33. An animal tag according to Claim 32, wherein said at least one contact piece is integrally formed with the functional module.

34. An animal tag according to Claim 32 or 33, wherein said housing further accommodated a spacer configured for being interposed between said base and at least a portion of said power source at the area of the contact points.

35. An animal tag according to Claim 34, wherein said spacer is configured for providing electrical insulation between said contact points.

36. An animal tag according to Claim 34 or 35, wherein said spacer is configured for providing structural support for said at least one contact.

37. An animal tag according to any one of Claims 32 to 36, wherein said functional module comprises two or more module electrical contact points and said power source comprises two or more corresponding source electrical contact points.