WO2008044053A2

WO2008044053A2 - Attachment apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008044053A2
Application number: PCT/GB2007/003906
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Dean
Original assignee: Rf2Id Limited
Priority date: 2006-10-13
Filing date: 2007-10-12
Publication date: 2008-04-17
Also published as: GB2442809A; WO2008044053A3; GB0620344D0

Abstract

Attachment apparatus (12) for attaching a radio frequency identification (RFID) device (14) to a user includes an attachment part (42) for attachment to a part of a user and the device mounting part (44) for mounting the device (14). The apparatus (12) is arranged so that in use the device (14) extends substantially away from the part of the user irrespective of the orientation of the part of the user.

Description

Attachment Apparatus

The present invention relates to attachment apparatus, particularly but not exclusively attachment apparatus for attaching a radio frequency identification device to a user.

It is known to provide radio frequency identification (RFID) devices which are mounted to an attachment means to form an RFID tag which is attachable to a user. The RFID devices in such tags hold information such as identification information. When the user carrying the RFID tag moves into a read field of an RFID reader, the information held by the device is transmitted to the reader, to permit, for example, user access to a defined area such as a building or, for tracking purposes.

However, for RFID devices operating at certain frequencies, in particular 840MHZ to 2.6GHZ, the human body acts to cloak the signal transmitted by the RFID device, reducing the effective transmission distance between the device and the reader. Limitations on the power of such devices imposed by regulating authorities mean that to ensure effective transmission of information, each user carrying such devices must make a positive effort to pass such devices relatively close to the reader, which is inconvenient for the user, and restricts the possible through put of users passing the reader.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided attachment apparatus for attaching a radio frequency identification (RFID) device to a user, the apparatus including an attachment part for attachment to a part of the user and a device mounting part for mounting the device, the apparatus being arranged so that in use the device extends substantially away from the part of the user irrespective of the orientation of the part of the user. Possibly the device mounting part extends substantially away from the attachment part. Possibly the device mounting part is substantially planar.

Possibly the attachment part is in the form of a ring, which may extend around the part of the user, which may be a body part, and may extend around a wrist or ankle of a user.

Possibly the device mounting part extends at a mounting angle to the attachment part. Possibly the mounting angle is greater than 10°, and optimally may be greater than 45°. Possibly the angle is less than 90°.

Possibly the device mounting part is formed of a resiliently flexible material. Possibly the attachment part is formed of a resiliently flexible material.

Possibly the device mounting part and attachment part are integrally formed, and together comprise a band member.

Possibly the attachment apparatus includes a fastener which permits the attachment part to be retained in the form of a ring. Possibly the fastener defines a first passage, which may extend substantially along a first direction. Possibly the attachment part locates along the first passage.

Possibly the fastener defines a second passage, which may extend in a second direction. Possibly the device mounting means may locate along the second passage, and may extend from the fastener in a second direction.

Possibly the angle between the first direction and the second direction is the mounting angle.

Possibly the attachment apparatus includes adjustment means for adjusting the attachment part. Possibly the adjustment means are reversibly adjustable. Possibly the adjustment means include a pin, which projects from the fastener. Possibly the adjustment means include a plurality of pins. Possibly the adjustment means included a hole defined by the attachment part, and may include a plurality of such holes. Possibly the or each pin engages with the or one of the holes defined by the attachment part.

Possibly the attachment apparatus includes locking means for locking the attachment part in a desired position. Possibly the locking means are arranged to be substantially tamper resistant, and may require a tool to release the attachment part from the desired position.

Possibly the locking means include a locking cover, which retains the or each pin in engagement with the respective hole.

Possibly, the attachment apparatus includes retaining means for retaining the device mounting part. Possibly the retaining means include a slot defined by the device mounting part, through which the attachment part passes.

Possibly the RFID device operates over a frequency range between

840MHZ and 2.6GHZ.

In one embodiment, the fastener may include a fastener member. The fastener member may include an adhesive layer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the tag including an RFID device, the RFID device mounted to or within attachment apparatus as described above.

