阅读说明：本技术 用于识别装置的壳体 (Housing for identification device ) 是由 E·苏利戈伊 J-M·罗巴戴 E·恩纳布利 G·霍利斯贝格尔 于 2018-04-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明揭示一种用于固持射频识别RFID装置且将所述RFID装置固定到另一对象、尤其是具有弯曲或不规则形状表面的对象的装置。所述装置包含多个锁定板,所述多个锁定板在固持RFID装置的容器的底座中形成的狭槽内交错或重叠。与所述锁定板成一体的多个锁定构件中的一者有助于将一个锁定板固定到另一锁定板,且一旦安装就阻止分离所述锁定板。凸缘或延长部在所述底座的外部延伸,且提供用以将所述装置固定到待识别的对象的结构。(A device for holding a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device and securing the RFID device to another object, particularly an object having a curved or irregularly shaped surface. The device includes a plurality of locking panels that are staggered or overlapping within a slot formed in a base of a container holding an RFID device. One of a plurality of locking members integral with the locking plate facilitates securing one locking plate to another and prevents separation of the locking plates once installed. A flange or extension extends outside of the base and provides a structure to secure the device to an object to be identified.)

1. A device for holding a radio frequency identification device, comprising:

a housing having a first interior cavity and one open side in communication with the first interior cavity;

a cover having an inner surface and an outer surface and configured to enclose the first interior cavity;

a base extending from the outer surface of the cover and secured at least to the housing, the base having an outer surface configured to interface with an object to be identified, the base further having two opposing and spaced apart side walls and two opposing and spaced apart end walls extending between the side walls, and at least one slot extending through the base from a first side wall to the opposing side walls;

a first locking plate configured to fit within the at least one slot from a first side of the base, the first locking member having at least a first sheet portion, a first locking member, a second locking member, and a first flange extending along one edge of the first locking member;

a second locking plate configured to fit within the at least one slot from the opposite side of the base, the second locking member having at least a second tab portion, a third locking member, a fourth locking member, and a second flange extending along one edge of the second locking member;

wherein when the first and second sheet portions of the first and second locking plates are positioned in the at least one slot, the first and second sheet portions overlap, and the first flange extends along at least a portion of the first side wall of the base and the second flange extends along at least a portion of the opposing side wall of the base, whereby the first and second flanges are configured to engage the object to be identified.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sheet portion of the first lock plate comprises at least a first lock member and the second sheet portion of the second lock member comprises at least a second lock member, and wherein the first lock member of the first lock plate interlocks with the second lock member of the second lock plate to secure the first lock plate and the second lock plate together when the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion of the first lock plate and the second lock plate are positioned in the at least one slot.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sheet portion of the first locking plate includes at least a third locking member and the second sheet portion of the second locking member includes at least a fourth locking member, and wherein the third locking member of the first locking plate and the fourth locking member of the second locking plate frictionally engage a surface of the slot when the first plate portion and the second plate portion of the first locking plate and the second locking plate are positioned in the at least one slot, thereby inhibiting removal of the first locking plate and the second locking member from the at least one slot.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot comprises a plurality of slots extending through the base from a first side wall to the opposing side wall, and wherein the first lock plate and the second lock plate each comprise a plurality of lock tabs, and wherein at least one lock tab of the first lock plate and at least one tab of the second lock tab overlap, and wherein at least one of the at least one overlapping lock tabs comprises a locking member that secures the first lock plate to the second lock plate.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of locking tabs of the first locking plate overlaps a locking tab of the second locking plate.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein at least a plurality of the plurality of locking tabs of the first locking plate comprise locking members that engage locking members associated with locking tabs of the second locking plate.

7. The device of claim 2, wherein the first locking member comprises a first tab extending from the first tab portion and the second locking member of the second tab portion comprises a second tab extending from the second tab portion, and wherein the first tab frictionally engages the second tab.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first tab and the second tab frictionally engages a surface of the at least one slot.

