NZ534456A - Protective housing for wireless identification tag with coupling means releasably coupled and at least partially surrounded by portable storage device (typically a pallet) - Google Patents

Abstract

The housing 1 has a re-sealable opening between first and second elements 1a,1b provided by a connection 5 formed by male and female threaded portions incorporating a hermetic seal 6 impervious to moisture. A storage void 2 is provided for a wireless identification tag (not show). Coupling means 8a, 8b are provided capable of being releasably coupled to and at least partially enclosed by a portable storage device, typically a pallet 7.

Description

PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Appln Fee: $250.00 James & Wells ref: 123422/57 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION WIRELESS IDENTIFICATION DEVICE HOUSING We Pallenz Plastics Limited, a New Zealand Company of 282 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton, New Zealand do hereby declare this invention to be described in the following statement: 1 Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 3 0 JAN 2006 RECEIVED r TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an improved wireless identification device housing and a method of using same. In particular, it relates to a sealed protective housing for a wireless identification device wherein the housing is able to be coupled to a 5 portable storage device such as a pallet.

BACKGROUND ART Efficient supply chain management is one of the key goals for business in many industries and particularly for the manufacturing, retailing, primary production and transport/distribution industries. Reducing errors and minimising mismanagement in the supply chain assists businesses in maintaining a satisfied customer base while reducing costs. Efficient supply chain management is also critical for industries utilising JIT (Just-In-Time) delivery systems.

In order to achieve a highly effective supply chain, the business must track and monitor people and products as effectively as possible. This monitoring has been achieved traditionally through use of paper inventory and distribution schedules. Contemporary monitoring uses computerised tracking systems utilising barcodes and readers, or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, transponders and their associated readers.

Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org) defines RFID as; "...an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is a small object that can be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person. RFID tags contain silicon chips and antennas to enable them to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an RFID 25 transceiver." 2 RFID tags are categorized as either active or passive. Active RFID tags are powered by an internal battery and are typically read/write, i.e. tag data may be rewritten and/or modified. An active tag's memory size varies according to application requirements. The battery-supplied power of an active tag generally 5 gives it a longer read range compared with passive tags, at the expense of greater size and cost, and a limited operational life before batteries require replacing.

Passive RFID tags operate without a separate external power source and obtain operating power generated from the reader using inductive coupling. Passive tags are consequently much lighter than active tags, less expensive, and offer a 10 virtually unlimited operational lifetime. Read-only tags are typically passive and are programmed with a unique set of data (usually 32 to 128 bits) that cannot be modified. Simple passive RFID tags are well known and an example is the Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags that many retail outlets use to place on products to note when the product leaves the store. The EAS tags contain very 15 little information and the system only detects a presence or absence of the associated tag.

Although field-powered passive tag RFID systems provide cost, reliability, and environmental benefits, there are obstacles to the efficient operation of field-powered passive tag RFID systems. In particular, it is often difficult to deliver 20 sufficient power from a base station to a field-powered passive tag via an interrogating signal. An RFID tag may employ a resonant antenna in order to best utilize the signal power available to it. Unfortunately, a resonant antenna may require a greater space than is available to an RFID tag in many applications.

The frequency utilised by RFID devices also varies from Low frequency (LF, 125-25 1 35 kHz), to High Frequency (HF, 12-15 MHz), to Ultra High Frequency (UHF, 860-930 MHz), and Microwave (MW, 2-6 GHz) RFID systems. HF RFIDs are currently the most prevalent due to their low cost, ability to store a large amount of 3 information, and their relatively higher resistance to emission absorption/reflection by interjecting objects compared to UHF and MW RFIDs. The downside of HF RFIDs is the limited transmissible range of 1 - 3m compared with up to 10m for UHF systems.

The range, security and data capabilities of RFID systems also vary with transponder types, power supplies and materials surrounding the RFID. For example, moisture can absorb some RF signals while metal can reflect.

