AU2010100976B4 - A device for delivering data tags - Google Patents

Abstract

C:\NRPonbnDCCPLW\31635 I_i .DOC-3A)9/2ft10 - 19 A hand-held applicator for delivering data tags comprising a reservoir storing a multiplicity of data tags in a solution, 5 the tags being coded with identical identifying data wherein the reservoir is arranged to communicate with an applicator head to apply data tags when a plunger mechanism utilisable to discharge the data tag solution from the reservoir is actuated in response to manual force applied by the user.

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION PATENT SPECIFICATION (ORIGINAL) Name of Applicants: Ian Peter Allen of Level 9, 75 King Street Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia Yuri Sokol of Unit 112, 1-29 Bunn Street, Pyrmont, New South Wales 2009, Australia Actual Inventors: Ian Peter Allen Yuri Sokol Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, 1 Nicholson Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia Innovation Patent specification for the invention entitled: "A DEVICE FOR DELIVERING DATA TAGS" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: C:W4RPonbl\DCC\PLWWIf55_1.DOC-3/2)2I12 -2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a hand-held applicator for delivering data tags comprising: a 5 reservoir storing a multiplicity of data tags in a solution, the tags being coded with identical identifying data, wherein the reservoir is arranged to communicate with an applicator head to apply data tags when a plunger mechanism utilisable to discharge the data tag solution from the 10 reservoir is actuated in response to manual force applied by the user, the plunger mechanism comprising a plunger within the reservoir and displaceable towards the actuator head to thereby displace data tag solution to the head for application.

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-5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the 5 accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a data tag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 10 Figure 2A is a fron: and rear perspective view of a data tag delivery device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2B is a side view of the data tag delivery 15 device of Figure 2A; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the data tag delivery device of Figures 2A and 2B; 20 Figure 4 is a side cut out view of the data tag delivery device of Figures 2A, 2B and 3; Figure 5A is a front and rear perspective view of a data tag delivery device in accordance with another 25 embodiment of the invention; Figure 5B is a side view of the data tag delivery device of Figure 5A; C:\NRPonb\DCC\PLW\365I_- DOC-3M9/2010 -6 Figure 6 is an exploded view of the data tag delivery device of Figures 5A and 5B; Figure 7 is a side cut out view of the data tag 5 delivery device of Figures 5A, 5B and 6; Figure 7A is a side cut out view of an embodiment of the plunger arrangement of the data tag delivery device of Figures 5A, 5B, 6 and 7; 10 Figure 7B is a detailed illustration of an actuator of the plunger arrangement of Figure 7A during operation; and, Figure 8 is a top view of a surface having data tags 15 applied delivered thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of a data tag 100 20 is shown. In this embodiment, the data tag 100 can be a planar sheet cut into a hexagon shape. The data tag 100 has a unique code 102 etched onto the surface of the tag 100. This code may be observed by a user and recorded for storage or referencing purposes. 25 In some embodiments, the data tag 100 may be dimensioned in microscopic sizes of approximately 0.3 to lmm in width and of only several microns in thickness, 6 microns in one practical example. In this size, the tag 100 is 30 barely visible to the naked eye and generally, will require careful examination by a user before the tags can be observed. However, a magnifying device such as a magnifying glass, portable magnifiers/microscope or electronic magnifiers can be used to examine the tag 100 to identify 35 the identification code 102 on the surface of the tag.