9. The device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of first locking members associated with both the first and second sheet portions.

10. The device of claim 2, wherein the first locking member of the first locking plate is a tab and the second locking member of the second locking plate is a slot, and wherein the tab extends through the slot when the first and second tab portions are positioned in the at least one slot.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of second locking members associated with both the first and second sheet portions.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a radio frequency identification device positioned in the first cavity.

13. The device of claim 7, wherein the bumps are partially spherical.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the base is curved.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion are substantially planar.

16. A device for holding a radio frequency identification device, comprising:

a housing having an interior cavity and one open side in communication with the first interior cavity;

a base secured to at least the housing, the base having a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and at least one slot extending through the base from the first sidewall to the second sidewall;

a first locking plate configured to fit within the at least one slot from the first side of the base, the first locking member comprising at least a first sheet portion, at least a first locking member, and a first flange at one edge of the first locking member;

a second locking plate configured to fit within the at least one slot from the second side of the base, the second locking member comprising at least a second tab portion, a second locking member, and a second flange at one edge of the second locking member;

wherein when the first and second sheet portions of the first and second locking plates are positioned in the at least one slot, the first and second sheet portions overlap, and the first flange extends along at least a portion of the first side wall of the base and the second flange extends along at least a portion of the second side wall of the base, whereby the first and second flanges are configured to engage the object to be identified.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a cover configured to enclose the interior cavity and having an outer surface, and wherein the base is positioned proximate to the cover and extends outwardly from the outer surface of the cover.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the first locking member comprises a first tab extending from the first tab portion and the second locking member of the second tab portion comprises a second tab extending from the second tab portion, and wherein the first tab frictionally engages the second tab when the first and second portions of the first and second locking plates are positioned in the at least one slot.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the first locking member of the first locking plate is a tab and the second locking member of the second locking plate is a slot, and wherein the tab extends through the slot when the first and second tab portions are positioned in the at least one slot.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a housing for securing a radio frequency identification device to an object, including but not limited to a beer keg.

Background

It is desirable to be able to attach a radio frequency identification device to a body for a number of reasons. These reasons include inventory and tracking control. It is also desirable to attach the RFID device in a manner that inhibits removal and protects the RFID device from damage during intended use. The beer keg represents one example of the application of the device of the invention. Beer kegs are typically made of stainless steel and have a curved or cylindrical shape. Beer kegs are also susceptible to cosmetic damage and a humid environment. There is a need to provide a method and apparatus for attaching an RFID device to a beer keg in a manner that withstands physical and environmental wear while providing effective read range and operability.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus having: a housing defining an interior cavity and one open side in communication with the interior cavity; and a lid for enclosing the internal cavity. The cavity is configured to hold a wireless identification device, such as a radio frequency identification device. A base is then secured to the cover and the housing. An outer surface of the base may be contoured to interface with an object to be identified. For example, the outer surface may be curved to match the surface of the device to be identified (e.g., a beer keg). In one embodiment, the base is overmolded to the cover and the housing.

According to aspects of the present invention, the at least one slot extends completely through the base from the first side to the opposite side. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure, multiple slots may be utilized. At least one slot is configured to receive two locking plates. One locking plate is inserted from a first side of the base and a second locking plate is inserted from the opposite side of the base. The locking plate includes locking tabs, flanges or wings that extend outwardly from the base when installed, and segments or straps that interconnect the locking tabs and the flanges. According to an aspect of the invention, the locking plate is metal, preferably the same or similar to the metal body of the object to be identified. The flange may also be contoured as with the outer surface of the base to match or nearly match the surface of the object to be identified. As previously mentioned, one application is beer kegs. By making the locking plate comprising the flange from stainless steel, the flange can easily be welded to the metal surface of the tub. The locking plate may be made of other metals or alloys or non-metals depending on the type of device to be identified and the manner of making it.