While barcodes offer a cheap alternative tracking system, their use is limited by the amount of information they provide i.e. product information and source of 10 origin. Another barcode disadvantage is the requirement to be visible during scanning. Thus, an inherent requirement of barcodes is that they are placed on an external portion of the item with consequential vulnerability to damage and/or unreadability through degradation or dirt and grime deposits.

RFID devices offer several advantages over barcodes including increased 15 information storage capability and absence of a direct 'line-of-sight' requirement to the tag to be read. This allows RFIDs in pallets carrying goods to be automatically read when simply passing within the readable range of an RFID reader. RFID tags may also be read in challenging circumstances (e.g. snow, dust etc) at high speeds, typically less than 100 milliseconds. As a result RFIDs are becoming the 20 dominant form of supply chain tracking.

RFIDs do however, have some disadvantages in that they are relatively more expensive and have the potential for incompatibility between RFIDs and readers from different suppliers. Also, even though line-of-sight is not required, in instances where the tag is blocked by containers of RF interfering material the effective 25 range of the tags can be reduced, potentially causing a container or series of containers to become "lost" during transport. 4 RFIDs are primarily used in 'Closed Loop' or 'Satellite' supply chains. A 'Closed Loop' supply chain is one in which the entirety, or majority, of the supply chain falls within a single company's control while a 'Satellite' supply chain is one in which a central receiving company receives goods from a large number of parallel 5 suppliers. 'Satellite' supply chains are common in the primary production industries e.g. Dairy, Meat, Wine, Fruit and Vegetable cooperatives. In such 'Satellite' supply chains tracking becomes increasingly important to avoid misidentification and track quality from the various suppliers.

The use of RFIDs on pallets and transporting containers is well known in the art. 10 By way of example, US Patent No. 6,724,308 describes an RFID tracking method through utilisation of passive RFID tags attached to goods containers. Receivers transmit information between the tags and a central computer or data collection system. The distribution system can then be updated with the whereabouts, contents of the containers and the timing of any movements or transfer. This 15 system has disadvantages in that the tags are placed on the outside of the goods containers to maximise transmission effectiveness and are thus vulnerable to damage and tampering.

It is common for wireless identification devices to already be provided in a proprietary protective film or housing. However, in general these proprietary 20 housings are not openable (i.e. sealing films) or are not capable of being securely coupled to a portable storage device and are simply retrofitted via adhesive, straps, bolts or the like. In addition, the physical stresses placed on many pallets are such that proprietary housings can be damaged if placed externally on the pallet.

Often pallets are fitted with multiple RFID tags on the sides of each pallet in order to maximise the readability i.e. the reader only needs to read the closest tag, whereas a single tag on one side may be out of range of a reader reading from the opposing side of the pallet. However, multiple tags require synchronisation to ensure the same information is contained in each tag. This means that a repeater must be situated on the pallet to receive information from one tag and write to the other tags on receipt of a signal from the reader. Accordingly, an RFID tag needs 5 to be located as close to the signal receiver as possible, so that the strength of the signal required to and from the RFID tag is kept to a minimum.

In many applications where a portable storage device is moving though a warehouse, a transceiver is placed on one side of a central transport line to transmit or receive information to or from an RFID tag placed on a pallet travelling 10 therethrough. However, for most of the common High Frequency (HF) wireless identification devices the maximum transmissible range is only about 1 metre. This means an RFID tag is required on each side of the pallet to ensure at least one of the RFID tags is read. While transceivers could be placed on both sides to effect reading no matter the orientation of the portable storage device, the cost of the 15 additional transceiver is much higher than that of an RFID tag.

One of the main disadvantages with placement of RFID tags on pallets and containers is that in order to maximise the effectiveness of the tag they are placed on the exterior of the container or pallet. While this maximises the signal effectiveness it also leads to increased vulnerability to damage, removal and 20 unauthorised tampering.

In order to overcome this problem, a number of pallets have been designed to accommodate the RFID tag within the pallet structure while retaining transmission effectiveness.

One such device is described by Muirhead in United States patent 6,943,678. This 25 device incorporates an RFID tag between the layers of a multi-layered plastic pallet during fabrication. While this device addresses the vulnerability issues of tags 6 attached to pallets; it does mean that the tags cannot be retrofitted or readily removed/replaced after manufacture. This can be a serious disadvantage for readonly tags; for example, if the contents on the pallet change, then the tag will require updating, which for read-only tags means replacement.