Possibly, the RFID device is fixed to or encapsulated within the attachment apparatus. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a radio frequency identification tag;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a band member;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the RFID tag of Fig. 1 in a partially disassembled condition;

Fig. 4 is another perspective view of the partially disassembled tag of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side sectional view of a fastener body;

Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the RFID tag;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an RFID tag according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a band member of the RFID tag of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a section view from the side of a fastener of a third embodiment of an RFID tag according to the invention;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the fastener of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of part of the RFID tag of the third embodiment of the invention in a partially assembled condition; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the RFID tag which is the third embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an RFID tag.

Fig. 1 shows a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 10, the tag 10 including attachment apparatus 12, the attachment apparatus 12 including an attachment part 42 and a device mounting part 44.

In the example shown in Fig. 1 , an RFID device 14 is embedded within the device mounting part 44, the RFID device 14 being shown in dotted lines.

As shown in Fig. 2, the attachment part 42 and the device mounting part 44 are integrally formed to comprise a band member 40 the attachment part 42 extending from one end of the device mounting part 44. The band member 40 is in the form of a relatively thin, elongate strip, and is formed of a resiliently flexible material such as a plastics material.

The band member 40 defines a slot 50 which is located in the device mounting part 44, which is relatively broad in comparison with the relatively narrow attachment part 42. The band member 40 defines a pair of first holes 46, one of which is located in the device mounting part 44, and the other of which is located in the attachment part 42 towards the device mounting part 44.

The band member 40 defines a plurality of second holes 48 (only two of which are labelled) which extend along the attachment part 42 at regularly spaced intervals.

The attachment apparatus 12 includes a fastener 20 which includes a body 21 shown in sectional view in Fig. 5. The body 21 defines a first passage 22 which extends substantially along a first direction 26 and a second passage 24, which extends along a second direction 28, the angle between the first direction 26 and the second direction 28 being the mounting angle 30.

The mounting angle could be more than 10° and optimally is more than

45° and less than 90°.

The first and second passages 22, 24 join together and extend into a channel 38 defined by the body 21 , the channel 38 extending along the first direction 26.

A first pin 32 and a second pin 34 extend from the body 21 into the channel 38, the first pin 32 being located adjacent or towards the first and second passages 22, 24. The first pin 32 includes an angled face 36, which extends from the body 21 away from the passages 22, 24. The second pin 34 is substantially cylindrical.

The body 21 includes a shaped, slightly concave lower surface 54, for comfort when attached to a user.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the body 21 includes side walls 56 which define the channel 38. The body 21 includes elongate projections 52 which extend along the inside faces of the side walls 56, projecting into the channel 38.

The attachment apparatus 12 includes locking means in the form of a locking cover 60. Opposed sides of the locking cover 60 define elongate recesses 62 which correspond with the projections 52. The plan shape of the locking cover 60 corresponds with the plan shape of the channel 38. An underside of the locking cover 60 defines a pair of pin receiving recesses 64 which correspond with the first and second pins 32, 34. The RFID tag 10 is assembled and used as follows.

With the locking cover 60 disassembled from the body 21 of the fastener 20, a free end 58 of the attachment part 42 of the band member 40 is located through the second passage 24. The second passage 24 curves to direct the free end 58 towards the channel 38. As the free end 58 moves into the channel 38 it is directed upwardly and out of the channel 38 by the angled face 36 of the first pin 32. A user can then grasp the free end 58, to pull the band member 40 through the second passage 24.

The band member 40 is pulled through the second passage 24 until the two first holes 46 locate over the first and second holes 32, 34. In this position, a portion of the device mounting part 44 is left extending outwardly from the second passage 24, and the slot 50 is aligned with the first passage 22. The first and second holes 32, 34 thus form positioning means.