Further, according to aspects of the present invention, the locking tabs of each locking plate are provided with locking features to secure the locking plates to each other and prevent the locking tabs from being withdrawn or removed from the slots. More specifically, each locking tab may be provided with one or more protrusions, bumps, or dimples. Once each locking plate is fully inserted into the slot, the tabs in one locking plate are aligned to nest together with the tabs in the second locking plate, interlocking the two locking plates together. Additionally, the extent to which the nubs extend outwardly from the locking tabs may also create frictional engagement between the interlocking locking plate and the surrounding surface of the slot and thereby inhibit removal of the locking plate from the slot. Still further, the locking tab may also include one or more connecting tabs that also extend outwardly to engage and form a frictional engagement with a surrounding surface of the slot and prevent removal of the locking plate from the slot. It will also be appreciated that once the locking plate is fully assembled with the base and cover and secured to the housing, the act of welding the flange of the locking plate to the body of the beer keg will further prevent removal of the locking plate from the base.

According to aspects of the present invention, one embodiment of a device for holding a radio frequency identification device comprises: a housing having a first interior cavity and one open side in communication with the first interior cavity; a cover having an inner surface and an outer surface and configured to enclose the first interior cavity; a base extending from an outer surface of the cover and secured at least to the housing, the base having an outer surface configured to engage with an object to be identified, the base further having two opposing and spaced apart side walls and two opposing and spaced apart end walls extending between the side walls, and at least one slot extending through the base from a first side wall to an opposing side wall; a first locking plate configured to fit within the at least one slot from the first side of the base, the first locking member having at least a first sheet portion, a first locking member, a second locking member, and a first flange extending along one edge of the first locking member; and a second locking plate configured to fit within the at least one slot from an opposite side of the base, the second locking member having at least a second tab portion, a third locking member, a fourth locking bolt, and a second flange extending along one edge of the second locking member. When the first and second sheet portions of the first and second locking plates are positioned in the at least one slot, the first and second sheet portions overlap and the first flange extends along at least a portion of a first side wall of the base and the second flange extends along at least a portion of an opposing side wall of the base, whereby the first and second flanges are configured to engage an object to be identified.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the first sheet portion of the first locking panel comprises at least a first locking member and the second sheet portion of the second locking member comprises at least a second locking member, and when the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion of the first and second locking panels are positioned in the at least one slot, the first locking member of the first locking panel interlocks with the second locking member of the second locking panel to secure the first locking panel and the second locking panel together.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the first sheet portion of the first locking panel comprises at least a third locking member and the second sheet portion of the second locking member comprises at least a fourth locking member, and the third locking member of the first locking panel and the fourth locking member of the second locking panel frictionally engage a surface of the slot when the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion of the first locking panel and the second locking panel are positioned in the at least one slot to inhibit removal of the first locking member and the second locking member from the at least one slot.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of a device for holding an RFID device, a plurality of slots extend through the base from a first side wall to an opposite side wall, and the first locking plate and the second locking plate each comprise a plurality of locking tabs, and at least one locking tab of the first locking plate overlaps with at least one locking tab of the second locking plate, and wherein at least one of the at least one overlapping locking tabs comprises a locking member that secures the first locking plate to the second locking plate.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, each of the plurality of locking tabs of the first locking plate overlaps with a locking tab of the second locking plate.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the at least a plurality of locking tabs of the first locking plate include locking members that engage locking members associated with locking tabs of the second locking plate.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the first locking member is a first tab extending from the first sheet portion and the second locking member of the second sheet portion is a second tab extending from the second sheet portion, and the first tab frictionally engages the second tab.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of a device for holding an RFID device, at least one of the first tab and the second tab frictionally engages a surface of the slot in the base.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of a device for holding an RFID device, a plurality of locking members are associated with both the first and second sheet portions.

According to aspects of the invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the first locking member of the first locking plate is a tab and the second locking member of the second locking plate is a slot, the tab extending through the slot when the first and second sheet portions are positioned in the at least one slot.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, a plurality of second locking members are associated with both the first and second sheet portions.