Another device is described by Hiroshi in United States Patent Application No. 10/962574. This pallet incorporates an open passage extending from one side of the pallet to the other; parallel with, and between, two forklift tine slots. Thus an RFID reader placed on a forklift can pass/receive signals from an RFID tag placed in the passage without interference from interjecting material. This device does 10 offer a pallet with an easily read and removable RFID tag that has limited vulnerability to physical damage. However, the RFID tag is still on an external portion of the pallet and thus vulnerable to tampering. Furthermore elemental conditions such as rain and snow, or corrosive leakage from vessels stored on the pallet may contact and damage the RFID tag.

In many situations, not only can the RFID tags attached to pallets be damaged, but also the pallets themselves. Thus it is desirable to have multi-layered or sectioned pallets so that damaged sections may be replaced without the need for total pallet replacement.

Multi-layered pallets are well known in the art and examples of these are described 20 in United States Patent Nos. 3667403, 5197396, 5413052, 5546872, 3835792, New Zealand Patent No. 509250, and Great Britain Patent Nos. 2265137, 1112400. These pallets generally consist of top and bottom planar decks with communicating sections to join the two together. The sections are fastened together via snap-fits, bolts, welding or adhesives. Thus if one deck becomes 25 damaged it can be removed and replaced. In most cases it is the lower deck that becomes damaged and thus the goods stacked on the upper deck can remain on the pallet while the lower deck is removed and replaced. 7 It is an object of the present invention to provide a secure sealable protective housing for a wireless identification device such as an RFID that is able to be coupled and at least partially contained within a portable storage device such as a pallet, single or multilayered, that is adapted to receive the protective housing and: • allows the RFID to be effectively read by an appropriate RFID reader/interrogator/transceiver, • provides access to easily remove, modify, add or replace an RFID as needed; and • minimises construction and maintenance costs of such a pallet.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although 15 a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this 20 specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at 8 least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective housing for a wireless identification device, for use in a portable storage device, said housing including: - an internal storage void capable of accommodating a wireless identification device, - at least one resealable opening to said void capable of providing the or each opening with a hermetic seal impervious to moisture, and - a coupling means, capable of being releasably coupled to, and at least partially enclosed by, said portable storage device.

When sealed, the housing provides protection for a wireless identification device 15 contained therein from impact and from the ingress of moisture and/or detritus. Wireless identification devices often possess vulnerable electronic componentry which may be compromised by moisture or other environmental conditions. Furthermore, during use the housing may be further exposed to harmful material leaking from vessels stored on the portable storage device. Thus providing a 20 sealable protective housing is vital in protecting and maintaining the effectiveness and integrity of the wireless identification device.

Preferably the wireless identification device is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device used for tracking, and storing information relating to the articles stored by the portable storage device. However, this is exemplary only and the 9 device may alternatively, or in addition, record information from incorporated or coupled devices such as a GPS locator, environmental sensors (thermometer, hydrometer, barometer etc.), structural integrity sensors or other useful monitoring devices. For example, a particularly useful application may be to incorporate a 5 GPS locator device so that the position of the apparatus and articles thereon can be traced and/or logged.

It should be appreciated that the wireless identification device could also be any device capable of storing, emitting and/or receiving information via electromagnetic radiation. For example, in one alternative embodiment the wireless identification 10 device is a cellular communication device. Thus the portable storage device and associated supported goods can be easily traced throughout transit using common cellular telecommunications networks.

To aid clarity and avoid prolixity, the wireless identification device is herein referred to as an 'ID tag'; though it will be understood the term is not to be interpreted 15 narrowly and includes any wireless identification and/or communication device including RFID devices.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable storage device including at least one recess to at least partially enclose the protective housing, each recess including a coupling means capable of mutual 20 coupling with said protective housing coupling means.

Preferably the portable storage device has at least one support surface for storing articles thereon.