The attachment part 42 is then formed into a ring and the free end 58 located through the first passage 22. As the free end 58 is fed along the passage 22, it passes through the aligned slot 50 and into the channel 38, where it is directed upward and outward of the channel 38. Any appropriate pair of the second holes 48 can then be located over the first and second pins 32, 34 in accordance with the size of ring required, the second holes 48 and the first and second pins 32, 34 thus providing adjustment means.

In one method of use, the band member 40 can be extended around a user's body part such as a wrist or ankle, with the concave surface 54 of the fastener body 21 located against the wrist or ankle, and the band member 40 then adjusted to form a correctly sized ring.

In another method of operation, the ring can be formed before fitting to the user' wrist or ankle, and then adjusted to size in situ. When the ring formed by the band member 40 is of the correct size, the locking cover 60 is located into the recess 38, the engagement of the projection receiving recesses 62 with the projections 52 being such as to provide a snap fit, the pin receiving recesses 64 receiving the first and second pins 32, 34 to secure the band member 40 at the desired size.

The snap fit of the locking cover 60 to the body 21 can be arranged to be relatively difficult for a user to disassemble without tools, but relatively simple for a user with an appropriate tool such as a flat bladed screwdriver to disassemble.

The RFID tag 10 is relatively simple and easy to fit, and can be sized appropriately to a user's wrist or ankle, or other suitable part of the body as required. The first and second pins 32, 34 and the plurality of second holes 48 provide positive and lockable adjustment of the size of the ring formed by the band member 40, which cannot inadvertently tighten around a user's body to cause constriction and possible harm. The tag 10 is formed of relatively cheap materials, such as plastics materials, and the parts could be formed by moulding, permitting the tag 10 to be disposable if required. However, the fastener 20 with the removable locking cover 60 permits reuse of the tag 10. The locking cover 60 is relatively difficult for a user to remove, deterring users from removing the cover 60 and discarding or losing the tag 10.

The applicant has found the surprising result that the mounting angle 30 of the device mounting part 44 to the first passage 22 and the channel 38, and hence of the RFID device 14 to the body part of the user, has a significant effect on the performance of the RFID device 14. As the mounting angle 30 is increased, the cloaking effect of the user's body is dramatically reduced, and the performance of the RFID device 14 significantly improved. Optimally, the mounting angle is greater than 45°, and less than 90°. In one example, increasing the mounting angle from 0° to 45° or more increased the effective transmission distance by a factor of 10, from 12cm to more than 120cm.

One reason why the performance is improved is that the greater mounting angle permits transmission to and from both sides of the device 14.

The attachment apparatus 12 is arranged so that the mounting angle 30 is substantially maintained irrespective of the orientation of the body part of the user, thus maintaining the performance of the device 14.

The applicant has found that objections by users to the inconvenience of the device mounting part 44 projecting outwardly from the body part of the user can be minimised by keeping the mounting angle 30 below 90°, and by forming the device mounting part 44 of a relatively flexible, resilient material. In fact, it has been found to be advantageous for the users to be conscious of the presence of the tag 10.

Figs. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the invention, in which many features are the same as that described for the embodiment shown in

Figs. 1 - 6 and will not therefore be described again. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the broader device mounting part 44 of the band member 140 extends further along the band member 140 than the comparative device mounting part 44 of the band member 40 of Figs. 1 - 6. To accommodate the broader width of the device mounting part 44, the channel 138 defined by the body 21 is also relatively broader. The relatively longer, broader device mounting part 44 can help prevent chafing of the band member 140 against the user's skin, and also provides an area for printed information and/or graphics.

Figs. 9 to 12 show a third embodiment of the invention, in which many features are similar to those described for the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 8. Referring to Fig. 12, an RFID tag 110 includes an attachment apparatus 112, the attachment apparatus 112 including an attachment part 42 and a device mounting part 44. The device mounting part 44 mounts an RFID 5 device 14, which in this example is encapsulated within the device mounting part 44, and is shown by dotted lines in Figs. 10 to 12. The attachment apparatus 112 is arranged so that in use the RFID device 14 extends substantially away from the part of the user to which the attachment part 42 is attached. I O

In this embodiment, the device mounting part 44 is provided separately to the attachment part 42. The attachment apparatus 112 includes a fastener in the form of a member 120 which is divided into two portions, one portion being the device mounting part 44 and the other portion being a fastener part

15 121.