According to aspects of the invention, in at least one embodiment of a device for holding an RFID device, the RFID device is positioned in a cavity of a housing.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the bumps are partially spherical.

According to aspects of the invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the outer surface of the base is curved.

According to aspects of the invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the tab portion of the locking plate is substantially planar.

According to aspects of the invention, in at least one embodiment of a device for holding an RFID device, comprises: a housing having an interior cavity and one open side in communication with the first interior cavity; a base secured to at least the housing, the base having a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and at least one slot extending through the base from the first sidewall to the second sidewall; a first locking plate configured to fit within the at least one slot from a first side of the base, the first locking member including at least a first sheet portion, at least a first locking member, and a first flange at one edge of the first locking member; a second locking plate configured to fit within the at least one slot from a second side of the base, the second locking member including at least a second tab portion, a second locking member and a second flange located at one edge of the second locking member. Thus, when the first and second sheet portions of the first and second locking plates are positioned in the at least one slot, the first and second sheet portions overlap and the first flange extends along at least a portion of a first side wall of the base and the second flange extends along at least a portion of an opposing side wall of the base, whereby the first and second flanges are configured to engage an object to be identified.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of a device for holding an RFID device, a cover is configured to enclose an interior cavity and has an outer surface, and a base is positioned proximate to the cover and extends outwardly from the outer surface of the cover.

According to aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the first locking member comprises a first tab extending from the first sheet portion and the second locking member of the second sheet portion comprises a second tab extending from the second sheet portion, and the first tab frictionally engages the second tab when the first and second sheet portions of the first and second locking panels are positioned in the at least one slot.

According to aspects of the invention, in at least one embodiment of the device for holding an RFID device, the first locking member of the first locking plate is a tab and the second locking member of the second locking plate is a slot, the tab extending through the slot when the first and second sheet portions are positioned in the at least one slot.

The summary of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, representative of the full extent and scope of the invention. Furthermore, references herein to "the invention" or various aspects thereof should be understood to refer to certain embodiments of the invention, and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to the specific description. The present invention has been described in various degrees of detail in this summary of the invention and in the accompanying drawings and embodiments of the invention, and no limitation as to the scope of the invention is intended to be implied by the inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, etc. within the summary of the invention.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device for holding an identification device.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of fig. 1 along its long dimension.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the two locking plates of FIG. 2 shown in an overlapping orientation.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of fig. 1 along its short dimension.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the locking tab of the locking member of fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a cross-section of a second embodiment of a device for holding an identification device.

Fig. 8 is an exploded bottom view of a second embodiment of an inlay holder.

FIG. 9 is an exploded top view of the inlay holder of FIG. 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the cover.

Fig. 11 is a double-section view of the embodiment of fig. 7 taken along a vertical axis.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device for holding an identification device.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of fig. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for holding an identification device secured to a beer keg.

Fig. 15A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first locking plate.

FIG. 15B is a different perspective view of the embodiment of the locking plate illustrated in FIG. 15A.

Fig. 16 is a top view of the embodiment of the locking plate illustrated in fig. 15A and 15B.

FIG. 17A is a cross section of the locking plate of FIG. 16 taken along line 17A-17A.

Fig. 17B is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of fig. 17A.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the locking plate illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 19 is a top view of an embodiment of a device for holding an identification device.

FIG. 20 is a top view of an embodiment of a device for holding an identification device.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Of course, it should be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a device 10 for holding an identification device is illustrated. The device includes a housing 12, an inlay holder 14, a pair of locking plates 16a and 16b, a cover 18, and a base 20. The inlay holder 14 is configured to receive a radio frequency transponder or inlay, for example, within a recess or slot 22 or the interior of the inlay holder 14. As one example, an integrated circuit chip may be positioned in the recess 22 and an antenna electrically connected to the chip may be formed around the body of the inlay holder. A patch antenna is another example of an antenna that may be used with this configuration. After reviewing the present disclosure, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of transponders may also be used.