-7 The data tag 100 may be engaged to a surface of an item by the use of solution. Suitable solution may be used depending on the type and uses of the item in which the tag is applied. For example, where the item is a vehicle 5 part, the solution may be an adhesive suitable for exposure to road dirt, heat and water may be used. In indoor items, different solution may be used to engage the tags 100 to the surface of the item. 10 In use, the data tag 100 may be provided to a user in a set which has a plurality of tags (hundreds or thousands of tags). Each set of data tags may have the same identification code 102 or share a set of identification codes. Once a user is in possession of the set of data 15 tags, the user can proceed to apply the tags to a surface of an item or part by the use of solution to bond the tags to the surface. Preferably, the user may apply portions of the set of 20 data tags to a part or item and thus resulting in a large number of tags being bonded to the surface. A large number of tags 100 being bonded to an item provide an added advantage in that a task of removing the tags by an unauthorized party may be made inefficient or impossible, 25 and thus discouraging theft or black market trading of the item. In an alternative embodiment, the data tags 100 may be of a different shape. In this example, the tags are 30 preferably in a hexagon shape as the hexagon shape offers advantages in being relatively easy to distinguish on a surface. However, alternative shapes such as, but not limited to, circulars shapes, semi circles, rectangular, square or diamonds are also possible. 35 In another embodiment, the data tag 100 may have a hologram 104 on the surface of the tag 100. This hologram 22786951 (GHMaltrs) 14/05/10 -8 104 may be etched on to tag 100 and shows a hologram effect to the user. The embroidery 104 may also be a brand or trademark of a company, and therefore provides an additional identification mean and/or marketing 5 opportunity to the manufacturer or distributor of the tags 100. With reference to Figure 2A and 2B, there is shown a embodiment of a device 200 for delivering data tags 10 comprising a reservoir 202 storing data tags in a solution, wherein the reservoir 202 is arranged to communicate with an applicator head 204 to apply data tags when a plunger arrangement 206 arranged to discharge the data tag solution from the reservoir 202 is actuated. 15 In this embodiment, the device 200 has a reservoir 202 which is defined by cylindrical walls 206 and a plunger arrangement 206. Opposite to the plunger arrangement 206 is an opening 209, which in this embodiment is engaged to 20 an applicator head 204 arranged to permit the flow of the contents of the reservoir 202 to the exterior of the device 200. In this example, the applicator head 204 includes an applicator 220 which may be in the form of a brush to assist the user in evenly distributing the data 25 tag solution flowing from the reservoir 202 and discharged by the applicator head 204 onto a surface. The reservoir 202 may contain a mixture of a set of data tags 100 immersed in a solution. The solution may be 30 a water based adhesives arranged to permit the flow of the data tags 10 from the reservoir to the exterior of the device during use whilst also bonding the data tags to a surface to which the data tags and the solution is applied. In some embodiments, the adhesives are of a high 35 viscosity and density such that only a small amount of solution may flow out of the opening 209 by gravity. In these embodiments, the rate of flow of the solution 22788981 (GHMatters) 14/05/10 -9 through the opening may be increased by actuation of the plunger arrangement 206 which includes a plunger and an actuator arranged to push the solution through the opening 209 when pressure is applied on the actuator. The plunger 5 arrangement 206 is described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4 and in another embodiment with reference to Figures 6, 7, 7A and 7B. These embodiments may be advantageous in that a more 10 viscous and dense adhesive may be used within the device to provide a stronger bond between the data tags and a surface. Accordingly, these embodiments may thereby increase the range of applications concerning the distribution of data tags onto an item. By using a plunger 15 arrangement 206, the generally more viscous and dense adhesive may be discharged with the immersed data tags from the device and applied to a surface without the requirements of gravity to assist the flow of the solution from the reservoir 202 and the head 209, As such, these 20 embodiments may be more effective in situations where the device for applying data tags must be held upside down by a user. In some embodiments, a weighted member, such as a ball 25 bearing may be disposed into the reservoir with the mixture of data tags and solution to aid in the mixing of the tags 100 with the solution in the reservoir 202 such that the tags are substantially immersed in the solution. The weighted member may have a volume of no more than 3 to 30 10% of the reservoir. As the weighted member is solid and is substantially denser then the data tags and the solution, the member can move within the reservoir to mix the data tags and the solution when the reservoir 202 is shaken. 35 As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the head 204 has a cover 212 which is arranged to cover the head 204 when the 227869_1 (GHMatters) 14/05/10 - 10 device is not in use. In one example, the cover 212 is arranged to prevent the solution and the tags within the reservoir 202 from inadvertently flowing out of the device, whilst also preventing the solution from drying 5 cut. The cover 212 may be constructed from a resilient material to snap fit itself to the head 204. In other examples, the cover 212 may have a screw thread for engagement to the head 204. 