It will be readily appreciated that a wide variety of portable storage devices may be used with the present invention and the invention is not limited to a specific type. 25 The present invention is however particularly suited for portable storage devices in the form of pallets of known type. For the sake of clarity, the portable storage device is also hereafter referred to as a 'pallet', although the term will be understood to also encompass any suitable alternative portable storage devices including bins, containers, walled pallets, boxes, trolleys, housings, racking and so forth Preferably the ID tag is capable of storing, transmitting and/or receiving information relating to an associated portable storage device or articles stored thereon.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention the portable storage device includes; - first and second mating sections, and - a plurality of connecting recesses extending between said sections, wherein said first and second mating sections are reieasabiy securable together by at least one protective housing extending through at least one connecting recess, said protective housing including; - an internal storage void capable of accommodating a wireless identification device, - at least one resealable opening to said void, and - a coupling means, capable of being reieasabiy coupled to complementary coupling means in said recesses.

According to one aspect, said protective housing includes first and second mutually engageable elements, forming said storage void therebetween, said resealable opening being provided between mutually engageable portions of the first and second elements forming a connection means. 11 Preferably said connection means is configured to reversibly provide said opening to the storage void with a hermetic seal impervious to moisture.

In one embodiment the connection means between the first and second elements is configured as a male and female thread engagement. However, this is 5 exemplary only and the connection means could take a variety of forms including a snap fit, friction fit or 'bayonet'-type connection or any other type of engagement capable of securing the two elements together, optionally including supplementary sealing components such as washers, O-rings, seals, flanges and the like.

Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, the protective housing 10 provides for both the secure containment of an ID tag and as a means of securing two or more mating sections of a multi-part portable storage device. In the case of a two-part pallet for example, the protective housings may be employed as connectors or joining components, holding the separate pallet parts together. To physically access or remove the ID tag and/or to separate the mating sections of 15 the pallet, the first and second elements are simply disengaged from each other.

The co-operating coupling means between the protective housing and portable storage device may also take a variety of forms. According to one aspect, said protective housing coupling means includes an annular flange at an end of each element distal to said connection means, each said flange extending about a 20 lateral periphery of the first and/or second element According to a further aspect, said portable storage device coupling means is formed as an annular recess configured and dimensioned to accommodate said protective housing coupling means flange, said recess being located about the outermost portion of a connection recess.

Preferably, the annular flanges at the distal ends of the assembled housing are separated by a substantially cylindrical main body portion including the connection 12 means to form a substantially I-shaped structure. Although it is a convenient configuration, it will be appreciated the main body portion need not necessarily be cylindrical.

In alternative embodiments, the protective housing may be partitioned, or 5 constructed from any number of mutually engaging sub-assemblies. For example, in one embodiment, the first and second elements may be formed with a substantially elongate main section containing the connection means and the storage void therein, and an end cap section, including said coupling means annular flange and a transverse distal end wall section.

In order to minimise signal attenuation to and from the ID tag through the portable storage device and protective housing, preferably the protective housing and/or portable storage device is constructed from a material (e.g. plastic) substantially transparent to radio frequency signal transmission. Traditional wooden portable storage devices retain water and thus act to absorb transmission signals to and 15 from the wireless identification device and are thus unsuitable for an enclosed wireless identification device. In contrast, metallic portable storage devices, or portable storage devices containing ferrous elements can act to reflect the transmission signal.

In an alternative embodiment, an antenna(e) is communicatively coupled to the ID 20 tag and extends to an external region of said portable storage device. Thus, the portable storage device or protective housing may be constructed from an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding material to prevent damage/disruption to the wireless identification device circuitry when the portable storage device is subject to high EMI levels, but still permit effective 25 communication. 13 In a further embodiment, the antenna, or plurality thereof, extend to multiple regions of the portable storage device. This removes the requirement for multiple wireless identification devices to be placed about the portable storage device to ensure effective communication with the ID tags.