The inlay holder 14 is in turn positioned inside the interior cavity 24 of the shell 12. Referring to fig. 3, an adhesive or other material may be used in the space between the inlay holder 14 and the inner surface 26 of the housing 12 to ensure that the inlay holder 14 resists movement within the cavity 24 and thereby reduces possible damage to the transponder or inlay. Additionally, the inlay holder 14 may be made of a high performance engineering polymer to also absorb impact events to the housing 12. Here, the inlay holder 14 is a single integral piece, but may be constructed from multiple parts. A cover 18 is attached to the housing 12 to enclose the inlay holder 14 and transponder. The base 20 is connected to the cover 18 and the housing 12 to securely capture the inlay holder 14 and the radio frequency device within the housing 12. In one embodiment, the base 20 is overmolded onto the cover 18 and the housing 12. The attachment of the base 20 to the cover 18 and housing 12 may be accomplished by other means known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to adhesives, friction fits, heat, ultrasonic welding, mechanical fasteners, and other methods known to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 2 illustrates the base 20 abutting the cover 18. The cover 18 is illustrated in cross-section in fig. 3, which encloses the inlay holder 14 in the interior 28 of the housing 12. It is within the scope of the invention that the cover 18 and base 20 may be a unitary, one-piece, or alternatively, the cover may be eliminated and the base secured to the housing without the cover. The base 20 is secured to the outer surface 90 and the end wall of the cover 18 to secure the transponder or inlay within the housing 12. A notch 94 is formed in the bottom edge 96 of the wall 98 that provides additional surface and support for attachment of the base 20. The cover 18 and base 20 may be secured to the housing 12 using adhesives, friction fits, heat, ultrasonic welding, mechanical fasteners, and other methods known to those skilled in the art.

As illustrated in fig. 2 and 3, the base 20 includes a pair of slots 30 and 32 extending through the base 20 from a first side 34 to an opposite or second side 36. The slots 30, 32 may be planar, substantially planar, or curved. Within the scope of the invention, a single slot may suffice, or two or more than two slots may be utilized.

A pair of locking plates 16a and 16b are configured to be positioned within one or more slots 30 and 32. According to one embodiment of the present invention, one locking plate 16a is inserted from a first side 34 of the base 20 and a second locking plate 16b is inserted from a second side 36 of the base 20. Each locking plate 16a, 16b includes at least one tab portion 40a, 42a and 40b, 42b inserted into the slot. If the base 20 has two slots 30 and 32, such as illustrated in fig. 2 and 3, the locking plates 16a and 16b will include one tab portion 40a and 40b positioned in the slot 30 and 42a and 42b positioned in the slot 32.

Each sheet portion 40 and 42 may optionally include a discrete locking member 50. In one embodiment, the first locking member 50 includes a protrusion, bump or dimple 52 extending from the tabs 40 and 42. When the locking plate 16a or 16b is inserted into one or more slots 30 and 32, the respective locking tabs 40a and 40b and 42a and 42b overlap within the one or more slots 30 and 32, respectively. The projections or tabs 52 are aligned to overlap such that the tab 52 on one locking tab portion (e.g., 40a) nests within the tab 52 on the second tab 40b and the tab 52 on the locking tab 42a overlaps the tab 52 on the locking tab 42 b. In this manner, the sheet portions 40a and 40b and 42a and 42b are interconnected or interlocked. In addition, the extent to which the tab 52 protrudes from the tab portions 40 and 42 may be used to friction fit or wedge the locking plate into the slot 30 or 32. The interlocking tab 52 within the slot 30 or 32 can be seen in fig. 4. The friction fit between the individual tabs 52 and between the opposing surfaces 56 and 58 of the nested tabs and slots 30 and 32 helps prevent removal of the locking plates 16a and 16b from one or more of the slots 30 and 32.