10 With reference to Figures 3 and 4, an embodiment of the device 200 is shown in exploded view and cut away view. In this embodiment, the plunger arrangement 206 comprises a plunger 302, a threaded member 304, a ratchet member 306, an annular ring 307, a drive shaft 308 and a 15 rotatable actuator 310. The plunger arrangement 206 is arranged to transform rotational pressure exerted by a user on the rotatable actuator 310 into a linear pressure on the plunger 302 20 such that the plunger 302 pushes on the solution within the reservoir 202 to discharge the solution through the applicator head 204. In this example, the actuator 310 is arranged to rotate the ratchet member 306, which rotates the threaded member 304 around an annular ring 307 fixed 25 to walls of the reservoir 202 and the drive shaft 308. Once the threaded member 304 is rotated about the ring 307, the threaded member 304 will travel in a linear motion and as such, the plunger 302 is pushed forward towards the applicator head 204. The resulting 30 displacement of the plunger 302 pushes the data tag solution within the reservoir 202 out of the head 204 and onto the applicator 220 for application on a surface. Preferably, the ratchet member 306 controls the 35 rotational movement of the actuator such that each rotation of the actuator 310 is conducted in discrete steps. This is achieved by a plurality of resilient 227869_1 (GHMater) 14105110 -11 detents 306A arranged to interact with the teeth 310A of the actuator to create a pawl and gear arrangement which gently resist the rotation of the actuator to each step of the teeth 310A of the actuator. 5 In this embodiment, the teeth 310A and the detents 306A are shaped such that the actuator can only be rotated in one direction to push the solution through the applicator head 204. This is because the teeth 310A are 10 saw tooth shaped to create a lock between the resilient detents 306A and the teeth 310A if the actuator is rotated in an opposite direction in a similar fashion to a pawl and gear arrangement. By use of the ratchet member 306, the actuator 310 cannot be reversed to retract the plunger 15 302 towards the actuator 310. This embodiment is advantageous in that the plunger 302 cannot be returned to an initial position by pulling the plunger 302 back towards the actuator 310. By preventing the plunger 302 from moving towards the actuator 310, air cannot be drawn 20 back into the reservoir 202 inadvertently by a user wishing to withdraw the plunger 302, as drawing air into the reserve 202 would create a negative pressure. As the adhesives may dry when exposed to air, this arrangement will increase the life of the unused solution stored 25 within the device. With reference to Figures SA and SB, there is illustrated another embodiment of a device 500 for delivering data tags comprising: a reservoir 502 storing 30 data tags in a solution, wherein the reservoir 502 is arranged to communicate with an applicator head 504 to apply data tags when a plunger arrangement 506 arranged to discharge the data tag solution from the reservoir 502 is actuated. 35 In this embodiment, the device 500 has a reservoir 502 which is defined by cylindrical walls 506 and a plunger 2278696_1 (GHMatter) 14/05/10 -12 arrangement 506. Opposite the plunger arrangement 506 is an opening 509, which in this embodiment is engaged to a head 504 arranged to permit the flow of the contents of the reservoir 502 to the exterior of the device 500. In 5 this example, the head 504 includes an applicator 520 which may be in the form of a brush to assist a user to distribute the data tag solution flowing from the reservoir 502 evenly on a surface. 10 The reservoir 502 may contain a mixture of a set of data tags 100 immersed in a solution. The solution may be a water based adhesives arranged to permit the flow of the data tags 100 from the reservoir 502 to the exterior of the device 500 during use whilst also bonding the data 15 tags to a surface to which the data tags and the solution is applied onto. In some embodiments, the adhesives are of a high viscosity and density such that only a small amount of solution may flow out of the opening 509 under normal gravity. The rate of flow of the solution through the 20 opening may be increased by actuation of the plunger arrangement 506 which includes a plunger and an actuator arranged to push the solution through the opening 509 when pressure is applied on the actuator. The plunger arrangement 506 is described in detail with reference to 25 Figures 6, 7, 7A and 7B. These embodiments may be advantageous in that a more viscous and dense adhesive may provide a stronger bond between the data tags and the items, thereby increasing 30 the number of applications possible with the device with respect the application of data tags to items. By using a plunger arrangement 506, the generally more viscous and dense adhesive may be applied without the assistance of gravity to permit the flow of the solution from the 35 reservoir 502 and the head 509. As such, these embodiments may be more effective in applications where the device for applying data tags must be held upside down. 2278698_1 (GHMaten) 14105/10 -13 In some embodiments, a weighted member, such as a ball bearing, may be provided in the reservoir with the mixture of data tags and solution to aid in the mixing of the tags 5 100 with the solution in the reservoir 502 such that the tags are substantially evenly dispersed throughout the solution. The weighted member may have a volume of no more than 3 to 10% of the reservoir. As the weighted member is solid and is substantially denser then the data tags and 10 the solution, the member can move within the reservoir to mix the data tags and the solution when the reservoir 502 is shaken. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the head 504 has a 15 cover 512 which is arranged to cover the head 504 when the device is not in use. In one example, the cover 512 is arranged to prevent the solution and the tags within the reservoir 502 to inadvertently flow out of the device, whilst also preventing the solution from drying out. The 20 cover 512 may be constructed from a resilient material to snap fit to the head 504. In other examples, the cover 512 may have a screw thread for engagement to the head 504. With reference to Figures 6, 7, 7A and 7B an 25 embodiment of the device 500 is shown in exploded view and cut away view respectively. In this embodiment, the plunger arrangement 506 comprises a plunger 602, a threaded member 604, a ratchet member 606, a resilient spring 606A, an annular ring 607, a drive gear 608 and an 30 actuator 610 which in this example includes a resilient push button mechanism 610A. With reference to Figures 6, 7A and 7B, the plunger arrangement 606 is arranged to transform the linear 35 pushing motion of the actuator 610 by a user into a controlled rotational pressure, followed by transferring this rotational pressure into a linear pressure on the 22786961 (GHMattes) 14105110 -14 plunger 602. This linear pressure results in the plunger 602 being displaced to push the solution within the reservoir 502 for discharge thereof through the applicator head 504. In