According to another aspect of the present invention the coupling of the protective housing to the portable storage device is lockable, capable of release only under use of a key, or a predetermined electronic signal. The key may take the form of a spanner-type tool with an unorthodox or non-standard tool head configured to fit with complementary portions of the protective housing, such as a series of 10 peripheral apertures, serrations, or the like located about the annular flange. Thus, differing levels of tamper protection may be provided ranging for prevention of casual access with standard tool, to high security utilising electronic keypad into which a password is typed to open the housing.

Portable storage devices such as pallets are necessarily transportable and so 15 often incorporate slots or passageways for receiving the tines of a forklift. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the portable storage device includes at least one slot or passageway to facilitate transport.

In a further embodiment wherein the portable storage device is constructed from two sections, mating contact between the two sections of the assembled device is 20 made between a plurality of spacing members between said sections forming internal passageways therebetween, said passageways being externally accessible via at least one passageway aperture.

Preferably the spacing members thus act as struts between the sections, spacing the sections apart to allow forklift tines to be inserted therebetween. The spacing 25 members may be formed as two symmetrical halves located congruently on opposing faces of the two pallet sections, or formed asymmetrically with a greater 14 part or all of each spacing member being located on a single face of one of the pallet sections.

In further embodiments the at least one spacing member includes said connecting recess to accommodate said protective housing. Thus the spacing member 5 surrounds the connecting member providing protection for the connecting member and wireless identification device therein.

In an alternative embodiment, the spacing members are solely formed by the protective housings. For example; a circumferential flange or protrusion, or plurality thereof, may be longitudinally spaced on the connecting member to 10 engage with opposing section surfaces and thus space the sections apart.

Preferably the two sections of the portable storage device are two decks, wherein in use said decks are typically orientated substantially horizontally. Preferably the uppermost surface of the uppermost deck is substantially planar and acts as a 'support surface', articles being placed thereon, while the lowermost surface of the 15 lowermost deck acts as a 'ground-engaging' surface to support the portable storage device and articles thereon.

While reference to the portable storage device as aforementioned has been made to a portable storage device with two sections (an upper and lower), it should be appreciated that the present invention is equally applicable to a portable storage 20 device having three or more sections.

In many applications it is advantageous to provide a 'non-slip' surface on the portable storage device in order to reduce movement of articles placed thereon during transit. Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one frictional engagement member on the support surface and/or 25 ground-engaging surface. In a further embodiment, a frictional engagement member is attached to a protective housing on an outer surface located on said support surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing or updating a portable storage device with a wireless identification device 5 housed in a protective housing substantially as described herein, the method including the steps of: • placing at least one wireless identification device in said storage void; • sealing the resealable opening to said void, and • reieasabiy coupling said housing to a portable storage device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing or updating a portable storage device with a wireless identification device housed in a protective housing substantially as described herein, the method including the steps of: • fitting one of a first and second mutually engageable protective housing 15 elements in one end of a connecting recess extending through said portable storage device; • placing at least one wireless identification device in said storage void; inserting the other of the first and second housing elements into an opposing end of the connection recess to provide mutual engagement 20 of the housing connection means to seal the void aperture.

Preferably, said sealing of the storage void provides a hermetic enclosure impervious to moisture and encapsulating the wireless identification device. 16 Preferably, a coupling means on at least one of the first and second protective housing elements couples with a corresponding coupling means in said connection recess.

It will be appreciated that only one element of the housing need be removed from 5 the connection recess to access the storage void to fit or update the ID tag. If the connection means comprises a screw thread, it is desirable to configure the housing such that only the housing element being removed rotates when separating the two elements. Thus, in one embodiment, one of the first and second housing elements includes a locking portion preventing rotational 10 movement of a housing element when inserted in the connection recess.

By configuring the housing element located on the upper deck with said locking portions, the housing element fitted to the connection recess through the lower deck may be removed by unscrewing without need to use a separate tool to secure the other housing element from turning in the recess. Although the 15 converse arrangement is also clearly possible, using the lower housing element to fit or replace the ID tags enables this action to still be performed by raising the pallet (e.g. with a forklift) while the pallet is loaded with articles on its upper support surface.