A second locking member 50 may also be associated with locking tabs 40 and 42 to inhibit or prevent removal of the locking plate from the one or more slots. One example of such a second locking member 50 is the connecting tab 70 shown in fig. 2, 5 and 6. When the locking plates 16a and 16b are inserted in the slots 30 and 32, the attachment tabs 70 extend outwardly from the tab portions 40 and 42 and deflect toward the tab portions 40 and 42. The biasing of the tabs 70 abuts the peripheral surfaces 72 of the slots 30, 32 and prevents the locking plates 16a and 16b from being removed from the slots 30, 32. The connecting tab 70 may extend in one or both directions away from the tab portions 40 and 42 (i.e., up or down relative to fig. 6). Locking tabs 40a, 40b, 42a and 42b may include either, both or none of locking members 52 and 70.

Each locking plate 16a, 16b further includes a flange or wing 80 configured to extend along a side wall 82 of the base 20 or cover 18. A strip of material 84 connects the flange 80 to the outer edges 86 of the sheet portions 40 and 42. The size of the interconnecting band 84 may be altered in order to position the flange 80 in alignment with the contour of the object to which the device 10 is to be attached. For example, the location and contour of the flange 80 may be aligned with the contour of the outer surface of the base 20 to interface with the surface of the object to be identified. In the case of a beer keg having a curved or cylindrical outer surface, the flange 80 may be shaped to reflect the shape or contour of the beer keg to facilitate attachment of the device to the keg (see fig. 14). Since most beer kegs are made of stainless steel, a locking plate made of stainless steel facilitates welding the flange to the surface of the keg. Of course, the locking plate may be made of any other material suitable for the particular application.

Fig. 7 is a cross-section of a second embodiment of a device 210 for holding an identification device. Here, the inlay holder 214 is made of two separate pieces 214a and 214b that are joined together. Separate portions 214a and 214b of the holder 214 are further shown in fig. 8 and 9. A slot or channel 222 for receiving a transponder or inlay is shown in fig. 9. As yet another alternative, the inlay holder may have a hollow interior or internal cavity (not shown) to receive the transponder or inlay.

The benefits of using a multi-piece inlay holder are to facilitate injection of this thick plastic piece, improve cycle time and better control or avoid plastic shrinkage effects. Maintaining the designed inlay holder shape may ensure stability of antenna tuning. Having multiple parts allows flexibility in designing and manufacturing one or more cavities inside the holder to reduce the amount of plastic, thereby reducing cost and/or weight, or to better absorb shock, or to tune the antenna using a particular plastic pattern (e.g., a honeycomb design). However, depending on system requirements, a one-piece inlay holder is also acceptable.

A second embodiment of the cover 218 is illustrated in fig. 10. The cover 218 is closed on all sides, but only one side is open to fit over the inlay holder 214. The cover 218 is illustrated in cross-section in fig. 7, which encloses the inlay holder 214 in the interior 228' of the housing 212. The base 220 is secured to the outer surface 290 and the end wall 292 of the cover 218 to secure the transponder or inlay within the housing. Fig. 11 illustrates a double cross-section of the assembly device 210 of fig. 7. In this embodiment, a notch 294 is formed in bottom edge 296 of wall 298 of housing 212, which notch 294 provides additional surface and support for attachment of base 220. The cover 218 and base 220 may be secured to the housing 212 using adhesives, friction fits, heat, ultrasonic welding, mechanical fasteners, and other methods known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, ribs 232 may be formed in the slots 230 to facilitate interlocking of the sheet portions.

Fig. 12 and 13 illustrate another alternative embodiment according to aspects of the present invention. In this embodiment, the walls 398 of the housing are longer or deeper, and the base 320 is positioned between the walls 398 of the housing rather than extending beyond or below the walls 98 and 298 of the housing, as shown in fig. 3 and 7, respectively. As shown in fig. 13, slots 330 are formed in the wall 398 of the housing and in the base 320, and the locking plates 316a and 16b extend through the slots 330 in the housing and the base 320.