this example, the actuator 610, actuated by a 5 user pressing on the push button mechanism 610A (702), is arranged to push the drive gear 608 towards the ratchet member 606 (704), which, due to the interaction of the teeth of the drive gear 608 and the ratchet member 606 rotates the ratchet member 606 to rotate the threaded 10 member 604 around an annular ring 607 fixed to walls of the reservoir 502 (706). Once the threaded member 604 is rotated about the ring 607, the plunger 602 is pushed forward towards the applicator head 504 and in the process pushes the data tag solution within the reservoir 502 out 15 of the head 504 and onto the applicator 520 for application to a surface or item. Once the linear pressure from a user is released from the actuator 610, a spring member 606A resiliently returns the push button mechanism 610A, drive gear 608 and ratchet 606 to the initial 20 position to allow a user to press the push button mechanism repeatedly to displace the plunger. Preferably, a ratchet member 606 controls the rotational movement of the actuator such that each 25 rotation of the actuator 610 can be conducted in discrete steps. This is achieved by a plurality of detents 606B arranged to interact with the teeth 608A of the drive gear 608 to gently resist the rotation of the actuator to each step of the teeth 608A of the actuator. 30 In this embodiment, the teeth 608A and the detents 606B are shaped such that the drive gear 608 can only be rotated in one direction to push the solution through the applicator head 504 in a manner similar to a pawl and gear 35 arrangement. This is because the teeth 608A are saw tooth shaped and create a lock between the resilient detents 606B and the teeth 608A if the drive gear 608 is rotated 227869_1 (GHMalters) 14/05/10 -15 in an opposite direction. By use of the ratchet member 606, the actuator 610A cannot reverse the drive gear 608 to retract the plunger 602 towards the actuator 610 and therefore, on pressing of the push button mechanism 610A, 5 the plunger 602 will only push the solution out of the reservoir 502 and not retract the plunger 602 towards the actuator 610A. This embodiment is advantageous in that the plunger 10 502 cannot be returned to the initial position by pulling the plunger 502 back towards the actuator 610. By restricting the plunger 502 from moving towards the actuator 610, air is not drawn back into the reservoir 502. This minimises exposure of the adhesive to air. This 15 arrangement will increase the life of the unused solution stored within a partially used device. In some embodiments, the mouth 214, 514 of the head 204, 504 is sized to permit the solution and the data tags 20 100 to flow through the mouth 214, 514 in use. In some examples where the data tags 100 are approximately 1 mm in diameter, the mouth 214, 514 may be sized to approximately 1.5 to 2 mm to permit the flow of the data tags 100 and solution through the mouth 214, 514 and onto a surface. In 25 other examples, where the data tags are approximately 0.3 mm in diameter, the mouth 214, 514 is approximately 0.5 to 1mm to permit the flow of the tags with the solution to a surface. 30 In one embodiment, the device 200, 500 may be manufactured by firstly forming a reservoir 202, 502 by defining the cylindrical walls 206 and attaching a plunger arrangement 206, 506 to the end of the reservoir 202, 502. Once the reservoir 202, 502 is defined, it can be filled 35 with a mixture of solution and a set of data tags 100. A mixing member, which may be a small weighted rod or ball arranged to assist' the mixture of the solution with the 2278696_1 (GHMalters) 14/05/10 -16 data tags 100 during use may also be added to the reservoir. Once the reservoir is filled with the solution, data 5 tag and the optional mixing member, an applicator head 204, 504 may be attached to the reservoir 202, 502. This is followed by the engagement of the cap 212, 512 to the head 204, 504. 10 The device may then be appropriately labelled with the identification code of each of the data tags 100. Once labelled, a user can then record the identification code for future identification purposes. 15 With reference to Figure 8, a surface delivered with data tags 100 is shown. During use, a user can hold onto the device and proceed to mark the surface. The user may gently shake the device such that the mixing member will assist in the mixing of the data tags 100 within the 20 solution. Once the user wishes to deliver the data tags to a surface, the user can apply pressure to the actuator 310, 610 to push the plunger 306, 606 to discharge the solution stored within the reservoir 202, 502. The applicator 220, 520 may also be used by the user to 25 distribute a thin layer of data tags and adhesives over a surface. As shown in Figure 8, the data tags 100 are released with the solution onto the surface in a uniform manner. 30 Once the data tags 100 are delivered to the surface, the solution is allowed to air dry and thereby bonding the data tags onto the surface. In alternative embodiments, the reservoir 202 may be 35 defined by a rectangular or triangular prism wherein the side walls and end wall are arranged to define a prism to store the data tags 100 and the solution in which the tags 22786961 (GHMatlers) 14105/10 -17 are immersed. In other embodiments, the device may be shaped for ergonomic gasping by a user's hand. In some embodiments, the present invention is 5 advantageous in that data tags 100 may be applied to a surface of an item with out the use of spray guns which may not be suitable for operation in enclosed or domestic areas. The use of the device in accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention allows a user to 10 apply data tags to an item in many environments, including those not suitable for operation of spray guns, and requires minimal effort or training on the part of the user. 15 In some embodiments, the present invention is advantageous in that the data tags 100 may be applied when the device 200, 500 is held against the direction of gravity. This is particularly useful in situations where a user must apply the data tags 100 on a surface directly 20 above the user, as the user may actuate the plunger arrangement 206, 506 to discharge the solution without the assistance of gravity. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art 25 that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as 30 illustrative and not restrictive. Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated. 35 2278696_1 (GHMatters) 14/05/10