It will also be appreciated that the protective housing may be inserted in to a 20 recess that does not extend completely through the portable storage device. In such embodiments, the storage void is opened and sealed externally from the portable storage device before being coupled to the portable storage device.

Thus, it can be seen that the present invention offers significant advantages over existing protective housings including; • a sealable protective housing for a wireless identification device that prevents the ingress of moisture therein; 17 • a housing capable of being coupled to a portable storage device such as a pallet; • a housing capable of acting as a securing member to secure mating sections of a two piece pallet together; and • a housing that may be accessed to easily remove, modify, add or replace a wireless identification device as needed, regardless of whether or not articles are stored on the pallet at the time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the protective housing according to one preferred embodiment; Figure 2 shows a side section view of the protective housing; Figure 3 shows a side section view of a portion of a two-deck pallet including the protective housing; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a two piece pallet with three protective housings coupled thereto; Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of a connection recess; 2° Figure 6 shows a plane view of a corner of the pallet including an end of the protective housing; and Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a single-piece pallet with a protective housing coupled thereto. 18 BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With respect to figures 1 and 2 there is provided a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a protective housing (1) including an internal storage void (2) and a resealable opening (3) to the storage void (2). The storage 5 void (2) is capable of accommodating a wireless identification device such as an RFID tag (4) (shown in figure 2).

The housing (1) includes first (1a) and second (1b) mutually engageable cylindrical elements closed at their distal ends and forming the storage void (2) therebetween. The resealable opening (3) between the first and second elements (1a, 1b) is 10 provided by a connection means (5) formed from male (5a) and female (5b) thread portions of the first (1a) and second (1b) cylindrical elements.

The connection means (5) further includes a sealing collar in the form of a rubber 'O-ring' (6) circumscribing the male (5a) thread so that when coupled to the female thread (5b), the O-ring (6) abuts the female thread (5b) and therefore ensures a 15 moisture impervious annular seal to the opening (3) of the storage void (2).

With reference to figure 3, the housing (1) is coupled to a portable storage device, shown in figures 3 and 4 as a pallet (7), by a housing coupling means in the form of annular flanges (8a, 8b) extending laterally about an end of each cylindrical element (1a, 1b) distal to the connection means (5). These annular flanges (8a, 20 8b) are adapted to engage with corresponding coupling means on the pallet (7) in the form of annular recesses (9a, 9b) positioned on an outermost portion of connection recesses (10a, 10b). The pallet (7) is formed from two mating sections (7a, 7b) through which the connection recesses (10a, 10b) pass. The annular recesses (9a, 9b) configured and dimensioned to accommodate the annular 25 flanges (8a, 8b) therein. The connection recesses (10a, 10b) are configured and dimensioned to allow the first (1a) and second (2a) elements of the protective 19 housing (1) to be inserted the sections (7a, 7b) of the pallet (7). The sections (7a, 7b) of pallet (7) are positioned to align the connection recesses (10a, 10b) therein, thus permitting the male (5a) and female (5b) thread portions of the connection means (5) to be engaged. Sealing the first and second elements (1a, 1b) together 5 through the connection recesses (10a, 10b) acts to both secure the two mating pallet sections (7a, 7b) together and to seal the opening (3) to the storage void (2).

The coupling means also includes locking tabs (11) adjacent the annular flange (8a) on the first cylindrical element (1a), these locking tabs (11) are capable of being inserted into locking tab embracing slots (12) (see figure 5) of the pallet (7). 10 Thus when the locking tabs (11) are embraced by the slots (12), the first element (1 a) is prevented from rotational movement about its central longitudinal axis. The second element (1b) is thus rotateable about the first element (1a) to 'screw' or 'unscrew' the connection means (5) without having to actively restrain the first element (1a).

RFID tags (4) often contain electronic componentry that is vulnerable to moisture and thus providing a sealable protective housing (1) as aforementioned prevents the RFID tag (4) placed in the storage void (2) from becoming exposed to moisture ingression. The RFID tag (4) may be attached to an interior wall (13) of the housing (1) by adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape, or alternatively placed 20 loosely in the storage void (2) and then packaging filler such as cotton wool or polystyrene packed in around the RFID tag (4) to prevent movement.