One face of the fastener member 120 is provided with an adhesive layer 70, and in an initial condition the adhesive layer 70 is protected by first and second backing layer parts 72, 74, the first backing layer part 72 0 extending over the device mounting part 44 and the second backing layer part extending over the fastener part 121. Each of the first and second backing layer parts 72, 74 extends to form laterally extending tabs 76, 78 respectively, the tabs 76, 78 being positioned towards the junction between the first and second backing layer parts 72, 74. 5

The attachment part 42 is in the form of an elongate band. The RFID tag 110 is assembled as follows.

The first backing layer part 72 is removed by gripping one or both of 0 the tabs 76 and peeling away the first backing layer part 72 so that one part of the adhesive layer 70 is exposed. The device mounting part 44 is then affixed to one end of the attachment part 42 as shown in Fig. 11. The user then positions the attachment part 42 on the body part to which the RFID tag 110 is to be located, the free end 58 of the attachment part 42 being initially positioned on for example the skin of a user. The attachment part 42 is then extended around the body part of the user and the second backing layer part 74 removed by gripping one or both of the second tabs 78, exposing another part of the adhesive layer 70 of the fastener part 121 , which is then applied to the attachment part 42 in a desired position to provide the correct size of ring. The fastener member 120 thus provides adjustment means for adjusting the size of the ring provided by the attachment part 42.

The positioning of the second tabs 78 towards the junction between the first and second backing layer parts 72, 74 permits the second backing layer part 74 to be removed by a user with one hand.

The fastener member 120 is formed of a resilient, flexible material which provides sufficient stiffness so that the device mounting part 44 extends outwardly from the attachment part 42 at a mounting angle 30 which is the angle between a first direction 26 and a second direction 28. The first direction 26 is substantially a tangent to the ring at the junction between the device mounting part 44 and the attachment part 42, and the second direction 28 is the direction in which the device mounting part 44 extends outwardly from the attachment part 42.

The attachment part 42 and fastener 120 could be formed of any suitable material such as plastics materials or impregnated paper. The RFID tag 110 is relatively cheap to manufacture and simple to use, and suitable for disposable applications. After use, the RFID tag 110 can be removed by cutting through the attachment part 42.

Fig. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which many features are similar to those described for the embodiments of Figs. 1 - 12. Referring to Fig. 13 an RFID tag 210 includes an attachment apparatus

212, the attachment apparatus 212 including an attachment part 42 and a device mounting part 44. The device mounting part 44 mounts an RFID device 14 shown by dotted lines.

The attachment apparatus 212 includes a fastener 220. The device mounting part 44 extends from the fastener 220 in a second direction 28. The attachment part 42 extends from the fastener substantially along a first direction 26, the attachment part 42 being formed into a ring and retained in the form of the ring by the fastener 220. A mounting angle 30 is the angle between the first direction 26 and the second direction 28.

In this example, the attachment part 42 and device mounting part 44 are substantially permanently fixed to the fastener 220 by any suitable method, such as bonding by adhesive, welding or sonic welding. The attachment part 42 is formed of a resilient, elastic material such as silicon rubber, which has sufficient elasticity to allow a user for example to stretch the attachment part 42 over the hand and position the tag 210 on a wrist. The RFID tag of this example is simple and cheap to manufacture, robust and yet is reusable.

In the example shown in Fig. 13, the fastener 220 could be formed in two parts, an upper part 220A and a lower part 220B. The device mounting part 44 could be formed separately from the attachment part 42 and the attachment part 42 could be a continuous ring.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The RFID device 14 could be of any suitable design. The fastener 20, the device mounting part 44 and the attachment part 42 could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material. Any suitable attachment means and locking means could be employed. In relation to the embodiments shown in Figs 1 to 8, the fastener 20 could include any suitable number of pins, and the band member 40 could define any suitable number of second holes. The RFID tags of the invention are not restricted to use by humans, but could also be used for animals.