An alternative embodiment of a locking plate 416 is illustrated in fig. 15A-17B. The locking plate 416a illustrated in fig. 15A is identical to the locking plate 416B illustrated in fig. 15B. Each locking plate 416a and 416b includes at least one tab portion 440a and 440b and 442a and 442b, respectively, that is inserted into the slot of the base. As with the previous embodiments, each locking plate 416 may include one, two, or more tab portions 440a, 440b.. 440n, provided that the base includes a sufficient number of slots to receive the tab portions. As with the previous embodiment, a locking member in the form of a protrusion or tab 452 may or may not be included. Similarly, locking tab 470 may or may not be optionally included.

Unique to this embodiment is a second set of locking tabs 480 and 482 and complementary apertures or slots 490 and 492 formed in the tab portions 440 and 442, respectively. As part of the installation process, the locking plate 416B will be rotated approximately 180 degrees from the orientation illustrated in fig. 15B, and the two locking plates will be inserted into the slots in the base from opposite sides of the base. More specifically, the tab portion 442a of the locking plate 416b is located below the tab portion 440a of the locking plate 416a, and the tab portion 440b of the locking plate 416a is located below the tab portion 442b of the locking plate 416 b. In this manner, the locking tab 482 is disposed in the slot 490 and the locking tab 480 is disposed in the slot 492. Once installed, this configuration further hinders separation of locking plates 416a and 416 b.

As yet another alternative, instead of forming the nesting dimples 52 on the sheet portion as illustrated in fig. 4, one of the nesting dimples 452 may be replaced with an aperture or hole 454 in the sheet member. This is illustrated in fig. 17A and 17B. Thus, a dimple 452 will be formed in the underlying tab portion and an aperture 454 will be formed in the overlying tab portion such that dimple 452 will protrude through aperture 454 and the edge of the aperture will abut the outer or protruding surface of the dimple to inhibit separation of the interlocking tab portions.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the locking plates 16a and 16b shown in FIG. 2. Here, locking plate 516a includes two discrete locking plates 516a (1) and 516a (2), while locking plate 516b remains as a single piece. It should be appreciated that locking member 516b may also include multiple locking plates rather than a single piece. It will also be appreciated that the locking plate may comprise more than two tab portions, for example three, four or more.

It should also be appreciated that the housing need not be a straight cube, such as the housing 12 illustrated in fig. 2, but may be nearly any shape suitable for the shape of the object to be identified, or may be a shape suitable for accommodating a particular RFID device. Fig. 19 and 20 illustrate other alternative shaped housings that are also within the scope of the present invention. Fig. 19 illustrates a shell 610, e.g., a pyramid, having a triangular cross-section, and fig. 20 illustrates a shell 710 having a hemispherical shape. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure, the locking plate is reconfigured to match the cross-sectional shape of the housing. For example, in fig. 19, each locking plate 616 includes a linear flange 680 and a triangular tab portion 640. In fig. 20, each locking plate 716 includes a curved flange 780 and a tab portion 740 having a profile that matches the cross-sectional shape of the housing 710. Although not illustrated, the tab portions 640 and 740 will include some or all of the various locking features described herein with respect to other embodiments for interlocking tab portions together with respect to an associated base.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, instead of using multiple locking plates 16 interconnected within one or more slots 30 formed in the base 20 as illustrated in fig. 5, a single locking plate may be utilized and the base molded therearound in accordance with aspects of the present invention. A single locking plate will have at least one outer flange on opposite sides of the base for attachment to an object to be identified, and at least one tab portion extending between the outer flanges. The base will be molded around one or more sheet portions extending between the outer flanges. There will be no interlocking or mating tab portions and thus the various tab portion locking features described herein are not required. It is to be expressly understood, however, that such modifications and adaptations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Other modifications and uses of the invention will also occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Such modifications or uses are considered to be within the scope of the invention.