Claims (5)

1. A hand-held applicator for delivering data tags comprising: 5 a reservoir storing a multiplicity of data tags in a solution, the tags being coded with identical identifying data, wherein the reservoir is arranged to communicate with an applicator head to apply data tags when a plunger mechanism utilisable to discharge the data tag solution from 10 the reservoir is actuated in response to manual force applied by the user, the plunger mechanism comprising a plunger within the reservoir and displaceable towards the actuator head to thereby displace data tag solution to the head for application. 15

2. An applicator according to claim 1, comprising an actuator mechanism arranged to receive digital pressure from the user to displace the plunger of the plunger mechanism towards the applicator head in discrete steps. 20

3. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the actuator mechanism includes a rotary button which is rotatable in discrete steps in a single direction to drive the plunger in corresponding discrete steps, the actuator 25 mechanism including means preventing rotation of the button in the reverse direction to cause retraction of the plunger away from the applicator head.

4. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the 30 actuator mechanism includes a push button movable through a discrete step to drive the plunger in a corresponding discrete step towards the applicator head, the applicator C:WRPorbIflCC\PL WA 055 I DOC-3M 2012 - 19 further comprising means for preventing displacement of the plunger in the reverse direction.

5. An applicator according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein 5 the applicator head includes a brush to distribute data tag solution onto a surface to which it is applied, the reservoir and plunger mechanism are within an elongated body, the applicator head is at a forward end of the body, and the button of the actuator mechanism is at a rear end of 10 the body.