Also shown in figures 1-6 on the first element (1a) of the housing (1) is a rubber pad (14) that lies slightly proud of the upper surface of the pallet (7) and thus acts as a frictional engagement member to inhibit the movement of any articles on the 25 pallet. As shown in figures 4-6, any articles placed on the pallet (7) will contact with a pad (14) and will be inhibited from movement.

The annular flange (8b) of the second element (1b) is provided with a predetermined pattern of peripheral apertures (15), for receiving a specifically designed tool (not shown). Such a tool would have protrusions spaced annularly so as to be inserted into the apertures (15), the tool then rotated about the central 5 longitudinal axis of the housing (1) to rotate the female thread (5b) about the male thread (5a) to 'screw' or 'unscrew' the connection means (5). Thus, the tool acts as a key inhibiting unauthorised tampering of the housing (1) and enclosed RFID tag (4).

It should be appreciated that the first (1a) and second (1b) elements may either, or 10 both contain a storage void for accommodating the RFID tag (4). Furthermore the roles (as described above) of the first (1a) and second (1b) elements may be reversed without departing from the scope of the invention.

It is preferable to locate the element (shown in the drawings as 1b) of the protective housing (1) having the tool apertures (15) on the lowermost section (7b) 15 (i.e. adjacent the ground-engaging surface (17)) of the pallet (7) so that the storage void (2) and RFID tag (4) therein may be accessed even if articles cover the support surface (18) and thus prevent access to the first element (1a) from above. The pallet (7), and articles thereon, is simply raised to a height above the ground and a user can then disconnect the first element (1a) of the housing (1) to 20 access the RFID tag (4) therein.

As shown in figures 3 and 4, the pallet (7) includes spacing members (19) that space apart the sections (7a, 7b) of the pallet (7) to provide passageways (20) for receiving the tines of a forklift to thus facilitate relocation of the pallet (7). With reference to figure 3, the spacing members (19) include; - the connection recesses (10a, 10b) into which the elements (1a, 1b) of the protective housing (1) are placed; 21 - mutual mating protrusions (21) that interlock to absorb any shear stresses resulting from divergent movement of the sections (7a, 7b) across parallel planes.

Thus the spacing members (19) serve several purposes, including: • the provision of passageways (20) for receiving the tines of a forklift to thus facilitate movement of the pallet (7); • shielding the protective housing (1) from lateral impact damage; for example from forklift tines; and • reducing the susceptibility of the protective housing (1) to shear stresses.

With reference to figure 4, there is provided a two-piece pallet (7) formed from two mating sections (7a, 7b) spaced apart by spacing members (19). The top deck (7a) is shown with three protective housings (1) inserted into connection recesses (10a) to secure the two sections (7a, 7b) together (connection configuration shown in figure 3). Only three connection recesses (10a) are shown in figure 4 with 15 protective housings (1) inserted; however, it should be appreciated that this is only one possible configuration, and in use, preferably all the connection recesses (10a) have protective housings (1) inserted to ensure structural integrity of the pallet (7).

Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of one of the connection recesses (10a) in the 20 pallet (7) as shown in figure 4; including the locking tab embracing slots (12) and annular recess (9a).

Figure 6 shows a corner section of the upper side of the pallet (7) with the lower end of the second element (1b) shown including the annular tool apertures (15). A specifically designed tool with corresponding projections can be engaged with the 25 apertures to facilitate rotation of the second element (1b) and open or close the 22 housing (1). By requiring a specifically designed tool to open the housing (1) unauthorised tampering with the enclosed RFID tag (4) is inhibited.

A further use for the present invention is shown in figure 7 in which the protective housing (1) is coupled to a single piece pallet (16). A connection recess (10) is 5 provided in the centre of the single piece pallet (16) to receive the two elements (not visible) of the protective housing (1). It should be appreciated that while one of the elements (1a, 1b) of the protective housing (1) may be integral with the single-piece pallet (16) it is preferable to have a two-element housing (1) so that the storage void (2) and RFID tag (4) therein can be accessed when articles are stored 10 on the support surface (18) and/or are covering the housing (1).