There is thus provided an RFID tag in which the RFlD device is orientated relative to the user's body to improve the performance, and in particular to improve the range of transmission of the RFID device. The RFID tag is relatively cheap and economical to manufacture, and therefore could be disposable. It is easily fitted, and can be removable, and can be arranged to be relatively difficult for a user to remove without a tool.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. Attachment apparatus for attaching a radio frequency identification (RFID) device to a user, the apparatus including an attachment part for attachment to a part of the user and a device mounting part for mounting the device, the apparatus being arranged so that in use the device extends substantially away from the part of the user irrespective of the orientation of the part of the user.

2. Attachment apparatus according to claim 1 , in which the device mounting part extends substantially away from the attachment part.

3. Attachment apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which the device mounting part is substantially planar.

4. Attachment apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the attachment part is in the form of a ring, which in use extends around the part of the user, which is a body part.

5. Attachment apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the device mounting part extends at a mounting angle to the attachment part.

6. Attachment apparatus according to claim 5, in which the mounting angle is greater than 10°.

7. Attachment apparatus according to claims 5 or 6, in which the mounting angle is greater than 45°.

8. Attachment apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7, in which the angle is less than 90°.

9. Attachment apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the device mounting part is formed of a resiliently flexible material.

10. Attachment apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the attachment part is formed of a resiliently flexible material.

11. Attachment apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the device mounting part and attachment part are integrally formed, and together comprise a band member.

12. Attachment apparatus according to claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the attachment apparatus includes a fastener which permits the attachment part to be retained in the form of the ring.

13. Attachment apparatus according to claim 12, in which the fastener defines a first passage, which extends substantially along a first direction, and the attachment part locates along the first passage.

14. Attachment apparatus according to claims 12 or 13, in which the fastener defines a second passage, which extends in a second direction, and the device mounting means locate along the second passage, and extend from the fastener in the second direction.

15. Attachment apparatus according to claims 5, 13 and 14, in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction is the mounting angle.

16. Attachment apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the attachment apparatus includes adjustment means for adjusting the attachment part.

17. Attachment apparatus according to claim 16, in which the adjustment means are reversibly adjustable.

18. Attachment apparatus according to claims 16 or 17 when dependent 5 on claim 12 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the adjustment means include a pin, which projects from the fastener.

19. Attachment apparatus according to claim 18, in which the adjustment means include a plurality of pins.

I O

20. Attachment apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 19, in which the adjustment means include one or more holes defined by the attachment part.

21. Attachment apparatus according to claim 20 when dependent on 15 claims 18 or 19, in which the or each pin engages with the or one of the holes defined by the attachment part.

22. Attachment apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 21 , in which the attachment apparatus includes locking means for locking the attachment part 0 in a desired position.

23. Attachment apparatus according to claim 22, in which the locking means are arranged to be substantially tamper resistant, and require a tool to release the attachment part from the desired position. 5

24. Attachment apparatus according to claim 23, in which the locking means include a locking cover, which retains the or each pin in engagement with the respective hole. 0

25. Attachment apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the attachment apparatus includes retaining means for retaining the device mounting part.

26. Attachment apparatus according to claim 25, in which the retaining means include a slot defined by the device mounting part, through which the attachment part passes.

27. Attachment apparatus according to claim 12 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the fastener includes a fastener member, which includes an adhesive layer.

28. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the tag including an RFID device, the RFID device mounted to or within attachment apparatus, the attachment apparatus being according to any of the preceding claims.

29. An RFID tag according to claim 28, in which the RFID device is fixed to or encapsulated within the attachment apparatus.^{^}

30. Attachment apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

31. An RFID tag substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

32. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.