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 23

Claims (23)

CLAIMS:

1. A portable storage device including; first and second mating sections, and - a plurality of connecting recesses extending between said sections, wherein said first and second mating sections are reieasabiy securable together by at least one protective housing capable of extending through at least one connecting recess, said protective housing including; - an internal storage void capable of accommodating a wireless identification device, - at least one resealable opening to said void, and - a coupling means, capable of being reieasabiy coupled to complementary coupling means in said recesses.

2. A portable storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resealable opening is configured to reversibly provide said opening to the storage void with a hermetic seal impervious to moisture.

3. A portable storage device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said mating sections are secured together by one or more protective housings passing through each portable storage device section.

4. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claim 1-3, wherein said portable storage device coupling means is formed as an annular recess configured and dimensioned to accommodate said protective housing coupling means flange, said recess being located about the outermost portion of a connection recess. 24

5. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the protective housing and/or portable storage device is constructed from a material substantially transparent to radio signals transmission.

6. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, wherein an antenna(e) is communicatively coupled to the ID tag and extends to an external region of said portable storage device.

7. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the antenna, or plurality thereof, extend to multiple regions of the portable storage device.

8. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the coupling of the protective housing to the portable storage device is lockable, capable of release only under use of a key, or a predetermined electronic signal.

9. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein mating contact between the two mating sections of the assembled portable storage device is made between a plurality of spacing members between said sections forming internal passageways therebetween, said passageways being externally accessible via at least one passageway aperture.

10. A portable storage device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the spacing members are formed as two symmetrical halves located congruently on opposing faces of the two mating sections

11. A portable storage device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the spacing members may be formed asymmetrically with a greater part or all of each spacing member being located on a single face of one of the mating sections. ijU*3iiiGCiUo.i «;Office of N.Z-;-3 AUG 2007;25 R ECEIVED;

12. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, wherein at least one spacing member includes said connecting recess to accommodate said protective housing.;

13. A portable storage device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said spacing members are formed solely by the protective housings.;

14. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the two sections of the portable storage device are two decks, wherein in use said decks are typically orientated substantially horizontally.;

15. A portable storage device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the uppermost surface of the uppermost deck is substantially planar and acts as a 'support surface' for articles being placed thereon, while the lowermost surface of the lowermost deck provides a 'ground-engaging' surface to support the portable storage device and articles thereon.;

16. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-15, including at least one frictional engagement member on the support surface and/or ground-engaging surface.;

17. A portable storage device as claimed in claim 16, wherein a frictional engagement member is attached to a protective housing on an outer surface adjacent said support surface.;

18. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-17, including one or more protective housings.;

19. A portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-18 wherein said portable storage device is a pallet.;intellectual Property Office of N.2.;-3 AUG 2007;26;

20. A method of providing or updating a portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-18 with a wireless identification device housed in a protective housing, the method including the steps of:;- placing at least one wireless identification device in a storage void in said housing;;- sealing the resealable opening to said void, and;- reieasabiy coupling said housing to the portable storage device.;

21. A method of providing or updating a portable storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1-19 with a wireless identification device housed in a protective housing, the method including the steps of:;- fitting one of a first and second mutually engageable protective housing elements in one end of a connecting recess extending through said portable storage device;;- placing at least one wireless identification device in said storage void;;- inserting the other of the first and second housing elements into an opposing end of the connection recess to provide mutual engagement of the housing connection means to seal the void aperture.;

22. A method as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein said sealing of the storage void encapsulates the wireless identification device in a hermetic enclosure impervious to moisture.;

23. A method as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein a coupling means on said protective housing couples with a corresponding coupling means in said connection recess.;intellectual Property Office of N.Z.;-3 AUG 2007;27;Pallenz Plastics Limited by their Attorneys JAMES & WELLS;intellectual Property Office of N.2.;-3 AUG 2007;^ E C E) V e r;,1 .. „ , ■*'.